First-round prospect Josh Goater keeping cool as AFL Draft hype heats up

First-round prospect Josh Goater is one of the hottest prospects in the draft and has an AFL surprise-packet in his corner if he needs any advice.

Labelled the AFL Draft’s X-factor, linked to a bevy of clubs and expected to be a first-round pick.

Highly-rated prospect Josh Goater knows there’s hype but is staying cool ahead of Wednesday’s big night.

It’s almost impossible to avoid the buzz, especially after an eye-catching performances for Calder Cannons and Vic Metro and possessing athletic traits AFL recruiters dream of.

“You definitely see (the news) because of your mates and it pops up on your Facebook and then mum and dad are looking at it,” the 18-year-old said.

“I try not to read into too much but it’s nice to see your name in that first-round conversation, you dream as a little kid of being drafted high in the draft.

Josh Goater in action during the pre-draft training session. Picture: Michael Klein

“I’ve been speaking to a few clubs, there’s been talks, but I’m just taking it in my stride and will keep doing everything to hopefully get into an AFL pre-season.”

Earlier this month, Goater revealed Essendon, Sydney, GWS and Hawthorn were clubs that had shown the most interest.

The Sunbury junior also been heavily linked to Fremantle and West Coast given his Western Australian heritage through his dad, who played for East Perth.

Hailing from Sunbury, he’d certainly have a friendly face at Hawthorn, one who’s already provided a bit of friendly advice.

Lachie Bramble was plucked almost directly out of the Ballarat league club this season, going on to make his AFL debut in Round 14.

Goater is good mates with Bramble’s young brother Cody and has been getting advice from the Hawk.

“I’ve spoken to Lachie about how he goes about it at Hawthorn and he’s been a bit of help for me,” Goater said.

“It’s been good to see him go from Sunbury to play some really good footy at the highest level and hopefully I can follow him.”

Josh Goater in action for Vic Metro. Picture: Michael Klein

The Sunbury College student would be the latest off the area’s rich production line that boasts David Schwarz, Cam and Zac Guthrie, Mark Blicavs and Maddie and Georgie Prespakis.

A 190cm half-back turned inside midfielder, he shot up draft boards this season with a string of impressive performances.

Capable of winning the ball at the coal face, Goater is just as adept breaking the lines on the outside, as a marking threat up forward and intercepting the ball in defence.

He averaged 24 disposals, five marks and two tackles in seven NAB League appearances for Calder this season but took his game to a new level in the final three matches, averaging 30 touches and nine marks.

The versatile youngster also made his VFL debut for Essendon but it was arguably for Vic Metro that Goater proved his potential.

Goater collected 23 disposals and eight clearnances, showing off his speed out of congestion and ability to hit targets by hand under pressure.

He’s taken the leap into the midfield in his stride and only gained in confidence as the season wore on.

“I felt I had a really strong pre-season this year and it helped me coming into a new role in the midfield,” he said.

Josh Goater in action for Calder Cannons. Picture: Valeriu Campan

“It was a bit of a learning curve but I was really happy with how I developed throughout the year and settled into that role and I want to keep improving.

“The Vic Metro experience was really good, I was lucky enough to play in the under-16s with a lot of boys in the team this year, so I felt I had a good connection with a lot of them already.

“Coming into the trials and challenge game it was confidence boost, knowing the coaches were backing me in to play midfield at that level.

“It was obviously good to put together a good performance, I took a lot of confidence out of that and was able to take it back to the NAB League.

“I definitely have height on my side in the midfield and I feel as though I can use that to my advantage.

“I feel like I can play either end of the ground and then play inside in the midfield, that’s something I have in my arsenal.”

The athletic traits only enhance his football ability.

Goater ranked equal first for the vertical jump (80cm) and running vertical jump (96) in pre-season testing and sixth in the 20m sprint (2.92 seconds).

He will have to work on his endurance and foot skills at the top level if he wants to become one of the game’s top midfielders.

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A North Melbourne supporter growing up, idolising Drew Petrie and Brent Harvey, Goater now models his game on modern-day prototypes Nat Fyfe and Marcus Bontempelli.

“Nat Fyfe and Marcus Bontempelli are obviously bigger bodied type midfielders … coming into the midfield role I’ve watched them really closely,” he said.

“I try to take little things out of their game and use it in mine, they’re obviously greats of the game at the moment, and hopefully it helps me improve.”

The AFL Draft will be run over two nights, starting on Wednesday, November 24 with the first round, before wrapping up on Thursday.