Jarrod Garlett could be draft gem as recruiter likens South Fremantle midfielder to Cyril Rioli

AFL hopeful Jarrod Garlett has been described as a “gem” selection in this month’s national draft and likened to Hawthorn star Cyril Rioli.

Vic Metro v Western Australia at Simonds Stadium, WA's Jarrod Garlett gets past an outstretched Metro's Angus Brayshaw.June 27th 2014. Picture : Colleen Petch

AFL hopeful Jarrod Garlett has been described as a “gem” selection in this month’s national draft.

The South Fremantle midfielder’s dynamic skills have been compared to Hawthorn’s triple-premiership star Cyril Rioli.

Garlett, 18, is looming as a top-20 draft chance after senior appearances with South in the WAFL this year as well as his national under-18 championship series performances and impressive endurance and speed testing at the annual AFL draft combine.

He must initially cast off comparisons to his troubled cousin Dayle Garlett, who failed to settle into heavy AFL commitments and was dumped by the Hawks in April after being taken at No. 38 in last year’s draft.

Dayle Garlett last week told a Perth court a series of burglary offences were caused by a methamphetamine addiction.

Speaking of Jarrod Garlett, one recruiter who asked not to be named declared: “He could be anything.

“He’s got those uncanny skills and dangerous bursts like Cyril Rioli.

Jarrod Garlett shows his silky skills for WA. Picture: Colleen Petch

“At the right club, with the right environment, if given a chance he could be the gem in this draft.

“If he’s not taken by a West Aussie (AFL) club and he could cope with living away from home, he could be a real find from this draft.”

Garlett is a candidate to have his name called out on November 27 along with South Fremantle teammate Jarrod Pickett and Connor Blakely from Swan Districts.

Blakely and Pickett appear certain to be taken in the opening round.

Originally published as Jarrod Garlett could be draft gem as recruiter likens South Fremantle midfielder to Cyril Rioli