Caleb Serong an AFL draft prospect with ‘no flaws’, say experts

Caleb Serong doesn’t let comparisons with Robbie Gray and Tom Papley go to his head. But one expert says the draft prospect has ‘no flaws’.

Caleb Serong of Vic Country.

Caleb Serong is flattered when he is compared to Port Adelaide’s Robbie Gray and Sydney’s Tom Papley, but does not let it get to his head.

“It’s pretty nice to hear that,” Serong said.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE SACKED PODCAST HERE

“Robbie Gray’s someone I’ve tried to watch a bit the last few years because he’s an elite forward and midfielder so playing those two positions and being a bit smaller as well, he’s definitely someone I’ve watched.

“But once I’m out there I’m just Caleb Serong and trying to play like me.”

DRAFT NEWS: THE BONT CLONE AT ‘AFL LEVEL RIGHT NOW’

DRAFT NEWS: ROWELL’S STOCKS RISING AS NO. 1

Being his own player is working well for the 18-year-old, who has been a highly-touted AFL draft prospect for more than 12 months but has further solidified his standing this year.

Serong was the second-ranked player by Champion Data in the AFL Under-18 National Championships behind possible No.1 draft pick Matthew Rowell, averaging 130 SuperCoach points across his four matches for Vic Country.

The midfielder-forward also averaged 22 disposals, 5.5 marks, 5.3 clearances and 8.5 tackles from those games, as well as kicking three goals.

AFL draft prospect Caleb Serong celebrates a goal for Vic Country during the AFL Under 18 National Championships this year. Picture: Michael Dodge/Getty Images

“I liken him to Tom Papley,” AFL talent manager Kevin Sheehan said.

“He’s clean, he’s a great kick, works hard through the midfield on the inside and the outside. He’s a goalkicker as well and such a consistent player in the big games.

“He’s got a low centre of gravity, he’s powerfully-built, quick, strong overhead for his 178cm height and just has no flaws in his make-up.”

Serong does not know his family tree off by heart, but does know he is some relation to Bill Serong, a centreman who played 114 games for Collingwood and North Melbourne between 1956 and 1962.

Growing up in Warragul, the teenager was also a handy cricketer before football took priority.

“I was 50-50 footy and cricket growing up and the last couple of year’s footy’s definitely taken a preference,” Serong said.

“I enjoy footy a lot more.”

Currently completing Year 12 at Geelong Grammar, Serong has a focus on school as he hopes to begin a commerce or accounting course at university next year regardless of his AFL prospects.

However, he is also continuing to work on his midfield craft both with school football and NAB League club Gippsland Power.

“I love going up forward as well but I think this year I’ve played a bit more time in the midfield,” Serong said.

“It’s been good to play some consistent footy.”

Originally published as Caleb Serong an AFL draft prospect with ‘no flaws’, say experts