Dandenong Stingrays midfielder Jai Culley is one of two Mid-Season Draft “certainties”, according to Cal Twomey.
The AFL Media draft guru believes the 19-year-old has put his name firmly in front of AFL recruiters after dominating in the Young Guns v Vic Metro match last weekend.
Culley was overlooked in the National Draft last year, but his form in 2022 should see him find his way to an AFL club next month.
“There were some standouts across that game,” Twomey said on the Future Stars segment on SEN’s The Sporting Capital.
“Jai Culley was the main one there who really put his name forward as a potential early pick.
“22 touches, four goals in a performance that established him as a real talent in this year’s group for the mid-season draft.
“193 centimetres as a midfielder, kicks goals, he ticks a few boxes and he’s got a fair few clubs looking at him.
“He’s certainly one that will be in that mix.”
Having been ignored by AFL recruiters in 2021, the time is now for Culley who has made his presence felt with some quality performances for the Stingrays and of course for the Young Guns in the showcase game.
“He just wasn’t too high on the radar. He nominated for the draft but I don’t think he really ever captured the attention of clubs and recruiters who wanted to probably see a little bit more of him at the NAB League level,” Twomey added.
“As we know, they just didn’t play too much NAB League. This is where the system can spit out a few good players the year after.
“There was maybe a little bit of a knock on his running and getting around the ground. There’s always that question when you’re 193 centimetres. Are you a tall forward who is not quite tall enough? Are you a midfielder who is a little bit taller than usual? Clubs are still getting their heads around that.
“They’ve overlooked him last year, given him another chance this year at the Dandenong Stingrays program in the NAB League and he’s been far too good at that level across this year.
“Then he goes and plays another game for the Young Guns and dominates. I know a lot of recruiters left Werribee last Saturday talking about Jai Culley and locking him in as a mid-season pick up.”
Another player overlooked in last year’s draft who is expected to be selected in June is Max Ramsden.
The Sandringham Dragons ruckman was also promising for the Young Guns with his aerobic ability, which has impressed AFL clubs, the hallmark of his game.
“Max Ramsden as well has had a great start to the season as a 202-centimetre ruckman,” he said.
“16 disposals and 13 hit-outs, he’s the player who last year nominated for the national draft. He didn’t get taken, but that makes him eligible for the mid-season draft.
“He’s the Jacob Edwards story of 2022. Clubs have all been across him really early this year.
“His greatest quality is he’s able to get around the ground. He’s a big guy who can move and find the footy around the ground as well.
“Those are the two names who played in the Young Guns on the weekend who I think are the mid-season certainties heading into the draft.”
The Mid-Season Draft takes place on June 1.