Kane Cornes has named the young AFL players who he believes could breakout in 2023.
Looking around the competition, Cornes has eyed off four young players in particular who could reach another level.
With a few caveats:
“I saw a picture of one Essendon player and thought gee he is ready to explode and it got me thinking of some players that I think are going to leap this year,” Cornes told SEN Breakfast.
“There’s a qualification here – you must be 22 or under and you can’t qualify if you finished top 10 in the best and fairest last year.”
See Cornes’ players who he believes could make a leap in 2023 below:
Archie Perkins (Essendon)
“He’s played 39 games, nearly a goal a game, this would be his third pre-season, and he’s that midfield-forward that we love.”
“I don’t know whether he’s going to be an elite player yet, but he’s certainly going to take a giant leap.”
Nick Blakey (Sydney)
Cornes: “He was not top 10 in Sydney’s best and fairest last year.”
Healy: “I was surprised by that. Nick Blakey I think he could be borderline All-Australian half back next year.”
Cornes: “He’s got electric speed, great size, I thought his aerial work improved. He’s 23 in February. I think he could go a long way.”
Will Day (Hawthorn)
“Will Day is another one – I just love him. Sam Mitchell experimented with everyone in his midfield last year, but he gave him some centre bounce minutes and he held up pretty well and I reckon in a fourth pre-season if he can build his body and get a better run at it, then look out for him.”
Denver Grainger-Barras (Hawthorn)
“I bought a lot of Denver Grainger-Barras stock early days and it has dropped.”
“I held my stock. It’s not worth as much as what it was when I bought it … he was pick six in 2020 and has had some injuries as well.
“I think he’s a future captain of the Hawks, but I think he might take a giant leap this year.”