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AFL Draft 2020: The top prospects from NSW/ACT, Swans, Giants

Two young Swans are tipped to fly high but there’s a couple of more names you might want to know ahead of the 2020 AFL draft. Check out the top NSW/ACT prospects.

Braeden Campbell and Errol Gulden are top draft prospects.
Braeden Campbell and Errol Gulden are top draft prospects.

As drafts go this one could be one of the most interesting in recent years for AFL fans

While football has been restricted in Victoria due to Covid, players in other states have been able to train on and get a few games under their belt with strict protocols in place.

The Sydney Swans have two top 20 prospects in their Academy who are already attracting plenty of attention and interest.

But there’s a couple of other teenagers also in with a shot.

See if any of these young guns, all NAB AFL Draft Combine Nominees, are what your club needs.

Braeden Campbell is part of the Swans Academy and considered a top draft prospect. Pic: Sydney Swans.
Braeden Campbell is part of the Swans Academy and considered a top draft prospect. Pic: Sydney Swans.

B RAEDEN CAMPBELL (SWANS ACADEMY/ALLIES, PENNANT HILLS)

Young midfielders Braeden Campbell has been turning heads for some time and comes well prepared as a longtime member of the Swans Academy.

The teenager from Sydney is being touted as a possible top 10 selection in the upcoming draft.

The former Knox Grammar student, who lives at Turramurra on Sydney’s North Shore, started his sporting career in soccer before switching to AFL and has been with Swans Academy since the under 11’s level.

The speedy 179cm midfielder turned plenty of heads in the NAB All Stars futures game prior to last years AFL grand final, booting three goals from 14 disposals.

The youngster is seen as a player with elite attacking traits.

Errol Gulden is best mates with Braeden Campbell, with the pair at the Swans Academy since the under 11s. Pic: Sydney Swans.
Errol Gulden is best mates with Braeden Campbell, with the pair at the Swans Academy since the under 11s. Pic: Sydney Swans.

ERROL GULDEN (SYDNEY SWANS ACADEMY/ALLIES, UNSW-ES BULLDOGS)

The 18-year-old midfielder/forward is 176 cm tall and a heavy weight when it comes to precocious talent.

Born and bred in Sydney, it was his Victorian born mothers love for the sport which sparked his interest.

This speedster from Randwick has been creating headaches for his rivals for years and last year competed in all four games of the national carnival for Allies.

He has also competed for NSW/ACT in the under 17‘s and shared the under 16 division MVP award.

He has been described as fast, smart and agile. and is great mates with Campbell who he has been with at the Swans Academy since they were just 10.

Teenager Joshua Green is the Giants best draft prospect. Pic: Giants Media
Teenager Joshua Green is the Giants best draft prospect. Pic: Giants Media

JOSHUA GREEN (GIANTS ACADEMY, CANBERRA)

It’s a familiar name to AFL fans who study the form of young players and rising stars of the game

Josh’s older brother Tom caused quite a stir last draft when the Canberra product was taken by the GWS Giants with pick 10 after they matched the Carlton Blues’ bid in the AFL draft.

Green, who is also linked to the Giants Academy, is one of the top teenagers in the country and attends Marist College in Canberra

Like his brother he has height and good size and can play around the grounds.

He is also capable of playing taller than his 191cm to play in a key position role.

Tom Green runs the ball for the Giants during the round six match against Port Adelaide.
Tom Green runs the ball for the Giants during the round six match against Port Adelaide.

In 2020, he played a pre-season game for the GIANTS against the NEAFL team the Canberra Demons before the competition was called off due to the risks involved with COVID-19.

A year ago he was named in the AFL Futures All Star match played prior to the AFL premiership decider at the MCG.

Green, whose grandfather Michael won four VFL premierships with Richmond, has a strong body and marking ability.

Charlie Byrne on the run during the 2019 i17 Futures Match between Vic Country and NSW/ACT. Pic: AFL Photos
Charlie Byrne on the run during the 2019 i17 Futures Match between Vic Country and NSW/ACT. Pic: AFL Photos

CHARLIE BYRNE (MURRAY BUSHRANGERS/ALLIES)

A youngster who is known as a rebounding defender and is expected to attract attention for his skills.

Byrne, a halfback or midfielder, was bought up through the Giants Academy and has attracted attention in recent times.

He has represented NSW at Under 16 and under 17 level before moving to the Bushies program.

His strengths include he’s kicking efficiency, versatility and rebounding.

Originally published as AFL Draft 2020: The top prospects from NSW/ACT, Swans, Giants

Original URL: https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/national/afl-draft-2020-the-top-prospects-from-nswact-swans-giants/news-story/acd53298baaf590ef1b44d22125ef492