Matthew Allison pleased with draft preparation after eye-catching performances

Calder Cannons forward Matthew Allison has raced up draft boards with impressive combine and training performances but isn’t getting ahead of himself.

Matthew Allison in action during the pre-draft training session.

Calder Cannons tall forward Matt Allison has bolted up draft boards ahead of Wednesday’s big night.

At 195cm, Allison combines height and marking power with elite athleticism, reminiscent of St Kilda legend Nick Riewoldt.

The Strathmore junior produced an outstanding 6.17 2km time trial at last month’s Vic Metro Combine, good enough for seventh nationally, and broke three seconds in the 20m sprint for the first time.

He followed it up with a strong showing at this week’s pre-draft training session and has been projected to be taken as high as the second round by some draft watchers.

Allison, however, is keeping a lid on his nerves.

Matthew Allison put through his paces during the pre-draft training day.

“I’ve excited, nervous, all of the above to be honest, it’s snuck up really quickly,” he said.

“I don’t want to put a lot of expectations and hopes on myself in case it doesn’t work out and with the uncertainty of this year you can’t get complacent or can’t expect too much.

“I set myself some target times (at the combine) and I exceeded my expectations, particularly in the 20m sprint I was stoked with that result.

“I’ve never broken three seconds before and obviously with running being a big part of my game I was eager to dominate the 2km time trial and was pleased with how I finished there.”

Allison is the son of Coburg Team of the Century forward, Brian, who played 174 games and won two premierships with the Lions.

The developing tall impressed in Calder’s pre-season matches but with the 2020 NAB League season cancelled will have to hope his 10 games and performances for St Bernard’s College last season are enough to get him noticed.

His athleticism allows him to get up the ground and provide a link between defence and attack.

There were plans to spend time in defence in 2020 to showcase his intercept marking skills and even on the wing with his running power.

Matthew Allison competes against Lachlan Carrigan.

“I feel most comfortable as a high half-forward, I think my running is one of my biggest assets,” Allison said.

“Working up the ground helps utilise my strengths as well, my kicking and marking are a couple of assets that I like to use.

“(Calder) have been great throughout this year, (coach) Ross Smith and particularly (talent manager) Tom Lonergan, he’s been immense for my development.”

A North Melbourne supporter growing up, Allison has modelled his game on Drew Petrie as well as St Kilda superstar Nick Riewoldt.

“I’ve always loved the way someone like Drew Petrie went about it.

“He’s got an elite work rate, played a similar role at half-forward, has great hands, is a great kick and is someone I’ve watched really closely.

“Nick Riewoldt is another one, particularly for his work rate.”

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Allison finished his Year 12 studies last year in preparation for his draft season.

While that hasn’t gone to plan he has used the time to work on his business sports management degree.

“It’s been challenge for everyone but I’m very fortunate that my family and friends are all doing really well,” Allison said.

“I’ve tried to keep a positive attitude and I’ve been pleased with how I’ve handled it, keeping busy and active, which has helped me for sure.”