Key forward prospect Tom Sims discusses his journey to the AFL Draft

This time last year, Tom Sims didn’t think he was on the draft radar, 12 months, a school premiership and national championship title later he’s one of the top key forward prospects.

Tom Sims celebrates a goal for Vic Metro.

This time last year, the AFL Draft seemed like a pipedream for Tom Sims.

Now the imposing 200cm Northern Knights prospect is one of the best key forward prospects in Australia.

Sims has always been the “tall kid in class” but a 12cm growth spurt through the COVID break solidified his big man status.

Now he’s touted as a possible second round selection with St Kilda, Port Adelaide and Hawthorn in the mix.

A Hawthorn fan growing up, it would be a dream to arrive at Waverley, and by his own comparison he models his game on retired Power forward Charlie Dixon.

As with every young hopeful, he just wants to hear his name called out.

Tom Sims in action for Northern Knights. Picture: Mark Wilson

“It’s a bit like stepping into the unknown, I really have no clue who I’m going to get picked up by,” Sims said.

“At the start of the season I probably wasn’t projected at all.

“Coming off a quiet bottom-age year, it was important for me to just lock-in and work in the pre-season.

“I felt confident coming in, I had little goals to help me along the way – like making Vic Metro – and that’s helped me, the big dance is this week and I’m up there.”

The Montmorency junior made his senior local footy debut last season and despite eight games for Northern Knights as a bottom-ager was overlooked for the Vic Metro summer training hub.

However, he started the Coates League season with a bang, booting five goals against Western Jets and followed up with a seven-goal, 15-disposal and 10-mark performance against Oakleigh Chargers.

It saw him rewarded with Vic Metro selection for the Under-18 National Championships.

He kicked four goals in four games, three coming in a breakout performance against Western Australia, averaging 8.5 disposals and 4.5 marks.

The second half of the season saw him showcase his ability in the ruck as the Knights reached the quarter-final.

He was also part of Parade College’s Herald Sun Shield premiership and took that form into the AFL Draft National Combine, recording top-10 finishes in the running vertical jump and agility tests.

“With the Knights we just lost the (quarter) final but it was still a really good year, especially at the end,” Sims said.

“Metro was good, just to be around elite footy players was a privilege.

“With Parade, it was pretty good being in a winning environment most of the year.

“I see myself as a key forward and secondary ruck, a Joe Daniher or Charlie Dixon-type player.

“An absolute unit up forward and then go into the ruck to give someone a spell, that versatility can help.

“Jeremy Cameron is another role model, he’s so creative with the footy and makes plays.”

Sims finished the Coates League season with 23 goals in 15 outings, averaging 11.5 disposals, four marks and 10 hitouts.

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The arrival of Collingwood great Anthony Rocca, one of the most feared key forwards in his time, as Knights coach this season was a blessing.

“This year, I just wanted to connect with him as much as possible,” Sims said.

“He’s gone through the system and done everything, it’s been really good to lean on him for advice and it’s helped me be more aggressive and develop my big man craft.

“When he got sick, I tried to reach out to just check in and have a chat.”