AFL Draft 2021: Top 30 Victorian prospects ranked
The top end of the draft has received plenty of attention but there are some hugely talented Victorian kids who could be snapped up late in the first round or even beyond.
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Victorian draft hopefuls endured a number of frustrating Covid-enforced interruptions in 2021 but most prospects have had a big enough sample size to show club recruiters what they can deliver at AFL level.
Some excelled on the big stage in the Victorian U19 Challenge clash and trials in the middle of the year, while others gave a stern reminder of their athletic gifts at the Vic Country national combine in Bendigo.
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With the draft fast approaching, who are the top 30 prospects from Victoria?
Talent watcher Dan Batten ranks the best Victorian talent in order.
***These rankings are a reflection of talent and do not take into account father-son and Next Generation Academy bids or club selections.
VICTORIAN TOP 30 POWER RANKINGS
30. Josh Rentsch (GWV Rebels/Vic Country)
Key forward, 197cm, 100kg
One of five Rebels in the top 30, Rentsch followed in the footsteps of Hugh McCluggage and Jack Higgins by winning the Morrish Medal, awarded to the best and fairest in the NAB League. The 197cm key forward kicked 14 goals in nine matches, including a bag of five against Eastern Ranges, which featured six contested marks. Rentsch showed an ability to pinch hit in the ruck, using his strength to grab the ball out of ruck contests. He will need to lift his competitiveness to match it with the premier key defenders at the next level.
29. Kai Lohmann (GWV Rebels/Vic Country)
Forward, 185cm, 76kg
Lohmann has the traits that make footy fans jump out of their seats: he can take marks over the top of packs with his leap and turn defenders inside out with his speed. It is why the forward, who plays taller than his height, undertook the most club interviews of all Vic Country prospects. While his X-Factor and upside is undisputed, there is a question mark over his consistency.
28. Charlie Dean (Williamstown/VFL)
Key defender, 195cm, 86kg
The VFL’s Fothergill-Round-Mitchell medallist – awarded to the best young player in the competition – has been a golden ticket to the AFL in recent years. And intercept key defender Dean looms as a chance to join the long list of mature-age recruits after testing well at the national combine. Dean, 19, averaged 15 disposals, eight intercepts and seven marks (three intercept marks) for Williamstown in seven VFL games, excelling with his strong hands overhead and ability to read the play. The 195cm tall previously played as a forward for the Sandringham Dragons.
27. Corey Preston (Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro)
Forward/defender, 181cm, 76kg
Left on the board at last year’s draft, Preston, who doesn’t turn 19 until December, returned to the Ranges program after a pre-season training stint at the Western Bulldogs. Once exclusively a dynamic small forward, Preston added another string to his bow as an interceptor and efficient user across halfback. His standout performance came in the first Victorian trial match, where he tallied 29 disposals, 12 handball receives and eight marks in defence, his versatility adding to his appeal.
26. Youseph Dib (Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro)
Collingwood Next Generation Academy
Utility, 174cm, 76kg
An uncompromising player who attacks the man and the ball with ferocity, Dib is a versatile prospect who was used all over the ground this year. The Collingwood Next Generation Academy member’s most impressive form has come as a pressure forward for the Pies’ VFL side, where he twice slotted multiple goals. Dib won 63 per cent of his possessions in a contest at NAB League level for the Chargers and averaged 5.3 tackles per game. Will be a nice addition to the Pies’ young group.
25. Marcus Windhager (Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro)
St Kilda Next Generation Academy
Midfielder/forward, 183cm, 82kg
Coming off an ACL rupture, Windhager has had limited opportunity to show his wares but the glimpses have been promising. The former basketballer with power and a speed-endurance mix tallied 23 disposals and four clearances in the mid-season trial and 23 possessions later in the year as a midfielder for Sandringham. The midfielder-forward, tied to the Saints as a Next Generation Academy prospect, suffered a back injury in the past week, which could interrupt his first pre-season.
24. Paul Curtis (Western Jets/Vic Metro)
Forward, 183cm, 73kg
Curtis is an opportunistic small forward with innate goal sense, clean hands, speed and agility, making him a dangerous threat inside 50. The lively forward ranked in the top five for goals per game in the NAB League, his matchwinning 4.4 against Sandringham the crowning performance. He also showed he can perform on the big stage, bagging 3.5 from 18 disposals in the second Victorian trial match and three majors in the Challenge match. While his endurance remains a work in progress, Curtis looms as a potential bargain in the second half of the draft.
23. Jake Soligo (Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro)
Midfielder, 179cm, 79kg
Soligo might not have received the fanfare of other Victorian midfielders but he has been a consistent performer at all levels this season. He booted two goals from 20 disposals for Vic Country in their trial match and fitted in seamlessly with Richmond’s VFL side with 17 tidy disposals on debut. The Eastern Ranges’ best and fairest winner is a similar player to Sydney breakout youngster Errol Gulden: he is skilful by foot, clean below his knees, and possesses a strong endurance base. His speed is a slight query, but his high footy IQ means he is regularly in the right position.
22. Connor MacDonald (Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country)
Midfielder, 184cm, 77kg
MacDonald is reliable with great leadership qualities who proved to be a prolific ball-winner at NAB League level. The consistent midfielder led the way in the Stingrays’ engine room, averaging a tick under 30 disposals, 14 contested possessions and 5.5 clearances in four matches. He was the leading possession winner for Vic Country in their second trial game. Off the field, MacDonald blew several clubs away with his character in interviews, with some walking away saying he was among the best draft interviewees they had met.
21. Michito Owens (Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro)
St Kilda Next Generation Academy
Midfielder, 190cm, 85kg
Owens was a surprise packet this season after a growth spurt, with his 29-disposal, one-goal display as a late-inclusion in the Challenge match for Vic Metro boosting his draft standing. The 190cm prospect is a balanced midfielder with strong hands overhead, but his standout trait is his resilience, having fought his way back after being cut from the Dragons’ program as a 16-year-old. The St Kilda Next Generation Academy member, whose mother is of Japanese heritage, averaged 24 touches across his final two NAB League matches.
20. Toby Conway (Geelong Falcons)
Ruckman, 205cm, 97kg
In a shallow pool of ruckman, Conway’s competitiveness, tap work, skills and ability to cover the ground make him the standout ruck candidate outside of Mac Andrew. The Falcons big man recorded 10 disposals and more than 20 hit-outs in both the Victorian trial and Challenge matches and he has added 7kg to his frame this year. The cousin of Sydney’s Tom McCartin and former Saint Paddy, Conway is a long-term proposition but has the tools to be a No.1, if given time to grow.
19. Blake Howes (Sandringham Dragons)
Forward/midfielder, 190cm, 79kg
Howes has an exciting blend of athletic traits and versatility, allowing him to make an impact all over the ground. He was beginning to hit his straps as a wingman before the NAB League shutdown, averaging 22 touches, six marks, six score involvements and kicking two goals across two matches. Howes has speed, a fantastic leap and a knack for winning critical one-on-one contests at ground level, despite his slim build.
18. Judson Clarke (Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country)
Forward/midfielder, 180cm, 70kg
As Sam Darcy dominated at one end, Clarke burst onto the scene at the other with a stunning five-goal, 22-disposal display in the second Victorian draft trial match in Werribee. The performance underlined Clarke’s ability to stand up in big moments, which he did numerous times throughout the NAB League season for the Stingrays. The forward-midfielder provides X-Factor, hits the scoreboard, applies pressure and has high-end agility and speed. One who would have boosted his standing if he was able to test at the Victorian combine.
17. Tom Brown (Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country)
Defender, 186cm, 71kg
Brown has a number of desirables as a medium defender who can intercept, use the ball well by foot and break away with speed. The 186cm defender showcased his athleticism and speed at the Vic Country draft combine, recording a sub-three second 20m sprint and a top-six finish nationally in the standing vertical jump test (72cm). Brown falls just shy of father-son status — his dad Paul Brown playing 84 matches for Geelong in the 1990s. Kept out by an ankle injury early in the season, the Bushrangers camp believes he has plenty of improvement left in him.
16. Mitch Knevitt (Geelong Falcons/Vic Country)
Midfielder, 193cm, 81kg
On the surface, Knevitt is a big-bodied inside midfielder who wins clearances. However, he also boasts a top-end speed and endurance mix, recording the third-best 2km time trial and a top-10 finish in the 20m sprint at the national combine. His last three games in the NAB League were phenomenal: he averaged 30.3 disposals, 14.7 contested possessions and 6.3 marks, while showing he can be an aerial threat up forward with his overhead marking. Knevitt’s elite running capacity, size and ball-winning combination suggests he is ready-made for the big league.
15. Zac Taylor (Calder Cannons/Vic Metro)
Midfielder, 180cm, 74kg
Time seems to slow down when Taylor has the ball in his hands, such is his class. Taylor is an elite kick and has great composure and vision, allowing him to spot up targets while under pressure in congestion. His barnstorming finish to the NAB League season yielded an average of 34 disposals, 18 kicks (at 67 per cent efficiency) and seven clearances from his last three matches for the Cannons. Taylor proved he can find the footy among the best Victorian midfielders, finishing in Vic Metro’s top-four disposal winners in his both outings.
14. Sam Butler (GWV Rebels/Vic Country)
Forward/midfielder, 184cm, 76kg
Butler, the brother of St Kilda livewire Dan, shares similar speed and forward pressure, averaging five tackles per game in the NAB League, but is more advanced than his sibling at the same age. He also has the ability to play as a midfielder at the top level with his clean hands and burst out of congestion. The athletic prospect was Victoria’s standout at the national combine, recording top-10 finishes in the 20m sprint (ninth), vertical jump (eighth) and running vertical jump (10th), after being sidelined with a chest injury for both of Vic Country’s matches.
13. Darcy Wilmot (Northern Knights/Vic Metro)
Defender, 183cm, 75kg
Wilmot is an all-round package as a defender, providing daring run and carry off halfback and sturdy defence in one-on-one contests. While his production is not as high as other defenders, he has an efficient kick, going at 75 per cent by foot in the NAB League, and reads the play well. The Knights’ product is a vocal on-field leader and was Vic Metro’s captain in one of its mid-season trial games. Born on New Year’s Eve, Wilmot is the youngest player in the draft pool and has plenty of scope for improvement.
12. Campbell Chesser (Sandringham Dragons/Vic Country)
Midfielder/defender, 186cm, 83kg
Like teammate Josh Sinn, Chesser has found it difficult to get on the park, playing just three NAB League games this year because of a knee injury, soft tissue tweaks and soreness. With a background in athletics, Chesser is a damaging attacking threat who possesses a penetrating kick and speed to burn. He also offers versatility with the ability to play as a rebounding defender or in a midfield role and has a revered character, boarding at Melbourne Grammar from Wangaratta for the past three years.
11. Josh Goater (Calder Cannons/Vic Metro)
Midfielder/defender, 190cm, 79kg
It is hard not to get excited about what Goater offers with his spring, size, speed off the mark and agility. Goater had a major impact as a midfielder for Vic Metro in both the trial (26 disposals and eight clearances) and the Challenge (23 disposals and eight clearances). He proved he is also dangerous across halfback in his last three NAB League games as an intercepting and rebounding defender, averaging 30 disposals, seven intercepts and 140 Champion Data ranking points.
10. Tyler Sonsie (Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro)
Midfielder, 181cm, 77kg
Sonsie has had wretched luck this season, with bone bruising in his knee forcing him to miss out on Vic Metro representation in the middle of the year, but he has shown enough to suggest he is a top-10 talent in the state. A classy midfielder with great skills, clean hands and vision, and an ability to hit the scoreboard, Sonsie turned heads with a 24-disposal, two-goal display on VFL debut for Box Hill. Entering the year as a potential top-10 selection, Sonsie could prove to be a steal if he slides down the order on draft night.
9. Josh Sinn (Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro)
Defender/midfielder, 186cm, 73kg
Sinn is a classy defender-midfielder who breaks the lines with his speed and raking left boot. In the No. 1 pick conversation two years ago after an eye-catching under-16 carnival, has been held back by injuries to his hamstring and ankle setback this season. His polish was also under the microscope at times for the Dragons in 2021, an area of his game that had previously been flawless. Sinn shapes as a potential draft slider and could provide tremendous value, considering his talent.
8. Mac Andrew (Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country)
Ruckman, 200cm, 70kg
From an athletic perspective, Andrew has been likened to Melbourne Rising Star-winner Luke Jackson, possessing fantastic aerial and follow up capabilities as a ruckman. Andrew turned heads in the Challenge clash tallying 15 disposals, seven marks (three contested) and booting a goal. The Melbourne Next Generation Academy product, who was born in Egypt, will take time to develop his slender frame, but his upside is as good as any in the draft pool, with the potential to be used anywhere on the ground. He will be off the board early.
7. Josh Ward (Northern Knights/Vic Metro)
Midfielder, 181cm, 79kg
When Ward walks out onto the park, you know what you are going to get. The ultra-consistent midfielder dominated the NAB League for the Knights, even going head-to-head with Nick Daicos — and arguably having the better of the boom Collingwood father-son — in one match. His performance on the big stage against Vic Country earned him the most plaudits. Ward racked up 29 disposals, eight clearances and kicked 2.2. Ward is a good kick, covers the ground with his elite endurance — using an exercise app to record an elite 2km time of 5.57, due to the cancellation of the Vic Metro combine — and wins the ball on the inside and outside with ease. Another prospect who can step in from the get-go in 2022.
6. Josh Rachele (Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country)
Forward/midfielder, 180cm, 78kg
Rachele is a genuine matchwinner inside 50 with his forward crumbing, overhead marking and penchant for kicking freakish goals. He illustrated these attributes with a stunning six-goal haul in his final NAB League match this year. The powerful prospect is capable of pinch hitting through the midfield, winning the Kevin Sheehan medal at the under-16s national carnival as an inside ball winner. For Vic Country, Rachele’s form stacked up in both the trial (16 disposals, 2.3) and the Challenge match (20 disposals, one goal). A competitive beast with shades of Giants’ dynamo Toby Greene, Rachele can play right away at the top level and will give defenders sleepless nights in years to come.
5. Josh Gibcus (GWV Rebels/Vic Country)
Key defender, 196cm, 87kg
In a draft class light on talls, Gibcus stands out as the leading key defender, with his outstanding vertical leap, reading of the ball in flight and strong hands allowing him to be an intercept force. Gibcus led the NAB League for intercept possessions (7.9 per game) and intercept marks (3.2) and played a key role on Sam Darcy in the Victorian Challenge contest. The 195cm Rebel, with his aggressive play in the air, speed off the mark and endurance base, plays in a similar manner to All-Australian Demon Jake Lever. With his aerial prowess, could he have the potential to be swung forward at the next level?
4. Ben Hobbs (GWV Rebels/Vic Country)
Midfielder, 183cm, 80kg
A powerful contested ball winner who thrives at the coalface, Hobbs has been touted as a future captain and leads by example with his attack on the ball and his fierce tackling. Hobbs was able to hit the scoreboard as Vic Country’s best in both the trial (37 disposals and two goals) and Challenge clash (26 disposals, eight clearances and a goal) against Vic Metro to strengthen his claims as the best pure inside midfielder in the pool. The Rebels product is ready-made and can make an instant impact at senior level in 2022.
3. Finn Callaghan (Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro)
You can see why clubs are chasing the Giants’ pick two when you watch Callaghan play. He is arguably the most damaging midfield prospect in the pool. Callaghan has blistering speed, endurance, the ability to duck and weave around opponents and a kicking weapon – which is penetrating and hits targets. The tall midfielder can play inside-outside mid, moving to the coalface earlier in the season and averaging 30 disposals and five clearances in three matches for the Dragons.
2. Sam Darcy (Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro)
Western Bulldogs father-son
Key forward/defender, 204cm, 75kg
Darcy’s magnum opus was his immense 6.3 in the Victorian trial at Werribee, which featured four towering contested marks. The dominant display set tongues wagging and he surged up draft boards as a potential top-three draft pick. Darcy’s vice-like hands and enormous reach at 204cm makes the son of Bulldogs’ great Luke Darcy a difficult match up for defenders. He will take time to fill out but his scope to be played in defence – where he was a noted interceptor earlier in the NAB League season, averaging 3.3 intercept marks per game – or as a ruckman adds to his appeal.
1. Nick Daicos (Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro)
Collingwood father-son
Midfielder, 183cm, 72kg
Daicos is a class above the rest in Victoria and if he had greater opportunity to prove his talents this year, he may have been viewed as the clear standout across the country. The Collingwood father-son prodigy combines prolific ball winning with outstanding footy IQ, exquisite skills, goalkicking nous up forward, versatility, the list goes on. In the NAB League, Daicos averaged a monumental 35 disposals, 22 kicks, six marks, five clearances and two goals across five matches. He strengthened his claims as a No.1 pick contender by blowing up the stats sheet in the Victorian Challenge match, logging 41 disposals, 10 marks, six clearances and two goals. Expect him to be a walk-up start in Craig McRae’s side next year.
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