Champion Data’s top 30 prospects for the 2019 national draft
Matt Rowell is considered the nominal No.1 pick for the Gold Coast Suns in the upcoming draft, but the grandson of a four-time premiership Tiger who set contested possession records last season looms large. THE 30 BEST DRAFT PROSPECTS
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In less than two weeks AFL clubs will make calls that will shape their future when they pick the best junior talent in the 2019 national draft.
Those choices will be the result of exhaustive research including watching them play live, interviews and occasionally bizarre psychological testing.
But if it comes down to raw numbers, these are the players that will be read out first on November 27 and 28.
Scroll down to see who Champion Data ranks as the best 30 young talents in this year’s draft pool.
1. MATTHEW ROWELL (OAKLEIGH CHARGERS)
Height: 178cm, Weight: 74kg
CHAMPION DATA SAYS: Rowell is the clear standout in 2019, like Sam Walsh in 2018, so we can compare the two seasons. At the under-18 championships Rowell averaged 15.5 rating points, 25 disposals and 12 contested possessions, slightly under Walsh’s 16.2 rating points, 30 disposals and 14 contested possessions. In the NAB League, however, Rowell averaged 171 ranking points, 32 disposals and 17 contested possessions, compared to Walsh’s 158 ranking points, 32 disposals and 13 contested possessions. Hard to split.
CHRIS SAYS: The keen gardener might find his flowers grow quicker in the more tropical conditions of the Gold Coast than Melbourne’s eastern suburbs. Touted at the No. 1 pick for most of the year, he’s all but certain to be headed for the Suns.
Plays like: Lachie Neale
2. TOM GREEN (GWS ACADEMY/MARIST)
H: 188cm, W: 85kg
CHAMPION DATA SAYS: Green is the best contested ball winning junior ever recorded by Champion Data. He broke the record with 16.2 contested possessions at the 2019 under-18 championships, surpassing his own mark of 13.7 set at the 2018 championships.
CHRIS SAYS: A midfield bull whose grandfather Michael Green played in four premierships for Richmond. Shapes as an intriguing story on night one of the draft. GWS will be hoping he slips to at least pick 6, but clubs expect a bid before that with Melbourne (pick 3), Adelaide (pick 4) and Sydney (pick 5) all expressing interest.
P lays like: Patrick Cripps
3. NOAH ANDERSON (OAKLEIGH CHARGERS)
H: 188cm, W: 86kg
CHAMPION DATA SAYS: Anderson separated himself from other midfielders through his ability to regularly impact the scoreboard from the midfield. He joined Jack Higgins, Hugh McCluggage and Devon Smith as players to average 25 disposals and two goals in the NAB League.
CHRIS SAYS: The son of two-time Hawthorn premiership player turned St Kilda star Dean Anderson, but not eligible for father-son status at either club. Best mates with Rowell, the classy outside onballer looks Gold Coast-bound at pick 2.
Plays like: Stephen Coniglio
4. LUKE JACKSON (EAST FREMANTLE)
H: 198cm, W: 94kg
CHAMPION DATA SAYS: Jackson was the standout ruckman from the 2019 draft class, ranking fourth at the under-18 championships for AFL player rating points. His 13.8 rating points per match were the second-most recorded at the championships by a ruckman across the past five seasons.
CHRIS SAYS: A former Australian junior basketballer who is considered the best young ruckman and key forward in this year’s draft. Melbourne (pick 3) has been urged to take a gamble on him given his upside is as big as his frame.
Plays like: Brodie Grundy
5. HAYDEN YOUNG (DANDENONG STINGRAYS)
H: 188cm, W: 82kg
CHAMPION DATA SAYS: The prototypical modern interceptor, Young averaged the most intercept possessions at the under-18 championships and the second-most intercept marks. He was one of the best ball movers, ranking second for metres gained while recording an above average kicking efficiency.
CHRIS SAYS: One of the standouts at last month’s draft combine, ranking first in the agility test. An excellent decision maker with elite execution. Another player in the mix to be taken by Melbourne at pick 3.
Plays like: Nick Haynes
6. CALEB SERONG (GIPPSLAND POWER)
H: 178cm, W: 83kg
CHAMPION DATA SAYS: Serong was the second-highest rated player at the under-18 championships behind only Matthew Rowell. He won the fifth-most disposals and applied the third-most pressure of any player for the carnival. Despite his size he was one of the best stoppage players in the NAB League, ranking fourth for clearances and fifth for contested possessions.
CHRIS SAYS: Co-captained Vic Country as part of an ultra-consistent season and has been picking Cameron Ling’s brain all year. But appears to have been a slight slider from a top-five prospect earlier in the season. Has been linked to Carlton at pick 9.
Plays like: Tim Kelly
7. SAM FLANDERS (GIPPSLAND POWER)
H: 182cm, W: 79kg
CHAMPION DATA SAYS: Primarily a forward in his underage season, Flanders showed he can also play through the midfield in 2019. He increased his NAB League disposal average from 16.0 to 22.4 while still managing to kick more than one goal per match.
CHRIS SAYS: A powerful player with plenty of potential for further growth if he can improve his tank, which has been a key focus. Looks certain to be a top-10 selection, potentially even top-five.
Plays like: Christian Petracca
8. LACHLAN ASH (MURRAY BUSHRANGERS)
H: 186cm, W: 80kg
CHAMPION DATA SAYS: The best outside line-breaker in his draft class, Ash led all comers for metres gained at the 2019 under-18 championships with 502 per match. He also ranked second for uncontested possessions and fifth for score involvements.
CHRIS SAYS: Could come into the frame as early as Adelaide’s pick 4. A gut runner who ranked equal-seventh in the yoyo test at the draft combine. Co-captained Vic Country at the national championships and earnt All-Australian honours.
Plays Like: Lachie Whitfield
9. DEVEN ROBERTSON (PERTH)
H: 182cm, W: 80kg
CHAMPION DATA SAYS: As Western Australia’s captain, Robertson won the Larke Medal as the best performed player at the 2019 under-18 championships. He broke Sam Walsh’s record for the most disposals at the championships, averaging 30 per match.
CHRIS SAYS: A tough ball-winner who oozes leadership and is the nephew of former West Coast captain Darren Glass. Fremantle (picks 7 and 10) seemingly in the box seat, but Melbourne (pick 8) also interested.
Plays like: Joel Selwood
10. WILL GOULD (GLENELG)
H: 191cm, W: 98kg
CHAMPION DATA SAYS: Gould played a key role in Glenelg’s SANFL premiership, playing 15 matches as an intercepting defender. Playing against senior opposition he rated elite for intercept possessions as a general defender and above average for disposals and kicking efficiency.
CHRIS SAYS: Statistically ranked a little higher than he is expected to be selected, with a late first-round or early-second round pick-up likely. Could be a good Scott Thompson replacement for North Melbourne (picks 26 and 27) if he slips that far.
Plays like: Tom Stewart
11. LIAM HENRY (CLAREMONT)
H: 179cm, W: 67kg
CHAMPION DATA SAYS: Henry ranked in the top three mid-forwards for uncontested possessions, metres gained, score involvements, assists and goals at the under-18 championships. In his four matches in the WAFL Colts he was the No. 1 mid-forward for disposals, uncontested possessions and assists, while sitting second for score involvements and goals.
CHRIS SAYS: Has been labelled the best small forward in this year’s draft and it’s no wonder with comparisons to Michael Walters and Derek and Dale Kickett in the family tree. A Fremantle Academy member, Henry seems destined for the Dockers.
Plays like: Michael Walters
12. DYLAN STEPHENS (NORWOOD)
H: 183cm, W: 69kg
CHAMPION DATA SAYS: At the 2019 under-18 championships he was the leading uncontested possession winner, while ranking in the top 10 midfielders for ground ball gets, metres gained and pressure applied. A running machine, he placed third in the 2km time-trial at the combine.
CHRIS SAYS: Grew up in Melbourne and Mildura before winning a school scholarship in South Australia. Was among the best on ground playing against men in the SANFL reserves grand final for Norwood, gathering 26 disposals. Still lightly framed but can win the ball on the outside.
Plays like: Jared Polec
13. FISCHER McASEY (SANDRINGHAM DRAGONS)
H: 195cm, W: 86kg
CHAMPION DATA SAYS: Primarily a defender, McAsey showed that he could play at either end of the field in 2019. At the under-18 titles he played as a defender and was the No. 1 rated key-position player. He led all key defenders for disposals, marks, intercept possessions and intercept marks.
CHRIS SAYS: Considered an Aaron Naughton clone, standing the same height as the Western Bulldogs star and with similar attributes. Dad Chris played one game for St Kilda in 1983. Geelong (pick 14) has expressed interest if he slips that far or the Cats can trade up.
Plays like: Cale Hooker
14. JACK MAHONY (SANDRINGHAM DRAGONS)
H: 176cm, W: 70kg
CHAMPION DATA SAYS: Mahony was third-highest rated player at the under-18 championships, leading the competition for both score involvements and score assists. When delivering the ball inside 50 he had the second-best retention rate of the top 20 players for kicks at the Championships and he ranked in top 20 per cent of the competition for this metric in his three NAB League matches.
CHRIS SAYS: A small forward and midfielder who is considered a good decision maker and has speed and leadership capabilities, but is expected to find more love in the second round than the first.
Plays like: Jade Gresham
15. FINN MAGINNESS (SANDRINGHAM DRAGONS)
H: 187cm, W: 80kg
CHAMPION DATA SAYS: At the under-18 championships he had the second-highest contested possession rate of any player to average at least 18 disposals. His elite running power was on display at the draft combine, placing second in the 2km time-trial by just one second.
CHRIS SAYS: A Hawthorn father-son prospect, with dad Scott having played 131 games for the Hawks including two premierships. Hawks are keen but will be hoping a bid does not come for him before their pick 11.
Plays like: Josh P Kennedy
16. COOPER STEPHENS (GEELONG FALCONS)
H: 188cm, W: 83kg
CHAMPION DATA SAYS: Stephens was the 13th-highest rated underage player at the 2018 under-18 championships and averaged 19 disposals and 100 ranking points in the NAB League that year. He won 32 disposals, 16 contested possessions, eight clearances and kicked a goal in Round 2 of the 2019 NAB League then suffered a season-ending leg injury.
CHRIS SAYS: A strong contested-ball midfielder, Stephens broke his leg in the third match of the season after an impressive start to the year. Bounced back to finish equal-first in the yoyo test at the draft combine, putting his athleticism on show.
Plays like: Matthew Kennedy
17. HARRY SCHOENBERG (WOODVILLE-WEST TORRENS)
H: 180cm, W: 78kg
CHAMPION DATA SAYS: Schoenberg was only outpaced at the 2019 under-18 championships for disposals by likely No. 1 pick Matthew Rowell. As an inside midfielder he also ranked in the top five across the carnival for contested possessions and score involvements.
CHRIS SAYS: Good in traffic and creative by hand, the onballer has lifted his draft prospects significantly this year. Missed the initial South Australian squad of 30 but went on to win the team’s MVP at the national championships.
Plays like: Jacob Hopper
18. SAM PHILP (NORTHERN KNIGHTS)
H: 185cm, W: 80kg
CHAMPION DATA SAYS: Philp was the best player not to be selected for the 2019 under-18 championships. He averaged 126 ranking points per match in the NAB League, rating at least above average in all key indicators for a midfielder. He also ranked in the top 10 players for both contested possessions and clearances.
CHRIS SAYS: Another player to be left out of his state’s initial squad for national championships who has become a draft bolter across the year. Clocked the quickest time in the 20m sprint at the draft combine and finished equal-fifth in the yoyo test.
Plays like: Rory Sloane
19. TRENT RIVERS (EAST FREMANTLE)
H: 188cm, W: 85kg
CHAMPION DATA SAYS: Rivers was one of the best performed general defenders at the under-18 championships, ranking in the top three players for disposals, uncontested possessions, marks and intercept possessions. He was the No. 1 ranked defender in the WAFL Colts, collecting at least 100 ranking points in all nine of his games.
CHRIS SAYS: A dashing defender with a long kick who works hard and won All-Australian honours after a strong national championships for WA. The West Coast fan finished fourth in the agility test at the draft combine.
Plays like: Shaun Burgoyne
20. CONNOR BUDARICK (GOLD COAST SUNS ACADEMY)
H: 175cm, W: 72kg
CHAMPION DATA SAYS: Budarick was the third-highest ranked player in the NAB League, behind only Matthew Rowell and Tom Green. He ranked in the top 10 players for disposals and top five for score involvements and tackles. At the championships he found less of the ball led the competition for pressure applied.
CHRIS SAYS: The skipper of the Suns’ academy, Budarick is a small defender or midfielder who has speed and endurance. The Suns can pre-sign him without going through the usual bidding process with other clubs as part of their AFL assistant package.
Plays like: Devon Smith
21. BRODIE KEMP (BENDIGO PIONEERS)
H: 192cm, W: 82kg
CHAMPION DATA SAYS: Kemp made the rare transition from a key defender to a midfielder in 2019. His last two games at the championships before his season ended due to an ACL injury were his best of 2019, averaging 22 disposals, 13 contested possessions, four clearances and 1.5 goals.
CHRIS SAYS: Felt his draft dream was over after doing an ACL while playing for Geelong Grammar in July, but is still very much a top prospect who could yet find himself taken in the top 10.
Plays like: Kyle Langford
22. JOSHUA WORRELL (SANDRINGHAM DRAGONS)
H: 195cm, W: 75kg
CHAMPION DATA SAYS: Worrell might be the most versatile player in the 2019 draft, spending time as a defender, wingman and forward at times throughout the year. His best match came as a defender where he won 23 disposals and 14 intercept possessions in Round 3 of the NAB League.
CHRIS SAYS: A versatile player who can play a range of roles but has primarily featured as a tall defender. Season ended early due to a shoulder injury but has been linked to Geelong which hold picks 14 and 17.
Plays like: Jake Carlisle
23. JACKSON MEAD (WOODVILLE-WEST TORRENS)
H: 184cm, W: 83kg
CHAMPION DATA SAYS: At the under-18 championships Mead was the fifth-highest rated player, averaging 21 disposals and one goal per match. In the SANFL reserves he rated elite for inside-50s, score assists and score involvements among midfielders.
CHRIS SAYS: Has established himself as one of the standout midfield/forward options in the draft. Eligible to be taken as a father-son by Port Adelaide, with his father Darren having played 122 AFL games for the club. The Power holds a strong draft hand to get it done with picks 12, 18 and 29.
Plays like: Angus Brayshaw
24. RYAN BYRNES (SANDRINGHAM DRAGONS)
H: 181cm, W: 80kg
CHAMPION DATA SAYS: Byrnes was one of the most consistent ball winners in the NAB League, collecting more than 20 disposals in 14 of his 15 matches. He finished fifth among midfielders for disposals and when he attended a centre bounce Sandringham had a +31 clearance differential – the fourth-best differential of any player.
CHRIS SAYS: The Sandringham captain was ultra-consistent in the NAB League this year, registering less than 21 disposals just once from 15 games. Also had a strong national championships for Vic Metro but missed All-Australian selection.
Plays like: Taylor Adams
25. JEREMY SHARP (EAST FREMANTLE)
H: 187cm, W: 79kg
CHAMPION DATA SAYS: Sharp is the most outside midfielder likely to be taken early in the draft, with a contested possession rate of just 23 per cent across his 30 matches covered by Champion Data. At the 2019 under-18 championships he won the fourth-most uncontested possessions and ranked second among midfielders for metres gained.
CHRIS SAYS: A medium midfielder who has pace and a penetrating kick. Named on the bench of the All-Australian team after a strong national championships for Western Australia and tested highly in the 20m sprint, yoyo test and 2km time-trial at the draft combine.
Plays like: Andrew Gaff
26. TRENT BIANCO (OAKLEIGH CHARGERS)
H: 178cm, W: 70kg
CHAMPION DATA SAYS: Roaming across halfback, Bianco accumulated the most disposals of any player to appear in more than 10 matches in the NAB League in 2019. He won at least 22 disposals in all but one match, however he had a contested possession rate of just 28 per cent, winning 10 contested possessions just once for the season.
CHRIS SAYS: A hard-running halfback or wingman who plays smart football and captained a star-studded Oakleigh to the NAB League premiership this year. Trained with Collingwood last summer but should be selected well before their first pick at 35.
Plays like: Lachie Weller
27. JAY RANTALL (GWV REBELS)
h: 184cm, W: 82kg
CHAMPION DATA SAYS: Rantall was consistently able to hit the scoreboard from the midfield this year, rating elite for goals and score involvements. His tackle numbers exploded late in the year, laying 45 tackles from his final four matches. He also broke the 2km time-trial record at the 2019 combine.
CHRIS SAYS: Not only beat the time-trial record at the draft combine but smashed it by 14 seconds with a time of 5min 50 sec. Made big leaps forward this year after switching to AFL after representing Australia in basketball at the 2018 World Cup in Argentina.
Plays like: Jy Simpkin
MORE DRAFT NEWS:
Find out which draft hopefuls have family links in the AFL world
Geelong considering a bunch of key forward options to boost its tall stocks in the national draft
Kaden Schreiber shapes as AFL draft hopeful
Elijah Taylor a breeder’s dream with family ties to Tim Kelly, Nicky Winmar and Paddy Ryder
28. CAMERON TAHENY (NORWOOD)
H: 185cm, W: 80kg
CHAMPION DATA SAYS: Taheny started with a bang in his SANFL League matches, kicking 15 goals from his first four matches, but then was held goalless in his final three games. Despite his form dropping off he still rated elite for both goals and forward 50 marks for a general forward.
CHRIS SAYS: Clubs constantly asked in interviews what happened to Taheny in the second half of the year after such a good start. A few niggling injuries played a part but the mid-sized forward says he has learned a lot about himself and plenty of clubs are still interested, with 15 having interviewed him.
Plays like: Sam Lloyd
29. WILL DAY (WEST ADELAIDE)
H: 187cm, W: 70kg
CHAMPION DATA SAYS: In his four matches in the under-18s he averaged 26 disposals, three intercept marks and eight intercept possessions across halfback. At the 2019 under-18 championships he was second only to Hayden Young for intercept possessions.
CHRIS SAYS: Grandfather Robert Day played in Hawthorn’s 1971 premiership and cousin Sam Day is at the Gold Coast Suns. A former state-level baseballer, the halfback is be a late first-round or early second-round pick.
Plays like: Jarryn Geary
30. CODY WEIGHTMAN (DANDENONG STINGRAYS)
H: 177cm, W: 73kg
CHAMPION DATA SAYS: Weightman was the leading goalkicker at the under-18 championships, booting nine goals from four matches. He plays taller than his 178cm height suggests, rating elite for both forward 50 marks and contested marks among general forwards in the NAB League.
CHRIS SAYS: A self-proclaimed footy head who is shaping as a first-round selection, having been invited to the opening night of the draft. Ranked well in the vertical jump and running vertical jump at the draft combine. A strong overhead mark with good goal sense who earnt All-Australian honours after the national championships.
Plays like: Jamie Elliott
Originally published as Champion Data’s top 30 prospects for the 2019 national draft