The ultimate guide to SA’s top AFL draft hopes, with club intel
These three players are among 30 who have made the cut in our definitive countdown of SA’s top 30 AFL draft prospects, with SANFL clubs weighing in on who is on the recruiting radar.
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The goalposts have moved, changes have been made.
After the SANFL league and under-age finals, where some player reputations were enhanced and others harmed, The Advertiser has – after talking to AFL talent scouts and all eight standalone SANFL clubs – finalised its top 30 South Australian AFL draft prospects for 2023.
With the national and rookie drafts just weeks away and SA’s top prospects having showcased their athletic traits at the AFL and state draft combines, here is a definitive list of the state’s best hopes.
While this year’s crop is not considered to be one of SA’s strongest and a low number of picks are tipped to be used at the national draft, we have asked each SANFL club to give their thoughts on their most draftable players – from their first-year draft eligible under-18s to mature-aged prospects.
What is clear is that giant South Adelaide ruckman Taylor Goad is SA’s big draft riser, dramatically jumping from not even being in the SANFL system last season to one of the state’s top three prospects this year.
Eight SANFL players attended the AFL national draft combine in Melbourne – Goad and his Panthers teammate Jack Delean, Central District’s Will McCabe, Glenelg’s Ashton Moir and Bodie Ryan, North Adelaide’s Kane McAuliffe, West Adelaide’s Will Patton and Norwood’s Will Rowlands.
Another 10 were put through their paces in front of AFL talent scouts and recruiting managers at the SA state draft combine – Central’s Liam Fawcett and 2023 Magarey Medallist Harry Grant, Glenelg’s Harry Francis, North’s Jed Dignan, Norwood’s Logan Evans, Sturt’s Loch Rawlinson, Luca Slade, Henry Maerschel and Alex Holt and Woodville-West Torrens’ Patrick Weckert.
Redleg Orlando Turner and Eagles mature-age prospect Max Beattie were also invited
to the state combine but were unable to test as they were interstate or overseas.
They will have the opportunity to test privately.
Here is The Advertiser’s top 30 SANFL draft prospects.
30. ANDERS McSHANE
(Glenelg)
Midfielder, 18, 185cm, 71kg
A tough, no-frills midfielder who gets the job done – at the contest and away from it. McShane had a strong under-18s campaign with the Tigers, averaging 22 disposals, five tackles and three clearances. He finished the season powerfully, with a series of standout games, including a 25-disposal, nine-mark effort against North and three goals against West. Lacks a bit of polish but gets himself into the right spots with his strong work ethic.
What they say: “A kid from the country (Penola), he really came on well during the season. Got opportunities through the state program and he is a good runner who hunts the ball really well. Had an okay national (under-18) championships but was really good for us with his workrate and work ethic. He’s a beast in that area.’’ – Glenelg talent manager Darren Trevena.
29. DECLAN GLADIGAU
(Sturt)
Wingman, 18, 181cm, 70kg
A hard-running wingman with a nice turn of speed and a terrific ability to find space. After a strong finish to 2022, which saw him boot seven goals in his final four games, the long-kicking right footer provided Sturt with plenty of run and drive this season. Was super-consistent at under-18 level, averaging 20 disposals and six marks, and had a team-high seven rebound 50s in the Double Blues’ narrow under-18s grand final loss to South.
What they say: “He had a really good year, developing strongly as the season went on. He’s a genuine wingman who covers a lot of ground on the outside. He’s an excellent runner and was also able to hit the scoreboard, adding to his appeal.’’ – Sturt football manager Chris Trapp.
28. CALLUM FAIRALL
(Woodville-West Torrens)
Defender, 17, 188cm, 74kg
Classy half-back is a brilliant ball-user who sets up play from defence. Is a defensive architect. Is light in stature but has the ability to win the ball inside and outside the contest and roll through the midfield. Is a good decision maker who hits targets. An undoubted talent but has had some recruiters question his intensity at times.
What they say: “Callum reads the play really well in the back half and uses the footy well. His decision-making with ball in hand is one of his key attributes.’’ – Eagles talent manager Darren Hams.
27. TOM LEWIS
(Sturt)
Midfielder, 23, 178cm, 75kg
A mature-age draft prospect, Lewis is a SANFL star who deserves an opportunity at the next level. He was the midfield architect of Sturt’s drive to the grand final and he might have won the Magarey Medal if he hadn’t missed three games with an ankle injury. A contested ball and tackling beast, he lacks speed but makes up for it with an insatiable appetite to win the ball and ability to create opportunities for teammates. Rival SANFL coach, Adelaide’s Michael Godden, described Lewis as “a great player with some great attributes’’.
What they say: “We love Tommy. Pre-season I gave him (Hawthorn coach and Brownlow Medallist) Sam Mitchell’s biography because I always thought he plays like him. Sam took a couple of years to get his (AFL) chance, had some knockers along the way and made it the hard way. Tom is a super competitor who has a ferocious attack on the footy and defensively in terms of his tackle count, which is unreal. He is a coaches favourite with his workrate and leadership and just needs an opportunity at the next level to show what he can do.’’ – Sturt football manager Chris Trapp.
26. MAX BEATTIE
(Woodville-West Torrens)
Small forward/midfielder, 177cm, 72kg
The Victorian country kid, from Wodonga, moved to the SANFL this year to chase his AFL dream and made every post a winner, producing a strong season as a small forward/midfielder. A self-confessed “mad Carlton supporter’’, Beattie averaged a modest 14 disposals and three tackles in 18 league games but he kicked 19 goals and was more effective than the raw numbers suggest. He kicked goals in 10 games and booted multiple majors six times. He models his “gut-running’’ on Carlton star Sam Walsh and his forward craft on two of the AFL’s most dangerous goalsneaks – GWS’s Toby Greene and Brisbane’s Charlie Cameron.
What they say: “He’s one of those guys who has been missed (by AFL clubs) but was outstanding for us and I’m sure he would have a lot of AFL clubs looking closely at him. His best footy is still in front of him but he has great pace and skills, agility and for his size he is a really good overhead mark. He has a very bright future.’’ – former Eagles chief executive Luke Powell.
25. HARRY GRANT
(Central District)
Midfielder, 22, 173cm, 79kg
The former GWS Academy player put his name in lights by winning this year’s Magarey Medal in his third season with Central. The tough, in-and-under midfielder had a stunning league season, averaging 26 disposals, seven clearances and seven tackles, to poll 27 votes to win by three from Norwood premiership onballer Nik Rokahr. Putting his improvement down to better fitness and studying the running patterns of Gold Coast star Touk Miller, Grant polled votes in 11 games, recording eight first preferences (three votes). His stunning year saw him get a late invite to the state draft combine, where he was the oldest attendee. “I love footy so to work as an AFL footballer is the dream for me,’’ he said.
What they say: “No-one wants it more or will work harder for an (AFL) opportunity than Harry. His ballwinning ability is first class and has given him an opportunity to get drafted. He’s also an elite runner and very strong tackler.’’ – Central football manager Mark Ross.
24. KOBE RYAN
(West Adelaide)
Midfielder, 19, 184cm, 75kg
A crash-and-bash midfielder, the mature-age prospect was considered unlucky not to have been drafted last year or at this year’s mid-season draft. He had a standout season at league level for the Bloods, playing all 18 minor round games and averaging 23 disposals, eight tackles and five clearances. Had a season-high 35 touches against premier Glenelg in Round 10 and finished equal-seventh in the Magarey Medal, polling 17 votes. Lacks some polish but wins the ball at the coalface and runs hard.
What they say: “We love Kobe. He’s done as well as we think any player could have done in what is his first, technically, senior year of league footy. Playing predominantly as an inside midfielder for us he showed that, regardless of opposition or how the team is going, he is a cut above the rest. He polled well in the Magarey Medal and, while he was already a good player, he is better than what he was 12 months ago. He might not test (physically) as well as some others but he’s a complete footballer who deserves an opportunity at the next level.’’ – West head of football and talent Paul Streatfield.
23. TRENT TATTOLI
(Central District)
Midfielder, 18, 181cm, 70kg
Prolific, well-balanced midfielder who can win the ball at the contest and is very damaging on the outside. Possesses a terrific workrate which allows him to win plenty of the ball. Had his season hurt by illness in the middle of the year but has been a prolific ball winner at underage level for his club. He averaged 26.5 disposals at 78 per cent efficiency in his first six SANFL under-18s games this year, including a dominant 39-disposal effort against West. Has a great evasive step through heavy congestion.
What they say: “He has some traits of Harry Grant (this year’s Magarey Medallist) in that he’s a hard-working mid, who can play on the inside or on the wing. He has a very strong work ethic, which enables him to gather a lot of possessions, and he uses the ball well.’’ – Central football manager Mark Ross.
22. ORLANDO TURNER
(Norwood)
Small forward, 18, 176cm, 67kg
Exciting Northern Territory product moved to Adelaide to board at Rostrevor College and play at Norwood. An AFL Academy player who is a Melbourne NGA prospect, he played an important role for the Allies in their breakthrough AFL under-18 championships title this year. Turner is quick and classy and loves kicking a goal. He was the academy’s only multiple goalkicker in its clash against Carlton’s VFL side this year, shining as a small forward and then on the wing.
What they say: “He’s an explosive, quick medium forward who has pace to burn. He’s a good finisher on the run and plays a bit like (Melbourne’s) Kysaiah Pickett.’’ – Norwood talent manager Craig Roberts.
21. BEN RIDGWAY
(Glenelg)
Midfielder, 18, 183cm, 80kg
Tough, hard-working midfielder won last year’s McCallum Tomkins Medal as the best SANFL under-18s player as a bottom-ager. Led Glenelg, as captain, to a flag the same season and played in the club’s reserves grand final win this year, having 17 disposals in the big dance against Sturt. Loves throwing his body into contests. Averaged 23 disposals, six tackles and five clearances in 13 under-18s games this year while also playing three reserves matches. Had a season-high 37 possessions against West in Round 17.
What they say: “He had a few injuries this season but finished the year off well. Played some reserves footy and didn’t look out of place there. He’s a real competitor who hunts the ball really well and can extract it with power. He has done everything he possibly can to get drafted.’’ – Glenelg talent manager Darren Trevena.
20. SEB WAUER
(Central District)
Utility, 18, 185cm, 73kg
Started the season in fine fashion for the Dogs with 30 disposals against Glenelg’s under-18s. Had a 33-disposal game against West in Round 7 and was outstanding in the preliminary final against Sturt with 26 disposals and seven inside 50s, which impressed recruiters. Is clearly a talent who can play various roles, including half-back, wing or half-forward but needs to close the gap between his good and bad games.
What they say: “He can play at either end of the ground, as a running half-back or as a small-medium forward. He’s good in the air and has good skills. Has had some concussion issues but is strong in his attack on the footy and is an impressive, well-balanced kid.’’ – Central football manager Mark Ross.
19. HARRY FRANCIS
(Glenelg)
Ruckman/forward, 18, 195cm, 80kg
Athletic big man rucked for Glenelg’s under-18s this year but, at 195cm, he probably won’t be able to do that effectively at the next level. But he is a real athlete who can use his combination of height and mobility to his advantage. Has yet to regularly showcase his marking ability as a forward but is clean below his knees and efficient with ball in hand. Displayed his athleticism at the state draft combine by winning the running vertical leap with a height of 95cm while producing a strong leap of 69cm in the standing vertical jump.
What they say: “Played a couple of good games with us and some strong games of school footy. He rucked for us but he probably – because of his height – won’t ruck at the next level, so it will be interesting to see what happens there. But he’s an athlete, which gives him a good opportunity (to be drafted).’’ – Glenelg talent manager Darren Trevena.
18. OSCAR TALBOT
(West Adelaide)
Key defender, 18, 195cm, 83kg
An excellent one-on-one defender who reads the ball very well. Is an elite decision-maker who was an All-Australian full back at under-16 level. He is a really nice size and very quick for a big man, which enables him to stay close to his opponent. Is also a good intercept player, using his height to his advantage.
What they say: “Oscar had a much improved year. He was the All-Australian under-16 full back a couple of years ago before dropping off a little bit last year for a variety of reasons. But this year he was able to get back to simplifying his game to what he does really well, which is being a very tough lockdown defender who competes very well one-on-one and rarely gets beaten. He got back to what we know he can do, which was nice.’’ – West head of football and talent Paul Streatfield.
17. LUCA SLADE
(Sturt)
Midfielder, 17, 182cm, 70kg
Son of eight-times Central premiership midfielder Matthew Slade, Luca is a versatile midfielder who makes good decisions with the ball, often showing coolness to wait and finding the right target by hand or foot. Is a very clean player, particularly under pressure at ground level, which allows him to bring other players into the game. A natural inside midfielder, he developed his forward craft in the second half of the season. Performed well in the state draft combine, finishing in the top three in the 20m sprint (3.044 seconds), agility test (8.407 seconds) and 2km time trial (6 minutes 17 seconds).
What they say: “He’s super competitive and has a great workrate, along with a high football IQ. Is able to find the football and use it effectively.’’ – Sturt football manager Chris Trapp.
16. HENRY MAERSCHEL
(Sturt)
Key defender, 18, 189cm, 76kg
A tall, developing type who emerged as an AFL draft prospect this year. He has some physical and athletic traits that AFL clubs covet. While primarily a defender, he can play in various other positions because of his height and athleticism. Won the 2km time trial at the state draft combine, running 6 minutes, 15 seconds. Clubs are intrigued by his upside.
What they say: “Henry came on really well late in the season after a strong year of development. He was able to rebound really well and has a penetrating kick. He’s highly athletic and represented our club at the SANFL grand final half-time sprint, which shows how quick he is. He has garnered some AFL interest from mid-season onwards.’’ – Sturt football manager Chris Trapp.
15. TOM WHEATON
(South Adelaide)
Midfielder, 17, 190cm, 85kg
Tall, strong midfielder is a very professional and team-oriented player who gets his hands on the ball first at the contest and does a lot of the tough stuff. He’s a big-bodied ball-winner who has the strength to break tackles and muscle out handballs to teammates. Is clean at ground level and has shown he can go forward and hit the scoreboard.
What they say: “Tom’s a great kid and a great person. He works harder than most, almost overworking himself. He’s an inside midfielder whose contested work is outstanding.’’ – South talent manager Mark Clayton.
14. PATRICK WECKERT
(Woodville-West Torrens)
Key forward, 18, 194cm, 90kg
The strong-marking key forward entered the season as one of SA’s top 2023 draft hopes after turning his back on a promising cricket career (as a fast bowler) to focus on football. Started the year in the Eagles’ league team but struggled to make an impact and performed below expectations at the AFL under-18 national championships. However he finished the year strongly, kicking five goals in a reserves semi-final against Central when he took six strong marks. State under-18 coach Tony Bamford noted how Weckert “approaches the game in a physical manner’’.
What they say: “Pat didn’t have the season he would have liked or expected after his strong finish to 2022 but not having a full pre-season (because of cricket) didn’t help him with his footy this year. His key attributes are his strength in a marking contest and ability to read the ball in the air. He’s still only an 18-year-old kid who’s been playing against men but I think he needs to work on his craft a bit more, learn how to get some separation from his opponents. That’s his biggest area of development because, being a big, strong country boy he’s been a bit of a bash-and-crash player and I think if he can get that separation he will put himself in the play a lot more.’’ – Eagles talent manager Darren Hams.
13. LIAM FAWCETT
(Central District)
Key forward, 18, 198cm, 87kg
An outstanding talent who can be a difficult match-up for defenders with his ability to lead hard and also take contested marks. He’s athletic, loves to get up the ground and can win plenty of the ball for a big man. Kicked 31 goals from 16 under-18 games this year. Ran a quick 20m sprint at the state draft combine, highlighting his athleticism, but scouts want to see him work a bit harder and apply more defensive pressure.
What they say: “He probably has as much potential as any young, big forward you will see in the game. He just needs to learn his forward craft a bit more and understand what it takes to get to the next level as far as work ethic is concerned. But he has the potential to be a big, dominating forward.’’ – Central football manager Mark Ross.
12. ALEX HOLT
(Sturt)
Defender, 18, 183cm, 81kg
A very competitive one-on-one, medium defender who is good in the air and at ground level. He reads the play well and has nice foot skills, although the back end of his campaign was hurt by injury. When on song, Holt offers a nice blend of attack and defence.
What they say: “His weapon is his one-on-one defending, he’s super at that and likes the big jobs on opposition forwards. But he can also break the lines with his long kicking.’’ – Sturt football manager Chris Trapp.
11. JED DIGNAN
(North Adelaide)
Forward/midfielder, 18, 188cm, 77kg
Versatile utility loves winning the ball at midfield stoppages and can also make an impact in attack. Has class, which is evident by his clean hands, and is a very good decision maker. Rarely fumbles and loves kicking goals, often hurting the opposition in the front half of the ground, making him a well-rounded player. Showcased his athleticism at the state draft combine, placing in the top-three in multiple tests while winning the standing vertical jump (71cm) and agility test (8.259 seconds).
What they say: “Jed moved to Adelaide from Orroroo this year, which enabled him to train more with us, and he had a really good year. He’s silky-skilled, reads the play well and is great by hand and foot. He’s one of the smarter footballers going around.’’ – North talent manager Neil Sanders.
10. LOGAN EVANS
(Norwood)
Defender, 18, 189cm, 78kg
Evans had a super start to the year by shining in Norwood’s league team, playing the first four rounds in the top grade and averaging 15 disposals and four marks to draw comparisons to another former Redleg – 2022 Crows father-son draftee Max Michalanney. He showed a tremendous ability to compete and intercept mark across half-back. Lost his way a little bit during the middle part of the season before regaining form late. His speed and leap was evident at the state draft combine, where he placed among the top three in the running vertical jump (88cm) and 20m sprint (3.063 seconds).
What they say: “We rate him very highly. His start to the year was very strong and while he slowed in the middle of the season he finished off well and we think he has a very bright future. He is a very good overhead mark, can intercept well and is a good kick.’’ – Norwood football operations manager Rick Shrowder.
9. WILL ROWLANDS
(Norwood)
Forward/midfielder, 18, 180cm, 75kg
Explosive, powerfully-built small forward/midfielder who is strong in the core and an outstanding kick. He can regularly roost goals from outside 50m and loves to take big marks and outmuscle opponents in one-on-one marking contests like his idol, GWS’s Toby Greene. Not overly quick but very classy. From the NT, Rowlands played 10 under-18s and one reserves game for Norwood this year and was a key member of the Allies’ historic AFL under-18 national championships win.
What they say: “Will’s an explosive, powerful small forward/midfielder who has X-factor qualities that many others don’t. He has good hands, is a very long kick and can take a big pack mark. He has the talent to aspire to be like Toby Greene.’’ – Norwood talent manager Craig Roberts.
8. LOCH RAWLINSON
(Sturt)
Forward/midfielder, 18, 177cm, 69kg
The clever ball-winner and fast-rising draft prospect is lightning-quick and clean and makes things happen when pushing forward from the midfield. Can play in the centre square, on a wing or in attack and looks most dangerous when swooping on loose balls. His blistering speed was illustrated at the SA state draft combine when he won the 20m sprint in a time of 2.894 seconds. Rawlinson caught the eye of AFL talent guru Kevin Sheehan at the state combine. “He looked quick and he plays quick too,” Sheehan said. “He’s a fall of the ball player up forward, a thumping long kick and that little X-factor with his speed gives him a chance.”
What they say: “He’s looming as our best draft hope. There’s been a fair bit of interest in him from AFL clubs because of the way he plays and his AFL attributes, with his speed, agility, competitiveness, workrate and ability to hit the scoreboard.’’ – Sturt football manager Chris Trapp.
7. WILL PATTON
(West Adelaide)
Defender, 18, 193cm, 81kg
SA’s under-18 captain and a former gun cricketer (as a batter), Patton was rated as a certain first-round draft pick at the start of the year but he didn’t have the season he would have liked. A composed defender who reads the play well and is a good decision-maker, he possesses a few similar traits to new Hawthorn club champion and former Blood Will Day. But his defending raised some questions this year, leading to doubts over how high he will go in the draft.
What they say: “Will had an interrupted year with a bit of injury and an early finish to the season but when he played, at whatever level, he showed the attributes that put him on the radar of AFL clubs a couple of years ago. His ball use, he has a beautiful kick on him, decision making, the way that he reads the play and sets up well in defence were all on show.’’ – West head of football and talent Paul Streatfield.
6. BODIE RYAN
(Glenelg)
Defender, 18, 188cm, 82kg
Cousin of former Glenelg and current Collingwood defender Jakob Ryan, who was selected at pick 28 at last year’s national draft, Bodie isn’t as attacking but is very strong defensively. He was SA’s best player against Victoria Country at this year’s AFL under-18 championships and tested very well at the AFL national draft combine, showcasing his speed and athleticism. Has a defence-first attitude, which clubs like as a backman, but is renowned for his ability to win intercept possessions. A member of the Tigers’ 2023 reserves premiership team, Ryan shone in the agility test at the AFL national draft combine, finishing fourth with a time of 8.208 seconds.
What they say: “He started as a bit of a slow burn and improved tremendously as the year went on. Beat (likely No. 1 draft pick) Harley Reid in one state game and had another really good game against WA. He backed that up with really good performances in the finals for our reserves. He’s moved himself to the front of mind with recruiters. What you see is what you get with Bodie. He’s a tough, straight line, medium defender.’’ – Glenelg talent manager Darren Trevena.
5. KANE McAULIFFE
(North Adelaide)
Midfielder, 18, 187cm, 86kg
The big-bodied, inside midfielder is powerful at stoppages and has the speed to win first possession and burst clear. Illustrated his athletic qualities at the AFL national draft combine by placing in the top 10 of three physical tests – the 20m sprint, where he ran a fast 2.93 seconds, and running (95cm) and vertical (77cm) jumps. He was also the fastest Croweater at the combine in the 2km time trial (6 min, 26 sec). Is a penetrating left-foot kick with the power to break games open.
What they say: “He’s a really powerful athlete who is an excellent left-foot kick. He tested fast in the 20m sprint at the draft combine and while he’s had a few injury problems in the past 12 months he’s been very professional and diligent with his recovery. From Port Augusta, he can play as an inside midfielder or across half-back, where clubs could use his long, penetrating kick to full advantage.’’ – North talent manager Neil Sanders.
4. ASHTON MOIR
(Glenelg)
Medium forward, 18, 188cm, 85kg
The freakishly-skilled forward started the year as SA’s highest rated draft prospect but he had an uninspiring campaign affected by injury, particularly a hip issue. But you don’t lose your talent overnight and Moir has the supreme class and X-factor that AFL clubs covet. The medium forward can kick equally well with both feet (he’s happy to take set shots on either side of his body from outside 50m), is good at ground level and can jump high and take a grab. On pure talent he is a top-10 candidate with a huge upside.
What they say: “He didn’t have the year he would have liked, with some niggling injuries affecting him, but he’s a class act who has a load of talent and tremendous upside. Whoever gets him will get someone who is really dedicated and will really impact on the main stage. I watched him train at Adelaide as part of the AFL Academy early in the year and he didn’t look out of place, looking very smart and very much like an AFL player. He has the attributes to play at the next level.’’ – Glenelg talent manager Darren Trevena.
3. JACK DELEAN
(South Adelaide)
Small forward, 18, 182cm, 77kg
South’s jack-in-the-box small forward has plenty of tricks and knows where the goals are. He steps up to whatever level he plays, kicking two goals in each of his three league games this year, which illustrated his quality. Is a class act who can turn a game in the blink of an eye and had two four-goal games for SA at this year’s AFL under-18 national championships. His ability to hit the scoreboard was highlighted by his 53 majors in 20 games across all levels. The AFL Academy member is not only good on the ground but can take a strong aerial grab, although his endurance has been questioned.
What they say: “Jack’s very talented and finds a way to kick goals. He can mark well for his size and he has decent speed. He’s very dangerous around goal and doesn’t need much space to make a scoreboard impact. He coped really well with league footy, which is a real sign that he can play at the highest level.’’ – South talent manager Mark Clayton.
2. TAYLOR GOAD
(South Adelaide)
Ruckman, 18, 207cm, 92kg
SA’s biggest draft riser, the giant Panther and former basketballer has gone from, in his own words, “zero to a hundred’’ this year after being talked into playing SANFL after starring in school footy for Westminster. Raw but incredibly athletic and naturally talented, Goad recorded the fastest 20m sprint in the SANFL under-18s this year and tested eighth at the AFL national draft combine with an impressive time of 2.965 seconds. He performed strongly against the country’s best ruckmen in the AFL under-18 championships before playing in the Panthers under-18s premiership team and hauling in three contested marks in the grand final. His development has been rapid and exceptional.
What they say: “He has as much upside as anyone I have ever seen. He’s a big guy who can move really well, having run under three seconds for the 20m sprint at the AFL draft combine, which is amazing for someone his size. For someone who hasn’t been in a SANFL system for very long, he’s come on really well. He is very coachable and is like a sponge in that he soaks everything up. One of the most pleasing things is that you can see him trying to execute whatever you ask of him. And he’s a terrific person.’’ – South talent manager Mark Clayton.
1. WILL McCABE
(Central District)
Key defender/forward, 18, 197cm, 86kg
The athletic tall is tied to Hawthorn as a father-son prospect. His dad Luke, a Central premiership player, played 138 games for the Hawks from 1995 to 2004 and is their current football director. Missed nearly two months this year with a hot spot foot stress injury, which hindered his development, but is a classy, high possession intercept defender who can play on talls and smalls. Took seven intercept marks and 10 overall in his reserves debut. Didn’t test physically at the AFL national draft combine because of injury.
What they say: “Will’s outstanding on and off the field. He’s very diligent in the way he goes about things and would have played more senior football this year if he didn’t have some injuries and college football commitments. He can play back, forward or even on the wing and has a lot of similar traits to (former Port Adelaide tall utility) Justin Westhoff.’’ – Central football manager Mark Ross.
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