AFL draft 2024: Calder Cannons powerhouse Cooper Herbert bolts into draft contention

Calder Cannons’ Cooper Herbert is grabbing late interest ahead of this year’s AFL draft. Watch some of the moments – including the Northern League’s goal of the year – putting him on radars.

His name appears on no phantom draft boards.

But Calder Cannons forward/midfielder Cooper Herbert is emerging as this year’s draft bolter, with at least four AFL clubs assessing the 18-year-old from the town of Beveridge.

Herbert won Assumption College’s best and fairest and played at local level for Laurimar in Division 2 of the Northern league this year.

He kicked five goals and was named in the best three times in his eight matches for the Cannons in the Coates Talent League.

Cannons talent manager Sebastian Spagnuolo confirmed AFL club interest in the 188cm Herbert, whom he described as a “very dynamic and athletic forward’’.

“He hasn’t had a lot of exposure at Coates Talent League level because of school football commitments but he has a lot of ability and there’s a lot of upside and development in him, which makes him a very exciting prospect,’’ he said.

“He was Assumption College’s best player this year – he won their best and fairest award – as a goalkicker and dominant forward. He has a great leap for his size and great hands.

“We also played him as a forward and through the midfield at times as well, because we wanted to show his power and size. He can play in both positions. He can even play behind the footy.’’

Spagnuolo said the Cannons weren’t surprised at the late interest in Herbert.

“We always knew what he was capable of. It was a matter of waiting for an opportunity around his school football,’’ he said.

Cooper Herbert takes a kick for the Calder Cannons

Herbert returned to Calder’s team for the last two home-and-away games and the two finals and impressed Cannons coach Sam Willatt.

“He really showed what he can do, he’s a terrific athlete with his speed and power is a massive standout,’’ he said.

“He kicked a great goal against Sandy in that (semi) final. He’s one who’s a bit of a mystery box for clubs but he just has raw talent. He can flip a game so quickly and do some things not many can do.’’

Herbert also kicked the goal of the year in the Northern league when playing for Laurimar.

Laurimar senior coach Jimmy Atkins said Herbert was a “super player’’.

“He’s got it all. Great athlete, takes a good mark, he’s got great speed and skills,’’ he said.

“He was really good for us this year ... and it’s great to hear he might be very much a chance.’’

Herbert also played in the APS-AGVS clash, with Herald Sun draft expert Dan Batten reporting he “did some nice things throughout the day both at the source and in the air, the highlight being a great mark in a one-on-one contest up forward.’’

If he goes undrafted, the Cannons will ask him back as a 19-year-old player for 2025.

Originally published as AFL draft 2024: Calder Cannons powerhouse Cooper Herbert bolts into draft contention