Liam Kolar says draft combine was like his grand final ahead of AFL Draft

Exciting tall forward prospect Liam Kolar says the Vic Metro Combine was like his grand final and it’s seen him rocket into AFL Draft calculations.

Liam Kolar in action during the pre-draft training session.

With the 2020 football season cancelled in Victoria, Liam Kolar knew he had one chance to impress.

After receiving an invite to the Vic Metro combine, the Northern Knights’ youngster wasn’t going to waste his opportunity.

“I had to go to another level at the combine, it was like my grand final, the only opportunity to show my attributes to recruiters,” Kolar said.

The St Mary’s junior clocked an elite 6.02min 2km time trial, the third fastest time in the nation, and a wind-assisted 2.87sec 20m sprint, third fastest at the Vic Metro combine.

As a raw 195cm key forward prospect with plenty of upside Kolar was already on AFL watchlists.

Liam Kolar in action for Northern Knights. Picture: Andy Brownbill

However, his combine and pre-draft training session performances have seen him rocket up draft boards, with some experts tipping he could hear his name as early as the second round.

“I’ve spoken to a few clubs, it’s been pretty humbling because I only played a few games at the Knights,” Kolar said.

“I’ve been surprised and grateful for the interest that clubs have shown in me.”

It’s a stunning rise for a young man that was focused on soccer and playing under-18 reserves in the Northern Football League just a short time ago.

Kolar played three NAB League games in 2019 and was highly impressive in the Knights’ pre-season practice matches this year before the season was cancelled.

He showed a glimpse of his potential against reigning premier Oakleigh with a mesmerising run and goal from outside 50m.

Liam Kolar in action during the pre-draft training session.

Liam Kolar wins the hitout. Picture: Andy Brownbill

The Loyola College student admitted the year had been difficult but continue to train had given him a sense of freedom in lockdown.

“At the start it was pretty difficult and frustrating, this was meant to be the year where we performed and showed our attributes,” he said.

“I always had a positive mindset hoping that football would come back around, so I didn’t stop training, kept running and kicking the footy.

“Getting out for a run every day helped me stay on top of things and gave me a bit of freedom.”

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A talented junior athlete, it might be no surprise Kolar models his game on a particular Geelong star, and believes his endurance will be his biggest asset at AFL level.

“I’ve been pretty athletic since I was younger, that’s helped a lot, having a strong endurance base it holds me in good stead in footy,” he said.

“I would say I model myself more on Mark Blicavs, coming from that athletics background and having the endurance base.

“When I watch him I really enjoy seeing how he hits the contest and how competitive he is around the ball, so he’s a player I look at in my development.”