Kaden Schreiber shapes as AFL draft hopeful

Kaden Schreiber’s performances throughout the NAB League finals series have elevated his draft chances, with his coach declaring: “The bigger the game, the better he played.”

Kaden Schreiber dishes off a handball during a NAB League game. Picture: Stuart Milligan

There’s one every year.

A player that rises during the NAB League finals series to enhance his AFL draft interest.

Think of Gryan Miers’ seven-goal haul in 2017, Steele Sidebottom’s bag of 10 in 2008 and Amon Buchanan’s performances during the 2000 finals series when he kicked 18 majors in three games for the Geelong Falcons.

Miers and Buchanan were speculative picks in the 50s but performances in September undoubtedly helped land the pair on AFL lists.

Gryan Miers celebrates one of his seven goals in the 2017 decider. Picture: Scott Barbour/AFL Media/Getty Images

This year it could be Oakleigh Chargers rebounding defender Kaden Schreiber who is nabbed late in the draft following an impressive finals campaign.

Schreiber was in Oakleigh’s best players throughout its finals campaign, culminating in the NAB League premiership win.

It followed grand final success for Caulfield Grammar in the private school competition.

Schreiber averaged 22 disposals and eight marks during the finals series — both up on his statistics during the home-and-away campaign.

He was second only to likely No.1 pick Matt Rowell in Chargers’ list of best players in the NAB League decider.

“The bigger the game, the better he played,” Oakleigh coach Leigh Clarke said.

“We’re hearing and we’re having some really positive conversations about him with clubs at the moment.

“He had a really strong finals series and showed … some real senior footy traits.”

Oakleigh Chargers coach Leigh Clarke. Picture: Stuart Milligan

Schreiber’s 18th birthday coincided with the NAB League grand final, giving him a milestone to remember.

He said he hoped his finals performances would boost his draft prospects, showcasing his run and carry, athleticism and kicking ability.

“I know a lot of clubs like to see the further you go into finals … they want to see how you act under pressure, how you play against the best and I was able to capitalise on those opportunities of playing in a finals series,” Schreiber said.

“When you play AFL, you’re playing in front of thousands of people so to also perform in front of a crowd under high pressure, it was really good.”

Schreiber, who is growing a blond moustache as part of Movember, added an emphasis on preparation was also vital to his September series.

Kaden Schreiber was one of Oakleigh Chargers’ top performers during finals. Picture: Stuart Milligan

“I’d get to training early, refine my skills and put myself under pressure … to prepare myself for that finals intensity,” he said.

“We had a really strong connection within our team and great trust between the players. I played across the half-back line and the back six, back seven, the trust we had between each other was amazing.

“The connection had never been as good as what it was in the finals knowing your teammate had your back.”

Schreiber played his junior football at East Burwood, playing in an under-11s and under-15s flag win.

The Blackburn South resident also had a year at Boroondara Hawks and played in an under-17s premiership.

MORE AFL DRAFT NEWS

INJURY GIVES STURGESS PERSPECTIVE

MOTT PROVES TALENT ON AND OFF THE FIELD

HOW HARRY SCHOENBERG ROSE FROM WILDERNESS

GEELONG TO SEARCH FOR TALL TIMBER IN DRAFT

Schreiber is part of a group of draft players that have lent their support to the Movember movement, which raises funds and awareness for men’s health.

“I’ll be trying to grow a mo but I’ve got blonde hair so you can’t really see it,” he said.

“It’s a great way in the footy community to create an environment in which people feel comfortable about starting conversations on mental health.

“It’s really important to reach out to the other people that might be suffering alone and it’s important to give them a sense of belonging.”

WHAT A LEADER LOCAL FOOTY SUBSCRIPTION GIVES YOU ACCESS TO

— Match reports, features, player and coach movements and analysis of all the leagues across Melbourne.

— Unprecedented AFL coverage.

— All the latest football news from across the country including Herald Sun, Daily Telegraph and Courier-Mail.

— Latest news and videos from the world’s leading leagues.

— Exclusive digital stories and videos before they go to print.

Originally published as Kaden Schreiber shapes as AFL draft hopeful