Eastern Ranges midfielder Adam Cerra looms as top-five pick at AFL draft

ADAM Cerra oozed class even as a junior footballer and shapes as one of the best prospects at this month’s draft.

Adam Cerra in action for Eastern Ranges earlier this year. Picture: David Smith AFL draft: Who will go no.1?

THOSE at Norwood spotted Adam Cerra’s talent early.

The 18-year-old oozed poise and precision from a young age, seemingly destined for bigger things than the suburban football fields in Melbourne’s east.

One junior coach dubbed Cerra ‘Roller’, likening his class to a Rolls Royce, while his calm temperament wouldn’t look out of place in a meditation class.

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“It’s not something I’ve been working on or anything, it is something I have had since juniors,” Cerra said.

“It’s something people have said about me since I was a little kid. I don’t reckon it is something you can develop, it is more just natural ability apparently.”

Adam Cerra celebrates a goal for Vic Metro earlier this year. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Pete Muscat, who coached Cerra from under-9s to under-12s, realised he had a special talent on his hands immediately.

“A kid, nine, 10 years of age, that could kick left and right foot as good on either. He reminded me, a lot of people were saying, (of) Jason Akermanis at that time,” Muscat said.

“Didn’t matter what part of the ground he was trapped in, he was always composed, didn’t panic and just kicked the ball to advantage and to a teammate.”

Cerra has flown under the draft radar this year, with contemporaries Cameron Rayner, Luke Davis-Uniacke and Paddy Dow touted as contenders for the coveted No. 1 selection.

But the blue-chip midfielder is one of the best prospects in this year’s crop, with his composure drawing comparisons to Collingwood champion Scott Pendlebury.

Adam Cerra has drawn comparisons to Collingwood captain Scott Pendlebury. Picture: Michael Klein

The boy from Glen Waverley appears destined to become a 200-game player, linked to North Melbourne with selection No.4.

“I’ve spoken to most clubs in that range but they don’t give much away,” Cerra said.

“Every time someone asks me where I’m going, I’m in the same boat as them, I honestly don’t know but it would be awesome to go to North. Mum is a North supporter.”

Eastern Ranges talent manager Len Villani’s involvement in the TAC Cup has spanned 13 years.

He has not seen a footballer more ready to step into an AFL environment.

“That is coupled with his off-field, his temperament, the class he’s got in the way he goes about things, respect he’s got for people, he’s a professional in every sense of the word already,” Villani said.

“If he played a full year of footy and played a full year in TAC Cup and maybe didn’t have a big workload in terms of his school, I’ve got no doubt in my mind he would be — for me anyway and I don’t see as much of the other boys — the No. 1 draft pick.”

Adam Cerra is expected to be one of the first names called out at this month’s draft. Picture: David Smith

Injuries have restricted Cerra to just six games at Ranges in the past two years.

He missed the majority of 2016 with a meniscus tear in his knee, while shoulder surgery in August brought his season to a premature end this year.

While he is seen as a prolific ball-winner, the playmaker is also just as dangerous around goals.

He booted 3.5 in a half against Gippsland Power in Round 13, showing his ability to influence games in various positions.

The Wesley College student believes he could make an impact in the AFL in 2018

“As soon as the opportunity comes, which is hopefully in a month’s time, I’ll just do everything I can and I reckon I am up for it,” he said.

“I know there’s still a long way to go, there’s still a whole pre-season but as long as I am putting my best foot forward and taking the opportunity, I have confidence in myself now to play at the next level and come in next year.”