2024 AFL Draft Guide by Rookie Me Central

2023 ROOKIE ME CENTRAL AFL DRAFT GUIDE

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The Rookie Me Central team would like to thank all those involved with compiling this 2024 Draft Guide ahead of the 2024 National AFL Draft. The work is a culmination of writers who have spent many hours this season watching in person, on live streams or replays in order to bring you the most comprehensive coverage available.

In 2024, Rookie Me Central went to another level again, providing player highlights on every AFL Draft Combine invitee, as well as features and even more draft content across the year than ever before. Be sure to check out our social media channels @RookieMeCentral with Instagram and YouTube in particular providing video content.

In particular, it is worth recognising the efforts of the following people who wrote draft proﬁles which were used in this guide: Michael Alvaro, Adrian Dixon, Micah Hann, Charlie McCormack and Denholm Melrose, as well as those who assisted throughout the year in Declan Reeve, Nathan Sepe and Matthew Vella.

A big thank-you must also go to the Rookie Me Central editing team who have been huge parts of the ongoing and continual growth of the site.

The editing team has spent countless hours putting this guide together for everyone to enjoy. A special thanks to all the photographers whose photos can be observed in the guide.

Lastly, a big thank-you to all the organisations who have assisted Rookie Me Central and its team throughout the year, including representatives from the SANFL, WAFL, QAFL, AFL NSW/ACT and AFL Victoria. All statistics used in this Draft Guide have been courtesy of the various competition websites, using respected data analyst, Champion Data.

DRAFT GUIDE PLAYER PROFILES EXPLAINED

PLAYER MEASUREMENTS

› All heights and dates of birth that are included are as up-to-date as possible either via more recent Draft Combines or in preseason testing.

DRAFT PROJECTION

› Rookie Me Central’s expectation of the range where the player is likely to be taken in the AFL Draft.

KEY NUMBERS

› The key numbers section is a look at some key statistics from the players’ relevant competition and year the statistics are taken from. An example is Talent League ‘24, which means Talent League 2024.

ATHLETIC AND ON FIELD DATA

› The on-ﬁeld data is the opinion of the individual writer who has composed the proﬁle. The attributes are based off a four-rating scale of Elite (purple), Above Average (green), Average (yellow) and Below Average (red). These are rated in comparison to the draft crop as a whole.

The nine key areas are as follows:

AERIAL: a combination of vertical leap and marking ability

AGILITY: based off a combination of on-ﬁeld and testing results

CEILING:the potential upside and growth of a player

CONSISTENCY: the rate at how consistent the player across the course of the season

CONTESTED: how well the player fares in contested situations

DISPOSAL: how effective the player is in distributing the ball cleanly

ENDURANCE: the level of ﬁtness the player has based on on-ﬁeld work rate and testing results

SPEED: based off a combination of on-ﬁeld and testing results

STRENGTH: the level of ability a player has one-on-one opposed to another player

DRAFT ANALYSIS

› The key strengths and improvements of each draft prospect.

FULL PLAYER PROFILES, NEWS AND HIGHLIGHTS

› Every Draft Combine invite has a link back to their full AFL Draft Proﬁle on Rookie Me Central, which includes player highlights and any articles they have been mentioned in on the site.

TOP 30 PLAYERS TO WATCH

EASTERN RANGES WESTERN AUSTRALIA

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Duis autem vel eum iriure dolor in hendrerit in vulputate velit esse molestie consequat, vel illum dolore eu Lorem Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci tation ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex ea

A ready-made, powerful prospect, Allan has plied his trade at the coalface and off half-back for Peel Thunder in 2024. From half-back he offers run and carry, coupled with clean ball use by foot and great vision to pick off targets at speed. Through the midfield, Allan’s one-wood is his contested game. He defends hard, closes opponents down quickly with pace, and tackles with intent. Once his side has won the football he uses his big frame to drive his legs and burst away from stoppages, then launch the ball deep inside 50. Allan plays with confidence and dare that encourages him to break tackles, bust through packs and explode into space. Even at WAFL League level he showed an innate ability to shrug off wouldbe tacklers, including established senior and ex-AFL players. Allan was consistent at whatever level he played at throughout the year; averaging 20 disposals and six tackles per game for Western Australia, 21 disposals and 5.5 marks for Peel Thunder’s Colts side, and 11.5 disposals for ...

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HARRY ARMSTRONG

EASTERN RANGES WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Armstrong’s goalkicking exploits over the last couple of seasons have been absurd. He has a happy knack for impacting the scoreboard each week, often kicking goals in bunches. The clinical left-footer hit double-figures at APS level this year and posted four majors in half of his 10 Coates Talent League appearances. What’s more, he did it on the representative stage with an equal-high nine goals in three National Championships games. Many of Armstrong’s scores come from his sound set shot goalkicking. His conversion rate of 27.10 for Sandringham Dragons this

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season was exceptional, and his 9.3 at the National Championships was aided by five-straight goals in the decider against Vic Country. Such efficiency is largely down to his routine when kicking over the mark, featuring a distinct grip and purposeful approach. Armstrong often earns those opportunities with his aerial ability. Boasting good speed off the mark, he is usually clear of opponents when leading inside 50 but also leaps strongly at the ball and is ...

ATHLETICISM

EASTERN RANGES WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Ashcroft is capable of posting phenomenal numbers across the board, and is particularly effective in attacking phases. He has averaged around 28 disposals over the last two Coates Talent League seasons and went at a rate of 30 per game at the 2024 National Championships, proving just how prolific he can be. Among his best CTL hauls were his 46 disposals against minor premier Geelong Falcons in Round 18. There were times where Ashcroft received heavy opposition attention, and shaking such tags proved an issue for him early in the year. Still, he

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managed to break through for 21 touches and two goals against Calder in Round 1, before showing great maturity later in the year to amass another 40 touches and two goals against the Cannons, after having 30 touches against Western in Wildcard Round. He demands respect as a competitor.

Ashcroft is the type of player who seems to know just how good he is, and is not afraid to get stuck into the opposition with niggle and chat. He is developing

ATHLETICISM

JOE BERRY

EASTERN RANGES WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Berry has an incredible skillset, but above all, his ability to consistently hit the scoreboard is what helped accelerate his sharp rise this year. Onlookers couldn’t help but take note as he posted a quartet of four-goal hauls in his first five Coates Talent League games, going on to kick multiple majors in seven of 14 appearances, and being held goalless just thrice - including in both his last two games with large stints in midfield. His ability to translate that kind of form to the representative stage only consolidated his status as a genuine top 20 prospect. Berry is

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as clinical a finisher as anyone in the draft crop. He finds the goals through a variety of avenues; snapping off both feet, slotting set shots, and drilling home on the run. For a 181cm player, he is strong oneon-one and outstanding overhead, while also being typically sharp at ground level. Berry’s skills in front of goal also translate to his work further afield. His left foot is a dart, and while his radar may sometimes waver on the run, he usually makes his touches count and is ...

ATHLETICISM

ROOKIE ME CENTRAL

EASTERN RANGES WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Dattoli’s versatility with the ability to hit the scoreboard makes him a prospect for many clubs, but also the fact he can be used in more than one position with great effect shows how much upside he has to impact sooner than others at the next level. While not usually an outside midfielder, Dattoli performed the wing role for Vic Metro at times, especially in the decider. While it wasn’t a high possession game for him or his teammates, Dattoli finished with 20 touches in the final, playing a key linking role running up and down the wing showing his strong

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running in transition and finished with a total of 320 metres gained, second to Jagga Smith. Dattoli’s coverage of the ground was a highlight of the season for the Knights. Dattoli’s creativity was also on display in both postseason games. After his Knights were beaten at home by the Ranges the previous week, in non-ideal conditions at Ballarat he produced his best performance of the season in the Wildcard Round game which reversed the previous week’s ...

ATHLETICISM

ALEX DODSON

EASTERN RANGES WESTERN AUSTRALIA

There is no denying the upside Dodson presents given how much footballing development he has missed. Not only that, but athletic 203cm talents don’t grow on trees, let alone ones with clean fundamental skills and mechanics. Dodson ticks a lot of boxes in terms of what recruiters look for in rucks, and while some crystal-balling is at play, he is quality at the present, too. Dodson is accustomed to getting his hands on the ball, and you could hazard a guess that his basketball background is a key factor behind his stoppage nous. He engages well in the ruck contest,

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posting against and jostling with opponents, and attempting to use his size advantage to guide the ball down to teammates before following up on his initial acts.

Quick and clean at either claiming the ball from the ruck to clear, or gathering at ground level to feed his teammates, Dodson puts up strong clearance numbers. He imposed himself among the inner circle with averages of 19.7 hitouts, and 3.7 clearances during the National Championships, and ...

ATHLETICISM

EASTERN RANGES WESTERN AUSTRALIA

The trait which immediately stands out with Draper is his turn of speed. He posted the top agility test time nationwide during the 2023 preseason (7.80 seconds), and it translates on-field where he is near-impossible to lay a hand on. Some of his best action shots this year feature him literally standing on his toes as he darts away at angles which defy belief. His lightning acceleration makes him an asset in bringing contested ball to the outside. Draper’s hands on the inside are supremely clean, and once he recaptured his usual touch as the season wore on,

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he got to showcase that kind of ability at senior level. He also uses his speed to take the game on in attacking phases, making carving runs through the corridor to set up scores. One of Draper’s best plays throughout his junior career came late in last year’s SANFL Under 18s Grand Final, where he took off with three bounces before helping set up Dakota Sterzl for the game-sealing goal. Not only was it a passage which highlighted his enormous talent, but also ...

ATHLETICISM

ROOKIE ME CENTRAL

EASTERN RANGES WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Faull has claims on being the hardest working and most competitive key forward in the crop. The mobile tall not only fulfils his duty of splitting and winning aerial duels, but also follows up keenly at ground level. The vigour and intensity with which he attacks balls in dispute is terrific, proving his impact goes further than just marking and kicking goals. What aids Faull in his ability to make second efforts is his mobility. At 195cm, he fares best when able to create separation on the lead and outwork his opponent up the ground. While hampered by a

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back injury in preseason, Faull had sought to build up his tank and it allows him to not only showcase his dexterity, but also good footy IQ and running patterns. Another facet of Faull’s competitiveness is how he has been able to bounce back against a range of difficult opponents. The likes of Zac McInnes (Geelong) and Liam Callaghan (Oakleigh) kept him well contained in their first meetings, before the GWV spearhead took them for four and five goals

ATHLETICISM

TOM GROSS

EASTERN RANGES WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Much of Gross’ best work over the course of his junior career has been done through midfield, though he has the traits and scope to thrive in a variety of roles. His best attributes are not dissimilar to that of GWS captain Toby Greene, offering physicality and power to make an impact on-ball while also generating opportunities forward of centre. Gross’ explosive streak is a weapon at stoppages, particularly the centre bounces. He has the breakaway speed to drive his legs out the front of the contest and burst into dangerous launch zones, where he often thumps the

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ball long inside 50. That ability to take metres and run-and-carry means he is frequently in position to hurt the opposition. His physical attributes are also felt defensively. Gross is a real competitor and lays hard tackles when beaten to the ball, while also busting out of them and refusing to be tied down himself. As much was evident during the first AFL Academy match, where he lifted his side’s intensity around the ball and helped match it against VFL opposition

ATHLETICISM

EASTERN RANGES WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Few others compare to Hotton in the way of all-round athleticism. Putting his preseason testing numbers against the best of the National Draft Combine, Hotton would have placed third in the 20-metre sprint (2.882 seconds), second for the running vertical jump (93cm), and first in the agility test (7.807 seconds). Not only does he implement each facet into his game on-field, but they are all genuine strengths. Hotton’s speed off the mark is electric. He comes to life with ball in hand, able to burn off opponents in an instant or make them look silly with his twists,

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turns, and side-steps. Such traits also allow him to manufacture shots on goal and effectively exit stoppages. His leap has long been a standout feature, observed through his many highlight reel marks and strong ability overhead at 182cm. The aspect which took Hotton’s game to the next level in 2024 was high vastly improved running capacity. It allowed him to shift from a low-possession, high-impact forward, to a bonafide on-baller capable of leading ...

ATHLETICISM

EASTERN RANGES WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Hynes has been tearing up the Coates Talent League for a while now, and his sheer size is a huge factor when competing with peers. At 190cm and with a powerful frame, he holds his own one-onone inside 50 or when prising contested ball. Hynes’ clean hands and good vision make for slick distributive methods on the inside, where he can also lean on his physical advantages to absorb pressure, break tackles, or out-body opponents. While he may transfer pressure at times, Hynes is relatively clean by hand and wonderfully creative by foot.

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He has improved significantly in being able to identify short options going forward or inboard, backing his skills to pick out the lowerpercentage option and making things happen. The same goes for when he produces scoring opportunities, displaying great composure to assess moving parts ahead of him and pick holes in the defence. Hynes’ physicality makes him a weapon in contests, and while he is crafty enough to use the ball effectively, may ...

ATHLETICISM

ISAAC KAKO

EASTERN RANGES WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Small forwards require pace and creativity, and Kako definitely possesses those traits. Few others have shown more excitement over the last few seasons of the Coates Talent League than him. With his effective ball use and his versatility between the midfield and as a high half forward, Kako was able to offer plenty of explosiveness out of the midfield with his clearance work, while also playing the high half forward role well. His ability to either provide a leading option as a hit-up forward to present up the ground which now has to for smalls given the way the game

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is played today, while also using his reflexes to identify where to position himself the ball hits the ground from a pack spillage, where this proved crucial for the Cannons and Vic Metro, especially in the Championships final. Overall, Kako averaged 18.7 disposals and kicked 20 goals for the season and on most occasions would be the one getting the Cannons off to a good start for the game, kicking their first goal. Though there were occasions where Kako didn’t ...

ATHLETICISM

ROOKIE

EASTERN RANGES WESTERN AUSTRALIA

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While his exploits inside attacking 50 have been handy this year, Lalor shines brightest as a bull at the contest. He’s a one-touch first possession winner with imposing physical traits, which he uses to dominate the inside and burst to the outer. His clean hands and big frame also translate to marking the ball strongly, taking pack marks around the ground or absorbing contact one-on-one before reeling the ball in. At 188cm, Lalor looked like a man amongst boys at times this year. He showed he could stand up in, break through, or roll tackles off his back, and fended off opponents at will. He hits hard too, laying punishing tackles and ragdolling unsuspecting opponents on the rare occasion he is beaten to the ball. Those kinds of acts lend to his leadership qualities, as he sets an ominous tone at the contestgoing both ways. Lalor’s explosive power elevates him above being just a one-dimensional extractor. What’s more, he impacts forward of centre with penetrative kicking and high scoreboard impact. Lalor’s punchy ball delivery ...

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HARVEY LANGFORD

EASTERN RANGES WESTERN AUSTRALIA

As far as all-round, pure footballing traits go, Langford has a relatively full set. His base is through the midfield, where he is not only capable of extracting contested ball, but also spreading hard to the outside and accumulating touches around the ground. At his best, he can chain possessions in attacking phases and hurt the opposition with his thumping left-foot kicking. Langford’s balance was reflected in his average 6.3 clearances and inside 50s per game during the National Championships. He is also an asset inside 50, where his size, strength and clean hands

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facilitate strong contested marks. From there, he hits the scoreboard in a big way. His best Coates Talent League outing yielded 33 disposals and four goals - both season-highs. For all the standout statistical figures he produced throughout the year, Langford’s sheer reliability was arguably most impressive. He posted nine games of over 25 touches in the Coates Talent League, and only dropping below that mark once in Vic Country colours. After taking ...

ATHLETICISM

ROOKIE ME CENTRAL

EASTERN RANGES WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Lindsay is a player whose improvement areas are difficult to identify given he does so many things well, and has no glaring weaknesses. His best trait is arguably his ball use, credit to a raking left-foot kick when is often used to penetrate the attacking 50. He uses the ball well on the run, either wheeling away from stoppages or chaining possessions on the outside. Lindsay makes the right decisions and is largely effective in the short and longrange. If being pedantic, Lindsay’s kicking is perhaps at its best when lowering his eyes. He is

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adept at gaining quick metres and compounding them by launching the ball long, but looks so slick when darting short passes inside, down the line, or to leading targets inside 50. Either way, he generates great momentum in attacking phases either as a connective outside runner or clearance winner. Having cut his teeth as a wingman and defender, Lindsay began to gain midfield exposure late last year and that was his primary position for Gippsland in 2024. He still ...

ATHLETICISM

LEO LOMBARD

EASTERN RANGES WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Few players have shown a harder edge and greater competitiveness than Lombard over the last year. It’s a trait which translates to his work rate and contested nous, both of which are other assets of his game. Watch him for long enough and you’ll see him not only driving a high standard for his teammates, but also getting under the skin of opposition players. He boasts a high endurance base, but compliments it with a strong power game to put in repeat highintensity efforts throughout four quarters. Those efforts are applied both ways too, with Lombard

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averaging 4.5 tackles to go with his 4.8 clearances per game at the National Championships. Better yet, he also has a great knack for accumulating possessions and hitting the scoreboard. Lombard suits the new age game style of running in waves. He is capable of not only winning first possession, but then bursting away with it or combining with teammates to move from the inside, to outside. With that comes some of the most eye-catching passages of play, ...

ATHLETICISM

SAM MARSHALL

EASTERN RANGES WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Marshall is the type of player who deals opposition sides a death by a thousand cuts. He is as reliable an accumulator as they come, able to rack up possessions in each game with a handy knack for running them out strongly. One of his most memorable efforts was a 16-disposal final quarter against South Australia at this year’s National Championships, en route to a personal-best haul of 30. Having set out to play consistent footy in 2024, Marshall certainly did so. He averaged a flat 27 disposals in Allies colours, hitting that exact mark twice and only dipping to

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a low of 24. The main attribute behind such numbers is his running capacity. Marshall has a strong work rate, able to blend speed and endurance to continually show up from contest to contest. He chains possessions well, waxing with teammates and carrying the ball forward. Along with his speed-endurance mix, Marshall also offers a terrific inside-outside balance. At 185cm, he has enough size and explosiveness to hold his own at the contest and escape

ATHLETICISM

CHRISTIAN MORAES

EASTERN RANGES WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Some of the top draft prospects, particularly this year, can hang their hat on hardly playing a bad game. That’s something that Moraes did in the back-end of last season and looked like maintaining early in 2024. His numbers are consistently strong at Coates Talent League level, accumulating 25 or more disposals in seven of his 12 games this year, and hitting the scoreboard in eight of them with four hauls of multiple goals. The trait which allows Moraes to find so much of the ball is his running capacity. Fresh off a 6:25 result in the National Draft Combine’s 2km

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time trial, Moraes has shown he can carve up the opposition with chains of possession and gut running on the attack. His ability to combine with teammates by hand and carry the ball forward is a real asset, and one which often results in score involvements. He’s a linebreaker. Another way Moraes racks up possessions is through his clean hands. He can still add strength to his frame and may not be a full-time inside midfielder at the top level, but holds his own

ATHLETICISM

ROOKIE ME CENTRAL

EASTERN RANGES WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Oliver’s bread and butter is distributing the ball by foot. He’s one of, if not the best left-foot kick in the draft and consistently opens up the game with incisive passes. His vision and decision making are excellent, helping him identify and execute options across both short and long ranges. His average 16.3 disposals at the National Championships hit at an 83 per cent efficiency rate, with Oliver ably piercing the opposition’s defensive zones, or clearing them. Another trait which has served Oliver well across the journey is his intercepting. Opposition forwards

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would detest playing on him, such was his intercept prowess, and that has carried all the way through to his top-age season. Oliver reads the play well to mop up at ground level and competes bravely in the air. He is capable of reeling in marks at full stretch or going back with the flight, essentially playing above his height in that regard. It’s that kind of competitiveness and constant motion, along with his playmaking, that has seen Oliver labelled the “heartbeat” of Sandringham’s ...

ATHLETICISM

EASTERN RANGES WESTERN AUSTRALIA

There are few, if any, more complete prospects in this year’s draft pool than O’Sullivan. At the core of his game are a couple of key athletic traits, being his powerful turn of speed and vertical leap. O’Sullivan translates that to explosive work to get outside of the contest with spins and fends, though he can sometimes lose his footing when barreling at the ball. His leap, meanwhile, supports excellent overhead marking prowess at 182cm. Such burst ability is useful both on the inside and outside, which is part of what makes O’Sullivan

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so versatile. Another trait which fits the mould of being applicable to several situations include his kick penetration. While prone to dumping the ball long when clearing the stoppage or under pressure, O’Sullivan has booming range on his ball use and can break the lines that way. Otherwise, he also does so through driving runand-carry. O’Sullivan can play just about anywhere but his favourite position is midfield. There, he has a clean set of hands to win the ball

ATHLETICISM

EASTERN RANGES WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Reid is an incredibly poised user of the ball, proving efficient in both his decision making and execution. While not blessed with explosive speed, he is fleet of thought and can either use deft feints to relieve pressure or find teammates with creative disposal by hand and foot. He simply plays at a different tempo to others, and has some of the sharpest skills going around. Few can match him for impact per possession. Along with sound fundamentals, Reid’s ease in finding possessions comes on the back of a strong running base. He can rack up the ball both at and away from the contest, leaning on an enormous footy IQ to work into the right spots and hurt the opposition during attacking phases. It was a theme throughout Sandringham’s engine room this year - players who could manufacture clean stoppage exits and punish sides on the spread. Being reliable from week to week and impacting games consistently are factors which make top five prospects safe selections. Reid does both. He fulfilled team ...

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ROOKIE ME CENTRAL

SHANAHAN

EASTERN RANGES WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Shanahan’s versatility has been highlighted by the ability to be swung down back when needed, or placed in the midfield. One of his better performances in 2024 came in Round 16 against the Northern Knights, where he was put behind the ball in the wet conditions in a big loss, and without his presence down there the margin would have been a lot worse. In the 2023 season, Shanahan also put in an excellent performance against the Dandenong Stingrays, where he used his intercepting ability to read the ball. Another occasion where he held his own down back came

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that same season, again against the Northern Knights where he held his own against eventual 2023 pick 10 Nate Caddy, winning several contests and restricting Caddy’s output in the first half. Against a strong Calder Cannons side in 2024, Shanahan also played a defender/midfielder role again and performed admirably, showing he still had what it took to play those roles. Shanahan’s mobility has also been highlighted over the last few seasons. In 2023 as a ...

ATHLETICISM

THOMAS SIMS

EASTERN RANGES WESTERN AUSTRALIA

The fact that Sims can perform as a key forward, and is physically and athletically good enough to compete against opponents who have a height advantage, will be an appeal to many clubs who base their gameplan on looking to play quick meaning taking lesser talls regardless of conditions. Sims on many occasions throughout the season alternated between the ruck and the forwardline, and at times even took on the role of being the side’s sole ruckman, highlighted by his efforts against Eastern Ranges in Wildcard Round. His strong marking was

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on show from the get-go in 2024. He showed a great pair of hands in Round 1 against Western Jets, marking them everywhere and eventually it proved too much for the opposition. When it came to the National Championships, his marking was crucial in the Vic Metro side bringing home a victory against WA where he nearly earned best on ground honours. Those strong hands are a massive threat for any opposition and that was proven again in ...

ATHLETICISM

JOSH SMILLIE

EASTERN RANGES WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Smillie’s size is what sets him apart among a raft of unique on-ballers fighting for top 10 contendership. At 195cm, he is the most athletic, versatile and skilled tall midfielder available, offering a range of desirable traits. His physical gifts extend further than just pure brawn, though, with Smillie also wonderfully agile and capable of manufacturing space like few others can. It’s all the more impressive given his frame. At the core of Smillie’s game is his stoppage nous. He has had the pleasure of spending time with Carlton captain Patrick

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Cripps and projects as a player with similarly high footy IQ and craft. While his numbers at the National Championships were overall down, his clearance figures remained strong; averaging around 19 disposals, 10 contested possessions, and six clearances per game for the Big V. It’s a facet of the game which also allows him to hit the scoreboard. Difficult to tie down or manoeuvre off the line of the ball, Smillie can camp himself under the rucks or get ...

ATHLETICISM

ROOKIE ME CENTRAL

JAGGA SMITH

EASTERN RANGES WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Smith sought out to play consistent footy in 2024 and certainly delivered on that. He was a frequently high accumulator, averaging 33.8 disposals in the Coates Talent League and 29.2 throughout the Under 18 National Championships. His highest tally was a remarkable 50 against Western Jets in Round 9, while a low of 24 came in Wildcard Round. He also did the business at VFL level, racking up a game-high 31 touches on debut. Smith’s ability to rack up possessions is partly based on his running capacity, inspired by Carlton star Sam Walsh. He finds

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the ball in each third of the field, working hard to get involved and wax with teammates in transition. That uncontested, playmaking style is complimented by a prolific stoppage game where arguably Smith’s best traits come to the fore. He just seems to be everywhere, all at once. It is rare to see such a lightly-framed, 182cm midfielder be so dominate at the contest. He has worked on his combativeness and bodywork, while also maintaining the balance and ...

ATHLETICISM

EASTERN RANGES WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Plenty out of Gippsland for many years have raved about Tauru’s potential and why he was worth persisting with. After nasty injuries suffered in both seasons for the Power, his run of form upon returning just showed what can happen when able to stay on the park. While Tauru’s ability to hang in there should be admired, it also could leave question marks on how durable he actually is when it comes to getting continuity into his footy. When it comes to being in the elite environment, Tauru obviously will have the resources at hand to give him the best

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opportunity possible to thrive.

Tauru’s versatility was highlighted when it came to the postseason games in both the Wildcard Round and quarter finals. Against Murray Bushrangers, he played a key role at the same end of the ground all day ‚Äì when the Power kicked against the wind, he played down back playing a key intercepting role, and when they were with the wind, he went up forward playing as a third tall forward. In the quarter final against Dandenong, ...

ATHLETICISM

LUKE TRAINOR

EASTERN RANGES WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Having climbed through the junior ranks as a forward, Trainor has now found a home down back but still has the swingman ability in his arsenal. He most famously utilised it in the dying stages of Vic Metro’s title-deciding win over Vic Country, where he made the move forward and kicked the winning goal after the siren. At either end, his contested marking is a gift. Trainor’s time as a forward has translated to sound reading of the play in defence, where he peels off his opponent to intercept prolifically. His greatest athletic trait is his vertical leap, and he uses it to leap at the ball with confidence and courage. Arguably his top performance in that regard came in the first AFL Academy game against Coburg, where he was best afield. Trainor also regards himself as a competitor and hates to be beaten - though, outpointing him aerially is a task in itself. He still has a ways to go in terms of enhancing his pure defensive craft and has been working on his ability to lock down on an opponent. He did so quite well against South ...

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ROOKIE ME CENTRAL

TOBIE TRAVAGLIA

EASTERN RANGES WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Travaglia may have had a sour ending to his Under 18 National Championships campaign, having given up a dubious 50-metre penalty that saw a Vic Metro goal kicked after the siren. While it’s been well forgotten now, Travaglia didn’t let it get the better of him, fuelling it as more motivation to work harder and to do what he does best to help him go one step further to achieving his AFL dream. This was shown by his consistent performances post-championships which reached greater heights with a move into the midfield. His aerobic underpinnings have

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been highlighted with his recent results at the National Combine meet, managing to run a 2km time trial time of six minutes and thirteen seconds to finish second overall. Throughout his time in the pathway, his running capacity was demonstrated with numerous follow-up efforts at the contest, which was also shown in the Under 17 futures game for Vic Country against Queensland in 2023. His line-breaking speed was also a feature for the Vic Country ...

ATHLETICISM

JACK WHITLOCK

EASTERN RANGES WESTERN AUSTRALIA

As far as marking forwards go, Whitlock is difficult to beat both for his sheer aerial range and mobility. He has deceptive speed off the mark and capably presents up the ground, reacting well to changes of possession and quick transitional play up the field. Once identified as the target, he is adept at either gaining separation to mark uncontested, or standing under high balls and plucking marks at the top of his reach. Among Whitlock’s intangible attributes are his competitiveness and big game ability. He has the mongrel required of key position players and steps up when it counts. One of the best moments of his junior career came in last year’s Futures series, where he kicked the winning goal after the siren against Queensland. He also starred with seven marks and two goals in the Under 18 National Championships decider this year. While adept at clunking overhead marks, Whitlock’s strong hands also translate to his ground level game. He is seriously good below his knees for a 200cm player, able to meet the ball at speed and ...

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EASTERN RANGES WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Whitlock’s ceiling is arguably as high as any key position prospect in the draft pool, though he starts from a lower floor than some others in first round contention. His versatility is a major strength having performed to high standards at both ends of the ground. He is arguably most at home in defence, but kicked 27 goals for Murray this season, including eight games with multiple majors and a high of five - twice. Whitlock was never kept goalless when playing forward. He even bagged a pair of goals in the one game he spent there during the National Championships,

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against the Allies. In the front half, he utilises his athletic traits to lead opponents to the ball and recover spills from aerial contests better than any other tall, which feeds many shots on goal in live play. He does that more than any conventional mark-and-goal key forward would. Down back, Whitlock projects as a capable interceptor who can play loose or peel off and impact the contest. He is not a one-on-one defender, faring best when not engaging ...

ATHLETICISM

THE BEAUTY OF THIS DRAFT IS ITS DEPTH OF TALENT. YOU HATE TO USE THE PHRASE 'SUPER DRAFT' BUT IT IS AS DEEP A TALENT POOL AS WE'VE SEEN FOR SOME TIME, AND THAT WILL BE REFLECTED AT THE TOP LEVEL IN YEARS TO COME.

MICHAEL ALVARO

PICK ONE CONTENDERS

In stark contrast to last year’s intake, where Harley Reid was the long-time consensus leading prospect, the race to be pick one in this year’s AFL Draft remains wide open. Richmond holds the key this time around, whittling down the options to what seems to be around a handful of players. Each of them has a strong argument to be top of the crop, so we take a look at just why some of the leading contenders are in the mix.

SAM LALOR

MIDFIELDER/FORWARD 188CM | 30/08/2006

GWV REBELS/VIC COUNTRY

One of the leading candidates as draft night nears, Lalor may not necessarily be the best prospect currently, but certainly has the scope to be considered so down the line. The 188cm midﬁelder dons the number four jumper, and has drawn comparisons to Tigers legend Dustin Martin over the journey for his power and one-on-one prowess inside forward 50. Having previously played cricket during the summer and suffered some injury setbacks this year, he could skyrocket with a full preseason at AFL level. As it is, few - if any - peers can beat him at the contest.

FINN O’SULLIVAN

MIDFIELDER | 182CM 30/05/2006

OAKLEIGH CHARGERS/VIC COUNTRY

The unanimous frontrunner heading into 2024, O’Sullivan’s season was ravaged by injury but he showed glimpses of his top-end quality. He is the all-rounder among a raft of midﬁelders with singular unique traits, possessing a variety of desirable attributes along with few glaring weaknesses. His power, overhead marking, and booming kick are among his greatest strengths. Like a couple other pick one contenders, he earned a berth with Richmond’s VFL side this year. The Koroit native is the cousin of Carlton star Sam Walsh, and represented Oakleigh Chargers having boarded at Xavier College.

The romanticism of picking Lalor is hard to overlook, and perhaps O’Sullivan’s best tops all comers at AFL level, but it is difﬁcult to look past Smith in our eyes. You want certainty with top ﬁve picks and he offers exactly that, on top of impacting games each week. His consistency was unmatched this year with full devotion to his craft and top leadership qualities. He may not be the player Richmond is necessarily looking for or will pick, but would be a shoo-in if we held the keys.

JAGGA SMITH

MIDFIELDER | 182CM | 28/01/2006

OAKLEIGH CHARGERS/VIC METRO

Arguably the best and most consistent of the lot based on top-age form, Smith also passed his audition in Richmond’s VFL side with flying colours. He had 31 disposals and eight clearances on debut, which matched his output throughout a phenomenal campaign which saw him captain the Under 18 All-Australian team. The Oakleigh Chargers skipper is a fleet of foot accumulator whose clean skills and decision making are near-unmatched. He plays in a similar manner to Nick Daicos in that he can dictate games and find the ball in each third.

LEVI ASHCROFT

MIDFIELDER | 179CM 18/12/2006

SANDRINGHAM DRAGONS/VIC METRO

A three-time premiership player with Sandringham, and two-time APS title winner with Brighton Grammar, Ashcroft is nothing short of a born winner. The son of Marcus will join brother Will at the Brisbane Lions, so why would Richmond bother bidding with the ﬁrst pick in the draft, rather than showing faith in their man? The Tigers maintain if they consider him the best player available, they will call his name. The high-volume ball winner and clutch goalkicker is set to land at the Lions in any case, but could not have done much more to be considered a top prospect over the journey. His list of team and individual accolades is astounding.

AFL DRAFT BOLTERS 2024

15/03/2006

16/11/2006

193CM TALL DEFENDER/FORWARD

POWER VIC COUNTRY

Each year, AFL Draft prospects come from the clouds to be considered amongst the best of the best. In such a richly talented crop this year, plenty have emerged to not only enter the conversation as draftable, but genuinely crack the top echelon of a uniquely talented top-end. We’ve identiﬁed four players who have made the most signiﬁcant rises up draft boards in 2024.

15/06/2006

There is no denying the quality of Langford’s season, and such consistently outstanding performances elevated him into the reaches of the top ﬁve. Having been overlooked for Vic Country selection at Under 16s level, the determined Dandenong Stingrays star ended up a Larke Medallist and state MVP by the time his Under 18s campaign was up. His power and size, combined with gut running and strong marking ability inside 50 make him a dominant player amongst his peers. The Richmond supporter may be considered for pick one honours, amongst a stacked ﬁeld.

Everything came up Tauru in the second half of the year, and Vic Country couldn’t get him into the squad quick enough. The dynamic, high-flying utility first impressed with his ferocious attack on the ball as an intercept defender, before translating his marking prowess to playing forward. Nicknamed ‘The Flying Viking’ for his aerial exploits and Swedish descent, Tauru overcame a spate of injuries across his junior career to finally get a clean run at it, find his confidence, and prove he is a genuine top 10 contender. North Melbourne, which currently holds pick two, is said to be keen on his upside.

Dodson has put a promising basketball career in the rear-view mirror, having captained his state, won gold with Australia, and been a train-on for the Adelaide 36ers of late. He went from playing no footy as a bottom-ager, to getting back to action with Sturt and taking over the mantle as South Australia’s frontline ruck. Not only that, but he also quickly established himself as the best ruck in the draft crop. Dodson’s mobility, clean hands and follow-up work have him pegged as another top 30 prospect.

Hannaford may have missed out on a National Draft Combine invite, but showcased his explosiveness at the state event and took it in his stride to perform as well as anyone in the back-end of the season. Utilised as a defender and midﬁelder early in the season, he went on to impress as a pressure forward who kicked bags of clutch goals. Hannaford helped Greater Western Victoria reach its ﬁrst Grand Final in 27 years, and in the process became a top 30 candidate for his competitiveness, game-winning capabilities, and versatility.

NATIONAL DRAFT COMBINE INVITES A -

JASPER ALGER

EASTERN RANGES WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Alger established himself as one of the draft crop’s best goalsneaks in 2024. He strung together a consistent run of form in the APS, booting majors in every game including multiple five-goal hauls and a high of eight against Geelong Grammar. One to stand up in big games, he worked well in tandem with other small-medium forwards to hurt the opposition with high scoreboard impact. His four-goal performance in Wildcard Round complimented a bag of five from Waylon Davey-Motlop. Once both exited the team, the Chargers shifted from the pair’s excellent

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9.1, to team efforts of 9.16 and 8.18 in the following two weeks. Alger also teamed up with Joe Berry in Vic Country colours, with both players snaring three majors in their Under 18 representative debuts. Quite an economical player, Alger isn’t necessarily one to accumulate bulk possessions, and his role has a part to play in that. He averaged 10.8 disposals in six Coates Talent League games and 9.3 in the National Championships, with a high

ATHLETICISM

EASTERN RANGES WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Anderson’s tackle technique and defensive work rate off the ball is one trait clubs and fans alike will come to admire him for. In the 2024 Coates Talent League Grand Final rematch, Anderson laid several bone-crunching tackles that essentially kept the Ranges in the contest, although they narrowly lost. His ability to provide that defensive layer while also being able to accumulate the footy had a massive influence in the result. His two-way running in games against the Western Jets and Tasmania early in the season highlighted his efforts off the ball and the defensive

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requirements to make it to the next level, and to contribute to team success. Good closing speed in regards to defensive pressure was also displayed against the Sydney Academy in Round 5 where he saved a certain goal, despite his side not being in the contest at all. Anderson’s inside game is also another strength of his. Despite a big loss in Round 5 against the Sydney Swans Academy, his centre clearance work was solid and he did his best to make ...

ATHLETICISM

ROOKIE ME CENTRAL

EASTERN RANGES WESTERN AUSTRALIA

A clever player with good skills, it is no surprise that Angove does his best work with ball in hand. In a similar vein to Claremont teammate Will Hayes, Angove is a terrific link player, and is often the catalyst for setting up several of his side’s scoring chains. He is a lovely user of the football and a good exponent of the ‘money kick’, often lowering the eyes and able to find a target inside 50. The 18-yearold has a great combination of speed and endurance. He is a lively presence around the football, and it is customary to see him zipping in and out of traffic and using

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his excellent agility to sidestep opponents and find space in tight confines. He also has a good engine which allows him to roam up the ground as a half-forward before working back to goal and impacting the play offensively. At his best, he is a player who can work back into his defensive half to help create a turnover, before using run-and-carry to generate a forward entry for his side. Closer to goal, Angove is a dangerous player at ground level and has kicked ...

ATHLETICISM

EASTERN RANGES WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Artemis’ running is one of his best attributes as a player. He runs intelligent patterns to create space and receive the ball in attacking positions. His teammates entrust him with the important job of transitioning the ball from halfback to inside 50, and he often creates forays forward that lead to scoring opportunities. Artemis doesn’t blaze away, rather staying composed, lowering his eyes, and finding targets forward of the ball. He is highly adept at hitting 45-degree kicks into the corridor and then continuing his run to receive the ball multiple times in

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single passages. When playing as the rebounding defender, Artemis has the speed and endurance to run both ways, meaning even after attacking and delivering the ball inside 50, he is just as capable and willing to get back behind the play and defend hard. Though he lacks strength in his top-age season, he has defensive smarts that allow him to impact contests from behind and on the run, at both ground level and in the air. A year or two in a professional ...

ATHLETICISM

ROOKIE

JAMES BARRAT

EASTERN RANGES WESTERN AUSTRALIA

It’s well known that Barrat is a competitive beast and dislikes being beaten. On numerous occasions throughout the season, he made his opponents earn their disposals with a tough, aggressive brand of footy. One of his best performances for the season came in Round 17 against the Geelong Falcons where he was a rock down back, being everywhere where the footy was. If he wasn’t marking them with his intercepting ability, he was halving the contests putting his body on the line. It may have not being enough to get his side over the line, but Barrat left no

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stone unturned. Heading into the 2024 season, Barrat wanted it to make it a goal of his to improve his leadership. After a 2023 campaign that was wiped out by a serious injury, Barrat did all he possibly could to to get himself right to put his best foot forward to get drafted, and while he conceded he was behind the eight ball when the season started, his achievements wouldn’t have been attained without the professionalism required. While it is widely ...

ATHLETICISM

EASTERN RANGES WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Bell’s athletic gifts are at the core of why he projects as having so much upside. At 199cm, his speed and ability to cover ground make him a difficult matchup at both ends of the ground. Up forward, he leads defenders to the ball on charging leads, while down back he is capable of closing in on the aerial contest and swooping on ground balls. He clocked in at 2.925 seconds in the preseason 20m sprint, and puts such prowess to good use on-field. While his conditioning can further improve in an elite environment, Bell has quite a strong frame and exhibits

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raw power in his play. The way he attacks the ball and can barrel through the contest is impressive, while it also holds him in good stead one-on-one. Such physicality also serves him well on the occasion he chops out in the ruck, given he ticks the box for size, athleticism, and competitiveness. Such versatility makes up the other half of his upside. Bell settled down back for the Allies, often taking on tough tall matchups and doing his best to lock down ...

ATHLETICISM

EASTERN RANGES WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Bowman might have the best highlight package in this year’s AFL Draft. When given a clear run and jump, he’s capable of spectacular pack marks, plucking the ball out of the air with safe hands. Though his aerial exploits are eye-catching, his speed and willingness to take the game on are equally exciting to watch. Whether it’s bouncing off half-back or streaming through forward 50, when Bowman decides to put the afterburners on there are few defenders that can reel him in. Although playing primarily as a forward and spending some time on the wing, it’s these traits that

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suggest he could develop into a role across half-back as an intercept and rebound defender. Though better known for what he does in the air, Bowman is crafty when the ball hits the deck and can finish in a variety of ways with a high degree of difficulty. He has natural goal sense and doesn’t need much of a look to finish between the big sticks. He has proven to be a real x-factor inside forward 50 and doesn’t need a lot of opportunities to influence the outcome of ...

ATHLETICISM

EASTERN RANGES WESTERN AUSTRALIA

At the core of Burmeister’s upside is his athleticism. Both in the ruck and up forward, he showcases his physical attributes with a spring-heeled leap and great speed off the mark. What that translates to is competitive work at the centre bounces and the ability to work his opponents over on the lead, particularly when venturing outside attacking 50. He has the tools to best most key position players, mobility-wise. Burmeister’s impressive leap was showcased at the National Draft Combine, where he placed third in the standing vertical jump (74cm)

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and sixth in the running vertical jump (90cm). His ability to cover ground was also proven in the data with a 3.05-second 20-metre sprint and 6:36 2km time trial. Not only nimble, Burmeister is quite dextrous in that he is capable of following up at ground level and scoops up the ball well below his knees. It means that he has a dynamic range of avenues to goal. While improvements can be made in the way of his contested and overhead marking, Burmeister ...

ATHLETICISM

BEN CAMPOREALE

EASTERN RANGES WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Camporeale has been one of the most consistent performers in the draft crop this year, hitting his level in most games and being a reliable accumulator. His numbers at SANFL Under 18s level were astounding, averaging 31.7 touches and 6.7 clearances across six outings en route to taking out the league best and fairest. Only one time did he have below 30 disposals in that time, and he was more often than not South Australia’s top ball winner during the Under 18 National Championships. At the crux of Camporeale’s ball finding ability is his running capacity. He

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racks up most of his touches in chains of possession, combining with teammates and demanding the ball back on forward surges. Particularly in attacking phases, his work rate is immense and he wants the ball in his hands as much as possible, working harder than most to repeatedly do so. That, for the most part, is why he averages in the high-20s for disposals and will likely continue to. Camporeale is also capable of winning inside ball. He has good ...

ATHLETICISM

LUCAS CAMPOREALE

EASTERN RANGES WESTERN AUSTRALIA

There’s no doubting Camporeale’s ability to rack up possessions. He runs the outside intelligently, much like father Scott, and is capable of sweeping back to stream forward with ball in hand. While he arguably doesn’t possess line-breaking speed, the wingman gets off the chain on the back of his high endurance base and clever patterns. Much like twin brother Ben, Lucas is the type of player who demands the ball. He is a constant outlet in each third of the ground and no matter what position he finds himself in, will support teammates with overlap run. While

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sometimes he receives the ball under pressure, it means he can bring flow to his side’s transitional play. Camporeale averaged 25 disposals at SANFL Under 18s level and a tick under 21 at the National Championships, with a high of 29 coming against Western Australia. In South Australian colours, his outside tendencies showed with an average 19 uncontested possessions, having spent nearly the whole carnival on a wing. It’s clear that Camporeale’s running ...

ATHLETICISM

MALAKAI CHAMPION

EASTERN RANGES WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Whether it’s threatening to leap and take Mark of the Year, threading Goal of the Year from an absurd angle, weaving in and out of traffic, or burning opponents with his raw pace, Champion lays claim to many tools to become an elite small forward at the next level. He is as exciting as any prospect in the draft, possessing eye-catching speed that he uses to get up and down the ground or storm into space. Champion displayed the ability to explode from contests, take a bounce and drive his side inside 50 when he regularly spent time through the midfield for

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Subiaco in the latter stages of the WAFL Colts season. This versatility, which he also showed in short bursts for Western Australia, adds a string to his bow. Upon returning to Subiaco following the National Championships, Champion was elevated to the Lions’ League side, and made an immediate impact kicking seven goals in three games. One of the most commendable aspects of Champion’s senior appearances was his willingness to hunt and chase defensively. ...

ATHLETICISM

ROOKIE ME CENTRAL

HARRY CHARLESON

EASTERN RANGES WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Charleson established himself as one of the Coates Talent League’s premier running defenders in 2024, producing consistent output each week and helping GWV remain competitive in the absence of key personnel. Whether playing deep or high, he has a great knack for racking up possessions on the way out of the backline, thanks largely to a strong speed-endurance mix. Recent results at the National Draft Combine prove Charleson has a good tank, clocking in at 6:21 in the 2km time trial to put him sixth overall amongst his peers. He leans on that running capacity

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to be a reliable outlet in transition, either carrying the ball himself or working into space where he times his movements well to mark uncontested, or link up on the overlap. From there, Charleson’s speed and ball use take over. He has enough spring to be an effective interceptor, too. There were several times this year where Charleson rose for gutsy overhead marks sitting in the hole, defying his 183cm standing to hold his own aerially. He has the capacity ...

ATHLETICISM

ANGUS CLARKE

EASTERN RANGES WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Clarke is a pure footballer with terrific fundamentals across the board. He can kick and mark, attack and defend, and play at both ends of the ground. His skillset lends to extremely useful versatility, which is evidenced by how he has been used in Glenelg’s Under 18 program. While arguably settled down back, there is no reason why he can’t impact up forward, and he does so. Often tasked with the kick-in duties for South Australia, Clarke showcased his distributive skills. His preferred method overall was to go by foot, with 14.3 of his average 17 disposals across the

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four games being kicks. When in attack mode, he is capable of easily clearing defensive 50 with booming passes, or hitting up short options before streaming past to get the ball back. What makes Clarke an even more effective rebounder is his dash and dare. He did so particularly well in South Australia’s loss to Vic Metro, taking the game on with repeat bursts from the backline and truly backing his pace. For all his attacking flair, Clarke is also a willing defender. ...

ATHLETICISM

JOEL COCHRAN

EASTERN RANGES WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Cochran’s upside is easily observed through his athleticism and versatility. At 194cm, he is well versed at impacting aerially and registered a top-10 running vertical jump (87cm) at the National Draft Combine. Even more impressively, he ran fastest in the 2km time trial (6:05) on a windy Melbourne day, and presents as a mobile type in the way he attacks with ball in hand. While he has settled in defence this year, mostly to help harness his strengths, Cochran is capable of playing in each third of the ground. He was an effective chop-out ruckman during last year’s Under

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16 National Championships and has some experience as a forward - perhaps most notably in the 2023 National Futures match. With that kind of profile, there are few limits to his potential. Testing well is one thing, but Cochran also translates his results on-field. He is a terrific intercept marker, able to arrive at the contest and pluck overhead marks at the top of his reach. His endurance base is outstanding and aids his rebound work. Despite his categorisation as a tall, Cochran ...

ATHLETICISM

ROOKIE ME CENTRAL

EASTERN RANGES WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Cole is one of the most persistent and reliable role players in this year’s crop, particularly among the talls. The loss of Nathan Murphy in Collingwood’s defensive unit has outlined the need for dour lockdown types amongst all the athletic interceptors and powerful rebounders who feature high up the draft order. Cole fits into the former category, and may be in high demand given some clubs will have to prioritise that kind of archetype. He was often tasked with taking on the opposition’s best key forward this year and claimed some handy scalps. His battle with Jobe

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Shanahan in Round 11 of the Coates Talent League was enthralling, with the Bendigo Pioneers spearhead booting one goal from 13 disposals and 11 marks. Cole also kept GWV Rebels gun Jonty Faull goalless in the Grand Final, limiting his ability to mark inside 50 despite arguably being beaten up the ground. The 194cm backman is as strong as they come at junior level. His well developed frame allows him to split one-on-one jostles and bring the ball to ground with ...

ATHLETICISM

ROOKIE ME CENTRAL

EASTERN RANGES WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Davis averaged over 22 disposals per game and kicked 14 goals in nine Colts games this season, proving he can perform in the midfield and up forward. As a midfielder Davis’ disposal is tidy but attacking. He dares to pick off difficult kicks at times to create forays forward and takes the game on with ball in hand, often making time stand still while he determines his best course of action. Davis is athletic, able to spin away from opponents, shrug off would-be tacklers and involve his fellow midfielders. As a forward Davis is often used as a hitup target out on the lead. He did so

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in his League stint for Claremont, working over his opponent to create space and separation. Aerially he was able to hold his own, utilising intelligent bodywork to shift his way into marking position. Davis is clean below his knees and demonstrated that no more so than against Subiaco in Round 21 - a game in which he collected 16 disposals and kicked three goals - where he picked the ball up with one touch, turned and snapped a goal over his shoulder ...

ATHLETICISM

ARCHER DAY-WICKS

EASTERN RANGES WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Even through wavering form, a trait which has remained consistent in Day-Wicks’ game is his aerial ability. At 186cm, he offers decent enough size to hold his own oneon-one, but really excels when attacking the ball and marking overhead. He takes the ball cleanly and has enough pop to leap over the back of opponents, or take the ball out in front when leading at the kicker. It’s what makes him a viable chop-out option up forward. Day-Wicks best showcased his marking prowess at the National Championships. He had a great day out against Western Australia in Claremont, taking seven grabs among his 14 touches of the ball. He also displayed his aerial exploits in the title-deciding game against Vic Metro, very nearly ending up the hero having pulled down a hanger which should have been paid in the goalmouth, but playing on to convert his second goal for a late lead. A key factor in DayWicks’ aerial ability is his bravery. He rates himself as a competitor and is willing to put his body on the line when required. Working ...

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ROOKIE ME CENTRAL

EASTERN RANGES WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Dennis has a no holds barred mentality and shows it consistently wherever he plays. He fights mightily one-on-one against opponents, often taller than him, to maintain positions of strength and spoil or intercept mark. Dennis is highly skilled at shifting his direct opponent under the ball or off their line to put himself in a position to outmark them. Across the National Championships he was tasked with playing on some of the best key forward talent in the country and stood tall, rarely being beaten on his way to All-Australian honours. One of Dennis’ biggest assets is

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that, at 194cm, he is still quick and agile enough to carry the ball and is often the defender to break lines and drive his side forward. A skillset that encompasses the ability to defend key forwards while also being able to attack and rebound is one that is not often discovered. Dennis also possesses great leadership qualities. He is vocal in the back six, directing teammates on where to position themselves behind the ball and ferocious in his demands for teammates to ...

ATHLETICISM

JOSH DOLAN

EASTERN RANGES WESTERN AUSTRALIA

As all smalls should, Dolan plays with plenty of vigour and brings life to every passage he is involved in. He seems to be in constant motion, particularly as a high forward, as he charges up and down the ground to help connect attacking transitions into attacking 50. Blending a strong endurance base with good speed, Dolan works opponents over and is not only a role player who can feed teammates, but also one who can work into positions to score. Dolan’s creative flair presents itself when operating in the front half of the ground. The evasive talent is capable of turning on a

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dime, quickly identifying a leading target inside 50, and hitting them lace-out with a short kick. That kind of ruthless decision making and execution makes opposition defenders sweat, and rewards his teammates for good craft. There are few better link players as far as smalls go, than Dolan. Perhaps the most promising aspect of Dolan’s game is that he is quite a handy goalkicker himself. He hit the scoreboard in all five of his Coates Talent League appearances ...

ATHLETICISM

KAYLE GERREYN

EASTERN RANGES WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Gerreyn spent the majority of this season playing as a ruckman for West Perth’s Colts side and Western Australia, but at 199cm and with his booming kick he projects as a key forward in the long-term. Gerreyn has an eye for goal, and can slot them from anywhere on the field - even as far out as 60m from home. His contested marking ability is terrific, and he is willing to crash packs and bring the ball to ground if he doesn’t take the grab. Gerreyn floats across the field with mobility which defies his size, which, coupled with his dualfooted field kicking on all parts of

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the ground make him a dynamic key position player. His ability to glide in and out of traffic, be involved in transition and even run with and carry the football himself are handy attributes for a big man to possess.

Gerreyn is adept at picking off 45-degree kicks into the corridor to allow his side to switch and transition the ball freely, and has fantastic hands at contests that he uses to find teammates in space and direct the flow of the game forward. As a ruckman, Gerreyn ...

ATHLETICISM

ROOKIE ME CENTRAL

EASTERN RANGES WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Hargrave offers a no-nonsense approach that cuts through the flair and athletic aura of other prospects. He’s a tough inside ball winner who does the fundamentals relatively well, without being overly flashy. The 181cm midfielderforward bases his game around the contest, boasting a clean set of hands and a solid frame to get the job done. He’s effective when feeding others, can fend opponents off, and holds his own one-on-one. There came a point where Hargrave was simply too dominant amongst his peers. He strung together some serious form both pre and post the

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National Championships, having games like his 35 disposals and three goals in Round 6, and 27 disposals and four goals in Round 10. He was winning possession at the source, racking up marks, and hitting the scoreboard. It was no real surprise, then, to see him win the league best and fairest in just nine outings. While impacting in state colours was challenging given the Croweaters’ overall struggles, Hargrave managed show his wares at League level. He averaged ...

ATHLETICISM

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EASTERN RANGES WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Hayes is the perfect definition of an ideal wingman. He runs both ways up and down the expanses for whichever side he plays with. He excelled at the role for Western Australia in the National Championships as well as spending time forward of the ball where he played a lot of his bottom-age WAFL Colts season in 2023. Hayes runs superb patterns around the ground, creating space for himself to receive the ball at pace and allowing him to burst forward at every opportunity. He is always in a good spot to win the football and excels at turning

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his body towards goal or his side’s forward 50 after handball receives. Hayes’ speed and endurance make him a dangerous prospect capable of hitting the scoreboard or rebounding from half-back. Though at times his decision making can be shaky as he backs himself to hit any kick, his ball use is mostly very sound. He has the presence of mind to lower his eyes going inside 50 and hit forward targets, as well as nail 45-degree kicks around the ground popping in and out ...

ATHLETICISM

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LACHIE JAQUES

EASTERN RANGES WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Jaques is a joy to watch in full flight and can just about do it all down back. He is often entrusted with the kick-in duties and distributes the ball beautifully. It’s no wonder, then, that he opted to go by foot with 16.9 of his average 22.6 disposals this Coates Talent League season. He is polished too, going at 78 per cent disposal efficiency during the National Championships. There is good variety to Jaques’ kicking, able to launch the ball long or pick out short targets with exceptional vision. The latter method sees him either be adventurous with inboard passes, or run hard to follow up and get the ball back. Either way, Jaques is capable of gaining quick metres and sparking daring transitional play by taking the game on. A key facet of Jaques’ positional versatility is his ability to play deep or high in defence. On the last line, he mops up the spills and quickly relieves pressure with his ball use, seemingly always getting to the height or fall of the contest. Beyond defensive 50 he charges forward with repeat running spurts, and peels off to ...

IMPROVEMENTS

ATHLETICISM

ROOKIE

NOAH MRAZ

EASTERN RANGES WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Mraz projects as a key position prospect who can play in each third of the ground. He found a home down back, but provides a decent chop-out in the ruck and had planned to go forward to exploit favourable matchups throughout the year. His absence in the Vic Country lineup was pronounced, as he would have been the lone genuine key back above 195cm, which the side arguably lacked. In his two Coates Talent League appearances this year, Mraz had the confidence to play relatively loosely off the opponent’s back shoulder, trusting his reading of the play

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ATHLETICISM

to react and impact the contest. He was challenged by fellow Vic Country tall Floyd Burmeister in the second of those games, with the GWV forward utilising his pace advantage and thriving off the freedom he was afforded. Still, Mraz is quite a mobile tall who showcases his sound mechanics in possession. His skills are quite clean by hand and foot, able to join in on transitional passages and help move the ball out of defence. That quality also translates to ...

ATHLETICISM

JACOB NEWTON

EASTERN RANGES WESTERN AUSTRALIA

In a competition that values speed, pressure and scoreboard impact, Newton’s transition from midfielder to impactful forward has opened a pathway to the next level. He combines high-end speed with a thirst for the contest and a commitment to do the work required of a defensive forward. Despite these traits, he’s not a one-dimensional small forward. Newton is strong overheard for his size, using his leaping ability to meet the ball at the highest point and regularly out-mark taller opponents. He’s clean below his knees and has great goal-sense,

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ATHLETICISM

often finishing in front of the big sticks with very little time and space. He consistently makes the most of his goal-scoring opportunities, finding the goals in a variety of ways; through set shots, forward 50 stoppages and in open play. Despite limited opportunities at the National Championships, Newton proved to be equally capable as a midfielder throughout his junior career. Thriving at stoppages, the Redleg proved a capable first possession winner

ATHLETICISM

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CHARLIE NICHOLLS

EASTERN RANGES WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Nicholls’ speed stands out immediately as a strength. He looks most comfortable inside forward 50 when he’s able to create separation from his defender and present at the football. The comfort he shows on the lead extends beyond the forward 50 arc. Nicholls looks right at home as a genuine centre half forward, roaming up the ground and finding alternative ways to work himself into the contest. His versatility to be able to play small bursts in the ruck means that he has plenty of ways to have an influence, even with limited opportunities around

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the goals. He even has scope to ply his trade behind the ball, where he is capable of reading the play nicely and closing in on both aerial contests and his direct opponent. A capable field kick for his size, Nicholls is generally reliable with ball in hand. This hasn’t quite extended to his set shot kicking, where he has struggled to find consistency in front of goal. Nicholls threatened at times throughout the year to blow games wide open but squandered

ATHLETICISM

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HARRY O’FARRELL

EASTERN RANGES WESTERN AUSTRALIA

For a player who can play at both ends of the ground, O’Farrell’s preferred position is a key defensive post where he can showcase his aerial ability. In the 2023 Futures game on AFL Grand Final day, O’Farrell held up the backline for Team Naitanui, showing great defensive positioning to save numerous goals, while also showcasing his play reading ability to take numerous intercept marks which saw his side get up narrowly in the end. In the first AFL Academy game of 2024 against Coburg, O’Farrell showed great defensive positioning and

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ATHLETICISM

intercepting, having several welltimed spoils. This was his first experience against matured bodies and competed very well despite his lack of size, playing to his strengths which included playing off his opponents. O’Farrell also shows excellent closing speed, which is a very appealing trait. One moment that sticks out to mind throughout the season was in Round 2 against the Western Jets. Late in the game, the ball looked to be going through for a certain Western Jets goal ...

ATHLETICISM

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JACK OUGH

EASTERN RANGES WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Ough has impressed throughout the season with his ability to play the role required of him, whether on the inside or outside. He arguably played his best footy onball, especially late in the Coates Talent League season where he strung together an impressive run of form. His consistency shone through during that patch, dipping below 20 touches just once in his last eight games, while surpassing the 25-disposal mark five times. Even when Ough plays inside, he showcases his ability to spread and accumulate around the ground, while on the outside he can still

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fold in on the contest and use his size to create space. Among Ough’s best traits in either role are his clean hands and efficient ball use. He delivers the ball neatly by hand and foot, making quick decisions and executing sharply. Meanwhile, his handling is sound both at the contest and aerially. During his late-season surge, Ough’s utilised his size advantage at stoppages. He was able to stand in tackles and absorb pressure, while also being reasonably competitive at ...

ATHLETICISM

EASTERN RANGES WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Riddle has been on clubs’ radars for a while now, having played in four WAFL Colts games as a 16-yearold in 2022, before playing just two games in 2023. Returning this season as an over-ager, Riddle was able to put together 14 outstanding WAFL Colts performances and impress in the ruck for Western Australia. Riddle excites scouts with his athleticism. For a 200cm ruckman, he moves well across the ground, getting involved in transition and proving unafraid to drive his legs and use the ball by hand or foot. He often roves his own ruckwork and delivers the ball

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inside 50 himself. He had several moments on the biggest stage at Optus Stadium on WAFL Grand Final day, where he showed off his agility by collecting the ball off the deck, weaving through traffic, stepping around much smaller opponents, and penetrating deep inside 50. Riddle’s ruck craft is impressive, using smart bodywork to position himself well, then knocking down hitouts to the advantage of his midfield counterparts. As an over-ager, ...

ATHLETICISM

LOGAN SMITH

EASTERN RANGES WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Smith is the type of ruck whose size and aerial range forms the crux of his success. The 204cm prospect boasts a 273cm reach, the largest of anyone to test at the National Draft Combine. He is also solidly-built and utilises his frame to either hold his ground or push opposition rucks off the line of the ball. More often than not, particularly because of his physical gifts, he is able to get first hand to the ball. While some of his craft can be further refined, Smith won the most hitouts to advantage at the Under 18 National Championships from an average

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of 21.5 overall. Smith’s ability to do so was evident amongst his peers, but also held up against senior opposition in the VFL where he won 22.9 hitouts per game. The next step will be to convert his ability to hit the ball first, into more direct and purposeful taps. Many of Smith’s contributions occur at stoppages. Seven of his average 10.5 disposals during the National Championships were contested and 3.3 were clearances, as he followed up his initial acts and ...

ATHLETICISM

GABRIEL STUMPF

EASTERN RANGES WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Stumpf’s speed for a key forward who not only is hard and fast on a lead, but also fast when it comes to providing closing speed in defence - which could well and truly also become a nightmare for opposition key talls who don’t possess the pace he does. On numerous occasions throughout the season, Stumpf worked his way up the ground on numerous occasions to play a key role as a link man for the Knights going forward, while also presenting up the ground, making it hard for his opponents to keep up with him. Stumpf’s all-round athleticism is also elite,

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as highlighted with his standing vertical leap time at the draft combine. An occasion where this was highlighted was in the road win over the Bendigo Pioneers in Round 7, kicking three goals. While he was thrown in to the ruck during the game, he managed to play as a fourth midfielder, winning a few clearances. In a tough loss against Geelong in Torquay, he managed to show his agility to balk his opponents and provide goal assists and used it to his advantage on ...

ATHLETICISM

RHYS UNWIN

EASTERN RANGES WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Unwin has an electric turn of speed, one which often keeps him out of trouble and gets his side looking dangerous on the attack. His outstanding results for pace at the National Draft Combine can be observed with searing runs which break the lines, crafty stoppage exits, and deft steps to find space and score. Few players can contain him in full flight as he carves paths through traffic and puts his flair on show. There were moments during the National Championships where Unwin streamed forward with several running bounces, lighting up the play in a low-possession, high-impact style. He also utilises his athletic strengths defensively, applying great pressure on the ball carrier. His closing speed is punishing and sees him catch dawdling opponents unawares, coming from the clouds hunt them down. Unwin’s smarts became increasingly evident as he began to spend more time in midfield. His reading of the ball off hands is terrific, and he positions in all the right spots to crumb and set off onto the outside. What’s more, ...

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LUKE URQUHART

EASTERN RANGES WESTERN AUSTRALIA

A big-bodied midfielder, it comes as no surprise that Urquhart does his best work at the coalface. At 184cm, the 18-year-old is a robust size for an on-baller and he uses his strong frame to good effect at stoppages, hunting the ball with good intensity at ground level and proving effective as clearance player. With a sub-three second 20m sprint to his name, Urquhart has also shown himself to be a ‘legdriving’ midfielder, using his power to breakaway from congestion and provide quality clearances for his side. With a booming kick, it became customary to see Urquhart charging through a contest and providing deep entries for his side. Urquhart’s game against a star-studded Vic Metro side demonstrated all his best attributes as an inside bull. With Metro boasting three potential top-five selections in their onball brigade, it was Urquhart who turned heads with a dominant first-half display, as he bound away from his opponents at stoppage in a commanding start to the game. While he faded out, he finished ...

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OLIVER WARBURTON

EASTERN RANGES WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Warburton is a rebound running machine off half-back, where he arguably played his best footy in 2024. While he didn’t set the world alight at the National Draft Combine, his style of play presents a strong speed-endurance mix and constant motion. Whether chasing up his own kick-ins, overlapping to receive, or carrying the ball with dare, Warburton offers plenty of drive out of the backline in repeat bursts. The 185cm prospect can hardly be faulted for effort. His work rate and intensity are also evident when rolling through midfield. There, he is a little more

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handball happy than in defence where his main distributive method is by foot. In both roles, Warburton is a high production player who can rack up possessions in chains and combine with teammates on the way forward. It’s why often times he will quite easily end up with 2530 disposals. Warburton’s surge style and work rate lend to his consistent output. He is regarded as a professional athlete who leaves no stone unturned in his preparation, and that translates ...

ATHLETICISM

CHARLIE WEST

EASTERN RANGES WESTERN AUSTRALIA

West’s one wood is clearly his contested marking ability. He averaged six marks per his 10 SANFL Under 18 appearances this year, with a third of them coming in a contest. Part of what makes him so effective is his strength, boasting a solid frame to post against and push off opponents before extending his arms at the ball. He also has a terrific leap, and proved it with the ninth-best vertical jump at the National Draft Combine. While dangerous deep inside 50, West is also capable of presenting up the ground or being an option down the line. He rates

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highly for speed, having clocked up a 2.96-second 20m sprint, and uses it to charge at the kicker fullchested. His attack on the ball is as authoritative as any key forward worth their salt, and the physicality he offers translates well when producing follow-up efforts to collect the loose ball. Given his physical attributes, West is capable of providing a chop-out in the ruck - albeit undersized at 194cm. His ability to prise clearances and blast the ball forward contributes to a ...

ATHLETICISM

BOYS AND GIRLS, AGES 9-18+

A - Z STATE COMBINE INVITES

ARIE SCHOENMAKER

DANDENONG STINGRAYS

Often referred to with ties to brother, Mac, Riak Andrew began to truly establish his own path to the top level in 2024. He returned to the Dandenong Stingrays as an over-ager and found a home in defence, where his improvements showed in the back-end of the year with competitive lockdown roles on dangerous key forwards. Perhaps the best marker of Andrew’s development from flashes of potential to a genuinely reliable backman came in his progressive matchups against Allies and Bendigo Pioneers forward, Jobe Shanahan. He kicked five goals on Andrew in the CTL and three in the National Championships, before being held goalless in the same Wildcard Round matchup. Andrew, a member of Melbourne’s NGA, has always been a noted athlete at 193cm with good speed off the mark and aerial ability, pointing towards good upside. He has also played in every third of the ground before nailing down a spot down back this year. Improvement came with a clean run of form, and at 193cm with rawness and a light frame, he still has potential to unlock.

DISPOSALSMARKS

BENNY BARRETT

ARIE SCHOENMAKER

South Adelaide livewire Benny Barrett is one of the most enjoyable players to watch in this year’s draft crop, credit to his electric speed and creativity. While measuring up at only 172cm, the Port Adelaide NGA member is a genuine impact player at the centre bounces, injecting life to the contest with his dancing feet and craft ground level work. Barrett showcased his pace at the state draft combine with a 20m sprint time of 2.913 seconds - good enough for fourth overall. He uses such athletic gifts to generate scoring chances, often bursting out of traffic, weaving through it, or turning opponents inside-out. Being a left-footer is also a handy point of difference which catches opponents out. While his x-factor makes for great viewing, Barrett can sometimes be erratic with his use by foot. Sharpening up that end product, particularly when moving at speed, will make him all the more damaging. Size is the other key question mark, though he is nimble enough, strong over the ball, and held up well in seven Reserves games this year.

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SOUTH ADELAIDE

TOM BELL

ARIE SCHOENMAKER

Despite injury impacting his year, South Fremantle’s Tom Bell remains on the draft radar. The key defender held his own at WAFL Colts level and was in top form before his season ended in Round 20 with what looked to be a leg injury. That came after an ankle concern scuppered his preparation for the National Championships. Bell still managed to break through for a single appearance in state colours, coming into the side after Darcy Petersen went down in game three. His aerial ability is quite strong, as shown by an average 5.2 marks per his 12 WAFL Colts appearances. Arguably his best performance yielded 27 disposals and 11 grabs against East Fremantle in Round 18. Bell’s ability to read the ball in flight and peel off to attack it makes him a capable interceptor. He is also capable of holding his own one-on-one and is hardly beaten in the air. In terms of improvement areas, he can be a touch mistake prone in his ball use by foot, though often distributes the ball that way. Durability will be a slight concern given his injury setbacks this year.

RILEY BICE

ARIE SCHOENMAKER

Riley Bice is one of the many Werribee recruits to have elevated their AFL Draft hopes as a mature-age prospect in the VFL. The dashing outside runner played an integral part in the Bees’ premiership triumph this year, bursting onto the scene to average 21.8 disposals across 21 games. The Murray Bushrangers graduate, who had previously played VFL footy with GWS, did so in a relatively new role. Bice’s exposure across half-back and the wing worked wonders, as his strengths were allowed to shine. Namely, he could utilise his daring overlap run and kicking ability on the way forward. Bice’s ball use is terrific and is part of what makes him such an effective, attacking defender. He goes by foot 76 per cent of the time and thrives when unleashed to the outside. On the flipside, he can still work on adding size to his frame and being a better contested ball winner, though has made improvements in both aspects and tends to execute a role which suits his best traits.

WERRIBEE

HUGH BOXSHALL

ARIE SCHOENMAKER

Claremont premiership Colt Hugh Boxshall is being considered a potential top 40 prospect after storming home with a wet sail in his top-age campaign. The midfielder missed out on a National Draft Combine invite, but dominated WA’s state meet to post overall podium finishes in the 2km time trial, agility test, and standing vertical jump. Boxshall’s endurance is arguably his most desirable trait, as he leans on his running capacity to impact around the ground, adding to his dominant clearance work. At 188cm, he has the size to stand up in tackles and distribute from the coalface, boasting a clean set of hands to shark the rucks’ taps. Boxshall’s late rise this year started at the National Championships, where he played the last three games for WA with averages of 18 disposals and five marks. He slotted in rather seamlessly to the Black Swans’ engine room, adding an edge at the contests and meeting the required work rate. He capped off his year with 30 touches in Claremont’s Colts Grand Final victory.

DISPOSALSMARKS

EVAN BRADLEY

ARIE SCHOENMAKER

North Adelaide small forward Evan Bradley has all the class required to be an effective small forward. The diminutive goalsneak is a crafty finisher capable of splitting the big sticks with either side of his foot or over the mark. A confidence player with a nose for goal, he booted 18 majors in the SANFL Under 18s this season and earned a Reserves berth. While his scoreboard impact is important, Bradley also sought to ensure he could keep up with the modern requirements of small forwards, fitness-wise. His ability to work up the ground as a high forward is terrific, creating separation on his opponent and hurting them on the way back to goal. Bradley’s agility is one of the factors which aids his scoring ability. He can turn opponents inside-out or cut back in for looks on goal, while also backing his line-breaking speed when grass is there to be taken. Size will be the one key question mark on him, as well as his consistency - he’s a ‘moments’ type of player who needs a good early moment to get going.

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NORTH ADELAIDE SOUTH AUSTRALIA

JOEL BROWN

ARIE SCHOENMAKER

Top prospect Bo Allan wasn’t the only Peel Thunder junior able to crack the senior grades in 2024, with Joel Brown paving his own path to WAFL League level. The 194cm key defender missed out on playing in the Thunder’s premiership side, but established himself with eight games in the top flight and five Reserves appearances. Brown, who missed only one Colts game last year and was selected for WA’s summer squad, was not part of the state’s Under 18 squad at the National Championships. Despite that, his form throughout the WAFL season caught the eye of AFL recruiters and he duly earned an invite to the state draft combine. There, he impressed with a 6:37 2km time trial. On top of his solid endurance base, Brown is a strongly-framed defender with handy closing speed. He can continue to work on his agility and continuing to be more expansive on the rebound, but has proven he is capable of fulfilling a role at senior level, and competing against mature opposition. He remains a smokey for the draft.

ROME BURGOYNE

ARIE SCHOENMAKER

Described as somewhat of a slow burn, Rome Burgoyne long been touted as having the most potential of the Burgoyne brothers (sons of Peter), but is now beginning to match his talent with training standards and work rate. He’s one of several players tied to Port Adelaide this year, via father-son eligibility. There are few smoother movers than those of the Burgoyne clan and Rome is no different. His deft shifts of the hips and poise with ball in hand are joys to watch, often capped off by neat ball use. Such composed decision making is why Burgoyne seems best suited to a role off half-back, having also rolled through midfield - he has the size and clean handling to do so. Perhaps the factor holding him back from more on-ball minutes is his endurance, which he has improved over the last year. He has also shown growth in his defensive acts, particularly in Woodville-West Torrens’ SANFL Under 18s Grand Final victory this season. If he can remain consistent in both departments, he can make the most of his offensive skillset.

SHAZZA J PHOTOGRAPHY ROOKIE ME CENTRAL

CHARLIE BURKE

ARIE SCHOENMAKER

Subiaco Colts skipper Charlie Burke could hardly have led his side any better in 2024. The specialist wingman, who also rotated onball, gave his all throughout 15 appearances and was one of the competition’s premier outside runners. He duly earned state Under 18 selection and shone in the tightly knit group. Burke’s running capacity helped the Black Swans move the ball fluently from end to end, as he held his width nicely to be an reliable outlet. His work rate was another key feature across all levels, working into all areas of the ground and applying himself defensively. Though still slightlybuilt, he doesn’t lack any heart or toughness. The 184cm prospect can still look to improve his contested game, and adding size will help him hold his composure under physical pressure. Burke is usually quite a neat and efficient user of the ball, so refining his kicking when running at full tilt or clearing a contest will only make him all the more effective.

DISPOSALSMARKS

TOM COCHRANE

ARIE SCHOENMAKER

Among the strong attacking profile of Central District’s Under 18 side this year was Tom Cochrane. The midfielder-forward is the son of Stuart, who played 104 games between North Melbourne (50) and Port Adelaide (54) - meaning Tom is not father-son eligible for either club. Offering powerful contested work and clearancewinning ability, Cochrane has the explosive streak that AFL clubs are searching for. He is gutsy overhead and clean at ground level, making for effective play through the middle of the ground. His power is also felt forward of centre, where Cochrane often hits the scoreboard. He is mostly sighted working high up the ground to help connect the play into attacking 50, leaning on his work rate and booming kick to do so. While such play is quite impactful, Cochrane can find improvement in his kicking. He’ll often wheel away with bursts of speed before blasting the ball inside 50, but is capable of being more precise when lowering his eyes. Being more composed, more often will allow him to better reach his deeper forwards.

SUBIACO

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CENTRAL DISTRICT SOUTH AUSTRALIA

ZANE COCHRANE

ARIE SCHOENMAKER

Oakleigh Chargers midfielder Zane Cochrane was pegged as an emerging prospect during preseason and did enough during season proper to warrant a state draft combine invite. The 187cm contested bull regularly imposed himself at the contest with his size and stoppage nous, playing his best games when getting stuck in going both ways. Cochrane’s points of difference come with his kick penetration and ability to take strong overhead marks. He’s also a reliable set shot goalkicker. Improvement will come, though, once he can sharpen up his field kicking and add composure to his disposal coming away from the contest. He could also find more outside ball by running harder on the spread and building his tank. Still, Cochrane has come a long way already. After making his Oakleigh Chargers debut in 2022, he managed only two appearances last year before upping that to 10 as a top-ager. He missed out on Vic Metro selection given the squad’s midfield depth, but made every post a winner otherwise.

DISPOSALSMARKS

1.5

WAYLON DAVEY-MOTLOP

ARIE SCHOENMAKER

One of the Northern Territory’s best prospects this year is Waylon Davey-Motlop, who has footballing royalty flowing through his veins. Davey-Motlop boards at Xavier College in Victoria and has been turning out for the Oakleigh Chargers at CTL level. There, he produced a couple of masterclasses in front of goal this season, including a five-goal haul in the Chargers’ Wildcard Round win over Calder. Davey-Motlop enjoys getting stuck into the contest and plays on the edge at times. It makes his goals all the more meaningful, too. Speaking of, his finishing ability is absurdly good. He can slot the ball home with checksides, snaps, dribbles or set shots, splitting the big sticks from a variety of angles and situations. He is hard to tie down in one-on-one situations and despite his small stature, has the frame to hold his own physically. He has ways to go when it comes to building the tank required to succeed at AFL level. If he can meet those standards and continue to evolve his game, the talent is certainly there.

OAKLEIGH CHARGERS

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OAKLEIGH CHARGERS NORTHERN TERRITORY

SAM DAVIDSON

ARIE SCHOENMAKER

Richmond’s Sam Davidson is the latest prospect to come off the production line that is Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal winners. The 190cm forward, who is studying medicine at Monash University, was plucked out of local footy in Gippsland to ply his trade in the VFL. His ascent this year has been astronomical. Davidson showcased his elite running capacity, blending speed and endurance, along with great aerial range to kick 26 goals across 17 games in his debut state league campaign. His exploits included a bag of six majors against Northern Bullants, and four against Port Melbourne, while also spending time on the wing. Having juggled his footballing development with study, he has come on quite quickly in an elite program and still has more potential to uncover. Improvement will come once he adds some size to his frame and continues his education in such a high-level system. Richmond found him first, but all clubs will be onto him come draft time.

DISPOSALSMARKS

TACKLESCLEARANCES

OLIVER DEAN

ARIE SCHOENMAKER

Oliver Dean was pegged as Tasmania’s leading draft prospect coming into the year, offering significant upside as a developing key position player. He was the Devils’ frontline ruck for much of the season, sharing the duties with bottom-ager Jasper Hay, and at times, over-ager Max Mapley. Dean was named in the National Academy and represented his country twice against VFL opposition. He has been made to showcase different sides to his game as a top-ager, most often trying his hand up forward where he’ll need to improve his aerial presence and ability to hit the scoreboard. There is also improvement left for Dean to make in terms of physicality. He showed nice signs in patches this season where he’d stand in packs or under high balls and pluck it cleanly overhead. His fundamental skills are quite neat for a his size, though he can work on being a more consistent and imposing presence throughout four quarters.

RICHMOND VFL

VICTORIA

RICHMOND FC

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TASMANIA DEVILS TASMANIA

JOSAIA DELANA

ARIE SCHOENMAKER

FWD/MID

ARIE SCHOENMAKER

Academy captain Josaia Delana is a prospect for Greater Western Sydney to consider as a club-tied talent. The diminutive midfielder-forward injects great energy to every passage he is involved in, boasting a wicked turn of speed and noted attacking instincts. As expected of a 176cm player, he is effective at ground level with his ability to swoop on loose balls and make things happen inside 50. He also applies himself defensively and showed as much with a whopping 12 tackles against Western Australia at the Under 18 National Championships. Delana’s size is the obvious drawback on paper, though he held his own throughout eight VFL appearances this season, having debuted in 2023. He even kicked the winning goal against Casey in Round 18 and proved his value as a pressure forward.

DISPOSALSMARKS

They say defence wins premierships and Woodville-West Torrens backman Tate Delmenico was a key figure in the Eagles’ Under 18 flag this year. The 190cm prospect earned state selection on the back of his aerial exploits, often playing above his size to shut down dangerous tall forwards and opposition attacks. Delmenico’s bread and butter is his marking ability. He leaps courageously at the ball and is able to clunk it with one grab more often than not. Whether splitting open a pack, outbodying his opponent one-on-one, or sitting in the defensive 50 hole, the 17-year-old is a dominant aerial presence. Measuring up below key position height, Delmenico arguably plays more like a tall and may have to lift his offensive output to become a more versatile option. As it stands, he is quite a penetrative kick but lacks composure and execution at times, so can look to set up the play and be a more prolific rebounding threat.

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ROOKIE ME CENTRAL WOODVILLE-WEST

JORDAN DOHERTY

ARIE SCHOENMAKER

Dandenong Stingrays ruck Jordan Doherty has emerged this year as a mobile ruck with plenty of potential. Having enjoyed a significant growth spurt over the last couple of years, he has been made to translate his game from being a tall wingman, to genuine key position player. Doherty was Dandenong’s primary ruck this season, though arguably played the role of a fourth midfielder around the contest. His mobility and clean fundamental skills saw him followup at ground level prolifically, also showcasing great agility to weave through traffic and run in waves. The 199cm over-ager presents significant upside in terms of how he plays, though certainly has some areas to work on. Doherty was outperformed in the ruck battle by several talls but would often beat them around the ground, so could perhaps develop as a key forward or back. Otherwise, building the tank, frame, and contested nous to ruck at the next level will be key to his success.

ASHER EASTHAM

ARIE SCHOENMAKER

An aerial specialist with the capacity to take spectacular marks, Asher Eastham’s exploits throughout the season were enough to earn him a state draft combine invite, despite not making the Vic Country squad. The Gippsland Power utility mostly settled up forward, where he kicked goals in each of his first nine games en route to a tally of 24. Eastham catches the eye with exciting glimpses. His highlight reel is terrific, featuring overhead marks at full stretch and classy finishes on goal. He is a tricky matchup inside 50 with his combination of good speed off the mark and a spring-heeled leap - not to mention his reach and clean set of hands. A late-season switch to defence also proved Eastham’s versatility. There, he was able to read the ball in flight and peel off to take excellent intercept marks, while also swinging forward when required. Eastham will find improvement once he builds a better running capacity to roam further up the ground and help connect the lines. It’ll make him a more consistent four-quarter performer, too.

TOM GILLETT

ARIE SCHOENMAKER

Fresh off an AFL premiership, the Brisbane Lions have two significant top-end talents to add to their list in 2024, and perhaps a tall at the back-end in Tom Gillett. The mobile tall has the attention of other clubs too, having earned a state draft combine invite this year. The Lions Academy product also donned the maroon, blue and gold at VFL level with a pair of appearances late in the season, including three goals on debut against Gold Coast. While ruck has often been his primary position, he doubles as a forward and can play in any key position post. Gillett’s ability to follow-up at the contest and cover ground is terrific, lending to a high-production style. While he can further improve his running capacity, such traits and versatility point towards high upside. Improvement will come once he adds a little more strength to his frame and begins to attack the ball with more vigour aerially, to become a greater contested marking force and more dominant ruck.

LUCCA GREGO

ARIE SCHOENMAKER

In a draft full of unique midfield prospects full of attacking flair, Lucca Grego stands out for his defensive appetite. He is clearly the Western Jets’ most high-profile talent this year and has carried that expectation to improve on his deficiencies, all while remaining a highly team-oriented player. He thrives on applying pressure and laying tackles, perhaps credit to his background as a rugby league junior. At the coalface and when intercept marking, Grego’s clean hands are highly noticeable. He adds touches of flair when running off half-back, particularly with his run-and-carry, but is primarily an honest and hard-working type. Credit to Grego, he has clearly looked to round out his game. Early in the season he struggled to drive his legs away from the contest and tended to dump kick, but adjusted nicely to be a more damaging stoppage player. That applied to his ball use from defence too, where he would normally blaze away on the run. He can still work on his goalkicking, though, having registered 7.14 for the season.

ARIE SCHOENMAKER

SANDRINGHAM DRAGONS

MID/FWD

Jhett Haeata has come a long way in a short amount of time in the Sandringham Dragons’ program. Flourishing with 10 games in 2024, the speedy utility finished third in his side’s best and fairest count despite having his season cut short by a gnarly broken arm in Round 16. While many of his highly credentialed teammates were off plying their trade at representative level, Haeata was a mainstay for the Dragons and thrived when shifted into midfield. There, he was able to showcase his ability to burst to the outside with an explosive turn of speed and the ability to gain quick metres. Haeata had also played off the wing and half-back, but added another role to his arsenal with forward rotations. His clean set of hands and searing speed saw him produce scoring opportunities, though some work can be done on his end product. Along with his tattoos and rat’s tail, such plays made him hard to miss on-field. Post-injury, Haeata can look to rebuild his running capacity.

DISPOSALSMARKS

1.5

OLIVER HANNAFORD

ARIE SCHOENMAKER

Oliver Hannaford’s big-game performances towards the end of the season have him pegged as one of this year’s biggest draft bolters. Perhaps his crowning performance was the six-goal haul against Geelong in a quarter final upset, though Hannaford had burst onto the scene with five majors against Oakleigh three weeks prior having been overlooked for a National Draft Combine invite. Instead, he turned out at the state event, placing first in the agility test (7.922 seconds). His powerful athletic attributes do justice to a high-intensity style, whereby he attacks the ball hard and leaves a mark on opponents with punishing defensive pressure. In terms of improvement areas, the all-action prospect can look to add a touch of polish to his game. His kicking on the run can sometimes waver, though he is quite sharp in front of goal and seems to thrive on significant moments. Endurance is another, as he has all the relevant explosive attributes but ran a 7:26 2km time trial at the state combine.

JORDAN SACCHETTA/AFL PHOTOS

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GWV REBELS

VIC COUNTRY

ZAC HARDING

ARIE SCHOENMAKER

Zac Harding has the hallmarks of a competitive, old-school ruck. The Murray Bushrangers prospect is a physically imposing tall who fulfils his duty of winning the initial contest, but also throws his strong frame around at the fall of the ball and will make his presence felt defensively. Such play leads to high-production games, where Harding amasses hitouts, tackles, clearances, and marks around the ground. While contested marking has been an area for improvement, Harding is quite solid overhead and is capable of helping the defence or sneaking forward to impact aerially. Improvement will come once Harding can get an extended run on-field and enhance his running capacity. He is also less athletic than other talls going around, but has a more mature frame. Harding is the son of former Fitzroy player, Dean, and models his game on St Kilda’s Rowan Marshall.

DISPOSALSMARKS

TACKLESHITOUTS

JETT HASTING

ARIE SCHOENMAKER

Woodville-West Torrens prospect Jett Hasting is made of leadership material. He proved it by putting in a best afield performance as the Eagles took out this year’s SANFL Under 18 premiership, posting 20 disposals, seven tackles and a goal to help drag his side over the line in a nailbiting decider. At the crux of Hasting’s game, leadership qualities aside, is his running capacity. He covers the ground well with a strong work ethic and is accustomed to producing line-breaking bursts on the outside. On the inside, he’s a strong competitor who uses his frame to post off opponents and extract the hard ball. Though, given his primary role will likely be off half-back at senior level, Hasting can look to work on his ball use. He is capable of delivering neat short passes but sometimes is forced to revert to that style having been a little too cute with earlier attempts. Speed is another key improvement area.

MURRAY BUSHRANGERS

ROOKIE ME CENTRAL

KADE HERBERT

ARIE SCHOENMAKER

MURRAY BUSHRANGERS

Kade Herbert has been somewhat of a jack-of-all-trades across the last two seasons. Spending plenty of time in Woodville-West Torrens’ senior side, amassing 11 games overall, the Yorke Peninsula native has been reliable out on the wing but is also a capable onballer, and can play the high forward role effectively. Often renowned as the ultimate teammate, Herbert’s work rate is outstanding. He runs as hard as anyone and applies himself unconditionally in defensive phases, which is hard to come by for midfielders at the junior level. With ball in hand, Herbert’s poise and decision making are notable traits, along with his clean handling. While certainly a natural footballer, Herbert is not quite so blessed with speed and athleticism. Having recognised as much, he sought to work on his explosiveness and displayed a desire to take the game on when possible. Both factors will help enhance his hurt factor on the attack. Herbert was a premiership player with the Eagles’ Under 18 side this year.

DISPOSALSMARKS

LENNOX HOFMANN

ARIE SCHOENMAKER

An emerging prospect out of St Kilda’s Next Generation Academy, Lennox Hofmann is one of many Sandringham premiership players in line to be drafted. The tall defender essentially took over Luke Trainor’s role as a roaming intercept and rebound defender to help the Dragons win a third-straight flag. Hofmann, who is club-tied due to his parents’ Swiss heritage, also lit up the state draft combine with his 20m time of 2.861 seconds - the best overall. He utilises it to burst away with assuredness on the rebound, leaving opponents in his wake. It also comes in handy when closing in on the contest to intercept, which he does with a clean set of hands. Being able to read the play so well has made Hofmann an effective third tall defender. While he can perhaps work on some of his kicking execution, he is generally composed and distributes the ball well. The other key area for improvement is his one-on-one defending. He was tested by the likes of Cooper Hynes and Harvey Langford in this year’s preliminary final, but made adjustments to turn the tide.

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SANDRINGHAM DRAGONSVIC METRO

DAMON HOLLOW

ARIE SCHOENMAKER

You’d be hard pressed to find a better, more tenacious competitor than Damon Hollow. The Calder Cannons captain set the tone for his side all season and was duly rewarded with Vic Metro selection, where he was made to showcase his team-first approach. While primarily a midfielder with Calder, he was shifted to the wing, down back, and ended the year with a good run up forward before being struck down with a fractured neck in Wildcard Round. Hollow attacks the contest with vigour and is a gutsy aerial player, capable of sitting on heads or putting his body on the line for strong marks at full stretch. He also is a booming kick of the ball and gains metres quickly on the back of his explosive contest exits. While Hollow is an effective long-range kick, he could perhaps benefit from showing more composure and lowering his eyes when storming into attack. Such play will allow him to become a more polished ball user, though you don’t want to completely nullify the impact of his effective metres-gained advances.

LUCAS IMPEY

ARIE SCHOENMAKER

Western Jets over-ager Lucas Impey established himself as the CTL’s premier ruck in 2024, earning Team of the Year honours and being Vic Metro’s primary choice in its undefeated run to the title. The 198cm former basketballer has come on strongly, even earning a VFL berth with Williamstown. Impey’s speed for his size is outstanding, running a 2.99-second 20m sprint at the state draft combine. He utilises it on the field to hunt the opposition, and he is desperate to impact beyond the initial ruck contest. Averaging 14 disposals and five tackles in 11 CTL games means that shows in the numbers, too. He also remains a physically dominant hitout winner, averaging 30 per game. Improvement will come as he continues to build his running capacity, aiding his marking ability around the ground. Impacting the scoreboard will also help Impey take the next step, as despite spending a good amount of time up forward this season, he only booted two goals in Western Jets colours - both in the same game.

ROOKIE ME CENTRAL

WESTERN JETS VIC METRO

ARIE SCHOENMAKER

MID/FWD

Xavier Ivisic is a midfielder whose running capacity sets him apart. Capable of driving his legs to the outside and spreading harder than others, he has also worked on becoming a more prominent figure at the contest to compliment his strong work rate. Ivisic boasts a high footy IQ to run both hard and smart patterns, getting into all the right spots both as a midfielder and high forward. He split his time between both roles over the last two seasons and has been a consistent accumulator, posting between 20-29 disposals in each of his six CTL games this season. While certainly a neat user of the ball with good shortrange skills and one-touch handling, Ivisic can perhaps work on enhancing his impact per possession. Particularly if he begins his career on the outside or up forward, being able to hurt the opposition consistently will be key to his success.

DISPOSALSMARKS

ZAK JOHNSON

ARIE SCHOENMAKER

Few players are capable of using the ball better than Northern Knights co-captain Zak Johnson. The 185cm utility possesses wicked foot skills which are complimented by his vision and sound decision making. While a shoulder injury cut his season short and prevented him from testing at the state draft combine, Johnson still managed to fill his trophy cabinet. He took home the Knights’ best and fairest award and was best afield as Parade College won its second consecutive Herald Sun Shield. Johnson uses his speed to break the lines and can carve up the opposition with his ball use. That same speed is useful when evading tacklers around the contest, or as he wheels around to get a shot on goal. Where Johnson can look to improve is in his running patterns and defensive work. He could improve his contested work too, as he relies on being quite evasive but is perhaps best suited as a second possession winner who can be released on the outside.

GEELONG FALCONS

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NORTHERN KNIGHTS VIC METRO

BEN KENNEDY

ARIE SCHOENMAKER

MURRAY BUSHRANGERS

A prospect who has performed strongly for little fuss in 2024 is Ben Kennedy. Despite flying under the radar, he played out a full national carnival for the Allies and was a reliable asset both in the APS competition with Xavier College, and for Murray Bushrangers in the Coates Talent League. Most often utilised as a lockdown defender, Kennedy performed his role with few frills but plenty of effectiveness. He displayed an aptitude in playing on both small and tall forwards, shutting them down with high accountability and deceptively good closing speed. While arguably an in-between size at 189cm, Kennedy is strong in the air and also uses the ball well coming out of defence. There, is capable of carrying the ball in short spurts and distributing it soundly by foot, boasting quite punchy kicking. He could certainly lift that kind of offensive output though, currently being a relatively low-production player in favour of playing a team-oriented role.

DISPOSALSMARKS

LUKE KENNEDY

ARIE SCHOENMAKER

Not many players win senior best and fairests at 16-yearsold. It’s an honour Luke Kennedy has under his belt, doing so at Ormond last year. Kennedy is a terrific user of the boasting a clean set of hands and great vision to get him out of trouble. He is also extremely dual-footed, proving a natural footballer who is fleet of thought. Those traits, along with his endurance, make up for his lack of explosive pace. While tested out on a wing early in the year, Kennedy thrived when given the opportunity to run through the Dragons’ engine room. His defensive accountability allowed others to shine on the way forward, though he got his own hands on the ball and was an underrated figure in the region’s third-consecutive premiership. Improvement will come in his speed and outside game, though he is a hard worker and effective ball user already.

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SANDRINGHAM DRAGONSVIC METRO

NASH KING

ARIE SCHOENMAKER

Nash King had to fight through adversity this year to showcase his best form. Coming off a strong bottom-age campaign where he represented Vic Metro, the midfielder sustained a hamstring injury in preseason but went on to make three more appearances in the Big V as a top-ager. He produced a strong back-end of the season, stringing together a run of four CTL games with 30-plus disposals between Rounds 16-19. Around 14 of his average 24 disposals this season were handballs, indicating his high concentration of stoppage possessions. King sees himself as an explosive inside midfielder in the mould of Jason Horne-Francis. He boasts an explosive sidestep and is clean at the contest, able to win first possession and distribute cleanly to teammates. While he has his inside game down pat, becoming a more expansive outside runner and ball user will enhance King’s hurt factor. He was made to double in a few roles this year due to Vic Metro’s prolific mainstay midfielders.

DISPOSALSMARKS

1.5

MITCHELL KIRKWOOD-SCOTT

ARIE SCHOENMAKER

Running half-backs are often seen as dime-a-dozen, but Mitchell Kirkwood-Scott has done enough to break through as a draft prospect. The Haileybury College captain was part of last year’s APS title and after making just one Coates Talent League appearance last year, became a premiership player in 2024. Regarded as one of the best kicks in Sandringham Dragons’ side, Kirkwood-Scott is a creative force in the high defender role. He goes by foot nearly 80 per cent of the time and often compounds his line-breaking speed by thumping the ball long. He’s the type of player who can turn defence into attack with such forays. Kirkwood-Scott is quite well rounded when it comes to his role. He sets up well behind the ball and is an apt interceptor, even holding his own one-on-one to support the offensive drive he offers. In terms of improvements, he could perhaps show a little more composure when deciding whether to go quickly or not. Enhancing his pressure/tackling game will also help him stand out as a small defender.

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SANDRINGHAM DRAGONSVIC METRO

AJANG KUOL MUN

ARIE SCHOENMAKER

Ajang Kuol mun has come a long way to be considered an AFL Draft prospect, and has a long way to go yet. The 22-year-old, born in a Kenyan refugee camp, is a soccer convert who caught the eye playing local footy for Anakie last year. He trained with Geelong’s VFL side and in just his second season of football, played five state league games. While the Cats’ booming tall stocks meant he was squeezed back out to local level for much of the year, Kuol mun managed to earn a state combine invite and is considered a prospect with genuine upside. The 202cm talent showed his wares with the top running vertical jump score nationwide (90cm), despite injuring his knee on the attempt. His competitive nature saw him complete the remaining tests, including the 2km time trial. Endurance is clearly an improvement area, though few could fault his overall work ethic. On the flipside, Kuol mun boasts terrific speed for a tall and is capable of battling to get first hand to the ball.

DISPOSALSMARKS

1.5

HITOUTSTACKLES

BLAKE LEIDLER

ARIE SCHOENMAKER

A dashing defender who can also hold his own one-on-one, Blake Leidler has plenty of weapons in his arsenal. He proved during the APS season with Wesley College that he can go forward, has been tasked with shutting down dangerous opponents like Jesse Dattoli and Oliver Hannaford, and boasts electric speed - as shown by his 2.89-second 20m sprint at the state draft combine. Leidler arguably played his best football down back and when not made to lock down on a direct opponent, showcased his aggressive rebound running ability. He’s capable of relentlessly overlapping through the corridor and connecting the field in a flash, before compounding the metres gained effect by thumping a long kick forward. While his whirlwind attacking forays make for great entertainment, becoming a more accountable defender came with the education of being a touch less so. He could also be more composed when setting off forward, which will help his decision making process and thus iron out his overall execution.

DYLAN BURNS/AFL PHOTOS MARTIN KEEP/AFL PHOTOS

OAKLEIGH CHARGERS VIC METRO

DANIEL LOWTHER

ARIE SCHOENMAKER

Geelong Falcons spearhead Daniel Lowther showed enough to earn a state draft combine invite come season’s end, having kicked 18 goals in 13 games for the minor premiers. The 199cm key forward showcased good mobility on the lead and strong marking prowess which formed the crux of his game. Lowther produced seven multiple-goal games throughout the season, including a high of three against Gippsland Power in Round 12. He finished the campaign strongly with hauls of 2.4 and 2.2 in the Falcons’ final two games, also taking a combined nine marks between either performance. Having been held goalless just thrice, Lowther consistently hit the scoreboard, but could have been a little more consistent throughout four quarters each week. Improving his running capacity will help him utilise his strengths more often and be an effective secondary ruck, as he was for the Falcons this year.

DISPOSALSMARKS

1.5

LOCH MACTAGGART

ARIE SCHOENMAKER

Perth’s Loch Mactaggart has proven his ability to perform a variety of roles down back, possessing the versatility to either lock down on an opponent or run free on the rebound. His explosiveness was observed at the state draft combine, where he performed well across the board and achieved top five overall finishes in the standing and running vertical jumps. A tenacious and crafty defender, Mactaggart can intercept and pocket dangerous forwards with such powerful athletic traits. He also utilises his speed on the attack, driving forward with aggressive rebound run. In combination with other small-medium backs, he not only mops up the spills, but quickly gets the ball moving in transition. Mactaggart’s kicking is also quite accurate and can be incisive when attacking the corridor. Given his 71 per cent uncontested possession rate at the National Championships, perhaps he could become a more prolific accumulator of the ball to compound his impact over four quarters. Even developing in a second position, perhaps on the wing or as a pressure forward, could enhance his stocks.

GEELONG FALCONS

SCOTT SIDLEY/AFL PHOTOS

KEIGHTON MATOFAI-FORBES

ARIE SCHOENMAKER

Keighton Matofai-Forbes is a highly regarded prospect at the Western Jets, and was voted in as captain to start his top-age campaign. The 188cm power forward is also capable of playing across half-back, with his penetrative kicking skills and competitive nature at the core of such versatility. A strong unit, Matofai-Forbes holds his own one-on-one and is not afraid to thrown his frame around to impact the opposition. He has the right amount of mongrel to impose himself on games both offensively and defensively, fully utilising his physical gifts. While Matofai-Forbes is certainly capable of pulling off spectacular passes and breaking the lines by foot, sometimes his flat kicking can be to the detriment of teammates. He can look to improve his composure with ball in hand and steady up in front of goal, while also rebuilding his endurance base on the back of some injury setbacks.

DISPOSALSMARKS

TOM MCKAY

ARIE SCHOENMAKER

Tom McKay possesses raw talent. The tall defender is capable of playing at either end of the ground, and at 192cm, is an eye-catching aerialist. He showcased impressive spring while representing SA at this year’s National Championships, and also for Glenelg’s Under 18 outfit which won the minor premiership. McKay’s mobility and versatility point towards great upside. He is a strong interceptor, but is just as capable as a marking threat up forward. He booted goals in each of his last three outings this season, along with a bag of three against eventual premier, Woodville-West Torrens. He also reeled in a whopping six contested marks in that game. Improvement will come as McKay continues to fill out his slight frame. Adding size will allow him to clunk even more overhead marks and hold his own one-on-one, rather than always relying on his mobility and spring. In doing so, his impact will be more consistently sustained. He is somewhat of an in-between size too - not quite key position but tall enough to compete in that realm.

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GLENELG SOUTH AUSTRALIA

BAILEY MCKENZIE

ARIE SCHOENMAKER

SANDRINGHAM DRAGONS

Sandringham Dragons premiership player Bailey McKenzie produced a couple of the standout performances of this year’s Coates Talent League season. He broke out with 23 disposals, 13 marks and seven goals in Round 5, before establishing his credentials with six majors from 20 touches and 11 marks in the preliminary final. A dynamic 192cm forward, McKenzie is quite rangy and excels aerially. His mobility is handy when leading at the kicker, though he also has the ability to take speccies or improvise one-handed marks. Either way, his pronounced flair and nimble nature points to high upside, particularly given his mercurial ability in front of goal. While he showed an ability and willingness to work up the ground late in the season, that kind of work rate was not as evident when McKenzie was camped inside 50 earlier in the year and with Vic Metro. Using his athletic gifts up the ground will be important, to compliment his inside 50 craft. He could also become more consistent from quarter to quarter and with his finishing.

DISPOSALSMARKS

1.5

RICKY MENTHA

ARIE SCHOENMAKER

A native of Alice Springs who relocated to complete his footballing education in Victoria, Ricky Mentha is a crafty small prospect. He is tied to Melbourne’s NGA and showed signs of great growth after training with the Dees for two weeks during preseason. Turning out for the Northern Territory, Gippsland Power, Allies, and National Academy, Mentha has enjoyed plenty of opportunities to further his development. He has most often been utilised as a small forward where his creativity and goal sense shine, though has also been exposed to the wing.

A late-season move to defence helped further outline Mentha’s versatility. After a couple of injury setbacks, it seemed as if he regained some of his zip and confidence, while being able to use his smarts to make good reads and rebound the ball. Mentha, an agile and evasive talent, still has plenty of development left. He can certainly strengthen his endurance base, which will help him maintain a consistent output and apply greater defensive pressure. Adding some size will also aid his ability to execute skills under physical pressure.

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GIPPSLAND POWER NORTHERN TERRITORY

JACOB MOLIER

ARIE SCHOENMAKER

Jacob Molier put his name on the map after a sensational performance at the South Australian draft combine. The Sturt tall placed fifth nationwide in the 20m sprint (2.920 seconds) and was deceptively nimble across the agility test, especially for a 201cm prospect. Now, he firms as a potential draft smokey. Athleticism is a clear strength of Molier’s which points to significant upside. He possesses strong ruck craft though, able to get first hand to the ball and guide it to the advantage of teammates. Some of his best hits were utterly brilliant, though he was made to rotate forward with the continued emergence of Alex Dodson. While otherwise excellent across the board, Molier’s 2km time trial was his weakest event at the state draft combine. Building that running capacity will help boost his production levels and get involved more around the ground, rather than just in the ruck contest or when winning clearances. He could also improve his set shot goalkicking to enhance his impact as a forward.

DISPOSALSMARKS

1.5

HITOUTSCLEARANCES

LOUIE MONTGOMERY

ARIE SCHOENMAKER

Port Adelaide is blessed with club-tied talent this year and father-son prospect Louie Montgomery is among them. The son of 2004 premiership player Brett is a high half-back who has the athletic profile to play in each third of the ground, and has done so. Montgomery is powerfully built and has an array of explosive traits. His aerial ability is aided by a spring-heeled vertical leap, which sees him soar to intercept down back or take speccies up forward. His burst of speed is useful when transitioning the ball, while his agility makes him a potential midfielder down the line, or dangerous forward 50 craftsman. While he can add composure to his high-octane style, he generally gains plenty of metres and has the ability to win back whatever turnovers he causes. Montgomery has hardly been able to showcase his traits with continuity due to injury setbacks, so hopefully he can gain some consistency in his training at the elite level. Port will already have had a good look at him during his time in the SANFL Rookie program.

MARK BRAKE/AFL PHOTOS

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NORTH ADELAIDE SOUTH AUSTRALIA

ARIE SCHOENMAKER

MURRAY BUSHRANGERS

Powerhouse forward Josh Murphy kicked goals for fun in 2024. He led the Coates Talent League goalkicking charts with 32 majors in 11 games, including three bags of six. Having captained the Allies, he also booted the representative side’s most goals with seven in four appearances. An explosive unit, the 190cm forward is capable of playing above his height with strong overhead marking. Murphy proved as much by recording the highest standing vertical jump at this year’s state draft combine, leaping 74cm. He translates that onfield with his aerial exploits. Murphy has a good set of hands and his forward craft makes his dangerous both on the lead, or when the ball hits the deck. Although, he can become more versatile by working harder up the ground and lifting his defensive output, given he spends so much time deep inside attacking 50. As far as goalkickers go, though, few have been more effective this year.

DISPOSALSMARKS

JAYDEN NGUYEN

ARIE SCHOENMAKER

Essendon fans were buoyed by an excellent showing by Bombers

NGA member Jayden Nguyen at the state draft combine. The small utility achieved top five finishes in the 20m sprint, agility test, standing, and running vertical jumps. Speed has been a central part of Nguyen’s game. He’s a strong runner who dares to take the game on with every possession, driving his legs and stepping through traffic. While sometimes he can run into trouble with one too many risks, he is capable of catching the opposition flatfooted. While relatively small and lightly framed, Nguyen is highly competitive. Such a nature helped him stand out and earn a call-up to the National Academy as an injury replacement player. Nguyen was tested in a variety of roles throughout the year. Having cut his teeth on the wing, he found a home across half-back but was also trialed up forward and through midfield. He knows where to find the footy, but execution and decision making will be the main areas for him to polish up at the top level.

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CALDER CANNONS VIC METRO

CHARLIE ORCHARD

ARIE SCHOENMAKER

DANDENONG STINGRAYS

Charlie Orchard has gone from not playing a game in his injury plagued bottom-age year, to becoming one of Dandenong Stingrays’ most integral backmen as a top-ager in 2024. The rangy 190cm defender’s rapid improvement also caught the eye of AFL recruiters, who nominated him to attend the Victorian state draft combine. Often taking on a tall opponent, Orchard balances his defensive acts with strong offensive drive. He backs himself to carry the ball at speed and link up on the rebound, often finishing his work by distributing by foot. While he could be a little more composed in those instances, he can hurt the opposition when it comes off. His versatility in that sense makes him a player with nice upside who could be effective at the next level, should he put all the pieces together. While capable of reading the play and impacting aerially, Orchard can continue to fill out his frame to make the adjustment to senior footy easier. It will also allow him to apply physicality and stick tackles.

DISPOSALSMARKS

ELWOOD PECKETT

ARIE SCHOENMAKER

St Kilda is set to benefit from having several club-tied draft prospects in 2024, one of them being Elwood Peckett. Connected to the Saints via father-son eligibility (son of Justin), the 186cm midfielder-forward burst onto the scene in 2024. Peckett was named in the Dandenong Stingrays’ leadership group and had been flagged as one to watch in preseason. He well and truly broke out with a massive performance against Murray Bushrangers in Round 17, amassing 25 disposals, nine marks and five goals. While he couldn’t quite crack Vic Country selection, Peckett continued to be a mainstay for the Stingrays and elevated his game when star names were unavailable due to representative commitments. His size and power are assets at the contest, while he also gets stuck in defensively and has a knack for finding the goals from obscure angles and distances. In terms of improvement areas, endurance is certainly one. Peckett is capable of covering the ground nicely and chaining possessions, but will need to build a better running base to play full-time midfield.

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DANDENONG STINGRAYSVIC COUNTRY

DARCY PETERSEN

ARIE SCHOENMAKER

Darcy Petersen has been a staple of the West Australian state team from Under 16s through to the 18s squad in 2024, nailing down a role down back. The red-headed defender is hard to miss out on the field with his fierce attack on the aerial ball and ability to make eye-catching intercepts. Decently mobile at 193cm, Petersen also works to rebound the ball when able to consistently get his hands on it. He made three appearances for the state side this year where he largely played lockdown roles, like on dangerous South Australian spearhead Tyler Welsh, who he kept to three touches. Petersen injured his MCL in the third state game against Vic Metro and was sidelines for two months, but managed to get back on the park for a pair of WAFL Reserves outings with Peel Thunder. He is a capable key back, albeit a little undersized, and can work on his conditioning with a clean bill of health.

1.5

JAY POLKINGHORNE

ARIE SCHOENMAKER

Somewhat of an unknown out of the South Australian crop, Jay Polkinghorne remains on the draft radar despite missing out on the National Championships. A knee injury in preseason scuppered his early run, though he did enough thereafter to be called up to Norwood’s Reserves. There, Polkinghorne ended up a premiership player after bagging two goals from 17 disposals and eight marks in the Grand Final. Such was his scoreboard impact this season, that throughout five Reserves appearances and six in the Under 18s, he was never held goalless. Among the range of weapons at Polkinghorne’s disposal are his marking ability and reliable set shot routine. He moves well for a player his size but is also strong overhead, drawing comparisons to Charlie Curnow. On top of that, he finishes his chances over the mark with assuredness. Polkinghorne has a ways to go if he is to meet Curnow’s running capacity, however. Having the disrupted preseason doesn’t help, and while he can be an effective link player up the line, it won’t hurt to continue to build his endurance base.

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CORY SUTTON/SANFL

NORWOOD SOUTH AUSTRALIA

ARIE SCHOENMAKER

LUKE QUAYNOR

Another Quaynor has been rising through the ranks this year in Luke, the brother of Collingwood’s Isaac. He’s clearly cut from the same cloth as a strong and competitive small defender who punches above his weight, though is less further along than his elder sibling was at the same age. Quaynor is often entrusted with the kick-in duties, showcasing neat skills in the short-range, while also locking down on dangerous small forwards. Capable of playing above his size, Quaynor posted the equal-second best running vertical jump at the state draft combine (89cm). He translated that data on-field with prolific marking games, proving gutsy in the defensive hole and intercepting the ball cleanly at full stretch. Quaynor was also trialed in a few different positions, most often having a late run in midfield while also having a go up forward where his pressure may be of more use to Collingwood. The NGA product still showed his best form down back, but can improve both his speed and endurance to make the next step.

DISPOSALSMARKS

HARRISON RAMM

ARIE SCHOENMAKER

Glenelg tall Harrison Ramm is among the exciting key position players who have emerged to turn this year’s crop from a midfield-heavy intake, to a potential super draft. Primarily a key defender, he is also capable of rolling through the ruck with his terrific aerial range and attack on the ball. Still growing at 201cm, he is quite mobile for his size and possesses a strong running ability. Ramm ran a 6:29 2km time trial at the South Australian state draft combine and is quite agile when the ball hits the deck, hence why he so effectively doubles as a ruck. He can also swing forward, such is his versatility. Though his reading of the play is best suited to peeling off for intercept marks, Ramm can work on adding size to his frame to fare better in one-on-one duels, thus becoming a more well-rounded key back. Working on his speed will also help to close in on the aerial contest and help keep up with similarly athletic talls.

OAKLEIGH CHARGERS

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GLENELG

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

ARIE SCHOENMAKER

Greater Western Victoria (GWV) converted Jay Rantall from a basketballer to draft prospect back in 2019, and have done the same with younger brother Wil five years down the line. The junior sibling poses as a much different player, plying his trade as a tall defender at 192cm. He possesses great speed and mobility for his size, able to close in on opponents and impact the aerial contest. His work rate is quite strong across the backline and he is quite competitive in one-on-one situations, though still has elements of rawness to his game. A broken collarbone sustained in Round 3 of the Coates Talent League kept Rantall out of action for two months, but he returned in Round 16 and played out the season. Especially given his in-between size, Rantall can look to boost his production level on the rebound and rebuild his endurance base.

PATRICK RETSCHKO

ARIE SCHOENMAKER

A strong preseason had Patrick Retschko’s name on everybody’s lips, with the hard-running utility primed to make a significant step in his top-age campaign. He ended up performing strongly across multiple levels, proving a mainstay for Vic Metro, Oakleigh Chargers, and Carey Grammar. Retschko’s running ability is second to none. He would be seen warming up by running laps of the field, getting a couple of kilometres under his belt before adding another 15 ingame. A 6:07 2km time trial only confirmed his elite endurance at the state draft combine. That kind of base meant his game would be applicable to a variety of roles this season. Starting on the wing, he also had a go running off half-back and through midfield. Retschko has the size to impact at stoppages and around the ground, often taking strong overhead grabs. He could perhaps enhance the defensive side of his game with more pressure acts and the like, especially if he is to play down back. Kicking on the run is another improvement area, as his execution tends to waver.

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OAKLEIGH CHARGERS VIC METRO

ARIE SCHOENMAKER

A player said to have ‘Rohr’ talent, Claremont ruck Max Rohr has put his name in the draft conversation as an over-ager. The 195cm prospect played a full season in the WAFL Reserves grade, helping his Tigers reach the Grand Final between his representative commitments with Western Australian. Rohr presents as quite a nimble tall with handy skills, able to clunk the ball overhead and use it well in open play. He showcased great touch for a bigman at the Under 18 National Championships, where he mostly played as a key forward and produced a few fantastic finishes on goal. Four of his five majors for the Black Swans came against South Australia, where he came to life with two goals in as many minutes. Rohr has the capacity to impact in exciting bursts, but can work on building his endurance base in order to become a more consistent four-quarter performerespecially up forward where he’ll likely remain at 195cm.

DISPOSALSMARKS

TALLAN ROSENZWEIG

ARIE SCHOENMAKER

A late call-up to the South Australian draft combine hints at AFL interest in Central District key forward Tallan Rosenzweig. The 18-year-old most often plays deepest inside 50 where he clunks contested marks and gets loose on the lead. Rosenzweig’s leading patterns are terrific, as he reacts to the play further afield and times his moves well. When unable to get separation, he often uses his reach to reel the ball in and is capable of absorbing contact while doing so. While 35 goals in 16 SANFL Under 18s games is nothing to scoff at, Rosenzweig certainly could have had plenty more. He booted 23 behinds and saw several set shot attempts either fall short or fade out of bounds, so coming up with a reliable routine will help him take full advantage of his forward 50 dominance. Rosenzweig’s contested marking numbers are also quite strong, though he is lightly framed and will benefit from adding size to his frame if senior football comes calling.

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CHARLIE ROZENES

ARIE SCHOENMAKER

SANDRINGHAM DRAGONS

Somewhat of a smokey out of the prolific Sandringham Dragons region, Charlie Rozenes put his name in lights with a mega performance during the Victorian representative trials. While he fell short of making the final Metro squad, his bag of goals in Werribee showed he was there to be counted. Rozenes also missed the final cut of Sandringham’s list last year, but rallied to break through as a top-ager. He made six appearances for the Dragons between school football commitments with Wesley College, before having his year cut short by a hamstring injury in Wildcard Round. Having been made to sit on the sidelines for Sandringham’s third-consecutive flag, and at the state draft combine, Rozenes remains a prospect on the radar. His smarts and power running are highly regarded, whether as a high forward or closer to goal where he proved so effective early in the year.

DISPOSALSMARKS

PATRICK SAID

ARIE SCHOENMAKER

A prospect who has flown under the radar this year, Patrick Said is rightly highly rated at the Calder Cannons and earned enough fanfare to warrant a state draft combine invite. The midfielderforward is full of class. He often assesses his options nicely and shows great poise to side-step opponents, leaning on his agility to do so. His clean set of hands and neat skills make for efficient work in the front half of the ground. Perhaps the most pleasing factor of Said’s consistent season was his scoreboard impact. He kicked goals in all bar his first two appearances, tallying 23 majors in 14 games with a clinical conversion rate. Improvements are difficult to pinpoint for such a well-rounded player, as Said tends to do a lot of things right. He could perhaps become a more prolific accumulator of possessions, having averaged 18.4 throughout the season, but is more a ‘20 and two’ kind of operator. Size is what may hold him back as an on-baller, though shouldn’t be a factor in his classy work up forward.

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CALDER CANNONS VIC METRO

JACOB SHEEAN

ARIE SCHOENMAKER

South Adelaide Under 18 captain Jacob Sheean has been a reliable figure for the Panthers across two seasons. He featured in 20 games last year en route to premiership success, before skippering in 10 appearances as a top-ager between his representative commitments, and going on to turn out in South’s Reserves side late in the year. The rangy key defender is a reliable distributor out of the backline, often opting to go by foot - of his average 19.1 disposals in the Under 18s this season, 16.9 were kicks. While he could do with some added composure at times to make his execution more secure, Sheean generally is a calm head across the last line who sets the play up. He also reads the game quite well and is a capable intercept marker, if not, he chimes in with a timely spoil. Sheean’s leadership tropes saw him take on dangerous key forwards throughout the season, balancing his offensive attributes with important defensive work. Adding a bit more size to better compete one-on-one will help him step up to the next level.

DISPOSALSMARKS

1.5

NATHANIEL SULZBERGER

ARIE SCHOENMAKER

Highlighted as one to watch during preseason, Nathaniel Sulzberger began to deliver on that promise late in the year. The powerful midfielder-forward hails from Tasmania, but won the Coates Talent League premiership with Sandringham Dragons this year having headed north to board at Caulfield Grammar. Much of the hype around Sulzberger derived from his blend of explosive traits and endurance running. At 187cm, he ran a 6:17 2km time trial at the state draft combine to put him in the top five nationwide, but also offered the capacity to fly for strong overhead marks and fend off opponents at the contest. After a steady start and steadier National Championships with the Allies, Sulzberger showed marked improvement late in the season. His kicking inside 50 was much more assured and effective, with the Tasmanian lowering his eyes and delivering with conviction. His use by hand was always quite sound, especially when exiting stoppages and chaining up in running waves.

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SANDRINGHAM DRAGONSTASMANIA

ARIE SCHOENMAKER

DANDENONG STINGRAYS

A genuine smokey who has come from the clouds to be considered a draft chance this year is Dandenong Stingrays forward Sam Toner. He spent most of the year kicking bags of goals in local footy for Narre Warren, booting 50 before earning a call-up to the Coates Talent League. He was an over-ager, and had never been an interleague representative. The 19-year-old’s rapid development translated to 10 goals in his first three CTL appearances, including five in just his second outing. He broke his wrist the fourth time out, ending his season, but he had done more than enough to pique the interest of AFL recruiters. Such intrigue showed when Toner was invited to the Victorian state draft combine. Offering great energy and speed through the ball, Toner is capable of pushing high up the ground to create turnovers or link the play going inside 50. He is also effective closer to goal where he so often impacts the scoreboard. Toner impressed with his vertical leap at the combine, though has a ways to go in terms of improving his conditioning and size.

DISPOSALSMARKS

TYLER WELSH

ARIE SCHOENMAKER

Adelaide father-son nominee Tyler Welsh has long been on the radar of Crows rans and recruiters alike. The bustling tall forward plays in a similar mould to father, Scott, who played 129 of his 205 career AFL games in the tricolour jersey. Welsh junior boasts a super set of hands and deceptive speed, presenting as an ominous marking target in attack. He played 10 games in Adelaide’s reserves this year as part of the SANFL Rookie Program, and booted eight goals in his lone Under 18s appearance for Woodville-West Torrens. Welsh was also South Australia’s leading goalkicker at the National Championships with eight majors in four games, having burst onto the scene with a bag of five against Vic Country in last year’s carnival. While certainly a powerful athlete with potential to break open games, the 18-year-old can work on his endurance and capacity to get involved through different avenues, particularly outside of attacking 50. As it stands, he’s the type of player who only needs a few moments to have an impact.

ROOKIE

ARIE SCHOENMAKER

Isiah Winder is searching for another shot at AFL level after producing an outstanding season with South Fremantle. The diminutive midfielder spent three years on West Coast’s list between 2021-23, but was delisted and returned to the WAFL competition playing with a renewed sense of freedom. Winder averaged 25.4 disposals and booted 16 goals across 18 appearances, good enough to take out the Bulldogs’ best and fairest award. Despite his dominant early-season form, a niggling knee injury saw him overlooked for the mid-season draft, and he did not test after being called up to the WA state draft combine. Requiring surgery, Winder is likely to spend around three months on the sidelines, but may be among the mature-age prospects who can hit the ground running at full fitness come 2025. His smarts and ability to hit the scoreboard as a midfielder are handy traits, along with his clean bursts to the outside and clear athletic gifts.

POWER RANKINGS

What a year it has been for ranking AFL Draft prospects. The depth of this year’s talent pool has it sitting in ‘super draft’ areas, though we won’t truly know whether it warrants that label until many years to come. The way clubs are clamoring to trade in for or keep picks for this year, though, says it all.

While last year Harley Reid set himself head and shoulders above his peers, the class of 2024 is as even as we’ve seen for some timeparticularly at the top. There have been top 10 bolters like Harvey Langford and Alix Tauru stake their claims, top 25 contenders like Alex Dodson and Oliver Hannaford coming from the clouds, but no real certainty on who will be the number one pick. Richmond, you’re up.

It seems that after a couple of relatively lean years, clubs are set to give opportunities to between 60-70 players at the National Draft, with many more fresh faces likely to spill into the subsequent rookie and mid-season intakes. However it all pans out, one thing for certain is that it has been a pleasure to watch and analyse this year’s top talents, who are primed to make an immediate mark on the top level.

MARQUEE MATCHUPS JACK WHITLOCK vs MATT WHITLOCK

STRENGTHS

Jack Whitlock is arguably the more physical and competitive of the pair, willing to stand under high balls and capable of clunking contested marks. He has a slightly superior reach to Matt and uses it to pluck the ball at the top of his reach, showcasing a strong set of hands in several situations. His clean handling also translates to nimble work at ground level, where Whitlock is deceptively good below his knees and quite neat when it comes to dishing off handpasses. Whether hitting up at the ball or using his frame to stand up in tackles, he feeds teammates effectively by hand. Another area Whitlock considers to be a strength is his versatility. Coming into the season he was a nailed on key forward but anticipated also playing back. As it turns out, he provided ruck rotation and while not a massive hitout winner, uses his mobility to impact around the ground. Perhaps an intangible asset he possesses is the right mentality for key position players. He has enough mongrel and is willing to step up in big games. Last year, he kicked a winning goal after the siren in Vic Country’s Under 17 side, and was again integral during this year’s Under 18 decider. While Jack can impose himself physically, Matt is a little more raw in that sense but arguably has the better athletic upside. Another key trait he holds over his brother is the ability to play at either end of the ground, which he has done with great proﬁciency at a variety of levels this year. He is arguably more settled as a defender where he can read the play and rack up

TWINS forging their way through the footballing pathway together is nothing new. The Wakelin, King, and McKay brothers come to mind. This year alone, there are two sets of brothers hoping to land on AFL lists – one such pair being the Whitlock boys, Jack and Matt out of the Murray Bushrangers. There has rightly been an effort to individualise either prospect, but they are inevitably grouped and compared against one-another to no end. We play into their sibling rivalry for the latest edition of Marquee Matchups.

intercept marks, leaning on his mobility to get to several contests with ease. Matt is less comfortable one-on-one – in attack and defence – but can beat opponents on the lead and when transitioning the ball. Perhaps the best measure of his versatility is the fact he has just about matched his brother for goals this year despite playing four of his 12 Coates Talent League games in defence, and three of four there for Vic Country. The backline is his primary post, but there is no limit on his potential in attack. That kind of upside is what makes sees Matt arguably have a higher ceiling than Jack, but perhaps a lower ﬂoor at this point in time. He has raw talent and while that leads to mistakes at times, it also sees him do things with the ball and display athleticism that few other talls can.

also showed good touch to snap off both feet and even improvised by tapping the ball to his advantage – either at stoppages or in open play – before gathering and shooting on goal.”

-Michael Alvaro, CTL Round 18 Scouting Notes.

“Whitlock’s reliability in the air and positioning behind the footy were assets for his side as he regularly took strong intercept marks, often holding them quite easily given Dandenong’s lack of height up forward. That lack of height also allowed Whitlock to display his defensive versatility. With many of his matchups conceding 10cm, he was forced to show his ability at ground level more often than usual, proving clean and managing to keep up with his shorter opponents on the lead.”

-Declan Reeve, CTL Round 17 Scouting Notes.

OUR SCOUTS SAID FROM THE EXPERTS

“Jack Whitlock was a truly imposing ﬁgure up forward against a Western side which unfortunately lacked the stock to match Murray’s height inside 50. He took full toll by reading the ﬂight of the ball and clunking some strong grabs at the top of his reach, which was near-impossible to stop. Whitlock

“Jack will tip the measuring post at 200cm or very close to it. He’s a little bit more aerial than Matt (Whitlock) at the moment, he stands under the high ball well. He’s brave. He kicks it well enough, but is improving that area of his game also. "We just love his leading patterns. We

love his work rate. We love the way he’s embraced the training standards and we’re bullish. You’re not going to see either of (the Whitlock twins) as ﬁnished products, but from a scope perspective and a ceiling perspective, we think they’ve got a lot of upside.

“Matt played predominantly back for us as a bottom-ager… we see the draftable traits. I like his lateral movement at his height. He’s competent below his knees, his kicking’s improving, and of course at 199cm he gives you an aerial presence as well.

“He’ll play behind the footy early, I think he’s got a little bit of scope in front of the footy also. But look, he’s trained well and we’re bullish around what he can produce this year, he’ll get plenty of opportunity. I like the constant improvement he’s shown and I like the fact he’s training at the standard.”

Perhaps only the Bushrangers staff and Whitlock family could say which twin would win a one-on-one battle, given they only really would have ever matched up on each other in training or the backyard. There are clear differences in their games though, for all their similarities. They are both of a similar build to the King twins – lean and mobile. In the situation of Jack being the forward and Matt defending; Jack is a little more hardened and would have the better of Matt in physical duels, though the latter would be able to shut him down on the lead or peel off. Both, though, are terriﬁc prospects likely to feature in the ﬁrst round of the AFL

Draft.

- Murray Bushrangers head coach Mark Brown

METRO SNATCHES U18 TITLE LUKE TRAINOR GOAL AFTER SIREN SEALS

THE 2024 AFL Under 18 National Championships went down to the wire at Marvel Stadium, as Luke Trainor‘s goal after the siren saw Vic Metro clinch the cup. In what was effectively a title decider, Trainor was gifted a controversial 50-metre penalty and kept his cool to hand his side the one-point win.

Just a minute earlier, Archer Day-Wicks looked to have snatched victory for Country with a pluck and snap at the goalmouth. But Metro won the clearance via Jagga Smith to provide one last chance. The umpire’s whistle robbed Tobie Travaglia of a clutch intercept mark at half-forward, before he dissented to hand Trainor his game-winning moment.

In a game of ebbs and flows, both sides had definitive spurts of momentum. Vic Country looked home having booted three straight goals in the final quarter, only for Metro to hit back with a hat-trick of their own to see out the game and secure victory.

Metro spearhead Harry Armstrong bagged ﬁve goals for a Metro outﬁt which had just give individual goalkickers. For much of the match, Armstrong, Isaac Kako and Joshua Dolan all had multiples as Metro’s sole scorers. Conversely, Country had nine players split the big sticks, led by three from Jack Whitlock.

Country started strongly with the ﬁrst two majors, before the teams went goal-for-goal in the opening half to remain level at the main break. Metro rued a few missed chances in the second quarter, but Armstrong brought his kicking boots, converting three set shots across the 25-minute period.

Country again came out ﬁring in the third term with a string of three consecutive goals. Xavier Ivisic was the catalyst having been shifted on-ball, while Joe Berry popped up for two majors and a hand in the other to inject some life into the contest up forward.

The response inevitably came from Metro, led by Armstrong who slammed home his fourth goal of the day. Dolan and Kako latched onto his coattails to add their second respectively, leaving the sides all-square once again at the ﬁnal break.

It meant a grandstand ﬁnish was set up, with nothing to separate the two title contenders and 25 minutes to decide the entire National Championships. Needless to say, the cream rose to the top as the carnival drew to a close in a ﬁnish script writers would have envied.

Country midﬁelder Xavier Lindsay led all comers with 30 disposals, 11 marks and six inside 50s in what was a consistent performance. Travaglia was busy across the backline with 25 touches and nine marks, while MVP Harvey Langford posted 19 disposals, six marks, ﬁve clearances and a clutch goal.

Among the standouts when the game was on the line were Ivisic (19 disposals, one goal) and Berry (three goals), while Whitlock’s strong marking made him difﬁcult to stop up forward. The mobile tall ﬁnished with two majors from 13 disposals and seven marks.

Smith was arguably Metro’s best, proving proliﬁc with 25 disposals and eight clearances. Jesse Dattoli provided great energy out on the wing to post 20 disposals and eight marks, while MVP Reid trailed closely with 19 touches.

Armstrong’s handful of majors came from just nine touches and five marks. Kako finished the game with three goals and was busy inside 50. Christian Moraes was integral at the death en route to 19 disposals and five inside 50s, while midfield maestros Josh Smillie (eight clearances) and Levi Ashcroft (16 disposals, one goal) had their moments.

E. Bradley 3, T. Welsh 3, N. Howes 2, J. Newton 2, H. Barker, S. Cumming, C. Nicholls

D. Sharp, E. Bradley, A. Clarke, J. Sheean, B. Camporeale

AFL U18 CHAMPIONSHIPS RESULTS

J. Alger 3, J. Berry 3, J. Barrat 2, R. Stevens 2, A. Day-Wicks, X. Ivisic, J. Whitlock

J. Murphy 3, T. Gallop, O. Depaoli-Kubank 2, O. Dean, J. Delana, L. Lombard, T. Stanley, Z. Uwland

l. Lombard, S. Marshall, D. Annable, N. Sulzberger, Z. Uwland

J. Harrison 2, L. Lombard 2, J. Shanahan 2, D. Annable, O. Depaoli-Kubank, S. Marshall, Z. Uwland

L. Lombard, Z. Uwland, S. Marshall, R. Gilder, J. Delana

M. Champion 2, C. Angove, K. Gerreyn, W. Hayes, B. Kelly, L. Urquhart

B. Kelly, L. Urquhart, D. Petersen, A. Riddle, C. Burke

T. Welsh 4, J. Newton 3, N. Bowman, E. Bradley, C. Nicholls, T. Rosenzweig

T. Travaglia, H. Langford, X. Ivisic, J. Berry, H. Charleson Dodson, J. Newton, T. Welsh, A. Clarke, C. Nicholls

109 N. Bowman 3, E. Bradley 2, J. Newton L. Camporeale, T. McKay, J. Newton, N. Bowman, L. Montgomery

M. Rohr 4, K. Gerreyn 3, C. Burke 2, H. Davis 2, K. Evans 2, C. Angove, C. Banﬁeld, M. Champion. W. Hayes, B. Kelly

M. Rohr, A. Riddle, C. Burke, D. Petersen, H. Boxshall

H. Davis 3, W. Walley 2, H. Boxshall, K. Gerrreyn, F. Rodriguez, M. Rohr

J. Alger 2, J. Berry 2, C. Hynes 2, F. Burmeister, A. Day-Wicks, W. Duursma, J. Faull, R. Stevens

L. Mactaggart, C. Dennis, J. Artemis, H. Boxshall, J. Douglas H. Langford, H. Charleson, X. Lindsay, C. Hynes, J. Ough

N. Atkinson, B. Barrett, N. Bowman, A. Dodson, D. Sharp, T. Welsh. C. West

P. Hargrave, B. Camporeale, A. Dodson. S. Draper, D. Sharp

H. Armstrong 3, M. Reid 3, I. Kako 2, C. Moraes 2, L. Ashcroft, J. Dattoli, T. Sims, A. Ludowyke, B. McKenzie,

M. Reid, T. Gross, L. Trainor, L. Ashcroft, C. Moraes

L. Ashcroft 2, I. Kako 2, J. Dattoli, T. Gross, D. Hollow, C. Richardson, J. Smillie L. Ashcroft, P. Retschko, M. Reid, H. Oliver, J. Smith Z. Uwland. S. Marshall, L. Carmichael, L. Hogan, J. Shanahan

O. Depaoli-Kubank 2, J. Murphy 2, D. Annable, L. Douglas

M. Champion 3, B. Allan 2, H. Davis 2, C. Angove, C. Banﬁeld, K. Evans J. Artemis, W. Hayes, F. Rodriguez, B. Allan, M. Champion J. Smith, I. Kako, L. Ashcroft, L. Trainor, J. Dolan

T. Sims 3, J. Dolan 2, T. Gross, H. Armstrong, J. Dattoli, M. Reid, I. Kako, C. Moraes, H. Oliver, J. Smillie, J. Smith, G. Stumpf

J. Shanahan 3, T. Gallop 3, J. Murphy 2, D. Annable, W. Davey, K. Delana, L. Hogan, L. Lombard, R. Mentha

J. Shanahan, L. Lombard, Z. Uwland, J. Cochran, S. Marshall

J. Faull 3, S. Lalor 3, M. Whitlock 2, J. Berry, C. Hynes, T. Travaglia, R. Unwin, J. Whitlock

H. Langford, J. Faull, X. Ivisic, S. Lalor, M. Whitlock

AFL U18 CHAMPIONSHIPS MVPS

Leo LOMBARD

After featuring in the Allies’ undefeated run to the 2023 title, Lombard achieved individual success this time around with the Larke Medal and Allies MVP. He’s an explosive, game-winning type capable of chaining possessions up the ﬁeld or rolling forward to hit the scoreboard. Lombard’s best game came against WA, where he led all comers with 32 disposals and two goals in a 20-point win.

Harvey LANGFORD

Langford tied with Lombard for the Larke Medal and was duly awarded top honours for Vic Country, having been named in the best two players across all four games. The Dandenong Stingrays co-captain was a mainstay in midﬁeld, but also kicked a crucial goal when swung forward in the decider against Vic Metro. His consistent clearance output was complimented by terriﬁc spread from the contest which saw him launch attacks inside 50.

Murphy REID

The classy midﬁelder initially impressed with his versatility to play outside on the wing or up forward, but thrived when given a full-time run in midﬁeld. Among a consistent four games, his standout performance yielded 31 disposals, eight clearances and three goals against South Australia. Reid’s poise, skill and decision making are his standout traits, which helped him earn MVP status for the unbeaten champions.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Ben CAMPOREALE

Camporeale has had Carlton fans in a frenzy, with the father-son candidate putting up strong numbers throughout the season. He was a near-permanent ﬁxture in SA’s midﬁeld and averaged the most disposals of any MVP, including three team-high hauls and a game-high tally of 28 touches against Vic Country.

Jaxon ARTEMIS

Artemis emerged throughout the carnival as a dashing rebound defender who also spent time on the wing. He left his best two outings for last, having 20 and 19 disposals respectively to go with seven rebound 50s apiece. The South Fremantle dasher caught the eye with his dash and dare, capped off by sharp ball use in transition. He loves to take the game on.

VIC COUNTRY

VIC METRO

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

AFL PHOTOS

VIC METRO

ALL-AUSTRALIAN TEAM 2024

THE 2024 AFL Under 18s All-Australian team featured 23 of this year’s best performed footballers from the National Championships. Title-winners Vic Metro lay claim to a high of eight members, including the captain and one of two back-to-back members. Get to know the squad.

DEFENDERS MIDFIELDERS

BACK POCKET

ZEKE UWLAND

ALLIES | 176CM | 24/04/2007

The sole bottom-age (2007-born) selection in this year's team, Uwland will have the chance next year to join two 2024 contemporaries as a dual Under 18 All Australian. Playing either as a small defender or wingman, the Suns Academy product is a hard runner with penetrative left-foot kicking and a penchant for racking up possessions. The brother of Gold Coast defender Bodhi averaged 23 disposals and 15 uncontested possessions across the four games.

LUKE TRAINOR

VIC METRO | 194CM | 10/04/2006 FULL-BACK

Trainor had the ﬁnal say at this year’s championships with a goal after the siren which saw Vic Metro clinch the title. He was swung forward in that moment but is regarded as a premier tall defender. He intercepts strongly while also distributing the ball beautifully. The grandson of legendary goalkicker Doug Wade, Trainor averaged a tick under 20 disposals and six marks per game.

VIC METRO | 181CM 15/05/2006 BACK POCKET HARRISON OLIVER

Oliver rose in stocks on the back of an outstanding performance in Vic Metro’s opening win over the Allies. He’s a combative small defender who sets up the play, running at 83 per cent efﬁciency per his average 16.2 disposals. Above all, Oliver’s piercing left-foot kicking is his standout attribute and he has been described by Metro and Sandringham Dragons coach Rob Harding as his side’s “heartbeat”.

HALF-BACK FLANK

TOBIE TRAVAGLIA

VIC COUNTRY 187CM | 26/10/2006

Travaglia proved to be the ultimate utility for Vic Country, but arguably played his best football as a running half-back. The hard-working talent showcased his ability to break the lines with genuine speed and took the game on with vigour. At 187cm, he was also a capable interceptor and averaged 6.2 marks among his 21.8 disposals. He looks to be a real riser amongst the overall crop.

CENTRE HALF-BACK

CLANCY DENNIS

WESTERN AUSTRALIA 194CM 28/12/2006

Somewhat of an unheralded member of the super even and competitive West Australian squad, Dennis slots into the second key position post. He was resolute across each game, proving competitive aerially and playing the percentages well to either intercept mark or spoil in one-on-one situations. The no frills defender averaged 5.2 marks per game and often opposed the most dangerous key forward.

HALF-BACK FLANK

LACHIE JAQUES

VIC COUNTRY 184CM 01/06/2006

Offering a good balance of offensive ﬂair and intercept quality, Jaques produced a bunch of eye-catching moments throughout the National Championships. The Geelong Falcons co-captain averaged 4.8 marks per game and displayed a spring-heeled leap to soar above opponents for many of them. He also used the ball quite neatly by foot, relieving pressure with his 78.5 per cent disposal efﬁciency.

XAVIER LINDSAY

VIC COUNTRY 183CM | 03/08/2006 WING

Among the few All-Australians who missed a game, Lindsay returned with a stunning performance in the championship-decider. He racked up 30 disposals and 11 marks operating on both sides of midﬁeld to be arguably best aﬁeld in Vic Country’s loss. Lindsay showed great versatility throughout the carnival; tackling hard and proving clean at the contest, but also using his weaponous left-foot kicking and outside run

CENTRE

LEO LOMBARD (LARKE MEDAL)

ALLIES | 178CM | 05/10/2006

Lombard showcased power and strength en route to tying for the Larke Medal. The Suns Academy star also took out the Allies’ MVP award. He set high standards with his two-way work rate, averaging 26.2 disposals, 4.8 clearances, and 4.5 tackles per game. Lombard’s ability to connect with teammates and surge in waves made for eye-catching passages, not to mention his fend-offs.

WING

BO ALLAN

WESTERN AUSTRALIA 191CM | 16/02/2006

Western Australia’s captain and leading prospect, Allan missed game one with a back injury. He has cut his teeth as a defender but was utilised exclusively in midﬁeld, displaying an exciting combination of speed and strength. Allan’s big frame allowed for competitive inside work, while his speed was useful when breaking forward. The left-footer averaged 20 disposals and six tackles per game.

ALEX DODSON

SOUTH AUSTRALIA | 203CM | 15/06/2006 RUCK

An Australian representative in basketball, Dodson missed game one through said commitments but made a mark thereafter. The 201cm ruck showcased enormous athletic upside with his ability to cover ground. He was also clean around the contest and not afraid to take possession of the ball, averaging 17.3 disposals and 19.7 hitouts. He has chosen to pursue the native code.

RUCK ROVER

HARVEY LANGFORD (LARKE MEDAL)

VIC COUNTRY | 190CM | 15/03/2006

Langford has rocketed up draft boards after a scintillating National Championships, which landed him both the Larke Medal (tied) and Vic Country MVP award. The big-bodied midﬁelder was robust on the inside with averages of 25.5 disposals and 6.2 clearances, but also ran hard on the spread to help launch his side inside 50. Langford's penetrative left foot and ability to clunk contested marks up forward are even more traits which point towards him being the complete package.

VIC METRO 181CM | 28/01/2006 ROVER

JAGGA SMITH (CAPTAIN)

Captain of the All-Australian side and title-winning Vic Metro outfit, Smith averaged 29.2 disposals and 6.8 clearances across the four games, proving incredibly difficult to lay a hand on. His clean skills and slick movement helped move the play from inside to the outer, before hitting targets by both hand and foot. Smith also won the all-important final clearance in the decider.

HALF-FORWARD FLANK

TOM GROSS

VIC METRO 181CM 15/09/2006

Gross has become renowned for his explosive speed and crash-and-bash style through midﬁeld, but arguably had his best game in the National Championships playing on the wing. He posted 27 disposals and nine marks in a terriﬁc outing against South Australia. Either way, the utility's work rate was on show and he was also able to impact when rotated forward, lighting up when in range of goal.

CENTRE HALF-FORWARD

JOBE SHANAHAN

ALLIES | 194CM 02/08/2006

Shanahan showed glimpses throughout the ﬁrst three games but truly broke out with 16 disposals, nine marks and three goals in his ﬁnal outing against Vic Country. The Moama native provided an unrelenting outlet on the lead, presenting at the kicker outside attacking 50 to showcase his mobility and vice-like set of hands. Shanahan led the competition for contested marks, such is his aerial prowess.

HALF-FORWARD FLANK

MURPHY REID (MVP)

VIC METRO 180CM 30/07/2006

Reid offered consistent quality, taking out Vic Metro’s MVP award ahead of many star teammates. His poise and ball use by hand and foot are standout attributes, which he utilised while playing on-ball, out on the wing, and even up forward. Reid’s best game yielded 31 disposals, eight clearances and three goals against South Australia, boosting his average up to 24.5 touches per game.

TEAM

FORWARD POCKET

ISAAC KAKO

VIC METRO | 175CM | 07/03/2006

A true livewire inside 50, Kako helped Vic Metro clinch the title with three goals in the deciding game against Vic Country. His electric speed and creativity saw him hit the scoreboard and assist teammates to no end, proving a handful to contain. The energetic forward is part of Essendon's Next Generation Academy and looms as a top 20 prospect who may end up in the red and black, after all.

FULL-FORWARD

HARRY ARMSTRONG

VIC METRO | 195CM 14/06/2006

Armstrong was one of the heroes of Vic Metro's title-winning game against Vic Country, booting five goals in an ominous display of contested marking and set shot conversion. The left-footed key forward also bagged three majors against South Australia and finished level as the carnival's leading goalkicker with nine overall. His aerial ability, speed off the mark, and efficiency made him difficult to contain.

FORWARD POCKET

JOE BERRY

VIC COUNTRY 180CM | 18/04/2006

Along with Armstrong, Berry ﬁnished atop the goalkicking charts with nine across the four games. His best effort was saved for last, booting three against Vic Metro. The Murray Bushrangers product has a quick turn of speed and sharp skills - both in terms of ground level handling and left-foot kicking. For all his quality inside 50, Berry also provided a spark when rotated on-ball and is an emerging top 15 talent.

2024 ALL-AUSTRALIAN TEAM

INTERCHANGE

VIC METRO | 179CM 18/12/2006

One of two dual All Australians this year, Ashcroft's resume is one of a serial winner. The Brisbane Lions father-son prospect (son of Marcus, brother of Will) averaged 25.5 disposals per game with a remarkably high level of consistency. He racked up possessions with a combination of clean inside work and connection on the outside, displaying high footy IQ to not only run hard, but also get to the right spots. Ashcroft was also able to hit the scoreboard at important times and thrived on the big moments.

BEN CAMPOREALE (MVP)

SOUTH AUSTRALIA 186CM | 21/07/2006

Crowned South Australia's MVP, Camporeale hardly wavered in his output and was amongst the raft of proliﬁc midﬁelders to show out across all four games. The Carlton father-son prospect is a chip off the old block in some ways, covering ground and accumulating possessions like his father, Scott. He's also a competitor with good hands and a strong frame, making for useful inside-outside balance. Playing alongside twin brother Lucas, Camporeale averaged 26.8 disposals and 4.5 clearances.

SID DRAPER

SOUTH AUSTRALIA 182CM 05/07/2006

Draper's resume is already envious, and he can add two-time All Australian to his list of accolades. The 2023 state MVP captained South Australia this year and built back to his best form having returned from a shin stress fracture just before the carnival. His turn of speed and evasiveness to escape the contest were key features, as Draper averaged 21 disposals and a tick under four clearances per game. He is now back playing senior football with South Adelaide alongside big brother, Arlo.

SAM MARSHALL

ALLIES | 185CM | 19/01/2006

Marshall gained exposure at last year's championships and backed up to become an integral part of the Allies' lineup in 2024. The Lions Academy member, who boards at school in Melbourne, averaged 27 disposals and four clearances playing both on-ball and out on the wing. His balance between both roles is backed by a terriﬁc motor, with Marshall the type of player who can drive the ball forward and accumulate possessions on the overlap. His punchy kicking is an asset, too.

LOGAN SMITH

The second ruck selected in this year's All-Australian side, Smith often got ﬁrst hand to the ball. He led the competition for hitouts to advantage and was useful fold on the follow-up, averaging 10.5 possessions (seven contested) and 21.5 hitouts overall. The Giants Academy ruck was imposing at the contest and is well poised to continue his exposure at senior level, having already turned out in the VFL. ALLIES 204CM | 24/09/2006

COACH

Harding has mentored incredibly talented teams to success over the last two years, helping Metro take out this year’s title undefeated, along with two of Sandringham’s three-consecutive premierships. He had some familiar players to call upon too, with a host of Dragons littered across the representative squad this year.

VIC METRO

ROB HARDING

LEVI ASHCROFT

CLUB-TIED STARS DOMINATE AS DRAGONS SECURE THREE-PEAT

A PAIR of prospects tied to the Brisbane Lions starred as Sandringham Dragons secured their third consecutive Coates Talent League premiership on Saturday. The powerhouse Metro region defeated Greater Western Victoria (GWV) by 37 points in an imperious performance at IKON Park.

Signs were ominous as the Dragons stormed out of the blocks with six unanswered goals in the opening quarter. Their prime movers ran riot, including Lions father-son gun Levi Ashcroft and Academy product Samuel Marshall, who both hit the scoreboard from nine disposals apiece.

The Rebels were implored to stay positive at the ﬁrst break, and after conceding a lead of 55 points, broke through for their opening major 15 minutes into the second quarter. Despite two-straight goals via Oliver Hannaford and Floyd Burmeister, that same 55-point gap was restored come half time.

With one side dominating proceedings, the sting was somewhat taken out of the contest thereafter.

Sandringham lost star man Murphy Reid through injury in the third term, and the Rebels’ constant effort meant they won the second half by eight goals to ﬁve. In the end, though, it was a bridge much too far.

Marshall was named best aﬁeld for his stellar four-quarter performance, carving up the opposition with 28 disposals, six inside 50s and two goals. Ashcroft, who achieved a rare individual three-peat at the level, was the next clear standout with 29 touches, six clearances, and three goals.

Dragons spearhead Harry Armstrong was not to be denied in front of the big sticks, booting a game-high four goals. He was one of Sandringham’s five multiple goalkickers. Inclusion Sam Buck managed two, as did the youngest player afield, Jack Surkitt as he won a flag at just 16 years-old.

They say defence wins premierships and Sandringham’s was humming. Smalls Mitchell Kirkwood-Scott (21 disposals, 10 marks) and Harrison Oliver (18 disposals, ﬁve marks) helped set up the play, while Lennox Hofmann (ﬁve marks) was resolute and Adrian Cole played an important role on Jonty Faull.

For the Rebels, top 30 riser Oliver Hannaford never gave in and ﬁnished with 24 disposals, nine tackles and seven clearances. The likes of Jack Ough (21 disposals) and Rhys Unwin (19) were also serviceable in midﬁeld, with the latter amassing a game-high 11 clearances.

While held goalless, Faull ﬁrmly got the better of Cole up the ground to take ﬁve marks and notch six inside 50s. He lacked opportunities inside 50. Fellow big man Floyd Burmeister bagged a pair of goals along with Reggie Mast and Talor Byrne, as the trio accounted for over half their side’s score.

SANDRINGHAM DRAGONS GWV REBELS

H. Armstrong 4, L. Ashcroft 3, S. Marshall 2, J. Surkitt 2, S. Buck 2, M. Reid, Z. Travers, N. Sulzberger

S. Marshall, L. Ashcroft, H. Armstrong, H. Oliver, M. Kirkwood-Scott, L. Hofmann

O. Hannaford, R. Unwin, J. Ough, F. Burmeister, J. Faull, T. Byrne T. Byrne 2, F. Burmeister 2, R. Mast 2, O. Hannaford, F. Molan, R. Unwin, S. McDonald

SANDRINGHAM DRAGONS’ SAM MARSHALL WAS AWARDED BOG

CONSISTENCY THE KEY AS SMITH JAGS RMC MEDAL

JAGGA Smith‘s lowest disposal tally this year is 24. He has set arguably the highest ﬂoor of any Coates Talent League player en route to captaining the Oakleigh Chargers into a preliminary ﬁnal.

The midﬁelder averages 33.9 disposals per game, including a high of 50 against Western Jets in Round 9 among eight seperate efforts of over 30 touches. His consistency across all levels has been breathtaking.

Unlucky not to be named MVP of the title-winning Vic Metro side, he contributed averages of 29.3 disposals and 6.8 clearances in four appearances. What’s more, he won the centre clearance which propelled his side forward for the decisive ﬁnal play, which ended in a goal after the siren.

For all the numbers thrown up, Smith is more than merely an accumulator. He set out this year not only to be consistent, which he has achieved to no end, but to also establish himself as a damaging ball user.

After all, if you have the ball 30 times a game, you may as well do something with it. And that Smith does, showcasing enormous poise and skill by hand and foot.

Now, he can add a Rookie Me Central Medal to his list of accolades.

Inaugural winner Aaron Cadman went on to be drafted at pick one in 2022, and that’s a distinction Smith is closing in on. No less, alongside good friend and

long-time representative teammate Josh Smillie, who he tied with for the medal.

While Smith says being considered top of the crop wasn’t “front of mind”, he knew that bringing his best every week would allow that to take care of itself.

“I’m really honoured to win the medal,” Smith said. “The consistent year, all year, I think that’s what helped me.

“I set out to be consistent throughout the year because all the different levels that I was playing at. That was something that I think was in my control.

“That’s just doing what I do well each week, just keeping it simple. I feel like I’ve achieved that pretty consistently.

“When I’m at my best, I think I’m a damaging player in the competition and up there with some of the best.”

On joint-winner, Smillie, Smith says he believes the midﬁelder’s size and craft can translate well to the next level. He was also high on returning teammate Finn O’Sullivan after the Chargers’ quarter ﬁnal win over Northern Knights.

“To have a highly talented player like Finn back in the team, it’s just, he does it all,” Smith said.

“That’s the thing I like about Finn. He attacks, he defends, his aerial is really, really strong. It gives you great conﬁdence when you’re running out with guys like Finn back into the team.”

Now, Smith and the Chargers turn their

attention to Sunday’s preliminary ﬁnal bout against GWV Rebels. The two sides met at RSEA Park – the venue for Sunday’s game – a month ago, where the Rebels saluted by 13 points.

The matchup marks a stunning turnaround in fortunes for both teams, who ﬁnished 11th and 13th after the home-and-away rounds. Smith credits his coaches for instilling the “belief” required to advance so far into the season, saying he and the players always had faith.

“It’s always tough with blokes coming in and out,” he said. “I think Oakleigh is the region that has the most players coming in and out.

“But it’s just a credit to the coaching staff staying optimistic all year. Especially Ash Close, our head coach.

“He was optimistic all year that our best footy stacks up against the best teams. It’s just about playing our best footy for as long as we can.”

While laser focussed on the task at hand, Smith also admitted that ‘premiership skipper’ has a good ring to it.

“That’s obviously the thing that I would love most about this year,” he said. “Especially because people wrote us off a little bit throughout the year and we went through some tough patches.

“Premiership skipper sounds really good, but there’s still two more to go.” RMC

JOSH SMILLIE

JAGGA SMITH

HARVEY LANGFORD

COOPER HYNES

DAMON HOLLOW JAMES BARRAT

JAQUES

TEAM

TEAM OF THE YEAR

TALENT LEAGUE 20 24 ROOKIE ME CENTRAL OF TEAM YEAR THE

ROOKIE ME CENTRAL TALENT LEAGUE

2024 TEAM OF THE YEAR

THE 2024 ROOKIE ME CENTRAL COATES TALENT LEAGUE TEAM OF THE YEAR HAS BEEN FINALISED, WITH THE ORIGINAL SQUAD OF 48 CUT DOWN TO 24. AFTER WEEKLY NOMINATIONS THROUGHOUT A 19-ROUND REGULAR SEASON, THE COMPETITION’S BEST, MOST DOMINANT AND CONSISTENT PLAYERS WERE SELECTED.

DEFENDERS

There is a distinct Country feel to the backline, with Western Jets captain Lucca Grego the only Metro-based selection. He was a standout for the Jets in many of his 13 games this year, averaging 22.6 disposals, 4.8 marks, and 5.2 inside 50s.

Bendigo has two players who feature in the back six. Barrat is one after his stunning back-end to the year, where he averaged 19.7 disposals, 8.9 marks, and 7.3 rebound 50s in his last seven games.

As is the pet peeve of most football fans, our two wingman did not play the majority of the season in said position. Nonetheless, our selections – Xavier Lindsay and Christian Moraes – are both capable of playing a variety of roles and have featured on the wing across the journey.

Gippsland captain Lindsay averaged over 23 touches per his 12 games, turning out predominantly as a midﬁelder. Moraes played a similar role and was renowned for his running with averages of 23.8 disposals and 1.5 goals per game.

time down back and at

in the campaign.

Rounding out the attack is Dandenong Stingrays powerhouse Cooper Hynes. The 190cm midﬁelder-forward co-captained his region alongside Langford, putting up some dominant games to average 24.8 disposals, 4.7 inside 50s, and 1.6 goals across 13 appearances.

INTERCHANGE

Conversely to the ofﬁcial team, representative form was not considered and there was a ﬁve-game minimum to qualify. The latter stipulation means those from Northern Academies were not considered, although all 13 full-time regions from Victoria and Tasmania are represented.

Joint Rookie Me Central medallists Jagga Smith and Josh Smillie co-captain the side after stellar seasons. Both have been named in the starting on-ball group and share the status of being pick one contenders. They teamed up this year in Vic Metro’s title-winning Under 18 team.

While a pair of Metro representatives captain the team, two Vic Country teammates earned the most nominations throughout the year (nine). Namely, they are Dandenong Stingrays star and Larke Medalist Harvey Langford, and Bendigo Pioneers swingman James Barrat.

Murray Bushrangers are the most represented region with four players, while the Pioneers and Stingrays boast three apiece. A further four teams lay claim to multiple entrants, with the remaining six represented once each.

His exploits earned him a call-up to the Vic Country squad, where he was reunited with club teammate Tobie Travaglia. The latter played on every line this year across 12 games. He averaged 23.6 disposals, 4.3 marks, and 6.4 tackles.

Along with Barrat, aerial support comes in the form of Mitchell Lloyd (GWV Rebels) and Matt Whitlock (Murray Bushrangers). The former averaged over ﬁve marks and rebound 50s in 15 games, while the latter was utilised at both ends of the ground as a versatile and athletic tall.

Rounding out the back six is Geelong Falcons co-captain Lachie Jaques. He put up averages of 23.2 disposals, 6.2 marks, and 5.2 rebound 50s in 13 appearances, showcasing terriﬁc dash and dare off half-back.

MIDFIELDERS

Along with our two co-captains – Smith and Smillie – Langford has also been selected to front the on-ball brigade. The Stingrays standout proved remarkably consistent this season to post averages of 25.8 disposals, 5.5 marks, and 5.4 tackles.

Both Eastern and Dandenong are represented twice in the middle line of the ﬁeld, with Stingrays ruck Jordan Doherty joining Langford at the hypothetical centre bounces. The over-ager has translated his game well after a signiﬁcant growth spurt, boasting great mobility.

FORWARDS

Three of Murray’s four representatives feature in the forwardline, and were amongst the competition’s leading goalkickers. Josh Murphy topped the charts with 32 majors in 11 games, including three separate hauls of six. He features on the full forward line next to teammate Jack Whitlock, whose best effort was a bag of ﬁve among 25 overall goals.

Crafty small Joe Berry rounds out the Bushies’ representatives, having booted multiple goals in half of his 14 games, including four hauls of four for 27 overall majors.

Along with Whitlock, who joins twin brother Matt in the team, Bendigo’s Jobe Shanahan is another key position pillar. The 195cm aerialist had games yielding three, four, ﬁve, and six goals this season, while also spending some

There is some versatility on our bench, which features a selection of midﬁelders, a tall, and players who can plug in at either end of the ground. Arguably the most highly touted talent is Sandringham’s Murphy Reid, who snuck in off the back of just six – albeit outstanding – games.

He is the Dragons’ lone representative, with the same to be Tasmania Devils leader Connor Ling. He was a reliable ﬁgure all season, playing 15 games for averages of exactly 20 disposals and 5.6 tackles. The midﬁelder was also named Tasmania’s best and fairest.

Northern’s two squad members – Zak Johnson and Tom Sims – also feature on the bench. The former played on all three lines, averaging 25.8 disposals as captain. Sims was the side’s spearhead, booting 23 goals including hauls of ﬁve and seven.

Yet another club captain, Damon Hollow (Calder) was also a lock. The tough nut kicked nearly a goal per game while hitting the height of 27 touches twice. Another ﬁerce competitor to make the cut is GWV’s Oliver Hannaford, whose hard edge was an asset at either end of the ground.

SEPTEMBER 4 2024

the centre bounces late

2024 COATES TALENT LEAGUE

TEAM OF THE YEAR

Mitchell

FULL TEAM OF THE YEAR SQUAD

Lachie

GEELONG

GIPPSLAND

JAGGA SMITH

To test myself out against senior opposition was something that I really wanted to tick off… there was probably a bit of doubt if I could do it against bigger bodies with my smaller frame, so to prove that to myself and others was really pleasing.

JAGGA SMITH on his VFL experience.

BO ALLAN

We got to training with nothing to lose, learned as much as we could, got around each other and I think we raised some eyebrows.

BO ALLAN on WA’s U18 National Championships.

SID DRAPER

I’ve had previous injuries but no stress response sort of injuries. I’ve really grown that mental toughness and being able to ﬂip the switch from being down about it to getting into work mode.

SID DRAPER on his coming back from his early-season setback.

FINN O’SULLIVAN

There’s so many good players in this year’s draft and it’s hard to be compared to them because everybody’s got so many good traits.

FINN O’SULLIVAN on how he stacks up against other pick one contenders.

JOSH SMILLIE

I think that’s what separates me from the rest - I’m a 195cm midﬁelder that can play anywhere. Sort of a coach’s dream.

JOSH SMILLIE on his unique attributes.

AFL DRAFT COMBINE INVITEES 2024

ADDITIONAL 64 STATE COMBINE INVITEES +++

QUEENSLAND

Leo LOMBARD (Gold Coast Academy)

Sam MARSHALL (Brisbane Lions Academy)

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Ned BOWMAN (Norwood)

Ben CAMPOREALE (Glenelg)

Lucas CAMPOREALE (Glenelg)

Angus CLARKE (Glenelg)

Alex DODSON (Sturt)

Sid DRAPER (South Adelaide)

Phoenix HARGRAVE (South Adelaide)

Jacob NEWTON (Norwood)

Charlie NICHOLLS (Central District)

Charlie WEST (Woodville-West Torrens)

VIC COUNTRY

Jasper ALGER (Oakleigh Chargers)

James BARRAT (Bendigo Pioneers)

Joe BERRY (Murray Bushrangers)

Floyd BURMEISTER (GWV Rebels)

Harry CHARLESON (GWV Rebels)

Archer DAY-WICKS (Bendigo Pioneers)

Jonty FAULL (GWV Rebels)

Cooper HYNES (Dandenong Stingrays)

Lachie JAQUES (Geelong Falcons)

Sam LALOR (GWV Rebels)

Harvey LANGFORD (Dandenong Stingrays)

Xavier LINDSAY (Gippsland Power)

Noah MRAZ (Bendigo Pioneers)

Finn O’SULLIVAN (Oakleigh Chargers)

Jack OUGH (GWV Rebels)

Alix TAURU (Gippsland Power)

Tobie TRAVAGLIA (Bendigo Pioneers)

Rhys UNWIN (GWV Rebels)

Oliver WARBURTON (Murray Bushrangers)

Jack WHITLOCK (Murray Bushrangers)

Matt WHITLOCK (Murray Bushrangers)

NSW-ACT

Cooper BELL (GWS Giants Academy)

Joel COCHRAN (Sydney Swans Academy)

Jobe SHANAHAN (Bendigo Pioneers)

Logan SMITH (GWS Giants Academy)

VIC METRO

Cody ANDERSON (Eastern Ranges)

Harry ARMSTRONG (Sandringham Dragons)

Levi ASHCROFT (Sandringham Dragons)

Adrian COLE (Sandringham Dragons)

Jesse DATTOLI (Northern Knights)

Josh DOLAN (Sandringham Dragons)

Tom GROSS (Oakleigh Chargers)

Taj HOTTON (Sandringham Dragons)

Isaac KAKO (Calder Cannons)

Christian MORAES (Eastern Ranges)

Harry O’FARRELL (Calder Cannons)

Harrison OLIVER (Sandringham Dragons)

Murphy REID (Sandringham Dragons)

Thomas SIMS (Northern Knights)

Josh SMILLIE (Eastern Ranges)

Jagga SMITH (Oakleigh Chargers)

Gabriel STUMPF (Northern Knights)

Luke TRAINOR (Sandringham Dragons)

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Bo ALLAN (Peel Thunder)

Cody ANGOVE (Claremont)

Jaxon ARTEMIS (South Fremantle)

Malakai CHAMPION (Subiaco)

Hamish DAVIS (Claremont)

Clancy DENNIS (Claremont)

Kayle GERREYN (West Perth)

Will HAYES (Claremont)

Aiden RIDDLE (Claremont)

Luke URQUHART (East Fremantle)

Josiah DELANA (GWS Giants Academy)

Ben KENNEDY (Murray Bushrangers)

Josh MURPHY (Murray Bushrangers) NSW-ACT

QUEENSLAND

Tom GILLETT (Brisbane Lions Academy)

NORTHERN TERRITORY

Waylon DAVEY-MOTLOP (Oakleigh Chargers)

Ricky MENTHA (Gippsland Power)

TASMANIA

Oliver DEAN (Tasmania Devils)

Nathaniel SULZBERGER (Sandringham Dragons)

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Benny BARRETT (South Adelaide)

Evan BRADLEY (North Adelaide)

Rome BURGOYNE (Woodville-West Torrens)

Tom COCHRANE (Central District)

Tate DELMENICO (Woodville-West Torrens)

Jett HASTING (Woodville-West Torrens)

Kade HERBERT (Woodville-West Torrens)

Thomas MCKAY (Glenelg)

Jacob MOLIER (Sturt)

Louie MONTGOMERY (North Adelaide)

Jay POLKINGHORNE (Norwood)

Harrison RAMM (Glenelg)

Jacob SHEEAN (South Adelaide)

Tyler WELSH (Woodville-West Torrens)

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Tom BELL (South Fremantle)

Hugh BOXSHALL (Claremont)

Joel BROWN (Peel Thunder)

Charlie BURKE (Subiaco)

Loch MACTAGGART (Perth)

Darcy PETERSEN (Peel Thunder)

Max ROHR (Claremont)

VIC COUNTRY

Riak ANDREW (Dandenong Stingrays)

Jordan DOHERTY (Dandenong Stingrays)

Asher EASTHAM (Gippsland Power)

Oliver HANNAFORD (GWV Rebels)

Zac HARDING (Murray Bushrangers)

Xavier IVISIC (Geelong Falcons)

Daniel LOWTHER (Geelong Falcons)

Charlie ORCHARD (Dandenong Stingrays)

Elwood PECKETT (Dandenong Stingrays)

Wil RANTALL (GWV Rebels)

River STEVENS (Geelong Falcons)

Sam TONER (Dandenong Stingrays)

VIC METRO

Zane COCHRANE (Oakleigh Chargers)

Lucca GREGO (Western Jets)

Jhett HAEATA (Sandringham Dragons)

Lennox HOFMANN (Sandringham Dragons)

Damon HOLLOW (Calder Cannons)

Lucas IMPEY (Western Jets)

Zak JOHNSON (Northern Knights)

Luke KENNEDY (Sandringham Dragons)

Nash KING (Calder Cannons)

Mitchell KIRKWOOD-SCOTT (Sandringham Dragons)

Blake LEIDLER (Oakleigh Chargers)

Keighton MATOFAI-FORBES (Western Jets)

Bailey MCKENZIE (Sandringham Dragons)

Jayden NGUYEN (Calder Cannons)

Luke QUAYNOR (Oakleigh Chargers)

Patrick RETSCHKO (Oakleigh Chargers)

Charlie ROZENES (Sandringham Dragons)

Patrick SAID (Calder Cannons)

Riley BICE (Werribee VFL)

Sam DAVIDSON (Richmond VFL)

Ajang KUOL MUN (Geelong Cats VFL) VICTORIA

20 NEXT GEN, NORTHERN ACADEMY + FATHER-SONS

ISAAC KAKO

Levi Ashcroft is among the best players in this year’s AFL Draft and is set to join brother Will at the Brisbane Lions.

Not all Next-Generation, Father-Son and Northern Academy eligible players have been named. Due to the extensiveness of these lists, we have limited it to those with Draft Combine invites or those who might come under draft consideration.

CLUB-BY-CLUB DRAFT PICKS

ADELAIDE

4, 64

BRISBANE

27, 34, 42, 43, 49, 60, 66

COLLINGWOOD

3, 38, 63, 68, 69, 72 52, 55, 58

ESSENDON

FREMANTLE

GEELONG

28, 31, 40, 46, 53, 54, 65 14, 30, 67 45, 57, 75

GOLD COAST

NORTH MELBOURNE

PORT ADELAIDE

GWS GIANTS

39, 41, 51, 61, 70, 76, 78 15, 16, 21, 37, 56, 74 33, 71, 77 5, 9 2, 62 13, 29, 36, 50 1, 6, 10, 11, 18, 20, 23, 24 7, 8, 32, 47 19, 22, 44, 59 12, 26, 73 17, 25, 35, 48

RICHMOND ST KILDA

SYDNEY WEST COAST

WESTERN BULLDOGS

CARLTON

HAWTHORN MELBOURNE

PLAYERS

DANIEL ANNABLE

MIDFIELDER | 183CM | 05/04/2007 LIONS ACADEMY/QUEENSLAND

A combative midﬁelder with high work rate, Annable thrives in contested situations and is a proliﬁc accumulator of possessions. He averaged 27.7 disposals and 6.3 tackles in the Coates Talent League this year before going on to play all four National Championships games with the Allies, averaging 19.5 touches and 4.3 clearances. The onballer, who is clean by hand, has been producing such consistent output since debuting for the Lions' Under 18 side last year. He was also their 2023 Under 16 MVP.

BEAU ADDINSALL

MIDFIELDER/FORWARD | 180CM | 09/03/2007 SUNS ACADEMY/QUEENSLAND

Addinsall is one of the many Suns Academy youngsters to have earned a run at VFL level this year. The freakishly talented and prolific midfielder-forward burst onto the scene last year to take out the Alan McLean Medal. He has also turned out for the Suns Academy's Under 18 side for two years. He's athletic and glides across the grass to do damage on the attack, but was surprisingly overlooked for Allies honours this year. He bounced back to be Team Sloane’s best afield in the National Futures match.

THOMAS BURTON

DEFENDER/MIDFIELDER | 178CM 09/01/2007

WESTERN JETS/VIC METRO

Burton put his name on the map to the casual observer with some scintillating late-season form in the Coates Talent League. He’s a regular accumulator off half-back, running aggressive patterns on the rebound, while also defying his 178cm stature with tough work in midﬁeld. The Caulﬁeld Grammarian played seven games with Western Jets this year, averaging 23.7 disposals and 5.6 tackles, dropping below 20 touches just once. He made his debut a year earlier alongside partner-in-crime Thomas McGuane.

LACHLAN CARMICHAEL

DEFENDER | 183CM | 27/08/2007

SWANS ACADEMY/NSW-ACT

Another top performer at last year's Under 16 National Championships, Carmichael has gone on with it and was a consistent performer for the Allies in 2024. He averaged 18.8 disposals and 5.8 rebound 50s throughout a full four-game carnival, nailing down his role as a primary distributor down back. While an asset in transition on the representative stage, his intercept prowess was on show in four games with the Swans Academy earlier this year, averaging 20.8 touches and six marks.

IN 2025 TOP 25

NOAH CHAMBERLAIN

TALL FORWARD/WING | 192CM | 21/03/2007

SWANS ACADEMY/NSW-ACT

There is plenty of upside to Chamberlain's game, and the Swans clearly rate him highly having debuted him in the Under 18 side during his 16th year. The mobile 192cm prospect presents as a dynamic marking target up forward but has also been exposed to the wing role, showcasing great versatility. He turned out twice for the Allies at this year's National Championships, averaging 14.5 disposals and four marks - improvements on his numbers for the Swans Academy earlier in the season.

SAM CUMMING

MIDFIELDER | 184CM | 27/07/2007

NORTH ADELAIDE/SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Cumming is a well-traveled prospect having hailed from Wentworth in NSW. The North Adelaide midﬁelder took out the SANFL Under 18 MVP award this season having averaged 27 disposals, six marks and four clearances across 10 outings. He also made two appearances in South Australia’s Under 18 side this year and ran riot in the National Futures match, gathering 24 disposals, 11 marks, and a goal in typically hard-working fashion. As proliﬁc as they come, Cumming’s consistency and volume of output are already high-level.

CODY CURTIN

KEY DEFENDER | 197CM | 18/05/2007

CLAREMONT/WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Curtin had a breakout game in his ﬁnal outing at this year's National Championships, posting 17 disposals and four marks as a competitive key defender. Much like big brother Dan, who was drafted by Adelaide last year, Cody is comfortable with ball in hand but also capable of imposing himself aerially. Versatility is another trait the siblings share, as Curtin junior was also swung into attack late in Claremont’s Colts premiership tilt, booting two bags of six goals in his last three outings.

JACK DALTON

MIDFIELDER | 176CM | 05/04/2007 SANDRINGHAM DRAGONS/VIC METRO

When it comes to class in midﬁeld, few have it in such abundance than Dalton. The left-footer is a natural ball winner with slick agility and ball use from inside to out. He was the title-winning captain and Vic Metro MVP at last year's Under 16 championships, before going on to debut for Sandringham Dragons. Having been squeezed out of the 2023 premiership side, he kept his spot out on the wing this season after overcoming a preseason injury which hindered his chances at Metro Under 18 selection.

COOPER DUFF-TYTLER

RUCK/KEY FORWARD | 199CM | 22/08/2007 CALDER CANNONS/VIC METRO

One of the top tall prospects for next year, Duff-Tytler has made the call to pursue football having also come through the pathway as a promising basketballer. While still raw, he moves well for a player his size and is comfortable with ball in hand, projecting as a potential top pick contender. He suits the mould of a mobile ruck but can also play forward and posts big numbers - like his 30 disposals, 10 marks, and two goals for Calder Cannons in Round 18 of the CTL season.

LOUIS EMMETT

RUCK/KEY FORWARD | 198CM 23/03/2007

OAKLEIGH CHARGERS/VIC METRO

Emmett hit his straps late in 2024, but was also a recognised talent last year having been named in the Under 16 All-Australian side. He represented Vic Metro twice at the Under 18 championships and impressed on debut with 14 disposals, three marks and 25 hitouts. The mobile ruckman covers the ground well and is just as capable up forward. Emmett is also a talented rower and has terriﬁc upside as a prospect who only seems to get better with each game.

OLIVER GREEVES

MIDFIELDER | 191CM | 07/02/2007

EASTERN RANGES/VIC METRO

Greeves has showcased his prowess at representative level, for Caulfield Grammar, and the Eastern Ranges. He was an Under 16 All-Australian last year and played seven CTL games this season, teaming up in midfield with potential 2024 top pick Josh Smillie, who he holds some resemblance to. The 191cm prospect is quite agile for his size but uses that frame to his advantage and can also swing forward to kick goals. His clean hands and efficient ball use by hand and foot are handy traits for a big-bodied mid.

NOAH HIBBINS-HARGREAVES

WING/FORWARD | 185CM 16/11/2007

DANDENONG STINGRAYS/VIC COUNTRY

Hibbins-Hargreaves took little time to break into Dandenong's Under 18 outﬁt after representing Vic Country at Under 16 level last year, and emerged as a clutch goalkicker in 2024. The versatile talent booted multiple majors in eight of his 16 outings for the Stingrays, including a best of four from 21 touches and seven marks. He boasts good aerial range and handles the ball one-touch, while also possessing slick skills by hand and foot - traits applicable to playing both up forward or on the wing.

MAX KING

MIDFIELDER/FORWARD | 191CM 09/01/2007

SWANS ACADEMY/NSW-ACT

A player with serious upside, King missed out on Under 16 All-Australian honours last year but has plenty to like. He dominated the Swans Academy's preseason testing event with top ﬁve results across the board, pointing towards considerable athletic upside. He can play, too, utilising his mobility at 191cm to carve through stoppages and impact aerially when rotating forward. He starred for NSW-ACT’s Under 17 outﬁt this year, showing promise in a variety of roles despite missing out on the Swans Academy’s CTL stint.

JOSH LINDSAY

DEFENDER/WING | 182CM | 07/04/2007 GEELONG FALCONS/VIC

Lindsay’s crowning bottom-age moment was saved for last, as he was named best aﬁeld for Team Heppell in the National Futures match. He gathered 20 disposals and seven marks that day operating off a wing, impressing with his incisive left-foot kicking and sound decision making. Lindsay also made seven appearances for Coates Talent League minor premier, Geelong Falcons, averaging 17 disposals per game with plenty of time spent running and distributing off half-back.

ARCHIE LUDOWYKE

KEY FORWARD | 195CM | 19/11/2007 SANDRINGHAM DRAGONS/VIC METRO

Ludowyke has bucketloads of potential as an athletic key forward with a penchant for taking spectacular grabs. He is more often sighted getting separation on the lead and kicking goals, but offers moments of great flair. The high-flying talent made a single appearance at this year's Under 18 National Championships, taking five marks and booting a goal on debut. He also turned out for Sandringham Dragons between his school and representative commitments, booting 13 majors in nine games with an average 3.7 marks.

THOMAS MCGUANE

MIDFIELDER | 177CM | 27/08/2007 WESTERN JETS/VIC METRO

McGuane has already garnered plenty of fanfare for his performances at CTL level, particularly given his status as a Collingwood father-son prospect. The son of 152-game Pie, Mick averaged 25.7 disposals per his 16 games with the Western Jets this season. He debuted as a 16-year-old last year and has gone on to be a consistent performer. The left-footer is a sharp ball user with clean hands and great decision making, capable of playing on the inside or outside of midﬁeld.

IN 2025 TOP 25

PLAYERS

RILEY ONLEY

MIDFIELDER 194CM | 30/03/2007 MURRAY BUSHRANGERS/VIC COUNTRY

Onley is among the rare breed of tall midﬁelders who measure up at over 190cm, but also move well and have sound skills. He uses his size to advantage, taking the game on from stoppages by either stepping around opponents or bullocking through them. Onley has a clean set of hands and good end product when heading inside 50, as shown throughout his three-game stint with Vic Country’s Under 18s this year. After debuting in 2023, he made seven CTL appearances for Murray Bushrangers as a bottom-ager.

DYLAN PATTERSON

MIDFIELDER/FORWARD | 183CM | 01/09/2007 SUNS ACADEMY/QUEENSLAND

Yet another Gold Coast Academy member, Patterson was one of ﬁve Suns who earned Under 16 All-Australian honours last year. He thrives when taking the game on, capable of breaking the lines with his devastating speed and attacking instincts. He averaged 14.8 disposals and 3.3 inside 50s per his four games for the Suns Academy this year, and went on to earn a berth at VFL level. He was terriﬁc in Queensland’s maroon and showed good signs in a half down back during the National Futures match.

FRED RODRIGUEZ

MIDFIELDER 184CM | 10/07/2007

SOUTH FREMANTLE/WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Somewhat of a surprise packet in the bottom-age crop this year, Rodriguez missed the 2023 Under 16 National Championships through injury but has quickly made up for lost time. After impressing at WAFL Colts level for South Fremantle, the midﬁelder played all four games for Western Australia at the Under 18 carnival, averaging 18.8 disposals. He has clean hands on the inside but is capable of escaping to the outer with good run-and-carry, while also delivering the ball off both feet.

BEN RONGDIT

DEFENDER | 183CM | 10/05/2007

GEELONG FALCONS/VIC COUNTRY

One to watch for Cats fans as an NGA candidate, Rongdit is embedded in the Geelong region - also tied to the Falcons and Geelong Grammar. He catches the eye with an outrageously good vertical leap which he leans on to make intercepts. Rongdit competes just as hard at ground level and while still quite raw, has enormous upside as a competitive defender. He has spent time with the National Academy and played the majority of his football at APS level, but made one CTL appearance this year.

AIDAN SCHUBERT

KEY FORWARD/RUCK | 195CM | 21/12/2007 CENTRAL DISTRICT/SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Hailing from a basketball background, Schubert is also blooming as a footballer. The Central District prospect played a key hand in his side’s run to the SANFL Under 18 Grand Final this year, kicking 25 goals in 11 games and averaging nearly six marks per outing. He hit the scoreboard in every one of those games and booted multiples in nine of them. He has great aerial range as any tall should, able to provide a mobile marking target up forward and doubling as a productive roaming ruck.

DYSON SHARP

MIDFIELDER | 188CM | 23/05/2007 CENTRAL DISTRICT/SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Regarded by some as a leading talent in the 2025 crop, Sharp took out last year's Kevin Sheehan Medal as the star of the Under 16 Championships. He was a two-time All-Australian at that level and brought a hard edge to SA’s Under 18 side this year, averaging 17.8 disposals, 5.5 tackles and 6.5 clearances across the four games. The big-bodied contested beast ended his season with Central District's League team, hardly looking out of place. Few can match him for ferocity at the contest.

ZEKE UWLAND

DEFENDER/MIDFIELDER | 178CM | 24/04/2007 SUNS ACADEMY/QUEENSLAND

Uwland will be a familiar name as the brother of current Sun Bodhi. While smaller in stature, he possesses similar weapons with a booming left-foot kick and relentless rebound ability. His running game is outstanding, with the clever utility able to rack up possessions in a variety of roles. Uwland had a standout game for the Suns Academy earlier this year, posting 25 disposals and six goals, before going on to average 23 disposals for the Allies. He also gained exposure in the Suns' VFL side.

KALANI WHITE

KEY DEFENDER | 198CM | 05/05/2007 SUNS ACADEMY/QUEENSLAND

White has an interesting decision on his hands next year, being tied to Gold Coast’s academy but also eligible to nominate under father-son rules for Melbourne. The son of former Dee and Docker, Jeff, Kalani is a developing tall capable of playing at either end of the ground. His mobility is impressive and he seems to have found a home down back, where he was an Under 16 All-Australian. White also featured once for the Allies this year, while averaging eight disposals and four marks for the Suns Academy.

21/06/2007

GIPPSLAND POWER / VIC COUNTRY

One of many 'brothers-of' to come through the pathway, Duursma has three siblings who have already been drafted Zane. He projects as the tallest and perhaps most talented of the lot, able to play in virtually any position with outstanding athletic upside. Also a talented basketballer, he reads the play well, is composed, and has a clean set of hands. Duursma has most often cut his teeth on the wing this year but was an All Australian defender last year

DUURSMA TOP PICK FOR 2025 DUURSMA

2024 AFL UNDER 16 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

Wil Malady was the hero for Vic Country as they pinched the title from South Australia by golden point on Friday. The Vics trailed by 21 points heading into the ﬁnal break but poured in four unanswered goals to win after regulation time. Their game one triumph over Vic Metro was much more convincing despite a ﬁnal quarter lapse, though Western Australia bested them on the Gold Coast. Country had a sniff early in term four, only 14 points adrift with the momentum, but could not quite pull through.

AFL U16

CHAMPIONSHIPS RESULTS

J. Calma-Long, N. Bourke-Miler, J. Munnich, A.McWilliams, J. Hewett, T. Forbes, K.Raggett

J. Boulton, J. Hewett, K. Russell, N. Bourke-Miler, E. Bush, C. Peris Chong

R. Bugg 2, A. Devine 2, B. Barwick, C. Bovill, M. Flanagan, J. Hingston, H. McCullum

S. McNamara, R. Bugg, B. Philpott, C. Bovill, A. Devine, R. Walters

H. Bromson, I. Daley, B. Edwards, T. Longmire, M. MacDonald, T.Wichman B. Latanis, B. Hilton, J. Steele, T. Wichman, M. MacDonald, L. Roberts

A. Butler 3, S. Gayfer 2, H. Ryan, H. Van Hattum

A. McCartney 3, L. Chambers 2, G.Jenkin, M. McGroder, H. Meaney, N. Newman, J. O’Loughlin

M. McGroder, T. Coughlin, C. Blackwell-Smith, P. Smith, C. Beavis, L. Price

J. Pickett 2, C. Walker 2, S. Doherty, W. Malady, M. Prasad, N. Williams

A. Butler, M. Downes, H. van Hattum, W. Waller, H. Ryan, J. Knapp

C. Walker, M. Prasad, N. Williams, E. Drever, C. Templeton, D. Szerszyn

Tissington, L. Kaesler, K. Wallace, T. Johnson, T. Murray, S.Murray, J.Wenzel

A. Hill, T. Lockwood, I. Mayne, T. Murray, S. Murray, J. Callinan

Moss, M. Owen, B. Phillips, D. Jones, C. Murray, O. Tanks

J. McNicol 2, K. Moir 2, Z. Pilot 2, B. Bretones, T. Garrett, J. Miller, A. Van Dyk A. Van Dyk, D. Cochrane, E. Herbert, J. Gordon, G. White, K. Moir

L. Robinson, J. Clarke, D. Newry, K. LeCras, E. Dennis, L. Steed K. LeCras 2, L. McGlade 2, K. Omerod 2, J. Barnard, D. Newry

A. McCartney 3, J. O’Loughlin 3, B. Pignatelli 3, O. Grifﬁths, H.Meaney

O. Grifﬁths, C. Beavis, C. Blackwell-Smith, L. Titmuss, J. O'Loughlin, G. Jenkin

K. Russell, T. Murray, E. Bush, N. Bourke-Miler, N. Lampton, D. Summerville G. Trigwell 2, M. Albert, N. Bourke-Miler

N. Cameron 3, H.McPherson 2, B. Williams 2, O. Tanks, M. Owen, A. Watts

2024 AFL U16 CHAMPIONSHIPS RESULTS

S. Murray 2, H.Heathcote 2, E. Welsh

T. Wichman 3, H. Bromson 2, I. Daley 2, C. Bull, J. Korston

A. Hill, J. Callinan, J. Brindley, L. Kaesler, E. Welsh, B. Agrums

B. Latanis, C. Harper, T. Naujok, Z. Lambert, T. Wichman, C. Morphett GIANTS ACADEMY SUNS ACADEMY

M. Owen, A. Watts, H. Paterson, C. Murray

Walters 3, B. Barwick 2, M. Whitney 2, H. McCallum, T. Thomas, B. Speed, R. Stewart

M. Owen, O. Tanks, C. Murray, H. McPherson, J. Grills

Devine, B. Philpott, E. Dillon, S. McNamara, R. Walters, H. McCallum

W. Malady 3, M. Neocleous 2, J. Phillips, J. Pickett, M. Prasad, C. Templeton

T. Armstrong, M. Neocleous, E. Drever, W. Malady, M. Prasad, C. Walker

L. McGlade 3, K. LeCras 2, T. Simmons 2, A. Abbonizio, T. Faithful. S. Hill, K. Omerod, C. Ramsay, B. van Rooyen

L. Robinson, G. Kenh, L. Steed, K. Ormerod, C. Ramsay, J. Nathan

E. Darcy 4, G. Trigwell 2, J. Boulton, N. Lampton, C. Peris Chong

C. Peris Chong, D. Summerville, T. Murray, K. Cole-Manolis, E. Darcy, H. Rock

Cameron 2, H. McPherson 2, N. Rafter, O. Tanks, E. Duke, J. Moss

J. Borghouts, H. Bromson, L. Fettel, B. Latanis, T. Longmire

Owen, C. Murray, N. Cameron, O. Tanks, N. Rafter, H. Paterson C. Harper, I. Conlan, J. Steele, L. Roberts, Z. Lambert, B.-Dean Latanis

A. Butler 2, M. Downes, S. Gayfer, H. Van Hattum, F. Woolhouse

L. Hicks, J. Surkitt, B. Wigmore, M. Matthews, J. Knapp, T. Hodgson D. Cochrane, A. Van Dyk, K. Edwards, M. Webb, Z. Young, J. Miller J. Miller 4, C. Florence 3, R. Davies, K. Edwards, T. Garrett, J. Leys, M.

S. McNamara, M.

E. Dillon, H. McCallum

A. Hill, T. Murray, B. Agrums, J. Brindley, I. Mayne, C. Williams Z. Moore, A. Sevara, C. Williams, K. Wallace, L. Jones, T. Murray, A. Hill. H. Howard

K. LeCras 3, A. Abbonizio, S. Hill, K. Omerod, L. Robinson

L. Robinson, L. Steed, E. Dennis, J. Debono, K. LeCras, A. Walsh

Price, P. Smith, L. Titmuss, C. Blackwell-Smith, O. Grifﬁths, W. Jenkin N. Newman 2, B. Pignatelli 2, A. McCartney, H. Meaney, J. O’Loughlin, L. Titmuss

G. White 3, C. Florence 2, J. Miller 2, J. McNicol, K. Moir

C. Florance, D. Cochrane, G. White, E. Herbert, J. Gordon, Z. Young

A. Butler 2, A. Spencer 2, J. Surkitt, S. Gayfer, S. Harris, J. Lawrence, H. Ryan, F. Woolhouse

A. Butler, Z. Antonellos, J. Surkitt, J. Knapp, T. Hodgson, L. Hicks

C. Walker, T. Armstrong, M. Prasad, W. Malady, N. Williams, D. Szerszyn M. Prasad 3, W. Malady 2, N. Williams 2, X. Ladbrook, J. Pickett

AFL U16 CHAMPIONSHIPS MVPS 2024

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Douglas

COCHRANE

Cochrane looks a very talented type, and projects as the potential top talent for the 2026 AFL Draft. There’s a long way to go yet, but his credentials have been conﬁrmed not only through MVP status, but also by taking out the Kevin Sheehan Medal. The Central District product is a tall defender with great athleticism and aerial ability, capable of intercepting and rebounding the ball. He also got a run in midﬁeld and hardly looked out of place there, presenting as a true new-age kind of prospect.

Lachlan HICKS

DEFENDER/MIDFIELDER 194CM 02/05/2008 MIDFIELDER 183CM 26/01/2008 MIDFIELDER 181CM | 19/01/2008

There has been plenty of buzz surrounding Walker already, with Carlton fans buoyed by his MVP win. The son of 202-game Blue, Andrew is also a Richmond Next Generation Academy product. He showed his wares as the top ball winner in all three of Vic Country’s games, including an effort of 28 disposals, five clearances and two goals in the championship-opener against Vic Metro. Walker is a powerful, clean midfielder-forward but also featured down back in the first half of Friday’s title deciding game.

Hicks beat out a talented ﬁeld to take out the Vic Metro MVP for his consistency and reliability across each game. He had a high of 17 disposals twice – against Vic Country and South Australia – and was named among his side’s best players thrice. His best outing came against the Croweaters, standing tall in a tough loss to post six marks and four clearances. The Western Jet is quite tough on the inside but showed he was also capable of rolling out to the wing or up forward when required.

PHOTOS

MIDFIELDER 188CM 13/02/2008

Robinson was a clear choice for the West Australian MVP after a trio of outstanding performances. At 188cm, the midﬁelder was a force at the contest with averages of six tackles and nearly nine clearances per game. He maintained a high level of output with two 25-disposal games; one-being a team-high total against Vic Country, while the other was a game-high tally in the loss to Vic Metro. Robinson also got the opportunity to captain his state and led by example with 20 contested possessions in the ﬁnal game.

METRO

AFL PHOTOS

AFL U16 CHAMPIONSHIPS MVPS 2024

BRISBANE LIONS ACADEMY

GWS GIANTS ACADEMY

Matthew OWEN

Owen was simply proliﬁc as part of a Lions Academy engine room which won the clearance count in all three games. He had most touches than anyone in Brisbane’s two wins, gathering 37 disposals against the Suns Academy and 32 opposed to GWS. Owen’s work rate both at and away from the stoppages meant his numbers spread across the board, even kicking a goal in each of his opening two outings.

GOLD COAST SUNS ACADEMY

Charlie HARPER

Harper seemed to get better as the carnival wore on, having had a high of 19 disposals in each of his last two outings. The tall defender started out with eight rebound 50s against the Swans Academy, but left his best performance for last; posting 19 disposals, 10 marks and nine rebound 50s in a loss to Brisbane. Harper provided great bounce out of the back with his intercept game and rebound running.

Archie HILL

The Suns Academy skipper was an absolute lock for MVP honours. Few others could match his output, averaging 34 disposals with his lowest haul yielding 32 – which was still a team-high tally. He led all comers in the Suns’ loss to Brisbane and their narrow win over the NT, driving the ball out of defence with relentless run. He was not afraid to take the game on by foot and even had a go though midﬁeld.

NORTHERN TERRITORY ACADEMY

SYDNEY SWANS ACADEMY

Conrad BLACKWELL-SMITH

A genuine workhorse in the Swans Academy midﬁeld, Blackwell-Smith set the tone for his side’s unbeaten title-winning run. He had a game-high 22 disposals and 11 tackles in game one, before digging in for seven tackles and as many clearances the next time out. While quieter in game three, the on-baller’s work rate and strong contested nous helped drive the Swans forward with intent.

Kalen RUSSELL

Russell was a rock in the NT’s defence, having no less than 25 disposals across the three games. His best effort was 30 against Tasmania, accompanied by nine marks – a tally which he matched against Gold Coast to round out the carnival. Russell led his side for marks in each outing and worked high up the ground to help move the ball smoothly in transition, combining well with teammates on the rebound.

Ewan DILLON

Dillon’s numbers may not jump off the page, but he certainly leaps out the ground as a high upside tall prospect. Solid across all three games, the 200cm ruckman won the hitout battle in Tasmania’s last two outings, including a high of 34 against Brisbane. He’s the type of athlete who seems to ﬂoat in the air, showcasing promising range and utilising his reach to have a say at the source.

TASMANIA

ALL-AUSTRALIAN TEAM 2024

THE 2024 AFL Under 16 All-Australian team was announced this week, featuring 23 of the best performed players out of this year’s National Development Championships. We proﬁle each of the budding prospects, which includes six Most Valuable Player (MVP) award recipients.

DEFENDERS

BACK POCKET

ARCHIE HILL (MVP)

SUNS ACADEMY | 182CM | 04/03/2008

An attack-minded rebound defender with great power and athleticism, Hill took out Gold Coast’s MVP award and led valiantly as the Suns’ skipper. He was often tasked with setting up play from the back and took the game on with his combination of running and kicking, averaging 34 disposals and nine rebound 50s per game. The consistent accumulator was also afforded midﬁeld minutes and debuted for the Suns’ Under 18 side earlier this year.

FULL-BACK

CHARLIE BOVILL

TASMANIA 192CM | 30/03/2008

A genuine swingman who tended to start each match down back before switching forward, Bovill came into the championships having bagged ﬁve goals in his Coates Talent League debut. His reading of the play and overhead marking were standout features of a promising all-round game, with the tall averaging 12.3 touches and 5.3 marks across the carnival.

BACK POCKET

TATE HODGSON

VIC METRO | 193CM | 24/07/2008

The going was tough in Vic Metro’s backline at times but Hodgson stood tall as a player who could not only thwart attacks, but help begin transitional play. At 193cm, his aerial prowess was on show with composed intercepts and he made good use of the ball, going at 74 per cent efﬁciency per his 14.3 disposals and 6.3 marks.

HALF-BACK FLANK

GARRISON KENH

WESTERN AUSTRALIA 180CM | 19/04/2008

One for West Coast fans to track as a Next Generation Academy (NGA) member, Kenh showcased electric speed and attacking instincts off half-back. The West Australian added substance to his ﬂair with 79 per cent disposal efﬁciency as he broke the lines and crafted attacks with his left foot. Kenh was also resolute defensively, competing both in the air and at ground level with a solid, powerful frame.

CENTRE HALF-BACK

DOUGLAS COCHRANE (MVP)

SOUTH AUSTRALIA | 194CM 02/05/2008

The standout prospect of the championships, Cochrane was awarded the Kevin Sheehan Medal as Pool A’s best and fairest player. He primarily played down back where his athleticism and play reading shone, while also getting run through midﬁeld to average 24 disposals and 6.7 marks. He is the son of former North Melbourne and Port Adelaide player, Stuart, but is not father-son eligible.

HALF-BACK FLANK

JACK GORDON

SOUTH AUSTRALIA | 184CM | 05/01/2008

Another Central District product to feature alongside Cochrane on the half-back line, Gordon performed his duties going both ways. He turned defence into attack with conﬁdent intercepts, carrying his forward momentum into strong rebound running at high speed. The versatile talent also gained exposure on-ball and averaged 17.3 disposals per game, thriving with whatever role or matchup was asked of him.

MIDFIELDERS

WING

GUY JENKIN

SWANS ACADEMY 174CM 25/11/2008

Often playing on the opposite wing to twin brother, Will, Jenkin nailed down the role brilliantly. His ability to hold width and provide an outlet on the outside was fantastic, but he was tough enough to win his own ball with clean work at ground level and kept his cool to deliver the ball well by hand and foot. Jenkin averaged 18.3 disposals per game and was a key player in the Swans’ ﬁnal game against Tasmania, which saw them win the Pool B title.

CENTRE

ARCHIE VAN DYK

A wonderfully balanced midfielder, Van dyk proved a prolific and consistent part of South Australia’s strong side. He hardly fumbled and showcased excellent decision making in tight spots to hit targets by hand and foot – doing so with over half of his average 25 possessions being contested. Van dyk finished in the top five of the Kevin Sheehan Medal voting and his hard running meant he was simply everywhere at SOUTH AUSTRALIA | 185CM | 28/07/2008

WING

CAYLEN MURRAY

LIONS ACADEMY | 183CM 03/01/2008

A member of the Brisbane Lions midfield group which hummed throughout the carnival, Murray averaged strong numbers of 25 disposals and five clearances per game. He showcased a powerful turn of speed to navigate traffic or take ground before distributing the ball, thriving in roles both on the inside and out on the wing – where he has been named in this team.

ETHAN HERBERT

SOUTH AUSTRALIA | 197CM 01/11/2008 RUCK

The standout ruck of the championships, Herbert displayed strong craft but was also able to impact on the follow-up and around the ground. He provided presence at the contest with his size and clean hands, often feeding his midﬁelders either via his average 18 hitouts or 17 disposals per match. At 197cm, Herbert’s skills and mobility were outstanding.

LUCAS ROBINSON (MVP)

WESTERN AUSTRALIA | 188CM 13/02/2008 RUCK ROVER

Robinson was difﬁcult to contain with his sheer size and aggression. He dominated at the coalface with averages of 25 disposals (18 contested) and nine clearances, while also proving capable of launching attacks on the outside and clunking strong overhead marks. He was named WA’s MVP and Fremantle fans will want to keep a close eye on his progress as a NGA product.

VIC COUNTRY | 183CM | 26/01/2008 ROVER

CODY WALKER (C) (MVP)

Already receiving much fanfare, Walker was named All-Australian captain to go with MVP honours in the title-winning Vic Country side. The powerful midﬁelder was able to prise ﬁrst possession and utilise his athletic ability to shift to the outside, averaging 28 disposals and 13 contested possessions. Walker, the son of Andrew, is tied to Carlton via father-son eligibility but is also a Richmond NGA member.

HALF-FORWARD FLANK

ANGUS WHITE

SOUTH AUSTRALIA 183CM | 06/06/2008

One of ﬁve South Australians to earn All Australian honours, White’s speed and hurt factor register at high levels. He made a splash up forward with three goals from 26 disposals in the title-deciding match against Vic Country, but also took his chances through midﬁeld to average 21.7 disposals per game. White was a true difference maker and has the ability to makes things happen from nothing.

CENTRE HALF-FORWARD

KOBY LECRAS

WESTERN AUSTRALIA | 190CM 26/04/2008

LeCras comes from great pedigree as the son of former North Melbourne player Brent, and nephew of premiership Eagle, Mark. While not father-son eligible for the Roos, he has similar weapons to his uncle with his marking and ﬁnishing ability. LeCras’ raking left-foot and leading patterns were key features of WA’s attacking play, as he booted 2.3 goals per game for the Black Swans.

HALF-FORWARD FLANK

ARKI BUTLER

VIC METRO 180CM 23/04/2008

Arguably Vic Metro’s standout player and prospect, Butler is a mercurial type with deadly evasiveness, skill, and goal sense. He was dangerous wherever he went; whether playing deep inside 50, as a high forward, or through midﬁeld. Butler also has ties to the top level as the grandson of 250-game St Kilda premiership player, Allan Davis.

FORWARD POCKET

MARCUS PRASAD

VIC COUNTRY 167CM 23/03/2008

Prasad recently made his debut for Dandenong Stingrays’ Under 18 side and packs a punch at 167cm. Primarily playing as a small forward, the diminutive talent was crafty with ball in hand but also provided fierce defensive pressure to average 16.3 disposals and 5.7 tackles per game. His repeat efforts were complimented by sharp finishing on goal, proving an impactful creator both in attack and through midfield.

AIDAN MCCARTNEY

SWANS ACADEMY | 190CM 04/11/2008 FULL-FORWARD

McCartney is yet another ‘son-of’, with his father Jason‘s 107 games for North Melbourne making Aidan father-son eligible for the Roos in 2026, as well as being tied to Sydney’s academy. The 190cm forward spearheaded a rather tall Swans outﬁt, booting over two goals per game as a reliable marking target inside 50. He slotted set shots and was quite mobile on the lead, looking to grow into a genuine key position talent.

FORWARD POCKET

WIL MALADY

VIC COUNTRY 188CM | 12/10/2008

Malady came up clutch with the golden point to deliver his side the Pool A trophy. As a rangy tall medium-tall forward, Malady’s overhead marking and set shot conversion were standout traits which saw the raw talent take a competition-high seven contested marks. He also booted eight goals and proved capable of stepping up in big moments, celebrating each of them with vigour.

2024 ALL-AUSTRALIAN TEAM

INTERCHANGE

TANNER ARMSTRONG

VIC COUNTRY 175CM | 27/02/2008

A tough and versatile talent, Armstrong adapted to roles on all three lines throughout the championships. He shone during the Queensland leg of the carnival with an attacking role out of defence, while also proving capable of shutting down opposition smalls. Armstrong averaged 21.3 disposals and 10 contested possessions per game, balancing his work beautifully and working hard for the team in whatever role was asked of him.

RYDER BUGG

TASMANIA | 174CM 22/05/2008

Bugg offered a terriﬁc mix of speed and endurance across half-forward, searching high up the ground and also getting a run in midﬁeld. He was relentless in his willingness to drive the ball forward, breaking the lines and snatching metres both with his run and booming kick. A tough and consistent small prospect.

EWAN DILLON (MVP)

TASMANIA | 200CM | 18/01/2008

Dillon took out MVP honours in a Tasmanian side which fell just short of nabbing the Pool B title. He projects as a high upside tall, boasting terrific aerial range at 200cm with his spring-heeled leap helping to win an average 27 hitouts per game. While capable of getting first hand to the ball and advantaging his teammates, Dillon also used his frame to support on the follow-up, albeit with an average of five disposals.

MATTHEW OWEN (MVP)

LIONS ACADEMY | 178CM | 01/03/2008

Owen was awarded the Alan McLean Medal as Pool B’s best and fairest player, while also being named Brisbane’s MVP. The prolific midfielder averaged 32 disposals and 4.7 clearances per game, leading a talented line of Lions onballers with his terrific all-round skills and smart running. He had more ball than anyone in Brisbane’s two wins, including a high of 37 against Gold Coast.

LEO STEED

WESTERN AUSTRALIA | 174CM | 07/03/2008

Steed provided relentless effort and intent through Western Australia’s midfield, displaying a sharp turn of speed and aggressive instincts. He proved capable of prising first possession and driving to the outside where his sharp ball use came to the fore. Half of his average 21 possessions were contested, indicative of his prolific stoppage craft.

COACH

Loader led Vic Country through an undefeated campaign, with his side displaying great determination throughout the carnival. He is currently head coach at the GWV Rebels, and has mentored some of the region’s ﬁnest footballers for very many years, while also having experience at VFL level.

VIC COUNTRY

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