AFL draft 2015: Aaron Francis finds the strength to thrive

STRONG West Adelaide utility Aaron Francis has overcome a family tragedy to be SA’s leading draft contender.

09/06/15 South Australia's leading draft prospect Aaron Francis at Richmond Oval. Aaron made a mad dash to the riverland hours after last years u18 grand final to see his brother for the final time. photo Calum Robertson

STRONG West Adelaide utility Aaron Francis has overcome a family tragedy to be SA’s leading draft contender, just ahead of Central District magician Wayne Milera.

Francis lost his brother Hayden to cancer last year at age 18 and has been motivated by his memory to become the best player he can be.

Francis made his league debut in round four and played six senior games for the Bloods in their remarkable rags-to-riches premiership campaign, although he missed the finals through injury.

He also starred for SA at the under-18 national championships, winning All-Australian selection following a series of standout displays in various roles.

Francis was named at centre half-forward in the elite team but has played most of his best football this season across half-back, where he has been an intercept marking king, taking an amazing 11 in the Croweaters’ opening game against Vic Metro.

A week later he went forward against WA and kicked 4.5 from 22 disposals.

After a tough emotional and physical year, Francis, who mixed school football with his SA and SANFL commitments, tired late in the season and sat out much of the testing at the draft combine with groin soreness.

But his draft ticket has already been punched.

From the tiny farming town of Wanbi, between Loxton and Karoonda in the Riverland, where his family runs sheep and cropping, Francis’ combination of size, versatility, skill and super competitiveness make him one of the draft’s best prospects.

His game has been likened to former Saint and current Bomber Brendon Goddard.

Francis is a passionate Essendon supporter and with the Dons owning selections four and five, which could shift back under the Academy bidding rule, there is a strong chance he could line up alongside Goddard next year.

AARON FRANCIS

West Adelaide

18, 191cm, 90kg, defender/utility.

STICKS SAYS:

“Aaron is just a good all-round footballer, a genuine talent who can play anywhere — forward, back or through the midfield. He has some exceptional AFL qualities and it’s a race between him and (Central District’s) Wayne Milera as to who is going to be the first Croweater chosen.’’ - SANFL high performance manager Brenton “Sticks’’ Phillips.

Draft range: 4-12.

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