AFL Draft: St Patrick’s College Ballarat has four students in contention

The Crouch brothers and Daniel Rioli are among the graduates from this school, which looks set to continue its rich history at Wednesday’s draft.

St Patrick College’s rich history of producing AFL footballers looks set to continue ahead of Wednesday’s draft.

Three students, Josh Gibcus, Sam Butler and Kai Lohmann, are hoping to realise their dreams of becoming AFL footballers.

The school’s recent draft products include the Crouch brothers (Brad and Matt), Daniel Butler, Liam Duggan and Daniel Rioli.

Howard Clark, the school’s director of football, has seen a number of talented players walk through the doors and go on to have successful AFL careers.

But that doesn’t mean he is any less excited for this time of year.

“It’s really exciting for the school to have those three boys along with our former student Charlie Molan put their names up for selection,” he said.

“About 10 years ago, there was a point where we had 24 former students on our list which spoke volumes of the commitment our boys have shown to getting the best out of their footy.

“We’ve had five boys picked in one draft on two occasions but this week should also be very special.

“We can’t wait to see how it all pans out.”

Josh Gibcus is a predicted top 10 selection. Photo: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos.

Defender Josh Gibcus is considered to be St Pat’s best prospect, with many tipping him to be selected inside the top 10.

There has even been speculation he could be among the first five players selected.

Clark said the Jake Lever prototype is “as strong athletically as any player I’ve dealt with” during his almost three decades at the school.

Standing at 195cm, Gibcus has impressed recruiters with his vertical leap which gained plenty of attention at the draft combine.

“Josh has a terrific ability to intercept mark,” Clark said.

“He started at St Pat’s in year nine after he and his family moved across from Western Australia. He played in their under-12 state team when he was younger.

“His development over the past couple of years has been extraordinary and it’s an exciting time for him and his family.”

Kai Lohmann. Picture: Getty Images

Butler, who is the brother of St Kilda forward Dan, is predicted to go inside the first 25 selections.

Although Clark said he was a very different player to the former premiership Tiger.

“He’s not as quick but his speed is still elite,” he said.

“Buts’ has got lovely vision and a very acute sidestep. I can see him developing into a really strong leader for whatever club gives him an opportunity.

“Following in the footsteps of your brother is a big thing but I’m confident he will do very well for himself.”

Clark said Lohmann was a player with the potential to excite fans for years to come having drawn comparisons to Sydney’s Isaac Heeney.

“He has got incredible X-factor,” he said.

“Kai has elite qualities but his next challenge is to add some more consistency in his game and if he can do that the rest of it will take care of itself.

“He was mainly used up forward but a couple of years ago I threw up down back and he had probably 45 disposals.

“His high footy IQ lets him play anywhere on the ground.”

Former student Charlie Molan, who graduated last year, has also nominated for the draft.

He took out the Greater Western Victoria Rebels best and fairest in an impressive year.

Jacob Hopper is the lowest pick in the school’s history having been selected by GWS with pick seven in the 2015 national draft.

Brad Crouch was given his AFL opportunity in the 2011 mini-draft by Adelaide.