AFL draft: Why Calder Cannons co-captain Jack Bytel looms as a steal

TOUGH in the clinches and damaging on the outside, draft prospect Jack Bytel is a prototype of the modern-day AFL midfielder.

Jack Bytel fires out a handball against Oakleigh Chargers. Picture: Mark Dadswell

TOUGH in the clinches and damaging on the outside, Jack Bytel is a prototype of the modern-day AFL midfielder.

The Calder Cannons co-captain is expected to be snapped up in this week’s AFL National Draft despite back issues limiting his impact this year.

DRAFT PROSPECT CURTIS TAYLOR BENEFITS FROM SENIOR EXPERIENCE

CANNONS CO-CAPTAIN PODHAJSKI’S MONSTER GAME

CONSISTENTCY KEY TO SHOLL’S DEVELOPMENT

A product of the fertile production line at junior powerhouse Aberfeldie, Bytel highlighted his talents when he averaged 27 disposals and six tackles per game as a 17-year-old in the TAC Cup.

Matches such as his Round 16 effort against Eastern Ranges last year confirmed what most recruiters already knew — Bytel should be on their radar.

The 188cm, 82kg on-baller had 29 possessions, five marks and 15 tackles in a team which was beaten by 55 points, going toe-to-toe with future AFL players Jaidyn Stephenson, Ryley Stoddart and Dylan Moore.

Jack Bytel pulls in a contested mark for Calder Cannons. Picture: Mark Dadswell

“I like to describe myself to clubs as a contested type of player, good around stoppages and I win clearances,” Bytel said. “I like to think you can build a midfield around the type of player I am, a contested player and a tall inside mid.”

Likened to Sydney skipper Josh Kennedy and Port Adelaide captain Travis Boak, Bytel met with seven clubs at the AFL draft combine.

The 18-year-old has endured a testing year, sidelined early in the campaign with a back stress fracture and having to manage a bulging disc in the second half of 2018.

“It’s been a tough year. If anything it’s been a learning year,” he said.

“I know it hasn’t gone the way I wanted it to, but in saying that there’s been a lot of good come out of it.

“With my injury, (I learned) a lot about resilience and patience. It’s been the first big injury I’ve ever had. A lot of people talk about how it hasn’t gone my way but I think in the long run I’ll be thankful.”

While his medical screening at the combine was “daunting”, Bytel said the clubs he met with were understanding about his recent injury history.

“They were all very positive and understanding of my back. That’s helped,” he said.

Jack Bytel in action during an under-17 all-star game.

A member of the AFL Academy, Bytel has been highly-touted for several years. While injuries may cause him to fall beyond initial predictions, the ball magnet looms as one of the steals of this year’s draft.

CANNONS FORWARD JOSH KEMP ROCKETS ON TO DRAFT RADAR

AFL INTEREST GROWING IN VERSATILE PODHAJSKI

BULLDOGS FATHER-SON WEST SHINES IN VICTORY

“It’s out of my control now and whatever happens, happens. I’m looking forward to it,” he said.

Bytel said he was confident his Calder Cannons teammates Rhylee West and Curtis Taylor would be snapped up early, while his close friend Mitch Podhajski is also in contention after winning the club’s best and fairest.

Jack Bytel climbs above a pack during an under-16 representative fixture.

West appears certain to head to the Western Bulldogs as a father-son selection, while gifted mid-sized forward Taylor has been tipped to be a first-round pick.

Half-back flanker Lachlan Sholl and explosive forward Josh Kemp are others expected to be in the mix.

“I think Rhylee and Curtis will definitely get picked up and Sholly will be a good chance,” Bytel said.

“Then with Mitch...he’s (saying) ‘whatever happens, happens’. He’ll probably be a bit later in the draft and maybe a rookie.

“But he has put everything he can on the table so I guess it’s up to them if they want to choose him now.”

Bytel averaged 22 disposals, three marks and six tackles in the TAC Cup this year.

The national draft starts at 7pm on Thursday and will continue on Friday.

MORE LOCAL SPORT NEWS

GUN COUNTRY RECRUIT FOR PASCOE VALE

THE MELBOURNE LEAGUE WHERE WOMEN’S FOOTY IS BOOMING

THREE-TIME VFL BEST AND FAIREST JOINS FLAG CONTENDER