AFL Draft 2021: The players with x-factor and the top prospects in every position
Is your club in need of a game-changer? We assess the draft hopefuls with serious x-factor — and many of them are blessed with athletic gifts.
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High-impact players are in demand across the competition and this year’s draft pool has a stack of prospects who can turn a game on its head.
Whether it is powerful midfield/forwards who can do it all, imposing key position players, intercepting defenders who can attack from the back half or lightning quick small forward with intense pressure, there is plenty of talent that has wowed recruiters.
SCROLL DOWN TO SEE PROFILES ON THE BEST DRAFT PROSPECTS IN EVERY POSITION
Some of these players are athletic freaks who have blitzed combine testing, while others just let their football do the talking.
Check out the draft hopefuls with X-factor traits.
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VIC METRO
Top prospects
Finn Callaghan’s game-breaking traits set him apart from other top-end midfielders in this draft, with his breakaway speed, agility in traffic and raking left-foot kick serving as major weapons for the potential top-three pick. Expected Western Bulldogs father-son Sam Darcy has the reach, mobility and contested marking at 204cm to change the game in an instant at either end, displaying these attributes in his six-goal haul for Vic Metro in their trial game in June. Calder Cannons product Josh Goater has been dubbed a boom-or-bust proposition by some, but it is hard not to get excited by what he can produce, both as an midfielder or across half-back at 190cm. His electric speed, vertical leap and agility epitomises x-factor, enabling him to take overhead marks and burst through congestion. Rebounding defender Darcy Wilmot possesses daring run and carry off half back, highlighted by an incredible goal earlier in the year where he won the ball in the middle of the ground and took a series of bounces. Sandringham Dragons 190cm utility Blake Howes is a unique medium-sized prospect with exceptional spring, a long kick and a nice speed-endurance mix, enabling him to be used in a variety of roles. St Kilda Next Generation Academy prospect Marcus Windhager has had limited exposure, but his speed and power as a midfielder-forward has seen him enter the top 20 conversation. Up forward, dangerous small Paul Curtis has turned games on their head with his forward craft, overhead marking and consistent scoreboard impact, booting 12 goals across a four-game stretch in the NAB League earlier in the year.
Other chances
Earning a national combine last year off just one trial game after displaying plenty of x-factor, Corey Preston has transitioned into a dynamic small that can be used at both ends. The Eastern Ranges product is capable of hitting the scoreboard up forward and can hurt the opposition with his ball use and intercepting down back. Key forward Anthony Caminiti – a late addition to the Knights program this year who booted five goals on NAB League debut – is raw, but his athleticism and scoreboard impact makes him an exciting long-term proposition. His teammate, 192cm goalkicking midfielder Ned Long, had injury troubles throughout the year but his three NAB League matches were dominant, kicking seven goals and averaging 22 disposals. At 193cm, Tyreece Leiu has been used as powerful intercept marking defender and as an inside midfielder for the Eastern Ranges this season.
VIC COUNTRY
Top prospects
No player in this draft possesses more forward-50 x-factor than Murray Bushrangers dynamo Josh Rachele, who regularly produces the impossible around goal – showcasing this in a six-goal haul to close the NAB League season. His overhead marking, reading of the ball off packs and goal sense will make him a nightmare match-up for defenders in the years to come, and he is capable of pushing into the midfield in time. Ruckman Mac Andrew’s ground level work and leap has drawn comparisons to Melbourne Rising Star winner Luke Jackson, with his athleticism allowing him to become an extra midfielder when the ball hits the ground. The 201cm Stingray had a high impact per possession in the NAB League and for Vic Country and, while he may take a couple of pre-seasons to develop, his upside is off the charts.
Explosive 186cm defender-midfielder Campbell Chesser has a penetrating right boot and extreme speed as a former junior sprinter. GWV Rebels midfielder-forward Sam Butler – the brother of St Kilda livewire Dan – blitzed the national combine with his all-round athletic gifts, with his speed and power giving him a point-of-difference at the coalface. Murray Bushrangers Tom Brown is another who tested strongly for speed and vertical leap, two valuable assets that are on show in his game as an intercepting and rebounding defender. Hulking 193cm midfielder Mitch Knevitt is a ball-at-a-gate at stoppages with his frame and elite speed-endurance mix. He was also a dangerous threat up forward with his strong contested marking for the Geelong Falcons later in the year. Dandenong Stingrays product Judson Clarke has proved to be a matchwinner in the forward half with his high-end agility, speed, footskills and scoreboard impact. This was on full display in his immense five-goal haul in the Victorian trial match, where he almost single-handedly willed Vic Country over the line.
Other chances
GWV high-flyer Kai Lohmann screams x-factor with his vertical leap, speed and agility combination, allowing him to be a dangerous threat aerially and at ground level. There are concerns over his consistency, but his highlights reel is among the best in the NAB League. Gippsland Power utility Jai Serong has an extra 14cm on his brother, Dockers Rising Star winner Caleb, and gave possible top-five selection Josh Gibcus one of his most difficult battles for the season in the NAB League. While he doesn’t have the production or the top-end talent of his older sibling, Serong’s vertical leap and versatility are promising.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Top prospects
Likely top 10 pick Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera has x-factor in spades with his kicking and balance almost unrivalled in the draft pool. Put simply, he does things with the ball in hand that others can’t, and can turn games with limited possession. Fellow first-round contender Arlo Draper is a unique prospect given his versatility. His size, class and skill has been used effectively across every line throughout a stunning junior career. But it’s as a dynamic, matchwinning midfielder, who kicks goals, that has many clubs excited. Central District defender Leek Alleer broke the vertical jump record at the draft combine and, in the SANFL this year, the 20-year-old took the game away from the opposition in the air with his sheer athleticism and strong hands. At the other end of the ground, Norwood’s Cooper Murley boasts x-factor in a similar vein to Port Adelaide young gun Zak Butters. The prolific Murley, who is quick, clean and skilful, can explode out of stoppages and away from opposition defenders forward of centre. The 178cm teenager battled injury this year but his potential as a game-breaking goalkicker is obvious. Speaking of obvious, Jason Horne-Francis will win games offensively – and defensively – for North Melbourne in the coming years and Murley’s Norwood teammate Alastair Lord, who clocked the fastest agility time at the combine, is daring with his run and decision-making by foot off half-back
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Other chances
“He has high-end skill, the best ball control, decision-making and vision I have seen,” SA state coach Tony Bamford said of Isaiah Dudley recently. And it’s those elite traits that have seen Dudley turn a game on its head in a short space of time over the past few years. On talent alone, he should be drafted, but clubs have questioned the desire and worth ethic of the 166cm excitement machine. As he did in the SANFL under-18 preliminary final, kicking 5.4, athletic tall Jordan Lukac is another who can win a game off his own boot. The 196cm big man, who finished third in the 20m sprint and fifth in the standing vertical jump in SA, has proven a difficult match-up inside-50 given his marking strength and ability to follow-up at ground level. Glenelg’s Hugh Stagg is a strong, high-energy player who can burst away from congestion in the midfield. But it’s an ability to hit the scoreboard that really sets the 180cm Stagg apart. Stagg booted 24.14 for the year at under-18 level, five goals for SA at the national carnival and another five in his first two reserves appearances for Glenelg. And Brisbane and the Bulldogs, in particular, have shown plenty of interest in the attacking weapon.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Top prospects
Jesse Motlop is the best pure small forward in the draft pool and his mix of skill, agility and goal sense will make him a very dangerous player at the top level. The son of former Port Adelaide and North Melbourne forward Daniel has already made plenty of defenders look silly. Neil Erasmus looks set to be the first WA player taken on November 24 after improving rapidly over the past 12 months. The 192cm prospect boasted plenty of x-factor as a forward during his bottom-age year, with his elite vertical leap and overhead marking. But now he projects as a genuine goalkicking midfielder after a prolific WAFL Colts season, before injury struck.
Other chances
Fremantle NGA prospect Eric Benning is impressive in the air, but it’s his hands at ground level, and the way he moves for 196cm big man, that has really caught the eye in 2021. And he’s had a big influence on games in multiple ways, booting bags of goals as a forward and dominating in the ruck. Dockers fans should be excited. Claremont teammate Arthur Jones is just as exciting, with the speedster making recruiters take note at the national carnival. The 178cm wingman/forward thrilled with his skill, agility and game-breaking run that, on more than one occasion, ended with a goal. Jones’ position in the draft is intriguing as is that of Josh Cripps, the younger brother of Carlton star Patrick. The 19-year-old has terrific skills for a 199cm big man and, in a dominant WAFL Colts season, kicked goals, took contested marks and impressed with his ability to win the ball at ground level. He then impressed with his agility at the combine, adding to his list of traits others his size don’t have. While Benning is likely to find his way to Fremantle, the Eagles haven’t nominated Ethan Regan as an NGA prospect. But another club may pounce on the talented forward with eye-catching athleticism and aerial prowess. The 191cm Regan may be a little inconsistent but he can have a big impact, and is hard to contain when in full-flight. Jahmal Stretch is another WA prospect to highlight his matchwinning traits this year. Stretch, who booted 16 goals in 14 WAFL Colts games for Claremont, is an explosive small-forward, with serious speed and clean hands, that makes things happen – offensively and defensively.
ALLIES
Top prospects
Rebounding defender Josh Fahey has a kicking weapon and likes to take the game on from defence. The Giants Academy member took out the AFL Academy’s best-on-ground medal as one of the few game-changers in their heavy loss to Geelong’s VFL side in April. These attributes also stacked up at VFL level, where he had 16 kicks in an impressive performance against Richmond VFL.
Other chances
Ronald Fejo Jnr, who made his SANFL League debut for West Adelaide in June, is exciting as any player in this year’s pool. He dominated on the wing for the Bloods at reserves level at times and showed off his elite skills and evasiveness for the Allies. The electric 19-year-old recorded the sixth-fastest agility time nationally and the second-highest standing vertical jump mark behind Alleer at the SA combine. Suns Academy member Austin Harris provides dash as a defender-midfielder, with his vision and footskills also giving him the capacity to break the game open. Speedy small forward Harrison Grintell, tied to the Giants Academy, showed in the NAB League that he can be a dangerous threat inside 50, having an uncanny knack of slotting goals from all angles. Fellow Giants Academy member Ryan Eyers, a mobile 197cm tall from the Murray Bushrangers, can make things happen in the air and at ground level, highlighted by his stunning checkside goal from the boundary in their first game of the year.
TOP 10 DEFENDERS IN THE DRAFT
Does your club need a defender with elite foot skills, or one that can lock down on the opposition’s most-dangerous small forward?
There are a number of prospects who fit the bill in this year’s draft, especially at the top-end.
Some have the potential to transition into the midfield but they, too, are likely to start their career behind the ball at the top level.
We look at 10 of the best small-to-mid-sized defenders available.
Josh Sinn
Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
Running defender/midfielder, 186cm, 72kg
Clubs who could suit: Adelaide, Essendon, Fremantle, Brisbane, Melbourne
Vic Metro’s under-16 captain was touted as a top-five prospect heading into this year. But injury struck again, and Covid made it difficult for many to find consistency in Victoria. But Sinn’s ability to break the game open with his speed and foot skills is undeniable. He boasts a damaging left-foot and puts himself in the right spots behind the ball. Sinn’s weapons in the back-half are obvious, but his form through the midfield prove that, at 186cm with long arms and clean hands, those weapons could be more damaging through the middle at the top level.
THE STAT: Sinn took four intercept marks in his first two NAB Leagues games this year. In his final appearance, he tallied 11 contested possessions, seven ground ball-gets and five clearances.
Campbell Chesser
Sandringham Dragons/Vic Country
Defender/midfielder 186cm, 83kg
Clubs who could suit: Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, North Melbourne
Like his teammate Sinn, Chesser, another highly rated talent leading into the year, has had a season plagued by interruptions. Chesser has endured a knee injury, soft tissue tweaks and foot soreness, playing through pain at stages and managing just three NAB League games for Sandringham. Bursting onto the scene as a halfback/wingman at the under-16 national carnival for Vic Country, Chesser boasts a damaging right boot and blistering pace, making him a dangerous attacking presence. Hailing from Lavington, near Albury in New South Wales, he has boarded at Melbourne Grammar for the past three years and has been described as a perfect leader. Chesser looms as a potential second-round slider from his lack of exposure and could provide value for a club.
THE STAT: Chesser logged 23 disposals at 82.6 per cent efficiency, five inside 50s and 110 Champion Data ranking points in his first NAB League game of the season against Oakleigh
Darcy Wilmot
Northern Knights/Vic Metro
Small defender, 182cm, 70kg
Clubs who could suit: Brisbane, Adelaide, Geelong, North Melbourne
The youngest player in this year’s draft can take the game away from the opposition – with or without the ball – in the back half. Wilmot is tough, reads the ball well and breaks lines with his speed and neat foot skills going the other way. He’s not yet a prolific ball-winner, but the 17-year-old is a well-rounded prospect, who boasts significant upside given his age.
THE STAT: Wilmot hit the target with 83 of his 106 disposals in the NAB League this year and his 2.3 spoils per game ranked elite for general defenders.
Tom Brown
Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country
Intercept defender, 186cm, 74kg
Clubs who could suit: Brisbane, Geelong, North Melbourne, Sydney, Richmond
Brown is an intercept defender with strong hands overhead, impressive athletic traits and precise skills. While an ankle kept Brown to five NAB League games this season, his AFL Draft Combine testing ensured he was front of mind for recruiters, finishing sixth in the vertical jump (72cm) and recording a sub-three-second 20 sprint time. Brown averaged 16.8 disposals, seven intercepts possessions, two intercept marks and 93 ranking points for the Bushrangers, posting 10 or more intercepts twice. Brown is the son of former Cat, Paul (84 games), and sister of Geelong AFLW gun, Millie, but falls just shy of the 100-game father-son qualification. Some in the Bushrangers camp rate Brown higher than teammate and potential top-five prospect Josh Rachele, such is his upside.
THE STAT: Brown rated elite for contested possessions, intercept marks and intercept possessions in the NAB League.
Josh Fahey
Giants Academy/ACT
Running defender/midfielder. 186cm, 76kg
Clubs who could suit: GWS, Sydney, Brisbane, Geelong, Essendon
The Giants Academy gun was best afield in the AFL Academy’s game against Geelong’s VFL side in April – a performance which further enhanced his prospects as a rebounding defender with speed and a penetrating left-foot. He was a star for the Allies at under-16 level and, in a difficult Covid-affected 2021, Fahey made four VFL appearances for the Giants this year. The ACT product is an attacking weapon but he’s also sound defensively and is right in the end-of-first-round mix – GWS will be hoping it’s later, though.
THE STAT: In his second appearance at VFL level, Fahey finished with 24 disposals, six marks, five intercepts and three spoils against Richmond.
Alastair Lord
Norwood/SA
Running defender/midfielder, 180cm, 76kg
Clubs who could suit: Adelaide, Brisbane, Carlton, Essendon, Geelong, Melbourne
Lord is moving fast – on the field, at the combine and up draft boards. The dashing defender was a standout during the opening month of the SANFL under-18s before injury ruined a large chunk of his season. But he reminded recruiters of his talent in the back half of the year, breaking the game open in his return for Norwood and starring in the final two matches of the under-19 carnival, showing off his blistering speed and daring foot skills. Lord then recorded the quickest agility run of any prospect in the country at the combine. He’s very offensively-minded but Lord is a player who sees a gap and takes it, and boasts some top-end traits that clubs really like.
THE STAT: In Round 2 against Sturt, Lord tallied 28 disposals – at 86 per cent efficiency – nine score involvements, seven marks, six intercepts and 134 ranking points.
Sam Banks
Tasmania Devils/Allies
Running defender/midfielder, 187cm, 73kg
Clubs who could suit: Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Port Adelaide, Brisbane
The leading prospect from the Apple Isle, Banks has had limited opportunities to show his wares in 2021 after a wrist injury this season, also missing the AFL Draft Combine. Banks staked his claim as one of the top prospects in the pool at under-16 level after taking out MVP Award at the division two national carnival, showcasing his elite kicking and strong reading of the play as a rebounding defender. He managed four games for Tasmania Devils in the NAB League this year, with the highlight being his 29 disposals, eight intercept possessions and 159 ranking points against the Eastern Ranges. The playmaker has also been used as a wingman, and it is thought he would have tested strongly for endurance and speed at the combine. Banks could prove to be a steal for a club in the second half of the draft.
THE STAT: At the under-16 division two national carnival, Banks averaged 24 disposals, 20.7 kicks at 72 per cent efficiency, 8.3 marks and 7.3 score involvements and 143 ranking points across three matches.
Corey Preston
Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro
Small defender/forward, 181cm, 76kg
Clubs who could suit: Brisbane, Port Adelaide, Sydney, Essendon, Carlton
Receiving an AFL Draft Combine last year off just one NAB League practice game, Preston, who turns 19 in December, returned to the Eastern Ranges program after being left on the board. Once exclusively a dynamic forward, he added another string to his bow as a defender with his precise ball use, decision making and intercept capabilities. He was among Vic Metro’s best in this role in the first trial and the U19 Challenge match against Vic Country. Preston also played two games for Footscray in the VFL and held his own, having trained with the Western Bulldogs last pre-season in pursuit of a list spot during the supplemental selection period. As a forward, Preston booted 4.2 in an exciting display for the Ranges in his first game of the season.
THE STAT: Preston was his side’s leading disposal winner in the first Victorian trial game with 29 disposals at 75 per cent kicking efficiency, eight marks and five rebound 50s.
Lewis Rayson
Glenelg/SA
Running defender/midfielder, 183cm, 69kg
Clubs who could suit: Geelong, North Melbourne, Fremantle, Brisbane, Sydney
The SA under-19 vice-captain is a highly-rated, rebounding defender who has been super-consistent over the past two years. Rayson has done his best work behind the ball, driving Glenelg forward and setting up play with his neat skills and speed. But the long-kicking left-footer, who is still very light, has also shown his ability as an onballer who can break away from stoppages. Rayson capped off a brilliant end to the season with another 27 touches in a losing under-18 grand final side, but he was pushed around at times by the Eagles’ bigger bodies, highlighting where he needs to develop. His offensive qualities are still likely to see him find an AFL home in November, however, with some interest just outside the second round.
THE STAT: Rayson hit the target with 18 of 21 disposals in his SANFL reserves debut and it was a similar story in the national carnival opener – 20 of Rayson’s 25 disposals were effective.
Austin Harris
Suns Academy/Allies
Small defender/forward, 178cm, 70kg
Clubs who could suit: Gold Coast, Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Port Adelaide
Harris has been out of the limelight since facing Geelong’s VFL side for the AFL Academy in April because of injury and Covid interruptions. But the Suns Academy member, who appears set to be available to all clubs during the draft period after he was not pre-listed by Gold Coast last week, has shown through the junior ranks that he has AFL traits. The Cairns product had little continuity in 2021, playing for the Suns in the VFL and the NAB League, and at QAFL level for Broadbeach in a variety of different roles. His best form came as a dashing defender, providing run and rebound off halfback with his speed, agility and foot skills, seeing him draw comparisons to retired Suns defender Jarrod Harbrow.
THE STAT: Harris tallied 29 disposals, 22 kicks and eight marks across halfback against Dandenong in Round 5 of the NAB League.
TOP 10 TALLS IN THE DRAFT
While it has been dubbed a midfielders draft, several prominent tall prospects are on offer at the pointy-end of this year’s AFL Draft.
The key position crop is headlined by a trio of Victorians, who are expected to be off the board within the first 10 selections – or potentially in the top five.
It is the land of the giants over in Western Australia with four promising key position players up for grabs, all of which should be taken inside the first two rounds of the draft.
Two mature-age prospects also feature among the tall talent, including one who has shot up draft boards after a breakout season in the SANFL.
Dan Batten and Jordan Pinto assess the top 10 in the pool.
Sam Darcy
Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro/Western Bulldogs father-son
Key forward/defender/ruckman, 204cm, 75kg
Clubs who could suit: Western Bulldogs
Darcy is the standout key position player of the draft class, boasting outstanding contested marking, unrivalled size at 204cm, mobility and valuable versatility. The son of Bulldogs great Luke Darcy’s status as a potential top-three selection came after an epic trial match performance for Vic Metro, clunking four contested marks and finishing with 6.3. He was used down back for the Chargers in the NAB League to great effect, with his reading of the playing and strong hands allowing him to cut off attacking forays. Darcy also has the potential to pinch-hit in the ruck, adding to his appeal. He will take time to add to his slim build but the father-son prodigy shapes as another exciting addition to Luke Beveridge’s key position stocks.
THE STAT: As a key defender for Oakleigh, Darcy ranked second in the competition for intercept marks per game, averaging 3.3 across three matches.
Mac Andrew
Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country
Ruckman, 201cm, 79kg
Clubs who could suit: GWS, Gold Coast, Fremantle, St Kilda, West Coast
Andrew has as much upside as any prospect in the draft pool with his exciting combination of athleticism and flexibility. Likened to Melbourne Rising Star winner Luke Jackson for his follow-up work and leap as a ruckman, Andrew was thought to be a project player, but has added nine kilograms to his frame this year and has the scope to be used in a variety of roles. An eye-catching performance in the Victorian Challenge match saw Andrew’s draft stocks rise significantly, finishing with 15 disposals, seven marks (four contested) and a goal for Vic Country. His meteoric rise will deny Melbourne from nabbing the Demons Next Generation Academy product, born in Egypt to South Sudanese parents, as new draft rules precludes clubs from matches NGA bids within the first 20 selections. Interest has come as early as Greater Western Sydney at pick two.
THE STAT: Andrew had 22 disposals, 12 contested possessions, six hit-outs to advantage, six clearances and 140 ranking points in his first NAB League game of the year.
Josh Gibcus
GWV Rebels/Vic Country
Key defender, 196cm, 87kg
Clubs who could suit: GWS, Gold Coast, Richmond, St Kilda
An athletic intercept defender in the mould of Melbourne All-Australian Jake Lever, Gibcus reads the play beautifully in defence and fearlessly attacks the ball in the air. Gibcus tested strongly in the running vertical jump test, climbing 95cm in the running vertical jump discipline at the pre-season testing day, and recorded a 3.04-second 20m sprint at the AFL Draft Combine. These athletic traits are seen frequently in his game in closing down opponents on the lead and leaping high to mark or spoil. Gibcus played a key role on Darcy while matched up against him in the Victorian trial match and dominated the air for the Rebels, averaging 7.9 intercept possessions and 3.2 intercept marks per game.
THE STAT: Gibcus reeled in five or more intercept marks in four matches and 10 or more intercept possessions on five occasions in the NAB League.
Jye Amiss
East Perth/WA
Key forward, 195cm, 83kg
Clubs who could suit: Fremantle, Essendon, GWS, Richmond
Amiss appears the best key-forward prospect, behind Darcy, in this year’s draft. He’s a beautiful set shot, brilliant on the lead, strong overhead and boasts uncanny goal sense for a 195cm big man. And his rapid rise up the order is on the back of a brilliant year at WAFL Colts level, where he booted 51.14 in 15 matches, to show a significant rate of improvement. Amiss struggled in the major round, though, being held goalless in East Perth’s first two finals but he was the star of the national carnival opener against WA, booting 2.1 from 12 disposals and six marks – four of them on the lead.
THE STAT: In his first 11 WAFL Colts games this season, Amiss averaged 4.2 goals, 4 marks inside-50 and 137 ranking points.
Jacob van Rooyen
Claremont/WA
Key forward/defender, 193cm, 87kg
Clubs who could suit: Fremantle, North Melbourne, GWS, Richmond
The athletic West Australian tall is equally as impressive in the air as a forward, whether it be on the lead or one-out, given his outstanding bodywork, as he is in defence. He booted 19.15 at WAFL Colts level in an impressive bottom-age season, which saw him enter 2021 as the state’s most highly-touted prospect. The strong-marking Van Rooyen then kicked two majors in his senior debut for Claremont. A bout of glandular fever soon followed but he bounced back to dominate inside-50 at junior level, booting 24 goals in his final six matches, including a four-goal haul in the grand final. But he also showed how effective he can be at the other end of the ground, putting on an intercept marking masterclass in the first two games of the national carnival against SA.
THE STAT: In his return to the WAFL Colts in Round 18, van Rooyen tallied 22 disposals, 18 contested possessions, five contested marks, five tackles, 6.2 and 221 ranking points.
Jack Williams
East Fremantle/WA
Key forward/ruckman, 195cm, 91kg
Clubs who could suit: Hawthorn, North Melbourne, Melbourne, Richmond, West Coast, Fremantle
The strong-marking forward exploded in 2021, booting 15 goals in the opening four rounds of the WAFL Colts season and finishing with 40.24 for the year – second only to Amiss. Williams is terrific one-on-one and rarely beaten in the air and can also play in defence as he showed in the early stages of his bottom-age season when he took eight intercept marks in the first four matches. But his versatility doesn’t stop there, with the well-built 195cm prospect playing as a mobile ruckman for East Fremantle and for WA at national level. He was the Sandgropers best in the final match of the carnival against WA and tallied 17 disposals, eight hit-outs-to-advantage, nine score involvements, four clearances and two intercept marks, playing a similar role, against Peel Thunder in Round 9.
THE STAT: Williams was the No. 1 ranked player for score involvements (7.8) in the WAFL Colts.
Leek Alleer
Central District/SA
Key defender, 195cm, 84kg
Clubs who could suit: North Melbourne, Brisbane, Geelong, Sydney, West Coast
The raw key-defender dominated the air in a breakout season at SANFL level, taking 28 intercept marks in 11 senior games. A horror leg injury stalled his development over the previous two years, and playing in various roles across half-forward and on a wing, without dominating any one of them, saw Alleer overlooked in the draft and passed on by Adelaide as an NGA prospect. But a move to defence over summer made recruiters take note, as the 21-year-old thrilled with his incredible athleticism and intercept marking. Alleer, who moved to Australia from South Sudan when he was six, then broke the running vertical jump record at the combine. He still has plenty to learn but, given he has one of the highest ceilings of any key-position prospect in the pool, a club could pounce inside the top 30.
THE STAT: Alleer averaged 6.5 intercepts, 2.5 intercept marks and 5.4 spoils per game in the SANFL this year.
Rhett Bazzo
Swan Districts/WA
Key defender/forward 195cm, 81kg
Clubs who could suit: Brisbane, Geelong, Sydney, West Coast,
Bazzo made a name for himself at the under-16 national carnival – and at WAFL Colts level last year – as an intercept star in defence. That’s where he played in the AFL Academy game against Geelong’s VFL team in April, too, but highly-rated booted 4.6 and took 11 marks playing forward in Swan Districts’ opening two games of 2021 to highlight that his flexibility isn’t just limited to one end of the ground. Bazzo is renowned for his intercept marking and likes to take the game on in the air and is another versatile West Australian who provides plenty of value just outside the first round.
THE STAT: Bazzo took a game-high five intercept marks for WA in the under-19 carnival opener against SA – his only appearance at national level this year.
Toby Conway
Geelong Falcons/Vic Country
Ruckman, 205cm, 97kg
Clubs who could suit: Collingwood, West Coast, Melbourne, Adelaide
The top traditional ruckman in the draft pool, Conway has been a consistent performer at all levels this season. Conway has showcased his competitiveness, tapwork, ability to cover the ground and tidy skills for a player of his size. The 205cm project player was among the best in the AFL Academy clash with Geelong’s VFL side and in the Victorian Challenge match, where he finished with 25 hit-outs, 10 touches and three clearances. The cousin of Swans tall Tom McCartin and former Saint Paddy, it will be a fascinating watch to see where he lands, given the lack of ruckman in the pool and the number of developing ruckmen snared in the mid-season draft.
THE STAT: Conway recorded 20 hit-outs and 10 disposals or more in his six NAB League games and his two matches for Vic Country.
Charlie Dean
Williamstown/VFL
Key defender, 195cm/86kg
Clubs who could suit: Brisbane, North Melbourne, Sydney, St Kilda
After being overlooked in his draft year of 2019 and again last year as a key forward, Dean transformed into an intercepting marking defender for Williamstown and flourished. His breakout campaign saw him awarded the Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal as the best young player in the VFL – an award that is synonymous with mature-age AFL recruits. Dean earned a call-up to the AFL Draft Combine, highlighting the interest from AFL clubs. Dean has strong hands overhead, reads the play well and has a sound kick, allowing him to bring down contested marks and be a springboard from defence.
THE STAT: Dean won the second most intercept possessions in the VFL in 2021, averaging an elite 8.2 per game.
THE TOP 15 MIDFIELDERS OF THE AFL DRAFT
From tough ball-winners to athletic beasts and the pool’s best kick, midfielders are set to dominate the top-end of this year’s draft.
And with the 2022 crop stacked with key-position talent, clubs are ready to pounce on their next midfield star.
Likely No. 1 pick Jason Horne-Francis and Nick Daicos sit atop the class, while clubs are trying to position themselves in order to get their hands on Sandringham’s Finn Callaghan.
But the prospects get a little more difficult to split after that, with clubs sharing different views on some players.
Dan Batten and Jordan Pinto profile their top 15.
Jason Horne-Francis
South Adelaide/SA
Balanced midfielder, 184cm, 77kg
Clubs who could suit: North Melbourne
Horne-Francis has it all. And it’s why North Melbourne recruiter Scott Clayton believes “he is as good as any No. 1 in any year”. Horne-Francis is strong on the inside, but also electrifying away from the contest, boasting a mix of speed, evasiveness and terrific hands overhead. On top of the elite traits, which have been compared to those of Patrick Dangerfield and Nat Fyfe, Horne-Francis is, arguably, the most-competitive player in the draft pool. The 24-disposal, three-goal performance in the SANFL preliminary final, which kept South Adelaide in the game, was the icing on the cake of a spectacular under-age career.
THE STAT: In the SANFL finals series, 39 – or 67% – of the 18-year-old’s 58 possessions were won in a contest.
Nick Daicos
Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro/Collingwood father-son
Balanced midfielder, 183cm, 72kg
Clubs who could suit: Collingwood
Daicos would have been right in contention for Collingwood’s side this year after turning heads for the Magpies in a VFL practice game during the pre-season and dominating every game he played at under-18 level. The son of Collingwood legend Peter Daicos and brother of current Magpie Josh is a prolific and classy prospect with an elite kick, fantastic poise and superb goal sense. This array of traits will allow him to be used as a dangerous small forward, a tidy ball-winning midfielder or a distributing defender at the next level. Daicos was best-on-ground by the length of the Flemington straight in the Victorian Challenge match in July, featuring some of the best draft hopefuls in the pool, amassing 41 disposals including 23 kicks, 10 marks, six clearances and two majors. The Chargers product is expected to attract a top-three bid in the national draft later this month, which the Magpies will be able to match after stockpiling points during the trade period.
THE STAT: In the NAB League, Daicos averaged 35.8 disposals (ranked first in the competition), 22.2 kicks (second), 23 uncontested possessions (first), 7.4 score involvements, 5.8 clearances, two goals (fifth) and 159 Champion Data ranking points across his five matches.
Draft experts Dan Batten and Jordan Pinto interview GWS recruiting manager Adrian Caruso on this week’s episode of the Herald Sun Footy Podcast. Listen below:
Finn Callaghan
Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
Balanced midfielder, 189cm, 82kg
Clubs who could suit: North Melbourne, GWS, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Hawthorn, Fremantle
Callaghan has all the traits to be the perfect modern-day midfielder at the next level. He’s tall, quick, brilliant in traffic, can win the ball on the inside and outside, and boasts a penetrating right-foot. The game appears to slowdown when Callaghan has the ball in tight spaces, and he makes great decisions on the back of it. After spending most of his junior career on the outside, Callaghan is equally as damaging away from the contest and, in no surprise, clubs inside the top 10 have already made a play for the Giants’ pick 2, knowing Callaghan, who projects as taller version of Giants star Josh Kelly, is unlikely to be available long after that.
THE STAT: After moving into the Dragons’ centre-bounce brigade, Callaghan averaged 30 disposals, 16.7 kicks and 136.7 ranking points across three matches.
Ben Hobbs
GWV Rebels/Vic Country
Inside midfielder, 183cm, 80kg
Clubs who could suit: Richmond, Hawthorn, Fremantle, Adelaide
Hobbs is a contested beast who does his best work in congestion, consistently winning clearances and feeding it out to runners on the outside, and applying immense tackling pressure. The Rebels midfielder was the strongest performer in both his matches for Vic Country, finishing with 37 disposals and two goals in the trial match and 26 touches, eight clearances and a goal in the Challenge clash. Likened to tough Giants on-baller Jacob Hopper, Hobbs has been earmarked as a future captain for his highly-regarded character and shapes as a prospect who can make an impact from the get-go in 2022.
THE STAT: Without including his an injury-affected match, Hobbs averaged 147.6 ranking points, 29.2 disposals, 12.8 contested possessions, six clearances and six tackles in five games for the Rebels this year.
Josh Ward
Northern Knights/Vic Metro
Balanced midfielder, 181cm, 74kg
Clubs who could suit: Gold Coast, Hawthorn, Richmond, Fremantle, Adelaide
The left-footer is a prolific ball-winner, who is clean and clever at the contest, and damaging away from it, drawing comparison to Bombers star Zach Merrett. Ward, who was named captain of the NAB League Team of the Year, boasts elite endurance and was one of the most-consistent midfielders, across multiple levels, in Victoria this year. Ward starred for Northern Knights, saving his best for a dual against Daicos – which he won – before tallying 29 disposals, eight clearances and two goals for Vic Metro in June. He looks to be one of the safe bets in the top 10.
THE STAT: In his final three appearances in the NAB League, Ward averaged 34 disposals, 14 contested possessions, eight score involvements, six clearances and 149 ranking points.
Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera
Glenelg/SA
Wingman, 188cm, 70kg
Clubs who could suit: Adelaide, Essendon, Fremantle, Port Adelaide, St Kilda
After a brilliant national championships, where he danced around opponents before finding a teammate with precision, Wanganeen-Milera is now right in the top-10 mix. On top of his unrivalled foot skills, the nephew of Port Adelaide and Essendon great Gavin Wanganeen boasts plenty of X-factor, incredible balance, clean hands and speed. There have been some questions over the contested side of his game, but, as the year went on at reserves level, he proved they might be a touch overstated.
THE STAT: In the SANFL reserves grand final, Wanganeen-Milera won 11 of his 20 possessions in a contest and recorded a season-high seven tackles.
Neil Erasmus
Subiaco/WA
Inside midfielder, 192cm, 80kg
Clubs who could suit: Essendon, Fremantle, St Kilda, West Coast
Playing as a forward in his bottom-age year, Erasmus put himself on the AFL radar with a standout four-goal performance in Subiaco’s WAFL Colts premiership win. It’s his rapid development into a genuine ball-winning midfielder – at the contest and away from – however, that has seen the teenager rocket into the top-10 mix. And Erasmus’ vertical leap, overhead marking and work ethic stand out among midfielders in this year’s pool – especially at 192cm. Injury ended his season early, forcing him out of the national carnival but, despite a slight concern over his field kicking, Erasmus is likely to be the first WA player selected in the national draft.
THE STAT: As a midfielder in the WAFL Colts, Erasmus rated elite for ranking points (164), disposals (28), kicks (17), contested possessions (16), marks (7.8), intercept marks (2.8), intercept possessions (6.8), clearances (6.3) and score assists (2).
Josh Goater
Calder Cannons/Vic Metro
Inside midfielder/defender, 190cm, 79kg
Clubs who could suit: West Coast, Richmond, Fremantle, Brisbane, Essendon, Adelaide
Goater starred for Calder as a rebounding, intercept defender late in the NAB League season, consistently thwarting opposition attacks and setting up play from the back-half. But, after stints through the middle, and a standout performances for Vic Metro on the inside, it’s Goater’s potential as 190cm midfielder, who’s brilliant in traffic and can explode out the other side, that has clubs excited. He’s athletic, powerful and is just as impressive springing out of a contest as he is flying for a mark in the air. Can he improve his endurance enough to become the player clubs hope he can be at the next level?
THE STAT: Goater took eight intercept marks in his final two games in the NAB League and tallied 26 disposals, eight clearances and 10 handball-receives playing in the midfield for Vic Metro in June’s trial match.
Matthew Johnson
Subiaco/WA
Balanced midfielder, 192cm, 82kg
Clubs who could suit: Fremantle, St Kilda, West Coast, Essendon, Port Adelaide
Johnson boosted his draft stocks significantly in the second half of the season with barnstorming results on and off the field. The tall midfielder shone brightly in the grand final curtain-raiser for Western Australia, winning the best-on-ground medal and setting up the matchwinning goal as he tallied 20 disposals, nine tackles and five clearances against South Australia. He showcased his elite footy IQ and decision making in the opening national championships in an outside role, and enjoyed an impressive finals series at WAFL Reserves level for Subiaco against senior bodies. Johnson capped his year with a third-placed finish in the agility test (8.061-seconds) at the AFL Draft Combine, also placing seventh in both the vertical (72cm) and running vertical tests (89cm), and recording an elite 20m sprint time. Johnson’s blend of class, height and athletic attributes sets him apart from other midfielders in the pool.
THE STAT: In his final four WAFL Reserves matches for Subiaco, Johnson averaged 22.5 touches, 14.5 kicks at 65.5 per cent efficiency and five tackles per game – three of those games being finals.
Tyler Sonsie
Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro
Balanced midfielder, 181cm, 77kg
Clubs who could suit: Sydney, Melbourne, Fremantle, Richmond, Hawthorn, GWS
A dynamic and creative midfield prospect who hits the scoreboard, Sonsie showcased these traits in an exciting VFL debut for Box Hill. The Ranges midfielder suffered an ill-timed ankle injury in the middle of the year, sidelining him for the two Victorian draft representative matches. His return from injury corresponded with the end of the NAB League season as it was cut short by the Covid pandemic. Regarded as a potential top-10 talent entering the season, Sonsie is a clever and precise ball user with clean hands and speed. Sonsie also has smarts around goal, kicking five goals in as many matches in the NAB League, and he is tipped to start his career in the forward arc. Clubs could snap up a bargain if he slides into the late first-round range.
THE STAT: Sonsie finished with 24 disposals, six clearances, five tackles and two goals in his VFL debut for Box Hill.
Matthew Roberts
South Adelaide/SA
Inside midfielder, 183cm, 81kg
Clubs who could suit: Port Adelaide, Richmond, Sydney, Fremantle
After dominating his own age group, Roberts earned promotion to South Adelaide’s senior side this year, where he, again, got the job done – albeit it in a different role across half-forward – booting six goals in seven senior matches. But Roberts, who boasts a neat left-foot kick, is one of the smartest midfielders in the draft. He’s tough, competitive, makes good decisions and an elite footy IQ means he’s always in the right spot. There is some concern over his athleticism, and others may have better highlight reels, but the ready-made Roberts has more runs on the board than most.
THE STAT: In his 10 SANFL under-18 matches over the past two years, Roberts averaged 28 disposals and 160 ranking points.
Zac Taylor
Calder Cannons/Vic Metro
Balanced midfielder, 180cm, 74kg
Clubs who could suit: Hawthorn, Richmond, Geelong, Melbourne
Taylor is composed under pressure, agile on his feet and has brilliant hands at stoppages. But what separates him from the other midfielders in the first-round mix is his kicking. Taylor rarely wastes the ball by foot and makes great decisions going inside-50 – and we all know clubs love the money kick. As he showed late in the NAB League, the ball is in his hands a lot, too, with Taylor finishing the season with disposal tallies of 32, 34 and 37, while also recording 22 disposals and five inside-50s for Vic Metro in July.
THE STAT: Highlighting his ability to find a teammate in the forward half, Taylor recorded nine score assists in his final four matches. His average of 1.6 for the year rated elite as a midfielder.
Mitch Knevitt
Geelong Falcons/Vic Country
Inside midfielder, 193cm, 81kg
Clubs who could suit: Richmond, Hawthorn, West Coast, Sydney, Geelong
A hulking inside midfielder, Knevitt is more than meets the eye, showcasing his elite speed-endurance mix at the AFL Draft Combine. Knevitt finished third in the 2km time-trial (6 mins 18 seconds) and tenth in the 20m sprint with a blistering time of 2.976-seconds. These results strengthened his claims as a second-round selection after a dominant finish to the year, where he proved he can be a dangerous threat up forward with his strong overhead marking, as well as a prolific ball-winner. Senior footy looks to be in his sights next year with his size and running capacity.
THE STAT: Knevitt averaged 30.3 disposals, 14.7 contested possessions, 6.7 tackles, 6.3 marks, 6.0 inside 50s and 150.7 ranking points from his last three NAB League matches for the Falcons.
Mitchito Owens
Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro/St Kilda Next Generation Academy
Balanced midfielder, 190cm, 85kg
Clubs who could suit:St Kilda, Sydney, Port Adelaide, Melbourne
Owens announced himself on the big stage after a late call-up for the Victorian Challenge match, winning 29 disposals, hitting the target with 16 of his 17 handballs and kicking a goal for Vic Metro. The performance encapsulated his unflappable nature, having been axed from the Sandringham Dragons program as a 16-year-old and working his way back into the fold. Owens’s rapid improvement is off he back of significant growth spurt, with the hardworking midfielder viewed as a player with upside. He is tied to St Kilda as a Next Generation Academy prospect due to his mother being born in Japan. New NGA rules preclude the Saints from matching a bid inside the top-20, which Owens could attract on the first night of the draft on November 24.
THE STAT: Owens went at 76.3 per cent disposal efficiency across the NAB League season despite winning close to half of his possessions in a contest.
A change to the rules around Academy prospects has opened the door for a rival club to poach a gun midfielder from St Kilda's grasp in the #AFLDraft, reports @RalphyHeraldSun. Will they 'play nice'?
— SuperFooty (AFL) (@superfooty) October 26, 2021
Story: https://t.co/cG0bHCBpAi
Angus Sheldrick
Claremont/WA
Inside midfielder, 179cm, 84kg
Clubs who could suit: Hawthorn, Geelong, Richmond, Sydney, West Coast
Sheldrick has bolted into top-30 contention following an emphatic finish to the year, culminating in a best afield display in the final national championships clash against South Australia. The bullocking inside midfielder finished with a game-high 29 disposals, 14 contested possessions, 11 clearances, five tackles and a match-sealing goal in the dying minutes against South Australia. His immense WAFL Colts finals series as a goalkicking midfielder for Claremont was telling, considering he played under duress with two bad corkies. Sheldrick has improved his kicking and endurance as the year has gone on, which had been question marks over his game. His scoreboard impact and ability to rise to the occasion in big moments adds to his appeal.
THE STAT: Sheldrick booted six goals and averaged 23 disposals, 16 contested possessions, six tackles and a whopping 161.3 ranking points in the WAFL Colts finals series.
THE DRAFT’S 10 BEST FORWARDS
Small and medium forwards are hard to come by for AFL clubs and a host of promising goalkickers and playmakers will be on offer in the AFL Draft in November.
There has been a reluctance to take smaller forwards early in the draft in recent years but Melbourne livewire Kysaiah Pickett and high-leaping Bulldog Cody Weightman, taken at 12 and 15 respectively in the 2019 national draft, illustrates how valuable these kind of players can be to the make-up of a side.
The forward crop of this draft class features a possible top-10 pick likened to Giants dynamo Toby Greene, a unique South Australian who has played at SANFL senior level, the son of a former Port Adelaide and North Melbourne gun and the brother of a current St Kilda livewire.
Here 10 of the best small-to-medium-size forwards in the draft pool.
Josh Rachele
Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country
Forward/midfielder, 180cm, 78kg
Which clubs could suit: GWS, Adelaide, Richmond, Hawthorn
Rachele can change the course of a match with his magic inside 50. The dynamic forward-mid is electric when the ball hits the ground and strong overhead, playing taller than his height suggests. The Bushrangers product opted to choose footy over soccer as a member of the Australian under-17 soccer squad, and he can certainly bend it like Beckham from all angles around goal. Rachele was among Vic Country’s best in both the trial (16 disposals, 2.3) and the Challenge match (20 disposals, one goal). He has the ball-winning ability and power to be used as an on-baller, dominating at U16 level as an inside midfielder. Drawing comparisons to Giants star forward Toby Greene and Robbie Gray, Rachele is an expected top 10 selection with clubs as early as GWS (holding pick two) showing a keen interest.
THE STAT: Rachele averaged the most goals per game in the NAB League (of any player that had played more than one match) and rated elite for disposals, kicks, kicking efficiency, marks and score involvements.
Arlo Draper
South Adelaide/SA
Forward/midfielder, 186cm, 71kg
Which clubs could suit: Fremantle, Hawthorn, Brisbane, Port Adelaide, Adelaide, West Coast
At junior level, Draper made a name for himself as a versatile midfielder, who can go forward and hit the scoreboard. He’s clean, classy and distributes well in traffic. But it’s his ability forward of centre which sets him apart from a number of similar prospects. Draper is strong overhead and has proven he can play as a marking target inside-50. After dominating the under-18 competition, the 186cm teenager made his senior debut for South Adelaide, finishing with 11 disposals, five marks and goal, in an impressive display across half-forward. The only question is, where is Draper’s best position at the top level?
THE STAT: Draper booted 22 goals and recorded 20 score assists in 21 SANFL under-18 matches over the past two seasons.
Jesse Motlop
South Fremantle/WA
Small forward, 176cm, 74kg
Which clubs could suit: Carlton, Hawthorn, West Coast, Fremantle, Adelaide
The son of former Port Adelaide and North Melbourne forward Daniel, Motlop is, arguably, the best pure small forward in the draft pool. The 18-year-old is quick, skilful and boasts sublime ability through traffic. And, like his father, Motlop has brilliant goal sense. The teenager booted 9.5 in eight WAFL League games, handling the step up with ease. With just his second disposal on debut at senior level, Motlop won the ball off hands at ground level and split two Swan Districts defenders twice, before handing off to a teammate who sent the Bulldogs forward, showing his creativity further up the ground. Motlop is part of Fremantle’s Next Generation Academy but he’s unlikely to be available after pick 40, when the Dockers would be eligible to match a bid.
THE STAT: Motlop hit the scoreboard in all but one of his eight WAFL League matches this season and booted 2.1 from 13 disposals on debut.
Sam Butler
GWV Rebels/Vic Country
Forward/midfielder, 184cm, 76kg
Which clubs could suit: Geelong, Carlton, Hawthorn
Butler has some similarities to his brother, St Kilda small forward Dan, but has greater versatility and all-round athletic traits. He blitzed the Vic Country Combine in early October with four top-10 finishes nationally, showcasing his speed (2.974-second 20m sprint), endurance (6:23 2km time trial) and leap (87cm running vertical jump, 71cm vertical jump). Butler reads the play well as a crumber inside 50, has clean hands in congestion and applies manic pressure defensively. As a midfielder, he consistently wins contested possessions and makes good decisions with the ball, highlighting his capacity to have an increased midfield role in time. A cracked sternum sidelined Butler for both of Vic Country’s mid-season games, but he has shown enough to suggest he is a potential late first-round selection.
THE STAT: Butler ranked elite for contested possessions, goals, tackles and ranking points as a forward-mid in the NAB League.
Blake Howes
Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
Medium forward, 190cm, 79kg
Which clubs could suit: Carlton, Geelong, Melbourne, Richmond, West Coast
Howes is an athletic, high-marking prospect who has done his best work at half-forward, in a similar way to what Port Adelaide’s Miles Bergman did in his draft year. A great size, with a penetrating kick, speed and a serious leap, Howes booted five goals for Vic Metro at the under-16 championships in 2019. He hit the scoreboard in five of his seven NAB League games this year, but his push up the ground onto a wing is what has recruiters excited. Howes kicked two majors and had 20 disposals in his final game for the year in the new role and he’s likely to appeal to some clubs as a tall, athletic wingman at the next level.
THE STAT: He’s a weapon offensively, but Howes also rated elite in the NAB League for tackles inside-50.
Judson Clarke
Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country
Forward/midfielder, 180cm, 70kg
Which clubs could suit: Melbourne, West Coast, Geelong, Carlton, Adelaide
Clarke rose to prominence in an outstanding five-goal haul for Vic Country in the second trial game where everything he touched turned to gold. It was apt reward for his all his hard work after suffering a knee injury two years ago. Clarke makes things happen forward of centre with his speed and scoreboard impact. He has shown a tendency to stand up in big moments, as he did in the trial game and in the Stingrays’ narrow win over Eastern in Round 5. While Stingrays players missed out on testing at the national combine, he recorded a 6:19 2km time trial and it is believed his agility is among the best in the draft class.
THE STAT: Clarke had 22 disposals, seven marks, hit the target with 11 of his 12 kicks and slotted five goals in the second Victorian trial match.
Brady Hough
Peel Thunder/WA
Medium forward/midfielder, 189cm, 71kg
Which clubs could suit: Fremantle, West Coast, Brisbane, Geelong, GWS, Hawthorn
It’s been a rapid rise for the dangerous, goalkicking midfielder, who has gone from country footballer to the draft combine and WAFL League footy in a year. After impressive form at Colts level, where the hard-running Hough’s composure, foot skills and ability to hit the scoreboard caught the eye of many, he tallied 22 disposals, nine marks, seven intercepts and 114 ranking points in his senior debut, playing on wing. Hough finds space forward of centre and marks well on the lead, but he’s also equally effective finding a target inside-50 himself – versatility that should bode well at the next level.
THE STAT: Booted 10.6, and averaged 20 disposals, in the first six WAFL Colts games of his career.
Cooper Murley
Norwood/SA
Forward/midfielder, 178cm, 69kg
Which clubs could suit: Adelaide, Melbourne, Essendon, Geelong, Carlton, Richmond
The excitement machine only managed seven non-injury affected games this season but his body of work over the previous two years is up there with the best in the draft. As a 16-year-old, Murley averaged 23 disposals, 14 contested possessions, six tackles, five inside 50s and 138 ranking points at under-19 level in 2019. He then dominated his bottom-age year of 2020, averaging 26 disposals and booting 19 goals in 16 matches to win Norwood’s best-and-fairest in a premiership side. He’s clean, well-balanced, wins the ball on the move and uses it well on both feet. There’s a bit of Port Adelaide young gun Zak Butters in the way Murley plays and he looks suited to a similar role at the top level.
THE STAT: Taking out his last injury-affected game in July, Murley averaged 25 disposals, 12 contested possessions, six score involvements, five clearances, five inside-50s and 132 ranking points, while also booting 29 goals, in his 26 SANFL under-18 matches over the past three years.
Paul Curtis
Western Jets/Vic Metro
Small forward, 183cm, 73kg
Which clubs could suit: Essendon, Carlton, Adelaide, Collingwood
The Western Jets’ leading draft prospect, Curtis has been a formidable goalkicker at NAB League level and for Vic Metro this season. The small forward has terrific goal-sense, clean hands at ground level and possesses speed and agility. Curtis averaged two goals per game in the NAB League, including a dominant 4.4 against the talent-rich Sandringham Dragons. He underlined his consistent scoreboard impact against top-notch defenders by slotting 3.5 in the Victorian trial and another three majors in the Vic Challenge clash. Curtis has improved his endurance but it remains a work in progress, with his accuracy in front of goal another area of improvement.
THE STAT: Curtis booted 12 goals across a four-game stretch in the NAB League and finished equal-second for goals across the year.
Kai Lohmann
GWV Rebels/Vic Country
Medium forward, 185cm, 76kg
Which clubs could suit: Hawthorn, North Melbourne, West Coast
Lohmann screams X-Factor with his vertical leap, speed (recording an elite 2.986-second 20m sprint at the national combine) and agility combination, allowing him to be a dangerous threat aerially and at ground level. His spring and overhead marking means he plays taller than his height, while he has shown the ability to turn defenders inside out on his way to goal. The exciting forward had a patchy season overall but it is these exciting traits and his upside that could see him off the board as early as the second round. Club interest has been significant for Lohmann, one of the most interviewed Vic Country prospects throughout the year – and he has been described as a loveable larrikin off the field.
THE STAT: Lohmann collected more than 20 disposals in one of his nine matches in the NAB League yet exceeded 100 Champion Data ranking points on four occasions. This included a 120-point total.
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Originally published as AFL Draft 2021: The players with x-factor and the top prospects in every position
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