NAB League: Oakleigh Chargers names in the hunt for AFL draft selection

There’s plenty of hype around gun father-sons, but here’s a few more attractive Chargers prospects catching recruiters’ eyes, according to coach Jason Davenport.

There’s plenty of talent on offer to recruiters from the Oakleigh Chargers at this week’s AFL draft.

Just ask Chargers coach, Jason Davenport.

You’ve heard the big raps of headlining names Nick Daicos and Sam Darcy, red-hot talents set to be snapped up by the ‘Pies and Bulldogs under the father-son rule.

But here’s a few more that have turned heads this season and might find spots on AFL lists…

YOUSEPH DIB

Height: 174cm

Weight: 76kg

D.O.B: 25/3/2003

The exciting small prospect impressed Davenport this season with his ability to make the most of every possession, and coupled with his application and leadership, the coach says he would fit right in at the top level.

He was part of Collingwood’s Next Generation Academy and has an understanding of an AFL program which Davenport says would make for a “much smoother transition” should he get a chance. And he’s open season to all clubs following the ‘Pies decision not to nominate him as an NGA prospect.

‘AFL ready’ coach Davenport says of Dib. Picture: Michael Klein

He played six games for the Chargers this season where his versatility and physical attributes showed plenty of promise that he would be a welcome addition to any club.

“He’s definitely AFL ready, his knowledge of the system, but also his physical attributes,” Davenport said.

“He’s a powerful smaller forward and potentially small defender as well. Really great agility, clean hands, and quite explosive or powerful.

“(He’s got) great leadership qualities, his ability to apply himself would definitely complement an AFL program.

“He’s also just really respectful of coaching and processes, not that the others aren’t, but he’s got a really good mannerism to him that you just love to have in your program.

“We’re not sure how high his ceiling is, but every indication would indicate we’ll find out because he does apply himself.”

Youseph Dib played junior football with Blackburn. Picture: Blackburn JFC

Dib might not rack the disposals up, but he certainly makes them count.

“With his tackling pressure and his ability to have score involvements in those disposals, there’s still ways to impact the game,” Davenport said.

“Some of the great players in our game didn’t need the ball much to do (plenty), and there’s no doubt with his attributes, he falls into that category. He can impact games without having a high possession game – he’ll still find ways.

“Even in games this year, we thought he’d had 25-plus (disposals), but he’s only had 14 or 15 … the impact on the game would suggest that the influence is as beneficial as a 25-disposal performance.”

But that’s not all – the Blackburn junior’s footy smarts would be attractive to recruiters.

“I think now the IQ is so important, because the game is just so demanding and fast, you need players that can understand what’s happening much quicker than most,” Davenport said of Dib.

PATRICK VOSS

Height: 192cm

Weight: 84kg

D.O.B: 29/6/2003

Physicality and versatility – Patrick Voss has both in spades.

Part of Greater Western Sydney’s academy, the 18-year-old played seven matches for the Chargers this season where he grew into a new on-field role down back immensely helping his draft stock, according to Davenport.

Patrick Voss found his feet as a defender this year. Picture: Valeriu Campan

“(He was) initially a forward but we transitioned him into a key defender,” Davenport said.

“In old-school terms, he’s slightly undersized from a height perspective (as a key defender), but he has a unique ability to compete consistently at a really high level.

“He’s an aggressive player within the rules, and I think that’s important, that as a slightly undersized key defender he can still find ways to impact a game.”

And he has all the attributes to complement multiple roles.

“He’s a good, long kick, a great intercept mark and he grew a lot with his ability to position himself effectively to complement his strengths,” Davenport said.

“He went a long way this year transitioning to a defender, and in a short period of time was able to have a really positive impact on himself, the team and also hopefully his draft stock.

“He’s just a great addition to any environment because his ability to make the most of any program will be as good as any.”

JED RULE

Height: 191cm

Weight: 79kg

D.O.B: 10/6/2003

The versatile tall defender has somewhat flown under the radar from recruiters this season after spending the majority of his time with Carey Grammar in the APS system.

But Davenport says he’s sold himself as a nice prospect, particularly when he has been available for NAB League matches of which he played three for the Chargers this season, averaging 11.7 disposals, 5.3 marks and 3.3 rebound 50s.

Intercept marking is one of the many strong traits to Rule’s game. Picture: Michael Klein.

AFL draft guru Kevin Sheehan rates him as one of this year’s top tall defender prospects, comparing his strong intercept game and one-on-one ability to that of Essendon’s Jordan Ridley.

What also stood out to Davenport was the tall’s versatility among a host of traits.

“Great size and ability to play multiple positions,” Davenport said.

“(His) strengths are running capacity, intercept marking and special play-making ability.”

A left-footer, Rule also brings sound skills on both sides of the body. He represented Vic Metro in 2019 and earned himself an invite to the draft combine this year.

KARL WORNER

Height: 188cm

Weight: 78kg

D.O.B: 16/6/2002

Davenport says AFL clubs would do well to take a punt on the wingman, citing that he has all the attributes to make it and would be “a real find”.

The versatile prospect played five NAB League matches this season after COVID curtailed his top-age year in 2020, but he’s made every post a winner, earning a Vic Metro call-up this season after impressing in the trial matches, gathering 30 disposals and 15 marks in one of them. He was also part of Richmond’s VFL squad and was one of few 19-year-old prospects to earn an invitation to the draft combine.

“No doubt, someone with his running capacity, ball-use and ability to hit the scoreboard and overhead marking, he’s got overwhelming AFL attributes that I feel would be beneficial to any club,” Davenport said.

“He also has a really unique ability to play difficult positions, including the wing.”

Karl Worner played junior football with Ashburton and Easr Burwood. Pictured in action for the Chargers. Picture: Michael Klein

He also displays maturity beyond his years and a team-first attitude.

“He was consistent with his role with regards to his pattern which translates well to the next level – and also, it’s a great insight into his maturity to be patient, and have a willingness to play a role than to chase disposals, I felt which was really important,” Davenport said.

“Structurally, he understands the game and was able to apply himself in different roles this year which is a great sign in his maturity.

“But also his ability to prepare himself physically and mentally to perform consistently was a big standout for us.”

Touted as a late pick or rookie selection, Davenport said it wouldn’t matter where the 19-year-old figured in the draft order, such is Worner’s drive.

“I think he just wants to be given an opportunity, and that’s why I’m really encouraged too that wherever that was, he’d make the most of it … especially the way he can apply himself.”

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