Gold Coast Suns academy player and Allies representative Jed Walter labelled top 5 AFL draft prospect
An AFL prospect has been labelled a top five draft chance who can crash packs like Charlie Dixon and form one of the game’s most lethal long-term partnerships. Discover why he is so highly regarded and why his teammates aren’t far off.
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AFL prospect Jed Walter has been labelled a top five draft chance who can crash packs the way foundation Sun Charlie Dixon did while forming a lethal long-term partnership with Ben King for Gold Coast.
The highly touted key forward added to his burgeoning reputation as one of the country’s premier talents by booting 3.5 as part of 11 score involvements and took 10 marks, including four contested for the Allies in their 12.12 (84) to 11.2 (68) win over South Australia in Round 1 of the Under-18 AFL Championships on Sunday.
Allies coach Mark McVeigh predicted the Suns Academy player would be playing in the AFL by this time next year and likened him to Dixon, who featured prominently at the Suns before becoming Port Adelaide’s main strike weapon.
“Jed is clearly an exciting talent,” McVeigh said.
“I don’t like putting a number on it but he is a top five (draft pick) in my mind.
“Clearly teams will be out there saying ‘Gee I’d love to get him and bid’ because he can lead the way for a long period of time but the Suns won’t let that happen.”
“Let’s be honest, he is right to go and play AFL footy. He is physically capable there is no doubt about it. He is a relaxed character but I think this time next year he will be playing senior AFL footy quite regularly.
“He has the right body type and his attitude stands out for me. We can talk about Jed’s marking but for me it’s his competitiveness and his want to tackle, pressure and crash a pack.
“Sometimes it takes time but this kid already has it which is quite unique. He is like Charlie Dixon from Port. The ability to hit packs is natural to his game.”
McVeigh said the 195cm forward would thrive under the tutelage of Suns head coach Stuart Dew, assistant Brad Miller and praised Gold Coast’s Academy program for the number of talented players it is developing.
Gold Coast already has generational talent in King who is currently backed up by the likes of Levi Casboult, 33, Mabior Chol, 26, and Sam Day, 30, but could spend the next decade lighting up the AFL next to Walter and fellow young gun Jack Lukosius, 22.
“I love the way Stuart Dew has the team playing and their system. They are going in the right direction and someone like Jed could slot into that team nicely,” McVeigh said.
“The Suns have done an incredible job with the Academy, along with Allies managers Mark Browning and Darren Denneman.”
WILL GRAHAM (Allies): 21 disposals, six contested, seven marks.
A Suns Academy player who continues to make a name for himself across the country. Graham excelled while playing out of the Allies backline against South Australia and led the charge from defence.
ETHAN READ (Allies): 18 disposals, 10 hit-outs, six contested, four score involvements.
A talent who not only competes in the ruck but his ground coverage is incredible. He has the ability to run hard and not only provide the Allies with an option down the line but Read can o forward and catch the ball because of his massive work rate. Such is Read’s engine McVeigh has flirted with the idea of playing him on the wing, across centre-half back or forward.
JAKE ROGERS (Allies): 20 disposals, seven contested, three clearances.
Rogers captained the Allies in its win over South Australia and did an exceptional job in the role. He came into the Championships in good form and has shown how strong of a leader he is. A humble player who is not in a rush to get anywhere and has the desire to work hard on his craft. He has a great ability to work in tight situations and make a decision by hand or foot. If footy was played in a phone box he would dominate. He is a brilliant young player with good speed. The forwards’ eyes would light up when they see him get the ball because he can hit a target, along with one that no one sees.
RYLEY SANDERS (Allies): 35 disposals, 19 contested, two goals, seven tackles, six score involvements
Made plenty of peope take notice with a best on ground performance. Had an excellent Coates League and AFL Academy preparation. Led the way with 35 possessions, had a level head and approached the game really well. Runs at both ends and is earning a lot of respect.
HARVEY THOMAS (Allies): 17 disposals, seven contested, six intercepts
The GWS Giants Academy member has been going along nicely and his decision making was a real standout in the win. He can sit off the contest and assess whether he needs to attack or defend. Made a lot of right calls and is one to watch going forward.
CAIDEN CLEARY (Allies): 24 dispoals, 12 contested, 10 tackles
Caiden has enjoyed a great six weeks and is a two-way runner with a good balance of attack and defence. Been labelled the best tackler in the team and showed that with 10 against South Australia. A real barometer for the team who while he isn’t the most skilful, is definitely the most competitive in the team.
COLBY MCKERCHER (Allies): 27 disposals, six tackles, one score assist
A left footer with beautiful poise and balance. A classier type of player who is highly efficient by hand and foot. He created width and length on the run and was a standout in that regard. Highly skilled, still has some work to do defensively, but supports his inside midfielders well.
JAMES LEAKE (Allies): 21 disposals, nine contested, 10 intercepts
A running defender who has been strong this year, but really jumped out of the box on the weekend. He’s got some real talent, and is quick and covers the ground well. Likes to move the ball, not just stand and deliver. Takes the opposition on and caught a lot of eyes with a strong defensive performance.
TOM BEAUMONT (Allies): 16 disposals, six tackles, four score involvements
Another Tasmanian who was strong at the weekend. A hard contested player who has really lifted spirits within the team. Will be stiff to miss out this week due to a mismatch, but is very serviceable and looks set to get another shot very soon.
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