Blackburn, Oakleigh Chargers forward Billy Hicks turning heads of AFL, VFL scouts

Fresh off a breakout season, 18-year-old forward Billy Hicks won’t be far from the minds of scouts in his hunt for a higher opportunity according to the Oakleigh Chargers talent manager.

GROWN men or teenagers – age and experience of opponents didn’t seem to faze Billy Hicks.

The 18-year-old forward turned heads this season, garnering the attention of AFL and VFL clubs as he split his time between the senior ranks of Eastern league Premier Division outfit Blackburn, and the Oakleigh Chargers.

Chargers talent manager Alex Davey said Hicks had popped up on AFL and VFL radars after enjoying a breakout season at Coates level, kicking 30 goals from 14 games.

He also impressed across nine appearances in the Eastern league’s top-flight – widely considered Victorian local footy’s strongest open-age competition – with 21 majors.

Hicks celebrates a goal against Vermont in Eastern’s Premier Division this year. Picture: Davis Harrigan

Touted as a longer-term draft prospect, the 188cm talent is set to remain firmly in the sights of scouts according to Davey.

“There’s a few AFL clubs that have reached out to ask how he’s going – probably potentially be VFL to begin with – but he’ll certainly be a player that clubs will be watching closely at VFL level over the next couple of years,” Davey said.

“He had a fantastic year with us and he was able to translate that back to Blackburn.

“I think he was top-five in the (Coates) league goalkicking – his ability to hit the scoreboard was phenomenal.”

Former Blackburn coach Brendan Allen – who exited the role in September – told Leader earlier this season that Hicks had the makings of an elite career.

“He missed out on Vic Metro (selection) … but it probably makes him a bit more draftable (sic) if he’s playing good footy against men, and he has,” Allen said after Hicks bagged three goals in a win over powerhouse Vermont.

“He’s obviously got talent, he’s got some stuff he’s got to work on, but he’s a great kid and he’s fitted into the senior program with no worries at all.”

Davey said Hicks’ form impressed from early in the season, highlighting his consistency across the Coates and Eastern leagues.

“He was probably best on ground in Round 1 against Brisbane when he had 26 (possessions) and kicked 2.3,” Davey said.

“Even looking at the back-end of the year, he kicked multiple goals in his last seven games for us – including a bag of five and a four as well.

“We were really pleased with Billy, he’s just a fantastic kid and really bought into what we were doing – his form was consistent and whether it was Blackburn or us, he didn’t seem to play a bad game, to be honest.

“This year he really burst onto the scene for us.”

The 2023 AFL national draft will be staged across November 20 and 21, with the pre-season and rookie draft to follow on November 22.