All the results and standout performances from the 2021 AFL Draft combine
A number of top junior footballers enhanced their draft prospects at the recent state combines across the country. See the national top 10 for all the key tests.
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Western Australian talent manager Adam Jones believes Josh Cripps, the brother of Carlton midfield star Patrick, deserves to be given an AFL opportunity in the upcoming draft period, saying it could “pay off” for a club down the track.
Cripps, a markedly different prospect to his older sibling as a 199cm key forward-ruckman, was sidelined with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his draft year of 2020 and returned to East Fremantle’s program as an over-age player.
SCROLL DOWN TO SEE THE TOP 10 FOR EVERY TEST
The 19-year-old is one of more than 20 draft chances from WA in the state’s strongest draft cohort in recent memory, with the possibility of up to eight prospects being snared inside the top 30 selections, headlined by a host of talented talls.
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Battling shin splints throughout the season, Cripps earned a late national combine invite after a stunning month at WAFL Colts level in the back-half of the year, averaging a whopping 187 ranking points 23 disposals, three goals and 11 hit-outs per game across this period.
Cripps also caught the eye in the final national championships clash as a ruckman with 14 disposals and 10 contested possessions.
Noted for his skills and mobility, Cripps was among those to impress at Sunday’s WA draft combine, running the agility test in 8.3 seconds – just outside the top 10 nationally – which Jones said was “exceptional” for a player his size.
“I think when you factor in everything, what he’s shown this year has been quite remarkable. He just needs some time to build his tank and get his body right and who knows what sort of player he can turn into,” Jones told News Corp.
“It’s going to be interesting come the draft and the rookie draft.
“Clubs may sort of let him develop in the WAFL for 1-2 more years but hopefully someone takes a punt on him, because it could pay off by securing him a little bit earlier on.”
MORE DRAFT: YOUR CLUB’S PICKS, 70 PROSPECTS PROFILED
Cripps, considered a late national draft-rookie draft chance, told reporters on Sunday that he had spoken with Carlton and would be eager to play alongside his brother at the Blues.
“I have spoken to them (Carlton) and that would be awesome, to play with my brother,” Cripps said.
“It’s been a childhood dream to play AFL but to play with one of your best mates would be pretty cool too.”
Smooth moving wingman Corey Warner, the brother of Sydney young gun Chad, was the standout WA prospect on the testing day.
He finished first nationally in the vertical jump, second in the running vertical jump behind record-breaking defender Leek Alleer, and recorded top 10 finishes in both the 20m sprint and 2km time trial.
Melbourne father-son hopeful Taj Woewodin, son of 2000 Brownlow medallist Shane, was the surprise packet as the runner-up in the 20m sprint behind South Australia’s Harvey Harrison with a blistering time of 2.898 seconds.
Top-15 midfielder Matthew Johnson proved his consistent athletic profile by placing third nationally in the agility test, seventh in the vertical jump and recording a sub 3-second 20m sprint.
Victorian prospects from metropolitan areas submitted their 2km time trial results via the exercise tracking app strava, with likely first-round selections Josh Ward (5:57) and Finn Callaghan (6:10) recording stellar times.
2km Time-Trial
Cooper Hamilton (Bendigo Pioneers/VIC) 5:48 mins
Hamish Sinnott (GWV Rebels/VIC) 5:58
Mitchell Knevitt (Geelong Falcons/VIC) 6:18
Jamieson Ballantyne (GWV Rebels/VIC) 6:19
Kai Lohmann (GWV Rebels/VIC) 6:19
Corey Warner (East Fremantle) 6:20
Shay Linke (Central District/SA) 6:22
Sam Butler (GWV Rebels) 6:23
Jai Serong (Gippsland Power/VIC) 6:24
Luca Whitelum (Central District/SA) 6:26
2km Time-Trial (Strava NSW/VIC – Run tracked via app)
Josh Ward (Northern Knights/VIC) 5:57 mins
Josh Fahey (GWS Giants Academy) 5:59
Ned Long (Northern Knights/VIC) 6:05
Karl Worner (Oakleigh Chargers/VIC) 6:07
Blake Howes (Sandringham Dragons/VIC) 6:08
Connor MacDonald (Dandenong Stingrays/VIC) 6:08
Finn Callaghan (Sandringham Dragons/VIC) 6:10
Charlie Dean (Williamstown VFL) 6:11
Jed Rule (Oakleigh Chargers/VIC) 6:13
Angus Anderson (Sydney Swans Academy) 6:14
Agility
Alastair Lord (Norwood/SA) 7.940 secs
Bryce Watson (Swan Districts/WA) 8.006
Matt Johnson (West Perth/WA) 8.061
Jesse Motlop (South Fremantle/WA) 8.063
Cooper Beecken (Glenelg/SA) 8.070
Ronald Fejo Jnr (West Adelaide/NT) 8.080
Arthur Jones (Claremont/WA) 8.189
Cooper Murley (Norwood/SA) 8.200
Toby Triffett (Brisbane Lions Academy/QLD) 8.226
Judd Mcvee (East Fremantle/WA) 8.238
20m sprint
Harvey Harrison (North Adelaide/SA) 2.845 secs
Taj Woewodin (East Fremantle/WA) 2.898
Luke Polson (Peel Thunder/WA) 2.900
Hugh Stagg (Glenelg/SA) 2.910
Noah Pegoraro (West Perth/WA) 2.926
Bryce Watson (Swan Districts/WA) 2.951
Brad Hough (Peel Thunder/WA) 2.960
Corey Warner WA (East Fremantle/WA) 2.969
Sam Butler (GWV Rebels/VIC) 2.974
Mitchell Knevitt (Geelong Falcons/VIC) 2.976
Vertical jump
Corey Warner (East Fremantle/WA) 76cm
William Bella (Gold Coast Academy/QLD) 75
Leek Alleer (Central District/SA) 75
Noah Pegoraro (West Perth WA) 75
Lochlan Paton (West Perth WA) 73
Tom Brown (West Perth WA) 72
Matt Johnson (West Perth WA) 72
Luke Polson (Peel Thunder WA) 72
Sam Butler (GWV Rebels/VIC) 71
Richard Farmer (Subiaco WA) 71
Brady Hough (Peel Thunder WA) 71
Running vertical jump
Leek Alleer (Central District/SA) 107cm
Corey Warner (East Fremantle/WA) 100
Josh Gibcus (GWV Rebels/VIC) 95
Jahmal Stretch (Claremont WA) 93
Noah Pegoraro (West Perth WA) 92
Tyler McGinniss (North Hobart/TAS) 91
Matt Johnson (West Perth WA) 89
Kai Lohmann (GWV Rebels/VIC) 88
Luke Polson (Peel Thunder WA) 88
Sam Butler (GWV Rebels/VIC) 87
The record-breaking rise of an AFL Draft bolter
– Matt Turner, Jordan Pinto
A Central District draft prospect from South Sudan has smashed the AFL’s running vertical jump record.
Leek Alleer leapt a whopping 107cm off his left foot at South Australia’s draft combine at Mawson Lakes on Saturday.
West Coast star Nic Naitanui had held the national record of 102cm until 2017, when North Melbourne’s Kyron Hayden beat it by 1cm.
Alleer, 20, landed an invite to the combine after an impressive SANFL campaign, including 11 league games, playing mainly as an intercept defender.
The 195cm talent was part of Adelaide’s Next Generation Academy until last season but the Crows overlooked him at the draft and now did not have access to him.
Dashing Norwood defender Alastair Lord was another standout, continuing his eye-catching end to the year with an impressive showing.
Lord missed most of the SANFL under-18 season through injury but reminded recruiters of his ability to break the game open with his speed and foot skills, making one late appearance for the Redlegs and two for his state.
“We were really keen to get him into our state program late,” SANFL talent manager Brenton Phillips said of Lord who played in the final two matches of the carnival.
“He was really good, he showed some really good speed around the contest. He’s got some nice attributes.”
Lord was best in the agility test (7.94 secs) and recorded the fifth-fastest 2km time trial (6.48 secs).
Norwood's Alastair Lord won the 1st 2km time trial ahead of South Adelaide's Matty Roberts.#AFLDraftpic.twitter.com/QXRvJjo8NO
— Matt Turner (@mattturner1986) October 16, 2021
Although Alleer’s high leaping was on display on Saturday, he was grounded two years ago when he suffered a broken fibula and dislocated ankle in a game against Norwood at Elizabeth.
The injuries restricted him to four under-18 games in 2019 before he played eight last year and it hurt his draft prospects.
“It made me a stronger footballer and smarter football, and helped in my development as a person,” Alleer said.
Alleer came to Australia in 2006 with his mum and sister after fleeing their war-torn homeland.
It was not long before he would watch footy with his uncles, who supported Adelaide, and he was kicking the ball with mates at school.
Alleer said it had been a dream since childhood to be an AFL player.
He said he had spoken with a few clubs, but would not say if the Crows or Port Adelaide were among them.
“Any opportunity would be a great opportunity,” he said.
“Whether it was interstate or here in Adelaide, I’d take it with both hands.”
Alleer also recorded the highest vertical jump (75cm) and running vertical leap off his right foot (90cm) on Saturday.
North Adelaide’s Harvey Harrison was the fastest in the 20m sprint (2.85 secs) and Central’s Shay Linke was the quickest in the 2km time trial (6 min 22 secs).
SA’S BEST: THE STATE’S TOP AFL DRAFT PROSPECTS RANKED
THE RESULTS
Vertical Jump
Leek Alleer 75cm
Ronald Fejo Jnr 70
Harvey Harrison 70
Jason Horne-Francis 66
Jordan Lukac 66
Running vertical jump (right foot)
Leek Alleer 90cm
Cooper Murley 77
Zac Becker 77
Blayne O’Loughlin 75
Andy Moniz-Wakefield 73
Running vertical jump (left foot)
Leek Alleer 107cm
Morgan Ferres 85
Jase Burgoyne 85
Cooper Murley 82
Jason Horne-Francis 82
In no surprise, Leek Alleer impressing early at the SA #AFLDraft combine pic.twitter.com/a9ltCLEF8K
— Jordan Pinto (@jordanpint0) October 15, 2021
20m sprint
Harvey Harrison 2.845 secs
Hugh Stagg 2.910
Jordan Lukac 2.980
Luca Whitelum 3.007
Morgan Ferres 3.015
Agility test
Alastair Lord 7.94 secs
Cooper Beecken 8.07
Ronald Fejo Jnr 8.08
Cooper Murley 8.20
Hugh Stagg 8.24
2km time trial
Shay Linke 6.22 min
Luca Whitelum 6.26
Luke Beecken 6.34
Harvey Harrison 6.37
Alastair Lord 6.48
Under-19 National Champs: All the standouts, exclusive stats
Draft prospects from South Australia and Western Australia have had the chance to press their claims on the national stage and a host of talents have taken the opportunity with both hands.
A draft bolter with famous football bloodlines, two rising Western Australian talls and an exciting small who has put himself on the map are among the standouts from the under-19 national championships.
SCROLL DOWN FOR ALL THE KEY STATS
Reduced Covid restrictions in these two states has allowed the carnival, arguably the best indicator of a draft prospect’s talent compared to their peers across the country, to push forward with the Croweaters and Sandgropers participating in four and three games respectively over the past six weeks.
Western Australia and South Australia locked horns in three matches with two nail-biters and a blowout, with the Croweaters also facing off against a makeshift Allies line-up last week.
Vic Metro and Vic Country prospects, who took part in a Challenge match earlier in July, were unable to participate.
The standard of these games have been impacted by clashes with state league finals and various injuries, with expected No. 1 draft prospect Jason Horne-Francis playing just one match across the carnival, which allowed some lesser-lights of the draft class to shine.
Find out who is rising up draft boards and all the key stats from the national championships.
THE STANDOUTS
Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera (South Australia)
After a strong finish to the year at SANFL and national level, the 187cm wingman looms as this year’s draft bolter. The Glenelg product only played the first two matches against WA but his kicking was a class above. Wanganeen-Milera, the nephew of Port Adelaide and Essendon great Gavin Wanganeen, was SA’s best in the championships opener at Lathlain Park, dancing around his opponents and delivering with precision. He may have only had 15 disposals again but the athletically-gifted teenager then showed off his incredible balance, setting his teammates up on either side of his body, in the grand final curtain raiser. Some now view Wanganeen-Milera as SA’s second-best prospect behind Jason Horne-Francis.
Angus Sheldrick (Western Australia)
Meet the late bolter coming with a bullet. Not only did Sheldrick average a formidable 23 disposals, 16 contested possessions and two goals per game in the WAFL Colts finals series for runner up Claremont, the relentless midfielder also ranked first for disposals and contested possessions per game at the national championships for Western Australia. The 179cm prospect’s best-on-ground performance in the final game capped a dominant back half of the year, kicking the sealing goal and tallying 29 disposals, eight clearances, five tackles and 128 Champion Data ranking points. His ability to win contested ball and distribute it cleanly, cover the ground with his strong tank and hit the scoreboard – slotting two goals in a matter of minutes in the WAFL Colts grand final – have seen his draft stocks rise rapidly. Has he worked himself into the top half dozen prospects in his state?
Matthew Johnson (Western Australia)
Johnson was arguably the most consistent Western Australian performer across the championships, but it was his showing on the grand final stage that elevated his draft standing. With key midfielders out on the day, Johnson moved into the engine room and thrived with his composure and creativity with the ball, finishing with 20 disposals, nine tackles, five clearances, 123 ranking points and the best-on-ground medal draped around his neck. His best position is believed to be as tall, smooth-moving inside midfielder, but his decision making allows him to be used as a wingman, where he played in the opening championships match. The 191cm prospect averaged the most score involvements and ranked second for ranking points and tackles per game across the carnival at the carnival. Another in the mid-late first-round range.
POWER RANKINGS: THE TOP 30 PROSPECTS IN THE COUNTRY
SA’S BEST: THE SANFL’S BEST DRAFT CHANCES
Shaye Linke (South Australia)
Linke was overlooked for the opener against WA, despite strong form in the SANFL for Central District, but the 190cm midfielder more than made his mark when the opportunity came. Splitting his time between the forward line and midfield in his two matches against the Sandgropers, Linke made great decisions in traffic, found the footy in space and took a number of strong marks overhead. And, as they did at senior level this year, Linke’s defensive attributes and toughness stood out, with the 18-year-old tallying 12 contested possessions and eight tackles in an impressive performance in the final game on Sunday.
Blayne O’Loughlin (South Australia)
The Crows confirmed they wouldn’t be nominating NGA prospects O’Loughlin and Isaiah Dudley ahead of November’s draft, given the club has already filled its two Category B rookie spots. But O’Loughlin’s performance for South Australia across the carnival further enhanced the thought he’s likely to find an AFL home regardless. The playmaker was the Croweaters’ best on grand final, finishing with 22 disposals, 413 metres gained, five intercepts and 137 ranking points. His kicking was outstanding, short and long, across the four games – with 46 of his 58 kicks effective – and he continually cut through the opposition’s defence, rolling quickly onto his damaging left-foot. The 171cm defender was also sound defensively, proving coach Tony Bamford’s pre-carnival comments to be true. “He’s tough and strong and you can trust him deep,” Bamford said in August.
DRAFT HUB: YOUR CLUB’S DRAFT HAND, 70 PROSPECTS PROFILED
Alastair Lord (South Australia)
The dashing Norwood defender is eye-catching. He made a strong start to the year, before injury saw him miss most of the SANFL under-18 season. But he’s made an impressive late run which continued in SA’s final two matches of the under-19 carnival. The 180cm Lord only had 14 and 16 disposals against the Allies and WA, respectively, but he doesn’t need a lot of the ball to make an impact. He broke the game open with his blistering pace out of defence against a makeshift Allies side last week, before highlighting his ability to do similar by foot against WA. He’ll get another chance to remind recruiters of his top-end traits after receiving a late invite to the draft combine.
Jacob van Rooyen (Western Australia)
One of the leading key forwards in the pool with 34 goals in nine WAFL Colts matches for Claremont, van Rooyen transformed into a versatile swingman after a successful trial in the opening two championships clashes. van Rooyen’s ability to win and neutralise one-on-one marking contests as a key defender was first rate, hauling in eight marks as one of the best performers in the full-strength first game in August. It makes the powerful 194cm tall an even more attractive prospect for clubs, pushing himself into top 20 calculations. A big game player, van Rooyen drifted forward in their second match with South Australia to kick the match-winning goal in the dying seconds. He missed Western Australia’s win over the weekend with an elbow injury but, like Claremont teammate Sheldrick, excelled during the WAFL Colts finals series. Van Rooyen booted 11 majors in three games – four of those coming in their grand final loss.
Zac Becker (South Australia)
Becker hardly put a foot wrong across the four matches, highlighting his ability as a tough, rebounding defender, who is equally as effective in the air as he is on the ground. Becker, who drives the ball forward with a penetrating right-foot, had 16 disposals or more in three games, and averaged six intercepts – two of them marks – and five rebound-50s. But, as he’s done for Scotch College through his junior career, the 190cm Becker had an impact at the other end of the ground, too, booting three goals from three contested marks in the final quarter against the Allies.
Rhett Bazzo (Western Australia)
He might have played just the one championships game but it was a significant one at that. The key 195cm defender was voted as the top performer by a host of club recruiters and talent scouts after tallying 18 disposals at 82 per cent efficiency, 11 marks (five of those intercepts) and 100 ranking points in the opening championships clash. His strong overhead marking and ability to read the play was on full display and helped him enter the top-30 frame. Bazzo was another strong performer in the WAFL Colts grand final in his role on the dangerous van Rooyen, managing to quell his influence after quarter time.
Jack Williams (Western Australia)
While WA talls Jye Amiss, van Rooyen and Bazzo have had most of the fanfare, Williams showed he is also among the best key-position prospects in the pool in his two championships matches. The 195cm key forward has an elite endurance base, allowing him to outwork his opponent on the lead – taking five marks in this fashion in the opening game – and is a strong marking presence. He thrived while pinch-hitting in the ruck in the final clash of the carnival, clunking contested marks up the ground and finishing with 16 disposals, seven marks, two goals and 132 ranking points. On average, Williams ranked fourth for ranking points, sixth for score involvements and ninth for contested possessions at the championships.
Matthew Roberts (South Australia)
There was plenty of hype surrounding the South Adelaide ball magnet heading into the opener against WA, after his dominant under-18 performances led to a senior debut. And, while he didn’t set the carnival alight – either side of a two-goal performance in South’s senior preliminary final – Roberts got the job done. He ranked second for ranking points (112), third for contested possessions (10), fifth for disposals (21.3) and seventh for score involvements (4.7) in three matches which underlined his ball-winning ability, clean hands, workrate and footy IQ.
Arthur Jones (Western Australia)
A largely unknown quantity leading into the championships, Jones put himself on the map after being brought in for the grand final curtain raiser. The livewire forward-midfielder finished with 16 goals and two goals in a breakout performance, headlined by a running goal from the 50m arc where he showcased his blistering speed and agility. In his next match over the weekend, Jones produced several eye-catching moments, including a stunning run down the wing with several bounces and an attempted mark of the year contender minutes later, which just slipped through his fingers. Playing on a wing, the 178cm product gathered 14 touches at a tidy 78 per cent efficiency and kicked a goal in another boost for his draft stocks.
Finn Gorringe (Western Australia)
Western Australia’s captain was the leading interceptor across the carnival at an average of 6.7 per game, including 11 against South Australia on Sunday. A reliable 183cm defender, Gorringe finished with 19 touches, five tackles, three intercept marks and 102 ranking points in and rock-solid outing. His defensive attributes are also strong, showing a capacity to consistently beat his opponent and apply pressure. Gorringe played 11 WAFL matches for East Fremantle, where he averaged 11 disposals and 4.4 intercept possessions up against senior bodies.
TOP 10 STAT LEADERS
(Min 2 games)
Ranking points
1. Adam D’Aloia (SA) 128
2. Matty Roberts (SA) 112
3. Matthew Johnson (WA) 108
4. Jack Williams (WA) 103
5. Angus Sheldrick (WA) 103
6. Kade Dittmar (WA) 103
7. Lewis Rayson (SA) 99
8. Blayne O’Loughlin (SA) 99
9. Shay Linke (SA) 95
10. Jase Burgoyne (SA) 93
Disposals
1. Angus Sheldrick (WA) 24.0
2. Adam D’Aloia (SA) 22.7
3. Max Chipper (WA) 22.5
4. Shay Linke (SA) 21.5
5. Matty Roberts (SA) 21.3
6. Jase Burgoyne (SA) 20.7
7. Mani Liddy (SA) 20.5
8. Lewis Rayson (SA) 20.0
9. Joshua Browne (WA) 20.0
10. Matthew Johnson (WA) 19.5
Contested possessions
1. Angus Sheldrick (WA) 13.5
2. Adam D’Aloia (SA) 12.3
3. Matty Roberts (SA) 10.0
4. Kade Dittmar (WA) 10.0
5. Shay Linke (SA) 9.0
6. Mani Liddy (SA) 9.0
7. James Tunstill (WA) 8.7
8. Max Litster (SA) 7.3
9. Jack Williams (WA) 6.5
10. Zac Becker (SA) 6.5
Intercept possessions
1. Finn Gorringe (WA) 6.7
2. Max Litster (SA) 6.5
3. Zac Becker (SA) 6.0
4. Oscar Adams (SA) 5.3
5. Jarrad Parish (SA) 5.3
6. Jack Avery (WA) 5.3
7. Bryce Watson (WA) 5.0
8. Angus Sheldrick (WA) 4.5
9. Oscar Armstrong (WA) 4.0
10. Jacob van Rooyen (WA) 4.0
Tackles
1. Adam D’Aloia (SA) 7.7
2. Matthew Johnson (WA) 6.0
3. Lochlan Paton (WA) 5.0
4. Mani Liddy (SA) 4.5
5. Shay Linke (SA) 4.5
6. Kade Dittmar (WA) 4.3
7. Isaiah Dudley (SA) 4.3
8. Oscar Steene (SA) 3.7
9. Brayden Calvett (SA) 3.5
10. Kaden Harbour (WA) 3.5
Score involvements
1. Matthew Johnson (WA) 6.5
2. Taj Woewodin (WA) 6.0
3. Kaden Harbour (WA) 5.5
4. Adam D’Aloia (SA) 5.3
5. Hugh Stagg (SA) 5.0
6. Jack Williams (WA) 5.0
7. Matty Roberts (SA) 4.7
8. Jase Burgoyne (SA) 4.7
9. Harvey Harrison (SA) 4.7
10. Kade Dittmar (WA) 4.3
SA v ALLIES: BOTTOM-AGE GUN’S HUGE NUMBERS
South Australia’s top AFL Draft prospects impressed on the national stage again in the SANFL Grand Final curtain-raiser.
After consecutive Under-19 Challenge defeats at the hands of WA, the Croweaters dominated a makeshift Allies side at Adelaide Oval by 92 points.
Border issues prevented the Tasmanian contingent making the trip to South Australia as planned, joining most of the top talent from NSW and Queensland on the sidelines, meaning members of SA’s under-17 side were called upon.
Matty Roberts and Jase Burgoyne, two of the state’s top draft chances, returned to Tony Bamford’s team and, again, showed why they are so highly rated around the country.
But they were overshadowed by a number of others on the weekend, including a 17-year-old not eligible to be drafted until 2022.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Adam D’Aloia (Eagles)
The 17-year-old gun continues to impress in a standout bottom-age season. After winning the medal for best afield in the Eagles’ grand final win over Glenelg, and tallying 21 disposals against WA, D’Aloia was the most-prolific midfielder on the ground against the Allies. He finished with 32 disposals, 17 contested possessions, 11 clearances, 10 tackles, 10 inside-50s and a huge 177 Champion Data ranking points. He worked tirelessly from contest to contest and, as usual, was clean and strong around the ball. D’Aloia’s hands were outstanding, as was his running goal from outside 50m.
And it's continued.
— Jordan Pinto (@jordanpint0) October 4, 2021
Adam D'Aloia v Allies - albeit a makeshift side - on @SANFL GF day...
32 disposals
17 contested possessions
15 groundball-gets
11 clearances
11 score involvements
10 tackles
10 inside-50s
177 ranking points https://t.co/63IbMM84SN
Alastair Lord (Norwood)
After exciting recruiters on his return from injury late in the SANFL season, the dashing defender was eye-catching in his first appearance for SA. Lord, who tallied 10 of his 14 disposals in the second half, broke the game open with his blistering pace out of defence after the main break. He burst through gaps multiple times, and, at full tilt, proved very hard for the Allies to get a hand on. Looming as SA’s draft bolter.
Hugh Stagg (Glenelg)
Stagg struggled in the first state clash against WA, and failed to have a significant influence in the under-18 grand final loss, but he bounced back with a performance that showcased his game-changing qualities on Sunday. The explosive teenager floated through the midfield, like he has all year, but did his best work forward-of-centre, booting three goals and lending a direct hand in four others. Stagg found the ball in space on the lead and was often around when it hit the deck.
Harvey Harrison (North Adelaide)
It was blistering start from the North Adelaide midfielder, who has enjoyed a strong finish to the year. Harrison had nine disposals and two goals to his name by midway through the second term as he pushed up from half-forward as the link man. One of the standout onballers of the under-18 competition, Harrison impressed with his run-and-carry and showed his class around goal, with two quality finishes around his body.
Zac Becker (Sturt)
The 190cm Becker was a rock in defence for the first three quarters, winning the ball back off the opposition seven times, with three intercept marks. But, as he’s done for Scotch College this year, Becker showed off his ability as a forward, booting three goals from three contested marks as the Croweaters finished strongly in the final term.
Morgan Ferres (Sturt)
Ferres worked hard to provide an option on a tough day against WA in the opening Under-19 Challenge game, but wasn’t rewarded. Things with different on Sunday, however, with the 190cm Sturt forward booting 3.1 from 15 disposals and seven marks, three of them contested. Ferres worked hard up the ground to be a target and was equally effective closer to goal.
ALLIES
Ronald Fejo Jnr (West Adelaide/NT)
The 19-year-old NT prospect, who made his SANFL League debut for West Adelaide in June, is exciting as any player in this year’s pool. He’s dominated on the wing for the Bloods at reserves level at times this season and, again, showed off his elite skills and evasiveness against SA. Most of the time on Sunday, the Croweaters couldn’t touch him as he danced around opponents before delivering on either side of his body.
Josh Green (GWS Academy)
If you’ve ever seen him plan, you know he’s the brother of young Giants gun, Tom. And the similar traits were again on show against WA, with Green winning 13 of his 19 possessions in a contest. The Giants Academy prospect, who tallied eight groundball-gets and three centre clearances, was close to the best first-possession winner on the ground, and his ability to get his hands free and put a teammate in space was a highlight.
Sam Frost (GWS Academy)
The Allies captain, who starred in four NAB League games and impressed at VFL level this season, continued his ball-winning ways in defence. Frost tallied 22 disposals, seven intercept possessions – two of them marks – and five rebound-50s in another solid showing under significant pressure.
Kobe Ryan (West Adelaide/SA)
Ryan was one of the under-17 players who helped make up the numbers in the Allies side. But, as expected, he was far more than that. The skilful, dynamic midfielder, who averaged 28 disposals and 129 ranking points for West Adelaide at under-18 level this season, was one of the Allies’ best, showing why he’s been touted as a possible top-10 pick in the 2022 draft. In the second term, the 183cm teenager won the ball off the ruckman’s hands, weaved his way through the contest and found a teammate by hand, before getting the ball back and finishing on the run from 40m. Throw in key-forward Harry Lemmey, who booted 2.2 for SA on Sunday, and the state’s best is again likely feature at the top end of next year’s draft.
EVERY PLAYER’S RANKING POINTS
A.D’Aloia (SA) 177
H.Stagg (SA) 123
C.Kennedy (SA) 116
M.Ferres (SA) 112
B.Lake (ALL) 110
M.Roberts (SA) 110
T.Walls (ALL) 107
B.Calvett (SA) 103
O.Steene (SA) 97
H.Harrison (SA) 96
Z.Becker (SA) 94
S.Frost (ALL) 92
M.Liddy (SA) 91
B.O’Loughlin (SA) 90
F.Kelly (ALL) 86
R.Fejo (ALL) 86
J.Burgoyne (SA) 85
A.McDonald (ALL) 81
Z.Phillips (SA, ALL) 78
M.Blacker (ALL) 76
K.Ryan (ALL) 76
W.Rowlands (ALL) 74
J.Green (ALL) 73
H.Lemmey (SA) 70
L.Cooke (SA) 69
A.Moniz-Wakefield (ALL) 68
M.Litster (SA) 65
O.Adams (SA) 64
C.Beecken (SA) 60
J.Jones (ALL) 58
H.Grintell (ALL) 57
T.Rahui (ALL) 56
A.Lord (SA) 54
J.Ryan (ALL) 50
J.Parish (SA) 47
H.Jackson (SA) 43
J.Watts (ALL) 43
K.Rypstra (ALL) 42
B.Tuck (ALL) 41
N.Sadler (SA) 39
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Originally published as All the results and standout performances from the 2021 AFL Draft combine
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