CODY Hirst will be a Northern Blue in 2020.
One of the standouts of the NAB League last season, Hirst’s outstanding form saw him rewarded with a spot on Sydney’s list in the mid-season draft.
A running machine, Hirst’s major asset is his pace, versatility and agility: he broke Stephen Hill’s agility test record twice in the 2018 Rookie Me combine.
Capable of playing in the midfield, down back or as a crafty forward, the 19-year-old’s addition to the Northern Blues fold is a significant one for those at Preston City Oval.
He averaged just shy of 24 disposals for the Eastern Ranges in the NAB League, before kicking nine goals from 12 games to round out the NEAFL season in his new Sydney surrounds.
His final game with the Ranges saw him collect 31 disposals and 10 marks against Sandringham, while his four-goal haul against Aspley showed his spark around goal.
It marks a key boost for the Blues following on from the announcement that former Cat Jordan Cunico has committed to the Club for 2020.
General Manager Ben Brennan said the addition of Hirst was an exciting proposition ahead of the upcoming season.
“With Cody, we’ve added someone who proved himself to be one of the really exciting young talents in the country which ended in a spot on an AFL list,” Brennan said.
“He’s got the desire and the drive to make it at the elite level and we couldn’t be happier to have him representing our club in 2020.
“He’s still so young and has a lot of growth in his game: we see him having an impact up forward and in the midfield.
“Alongside Jordan Cunico, we’ve had a real focus to adding to our young midfield and with Cody we’ve done exactly that.”
2020 PLAYING LIST
Returning: Mason Blakey, Kieran Collins, Tom Wilson
New Blues: Jordan Cunico, Cody Hirst
