AFL clubs circle South Australian cricketer Kyle Brazell

AFL clubs are interested in recruiting a young cricketer who is fresh off scoring a century for his home state.

AFL clubs are interested in recruiting South Australia cricketer Kyle Brazell as a potential category B rookie.

Brazell played three first-class matches for SA last summer but has not been able to crack into the side that won the Marsh Cup and is hosting the Sheffield Shield final.

Brazell struck 148 and 79 opening the batting for South Australia’s Second XI against Tasmania only two weeks ago.

But the 23-year-old is out of contract at the end of this season and is gaining interest from AFL clubs.

Brazell played for North Adelaide in the SANFL competition in 2020 and nominated for the AFL draft prior to earning a cricket contract with South Australia.

AFL clubs are watching the contract status of South Aussie Kyle Brazell. Picture: Keryn Stevens

He was a hardworking wingman capable of hitting the scoreboard during his days as a young Rooster.

Brazell’s manager Zach Whelan said the opening bat hoped to extend with South Australia but would explore the “solid amount” of AFL interest if left uncontracted.

“With Kyle, cricket is absolutely his preference, first and foremost, but as a backup option we have obviously explored those cat B rules and regulations,” Whelan, of PowerPlay Management, said.

Kyle Brazell (right) played cricket for Australia at under-17 level. Picture: AAP/Mike Burton

“There is certainly interest there, it’s just a matter of how far those discussions will go (pending his state contract).

“There’s a solid amount (of interest), he ranks up there with times in terms of 2km time trial and his off-field measures.

“I think if you had asked anyone in South Australian cricket, they would say he is one of the hardest workers.

“Irrelevant of the sport, if you’ve got the dedication to it, that’s the first one, and then the skill development will come back after a couple of years in cricket.”

The AFL has won over cricketers James O’Donnell (Western Bulldogs), Wil Parker (Collingwood) and Zak Evans (Gold Coast) in recent years.

Originally published as AFL clubs circle South Australian cricketer Kyle Brazell