AFL Draft 2024: Finn O’Sullivan a complete package as Blues eye him with pick 3
Carlton is eyeing West Coast’s pick 3 to nab a midfielder considered a complete package despite a year ravaged by injuries. Here’s why recruiters are so excited.
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Clubs remain keen on top-five draft prospect Finn O’Sullivan despite some “inconsistent games” during what was an injury-interrupted year for the dynamic midfielder.
Carlton made a play for West Coast’s pick 3 during trade talks on Friday as it eyes a top-end midfield talent like O’Sullivan in November’s national draft.
Blues list manager Nick Austin has indicated that the club is searching for some speed and power through the midfield, and O’Sullivan ticks both boxes.
The 18-year-old is viewed as a complete package, with a good mix between his inside and outside game, impressive agility, strong overhead marking prowess and a damaging and penetrating kick.
O’Sullivan models his game on two of footy’s modern-day stars – including Carlton’s current co-vice captain.
“I probably couldn’t say I play like someone … I probably take traits off players,” O’Sullivan said.
“Sam Walsh has his competitive nature and the effort that he brings to games is second to none, so I’d probably say (I have) that trait. Then Isaac Heeney with his marking ability, he always backs himself and backs his judgment and goes for his marks.”
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Described as a “naturally gifted” footballer, O’Sullivan entered this year as the No.1 draft prospect in the eyes of many scouts before enduring a rough injury run.
That included a fractured thumb, a badly broken finger and minor hip and calf complaints.
The finger injury – sustained during an AFL Academy exhibition match against Footscray’s VFL side in late April – required surgery which sidelined O’Sullivan from the first two matches of the under-18 national championships with Vic Country.
However, the boy from the small country town of Koroit, just outside of Warrnambool, showed plenty of glimpses of what he could offer at the next level across the second half of the season.
“Coming into the year, I just wanted to play as many games as I could,” O’Sullivan said.
“For me it didn’t look too similar to that, but other than that I had a great year, really enjoyed it.
“I’d say in a way that (the injuries) definitely contributed to some inconsistent games. Having school and a big social life with being Year 12, trying to balance all that was quite important. But I thought I handled it pretty solidly.”
O’Sullivan, who has been boarding at Xavier College since year 10, grew up a Hawthorn supporter.
He trained with North Melbourne during pre-season as part of the AFL Academy program, before making a classy VFL debut for Richmond in August.
Playing a midfield-forward role in that match, O’Sullivan kicked two goals from 12 disposals.
Tigers VFL coach Steve Morris said he “looked a class above the level”.
“I wish I could have got a couple more games with those boys,” O’Sullivan said.
“They supported me and gave me the freedom to back my judgement and decision making. They didn’t put any pressure on me, which I can’t thank them enough for that.”
O’Sullivan is also a second cousin of Carlton star Walsh.
The pair were not particularly close growing up, but have seen each other at some events, including a family reunion last year.
“Sammy is such a great player. I wish I could see him more,” O’Sullivan said.
“Obviously, he has a very busy schedule, but he’s a really good bloke, someone that I’ve looked up to.
“He’s always up for a really good chat. Hopefully next year, if I’m in the system, I can spend a bit more time with him.”
North Melbourne (pick 2) and West Coast (pick 3) have both stated that they are willing to “slide” down the draft order a little if the price is right, in bids to secure additional first-round selections.
While the AFL’s trade period closes on Wednesday, draft picks can be swapped up until and during the national draft, which is being held across two nights on November 20 and 21.
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Originally published as AFL Draft 2024: Finn O’Sullivan a complete package as Blues eye him with pick 3
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