Midfielder Tom McKenzie set to be one of Northern Knights’ top AFL draft prospects this year

CLASSY midfielder Tom McKenzie and developing ruckman Thomas Hallebone loom as two of Northern Knights’ top AFL draft prospects this year.

Northern Knights have high hopes for Braedyn Gillard after he impressed in the TAC Cup last season. Picture: Andy Brownbill.

CLASSY midfielder Tom McKenzie and developing ruckman Thomas Hallebone loom as two of Northern Knights’ top AFL draft prospects this year.

McKenzie, who played 11 TAC Cup games and won the Knights’ rising star award last season, is recognised as a silky-skilled on-baller and a “smooth mover”.

The Fitzroy junior mixed Northern Knights duties with school football at Ivanhoe Grammar last year and was selected in the under-17 all stars fixture which took place on AFL grand final eve.

Knights talent manager Rhy Gieschen said AFL clubs would be keeping a close eye on McKenzie’s progress.

“We expect him to really continue to come on and I think he is one AFL clubs will certainly like the look of with his beautiful skills,” Gieschen said.

“He reads the play really well and is a really smooth mover.”

Hallebone was limited to three TAC Cup matches in 2017, stuck behind top-age ruckmen Joel Grace and Matthew Harman in the Knights’ pecking order.

Joel Naylor will return to Northern Knights this year after an injury-interrupted 2017 season. Picture: David Smith.

However, the left-footer is set to assume greater responsibility this year.

“It’s a bit unique that we had four players over 200cm on our list last year,” Gieschen said. “Tom played Vic Metro under-16s and last year in his bottom-age year he played both Vic Metro futures games.

“He is a bit of a different ruckman. He’s really highly-skilled. He’s a good left-foot kick.”

Midfielder Braedyn Gillard, a Montmorency junior, has also been tipped for a big season after featuring in 19 matches last year.

“He’s a fantastic runner and a good contested ball winner,” Gieschen said.

“We think he will have a quality season.”

Limited to six games due to injury last season, Joel Naylor has returned to Preston City Oval as one of the club’s 19-year-old players.

Naylor showcased his talent with six goals against an Eastern Ranges side packed with future draftees, but was then struck down by a knee injury.

“He’s one of the best kicks to probably ever go through the Knights,” Gieschen said.

Key defender Mark Baker has also retained his place in coach Justin Wenke’s squad for 2018 after a promising debut campaign.

“He’s shot up to about 198cm so he will probably play some back but we are looking to also get him through the ruck and forward as well and show his versatility,” Gieschen said.

Northern Knights will meet Sandringham Dragons in Round 1 on March 24.