Vic Metro’s top 12 prospects in 2020 AFL national draft
There has been limited junior footy in Victoria this year but that hasn’t stopped clubs chasing our top talent. Who are the best young prospects in the state? And will your club get the first crack at one of them? SEE THE LIST
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He’s the “clear standout” that recruiters believe would have been discussed as a No.1 pick in any AFL national draft in recent years.
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan has been likened to a young Lance Franklin, as a 196cm athletic forward with freakish talents.
On an open market, many believe Ugle-Hagan would indeed be this year’s No.1 pick.
But the Western Bulldogs Next Generation Academy member looks headed to Whitten Oval as part of a compromised top-end of this year’s draft.
“He’s a boy who can mark the ball at the highest point and is already 196cm. Then he jumps and you think, ‘Wow’,” AFL talent ambassador Kevin Sheehan said.
“We talk about potential but you’d rather have form and he’s actually doing it. He did it in the finals last year as a bottom-ager playing for Oakleigh and kicked goals in big games for the underage boys along with the national championships.”
Like other Victorian players, Ugle-Hagan has been largely unsighted this year due to the NAB League being cancelled amid COVID-19 restrictions.
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However, the 18-year-old averaged 10 disposals, 5.2 marks and 2.7 goals across eight games for Oakleigh Chargers last season, leading to the Franklin comparisons.
“He’s a similar size Indigenous boy with the left-foot and a goalkicker and you can see the obvious comparisons,” Sheehan said.
“There’s a lot of water to go under the bridge yet. But he’s certainly got some unique talent, some freakish ability.
“He’s got the right attitude, the physical attributes as well as the skill set to be an exciting prospect.”
VIC METRO’S TOP 12 AFL 2020 DRAFT PROSPECTS
JAMARRA UGLE-HAGAN (OAKLEIGH CHARGERS)
Key forward, 196cm, 85kg
The Western Bulldogs have hit the jackpot with first dibs on this talented youngster through their Next Generation Academy. Ugle-Hagan has been likened to Sydney superstar Lance Franklin and recruiters had expected him to dominate games in the NAB League this year after a brilliant bottom-age campaign in 2019.
While the 18-year-old has only been seen in practice matches this season due to COVID-19 restrictions in Victoria, Ugle-Hagan kicked 24 goals across nine NAB League games last season while also ranking elite for forward-50 marks (3.9 a game) and score involvements (six a game). Clubs have been reluctant to bid on Academy players early in the draft in the past. Will Adelaide buck the trend an put in a bid on Ugle-Hagan at Pick 1 this year? Time will tell.
WILL PHILLIPS (OAKLEIGH CHARGERS)
Midfielder, 181cm, 79kg
The Chargers are becoming a real football factory and, like Ugle-Hagan, Phillips is also a very highly-rated prospect by many clubs this year. Considered one of the top midfielders in this year’s draft, the prolific ball-winner averaged 22 disposals, 4.3 clearances, 5.5 score involvements and 103 ranking points across 10 NAB League games last season. On the big stage in last year’s Grand Final, Phillips also rose to the occasion to kick two goals from 16 disposals, showing off his ability to also go forward.
A balanced player, Phillips can win the ball both on the inside and the outside of the contest, has burst speed and takes on leadership and responsibility to lift within games like few others do.
ARCHIE PERKINS (SANDRINGHAM DRAGONS)
Forward/midfielder, 185cm, 87kg
The Dragons prospect brings X-Factor as a forward who can also move through the midfield. Perkins has a great leap, strong endurance and serious speed. He has not been a high possession-winner as a forward but rarely wastes his touches of the footy, is a strong mark above his head and can break the lines.
From six NAB League games last season, Perkins averaged 14.2 disposals, 3.7 inside-50s, 5.7 score involvements and 1.3 goals. Given his endurance and bigger body, he had been expected to push for more midfield time as a top-age player this year.
REEF MCINNES (OAKLEIGH CHARGERS)
Midfielder/forward/defender, 193cm, 86kg
A member of Collingwood’s Next Generation Academy, McInnes is one of the standout players in this year’s draft when it comes to versatility. He spent a significant amount of last season in defence for the Chargers, but also proved his ability when thrown into the midfield and moved forward at different stages.
A big-bodied player who can win the contested ball, has clean hands and is good in clearance situations when playing on-ball, opposition recruiters have little doubt the Magpies will secure McInnes one way or another early in the draft.
From 12 NAB League games last season, McInnes averaged 14.7 disposals, 3.9 marks, 3.1 tackles and 84 KFC SuperCoach points. He booted six goals for the season for Oakleigh, while also managing two majors in the Under-17 All Stars game on the MCG.
NIKOLAS COX (NORTHERN KNIGHTS)
Key defender/forward, 199cm, 82kg
An exciting key position prospect, Cox is rated as a likely first-round pick by some recruiters, but others have him a little bit further back. He is still a raw talent, but gave onlookers plenty to get excited about at different stages last season with his athleticism and versatility. Cox has been working on his speed and trying to at some muscle to his sizeable frame this year.
From 10 NAB League games last season, he averaged 12.5 disposals, 4.9 marks, 2.7 intercept possessions and 75 SuperCoach ranking points to rank as one of the best defenders in the competition. He also possesses leadership qualities and was voted in as a co-captain of the Knights this year.
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BAILEY LAURIE (OAKLEIGH CHARGERS)
Forward/midfielder/defender, 180cm, 75kg
Some recruiters are very bullish about Laurie, one believing he would be very high on the hit-lists of all 18 AFL clubs. Once a grunt midfielder in his earlier junior playing days, Laurie has developed into a multifaceted player who performed strongly as a high half-forward and midfielder for the Chargers last season.
He is considered to be a natural footballer who just “gets it” and is continuing to develop athletically. It’s his touch that is his X-Factor, though, as well as his ability to read the play and execute skills with class. Across seven NAB League games last year, Laurie averaged 15.3 disposals at elite efficiency of 76.6 per cent, as well as 3.1 marks, 3.6 tackles and 90 SuperCoach ranking points. He also kicked six goals, including two in the NAB League Grand Final.
FINLAY MACRAE (OAKLEIGH CHARGERS)
Midfielder, 186cm, 72kg
A half-brother of Western Bulldogs midfielder Jack Macrae, the younger sibling is similar but different. While Jack racks up the ball with ease for the Bulldogs week-in, week-out, Finlay has to work a bit harder both playing forward and as a midfielder. But he did have an impact in the back half of last year.
Macrae performed well in the Under-17 All Stars game — a key measuring stick — and stepped up for the Chargers when it counted during their finals campaign, logging 22 disposals and a goal in a preliminary final. Across seven NAB League games, he averaged 16.9 disposals, 3.4 inside-50s and 4.3 score involvements. Recruiters like his stoppage craft and believe he has good football IQ, with his kicking efficiency the only question mark.
EDDIE FORD (WESTERN JETS)
Forward, 188cm, 79kg
He has a rock star name and has been trying to model his game on a genuine football star — dual Brownlow medallist Nat Fyfe. Ford asked Fremantle for vision of Fyfe and his work around packs this year so he can continue to work on his game despite not being able to get on the park for the Jets.
A good decision-maker and reader of the play who also boasts strong versatility and aerial ability, Ford played 16 NAB League games last season and averaged 14.1 disposals, 3.7 marks, 3.7 score involvements and 0.5 goals a game. He kicked two goals and had 20 disposals as one of the shining lights in the Under-17 All Stars game at the MCG last year — a game which recruiters are heavily scrutinising this year given the lack of football in Victoria.
CONNOR DOWNIE (EASTERN RANGES)
Midfielder/Defender, 186cm, 81kg
A member of Hawthorn’s Next Generation Academy given his mother is Chinese, Downie shapes as a likely type. A leader who was named as captain of the Ranges this year, Downie is a ball-winner with a good kick who can also go forward and kick goals. Downie played 14 NAB League games last season, averaging 16.4 disposals, 3.8 inside-50s, 82 SuperCoach points and 0.6 goals a game. He also played well in the Under-17 All Stars game at the MCG on AFL Grand Final day last year. The only real knock is his inside game, having recorded a low contested possession rate of just 35.4 per cent last season.
JAKE BOWEY (SANDRINGHAM DRAGONS)
Midfielder, 175cm, 65kg
A small and lightly framed midfielder, but a player who knows how to find the ball. Bowey is the son of former St Kilda rover Brett Bowey, who played 85 games for the Saints from 1988-94. Jake played 16 NAB League games last season, averaging 15.8 disposals, 2.9 inside-50s, 3.4 marks, 4.5 score involvements and 79 SuperCoach points while also booting four goals. Bowey trained with the Saints last summer and has speed and solid endurance. He also starred in the Under-17 All Stars game last year with 22 disposals to be recognised as one of the better players on the ground.
CONOR STONE (OAKLEIGH CHARGERS)
Forward, 188cm, 82kg
There are some big wraps on Stone, who burst onto the scene by kicking five goals in his NAB League debut for the Chargers last year. A player with serious burst speed, he is considered a prospect with serious upside who likely would have shone brightly this year. Stone finished last season having played eight NAB League games, averaging 9.6 disposals, 2.9 marks, 4.8 score involvements and 1.4 goals a game. His debut match was not his only multiple-goal performance, having also booted two goals in a preliminary final against Sandringham.
CODY BRAND (CALDER CANNONS)
Key defender, 195cm, 84kg
A member of Essendon’s Next Generation Academy due to his Indigenous roots, the full-back and lifelong Essendon fan models his game on Bombers great Dustin Fletcher. Brand trained with Essendon last summer and has received coaching from Fletcher as part of the club’s James Hird Academy program and through his school football at Essendon Grammar, where Fletcher is backline coach.
Brand played 10 NAB League games for Calder last season, averaging 7.9 disposals, 2.2 marks, 4.1 intercept possessions and two spoils a game. He also showed his ability to be moved forward and kick goals at different stages, booting three goals in one game against Tasmania.
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Originally published as Vic Metro’s top 12 prospects in 2020 AFL national draft