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Norwood youngster Dylan Stephens has spoken to all but one AFL side ahead of the 2019 Draft

SA’s likely number one pick in the AFL draft, Dylan Stephens, has named his club of choice as he dares to dream of a shot at the big league.

Will Gould SA u18 v Vic Country

Norwood youngster Dylan Stephens is unfazed by prospect of moving interstate ahead of the 2019 AFL National Draft.

Stephens is expected to be the first South Australian picked and has been described by some as the best Norwood prospect for more than decade.

Stephens has spoken to all clubs besides from Richmond and could be an enticing option for the Adelaide Crows with the first pick at No. 4.

“I’m still completely unsure what will happen on draft night,’’ Stephens said on SEN SA Breakfast.

“I’ve spoken to them (Adelaide) a fair bit. I don’t know, Pick No. 4 is pretty early, I’m really not sure.

Leading South Australian AFL Draft prospect Dylan Stephens in action for Norwood against the Adelaide Crows in the first SANFL Semi-Final at Adelaide Oval. Picture Sarah Reed
Leading South Australian AFL Draft prospect Dylan Stephens in action for Norwood against the Adelaide Crows in the first SANFL Semi-Final at Adelaide Oval. Picture Sarah Reed

“I’d love to go to the Crows, I’d love to stay (in Adelaide), I lived in Melbourne for a couple of years, the idea of moving away doesn’t really bother me, it’s exciting, I’m happy to be anywhere,’’ he said.

Stephens said he has tried to style his game on GWS star Josh Kelly.

“His ability to play inside and outside, his class around goal is some I’ve modelled my game on,’’ he added.

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Stephens, 18, played 13 league games for Norwood in 2019, winning 20 disposals or more in five of his final nine appearances and boasts a terrific mix of speed and endurance.

SANFL State Talent Manager Brenton Phillips said Stephens has all the attributes to make a big impact at AFL level.

“Any club which picks up Dylan Stephens is going to get a quality person, a quality individual who could perhaps go on to one day captain the club,” Phillips told The Lowdown AFL Draft podcast.

“That’s how much we rate him, he’s definitely in that top-10 category. He ticks a number of boxes.”

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Original URL: https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/afl/more-news/norwood-youngster-dylan-stephens-has-spoken-to-all-but-one-afl-side-ahead-of-the-2019-draft/news-story/a34acc488c1596a27a976e5490ba6817