Lochie Dickson and Harry Nolan in mid-season draft discussions after stellar form for VFL club Coburg

It’s not all about Sam Lowson at VFL club Coburg ahead of the AFL mid-season draft. Two of his Lions teammates are also firmly in the mix to become AFL players on May 27.

Coburg VFL defender Lochie Dickson.

Sam Lowson has been stealing the headlines but Coburg teammate Lochie Dickson looms as an AFL mid-season draft steal.

The 190cm defender-midfielder’s outstanding form secured him an invite to a pre-draft medical screening and he could find himself on an AFL list come May 27.

Coburg’s joint best-and-fairest winner last year as a half-back, Dickson has developed into a big-bodied inside midfielder this season, averaging 23 disposals.

Having played in Norwood’s Eastern Football League premiership as an 18-year-old, Dickson has thrived since arriving at Piranha Park.

“He was playing seniors as an 18-year-old, so he’s obviously got a lot of talent, and since he got here he’s gone from strength to strength,” Coburg coach Leigh Adams said.

Coburg best-and-fairest winner Lochie Dickson.

Harry Nolan takes a mark for Coburg.

“He’s having as good a year as his best-and-fairest season if not better, as a 190cm inside mid averaging 23 touches, five clearances and a goal a game.

“He’s a smart footballer and his ability to get out of congestion — he’s got a really good side-step on him — and good hands to put teammates into space, so he’s having an outstanding season and fingers crossed he gets a chance.”

Dickson is one of 18 Coburg players to nominate for the May 27 draft with dangerous small forward Lowson tipped to be the No.1 pick.

Key defender Harry Nolan is sure to attract attention while best-and-fairest Marcus Lentini, Jesse Corigliano, Tyson Lever and Luke Bunker could also be considered.

While the Lions have won only one game this season, Adams believes several of his players would excel at the highest level.

Coburg midfielder Marcus Lentini. Picture: Eleanor Armstrong

Jesse Corigliano in action for Coburg. Picture: Hamish Blair

“I really think Harry Nolan should be on an AFL list. A key defender at 196cm, he could step straight into the AFL system,” he said.

“He’s probably had a knock on his kicking in the past but he’s really worked hard on that and it’s a strength of his now.

“If a club is looking for a key defender, he can play a role from day dot, which is what the mid-season draft is meant to be.

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“Jesse through sheer weight of numbers and consistency has shone as a half-back. I think there’s been a little bit of interest in him — he’s the heart-and-soul of Coburg — so if he got an opportunity it would be fantastic.

“Lentini’s numbers speak for themselves … I think he’s one recruiters look at what he can’t do but for a bloke who gets it 28 times a game I’d think he could succeed at the next level.”

Adams said he was in favour of a transfer window for VFL clubs that lost players mid-season but believed overall it was a huge positive for the club to have helped develop AFL talent.

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