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
Geordie NAGLE
11-Nov-99 | 185.2cm | 80.0kg | Sandringham Dragons
“Geordie had an outstanding season with how he prepared himself. He had a shoulder issue early on but then averaged over 20 possessions in defence playing on smalls and talls. His care for the team was excellent and he’s been a real surprise packet. He kicks with very good depth.” – Sandringham Dragons talent manager Ryan O’Connor.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.5 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 3 | 3 | Rookie |
Patrick NAISH
15-Jan-99 | 180.6cm | 68.9kg | Northern Knights
“Naishy played only six games for us and we loved having him in the side. We could play in him a number of roles – he’s got enormous x-factor. His GPS numbers are already at an AFL level, which doesn’t get talked enough about him. When he gets the ball he can hurt the opposition and he’s really natural around goals. He worked hard with our tackling coach to improve in that area and he’s always the last one on the track having shots at goal and a bit of fun.” – Northern Knights talent manager Rhy Gieschen.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 | 3.5 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4.5 | 4.5 | Top 25 |
Gordon NARRIER
27-Nov-98 | 185.5cm | 78.5kg | Perth
“Gordon was Colts age but started the year in the senior side and played every game thereafter apart from playing in the national championships for WA. He’s a left-footer with good skills, is a good size at 187cm and plays midfield. Form drifted a bit late in the season when he might have got a bit tired but he has great speed away from congestion and uses the footy well.” – Perth football manager Dale Ballantyne.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 | 3.5 | 3 | 3.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 3 | Rookie |
Aaron NAUGHTON
30-Nov-99 | 194.0cm | 85.0kg | Peel Thunder
“Aaron will be a beauty. A highly rated key defender who is very strong, a great overhead mark and uses his play-reading to intercept in the back half. Will need to work on his kicking, which is a little of an odd style but its effective enough. Played seven senior games later in the year and was in the best players in four of those games. In one game he took 10 marks, which is pretty handy for an 18-year-old playing against grown men. Just does his job on the field and will be a very good player down the track. I’d be surprised if he lasted beyond about the mid-20 point in the draft.” – Peel Thunder football manager Shane Creevey.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 4 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | Top 10 |
Joel NAYLOR
20-Sep-99 | 190.4cm | 87.3kg | Northern Knights
“He was hampered by injuries throughout the year. He played mostly in defence last year then we swung him forward in the final game and he bobbed up with three goals. He kicked six in Round 3 and then was injured. He’s probably the most damaging kick on our list with his long, low, penetrating left foot. He needs to work on his endurance, but he’s a very strong mark and doesn’t lose many one-on-ones. He’s a bit like a Stewart Crameri.” – Northern Knights talent manager Rhy Gieschen.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 2.5 | Rookie |
Ed NEWMAN
12-Mar-99 | 182.6cm | 79.8kg | Sandringham Dragons
“Another who comes from a cricket background (plays with Dandenong in Premier Cricket). Ed has elite hands and is an elite kick on his left foot. He needs to keep working on his athleticism but has been preparing for cricket, which is a bit different to footy. His game against the Stingrays was massive – especially in the third quarter when opposed to Hunter Clark, he just dominated the stoppages.” – Sandringham Dragons talent manager Ryan O’Connor.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 2.5 | 3 | 3 | Late pick/ Rookie |
Josh NEWMAN
22-Dec-94 | 181.6cm | 85.5kg | Williamstown
“Frankston’s 2016 best and fairest winner and the brother of rising Sydney Swan Nic gave Williamstown a strong season, playing 18 matches off half back. He also represented the state team, acquitting himself well. Hard to beat in the air and a powerful runner who relishes a dash, and Willy coach Andy Collins talks about his ‘tremendous upside’. ‘For all that he’s been able to do in the last two years he’s still pretty raw,’ he said.” – VFL expert Paul Amy.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 3 | Rookie |
Cody NINYETTE
30-Dec-97 | 175.3cm | 65.1kg | Perth
“Cody came across to us from South Fremantle two years ago and played Colts early last year and the last few games in our senior side and this year had a huge pre-season and played 18 games in 2017. Just a quick, smart young football player who is never standing still playing the small forward role. Kicked 28 goals for the year and in the last game he kicked seven playing on some of the West Coast-listed players, including Jackson Nelson.” – Perth football manager Dale Ballantyne.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 | 3 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 3 | 4 | 3 | Rookie |
Harrison NOLAN
11-Jun-99 | 194.5cm | 93.7kg | Eastern Ranges
“Harry is a key defender who plays a dour sort of role but rarely gets beaten. Over the past two years probably only got beaten three or four times. Decision-making and kicking can be a little wayward at times but he’s a competitive beast and at 194cm he’s in our top five runners at the club. I hope he gets a look-in somewhere.”
– Eastern Ranges coach Darren Bewick.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3.5 | 2.5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3.5 | Rookie |
Tom NORTH
14-Feb-99 | 184.1cm | 84.1kg | Eastern Ranges
“Thomas is a good player. He really penetrates the game with his left foot, he’s got good hands and just keeps going at the same pace all game. He had an excellent year with us playing midfield and can go forward and kick a goal.” – Eastern Ranges coach Darren Bewick.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 4 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | Late pick/Rookie |
Connor NUTTING
09-Oct-99 | 187cm | 80.1kg | Gold Coast Academy
“One that has really come on as the season progressed. We played him on Cam Rayner against Vic Metro and even though he kicked three goals, he held his own and looked like a potential AFL player. He competes in the air and on the ground and kicks it well coming out of defence. He has good agility and is courageous in the air.” – Queensland academy coach Adrian Fletcher.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 3 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 3 | Rookie |
Lochie O’BRIEN
18-Sep-99 | 184cm | 77.4kg | Bendigo Pioneers
“Lochie is another Geelong Grammar boy who is a former good 400-metre runner. Probably a traditional outside player off a wing where he can accumulate possessions and carry the footy. Smooth mover who is a Rolls-Royce type with his movement. Should go in the draft somewhere.” – Bendigo Pioneers coach Ricky Coburn.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 2.5 | 3.5 | 4 | 3 | Top 25 |
Tony OLANGO
02-Sep-98 | 197.6cm | 85.3kg | NT Thunder
“Tony is part of Hawthorn’s NGA academy and comes from a soccer background. He missed out on being selected last year in the draft, but this year he gained more resilience with his body, playing back-to-back games with the Thunder in the NEAFL. He’s a lightly built ruckman with good skills, but he has a long way to go until he is physically ready for the next level.” – NT Thunder coach Andrew Hodges.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 | 3 | 2.5 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 3 | 2.5 | Rookie |
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Kai OWENS
05-Oct-99 | 192.0cm | 77.5kg | Sandringham Dragons
“Kai came off no pre-season with patella tendonitis. He’s an outstanding athlete who can play in all three zones. He’s a prospect that’s on the up having come in from basketball. His contested marking is good and three goals in the last quarter of the grand final was very exciting. Clubs probably seen him as a possible rookie with great upside.” – Sandringham Dragons talent manager Ryan O’Connor.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 | 3.5 | 3 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 3 | Rookie |
Alex PAECH
30-Mar-99 | 196.4cm | 103.8kg | Murray Bushrangers
“Alex was a GWS Academy player until the reshuffle of the zones. Good athlete for his size at 197cm and played key forward and key back for us. A leader at the club, he is a vocal player but will need to work on his agility and kicking. A hard worker who does everything right. We feel like he improved as a player this year and is heading in the right direction.” – Murray Bushrangers coach Leon Higgins.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3.5 | 3 | 3 | 3.5 | 2.5 | 3 | Rookie |
Cassidy PARISH
04-May-99 | 190.7cm | 87.4kg | Geelong Falcons
“Cassidy is the younger brother of Essendon’s Darcy and his stoppage work around the contest is first class. He’s a 190cm midfielder and still growing into his body, but that will come and he’ll develop into a strong midfield type. He has ability few have to win the ball on the inside and outside. Kicking needs some work but if he polishes that up could be a very good player.” – Geelong Falcons coach Dan O’Keefe.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 | 2.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 2.5 | 3 | 3 | Late pick/Rookie |
Kieran PARNELL
23-Jan-99 | 187.2cm | 74.2kg | NT Thunder
“Kieran had an outstanding Under 16 year and then played in a senior premiership with St Mary’s, but injured an ACL in the grand final and had to work through his rehab program. He was back playing with North Adelaide in the Under 18s and close to being picked in the final championships game but he aggravated the injury. He’s a resilient kid who can play in all three areas of the ground and has some real tricks with his speed and skills.” – NT Thunder coach Andrew Hodges.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 3.5 | Rookie |
Lachlan PASCOE
02-Jun-99 | 189.0cm | 95.3kg | Norwood
“Lachlan unfortunately suffered a knee injury in the latter part of the season and is currently working very hard on his recovery. He played the role of third tall defender in a number of senior games and did well. He certainly has some attributes but how the knee injury impacts on that it’s hard to tell.” – Norwood talent manager Rick Shrowder.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 3 | 3 | 3.5 | 3.5 | Rookie |
Jake PATMORE
29-Jan-99 | 181.1cm | 71.8kg | Claremont
“Jake is a high-possession player who started the year slowly but over the course of the first five or six rounds he lost weight and got himself fit and strong and finished the year strongly. Just accumulates so much ball that you can’t help but notice him.” – Claremont football operations manager Darcy Coffey.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 | 2.5 | 4.5 | 4 | 3.5 | 4 | 3.5 | Second Round |
Ben PATON
19-Oct-98 | 186.0cm | 77.5kg | Murray Bushrangers
“Ben was a 19-year-old for us this year after playing mostly midfield and forward last year as an 18-year-old. This season we played him as a smaller, rebounding defender and he was terrific in finishing runner-up in our best and fairest. Played all Vic Country games and was All-Australian. Strong hands, kicks it well on both feet and is an exceptional tackler. There have been a lot of clubs asking about him.” – Murray Bushrangers coach Leon Higgins.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 3.5 | Second Round |
Julian PATTERSON
14-May-98 | 203.2cm | 84.5kg | Gippsland Power
“Julian came back to us a 19-year-old and is a developing tap ruckman who has excellent skills for his size. Marking is OK but is still developing consistency in his game and that will continue to develop the more he plays. Also needs to work on his combative and con-tested stuff, as well as fitness. Height gives him a chance to get thrown on a rookie list.” – Gippsland Power coach Leigh Brown.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 2.5 | 3 | 3.5 | 2.5 | Rookie |
Jack PAYNE
15-Oct-99 | 196.5cm | 96.2kg | Brisbane Lions Academy
“We have really high hopes for Jack. He’s grown this year, has good power and is good at ground level. He kicks the ball well out of defence and marks well. He can play on the power forwards but also has speed. He just needs to learn the defensive positioning craft in the modern game. We think he’s going to get picked, but it remains to be seen where.” – Queensland academy coach Adrian Fletcher.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3.5 | 3 | 3.5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | Third Round |
Ethan PENRITH
24-Oct-99 | 179.3cm | 78.0kg | Northern Knights
“He’s possibly the best tackler going around – his run and chase stuff – especially when he went forward. He’s got great speed and a nice side-step and his kicking improved as the year progressed. He suits the way the modern game is played with his pressure and ability to bob up and kick a goal. He’s a NGA player for Carlton, and played the second most games all-time at the Knights behind Frankie Raso.” – Northern Knights talent manager Rhy Gieschen.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3.5 | 3.5 | Late pick/Rookie |
Jack PETRUCCELLE
12-Apr-99 | 185.1cm | 77.7kg | Northern Knights
“Jack came into the system mid-way through last year and put the basketball stuff on hold. He’s the quickest player in the TAC Cup and whether it’s in the air or on the ground he just does things that others can’t. We were impressed with his ability to chase and tackle – he tackles to hurt – and he puts his head over the ball. He’s been working extremely hard on his kicking – he’s OK when on the run or from a set shot, but he can miss the short ones when he pokes at them. He’ll improve enormously in an AFL system.” – Northern Knights talent manager Rhy Gieschen.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 | 3 | 3 | 4.5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | Second Round |
Harrison PETTY
12-Nov-99 | 195.3cm | 82.0kg | Norwood
“He was the big mover in our group over the pre-season and the start of 2017. Originally thought to be a forward, Harry moved to defence early in the season and didn’t look back. Reads the game well and his intercept marking is elite. Kicking is getting better all the time. Hasn’t missed a beat in our program. A boarder at Rostrevor College.” – Norwood talent manager Rick Shrowder.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 3 | 4.5 | 3.5 | Third Round |
Ethan PHILLIPS
17-Jul-99 | 195.4cm | 85.0kg | Oakleigh Chargers
“Ethan missed the back end of the year with a of couple of injuries. He started the year really well at half back having had a strong pre-season program. At 195cm he’s a great runner and a good reader of the play. He’s deceptively strong, so can play on the gorillas. I think he’d have some genuine interest from clubs looking for tall defenders.” – Oakleigh Chargers talent manager Craig Notman.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3.5 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 | Rookie |
Mitchell PODHAJSKI
04-Jan-99 | 190.8cm | 84.3kg | Calder Cannons
“Projects as a third-tall defender who takes a good reliable mark and makes good decisions. He has worked very hard to come from only playing a handful of TAC Cup games as a bottom-ager to being one of the first picked this year. He’s worked hard to improve his kicking and even played forward and kicked some goals, so he’s got some versatility.” – Calder Cannons talent manager Ian Kyte.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3 | 2.5 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 3 | Late pick/Rookie |
Callum PORTER
22-Feb-99 | 182.1cm | 76.0kg | Gippsland Power
“Callum is a good inside and outside midfielder who can play half-back or half-forward at a pinch. Great leader and very vocal player who gets involved with his voice and gives encouragement and direction. Had 36 touches and kicked four goals playing against Geelong Falcon Cassidy Parish. A real competitor who tested very well and I think can make it at the next level if given a chance. Area of improvement is disposal, which needs to be tidied up a little.” – Gippsland Power coach Leigh Brown.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 3.5 | Rookie |
Jack POWELL
15-Jul-99 | 180.6cm | 79.8kg | GWS Academy
“Small, tough midfielder who just keeps finding the ball. He is aggressive with his attack on the ball and has played quite a bit of senior footy over the past few years in the NEAFL and back in the Canberra competition. He was part of the AFL’s academy and is highly rated by Ainslie’s coaching staff.” – NSW/ACT talent manager Darren Denneman.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 2.5 | 3 | 3 | Rookie |
Will POWELL
26-Aug-99 | 184.8cm | 68.1kg | Claremont
“Will is a bit of a smoky as he’s all arms and legs but he’s got some real class. Does some things in a game where you say the kid has got something. Mid-sized player who plays more outside, but marks it well and is smart by bringing other players into the game. Still very light but the upside is huge for him.” – Claremont football operations manager Darcy Coffey.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 3 | 4.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 3.5 | Late pick/Rookie |
Aiden QUIGLEY
07-May-99 | 184.3cm | 78.2kg | Gippsland Power
“Aiden is an AFL Academy and Vic Country representative and played all four games at the national carnival playing mainly across half back. He has a great side-step and agility to match and importantly is a good decision-maker with ball in hand. Improved his contested footy but has to keep working on that. The thing for Aiden is that while he was consistent he didn’t have a monster breakout game, although did beat likely top-end draft pick Cameron Rayner in a one-on-one battle. He has some qualities to make it at the next level.” – Gippsland Power coach Leigh Brown.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 3.5 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 2.5 | Rookie |
Cameron RAYNER
21-Oct-99 | 186.5cm | 87.2kg | Western Jets
“Cam was elevated to the AFL Academy at the end of last season and is just a really powerful forward who can play inside midfielder as well. Had drawn comparisons to Dustin Martin and Christian Petracca and he’s basically a match-winner. He has great competitiveness, will need to build his tank to play midfield at AFL level but just has so much talent. At this stage he’d probably be a forward in an AFL side but he’s a booming kick, has great speed and power, good contested ball winning ability and importantly he stands up in big moments and that’s why he’ll go really high in the draft.” – Western Jets coach Torin Baker.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.5 | 4 | 4 | 4.5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | Top 10 |
Aaron REDHEAD
14-Jul-98 | 202.8cm | 90.2kg | East Perth
“Aaron is 204cm and crossed over from NSW and has a very strong under-age basketball and athletics background showing huge improvement. A real athlete, he’s got great speed for a guy his size, works well in space and had some breakout games in the Colts, including a six-goal match against West Perth as a key forward. Has an awkward kicking style but it’s effective enough and I haven’t seen a player of his size run away from midfielders like he does. Still very raw and might be a rookie prospect.” – East Perth football manager Mark Winnett.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 3 | Rookie |
Ned REEVES
31-Oct-98 | 207.8cm | 95.3kg | Oakleigh Chargers
“Reevesy missed the first half of the year with a hip operation. He grew and put on size over the summer and for a guy his size, his skill level is very good by hand and foot. We wanted to test him out as a key forward and he was effective for us taking marks and kicking goals. As with most big blokes, his best footy is ahead of him.” – Oakleigh Chargers talent manager Craig Notman.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2.5 | Late pick/Rookie |
Jake RICCARDI
07-Nov-99 | 193.0cm | 88.0kg | Calder Cannons
“It was only his first year in the Cannons program and he played some excellent school footy at St Bernards. His mark and kick are above average but he still needs to learn more about the game, so he is very much early in his development. He seemed to tire towards the end of the year but a couple of clubs have shown interest, Essendon being one.” – Calder Cannons talent manager Ian Kyte.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 | 3.5 | 3 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 3 | 3.5 | Rookie |
Ed RICHARDS
03-Jul-99 | 184.7cm | 78.1kg | Oakleigh Chargers
“Ed came into our program late – he was involved in his early years but he was a tiny fella. He was a success story of our year and a testament to his character and the time and effort he puts into his footy. He’s no-nonsense with the way he goes about it and has speed, competitiveness and is good overhead. He breaks lines and has flexibility in where he can play whether it’s back, mid or forward. He’s an exciting prospect with growth left in him.” – Oakleigh Chargers talent manager Craig Notman.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3.5 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | Second Round |
Nathan RICHARDS
11-Feb-99 | 199.0cm | 103.8kg | GWS Academy
“Nathan’s grown a little bit, so he’s past 200cm now. He’s a versatile, developing ruckman/forward who hasn’t played the game for very long having played a lot of basketball as a junior. He had a few injury niggles at the back end of the year, but has massive upside at the next level and is still learning the finer points of the game.” – NSW/ACT talent manager Darren Denneman.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 2.5 | 3.5 | 3 | Rookie |
Nick RIPPON
04-Jan-94 | 177.0cm | 81.0kg | North Ballarat
“With the Roosters losing their VFL licence the 2015 JJ Liston Trophy must find a new home, with North Melbourne his likely destination. The right-footer missed the last five games of 2017 with a knee injury but he remains in the top bracket of VFL players. Still, at 23 it’s almost now-or-never for the crafty midfielder.” – VFL expert Paul Amy.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 3 | Rookie |
Zareth ROE
18-Sep-98 | 185.0cm | 84.4kg | Perth
“Zareth was a basketballer up until two years ago and was eligible for the Colts this year but did pre-season with the seniors and started the season in that senior side. It’s hard to nail down a position for Zareth but everyone has an opinion on where he should play. Played in the forward line, centre half back and midfield and in the reserves he started in the ruck in the finals. He has great ability to follow the ball up at ground level and he’s got a great leap to boot. He’s still learning the game but has upside.” – Perth football manager Dale Ballantyne. |
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 3 | Rookie |
Jackson ROSS
22-Jun-99 | 192.5cm | 74.5kg | Eastern Ranges
“Jackson has played footy competitively for only two years as he was an elite tennis player ranked about fourth in the country at one point and went to the US to pursue tennis. Kicks the ball well, sees the game and as a project player his upside is enormous. Only light but at 192cm we played him on a wing and he went forward one day and kicked five goals.” – Eastern Ranges coach Darren Bewick.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 3 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 4 | Second Round |
Jack ROUGHSEDGE
04-Aug-98 | 185.7cm | 87.8kg | Oakleigh Chargers
“Last year it looked at stages like Jack might never play footy again due to the issues he had with his knee. He never dropped his bundle around the group and worked super hard to get himself right having come back as a 19-year-old. He had 30-odd touches in his first game back in 18 months and in his six games he averaged 30 possessions with a truckload of contested ball. He made some terrific inroads in areas that some may have seen as deficiencies – he’s gotten quicker and he now spreads better. If he gets an opportunity at AFL level it will be a great story.” – Oakleigh Chargers talent manager Craig Notman.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 | 3 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 3 | 3 | 4 | Rookie |
James ROWE
19-Sep-99 | 175.5cm | 68.4kg | Woodville-West Torrens
“James is the son of Stephen. Won the medal for best player in the Under 18 grand final with 36 disposals in a losing side. Just knocks up getting the footy but his issue is speed. He is a Greg Williams type and as a footballer we think he is around the mark.” – Woodville-West Torrens talent manager Darren Hams.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 3 | 3.5 | 4.5 | Rookie |
Liam RYAN
02-Oct-96 | 179.1cm | 70.5kg | Subiaco
“Liam was the leading goalkicker at the club at senior level with 73 for the season. He has four of a possible five WAFL mark of the year contenders so has a huge vertical leap. His defensive pressure improved throughout the year and he will need to keep improving but he has speed and x-factor. He played a majority of the year up forward and despite pushing up the ground at times he’s a smaller forward player. Liam has just turned 21 and has genuine excitement about the way he plays.” – Subiaco football manager Daniel Vidovich.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3 | 3.5 | 5 | 4.5 | 3 | Top 25 |