Recruiting guru selects emerging talent to watch at Cazalys

The first full-time AFL recruiter has given Far North footy fans a heads-up ahead of Sunday’s big clash between Sydney and Brisbane.

Callum Brown of the Magpies and Brandon Starcevich of the Lions compete during the round 15 AFL match between the Brisbane Lions and the Collingwood Magpies at The Gabba on September 04, 2020 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Jono Searle/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

The first full-time AFL recruiter, Noel Judkins, is hidden away at Kewarra Beach, and has given FNQ footy fans a heads-up ahead of Sunday’s big clash.

He has called the shots at three AFL clubs and has seen 40 years in the business.

He still works at Essendon, as a video specialist, poring over game tapes to provide his thoughts.

Judkins, speaking from his own opinion and not that of Essendon, has identified a few emerging footballers from Brisbane’s squad to follow.

If they do not make the final 22 on Sunday, keep an eye on them in coming games, and in years to come, Judkins says.

Brandon Starcevich of the Lions spoils.

BRANDON STARCEVICH

He has really improved. He was a good strong player as a junior and his body is filling out now. He has developed in the lower body. He has been really good for Brisbane across half back. He is good over head.

He is not super quick but he is quick enough. He has a good pair of shoulders and I think he does the right thing at the right time. He has done an excellent job to hold his place in such a good team like Brisbane.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – NOVEMBER 25: Keidean Coleman handballs during a Brisbane Lions AFL training session on November 25, 2019 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/AFL Photos/Getty Images)

KEIDEAN COLEMAN

He is lightly framed and quick. My club Essendon bid for him at the draft last year.

He has quick feet and is the sort of guy that can play on the wing or in the back line.

Coleman runs really well and has that evasive confidence, he will take blokes on and get around them, with confidence.

I saw him play in the NEAFL a few times last year and even though he is light, he has the running capacity to get through the lines and steady and then spot up a kick.

NOAH ANSWERTH

He has been there for a few years. I remember watching him in the under-17s and he played on Jaidyn Stephenson, who is now with Collingwood, and did a really good job. He got hurt that day, hurt his back, and missed the second half of that year, but he always had the ability to stay over the ball under pressure.

He has good concentration, he has been able to tie down players, he can do a job for you, he is really job orientated.

His kicking has improved.

Originally published as Recruiting guru selects emerging talent to watch at Cazalys