Jaidyn Stephenson among top Eastern Ranges prospects out to impress at AFL draft combine

POTENTIAL top-10 draft pick Jaidyn Stephenson will look to build on his impressive finish to the TAC Cup season at this week’s AFL draft combine.

Jaidyn Stephenson flies for a mark earlier this season. Picture: Getty Images

POTENTIAL top-10 draft pick Jaidyn Stephenson will look to build on his impressive finish to the TAC Cup season at this week’s AFL draft combine.

The spring-heeled half-forward/midfielder averaged 25 disposals, 11 handball receives, five marks and six tackles in Eastern Ranges’ final five games of the season, showing his trademark run and carry to remind recruiters of his talents.

Stephenson was also best afield in the All Stars Clash in the grand final curtain-raiser on Saturday, gathering 22 disposals and booting three goals.

Eastern Ranges talent manager Len Villani said Stephenson’s starring performance for Vic Metro against South Australia, when he kicked five goals and had 28 touches, proved to be the turning point of his season.

Sam Hayes competes in the ruck. Picture: Getty Images

“I think he struggled with form a little bit early but he was able to realise his full potential again and realise that there’s going to be times in your career when you’re a bit up and down and it doesn’t all go your own way,” Villani said.

“It was a great six or eight weeks to finish off the season and had a really big say in the back half (of the season) in terms of a couple of results that went our way.”

Collingwood will also keep close a close watch on potential father-son selection Tyler Brown, who could join brother Callum in black and white in 2018.

Brown, the son of Magpies premiership player Gavin, was overlooked for Vic Metro selection but showed glimpses of his talent for Ranges throughout the season.

“He is just a blank canvas, he is exciting, he is raw in every sense of the word — physically, emotionally, football experiences,” Villani said.

“He just has moments you can’t ignore and he just does AFL things ... He has got some real raw athletic potential and some speed.”

Trent Mynott will be one of eight Eastern Ranges players to test at the combine. Picture: Getty Images

Potential No. 1 pick Adam Cerra (shoulder) and Tom North (ankle) received invites to the combine but won’t test due to injury.

Joel Garner, Sam Hayes, Trent Mynott, Dylan Moore, Ryley Stoddart and former top tennis prospect Jackson Ross will be among the other Ranges players out to impress recruiters at the combine.

Villani predicted Blackburn product Stoddart could break Jordan Gallucci’s record of 89cm in the standing vertical jump test.

“He has got one leap-and-a-half on him, has great speed, too, so he’ll test really well and has great athletic profile,” Villani said.

“He is one from not being on a magnet board this time last year to being around that second round, he’s a great story if he can get his name called out come 24th November.”

The four-day combine will run until Friday.