NAB League: Eastern Ranges top prospects previewed ahead of the AFL draft

Eastern Ranges talent manager Danny Ryan analyses all the NAB League outfit’s top prospects ahead of this week’s AFL draft.

There’s been no shortage of gun names to come out of the Eastern Ranges over almost three decades.

And this year’s crop is no exception, boasting a wealth of promise to AFL recruiters.

We’ve listed their top prospects at this year’s AFL draft, with insights from Eastern Ranges talent manager, Danny Ryan…

TYLER SONSIE

Height: 181cm

Weight: 77kg

D.O.B: 27/1/2003

Touted as the Ranges’ top prospect.

It’s been some build-up for the former Scoresby and Lysterfield junior. The midfielder entered the Ranges program around age 15 and later took out an MVP with Vic Metro on the way to an under-16 championship in 2019, which really captured the interest of AFL clubs.

There’s plenty of interest in Tyler Sonsie. Picture: Michael Klein

Despite an injury setback this season where he suffered bone bruising on the knee mid-year against Sandringham, he made a good fist of his opportunities when he did take the field. By the time he was ready to return, COVID had ended the season.

His limited run included five NAB League appearances this year, but the key highlight came when he pulled on the boots for Box Hill in the VFL, where he gathered 24 disposals and kicked two goals – no mean feat for a teenager.

Eastern Ranges talent manager Danny Ryan certainly has high hopes for Sonsie.

“If he has a good pre-season, he could easily slot into Round 1, Round 2 next year at a club, if all things go well over summer,” Ryan said.

“He uses the ball unbelievably, the way he sees the game open up, left and right foot, he’s really dangerous. In traffic, he’s very clean to be able to get the ball from the inside to the outside of the contest, and he’s got the ability to roll forward.”

Tyler Sonsie (right) in action in 2019. Picture: Andy Brownbill

They’re traits that have drawn comparisons to Richmond great Trent Cotchin – but the Ranges’ top prospect doesn’t mind the big rap.

“Trent Cotchin’s my favourite player – I’ve looked up to him since I was a little kid. To hear that, I love it really,” Sonsie said.

“I’ve spoken to all clubs – most clubs two or three times, some clubs, four. I’ve had a fair bit of interviews and it’s been all right – hopefully I can land at the ‘Tigs’, but we’ll see.”

It could be a big draft for Sonsie and his best mates in fellow Ranges prospects Jake Soligo and Tyreece Leiu – the trio have been tight since under-13s at Lysterfield.

JAKE SOLIGO

Height: 179cm

Weight: 80kg

D.O.B: 25/1/2003

The Eastern Ranges’ best and fairest winner this season.

And Ryan couldn’t speak higher of the midfielder/forward, who possesses a maturity and professionalism that AFL clubs are crying out for.

Soligo on the go for the Eastern Ranges. Picture: AFL Photos

“He’s got all the attributes, the mindset and he’s got the character and personality where he could easily slot into an AFL program,” Ryan said.

“He’s someone who is so diligent in his preparation and such a professional young man, and he’s years ahead of where he probably should be.

“He’s very mature in that aspect and a very versatile player that can play many roles, he’s played a lot of inside mid roles for us at NAB level but he’s also had the opportunity to go forward.

“But if you gave him the role, he could easily adapt as a defender as well. We feel he could potentially go mid-to-late draft.”

Soligo played seven NAB League matches this season to go with Vic Metro honours and a game for Richmond in the VFL.

“They (Richmond) were really pleased with the way he performed in that game,” Ryan said.

“He’s a super competitor, from one contest to the next, his endurance is really strong and just the way he sees the game and his running patterns are elite.”

Ryan has seen first-hand the influence Soligo has had on the Ranges group driving standards on and off the field, and says he “could be a long time in the AFL system if he gets the opportunity”.

“He probably needs to work on his leg-speed in the 20m sprint, but apart from that he reads the game so well – like a Sam Mitchell,” he said.

“Clubs are always looking for a chink in the armour … he’s one of those kids who’s the ultimate professional where he’d never put himself in situations where he could get himself in trouble.

“Whoever gets him, if a club does get him, he’ll be outstanding … he’ll bring a lot to the table.”

TYREECE LEIU

Height: 194cm

Weight: 93kg

D.O.B: 14/4/2003

Massive upside as a tall midfielder, and one to keep a keen eye on.

The 194cm prospect showcased his versatility this season in his top-age year with six appearances for the Ranges.

“He’s a really strong and powerful player … probably earlier in the year, as a team, we were struggling a little bit (and coach Travis Cloke) moved him to centre half-back and he had some outstanding performances,” Ryan said.

“I think there’s a lot of upside – he’s still developing and growing into his body and into his knowledge of the game and I think clubs can see that and are pretty excited about what Tyreece can be over the next two or three years and the player he can grow into.”

Leiu entered the Ranges program at 15. Picture: Jonathan DiMaggio/Getty Images

An injury setback in the form of a “bad corky” against Sandringham ended his campaign, and by the time he was ready for a comeback, COVID had wiped the season. He was also invited to this year’s draft combine.

But Leiu, who entered the Ranges program at age 15, is back fit and firing, and is touted to be a mid-to-late pick-up should he be selected.

“He’s doing a lot of the work at the moment … I think he’ll be ready to go if he does get drafted and into the AFL system,” Ryan said.

“Potentially he’ll be mid to late draft – I think he’d be early second round, towards the back end of that middle round so he’ll be fine.”

Injury put a halt on Leiu’s Vic Metro hopes this year, but he was part of the under-16 side that won the championship in 2019.

COREY PRESTON

Height: 181cm

Weight: 76kg

D.O.B: 18/12/2002

Hasn’t taken the typical path into draft contention, but he’s ripe for the picking this week according to Ryan.

The almost 19-year-old only entered the NAB League program in early 2020, but he’s made every post a winner since, earning an invite to the draft combine last year – and he hasn’t looked back.

Preston has bolted into draft contention. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

The utility played five matches for the Ranges this season to go with Vic Metro selection, two appearances for Footscray in the VFL, and three at community level with Ferntree Gully.

Ryan believes the former Bayswater and Ferntree Gully junior was “pretty unlucky” to miss out on a spot on an AFL list at the mid-season draft.

But he’s got high hopes for Preston and believes he has all the attributes to make it.

“He did a pre-season with the (Western) Bulldogs last year, it was out of him and another fella for a spot on their rookie list. He got a concussion leading into all the practice matches which didn’t help his cause. He came back to Eastern, and he’s an unbelievable talent … he’s exciting, clean, really good overhead, knows where the goals are – I really believe that he could be a really good AFL footballer,” Ryan said.

“He’s probably a natural forward, but he’s actually gone down back.

“Some AFL clubs wanted to see him on the half-back flank to see how he went as a defender, and he had just as great an impact behind the footy as he did in front.”

He also impressed in his three appearances for Ferntree Gully in the Eastern league this year, up forward and through the midfield, kicking 11 goals – including a bag of five.

“He’s been really impressive, not just with his goals, but around the ground and his work-rate’s been fantastic – he’s got a big future, no doubt about that,” Ferntree Gully senior coach Brent Kiker said of Preston earlier this year.

Ryan says Preston should be “at least a late round (pick), or potential rookie listing.”

AND TWO MORE…

JOSH CLARKE

Height: 183cm

Weight: 77kg

D.O.B: 5/3/2002

Ryan says of the defender: “This year he’s had some injuries and was only able to play three games. We’ll wait and see with Josh – he might be long-term (prospect). He’s got the capabilities of being an AFL footballer – probably just needs a bit of luck getting his body right and getting some continuity with his footy. If it (draft selection) doesn’t happen for Josh, he’ll keep fighting next year through the VFL and give himself every opportunity next year to potentially be considered.”

FLYNN KROEGER

Height: 183cm

Weight: 85kg

D.O.B: 23/7/2003

Ryan says: “I think he’s one of our more exciting players. He’s only played I think four games of footy in two years as well, just through injury and COVID. He’s got some really good traits, he’s a powerfully good player, really athletic, uses the ball well. We really love him here. We think he’s a real potential to get drafted.

He’s been playing half-back, but he’s versatile ... Trav (Cloke) threw him into the middle at different points and had a real impact. In the pre-season we’ve seen him play up forward and he’s so strong overhead. He’s got good leg-speed and he’s very hard to spoil and he’s a really nice kick (and) a versatile player.

He’s going to be a real talent. If a club picks him up, they’ve got an absolute beauty.”

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