Adam Cerra’s speed and tenacity has him in the mix as a top five pick in the national draft

ADAM Cerra doesn’t fear the big moment, he feeds off it and it is this trait and more that have him in the mix to be taken in the top five at this month’s national draft.

ADAM Cerra doesn’t fear the big moment, he feeds off it.

When the game is in the balance, he wants the ball in his hands. When an opposition midfielder is getting off the chain, he wants to shut him down. And when the speed of the game is too quick for some, Cerra has all the time in the world.

It is these traits and more that have him in the mix to be taken in the top five in this month’s national draft.

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“I definitely play my best football when there is pressure on,” Cerra told the Herald Sun.

“I’ve been able to stand up in high pressure situations whether that is in a tight game or playing on a good opponent. I reckon I thrive in those situations.”

Cerra, who played his TAC Cup football with the Eastern Ranges, has the runs on the board to back up his confidence.

Adam Cerra in action for the Eastern Rangers in the TAC Cup.

The midfielder averaged 18 touches in the national championships for Vic Metro and was extremely unlucky to miss out on All-Australian selection.

His best individual game came against Western Australia when he had 24 disposals, six tackles, five clearances and kicked a goal.

That performance was right under the noses of the Fremantle recruiting staff at Subiaco Oval.

Could the Dockers take Cerra with their pick No.5 as a possible Lachie Weller replacement?

North Melbourne (pick No.4) could also be looking to add some elite midfield talent after missing out on Josh Kelly and Dustin Martin.

But what is stopping the Brisbane Lions from taking Cerra with the coveted No.1 pick?

Injuries have twice halted him in his tracks.

He missed most of the 2016 season with a knee injury while a right shoulder complaint ended his 2017 TAC Cup campaign early. The latter also stopped him from testing at October’s draft combine.

Adam Cerra in action for Vic Metro during the under-18 national championships.

Cerra refuses to let the setbacks get him down though. He used his initial layoff to build his strength so he could be ready for an inside midfield role for 2017.

“Over the pre-season I worked on my craft. I tried to base my game a bit more around those bulls in the midfield that are able to stand up in tackles and have clean hands and clean disposals,” he said.

“It developed me as a player to have both that outside and inside game.”

Respected former AFL recruiter Gary Buckenara believes Cerra plays like a young Patrick Dangerfield. But the man himself wants to emulate another elite midfielder.

“I’ve had (people draw) similarities with Scott Pendlebury,” he said.

“I’m probably not the quickest player out there but having really good skills and being able to look like I do have a lot of time with the footy when I don’t is where that comes from.”