Western Australian draft prospect Matthew Johnson has already been compared to Scott Pendlebury.
At this time of year, the comparisons between established stars of the competition and budding youngsters come thick and fast, especially when the National Draft is just around the corner.
Subiaco midfielder Johnson, who is being tipped to go in the first round at next month’s draft, has had his name mentioned in the same breath as that of Collingwood skipper Pendlebury.
It more comes from the way Johnson moves rather than what he has achieved on the field, but he is appreciative nonetheless.
“Obviously he’s been a really good player for a long time,” Johnson said on Sportsday WA.
“I’ve got a lot of respect (for him) and very grateful to be compared to players like that.
“It’s pretty unreal.”
The 18-year-old played three seniors games for the 2021 WAFL premiers while also starring for the WA side by winning the best on ground medal in the under-19s clash with South Australia on AFL Grand Final day.
He is one of a handful of key West Aussies, including a Subiaco teammate, who should be selected on November 24 or 25.
“WA has got a pretty strong draft crop this year, hopefully we have lots of boys drafted,” he added.
“One of the boys from Subi, Neil Erasmus, hopefully he goes high in the draft.
“A couple of key forwards in Jacob van Rooyen (Claremont) and Jye Amiss (East Perth) are definitely going to be in first-round contention and are very good players.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how the draft unfolds.”
Johnson says he has spoken to the “majority of clubs” and despite growing up in a West Coast household, isn’t too fussed where he ends up given he hasn’t hitched his wagon to one club in particular.
“My dad’s a big Eagles fan so I grew up in an Eagles household,” Johnson said.
“For as long as I can remember, I haven’t really supported a team. I just watch footy and enjoy it for what it is.
“Wherever I went, I’d be super grateful for the opportunity.”
Johnson aside, it should be a strong draft for Western Australians with the aforementioned trio of Erasmus, van Rooyen and Amiss in the mix alongside the likes of Jesse Motlop, Jack Williams and Rhett Bazzo.