Mature Age Mature Age Prospects 2023

[roos_fanatic08]

Who is a chance?

Which mature age players are standing out in the state leagues?

Who would thrive if given the chance on an AFL list?

I’ll start it off by suggesting Shaun Mannagh from Werribee. Goal kicking midfielder who has class, work rate, goal kicking nous and a strong defensive game. After his start to the VFL season I was surprised he was overlooked in the MSD. Could play as a small forward, half forward or wing at AFL level.

Current stats for this season are: 27.2 disposals per game, 6.6 tackles and has kicked 25.22 for the season.

 

[bluebagger3196]

Who is a chance?

Which mature age players are standing out in the state leagues?

Who would thrive if given the chance on an AFL list?

I’ll start it off by suggesting Shaun Mannagh from Werribee. Goal kicking midfielder who has class, work rate, goal kicking nous and a strong defensive game. After his start to the VFL season I was surprised he was overlooked in the MSD. Could play as a small forward, half forward or wing at AFL level.

Current stats for this season are:

Kye Declase 26 year old from Werribee as well.
Was on Melbournes list for 6 months in 2021 and should be given another shot on an afl list

A 195cm utility winger that can also play as a key forward or rebounding defender.
Elite ball user, great engine and a strong mark over head.
Averaging 25 disposals, 2 goals and 6 marks a game on the wing.

 

[roos_fanatic08]

Kye Declase 26 year old from Werribee as well.
Was on Melbournes list for 6 months in 2021 and should be given another shot on an afl list

A 195cm utility winger that can also play as a key forward or rebounding defender.
Elite ball user, great engine and a strong mark over head.
Averaging 25 disposals, 2 goals and 6 marks a game on the wing.

He’d get a game ahead of a fair few wingers in the comp. Not many guys his size with his running capacity running around in the AFL.

 

[Yoda_]

Do we have any standouts from interstate?

A small handful at VFL level are pushing for the U23 rising star award but unsure of AFL talent this year


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[eth-dog]

Wouldn't surprise me to see Ebinger picked up

 

[Mutineer]

Kobe Ryan

Players - West Adelaide Football Club

westadelaidefc.com.au

 

[ROYAL EAGLE]

Reuben Macguire East Freo 196cm strong athletic key forward
Heard there was interest in drafting him and turning him into a defender

 

[FB19]

I watch box hill each week as a hawks supporter. Callum brown obviously a standout would suit anyone needing midfield depth.

 

[Harlequin Dream]

Tyler Sellers is very intriguing.

Smart, tough and a good mark. His step up to VFL level has been very impressive.

 

[roos_fanatic08]

Tyler Sellers is very intriguing.

Smart, tough and a good mark. His step up to VFL level has been very impressive.

Shame he isn’t 2-3cm taller.

Has good work rate and natural forward craft.

Wouldn’t surprise me if North were to rookie him considering our lack of developing key forwards

 

[The Kings Ransom]

Boyd woodcock former port Adelaide is again tearing up the VFL for Southport.

30 disposals, 5.8 marks, 3.5 tackles and 18 goals in 17 games.

Suns had him and tsitas head to head for a spot start of last year. Just going with tsitas.

You think he could play a high half forward role in AFL.

 

[eth-dog]

Boyd woodcock former port Adelaide is again tearing up the VFL for Southport.

30 disposals, 5.8 marks, 3.5 tackles and 18 goals in 17 games.

Suns had him and tsitas head to head for a spot start of last year. Just going with tsitas.

You think he could play a high half forward role in AFL.

He's always dominated state league footy but was always average at AFL level. Clubs might just think/know his level

 

[ArdentEagle]

He's always dominated state league footy but was always average at AFL level. Clubs might just think/know his level

Disagree....Played bugger all in two seasons (AFL), Port drafted Rozee at the same time to play the same role. No shame in losing out there.
He's gone away and gotten better with age imo. Some people develop a bit later....I would love to see us pick him up. Still only 23yrs old.

 

[Thunderstruck]

Woodcock for mine would have to be one of the strongest overhead marks for his size in any league. He's definitely better than a lot of list cloggers running around atm in the 2's or in some cases, senior sides.

 

[SteeleSaints]

Disagree....Played bugger all in two seasons (AFL), Port drafted Rozee at the same time to play the same role. No shame in losing out there.
He's gone away and gotten better with age imo. Some people develop a bit later....I would love to see us pick him up. Still only 23yrs old.

Totally agree, I hate seeing players being pidgeon holed because of their past. The kid is 23yo, most players dont play their best footy until 25. SANFL is the best comp outside of the AFL, I would like to see the Saints give him a chance. We desparately need mids and the fact he can go forward would be a bonus.

 

[Jack Richards]

Kwame McHarg

 

[The Kings Ransom]

He's always dominated state league footy but was always average at AFL level. Clubs might just think/know his level

As others have posted,
Quite possibly.
But he did only play 12 games between ages 20 and 21 and then got delisted.

Would be 24 next year. Maybe has added a few strings to his bow.

 

[eth-dog]

As others have posted,
Quite possibly.
But he did only play 12 games between ages 20 and 21 and then got delisted.

Would be 24 next year. Maybe has added a few strings to his bow.

Maybe. But that may be the reason people aren't drafting him.

 

[Saintscomemarchingin]

Harvey Hooper? (Pt.Melb.)

 

[FB19]

Ethan Phillips where is he at? Seemed a certainty to be drafted last year.

 

[lionshine]

Shaun Mannagh has to be a chance. Agree with others in here that Boyd Woodcock deserves another shot at AFL level.

 

[roos_fanatic08]

Shaun Mannagh has to be a chance. Agree with others in here that Boyd Woodcock deserves another shot at AFL level.

He has had a down fortnight, but he has so many footy traits it’s ridiculous. Other than his height he doesn’t really have any obvious flaws.

If Kane Lambert can carve out a career I have no doubt that Shaun Mannagh could match that.

 

[Harlequin Dream]

Speaking of ex Port players. Taj Schofield had a great month for Subiaco.

Has averaged 22 touches and 2.5 goals over the last 4 games. He is moving extremely well and his skills look great.

 

[Yoda_]

The AFL’s mid-season draft has done few favours for the VFL’s Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal.
Brandon Ryan (Northern Bullants), Ethan Stanley (Box Hill Hawks) and James Trezise (Richmond), local footballers all last year, were among the players drafted in May, thinning the medal field for September.


Still, VFL officials believe there are some excellent candidates for this year’s award, named after three champions who did the Brownlow Medal-JJ Liston Trophy double, Des Fothergill, Barry Round and Sam Mitchell.

The medal was struck in 1989 and a long list of its recipients has gone on to play in the AFL.

In fact, from Jason Davenport

Jason Davenport

Age

38

Ht

185cm

Wt

82kg

Pos.

M/F

Career

Season

Last 5

D

14.0

4star

K

7.0

3star

HB

7.0

4star

M

3.9

4star

T

4.0

5star

CL

0.6

3star

No current season stats available

D

16.6

4star

K

8.0

3star

HB

8.6

5star

M

5.0

5star

T

3.0

5star

in 2006 to Jake Riccardi in 2019, every winner has appeared at league level (Charlie Dean, gonged in 2020 and on Collingwood’s list, is hobbled by a foot injury).

But the run stopped last year when Port Melbourne key defender Ethan Phillips was overlooked.

Frankston midfielder Kai Owens and Werribee halfback Sam Clohesy are among the leading candidates for this year’s award, which will be presented at the JJ Liston Trophy count at Palladium at Crown on Monday, September 18.

The field as mentioned in this code sports article aka from Paul Amy

Sam Clohesy, Werribee

Like mid-season draftee Brandon Ryan, Clohesy was one of the standout players at the stand-alone carnival at Craigieburn in March.

He took that form into Round 1 and has continued to take big steps forward with his pace and poise across halfback, averaging 15.3 possessions.

The 189 centimetre Clohesy joined the Bees from the Calder Cannons last year. But he first played in the VFL for the Sydney Swans in 2021 after getting a call-up from the Under 18s.

Kai Owens, Frankston

The 23-year-old must be regarded as one of the favourites for the medal after an excellent season for the Dolphins.

Previously a marking target for a team that sometimes lacked fluency going forward, the 197cm brother of AFL Saint Michito made the move into the midfield and has averaged 23.3 possessions and 4.9 tackles. In his most recent outing he had 17 disposals and kicked three goals against Southport.

“He’s a really good player,’’ Sharks coach Steve Daniel says of Owen. Dollies assistant coach Rikki Johnston adds: “He’s a good young man, really diligent in his preparation and respected around the club.’’

Corey Ellison, Williamstown

The key-position player has thrived at Willy since making the move from Casey Demons, where he was a premiership player last season.

“He reminds me a little bit of Brody Mihocek

41

Brody Mihocek

Age

31

Ht

192cm

Wt

99kg

Pos.

Fwd

Career

Season

Last 5

D

11.9

3star

K

8.2

3star

HB

3.7

3star

M

5.3

5star

T

2.0

4star

G

1.6

5star

D

8.4

2star

K

6.3

3star

HB

2.1

2star

M

4.3

4star

T

1.9

3star

G

1.7

5star

D

10.2

3star

K

6.4

3star

HB

3.8

3star

M

4.6

5star

T

1.8

4star

G

1.6

5star

,’’ Seagulls coach Justin Plapp

Justin Plapp

Age

46

Ht

189cm

Wt

83kg

Pos.

Fwd

Career

Season

Last 5

D

9.7

2star

K

7.0

3star

HB

2.7

2star

M

4.0

4star

T

0.7

3star

G

0.7

4star

No current season stats available

D

7.6

2star

K

4.4

2star

HB

3.2

3star

M

3.4

4star

T

1.2

3star

G

1.6

5star

says of the ex-Dandenong Stingray. Ellison has kicked 24 goals, including four against Richmond last Saturday.

Tom Hofert, Port Melbourne

Coming in behind Sam Naismith

24

Sam Naismith

Age

31

Ht

205cm

Wt

108kg

Pos.

Ruck

Career

Season

Last 5

D

8.9

2star

K

3.6

1star

HB

5.3

4star

CL

2.0

4star

HO

25.5

5star

D

9.5

2star

K

7.5

3star

HB

2.0

1star

CL

3.0

4star

HO

26.5

5star

D

9.2

3star

K

3.2

2star

HB

6.0

4star

CL

1.4

4star

HO

25.4

5star

and Felix Flockart, the 21-year-old ruckman found opportunities scarce in the first half of the season, having to toil away at South Croydon. But he’s played six games since Round 12, against Essendon having 29 hit-outs and 16 possessions.

“He’s a developing player,’’ Borough coach Adam Skrobalak says of the 203 centimetre Hofert. “He’s showed some strong signs against quality opposition that he can compete and take marks around the ground. He’s really improved on the marking side of things.’’

Ben Jepson is averaging more than 25 possessions a game for Coburg. Picture: Getty Images

Ben Jepson, Coburg

A few AFL clubs had a good look at the 21-year-old Burgers halfback ahead of the mid-season draft – “There was a decent amount of interest in him,’’ Coburg coach Jamie Cassidy-McNamara says – and he has continued to push up his credentials.

An exceptional runner, strong in the air and a leader in a young team, Jepson has averaged 25.1 possessions from his 16 matches, hitting the 30-mark six times.

He’s from Old Carey in the amateurs, where he made the Premier B team of the year in 2021.

Mutaz El Nour, Richmond

Noted for his intercept marking in the past, El Nour has played more one-on-one defence for the Tigers this year, showing he can negate as well as he can create.

A knee injury halted his rollicking start to the season but he’s gained his groove again. Tigers VFL GM Oliver Grant rates El Nour highly, lauding his “competitiveness, his reach, his closing speed, his versatility to play tall and small, and his Judgement in the air’’.

His leadership is also valued at Punt Rd.
Roane Steele, Casey Demons

Since crossing to Casey from local club Frankston YCW last year, Steele has taken every chance to parade his pace on the open spaces at Casey Fields.

Squeezed out of the 2022 premiership team, he has appeared in 17 matches this season as a wingman and flanker.

“Terrific link player with good skills either side and he’s really cemented his place in the team this year, been a really good contributor,’’ Casey football manager Garry O’Sullivan says.

Colby Nayna, Frankston

The grandson of former St Kilda ruckman and Dolphins coach Jeff Sarau, the silky-skilled Nayna kicks the ball as well as anyone at the Dolphins.

From half back he can boot the ball over and through zones, initiating attacks. Should be a serious player once he adds strength and size to his body.

Sam Mason, Coburg

Mason, 22, crossed from VAFA club Old Trinity with coach Jamie Cassidy-McNamara and has had an encouraging season, starting it as a 193 centimetre forward but more recently moving to a wing and getting more of the ball.

By some distance he is the fastest player on Coburg’s list. He is also good in the air, an enticing mix.

“We’re really bullish about Sam and what he can do,’’ Cassidy-McNamara says. “Hopefully he can finish the year off very strongly.’’

Joel Fitzgerald, Essendon

All dash off a back flank, the former Northern Knight handles the ball often and is an assured one-on-one player.

“Whenever we need to play a spare, sometimes we organise him as the spare because he’s so good at reading the play, even ahead of the AFL players in our side,’’ Essendon coach Leigh Tudor says.

“Really good player, great attitude.’’

Darby Hipwell, Sandringham

The former leading Sandringham Dragon has made good progress in his three years at the Trevor Barker Beach Oval and Zebra watchers regard him as the best young player on the VFL list.

Had 25 touches and kicked a goal against Box Hill Hawks in Round 19.

Campbell Hustwaite of Collingwood VFL.
Campbell Hustwaite, Collingwood

In his fifth season in the VFL, the Collingwood co-captain set out his stall with 31 possessions in Round 1 against Coburg and has continued to be among his team’s best performers, averaging 21.7 disposals.

There are no frills to his football, but he’s rarely beaten and often among the Pies’ best. His supporters think he wouldn’t look out of place on an AFL list.

Felix Flockart, Port Melbourne

Flockart, 21 and 202 centimetres, is coming along as a ruckman-forward for the Borough. He hasn’t blown a match to smithereens but Port coach Adam Skorbalak is pleased with his progress.

“He’s grown his game this season,’’ he says. “Playing as a key forward who goes into the ruck, he has shown strong ability in the air and on the ground. We think, given his development to date, he is going to grow into a serious player.’’

Tahj Abberley, Brisbane

Abberley is a busy player and he’s had a busy season for the VFL Lions, playing all games bar one and averaging 15.7 disposals, with his best outing coming against the Sydney Swans (25 touches, five marks) against the Swans in Round 13.

Kicks the ball well and his versatility is another virtue.

Baker Smith, Northern Bullants

The 20-year-old key defender had some interest before the AFL mid-season draft after making a rousing start with the Ants.

A four-week suspension for rough conduct took a chunk out of his season, but the 197cm former Tasmanian is coming through as an excellent prospect, strong in the air and nimble on the ground.

Sam Paea, Werribee

The 21-year-old, 193cm forward has been a good contributor in the Bees’ club-record 14-match winning streak, booting 25 goals from 13 matches.

He’s another graduate of the Calder Cannons, where he was runner-up in the best and fairest in 2021.

Billy Cootee, Essendon

In March Cootee was named captain of the Dons’ VFL team at the age of 20.

The former Western Jet is a noted inside midfielder but the Bombers are trying to expand his game by using him at half forward.

“He’s starting to get a pretty good inside-outside mix,’’ coach Leigh Tudor says. “And he’s done a great job as a young captain.’’

Spencer Johnson, Northern Bullants

In what has been a rugged year for the Bullants, defender Johnson has managed to go forward as a player, averaging 21.2 disposals and taking the senior opportunity he was craving when he made the move from Werribee at the end of last season.

For what it's worth, I think it is Kai Owens to lose at the moment. Mutar El Nour a close second and then a raffle between Pay, Hustwaite (have been a BIG fan for several years now) and Ben Jepson.

Special mention to Corey Ellison and Baker Smith

 

[roos_fanatic08]

Considering the lack of key talls in this draft you’d think a few clubs would be looking at someone like Hudson Garoni from Werribee. 3rd in the top goal kickers in the VFL, genuine KP size at 195cm and still young enough to have some improvement. Been a very consistent performer over the last few years.