Draft Profile Josh Fox - 2014 Draft Prospect

[Chris25]

Josh Fox
Height: 197cm
Weight: 90kg
From: Clarence, Tasmania
Position: Forward, Ruck​

Time to go in a completely different direction, and we're heading south to have a look at Josh Fox from Tasmania. The 19 year old returned as an overaged player to take part in the U18 Championships for Tasmania this year, after obviously going undrafted in 2013. He was an unlikely rookie selection at best last year, but some strong performances this year will see him in with a better chance.

I'll start with his best position at the top level, and it's as a forward that he would get drafted. Although, a forward who can pinch hit in the ruck if needed. Fox has taken on most of the ruck duties for Tasmania both at the U18 Championships and in the TAC Cup this year, but it's more case of him being one of the only options. He has the height and a relatively strong frame given him being a 19 year old. He also moves well for someone as tall as he is, so he could almost be considered as another midfielder when the ball hits the ground - he did win 26 possessions in one game at the Championships this year. But it's up forward where he does look his most dangerous, it's just a shame that he only got three matches at the Championships - and all against the other Division 2 sides, as it would have been interesting to see how he went against better opposition. But nonetheless, he is a very good mark and particularly so on the lead - at the U18 Championships this year, 10 of his 17 marks were contested. At times it looks like he has quite sticky hands, as he leads straight at the ball and just pulls it down at it's highest point.

But as I said, he wasn't considered much of a chance last year at draft time and it was probably for a few reasons. A lack of consistency in his play can really hurt a Division 2 prospect. He wasn't quite as physically developed as he is this season, having put on 5kg in the past year. But the biggest issue was his kicking. It was hugely inconsistent, ranging anywhere from good to down right poor. And for a forward, the same could be said for his goal kicking. However in all fairness, from what he showed at the U18 Championships, he has greatly improved in this regard - and went at a disposal efficiency of over 80% across his three matches. Although I do think that is a little inflated for how good it really is.

In terms of performances, he has definitely flashed potential and has become more consistent this year too. But one thing is for sure, and it's that Fox loves playing against the smaller NT bodies. Last year he finished with 15 disposals, 11 marks and 5 goals against them. And in 2014, Fox had 26 disposals, 9 marks, 3 clearances, 20 hitouts and a goal. But he is more than just an NT specialist, having averaged 14 disposals, 4 marks and a goal against each of NSW/ACT and Queensland. And also recording some similar games in the TAC Cup, where he has again showed off his marking ability.

The best comparison for him in terms of the draft, is without a doubt Alex Pearce from Fremantle. He was drafted as a tall utility type, and was also a 19 year old playing for Tasmania. Pearce received very little attention from BigFooty, but was drafted at the end of the second round and nearly made his AFL debut last weekend having settled into the back lines in the WAFL. In terms of playing style, you could make a case for fellow mature aged Tasmanian Ben Brown as a comparison - although Fox being a slightly more athletic version. I still don't think Fox is even guaranteed to be a rookie selection, but it's not out of the question for clubs to start discussing him near the end of the third round. So I'll put a conservative 50+ draft range on him.