Western Australia’s top draft talent Callum Ah Chee reflects on spectacular mark for AFL Academy

WEST Aussie draft prospect Callum Ah Chee reflects on his spectacular mark and WA’s strong start to the Under-18 carnival. WATCH THE MARK.

Action during the Australian Under 18 v Northern Blues at M.C.G, Melbourne on April 011, 2015. MUST CREDIT: Darrian Traynor/AFL Media

THERE’S few better ways to make an impression on AFL recruiters than taking a spectacular mark on the MCG.

That’s exactly what Callum Ah Chee did when he soared above a pack of six players to complete his now famous grab for the AFL Academy against the Northern Blues in April.

The mark unfolded when fellow West Aussie Greg Clark’s set shot fell short, allowing Ah Chee to rise above four opponents and teammates Sam Weideman (197cm) and Eric Hipwood to latch onto the Sherrin.

“I thought the ball was going through the goals but it held up and I kept my eye on the ball, I jumped and was lucky enough to get the sit,” he recalled.

“It was a great feeling and good to get the goal, too.”

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His name was already well known to AFL talent scouts, but Ah Chee entered the mainstream when this act of brilliance went viral on the internet.

“I’m a pretty humble bloke, so it’s a bit weird seeing all that attention but I think it coped with it well,” he told Fox Sports.

“My phone was going off, but you’ve got to keep a level head and not get too stuck in the moment.

The 182cm indigenous forward has speed, agility and precise kicking skills, but he’s capable of more than the miraculous.

Ah Chee finished that Saturday morning with 19 disposals, two goals and the MCC President’s Medal as the Academy’s best player.

“He’s actually an overall team player, he’s one of those players who can bring others into the game,” WAFL talent manager Raffaele Guadagnino said.

The South Fremantle product looms as WA’s top draft prospect and crucial to the state’s pursuit of its first national championships title since 2009.

After missing last year’s carnival with an ankle injury — WA won just one game — Ah Chee helped the Sandgropers to a one-point upset win over reigning champions South Australia last Saturday.

“After last year we didn’t have too many expectations from other teams and I think we kind of lost a bit of respect,” Ah Chee said.

“I was pumped to able to get out there and play an 18s game. I thought at stages I was a little inconsistent, but I thought I did the team things well, so I played my role for the team and helped us get over the line.”

The 17-year-old is injury free and averaging just under 20 disposals and five marks at WAFL Colts level this season.

He models his game on Hawthorn duo Brad Hill and Shaun Burgoyne and the experience training with West Coast and Fremantle over the past 18 months provided a taste of the next level.

“It was a really big jump, we only train three times per week, but going into an AFL club is a full-time job. Even on their days off they come into the club and do extras,” he said.

With his older brother Brendan on Port Adelaide’s list, Ah Chee doesn’t need to look far for an insight into what it takes to make the grade.

Brendon Ah Chee was drafted with pick No. 45 in the 2011 national draft, but only made his debut in Round 3 this season after a battle with injury and form.

Callum was there to see his brother accept his first Power jumper.

“He really worked consistently. I get to work with him when he comes over on the Christmas break and see how hard he actually works,” the younger Ah Chee said.

“It’s about hard work and consistent effort.”

Guadagnino has seen Ah Chee develop into not only a promising young footballer, but also a quality young man over the past five years.

“I’d have him as my son. He’s well rounded and very polite,” he said.

He believes Ah Chee has the maturity to deal with the extra attention that comes with being a highly rated prospect, but needs to improve his workrate to cope with close-checking opponents.

“Callum has got to work on playing consistently throughout four quarters. He’s an exceptional talent, but he needs his endurance to rise to the next level.”

WA continues its national championship campaign this Sunday against Victoria Country at Subiaco Oval after South Australia hosts Victoria Metro at AAMI Stadium on Saturday.

WA talent manager Raffaele Guadagnino nominates five players to look out for during the National Under-18 Championships.

Callum Ah Chee (South Fremantle/Kelmscott)

Height: 182cm

Weight: 71kg

Dylan Smith (Swan Districts/Midvale)

Height: 198cm

Weight: 81kg

“He’s got running capacity like Nick Riewoldt, but he’s got the Dustin Fletcher look about him and he can play at the end as well. Mix those two together and you’ve a pretty good package.”

Bailey Rogers (Claremont/Marist)

Height: 184cm

Weight: 80kg

“He’s a big strong-bodied midfielder, who has played both ends of the ground. He’s really strong overhead. He played predominantly as a key forward as a youngster, but now he’s developed that endurance over the last year and a half to play in the midfield.

Sam Petrevski-Seton (Claremont/Clontarf)

Height: 178cm

Weight: 70kg

“He will be arguably the best player in our side and he’s a 17-year-old. He is one of the quickest players we’ve seen and he’s been playing league football. The best thing about him is that he brings his teammates into the game.”

Greg Clark (Subiaco/Sorrento-Duncraig)

Height: 193cm

Weight: 82kg

“He’s our captain and an Academy member as well. He’s 193cm, strong outside midfielder type. Studying law. He’s probably got one of the highest beep tests in the squad. He’s on the verge of breaking into the Subiaco League side.”

Originally published as Western Australia’s top draft talent Callum Ah Chee reflects on spectacular mark for AFL Academy