Pick Me: Tim English is the best ruckman in this year’s AFL draft

THIS time last year a handful of clubs were watching Tim English. Now, all 18 want the star ruck prospect at their club next season. WATCH HIS HIGHLIGHTS

IT was the extra-curricular lesson Tim English didn’t mind failing.

As the 2015 season wound towards a close, English’s school biology teacher urged him to register at a WAFL club so he could nominate for the draft.

English was old enough and, according to his teacher slash Collingwood scout Peter Thorne, might be good enough.

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A handful of clubs were monitoring English as he developed playing school football for Christ Church, which had to take priority.

So the raw ruckman scrambled together a registration at Claremont the day before its second last game, hoping to run out for one WAFL Colts appearance.

Tim English playing during the national under 18 championships. Picture: Mark Dadswell

The following week, English’s registration was rejected — on a geographical technicality.

English’s parents own an apartment in Claremont, but the family wheat and sheep farm in Pingelly — the hometown of St Kilda great Nicky Winmar — lies in the South Fremantle district.

It meant no club could read English’s name at last year’s draft, where he would have been a rookie hope.

Fast forward 12 months and nearly every club has spoken to English.

Why? At 205cm, English is the best ruck prospect in some time.

He moves around the ground comfortably and averaged 17 disposals in the WAFL reserves and 16 in the colts this season, well suited to the modern game.

“I think having an extra year, I got to do a pre-season with the Colts side, that’s helped quite a bit,” English said.

Tim English on the family farm.

“I’m a ruckman who can play that kick behind the ball and read the play and predict opposition attacks and try to cut them off.

“I think that’s one thing I’ve improved in and I’ve worked extremely hard on my skills, so I like to think I’m up there in that area.

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“I try to take bits and pieces out of all the successful ruckmen. At the moment you have your Max Gawns, Todd Goldsteins and I really enjoy Rory Lobb at the moment with his versatility.

“Growing up I was watching Dean Cox and he pretty much changed that role.”

English is so highly-rated he shouldn’t escape the first round at Friday’s draft.

And his chances of staying in West Australia are promising, with Fremantle and West Coast possible suitors.

TIM ENGLISH

AGE: 19

HEIGHT: 205cm

WEIGHT: 90kg

CLUB: South Fremantle

POSITION: Ruck

SUPERCOACH AVG: 123pts (WAFL reserves)

PLAYS LIKE: Dean Cox (in time)

PREDICTED DRAFT RANGE: 6-18

IN THE MIX: Gold Coast (6, 8/10), Fremantle (7), West Coast (12), Port Adelaide (14, 17), Western Bulldogs (18)

Originally published as Pick Me: Tim English is the best ruckman in this year’s AFL draft