AFL Draft 2020: The top 30 prospects from the NAB league
The footy shutdown meant Victoria and Tassie’s top talent wasn’t on display this year, but these players have made a name for themselves already as the draft looms. SEE THE TOP 30 HERE.
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Rating the NAB League crop is a difficult proposition for club recruiters with no football being played in the COVID-19 afflicted season.
There is a great unknown surrounding many players in the competition, particularly those who lacked exposure in their bottom-age year in 2019.
Last year’s performances, predicted progression from 2019, pre-season form and combine testing conducted in the past month will all be factored in when comparing the Victorian prospects to those who have enjoyed full seasons in 2020, such as those in the SANFL under-18s and WAFL colts.
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This is a rating of the best 30 young guns from the NAB League and does not take into account where each will be taken on draft night, or when academy and father-son bids – needless to say there will be a lot of them this year – will come.
The NAB League is comprised of 12 clubs from Victorian metropolitan and country areas, as well as a team from Tasmania.
Check out the top NAB League prospects available from the 2020 draft crop.
1. Jamarra Ugle-Hagan
(Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Country)
Key forward, 195cm, 90kg
Not only is he the top prospect in the NAB League, the Next Generation Academy marvel is arguably the best under-18 talent in the country. However, it remains a mystery which club at the pointy end will keep the Western Bulldogs honest by bidding on him. His stellar combine results underline his rare athletic traits for a 196cm forward and key defenders were relieved to avoid facing him in 2020, after 24 goals in nine matches for Oakleigh last season. Forget the Lance Franklin comparisons; he will forge his own path, and boy will it be exciting to watch.
2. Elijah Hollands
(Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country)
Midfielder/forward, 189cm, 85kg
One of the most complete prospects in the pool as the modern prototype midfielder/forward. The season shutdown proved to be a blessing in disguise for Hollands after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in February, remaining firmly in top-five calculations despite the setback. He did more than enough to prove himself last year, turning heads against the 2019 draft crop at the national championships and dominating the All-Stars showcase on Grand Final last year with 24 touches and two majors. The latter performance encapsulated what he brings to the table: game-breaking impact in the coalface and up forward.
3. Will Phillips
(Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro)
Midfielder, 180cm, 80kg
There is little certainty surrounding Victorian draft prospects, but clubs know what they are going to get from Phillips week in, week out. The tough inside midfielder is a prolific ball-winner and manic tackler, averaging 22 disposals per game for the Chargers last year – in the same midfield as prized Suns duo Matt Rowell and Noah Anderson. His possession tallies were set to go through the roof this season with enhanced midfield responsibility. He also improved his goalkicking nous as the season went on in 2019, culminating in a two-goal haul in the NAB League Grand Final. A consistent and ready-made player, clubs can plug and play Phillips in 2021.
4. Archie Perkins
(Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro)
Forward/midfielder, 188cm, 79kg
Upside and X-Factor are the terms that spring to mind while watching Perkins play. An incredible all-round athlete with speed, power and agility, the forward/midfielder is capable of the spectacular; long-range goals, high-leaping marks and bursts out of congestion, with consistency within games the key for Perkins entering 2020. An enhanced midfield role beckoned this season after splitting his time between the forward arc and the centre-square as a bottom-ager, where he was sure to provide plenty of excitement.
5. Tanner Bruhn
(Geelong Falcons/Vic Country)
Midfielder, 183cm, 74kg
Bruhn does not possess standout athletic traits like other top-ranked prospects. Instead, he lets his football do the talking. The midfielder had limited opportunities to show his talents last year due to injury, but his two NAB League games last season wowed recruiters. He hits the scoreboard and can hurt opposition sides in the clinches and on the outside. Bruhn is a noted leader and makes his presence felt on the defensive end with his strong tackling. Likely to start as an outside midfielder in the early stages of his career due to his light frame.
6. Oliver Henry
(Geelong Falcons/Vic Country)
Forward/defender, 188cm, 77kg
The swingman pales in comparison to his brother, no-frills Geelong defender Jack Henry. Henry produces special moments at both ends, particularly in the air where his great reading of the play and Velcro hands come to the fore. He is also skilful at ground level and is capable of kicking goals from anywhere. Henry had best-on-ground performances up forward and down back in 2019, booting 5.3 in just his third NAB League game and clunking six intercept marks (four contested) among 24 disposals in defence later in the year.
7. Zach Reid
(Gippsland Power/Vic Country)
Defender, 202cm, 83kg
A unique 202cm tall who can deliver the ball on a platter out of defence, lauded as one of the best ball-users available. His exemplary foot skills on both sides were on show for the Power last season, hitting the target with 74 per cent of them, and reads the play well when he does not have it in his trusty hands. Reid also has great footy smarts and is an extremely reliable decision maker. Reid shapes as a long-term proposition due to his slim frame but has great endurance and athleticism for a player his size.
8. Reef McInnes
(Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro)
Midfielder/Utility, 193, 86kg
Showcased his versatility last season, playing as a lockdown defender, up forward and in the middle. The Collingwood NGA product provided the most excitement as a hulking inside midfielder who can win contested ball and breakaway from stoppages. His blistering 20m time of 2.78 (albeit with a significant tailwind) beat all comers at the Vic Metro combine, but his below par 2km time trial suggests his endurance is an area of improvement. Playing through a back injury last season typified his toughness and he has development left in him as a prospect born in December.
9. Finlay Macrae
(Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro)
Midfielder/forward, 186cm, 78kg
It is hard not to think of his half-brother, Western Bulldogs star Jack Macrae, as you watch him glide across the ground. Macrae is composed and creative as a midfield/forward and was a noted performer in the Chargers’ successful finals series last year – also juggling school football with Xavier College. His endurance (6:17 in 2km time trial) and versatility meant he was set to play in a variety of roles in 2020, including as a wingman. A talented duel sportsman, he is expected to improve significantly at AFL level after dedicating his summers to cricket in the past.
10. Nikolas Cox
(Northern Knights/Vic Metro)
Key forward/defender, 200cm, 87kg
Cox is a versatile tall with phenomenal athletic traits. He runs like a midfielder, recording the fourth best 2km time at the Vic Metro combine (6:03) and a 2.95-second 20m sprint. The Knights’ co-captain can impact games at both ends with his aerial ability and has strong leadership qualities. Cox set out to add size to his wiry frame during the season shutdown and it paid dividends, adding four kilograms this year. Like Reid, Cox will need time to fill out, but his talent, athletic gifts and hardworking nature are a special combination.
11. Connor Downie
(Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro)
Defender/midfielder, 185cm, 82kg
The ultimate professional of the draft pool, Downie is a student of the game who boasts strong leadership qualities. On the field he provides run and carry on the outside and has a penetrating kick that can launch long-range goals and create scoring opportunities for his teammates. A move into the centre square loomed large this season to develop his inside ball-winning. Tied to Hawthorn’s Next Generation Academy, Downie is tipped to flourish in an AFL environment and his size and temperament suggests he will push for senior opportunities next year.
12. Bailey Laurie
(Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro)
179cm, 78kg, Midfielder/forward
Laurie has plenty of pizzazz and he produced just that in the Chargers’ Grand Final triumph. The lively midfield/forward kicked two goals with his beautiful sidestep – which he uses to great effect in congestion – and set up multiple other scoring opportunities. A skilful prospect, Laurie has exceptional footy smarts and clean hands. He was set to use these attributes through the middle this season after building his tank, running a 6:24 2km time trial at the Vic Metro combine. Will likely start his career in the forward arc, where he should produce some magic.
13. Jake Bowey
(Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro)
Midfielder/forward, 175cm, 67kg
While Caleb Daniel comparisons for smaller players are often unfounded, the shoe fits here. Bowey is an exquisite user by foot on both sides and is very poised, spending most of his time on a wing for the Dragons in 2019. He may start as a creative small forward, but he should move to the wing in time, where his speed and vertical leap – testing well at the combine for both of these areas – will compliment his foot skills. An extremely determined prospect, he will leave no stone unturned at the next level. Son of 85-game Saint Brett Bowey, he narrowly misses out on being father-son eligible.
14. Sam Berry
(Gippsland Power/Vic Country)
Midfielder, 181cm, 80kg
A strong inside midfielder who covers the ground surprisingly well. While he catches the eye as a hardened contested ball winner and tackling machine, Berry also has a great tank, running an exceptional time of 6:10 (fifth overall) at the combine, and can be a threat up forward. Managed to be a consistent contributor for the Power despite being stuck in the queue behind Dockers Rising Star Caleb Serong and first round draftee Sam Flanders in 2019, averaging 17.7 disposals and a whopping 6.5 tackles in 2019.
15. Conor Stone
(Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro)
Forward, 188cm, 83kg
Stone made an immediate impact at NAB League level in 2019 with a stunning five-goal haul in his first game. He had hardly played as a forward through the ranks, but his rousing debut ensured he played predominantly in the attacking arc for the rest of the season, kicking 11 goals in eight matches. A nice size at 188cm, Stone has good hands overhead, can win the ball at ground level and has explosive speed off the mark. He is viewed as a prospect who can play anywhere on the ground.
16. Jackson Callow
(Tasmania Devils/Allies)
Key forward, 194cm, 101kg
Callow staked his claim as one of the better key forwards available last season, booting 24 goals in 14 matches in a struggling Devils side. The North Launceston native is a powerful key forward capable of taking towering pack marks with his vice-like hands. A tall with natural aggression and a big motor, Callow was able to play senior football in the Tasmania State League in 2020, playing predominantly up forward but spending time down back and through the middle, until he was struck down with injury later in the season.
17. Seamus Mitchell
(Bendigo Pioneers/Vic Country)
Forward, 181cm, 74kg
Jettisoned into the Pioneer program last year, Mitchell made his presence felt from the get-go. The small forward set tongues wagging despite playing just five NAB League matches, booting six goals – most of those thanks to his electrifying speed. Mitchell claimed top honours in the 20m sprint with a quick time of 2.88 seconds at the Vic Country combine and showcased his spring in the running vertical jump test. Has not had a great deal of exposure but his trajectory is exciting.
18. Eddie Ford
(Western Jets/Vic Metro)
Forward, 189cm, 83kg
Ford plays taller than his 189cm stature due to his exceptional vertical leap, topping the charts at the Vic Metro combine (94cm). The Jet regularly took flight last year and has strong hands overhead and good speed. The forward was looking to transition into the midfield this season, requesting vision of Fremantle superstar Nat Fyfe from the Dockers to help improve his midfield craft. He goes up a gear in big games, highlighted by his hot start to the All-Stars clash on Grand Final day, finishing with two goals and 20 disposals.
19. Zavier Maher
(Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country)
Midfielder, 185cm, 82kg
A powerful and quick inside midfielder, Maher claimed Caulfield Grammar’s best-and-fairest award after a stellar APS season in 2019. He played just six games for the Bushrangers as a result, showing promise with his contested ball-winning – with 58 per cent of his possessions won in a contest – and burst of speed from congestion. The focus for Maher during the season was improving his endurance, registering a personal best in the 2km time trial at the Vic Metro combine. He also highlighted his speed with a fourth-place finish in the 20m sprint (2.89 seconds).
20. Cody Brand
(Calder Cannons/Vic Metro)
Key defender, 196cm, 87kg
Brand is a key defender who can zone off with his superb reading of the play while shutting down opponents. His intercept game grew in the back-half of the season for the Cannons – reeling in marks with his Inspector Gadget arms – averaging 5.1 intercept possessions and two intercept marks across his last six matches. It is fitting that the Essendon Next Generation Academy member models his game on Bombers legend Dustin Fletcher. Brand also showed the capacity to be shifted forward at stages, kicking three goals last year.
21. Oliver Davis
(Tasmania Devils/Allies)
Midfielder, 182cm, 75kg
Another Devils prospect who had the opportunity to play a full season against hardened bodies in the TSL, winning the competition’s Rising Star award and leading the league in tackles for Clarence. A midfielder who thrives in congestion, Davis led the inside brigade for the Devils last year up against predominantly 2019 draftees, averaging 22 touches and 7.8 tackles across 13 games. His ball-winning dominance was expected to continue in 2020 and the Devils planned to play him more on the outside to showcase his skills. The clearance machine has the tools to play AFL football next year if taken.
22. Jack Ginnivan
(Bendigo Pioneers/Vic Country)
Small forward, 183cm, 77kg
Playing in a similar role to fellow Pioneer Seamus Mitchell, Ginnivan had greater opportunity to impress in 2019 – and took it with both hands. The crafty forward slotted 19 majors in 12 NAB League matches, including 14 goals in his last six games. A high half-forward with fantastic goal sense who consistently hits the scoreboard, Ginnivan also has great goalkicking accuracy – a credit to his tireless work ethic. Looms as a player who can provide value later in the draft.
23. Henry Walsh
(Geelong Falcons/Vic Country)
Ruckman, 203cm, 87kg
The brother of Carlton sensation Sam Walsh is a markedly different prospect, standing 19cm tall than his older sibling. Walsh was robbed of the chance to stamp his authority as the best ruckman in the draft pool, following a promising bottom-age year for the Falcons. His natural aggression is the major string to his bow, and he was tipped to dominate against ruckman his age this year. He also has good skills and mobility for his size. The beanpole will take time to develop before he can compete against AFL big men.
24. Cam Fleeton
(Geelong Falcons/Vic Country)
Defender, 192cm, 81kg
It was a baptism of fire for Fleeton in a fledgling Falcons side last season, handling the barrage of pressure with aplomb. The medium defender was one of the Falcons’ best players in 2019, averaging 15.8 touches, 6.4 intercept possessions and 3.4 spoils across nine matches. Fleeton consistently won or equalised one-on-one contests while matched up against the premier tall forwards in the NAB League last year. A reliable stopper who can play on talls and smalls, Fleeton also reads the play exceptionally well in defence.
25. Josh Clarke
(Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro)
Defender, 184cm/75kg
Nothing shows commitment to the cause like putting on 10 kilograms in the space of a season. The running defender, who played 18 matches in a consistent bottom-age season, weighed just 65kg last year but has hit the gym hard during the season shutdown – a testament to his determination, given all Victorian players have been training away from their clubs in 2020. He has not lost any of his line-breaking speed, either, recording a 20m time of 2.97 seconds at the Vic Metro combine. Clarke has shown he can rise to the occasion in big games, enjoying a strong finals series for Eastern last year.
26. Patrick Walker
(Tasmania Devils/Allies)
Defender/midfielder, 187cm, 76kg
The smooth moving runner is the third Tasmanian on the list and caught the eye last year in a consistent bottom-age season across halfback. Walker’s main strengths are his endurance and silky skills, bringing those attributes on the wing for TSL club North Hobart in 2020, missing the latter stages and the state combine with a calf injury. He improved the contested side of his game up against senior bodies this year, an area that is a work in progress for Walker.
27. Maurice Rioli Jnr
(Oakleigh Chargers/Allies)
Forward, 173cm, 73kg
Unable to take the field for Oakleigh while boarding at Scotch College this year, the exciting small forward comes from great pedigree as the son of Richmond and South Fremantle great Maurice Rioli senior. Rioli is tied to the Tigers and Dockers as a father-son and to Essendon as an NGA member, with the reigning premiers his club of choice. Hailing from the Tiwi Islands, Rioli rose to prominence following a breakout campaign for St Mary’s in the Northern Territory Football League earlier this year, including a highlight-laden four goal haul in their semi-final clash. Rioli can kick goals from all angles and has great defensive pressure but, like many prospects, does not have a great deal of exposed form.
28. Ryan Angwin
(Gippsland Power/Vic Country)
Midfielder, 184cm, 72kg
All signs pointed to Angwin bursting onto the scene this year after improving rapidly over the off-season and standing out in Gippsland’s practice games. A gut-running wingman who likes getting his hands dirty, Angwin has exceptionally clean hands in congestion and is a creative user on the outside. He trained alongside Port Adelaide young gun Xavier Duursma in their hometown of Foster during the season shutdown. Angwin underlined his strong fitness base with a 2km time of 6:12, ranked sixth nationally.
29. Charlie Lazzaro
(Geelong Falcons/Vic Country)
Midfielder, 179cm, 72kg
Lazzaro isn’t just an inside midfielder with a knack for winning contested ball. The Falcons product has agility in traffic – rating elite for this attribute at the pre-season testing day (7.79 seconds) – and a good burst of speed, breaking the three-second barrier in the 20m sprint at the Vic Country combine. Lazzaro was another Falcons prospect who put together an impressive bottom-age year, averaging 20 disposals and four clearances. His dominance in their two practice games earlier in the year pointed to a big year ahead, tallying 28 touches, six clearances and eight tackles per game.
30. Max Heath
(Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro)
Ruckman, 203cm, 94kg
Heath’s draft stocks grew considerably after each of his pre-season games earlier in the year, impressing with his physicality and forward craft. It was a sneak peek of his rapid rate of improvement over the off-season, which was unfortunately cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic. While clubs were denied the chance to see what Heath could have produced this year, he presents as a project ruckman with definite upside.
MORE NAB LEAGUE ANALYSIS
AFL Draft 2020: Check out the best small-medium forwards from the NAB League
AFL Draft 2020: The Victorian smokies hurt most by NAB season shutdown
AFL Draft 2020: The X-factor players who could burst onto the scene next season
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