Keighton Matofai-Forbes is a name that footy followers should start getting used to.
The 18-year-old is forging his path with the Western Jets as a powerful 188cm forward who can also play in defence.
In the Jets’ three-point loss to Eastern Ranges in the Coates Talent League last weekend, Matofai-Forbes produced his best game of the season when kicking 3.2 from 21 disposals and eight marks.
Matofai-Forbes, who possesses a thumping left foot, is in the Vic Metro train-on squad with the intent of forcing his way into Rob Harding’s team for the National Championships.
Some AFL clubs who have been watching Matofai-Forbes see him as a forward, but some others see him as a rebounding half-back given his excellent kicking skills.
According to Bravo Talent Management’s James Pitcher, Matofai-Forbes is a “unique” footballer whose current draft projection is somewhere in the late second round or in the third round.
“He played higher up the ground as a forward and did some really good things defensively,” Pitcher said on SEN’s Future Stars.
“He had a couple of run-down tackles and a big tackle on the Ranges ruckman.
“That was his best game for the season. It’s good timing because he’s in the Vic Metro squad, so hopefully that will get him across the line.
“He is a unique player given his power and athleticism. It’s just debatable whether he’s best served as a high half-forward or rebounding off the back flank with his penetrating kick.
“He’s met with a few clubs who are waiting for him to really rip a game apart.”
Matofai-Forbes was born in New Zealand and was one when the family left Auckland. He has sport in his blood as his mum Irene played for Samoa in the 1999 Netball World Cup as a 20-year-old.
He played senior footy for Keilor in the Essendon District Football League (EDFL) in 2023, kicking 16 goals in six matches as a teenager.
So far in 2024, he is averaging 13.3 disposals, 5 marks, 4.3 inside 50s and has kicked 8.4 for the Jets across four matches.
This weekend, Matofai-Forbes will be in action against the GWV Rebels at Mars Stadium in Ballarat from 2:10pm AEST on Sunday.