First-round draft fancy Dylan Stephens reveals why All-Australian selection was ‘low light’ of his season
Top-10 draft prospect Dylan Stephens isn’t easily satisfied. The midfielder, who has been compared to West Coast’s Andrew Gaff, lists All-Australian selection as the “low light” of his season. Here’s why.
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On paper, it looked like nothing short of a home run.
Dylan Stephens went toe-to-toe with the best of the best at July’s national championships and was rewarded with All-Australian selection.
Among his rival midfielders, Champion Data rated the teenager elite for disposals and intercept disposals.
He also scored above average for ranking points (89).
However, Stephens wasn’t doing much celebrating after the four game tournament finished.
“I think I had a pretty mediocre championships. I think my coach would say that too,” he told the Herald Sun.
“Personally, I think I was very, very lucky to sneak in the All Australian team on the interchange. That was probably my low light for the year.”
The assessment is an indication of the high standards Stephens has for himself.
Although he was internally disappointed, he returned to SANFL club Norwood determined to enjoy the rest of his season.
And nothing is more enjoyable than playing in a premiership, which he did with the Redlegs’ reserves side.
Against senior opposition, Stephens didn’t miss a beat on the cut throat Grand Final stage, amassing 26 disposals in a near best on ground performance.
“That is one of my best footy memories. I absolutely loved it,” he said.
“I really enjoyed being with those boys. They took me under their wing this year. They are great boys.”
A pacy outside midfielder who has a big engine and a lethal left foot, top recruiters liken Stephens to West Coast star Andrew Gaff.
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The prospect of being taken by an interstate club holds no fear for the 18-year-old, who has already racked up a mountain of frequent flyer miles.
He grew up in Melbourne and Mildura before accepting a scholarship to South Australian boarding school St Peters.
It has created a tug of war over where his true allegiances lie.
“I’m probably still on the ropes a little bit. I’ve grown up in Victoria and mum and dad and people from back home still claim me as Victorian. But my mates from South Australia, they say, ‘Na you’re one of us now’.
“I’m starting to speak like a South Australian now which Dad’s not happy about. I don’t even mean to do it. I don’t know what I am.
“I think that’s the best thing for me about this year. The idea of moving away doesn’t bother me at all.”
Stephens has been linked with Adelaide’s pick six after the Crows swapped their No. 4 selection with GWS.
Originally published as First-round draft fancy Dylan Stephens reveals why All-Australian selection was ‘low light’ of his season
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