Much has been said about the quality of the 2017 draft, and while it lacks the depth of talent on offer last year — or, at this stage, next year — it is blessed with genuine quality at the pointy end.
We profile more than 200 lads who took part in the AFL draft combines – and throw in the odd ‘smokey’ whose names are likely to be called out on draft night, November 24.
OUR RATINGS
Each score out of five is formulated using a combination of player match analysis, stats averages and test results. As a general guide:
5: Elite 4.5: Excellent 4: Above average 3-3.5: Competent 2.5: Below average 1-2: Needs to improve
Brayden AINSWORTH
27-Nov-98 | 184.0cm | 79.4kg | Subiaco
“This year was Brayden’s first in our system after coming up from Esperance. Played five weeks in the Colts and was selected in the state team for the championships and named All-Australian. He’s a dedicated young man who has put a lot of time in off the field. An inside midfielder, very good around stoppages and with clean hands. Ended up playing in our reserves grand final and more than held his own.” – Subiaco football manager Daniel Vidovich.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 4 | 3.5 | 4 | 4 | Third Round |
Oscar ALLEN
19-Mar-99 | 191.1cm | 82.4kg | West Perth
“A lead-up centre half forward at Under 18 level but in future he’s likely to be a third tall forward. He has great endurance so could push up to a wing and be that Jack Gunston type. He has a lean frame but showcased his good skills at Colts level. After the Under 18 championships he played reserves and senior football. Won the Larke Medal for best player at the Under 18 championships and he should go high in the draft.” – West Perth football manager Ward Harris.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4.5 | 4 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 4 | First Round |
Joel AMARTEY
02-Sep-99 | 196.1cm | 84.6kg | Sandringham Dragons
“A late comer to the talent pathway, he comes to footy from a basketball and soccer junior background. He’s extremely athletic and continued to progress rapidly in a ruck/forward role this year. His grand final was outstanding and at his size he looms as an intriguing option for clubs. His follow-up at ground level is a feature of his game. A Paddy Ryder-type with his leap and work around the ground.” – Sandringham Dragons talent manager Ryan O’Connor.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 2.5 | Late pick/Rookie |
Christian AMEDURI
02-Aug-99 | 181.5cm | 76.7kg | East Perth
“Christian is a real competitor who works hard and he’s the sort of player you love to have in your side because he does all the team things. Wins a lot of the football on the outside, playing mostly on a wing, but has the tenacity to go inside the contest and impact the game there. Probably needs to polish his foot skills but his work-rate is probably his greatest asset. Played in the Colts for us all year and played for WA at the Under 18 championships. His brother won our senior fairest and best and Christian is very similar, a really good kid who gives it everything he’s got.” – East Perth football manager Mark Winnett.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | Rookie |
Kade ANSWERTH
03-Oct-96 | 181.0cm | 79.0kg | Sandringham
“The 21-year-old midfielder has put together a dazzling resume. At Oakleigh Chargers he was the 2014-15 best and fairest and won the 2015 TAC Cup Medal, and at Sandy he won the 2017 best and fairest after being second last year. He does a lot of things well without having one stand-out strength. He’s courageous, a fierce tackler and bends the knee to no opponent. ‘He’s got the same sort of attributes as those Richmond kids who played in the flag,’ outgoing Zebras coach Lindsay Gilbee said. ‘He never shirks an issue. He’s super-tough and he’s a really good kid who works hard. He’s made of the right stuff, and if you’re competitive and tough you’re 80 per cent there. The other 20 per cent, the polishing of skills, can come.’” – VFL expert Paul Amy.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3.5 | 4 | 2.5 | 4 | 4.5 | Rookie |
Noah ANSWERTH
06-Aug-99 | 183.8cm | 78.6kg | Oakleigh Chargers
“A kid with a real competitive nature. He can play both back and in midfield and it hurt us this year not to have him after he hurt his back (broken vertebra) in Round 2. We are hoping that clubs will look back to his bottom-age year and even his practice match form to get a good guide on him. I see him playing down back at the next level, although he would have played predominantly midfield if he didn’t get injured. He’s a talented kid.” – Oakleigh Chargers talent manager Craig Notman.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3.5 | 3 | 4 | 3.5 | 4 | 3 | Late pick/Rookie |
Flynn APPLEBY
21-Jan-99 | 186.6cm | 81.0kg | GWV Rebels
“Had an outstanding season – especially the back half. He finished third in our best and fairest and played in various roles in defence on talls and small quicks. His ability to close down an opponent is outstanding – Kayle Kirby when he played in the VFL, Gryan Miers and even Jarrod Brander. He’s a very good reader of the ball in flight. More than anything he’s got a fantastic attitude to be the best that he can be.” – GWV Rebels talent manager Phil Partington.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 | 3.5 | 3 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 4 | Late pick/Rookie |
Tom ATKINS
18-Sep-95 | 180.0cm | 83.0kg | Geelong VFL
“The inside midfielder won the best and fairest last year but injuries checked his progress in 2017. He played 10 matches, but was named in the best eight times. He would tackle a tank if it was in his way – in Round 18 against Collingwood he laid an equal league-high 23, to go with two goals. Atkins started in the Geelong program in 2014, rising from the development squad.” – VFL expert Paul Amy.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 | 2.5 | 4 | 4 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 4 | Rookie |
Zac BAILEY
23-Sep-99 | 181.0cm | 81.1kg | Norwood
“Zac is an immense talent with the world at his feet, an inside midfielder who can find holes in congestion and accelerate through effortlessly. Boarder at Prince Alfred College and has moved from NT. Leads by example and is a good character kid with plenty of AFL traits.” – Norwood talent manager Rick Shrowder.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.5 | 3 | Second Round |
Liam BAKER
27-Jan-98 | 173.7cm | 68.3kg | Subiaco
“Liam was originally a West Perth player who came over to us late in the pre-season. Very lively small forward who can play up the ground and is probably best suited to that high half forward role. Defensive pressure good, which he has worked on. Kicked five goals in his third senior game against South Fremantle. Just a dangerous forward who hits the scoreboard.” – Subiaco football manager Daniel Vidovich. |
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3.5 | 4 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 4 | Late pick/Rookie |
Mark BAKER
22-Feb-99 | 196.1cm | 79.3kg | Northern Knights
“It was Mark’s first year in the TAC Cup program. He’s a late developer who caught our eye in local footy late last year. He trained mostly as a forward in pre-season but then in training we realised he’s more likely to be a key back. He tested well with his speed, agility and endurance and has natural ball skills. He needs to put on some size but as a key back he is quite competitive and likes to chase and tackle.” – Northern Knights talent manager Rhy Gieschen.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 2.5 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 2.5 | Rookie |
Oskar BAKER
25-May-98 | 181.9cm | 75.6kg | Aspley
“Oskar was cut from the Lions academy in January and made his way to Aspley as a rookie, but due to a raft of injuries he got his opportunity early in the year and never looked back. His ability to take the game on is his strength – even against the AFL-aligned reserves he looked to tuck the ball under his arm and run. He has skill, is good overhead and mentally strong. One of the better state league prospects.” – Aspley football operations manager Mark Perkins.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3.5 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 2.5 | Second Round |
Cameron BALL
27-Jul-99 | 193.5cm | 86.7kg | Norwood
“Cam is a versatile big man who can play defence, forward or ruck. Reads the game well and intercept marking is a strength. A boarder at Rostrevor College, he has adapted to the Norwood system well and is always keen to learn. Good speed running out of defence.” – Norwood talent manager Rick Shrowder.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 2.5 | 3.5 | 3.5 | Rookie |
Charlie BALLARD
23-Jul-99 | 195.5cm | 82.3kg | Sturt
“Charlie was a late developer who actually played at Sturt as an Under 16. He attends Sacred Heart and has grown about 20cm in the past year and now stands 195cm. Played wing but we can see him as a key or second defender or forward. A rangy player, who is good overhead and has reasonable speed and can kick both feet, I reckon he’s a late bolter and could be our highest pick who has come out of nowhere.” – Sturt general manager David Oatey.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 | 4 | 3.5 | 3 | 3.5 | 4 | 3 | Third Round |
Connor BALLENDEN
29-Mar-99 | 198.2cm | 95.6kg | Brisbane Lions Academy
“As a 16-year-old he was possibly the No.1 draft pick and he’s still a highly rated prospect in Queensland. He has really good agility and is a beautiful penetrating kick for his height. He has shown this year that he can play forward or ruck, but also down back where he played his best footy in the championships. He reads the ball very well in the air but he needs to work on crashing the packs as a forward to assert his physical superiority.” – Queensland academy coach Adrian Fletcher.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 3.5 | 3 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 3 | Top 25 |
Noah BALTA
23-Oct-99 | 195.0cm | 94.9kg | Calder Cannons
“A freakish-type athlete he has shown himself to be an outstanding mark and kick at stages. His consistency is an area that he needs to work on – he can be unsighted for long periods then burst to life and dominate. He has the ability to play nearly every position on the ground and he’ll be prepared to learn at the next level. Where he is going to play at the next level is one of the most polarising questions about any prospect this year.” – Calder Cannons talent manager Ian Kyte.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 3.5 | 4 | 3.5 | Top 25 |
Bailey BANFIELD
26-Feb-98 | 188.8cm | 86.3kg | Claremont
“Bails played Colts last year but missed out on getting picked up. He did a full senior pre-season, played every game and ended up winning our senior best and fairest. He just knocks up getting the footy, has a big strong body and runs hard both ways. He’s proved that he can really compete against top level players and while his kicking still needs some tidying up, he works on his deficiencies as well as anyone. He’s desperate to get a shot and I think he’d cope okay.” – Claremont football operations manager Darcy Coffey.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 | 3.5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.5 | Late pick/Rookie |
Ryley BARRACK
09-Feb-96 | 184.0cm | 80.0kg | Werribee
“After sampling senior action in 2016, the take-’em-on defender had a breakthrough year for the Bees, finishing second in the best and fairest. Tigers coach John Lamont calls him a ‘genuine footballer, he can take a grab, he’s hard and courageous, and kicks it well enough’. Originally from Mildura, Barrack played senior football for South Mildura at age 16. Moving to Bendigo, he had six TAC Cup games for the Bendigo Pioneers in 2014 and played local football for South Bendigo before joining Werribee.” – VFL expert Paul Amy.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3.5 | 3 | 3 | 3.5 | 3.5 | Rookie |
Dom BARRY
07-Mar-94 | 178.7cm | 76.4kg | Glenelg
“Dom came to us this year after a couple of years in the Northern Territory and only played a couple of games for Alice Springs. Came to Adelaide to do Uni and start a teaching degree. Previously he’d been on Melbourne’s list and played a few games in his first year but got homesick and departed. Had a great first half of the year for us with his explosive pace, excellent endurance and his GPS numbers are elite in terms of training and match day. Uses the ball well, provides us with a lot of outside run and carry. I think he’ll get a second go and there has been some interest in him as a 22-year-old.” – Glenelg football manager Paul Sandercock.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 4 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 3 | Third Round |
James BELL
10-Feb-99 | 183.5cm | 78.7kg | Sydney Swans Academy
“Quick and can play inside or outside. He had really high GPS numbers at the national championships, which suggests he can run at the elite level. He just needs to find a bit more of the footy and settle into a spot – at the moment he plays a bit of everywhere. He is an aggressive type who loves the contest.” – NSW/ACT talent manager Darren Denneman.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | Late pick/Rookie |
Harry BENSON
12-Jun-99 | 180.0cm | 72.0kg | Geelong Falcons
“Harry was a lock-down small defender last year and then became more of a midfielder this season where he could use his hardness inside the contest. What Harry did well was find a balance between inside and outside and his kicking skills became elite as the year wore on. If he gets a chance a couple of seasons in the system will do him well.” – Geelong Falcons coach Dan O’Keefe.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.5 | 3.5 | 4 | 4 | 2.5 | 3 | 2.5 | Late pick/Rookie |
Brad BERNACKI
02-Nov-99 | 177.8cm | 72.2kg | Calder Cannons
“He’s a hard-at-it, contested ball winner and a good leader among the group. He needs to clean up his kicking efficiency if he gets a chance though. He could end up playing as a small defender as he showed as a bottom-ager that he has the diligence to stick to a task.” – Calder Cannons talent manager Ian Kyte.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 | 3.5 | 4 | 3.5 | 3 | 4 | 3.5 | Rookie |
Brett BEWLEY
14-Apr-95 | 185.8cm | 85.6kg | Williamstown
“The long-kicking leftie put in his best season in the VFL but had a shocker in the preliminary final against Port Melbourne. Still, coach Andy Collins says he must be judged on his year’s work rather than his worst game. A VFL representative and team-of-the-year selection in 2017, Bewley kicks the ball as well as anyone playing the game and has elite endurance. Captained the Western Jets in 2013.” – VFL expert Paul Amy.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 3 | 4 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 2.5 | 5 | Rookie |
Kwaby BOAKYE
16-Mar-99 | 186.5cm | 88.4kg | Gold Coast Academy
“He’s a left footer with lightning speed and agility who is going to take time to develop. He is still learning the game but is best suited at half back where he can sweat on his opponent then provide some dash the other way.” – Queensland academy coach Adrian Fletcher.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 | 2.5 | 3 | 3.5 | 5 | 4.5 | 3 | Rookie |
Aiden BONAR
08-Mar-99 | 188.6cm | 86.5kg | Dandenong Stingrays
“A great story of persistence and dedication. At 16 he was probably top 10 in Australia then he hurt his knee. The first surgery didn’t properly take so he had another. He’s a genuine utility but I think he’s going to be an inside midfielder due to his ability to win the footy and his breakaway power, but he could even play as a centre half back or centre half forward. He’s an elite kick and decision maker and his body is ready for AFL next year. He’s a great kid with great parents and wonderful support around him.” – Dandenong Stingrays talent manager Mark Wheeler.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.5 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 3 | Top 10 |
Gus BORTHWICK
29-Dec-96 | 180.0cm | 83.0kg | Collingwood VFL
“The teak-tough onballer has had three seasons with the Magpies and improved in each, to the point he’s gained ‘a little bit of interest’, according to Collingwood GM Chris Dixon. The left-footer finished the year strongly, nailing five goals against North Ballarat and being the Pies’ best in the elimination final against Richmond. ‘He has a great ability to influence stoppages,’ Dixon said. ‘You only had to look at the elimination final – he was the one who really got us back into the game, competing against those big Richmond mids like Sam Lloyd, Jacob Ballard, Brandon Wood. We’re really confident that if it doesn’t happen for Gus this year, with another year of development he’s still young enough for that window to be open.’” – VFL expert Paul Amy.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 | 3 | 3.5 | 4 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 4 | Rookie |
Jordan BOULLINEAU
04-May-99 | 187.2cm | 77.5kg | Peel Thunder
“A medium sized defender who reads the game well. He has a strong body, great rebounding skills, is a good kick and knows how to set up others. His intercept marking is probably his greatest asset. Played Colts for us and was close to getting a game at senior level. Will need to get bigger to take on the big forwards but has the scope for that.” – Peel Thunder football manager Shane Creevey.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 3 | Late pick/Rookie |
Thomas BOYD
29-Jan-99 | 192.0cm | 77.0kg | Murray Bushrangers
“Thomas is a good sized player at 190cm-plus who can play forward or back. Has really good hands in a contest, kicks the ball well, particularly over short distances and is probably one of those players you can look at to keep developing at a rapid rate. Versatile type who will need to improve his fitness and strength.” – Murray Bushrangers coach Leon Higgins.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 2.5 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 3 | 3 | Rookie |
Alex BOYSE
16-Nov-93 | 189.0cm | 81.2kg | Essendon VFL
“The athletic forward is the son of 1978 North Melbourne grand final player Maurice and likely to follow him into league football. There is much to excite about him – his long arms make him a threat in the air but he’s even more dangerous at ground level with his Gary Rohan-like speed and ability to keep his feet. Boyse played junior football at Doutta Stars and Aberfeldie before joining VAFA club St Bernards (where he figured in the 2015 premiership alongside future Melbourne draftee Mitch Hannan). This year he booted 31 goals for the Bombers and was inked at centre half forward in the VFL team of the year.” – VFL expert Paul Amy.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4.5 | 4 | 3 | Late pick/Rookie |
Jarrod BRANDER
11-Feb-99 | 194.6cm | 92.3kg | Bendigo Pioneers
“Jarrod is a key defender or forward with good athleticism who came through the AFL Academy. He is beautifully placed to be able to play at either end of the field. Didn’t play that many games for us because he goes to Geelong Grammar but when he did he showed plenty. Marks the ball well and played mainly for us as a lead-up half forward. A hard-to-play-on sort of player given his athletic ability. Will need to keep developing his engine.” – Bendigo Pioneers coach Ricky Coburn.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 4 | 3 | First Round |
Andrew BRAYSHAW
08-Nov-99 | 183.9cm | 81.7kg | Sandringham Dragons
“A complete package as a midfielder – he’s inside and outside, does the simple things right, has a fine footy IQ and work-rate. Had a six-week quad injury early in the year but since he got back he hasn’t looked back. He finished the nationals well and then was super in the back half of the year. I think he’s a big-game player who is well rounded and does the right things at the right time.” – Sandringham Dragons talent manager Ryan O’Connor.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.5 | 3 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 4.5 | Top 10 |
Hamish BRAYSHAW
09-Feb-98 | 187.0cm | 91.2kg | Sandringham Dragons
“He had a fine year in the TAC Cup and VFL. He played some roles forward and progressed really well from his draft year to this year. He had some games where he kicked five goals and had 30 possessions in midfield. The question is his pace but he just brings a real competitiveness and personality to the group.” – Sandringham Dragons talent manager Ryan O’Connor.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 2.5 | 4 | 3.5 | Late pick/Rookie |
Anthony BROLIC
12-Sep-96 | 183cm | 86kg | Box Hill Hawks
“Neat player who in his second season at the City Oval was picked for the VFL team of the year and had a top-three finish in the club best and fairest. Can play on the wing, as an inside midfielder and at half forward. Hawks skipper David Mirra likens him to Scott Pendlebury in that he looks like he moves in slow motion and finds time and space. ‘‘He picks the best options and punishes sides,’ said Mirra” – VFL expert Paul Amy.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3.5 | 3 | 3 | 3.5 | 4 | Rookie |
Tyler BROWN
09-Dec-99 | 186.6cm | 71.5kg | Eastern Ranges
“Twelve months ago he was nowhere. I’d be staggered if Collingwood doesn’t nominate him as a father-son selection because I get the feeling a few clubs are going to test the Magpies in terms of taking him. He does some things in games that make you take notice but he just needs a bit of self-belief. Once he understands everything, and matures a bit physically, he’s going to be a really good player I think.” – Eastern Ranges coach Darren Bewick.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 3.5 | 4 | 3.5 | Third Round |
Damien BURKE
21-Jan-99 | 189.8cm | 83.0kg | Gold Coast Academy
“Damien is a rangy type who had a fine academy series booting plenty of goals. He can play at both ends thanks to his speed, which makes him an interesting prospect. He needs to work on his resilience as he’s still lightly framed.” – Queensland academy coach Adrian Fletcher.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 | 3 | 2.5 | 3.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 2.5 | Rookie |
Ryan BURROWS
13-Nov-98 | 186.1cm | 80.8kg | South Fremantle
“Ryan came to the program late so he missed all of the pre-season and the first eight or nine weeks. When he got in he played a high half forward role and is an elite left foot kick and an intelligent player. Played Colts for us and when he got into the team he didn’t miss a game. On the back of that got invited to the state combine and tested well. He knows how to find space to find the ball.” – South Fremantle talent manager Jason Pedulla.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.5 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | Rookie |
Jordan BUTTS
31-Dec-99 | 196.0cm | 81.8kg | Murray Bushrangers
“Jordan is a good contested mark and plays well as a forward. A good runner – great endurance – and played forward and back for us, as well as Vic Country. At the mid-point in the season he had taken the most marks in the TAC Cup. Good athlete and is still young as he was born on December 31 so has plenty of development to come given he’s played TAC Cup as a 16 and 17-year-old.”
– Murray Bushrangers coach Leon Higgins.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 | 4 | 3 | 2.5 | 3 | 4 | 5 | Late Pick/Rookie |
Corey BYRNE
19-May-97 | 181.0cm | 73.0kg | Perth
“Corey came second in our senior best and fairest. After a great pre-season he stood up and had a great year at senior level as a 20-year-old and played all 20 matches this year. A good decision-maker, he uses the ball well and has good pace away from the pack. Might be a smokey late in the draft given his skill set and ability to win the ball inside and outside the contest.” – Perth football manager Dale Ballantyne.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 | 3.5 | 4 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | Rookie |
Sam CAMERON
24-Mar-99 | 189.7cm | 73.1kg | Sandringham Dragons
“Sam is a tall outside runner with good endurance. He kicks the ball well, but is still a bit undersized physically. He played very well at school level, but didn’t quite translate that to the TAC Cup. He’s possibly a rookie chance that clubs might see a bit of upside in.” – Sandringham Dragons talent manager Ryan O’Connor.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 3.5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 3 | 4 | Rookie |
Brodie CARROLL
26-Nov-99 | 186.6cm | 71.5kg | Norwood
“Brodie had an excellent second half of the 2017 season. He is a great team first defender who has developed into an attacking running defender who can play through the wing and midfield. He is an elite decision maker by hand and foot.” – Norwood talent manager Rick Shrowder.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3.5 | 3 | 3.5 | 5 | 4 | Rookie |
Ben CAVARRA
20-Dec-95 | 175.0cm | 72.0kg | Williamstown
“The little left-footer has been on the VFL scene for four years but is still only 21. Crossing to Willy when Frankston was sidelined for 2017, he spent more time as a small forward than a midfielder (Willy coach Andy Collins said the split was about 60-40) and kicked 32 goals from 20 outings. But the goals he didn’t kick in the preliminary final put a downer on his September. ‘Great tackle pressure from him to get those shots at goal and he should have had three goals, instead of three points,’ Collins noted. ‘Regardless of that I think he showed he’s a legitimate goal-scoring forward.’” – VFL expert Paul Amy.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 | 3 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 4 | 3.5 | 4 | Late pick/Rookie |
Adam CERRA
07-Oct-99 | 186.3cm | 80.3kg | Eastern Ranges
“Adam hasn’t played a lot with us over past two years because of a knee injury early last year and a shoulder injury towards the back end this year. If he had played all year for the past two years I reckon he’d go No.1 in the draft. He’s a ripping kid, a great size to a point where he is ready to go at AFL level. He can play inside and outside the contest, half back and I played him forward for a half one day and he kicked 3.5. He’s nearly as good as I’ve had come through the Ranges program and that includes guys like Jon Patton, Tom Boyd and Christian Petracca. I’d be shocked if he doesn’t go in the top five.” – Eastern Ranges coach Darren Bewick.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 4 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 4 | Top 10 |
Oscar CHAPMAN
28-Mar-99 | 187.2cm | 71.7kg | North Adelaide
“Oscar is a private school boy who only played three Under 18 games for us. Was injured pre-season so had his start interrupted but came in and kicked five goals in his first game. He’s a high-leaping forward who has some x-factor about him. Played in the reserve grade final and played quite well. Smart player, good leap, good kick for goal and has grown a lot over the past year.” – North Adelaide development manager Neil Sanders.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3.5 | 3 | 4 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 3 | Rookie |
Lochie CHARLTON
19-Oct-99 | 191.5cm | 83.2kg | Norwood
“Lochie boarded at Price Alfred College. Elite speed with ball in hand and good agility. Nice set shot for goal and on the run. Originally a high forward, Lochie has been moved to the wing for us prior to going back to college footy and appears to more suitable running towards goal rather than leading up.” – Norwood talent manager Rick Shrowder. |
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3.5 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3.5 | Rookie |
__
Hunter CLARK
26-Mar-99 | 186.1cm | 79.9kg | Dandenong Stingrays
“We’ve always known what Hunter could do. Prior to this year he was a half-back flanker who could also play as an outside midfielder, but he’s really developed himself into being an aggressive, ball-hunting inside midfielder. He carried a groin injury into the early part of the season, but once he came back from nationals he had an amazing impact. He’s a good kick on both sides and his endurance and speed have been questioned, but the way that he has played put an end to that. He played only 12 games with us this year and won the best and fairest by a record margin.” – Dandenong Stingrays talent manager Mark Wheeler.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3.5 | 4 | 4 | First Round |
Oscar CLAVARINO
22-May-99 | 195.6cm | 85.2kg | Dandenong Stingrays
“‘Clav’ had an interesting year. We still think he’s a genuine key defender who has aggression at the footy but at times he needs to tweak whether he marks the ball rather than spoiling. There has been a knock on his short kick, but at the next level that will be cleaned up. His off-field leadership is very rare – much like (Sydney’s) Luke Parker.” – Dandenong Stingrays talent manager Mark Wheeler.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 3 | 3.5 | 3 | 3.5 | 3.5 | Second Round |
Jack CLAYTON
25-Feb-99 | 184.0cm | 77.6kg | Brisbane Lions Academy
“Jack is a left footer who played back and forward this year for the state team. He was very good in a trial at Ikon Park early in the year and has good power with a low centre of gravity. His best position is either at half forward or half back at the next level.” – Queensland academy coach Adrian Fletcher.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 3 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 4 | 3 | Rookie |
Nicholas COFFIELD
23-Oct-99 | 190.8cm | 82.5kg | Northern Knights
“A fantastic year. He won our rising star last year, played every game and was in the best players 11 or 12 times. He had a great start to the year with four match-winning goals in Round 1. He was able to move into midfield and have an impact as well. He runs a 2.89 sec 20 metres, is one of the most efficient kicks in the comp and has a great sidestep. He was a great leader of our club and stepped up in big moments to win games himself. He is working on his endurance in an off-season program with (Western Bulldog) Pat Lipinski.” – Northern Knights talent manager Rhy Gieschen.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.5 | 3.5 | 4 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 4 | 3 | Top 10 |
Callum COLEMAN-JONES
13-Jun-99 | 200.9cm | 98.9kg | Sturt
“Callum is a 200cm ruckman/forward who was an AFL Academy member. Always a certainty to be drafted but he had a few injuries this year, which didn’t help him. National carnival was OK and would have played senior footy for us but because of AIS and school duties it didn’t happen. A good, quality tall who can get up off the ground.” – Sturt general manager David Oatey.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 4 | 3.5 | 2.5 | 3 | Late pick/Rookie |
Charlie CONSTABLE
18-May-99 | 191.0cm | 86.1kg | Sandringham Dragons
“One of the success stories of the year. We’ve been rapt with how he’s handled himself. He gets up for big games and impacts really well in midfield, or even back and forward – he’s a really hard match-up when he goes forward. There is a bit of a question on how he covers the ground and he’ll need to keep working on that, but he kicks over a line and has elite vision and hands. He’s that traditional footballer that’s hard as nails and prepared to work on his game. He just gets the job done on game day.” – Sandringham Dragons talent manager Ryan O’Connor.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4 | 3 | 3.5 | 3 | First Round |
Sam CONWAY
17-May-99 | 201.1cm | 85.4kg | Geelong Falcons
“Sam wasn’t selected in the original squad at the start of the year but came to us during the season on the recommendation of former Geelong player David Wojcinski who coached him at Geelong College. To be honest I didn’t think he’d be a regular player for us when he first arrived but he came in sensationally late in the season and proved a lot of people, including me, wrong. He’s a 201cm ruckman who is still growing and has good skills for a big bloke. Tap work is advanced but there is still a lot to learn and develop. Showed in the TAC Cup grand final that he can take a nice contested mark. A late bloomer with huge upside.”
– Geelong Falcons coach Dan O’Keefe. |
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 2.5 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2.5 | Rookie |
Tobin COX
15-Jul-99 | 178.5cm | 80.3kg | Glenelg
“Tobin will be an interesting one because he played only half a game of footy all year. Had a shoulder reco last October last year and was a late starter to the year and in his first game back he copped another knock to the shoulder and then reinjured it again at training for the state Under 18s. Went to the state screening because he was also injured last year so he’s probably played about two games in 18 months. One of these kids who is a natural talent, reads the game well, has leg speed and an ability to jump so plays taller than he is. A massive upside.” – Glenelg football manager Paul Sandercock.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 | 3.5 | 2.5 | 4 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 4 | Rookie |
Damon CRAMER
14-Aug-98 | 191.5cm | 68.7kg | Peel Thunder
“A skinny medium forward who is a nice overhead mark and really neat kick. Will need to work on his size over the next year or two but he works hard on his game so that won’t be an issue. A chance for a rookie spot and has potential, which he showed in the five senior games he played.” – Peel football manager Shane Creevey.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 | 3.5 | 3 | 3 | 3.5 | 4 | 3 | Rookie |
Brayden CROSSLEY
16-Aug-99 | 198.1cm | 101.0kg | Gold Coast Academy
“Big Brayden has a bit of ‘white line fever’. You could hang the back of your footy club on Brayden because he brings everything on game day and loves contact. He’s shown that he can go forward too this year and boot a couple of goals, which is great. He missed the pre-season due to illness (glandular fever), so his fitness is something that he’s had to work on, but he has a massive heart. He is similar to Shane Mumford with the way that he wins his own clearances and follows up once the ball hits the deck.” – Queensland academy coach Adrian Fletcher.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 3 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 2.5 | 2 | Third Round |
Mitch CROWDEN
28-Apr-99 | 174.7cm | 87.0kg | Sturt
“Mitch is a strong, inside midfielder at 176cm who played half the season in the senior side. He finished school last year and won two premierships because he played in the Under 18 and reserves premiership sides. He’s probably a little too heavy at the moment because he is a big, strong ball of muscle. We are hopeful he is a late pick or a rookie at worst.” – Sturt general manager David Oatey.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.5 | 3.5 | 4 | 3.5 | 4 | 3.5 | 3 | Rookie |