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
Adam SAMBONO
24-Apr-97 | 181.9cm | 62.6kg | NT Thunder
“Adam is a 20-year-old who kicked 32 goals this year in the NEAFL in just 11 games, but starred in the NTFL with the Darwin Buffaloes the previous year. He has elite reaction time from hand to foot and a real sense for goal and once he gets goalside of his opponent he is hard to stop. Only started playing competition footy a few years ago as he lives in a remote community at Daly River, three hours south of Darwin.” – NT Thunder coach Andrew Hodges.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3.5 | 2.5 | 3.5 | 4 | 3 | 3.5 | Rookie |
Haiden SCHLOITHE
16-Jun-93 | 183.3cm | 85.5kg | South Fremantle
“Haiden was on Freo’s rookie list for two years and came back to us and showed what he can do this year when he was injury free. Played midfield, finds the footy, gets out of packs and can go forward and kick a goal. He is 24 now and I’d say he’d be a 50-50 chance to be drafted or rookie drafted. He won our fairest and best, he won the Sandover Medal and was named Western Australian footballer of the year. Pretty much scooped the pool of all the awards in WA so we hope he gets another chance. He’s really matured.” – South Fremantle football manager Dave Depane.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 4 | 3.5 | 3 | Third Round |
Thomas SCHMUSCH
05-Mar-99 | 193cm | 82.8kg | Woodville-West Torrens
“Tom was in the AFL Academy but his footy hasn’t progressed as we would have liked. He’s got good closing speed as a defender but it took him a long while to get going after a sit-down that required some honest feedback about his work ethic. He got a lot better as the year wore on, but he’s at a stage now where he should have been 18 months ago.” – Woodville-West Torrens talent manager Darren Hams.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 2.5 | Rookie |
Lachie SCHULTZ
30-Nov-97 | 177.0cm | 72.0kg | Williamstown
“The small forward rose from the Development League to make his name as one of the VFL’s most exciting prospects. The Towners judged him their most promising player. He’s good overhead, pacy, loves and knows how to kick goals (he booted 31 from 17 matches), and can give and take hits. Schultz was the Murray league’s Rising Star of 2015 and went through the Bendigo Pioneers.” – VFL expert Paul Amy.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 3 | 4.5 | Rookie |
Angus SCHUMACHER
16-Mar-99 | 190.5cm | 79.1kg | Bendigo Pioneers
“Angus played for Vic Country this year. He’s a 190cm midfielder who is probably best suited to half back. A left-footer who kicks it well and is the sort of player clubs will look at as a project player. An outside chance for the draft or rookie spot.” – Bendigo Pioneers coach Ricky Coburn.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 3 | 3.5 | 3 | 3.5 | Rookie |
Chris SCOTT
16-Sep-99 | 191.5cm | 84.7kg | East Fremantle
“Chris is an indigenous player who is very athletic at 193cm. Played half back and is a great play reader, intercepts the ball really well in the air and on the ground and is very good at understanding what is happening around him. Best on ground in the grand final with 22 possessions and nine intercept marks. Has had some challenges but is an outstanding character from Clontarf College. His footy commitment is outstanding as he was getting driven down at 3am and driving five fours to be ready to play at 9am. For him to be able to play the way he did given that sort of preparation was a credit to him. Played state Under 18s and while he had a flat spot mid-year.” – East Fremantle football manager Darren Fry.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3 | 2.5 | 4.5 | 4 | 3 | Rookie |
Nicholas SHIPLEY
25-Jun-99 | 188.2cm | 93.3kg | GWS Academy
“Nick is an inside midfielder who plays a similar style to Josh Kennedy at Sydney. He is still new to the game; we stumbled across him at a program in western Sydney as a 15-year-old. He looks like a plodder but he’s quite quick and has a massive thirst for hard work. In terms of football years, he’s year three when others are year 11 or 12.” – NSW/ACT talent manager Darren Denneman.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 | 3 | 3.5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | Third Round |
Harry SIMINGTON
28-Mar-99 | 189.4cm | 89.2kg | Gold Coast Academy
“Harry is a long runner with a big tank, but he’s got to be more competitive when he’s inside. He did some good things last year as a bottom-ager in attack as a link player and displays good timing with his leads. He is a rookie hope.” – Queensland academy coach Adrian Fletcher.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3.5 | 3 | 2.5 | 3 | 3 | 3.5 | Late pick/Rookie |
Derrick SMITH
04-May-98 | 181.3cm | 77.2kg | Richmond VFL
“The Bendigo Pioneer is in Richmond’s Next Generation Academy and so eligible for selection as a category B player. The left-footer played five VFL games this year and looked comfortable, showing pace, evasiveness and an ability to win the ball. The Tigers used him mainly at half back but believe he can slip into the midfield. From Wentworth, Smith played in the Young Guns game and attended the state combine.” – VFL expert Paul Amy.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 2.5 | Rookie |
Josh SMITHSON
04-May-99 | 185.1cm | 84.4kg | West Adelaide
“Josh is a country boy who had a strong year after an injury interrupted 2016. Played mainly Under 18s but did play a handful of games in the reserves and performed well. Plays midfield or half back, reads the game brilliantly and has neat disposal. Won our best and fairest at Under 18 level and also the medal for the best player in the competition.” – West Adelaide football manager Andrew Marks.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 | 3.5 | 3 | 3.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 3 | Rookie |
Sam SOFRONIDIS
19-Aug-99 | 193.3cm | 75.7kg | Sandringham Dragons
“Sam is a late developing tall who is now 193cm. He’s probably more of an outside rookie chance who could come back as a 19-year-old. He has played forward and back this year and had some games where he did some very nice things, which is a good effort as he wasn’t on the list last year.” – Sandringham Dragons talent manager Ryan O’Connor.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4.5 | Rookie |
Charlie SPARGO
25-Nov-99 | 171.6cm | 70.2kg | Murray Bushrangers
“Charlie didn’t play a game this year because of a shoulder injury after a handful of games last year. A really clever small forward, he would have developed in the midfield this year but because of the injury that didn’t happen. Certainly a draftable player and while the injury means he’ll slide I’m pretty sure he’ll get taken.”
– Murray Bushrangers coach Leon Higgins.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 | 3.5 | 4 | 3.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 4.5 | Second Round |
Brandon STARCEVICH
24-Jul-99 | 186.6cm | 84.4kg | East Perth
“Brandon is probably East Perth’s best prospect from what we are hearing. Could go top 30. He’s a strong citizen who is really well rounded and can play anywhere from midfield to half back to half forward. His uncle is Craig Starcevich (Collingwood and Brisbane Bears). Brandon didn’t have much of a pre-season because of injury setbacks but he came on well as the year unfolded and had a solid season. He was outstanding in the last game of the Under 18s carnival and really built on that towards the back end of the season.” – East Perth football manager Mark Winnett.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 3 | 3.5 | 5 | 4.5 | 3.5 | Second Round |
Cooper STEPHENS
21-May-99 | 179.5cm | 71.2kg | Geelong Falcons
“Cooper is a great leader and a very good half-back for us this year. Similar to Matt Ling and has great running capacity and he showed that at the state combine. Kicking out from the goalsquare was a weapon for us and he was able to link from the back half of the ground and move the ball really well.” – Geelong Falcons coach Dan O’Keefe.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 3.5 | 2.5 | 3.5 | 3 | 3.5 | Rookie |
Jaidyn STEPHENSON
15-Jan-99 | 188.5cm | 75.4kg | Eastern Ranges
“Jaidyn is just a natural, instinctive player who is a match winner. He can go forward and kick goals, can play through the midfield or a wing and has been averaging 25 possessions. In one of the national championship games for Vic Metro he had 25 touches and kicked five goals off a wing. He is ready to go as an AFL player despite still being pretty light. He has some serious x-factor and has things going for him that not a lot of players have. I’d expect he’ll be among the top 10.” – Eastern Ranges coach Darren Bewick.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4 | Top 10 |
Taryce STEWART
21-Dec-98 | 174.0cm | 80.4kg | Swan Districts
“An indigenous boy who played senior footy for us all season despite being eligible for the Colts. Played one game for WA at the state Under 18s and kicked two goals but was squeezed out given he was an over-ager in that competition. A small forward who kicked about 30 goals for the year and played his role. Has speed and skill but the knock is maturity in terms of fitness. Needs to work on his skinfolds and endurance to be looked at as an AFL prospect. Has some serious tricks but has things to work on.” – Swan Districts development manager Steve Thompson.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3.5 | 3 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 4 | 2.5 | Rookie |
Ryley STODDART
15-Oct-99 | 184.6cm | 73.7kg | Eastern Ranges
“Ryley has jumped out of the box this year. A left-foot rebounding half-back who is athletically through the roof, he’s naturally suited to today’s game given he can run, intercept mark and impact the game if needed up forward by taking a mark. Gone from being off the grid to being on everyone’s radar this year and I’m positive he’ll find a place.” – Eastern Ranges coach Darren Bewick.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | Third Round |
Kieran STRACHAN
05-Oct-95 | 203.3cm | 92.3kg | Essendon VFL
“The big man is a bit of a draft bolter. Played only two games for the Bombers and in his first, against the Northern Blues, had five contested marks and eight for the match. ‘He’s 203cm and very athletic for his size,’ Bombers GM Ash Brown said. ‘The most impressive thing about his game is his ability to compete, and compete at ground level as well with his follow-up ruck work. He’s a very good mark too. You could potentially play him as a key forward. He likes to kick the ball and he uses it well. He’s a bit of a wildcard in this year’s drafts.’ Two best and fairests at South Bendigo prompted Strachan to try his luck at VFL level.” – VFL expert Paul Amy.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 | 3.5 | 2.5 | 4 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | Rookie |
Angus STYLES
03-May-99 | 184.8cm | 72.3kg | Sandringham Dragons
“It’s all ahead of Gus. He’s a kid with nice size, balance and endurance. He can play midfield and back. The game opens up when he’s using his speed and carry and he’s matured greatly this year. His vision is elite and coupled with his ability to step and change angles means he can do things that other can’t. He’s got upside in his body as he’s still slender.” – Sandringham Dragons talent manager Ryan O’Connor.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 3 | 2.5 | 4.5 | 4 | Late pick/Rookie |
Jordan SWEET
02-Feb-98 | 203.3cm | 101.1kg | North Adelaide
“Jordan had a good year, including playing some senior football. He is 200cm and still growing but has come on this season. Played a handful of senior games and acquitted himself quite well. A mobile player he could easily get picked up on a rookie list. Might need one more year but has some traits as a 19-year-old.” – North Adelaide development manager Neil Sanders.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 | 3 | 3 | 4.5 | 2.5 | 3 | 3 | Rookie |
Sam SWITKOWSKI
20-Nov-96 | 178.5cm | 71.0kg | Box Hill Hawks
“Just as opponents were struggling to catch him, glandular fever took hold of the slippery Hawks small forward. In the end he was restricted to 12 games. It was a shame, because he had enjoyed some spectacular moments, notably against Port Melbourne when he jagged five goals in Round 7. The right-footer is pacy and just as quick to lay a tackle or put on other pressure acts to keep the ball in the forward 50. Described by an assistant coach as ‘that rare mix of player with extremely high football IQ and an incredible level of ferocity’, Switkowski won the 2014 Northern Knights best and fairest before joining Box Hill.” – VFL expert Paul Amy.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 2.5 | 3 | 4 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | Rookie |
Sam TAYLOR
05-May-99 | 196.1cm | 87.3kg | Swan Districts
“Sam is just a professional player who I think they should all be queuing up to get because he’ll be a colossus. He plays down back, is a great mark and showed that by playing eight senior games, including one where he had 27 possessions and took 12 marks in a losing side. He’s just a perfect size and shape, he’s a competitor and still has plenty of improvement. Comes from a big family on a hobby farm about 60km outside of Perth and the family all have talent. Can run all day and has OK skills, his ball drop is a high one but he’s effective. Quick by hand and quick by mind. He could go top 20.” – Swan Districts development manager Steve Thompson.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 3.5 | 4 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 3 | Top 25 |
Charlie THOMPSON
15-Mar-99 | 183.6cm | 82.0kg | Oakleigh Chargers
“He probably came into the year seeing himself as an out-and-out midfielder, but we saw things a bit differently. He’s a really strong mark above his head and can get forward and kick goals, so we used him a bit there. He’s very good aerobically and just knows how to win the ball. He’s not far behind Jack Higgins in terms of his preparation and has a real willingness to work hard to succeed. Hopefully he gets an opportunity.” – Oakleigh Chargers talent manager Craig Notman.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 2.5 | 4 | 4 | Late pick/Rookie |
Aidan TILLEY
29-Jun-98 | 195.8cm | 88.4kg | Calder Cannons
“At 196cm, he’s a tall defender or forward who came back as a 19-year-old. He marks and spoils well, and makes good decisions when he’s back. He drifts in and out of games a touch and needs to be more attacking when in defence. Possibly projects better as a forward at the next level.” – Calder Cannons talent manager Ian Kyte.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3.5 | 3 | 3.5 | 3 | 3.5 | 3 | Late pick/Rookie |
Aaron TRUSLER
31-Dec-99 | 169.5cm | 67.3kg | Sandringham Dragons
“His pace and goal sense are his main strengths as a small forward, but how clubs see him will be interesting. He pushed himself very hard and is a ripper kid who is highly thought of. He can have a purple patch where he can boot four in a quarter but has to work on being involved more consistently.” – Sandringham Dragons talent manager Ryan O’Connor.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4.5 | 4 | Rookie |
Laitham VANDERMEER
03-Feb-99 | 178.8cm | 75.9kg | Murray Bushrangers
“One of those really athletic players who has good speed playing small back and wing this season. From Xavier College, so we only saw him for about six games, but he was impressive. A good tackler, strong attack on the ball and uses the ball really well when he gets it.”
– Murray Bushrangers coach Leon Higgins.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 | 3 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 3 | Late pick/Rookie |
Will WALKER
30-Mar-99 | 186.5cm | 78.2kg | Sandringham Dragons
“Will is a real excitement machine who had a bit of a tough year on and off the field. He just missed out on Metro selection but we saw elite attributes when he crossed from soccer in his bottom-age year. He has a lovely step and at times can try to take the game on too much, but he can play as a hybrid forward and run through the midfield. He’s worked hard on his kicking and his decision-making, which will help him going into a full-time system.” – Sandringham Dragons talent manager Ryan O’Connor.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 | 3.5 | 4 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 4 | 3.5 | Second Round |
Jarrod WALTERS
10-Apr-99 | 182.7cm | 81.0kg | Geelong Falcons
“Jarrod is in the mix. Came to us from Geelong Grammar this year and we only had him for late in the season but played in all our finals. Very, very good defender whose spoiling is exceptional. Has to find the ball some more but has some traits and might be a rookie chance.” – Geelong Falcons coach Dan O’Keefe.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 1.5 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 4 | 4.5 | Rookie |
Jake WEIDEMANN
16-Mar-99 | 189.7cm | 87.0kg | Woodville-West Torrens
“Jake is the son of former Crow Wayne and he’s an interesting one. He’s a hard, tough customer, a 190cm midfielder/forward. Not a polished player but works hard and does all the little things. He has some nice versatility and might be a rookie chance.” – Woodville-West Torrens talent manager Darren Hams.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 3 | 4 | 4 | Rookie |
Callan WELLINGS
20-Feb-98 | 182.0cm | 72.0kg | GWV Rebels
“Cal’s had an exceptional season. He won our best and fairest and I don’t know what more he can do. His running is high-level and he does everything really well, but what is the elite part of his game? That’s the question. His leadership and will and want to make the AFL are at the highest level. Occasionally his kicking has been questioned and so was his hardness, but we put him inside this year and he ended up in the top group for contested footy. We believe he’s a half-back flanker or winger at AFL level.” – GWV Rebels talent manager Phil Partington.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 | 3.5 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 5 | Rookie |
Jordan WEST
04-Jan-94 | 198.9cm | 106.3kg | Woodville-West Torrens
“Jordan is in his first year at the club and is a senior player coming off a basketball up-bringing. About four years ago was involved in the Sydney Swans academy but is still a developing 200cm big fella who has lost a lot of weight. Needs to understand the game more but has attracted some attention given his size. Might be a rookie spot.” – Woodville-West Torrens talent manager Darren Hams. |
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 2.5 | 3 | 2.5 | Rookie |
Ben WIGGINS
24-Feb-99 | 183.8cm | 75.1kg | Northern Knights
“He’s a bit of a smoky. He recently tested with Essendon and tested well – he’d never done testing before because he’d always been injured (back). He was cut from Oakleigh’s list, but we’d seen what he’d done at Marcellin and brought him in. He is a natural defender who can play on the mid-sized forwards and smalls as he’s got good pace.” – Northern Knights talent manager Rhy Gieschen.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 3 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 3.5 | Rookie |
Seb WILLIAMS
07-Aug-99 | 178.2cm | 73.4kg | Sandringham Dragons
“Seb had a fantastic year at APS level and in the back half of the year with us. He didn’t get much midfield time but as a half forward was super productive. His repeat speed is great and compensates for his small size with his power and intensity. There were some queries on his kicking, but he’s worked hard on it. He could play as a lockdown small back potentially too.” – Sandringham Dragons talent manager Ryan O’Connor.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 4 | 3 | 3.5 | Rookie |
Patrick WILSON
11-Dec-94 | 187.7cm | 88.3kg | Sturt
“Patrick is 22-year-old who was a talented junior but missed out in his 18-year-old draft year. He had last year off because he dislocated his shoulder and had a reconstruction but came back and had a brilliant year this season as an inside midfielder. He is a fantastic kick of the football so kicks it like an AFL player. Port Adelaide and Adelaide have both shown some interest.” – Sturt general manager David Oatey.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.5 | 3.5 | 4 | 4 | 3.5 | 3 | 4 | Late pick/Rookie |
Toby WOOLLER
16-Mar-99 | 192.7cm | 89.9kg | Oakleigh Chargers
“A terrific character who led our group well. Won our best and fairest and we hope that he hasn’t been underrated by some in the industry because he hasn’t put a foot wrong. He’s taken on and beaten some highly credentialed defenders, he was close to winning the league goalkicking and even spent time in midfield where he showed he can win his own ball. He has a tank and set of hands, and while some have queried his speed and agility, I don’t think that’s as much a factor as suggested. He’s just a competitive bloke who’ll get better service at AFL level than at TAC Cup level.” – Oakleigh Chargers talent manager Craig Notman.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 | 4.5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 | Second Round |
James WORPEL
24-Jan-99 | 185.1cm | 85.5kg | Geelong Falcons
“James’s strength is to win the contested ball and does that better than anyone I’ve coached. He’s just a beast on the inside and is super explosive with repeat efforts. If you get tackled by him – which he’ll lay seven or eight a game – you’ll know about it. Super leader and had all the accolades this year with Vic Country captain and Falcons captain. Just a wonderful person to have around the club.” Geelong Falcons coach Dan O’Keefe.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 3.5 | 3 | 3.5 | Third Round |
Tristan XERRI
15-Mar-99 | 201.8cm | 95.7kg | Western Jets
“Tristan has really improved over the two years he’s been at the Jets. His back half of the year was really good and he played with Werribee in the VFL and also for Vic Metro at the national championships. His best position is ruck at the moment but he’s done well when asked to pay up forward. Very athletic, is a strong mark and is a mid-to-late draft pick or perhaps a rookie. Hard to tell with the talls but he should find a home. Has to work on his consistency but that will come with experience and learning the game more.” – Western Jets coach Torin Baker.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3.5 | 2.5 | 4 | 2.5 | 3 | 3 | Late pick/Rookie |
Brandon ZERK-THATCHER
25-Aug-98 | 194.6cm | 71.5kg | Sturt
“Brandon is more of a rookie chance. Clubs showed interest in him after he played in the state Under 18 carnival as a 19-year-old. Played second defender or ruck in our reserves but is too small to play ruck at AFL level. What he does have is speed, agility and a nice vertical jump but he’s still light.” – Sturt general manager David Oatey.
| Kicking | Marking | Accumulating | Cont. Ball | Speed | Agility | Endurance | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 3 | Rookie |