AFL Draft 2021: Greater Western Victoria Rebel Charlie Molan dreams

The GWV Rebels best and fairest isn’t gaining the same interest as some of his teammates. Here’s why he should be.

Charlie Molan is a picture of consistency according to his coaches. Photo: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos.

“If you want to go to war on the footy field and get in the trenches, he is your first picked”.

Those are the words Greater Western Rebels coach David Loader used to describe AFL draft prospect Charlie Molan.

After completing his year 12 studies last year, Molan committed to getting the most out of himself as a footballer and it ended it plenty of accolades at the end of the NAB League season.

Molan will be looking to follow in the footsteps of his sister Sophie who was selected by Richmond with the seventh pick in the 2019 AFLW draft.

He was named as the Rebels’ best and fairest while he also earned selection in the team of the year in the back pocket.

“Charlie is one of the most well rounded footballers I’ve come across,” he said.

“Recruiters will ask us what his point of difference is and it’s his how hard he works. His consistency is a standout and it showed with how comfortable he won our best and fairest.

“I’ve got no doubt if he was given an opportunity at AFL level he would take it with both hands.”

In 10 games this season, Molan averaged 17.7 disposals and 4.1 marks having played across the ground.

His footy smarts also helped him earn selection in the Victoria Country under 19 side earlier in the year.

“We’ve used him up forward, in the middle and even down back,” Loader said.

“Players who can fill a role for you make a massive difference for a coach.”

Charlie Molan in action for Vic Country earlier this year. Photo: Michael Klein

Molan is another export of the very successful St Patrick’s College in Ballarat.

And had the 2020 season not been called off due to Covid, he would have played school footy under the watchful eye of Howard Clark.

Clark, the school’s director of football, said it’s likely the 18-year-old would have been named captain of the first 18.

“He’s a really impressive young man,” he said.

“Charlie is really strong in tight and plays on the wing really well. He was also a highly talented basketballer as a junior who was on the cusp of Australian selection.

“His footballing IQ is among the highest I’ve seen at his age.”

Molan also made his senior debut for his local club East Point earlier in the year.

[e-mail]