Western Australian draft prospect Elijah Hewett acknowledges that he has a fair way to go until he can be seriously compared to some of the stars of the AFL.
The Swan Districts product plays in a similar way to the likes of Richmond’s Dustin Martin and Melbourne’s Christian Petracca given his ability to operate as an inside midfielder while impacting when forward.
Hewett is under no illusion that there is work to be done if he wants to get anywhere near the players he has been likened to.
“They are definitely some big shoes to fill, for sure,” Hewett said on SEN WA Breakfast.
“When they talk about, it’s more referring to the way I play the game. Just like the inside bull that has the ability to go forward and impact on the scoreboard.
“I really do like those traits and those traits I’ve worked on for the last couple of years, you really do train them. I’ve trained for power and it has helped exponentially throughout my game.
“Those are some great players, but for me it’s just about worrying about the process and the results will take care of itself.
“Hopefully I can fill some big shoes and make a career out of it.”
The WA state representative grew up in a West Coast Eagles family but says he has never really supported an AFL club.
He prefers to focus on the superstars of the game in a bid to hone his craft, much like he has done by closely watching Martin and the Tigers during their recent triple premiership era.
“I’m actually not (an Eagles fan). My whole family is, my extended family are members but I’ve never been,” he added.
“I’ve never really been a huge footy head. I love playing it but I’ve never watched it that much.
“When I started getting engaged with football was when Richmond were in their dynasty.
“I absolutely love Dusty and the Tigers but I never really went for anyone.
“I just watch certain players, which probably is interesting, but I just loved watching Dusty in his prime, right now a bit of Petracca, a bit of Luke Davies-Uniacke and some of these guys.”
Many draft gurus believe Hewett will be selected inside the top 15 of this year’s draft, and the player himself is also of that belief, even if it is impossible to predict.
“I’d like to say around the 8 to 12 range but it’s really hard because some clubs can trade back in and others might want to trade out,” he said further.
“With the Eagles holding 8 and 12 makes it more of a reality around that range. It is really hard.
“I would like to know, trust me, but I guess I’ll have to wait until the 28th of November.”
Hewett is also open to going anywhere in the country, not pigeonholing himself as a stay-at-home draftee.
“I genuinely don’t care,” he said of his preference.
“Obviously it’s a hot topic going around with Luke Jackson and (Jason) Horne-Francis (going home), but it’s not something that is even an option (for me).
“My goal is to go as high as I can in the draft. Irrespective of where that pick lands around the country, you take it and run.
“I think change is great. I was able to get a chance to move schools and friend groups from Year 11 to Year 12. This is completely different, moving across the country, but sometimes getting out of your comfort zone can breed the best version of you.
“You just have to put your feet firm on the ground and find some good people around you. It’s inevitable that you’ll get homesickness, but if you’ve got support around you, you’ll do pretty well.”
The 2022 AFL draft takes place across November 28 and 29.