AFL 2018: who are the VFL players putting their hand up for this year’s drafts?
THE VFL has been a happy hunting ground for AFL clubs in recent years, and 2018 is no different. We profile the best young prospects who could step up to the top level next year.
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LAST year it was the much-fanfared Bayley Fritsch (Casey Demons), Billy Gowers (Footscray), Brody Mihocek (Port Melbourne), David Mirra (Box Hill Hawks) and Cam O’Shea (Northern Blues).
The 2016 group included Luke Ryan (Coburg), Tom Stewart (Geelong), Mitch Hannan (Footscray), Robbie Fox (Coburg), Rowan Marshall (North Ballarat), Tim “Bull’’ Smith and Oscar McInerney (Casey Demons).
The VFL is proving a trusty recruiting ground for AFL clubs and this year more players are staking their draft claims.
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As the league pushes into the second half of the season, here are some of the prospects attracting the attention of scouts.
Sam Collins (24, Werribee)
Surprisingly delisted by Fremantle after 14 games in two years, Box Hill Hawks product Collins is giving the Tigers a superb season as the bulwark of their backline. After Round 11 the key defender led the league in marks (94 from his nine matches, 22 more than next best Marty Hore of Collingwood) and contested marks (34). His training standards and leadership are also exemplary, Werribee coach Johnny Lamont says. Collins trained with St Kilda at the end of last season. The Saints had a good look, only to pass. But there is renewed interest in him. It’s reasonable to assume Gold Coast Suns coach Stuart Dew was at the Frankston-Werribee game last Sunday not to check out the sweeping bay views from the Frankston grandstand, but to put glims on Collins.
Nick Hind (21, Essendon)
In an interview last year the Bomber said he liked to watch Western Bulldog Jason Johannisen. There’s more than a bit of “JJ’’ about Hind when he takes the ball and sets off with speed, blurring the lines and mulching metres. He dazzled against Box Hill Hawks last Sunday, having 28 disposals and recording 11 inside 50s. Hind came out of the Ballarat league, rose quickly last year and has consolidated his place high in the Bombers’ pecking order. “He’s having a very good season,’’ Dons GM Ash Brown said of Hind.
Very nice pick-up for Richmond VFL in North Albury midfielder Shaun Mannagh. Played under Jason Akermanis and kicked 36 goals this year.
— Paul Amy (@PaulAmy375) November 16, 2016
Shaun Mannagh (20, Richmond)
Versatile and pacy, Mannagh came to notice in last year’s VFL grand final against Port Melbourne when he booted two goals and sent an electric charge through the Tigers when they needed it. Not bad for a lad who was selected as the 23rd man. The Tigers can play him on the wing, forward or as an inside midfielder. Mannagh broke into senior football under Jason Akermanis at North Albury and returned to his home club earlier this year and slotted nine goals in a match. “He’s an elite runner, which the modern player needs to be, a hard worker, meticulous in his preparation,’’ Tigers coach Craig McRae said.
Pictured is CALLAN WELLINGS
— Shane Barrie (@EverArtImages) May 6, 2018
Another exceptional "23rd Man" making an enormous contribution to @CollingwoodFC's @VFL team
He joins a long list of very draftable Collingwood "23rd Men" inc:
- Marty Hore
- Lachlan Tardrew
- Campbell Lane
- Kye Beveridge #VFLMagpies #DRAFTthem pic.twitter.com/vbXuB7buv2
Callan Wellings (19, Collingwood)
The 2017 Greater Western Victoria Rebels captain and best and fairest has made a duck-to-water transition from the TAC Cup to the VFL. Has played every game bar one as a midfielder and wingman, wins the ball, uses it well and the Maggies say his endurance is “elite’’.
Josh Corbett (22, Werribee)
In his third year with the Bees the 190cm forward is grabbing eyes with his marking. He can take them on the lead and in contested situations, and his goalkicking has improved and is safe. Corbett is far from the finished article but he’s a 22-year-old player improving at a rate that is exciting recruiters.
Michael Gibbons (23, Williamstown)
When it was noted on social media last week that the Towners little man was leading the league for disposals (averaging 27.3 per game), Seagulls assistant coach and former league player Peter Banfield was quick to reply. “Gibbons is a super talent and has the skills, pace and resilience to be on an AFL list,’’ the respected Banfield said of the 2016 JJ Liston Trophy winner. Enough said.
In his first year in the @VFL , Coburg FC's 18 year old midfielder and former @NthKnights product, Marcus Lentini is ranked #2 in comp for disp, #1 for contested poss, #4 for clearances and is #1 at the club for tackles. He's a future star, definitely one to watch.
— Sebastian (@Seb_Spagnuolo) June 20, 2018
Marcus Lentini (19, Coburg)
The first-year Lion’s numbers are off the charts. He went into Round 12 second only to Michael Gibbons for possessions and added another 28 against Casey last Saturday, prompting coach Leigh Adams to declare he should be on an AFL list. “He’s really good at everything but he’s not exceptional at anything,’’ Adams said of his midfielder. “He could be a bit cleaner at times, so that his disposal is at an elite level rather than a really good level. I’m sure if he was given an opportunity he’d do really well for himself.’’ Was at the Northern Knights last year.
Marty Hore (22, Collingwood)
Creative and classy left-footer noted for his intercept marking at half back and clearing kicks. Won Collingwood’s best and fairest and selection in the VFL team of the year last season, putting himself in draft contention. The former Bendigo Pioneer missed out, but he’s coming again, leading the competition for effective kicks and coming second in rebound 50s. Twinkle, twinkle, Marty’s a star.
Goy Lok (20, Casey Demons)
Lok will go down as the last winner of the AFL Victoria Development League best and fairest, the A Todd Medal. But the former Sandringham Dragon has gone to another level this season, getting games in a strong Casey Demons side. He’s 187cm, powerful and uses the ball smartly. Could be a roughie for a rookie listing.
Nick Rippon (24, North Melbourne)
The 2015 JJ Liston Trophy-winning wingman crossed to the Kangas this year after North Ballarat lost its VFL licence, and the move has nudged his game forward. He’s played behind and on the ball and would be giving North’s best and fairest a shake. The right-footer pines for a chance at AFL level and it’s getting to now-or-never time for him.
#AFLDraft Watch: Brett Bewley took his game to another level in 2017, becoming one of @WilliamstownFC’s most prolific #PJVFL midfielders in a star-studded on-ball division. https://t.co/iMihghRrw4 pic.twitter.com/7y2KxC6gVS
— #PJVFL / #SwisseVFLW (@VFL) November 14, 2017
Brett Bewley (23, Williamstown)
Like Rippon, the Seagulls left-footer has been touted as a draft prospect for two or three years. One recruiter marked him down after his performance in last year’s preliminary final against Port Melbourne. It’s true he had a pig of a day, but he wasn’t alone. And he’s having another strong season, adding contested work to his Forrest Gump-like ability to keep running.
Will Hayes (22, Footscray)
The son of horse trainer David has been a valuable player for Footscray since the Bulldogs began operating their VFL team in 2014. The smooth-moving midfielder is having another good season, averaging almost 25 possessions. There was speculation the Dogs would have summoned the right-footer to the senior list if they had gained permission to replace the suspended Stewart Crameri two years ago.
Isaac Conway (23, Port Melbourne)
Bull of a midfielder who, with eight mentions in the best from his 10 games, is among the early favourites for the JJ Liston Trophy. Strong over the ball and skilled in dispensing it, and leads the Borough for clearances, hard-ball gets and tackles. Was a Brisbane rookie in 2014 before heading to Melbourne to play in the VFL, first with Werribee and then Port.
Will Fordham (22, Frankston)
The Dolphins had Fordham pegged as an outside wingman when he joined them but have since seen his appetite for around-the-ball grunt work. “He can win it inside and take it to the outside with his legs,’’ coach Adam Skrobalak said. Fordham has off-the-mark pace, can run all day and has put attention on his short kicking. The 22-year-old joined Frankston after three years on North Melbourne’s rookie list.
It’s still searching for its first win, but Coburg FC has some nice young players coming through, incl Lochlan Dickson, Harry Nolan and 18-year-old Marcus Lentini, a tough little onballer who is sixth on the possession table in the VFL this year. The Lions will get there.
— Paul Amy (@PaulAmy375) May 14, 2018
Harry Nolan (19, Coburg)
Powerfully built key defender in his first year in the VFL after graduating from the Eastern Ranges, where last season he was in the Vic Metro squad and runner-up in the best and fairest to Jaidyn Stephenson. Noted for his one-on-one work in the TAC Cup, Nolan is adding attacking elements to his game, happy to leave his man and mark and use the right option. “He’s improved out of sight … his attitude has been first class and he’s showing an ability to improve week after week,’’ coach Leigh Adams said.
Jesse Palmer (21, Northern Blues)
Cut by Port Adelaide after three AFL games in three years, Palmer was a key recruit for the Blues this season. They’ve had a thin year but forward Palmer has been in the thick of the action. Kicked two crucial goals in the upset victory over Collingwood last Sunday and has 16 for the season, including five against Essendon. “From a VFL perspective he’s been our most polished performer, consistent in his output and able to do things to capture interest,’’ Blues GM Len Villani said. “He was probably stiff to miss out on another contract at Port but he’s come back to Melbourne and readjusted … in a better-performed side he might be on 30 goals already. He’s in the right spot most of the time, a very smart footballer, does not waste possession. He’s ready to go, 190cm, nice size, plays forward, smart enough to go for a spin through the midfield.’’
3QT | It’s Corey Rich’s world and we’re just living in it. Our number 3 kicked 3 that term and we’re hanging in there against the reigning premiers. A huge last quarter coming up.
— Frankston VFL FC (@VFL_Dolphins) June 3, 2018
Frankston 7.8 (50)
Port Melbourne 11.9 (75)#PJVFL
Corey Rich (22, Frankston)
The small forward has been a bit of a surprise package, popping up with 26 goals. Never stops running and likes to lead his opponent to the ball and cut back to goal. Kicked six majors in the second Young Guns game at North Port to make clubs jot his name down. Had a stint at Sandringham before crossing to the Dolphins for their return season.
Kade Answerth (21, Sandringham)
The Zebras co-captain and onballer has won an armful of awards in the past few years: Oakleigh Chargers best and fairests in 2014 and ’15, the TAC Medal in 2015, runner-up in Sandy’s best and fairest in 2016, the winner in 2017. Answerth will never win any awards for style — he leaves the flash and the dash to others — but he’s a cussed competitor and does a lot of things right. It’s in his favour that he plays against AFL footballers most weeks and more than holds his own.
Ben Cavarra (Williamstown)
What would a list of VFL draft hopefuls be without the crafty little left-footer with the bank of best and fairests (two at the Eastern Ranges, two at Frankston, the 2013 Morrish Medal)? He seems to have been around for eons but he’s only 22 — and he’s still pushing.
Tom Atkins (22, Geelong)
The Geelong VFL captain is a terrific and prolific tackler: after 10 matches this season he’d laid 109 of them (last year in a game against Collingwood he had 23 tackles to go with 25 possessions). The 2016 best and fairest’s obvious strength is his contested-ball work, but recruiters say he’s also tidied up his disposal and taken on some outside/half forward roles. “He could have a role at an AFL club,’’ one scout said. “You could drop him on to a rookie list somewhere and he’d find a way.’’
■ More hopefuls will advertise their ability at the third AFL Victoria Young Guns game at 11am on Saturday at North Port Oval. Adam Saad, Tom Papley and Flynn Appleby played in previous Young Guns fixtures.
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