SCPaige
Team Captain
Welcome everyone back to 2016, fellow Draft Nerds ! I've drawn up player profiles based on position for the leading prospects this year. If there any you'd like me to add to my Scouting Guide, send through your request, and I'll hop to it.
Apologies if measurements aren't up to date, most profiles (height, weight) are based of 2015's information, and some have been updated from the information I've been able to get ahold of from testing days. Club lists are still another month away from being finalised, so I'll update that accordingly to ensure everything is as accurate as possible.
DEFENDERS
Alex Witherden
Height: 185cm, Weight: 77kg, DOB: 10/9/1998
Recruited From: Geelong Falcons
Position: Medium Defender
A consistent player for the Falcons last year, Alex Witherden found another level in the backend of the season, where he proved to be the rudder in defence for Michael Turner’s Falcons. With a long, penetrating kick that sets up play from defence, sling-shotting his team into attack – Witherden is strong, bold, aggressive yet also offers polish on the outside of congestion.
Jarrod Berry
Height: 191cm, Weight: 80kg, DOB: 5/2/1998
Recruited From: North Ballarat Rebels (Vic Country)
Position: Tall Defender
With an iconic ‘hunch’ over the ball, Jarrod Berry is a combative back flanker who can go one-on-one and throws his weight around. Berry is no stranger to getting physical both on and off the ball, and presents as someone who could become a full-time tall midfielder at AFL level; such is his balance, vision and poise. Berry ticks all the boxes; a strong athletic profile, acceleration that creates separation on his opponent, a good mark overhead and a tidy kick off both sides of his body that hits targets. No stranger at kicking goals from behind the paint, Berry won All Australian honours at last year’s Championships, and took out Country’s MVP at U16 level in 2014, and looks ready to take his footy to another level this year.
Josh Rotham
Height: 192cm, Weight: 82kg, DOB: 1/9/1998
Recruited From: West Perth Falcons
Position: Key Defender
A blue-collar key defender who knows how to get things done, Josh Rotham’s impact is always felt. With an ability to roll off his man to help out a teammate in another contest, Rotham knows when to stay and when it’s his turn to go, always killing the contest with a strong spoiling game and ability to read the flight of the ball. Rotham’s name really got put on the map after a strong Championships for WA last year as a bottom-ager, (it’ was because Josh Schache kicked a bag on him!), showing his versatility as a defender; shutting down opponents, taking intercept marks and rebounding from half back. A really good ball user who makes good decisions with the footy, there is enough to suggest that Rotham might become a utility type as he continues to develop.
Sam Powell-Pepper
Height: 188cm, Weight: 83kg, DOB: 8/1/1998
Recruited From: East Perth Royals
Position: Medium Defender/Midfielder
A really strong, aggressive defender – Sam Powell-Pepper has some good football attributes, with a tendency to fend-off opponents who dare strip him of the ball, Powell-Pepper doesn’t mind giving the ‘don’t argue’ in defence, and with quick hands, and a bash-and-crash mentality, he’s an aggressive, medium sized defender who has rapidly developed. At the next level, it’s likely that Powell-Pepper can become a bid-bodied inside midfielder, who can really be a team’s enforcer and extractor. A bulldozer who will bash and crash his way out of trouble, Powell-Pepper has courage and leadership that clubs love. The indigenous talent has a few feathers in his cap already, having captained the U15 Boomerangs, U16 WA team and also was the AFL Academy’s Captain last year against New Zealand. Whilst his disposal can sometimes be erratic, and his disposal numbers equally as inconsistent, 2016 provides an opportunity for Powell-Pepper to really up the ante.
Sam McLarty
Height: 195cm, Weight: 95kg, DOB: 11/5/1998
Recruited From: Oakleigh Chargers
Position: Key Defender
A talented footballer with a serious back-story, Sam McLarty was diagnosed with deafness as an infant, and has a bionic ear that hasn’t stopped him from playing elite junior football. With that aside, the tough, competitive defender got a call up for two games for Vic Metro last year, and is a no-fuss player who just gets the job done. By no means a ball-winning defender, McLarty plays as a lock-down key defender, putting the glove on opposition forwards, rarely having his colours lowered. A reliable defender who drops off his opponent to kill a contest elsewhere, McLarty isn’t afraid to take a mark down back and get the ball moving quickly from defence.
Jack Scrimshaw
Height: 193cm, Weight: 77kk, DOB: 9/9/1998
Recruited From: Sandringham Dragons
Position: Tall Defender
A super-athletic tall defender whose best position might be through the midfield or on a wing down the line, Jack Scrimshaw is part of a new-age group of key position players draft over the past few years, who are agile, mobile and robust enough to play majority of positions on the field. Whilst based in defence, Scrimshaw is a strong mark, likes to get things moving quickly by foot and has excellent vision and awareness, and has a sense of timing and space. He’s shown glimpses that he has a good-enough outside game to make him a threat on a wing, and it’ll be interesting to see where the Dragons, as well as Vic Metro, utilise him this year.
Harrison Macreadie
Height: 195cm, Weight: 82kg, DOB: 11/4/1998
Recruited from: Hently/GWS Academy
Position: Tall Defender
A GWS Academy member who is one of the best defenders in this year’s draft class, Harrison Macreadie is a competitive monster, and whilst he only tips the scales at 82kg – it’s his courage in the air, strength through his core and ability to stand his ground that wins him plaudits. Macreadie could just as easily progress into the midfield or on a wing, and should see some opportunity there in his final bottom-age year to show recruiters just how high his ceiling goes. Blessed with poise, composure and an elite kick – the Giants will be stoked to welcome him to the fold later in the year.
Ben McGuinness
Height: 189cm, Weight: 75kg, DOB: 21/5/1998
Recruited From: Lauderdale Bombers
Position: Defender
The leading prospect for the Apple Isle, Ben Maginness is a wirey, rangy, floating defender that has a great athletic profile which clubs love. His brother Josh is listed with the Lions, and Ben impressed at Brisbane during his stint as part of the AFL Academy placement. Didn’t have a huge impact at the Championships last year, but certainly looked comfortable at TAC Cup level in the times he represented Tasmania. McGuinness displayed his versatility during that time, playing a variety of roles and excelling at most. With a good leap, pace and a tackling game that is a focal point – McGuinness’ TSL form saw him feature on eight occasions of the 13 games he played.
Matthew Neagle
Height: 175cm, Weight: 76kg, DOB: 19/2/1998
Recruited From: Murray Bushrangers
Position: Small Defender
The son of the late Merv Neagle, Matthew is eligible to the Bombers as a father/son prospect this year, however like a lot of bottom-age prospects there is limited exposure to go off. Neagle had a consistent year in 2015 playing for Wodonga in the Ovens Murray league in the senior side. He got a taste of TAC Cup footy, but is set to feature more prominently in his top-age year.
Beau Moorcroft
Height: NA,Weight: NA, DOB: NA
Recruited From: Northern Knights
Position: Small defender
His dad's famous hanger at Etihad Stadium is one thing, but Gary Moorcroft retired from the Bombers just two games shy of his son Beau being father/son eligible to the Bombers. Nonetheless, Beau is a chip off the old block, with the same body-shape, iconic leap, and clean hands his dad had. Moorcroft junior however, has a bit of zip and isn't afraid to fight for the footy, having done well representing the Knights' U16 team, and playing senior football alongside his dad with Bundoora last year in the NFL. He'll be looking to cement his spot in the Knights' TAC Cup side in 2016.
FORWARDS
Josh Battle
Height: 194cm, Weight: 89kg, DOB: 1/9/1998
Recruited From: Dandenong Stingrays
Position: Key Forward
A great name, and an equally exciting prospect. Josh Battle is a powerful key forward with some serious acceleration that helps him create separation on his opponent. Battle had an impressive bottom-age year, that saw him earn a late call-up into the AFL Academy that toured America this year. Battle has vice-like hands, is strong overhead, and ultra-competitive at ground level. Not one to shy away from a wrestle, Battle keeps his feet in a contest, getting front position before protecting the drop of the ball. The 194cm-teen is courageous in the air, he’s not afraid to hit packs hard to spill the ball for smaller teammates, and conversely can take a strong pack mark. The centre half forward will be the No.1 target for the Stingrays this year, and I’ll be tracking his progress with interest. The sky’s the limit for this kid.
Zach Sproule
Height: 193cm, Weight: 81kg, DOB: 15/5/1998
Recruited From: Murray Bushrangers/GWS Academy
Position: Key Forward
Josh Schache might’ve won the spotlight last year in the Murray Bushrangers forward line, but his partner in crime Zach Sproule was equally as effective, albeit with less fanfare. Regardless, the strong, lead-up forward with a huge tank had a consistent season in what was a development year for the young tall. Twice Sproule enjoy a five-goal haul in as many weeks, bagging 16 goals in total from eight games. Sproule didn’t have as much impact at National Championship level and at times wasn’t accountable as he could’ve been, which is a question mark on his defensive pressure, as much as his endurance. On the upside, Sproule is a clean, one-grab mark with his contested marking a feature. He gets up the ground to play a really high half-forward role, where he can exploit and run his opponent into the ground.
Luke Strnadica
Height: 199cm, Weight: 88kg, DOB: 1/1/1998
Recruited From: East Fremantle Sharks
Position: Key Forward
After ditching an emerging cricket career, Luke Strnadica – an athletic big man really announced himself as a ruckman for East Fremantle, but showed in last year’s National Championships as well as at WA colts level he could be a handful as a forward. With good athleticism, strong hands and cleanliness at ground level, Strnadica’s agility at almost 200cms is perhaps his most impressive quality. He is a raw forward that ticks a lot of boxes, but is certainly a long-term prospect at AFL level.
Joshua Daicos
Height: Weight: DOB:
Recruited From: Oakleigh Chargers
Position: Medium Forward
It'll be Magpie mayhem should the son of one of Collingwood's most loved and decorated players be seen good enough to follow in the footsteps of his father, Peter. Josh Daicos reportedly opted to by-pass TAC Cup Footy last year in favour to concentrate on his School and Local team, with the added bonus of enjoying contact hours at Collingwood as part of the father/son Academy - appropriately named after his dad. However this year he returns to TAC Cup footy after training throughout the preseason with the Chargers. The classy forward possesses an elite kick off both sides, sure hands and a dead-eye for goal just like his father. Whilst his frame is light, he's got the same nous and spatial awareness of his dad in the training sessions I've gotten along to. The sharp-shooter was named in the YJFC Team of the Year in 2015 on the forward flank, and is credited with lifting his AGS school side, Camberwell Grammar to victory single handily a number of times last year.
Patrick Kerr
Height: 190cm, Weight: 85kg, DOB:
Recruited From: Oakleigh Chargers
Position: Key Forward
The Grandson of Carlton great Lawrie Kerr, Patrick is a developing key forward who showed in glimpses last year what he was capable of, kicking 12 goals in six games for the Chargers, including a haul of four against the Falcons and bags of three against the Rebels and Power. A strong mark, and a good lead-up type, Kerr marks the ball strongly inside 50, and has good leading patterns, moving into dangerous, high-percentage ranges. The spearhead will likely be Vic Metro’s No.1 target at this years National Championships.
Ezekiel Frank
Height: 192cm, Weight: 80kg, DOB: 7/4/1998
Recruited From: North Ballarat Rebels
Position: Key Forward
A player who defies logic, for a key forward – Ezekiel Frank moves as if he were a small midfielder; elusive, tricky, quick, and slippery. Best suited to a third-tall up forward, Frank relocated to St Patrick’s in Ballarat from the Northern Territory, and has developed rapidly since doing so. He’s still underdeveloped at this stage, and is more a long-term prospect, but he can do some special things with limited opportunities. He’s a clean, one-take player who’ll carve any defender up at ground level, and he offers plenty in the air with a good leap and strong hands.
Jy Simpkin
Height: 181cm, Weight: 73kgs, DOB 10/9/1998
Recruited from: Murray Bushrangers
Position: Small Forward
A pacey half forward with a bag of tricks, Jy Simpkin had a super impressive bottom-age year with the Bushies, but mostly impressed on the big stage for Vic Country at 2015’s National Champs. With deft touch, a knack for kicking multiple goals and setting plenty more up – Simpkin has an arsenal of weapons around goal that make him deadly, but his improvement will come in the way of making a move further up the ground in 2016.
Ben Ainsworth
Height: 177cm, Weight: 73kg, DOB: 10/2/1998
Recruited From: Gippsland Power
Position: Small Forward
A powerful unit for a player on the wrong side of 180cms, Ben Ainsworth is a super-competitive half forward, who can swoop on a loose ball and burry it between the big sticks in a matter of seconds. The sharp shooter kicks goals from all over the park, but it’s his ability to set up goals and create opportunities for others that makes him such a wanted player. Ainsworth’s ability to take strong marks overhead at full tilt is one of his most impressive assets. He runs hard and direct at the ball, and is a one touch player who is capable of turning games. He slips though tackles, and always finds another gear. He’s got AFL-ready qualities, and is a player every team could do with.
Hugh McCluggage
Height: 184cm, Weight: 70kg, DOB: 3/3/1998
Recruited From: North Ballarat Rebels
Position: Medium Forward/Midfielder
An exciting and explosive half forward who pushes high up onto the wings, and darts back just as quickly to continue the chain of possession, Hugh McCluggage got a late call-up in the AFL Academy off the back of an impressive finals series for the Rebels. Having started out as the 23rd man earlier in the year, a spate of continuous form meant McCluggage was one of the first-picked each week for North Ballarat, with the year topped off with an eye-catching performance for the Academy against the Allies on Grand Final day last year. Should become a full-time midfielder in his final junior year.
Jake Waterman
Height: 189cm, Weight: 84kg, DOB: 6/5/1998
Recruited From: Claremont Tigers
Position: Medium Forward/Midfielder
A really smart, strong forward with a fierce tackling mentality and an appetite to always be first to the ball, Jake Waterman is the second son of Dual West Coast Premiership player Chris, and younger brother to listed Eagle, Alec, however – Jake certainly looks the pick of the two brothers. With the ability to get up the ground and use his powerful frame at the contest, Waterman starred up forward for WA at last year’s National Championships, kicking the most goals for the Sandgroppers. Waterman’s standout trait is his marking game; he hits the ball at full speed, marks strongly overhead, and also loves to reach for the ball out in front. Whilst not a key position player, Waterman is an elite mark for his height, and demands the ball with his smart leading patterns. Waterman still needs to work on his conversion; he can really spray his shots for goal at times. It’ll be interesting to see whether he can find another gear in his game, and take a step towards playing through the midfield in his final junior year.
Callum Brown
Height: 172cm, Weight: 62kg, DOB: 27/4/1998
Recruited From: Eastern Ranges
Position: Small Forward/Midfielder
A famous name at Collingwood, Callum Brown is the son of former Premiership Magpie and captain, Gavin Brown. Callum however, is a different player to his dad. The small, bottom-age speedster started off as the 23rd man last year with a 10-tackle debut that ensured he'd earned a spot the following week. It wasn't long before Brown had cemented his spot in the Ranges starting 18, and a 17-disposal, three goal effort saw him named one of the Ranges' best in the TAC Cup preliminary final. Like his dad, he's hard at it, fiesty, and plays with his heart on his sleeve. A bit of a barometer type, whose always busy in the forward 50, and not a bad mark overhead for his size either.
Jesse Maxfield
Height: 179cm, Weight: 70kg, DOB: 28/8/1998
Recruited From: Sandringham Dragons
Position: Small Midfielder/Forward
As the son of former Sydney captain and 200-gamer, Stuart Maxfield, the Swans get first dibs on Jesse Maxfield - a creative, smart and bold forward, who has been trailed through the midfield and down back. Maxfield averaged a touch under 12 disposals in his bottom-age year for the Dragons from six games, which isn't a bad development season. He'll be looking to improve on that and have greater impact this year, but will miss a fair chunk of TAC Cup footy with School Football commitments.
Michael Romero
Height: 175cm, Weight: 70kg, DOB: 9/10/1998
Recruited From: Calder Cannons
Position: Small Forward
The son of Bulldogs great Jose, Michael Romero qualifies as a father/son this year, but still has a long way to go before being drafted. Whilst Romero has qualities like his father, the small forward is erratic, with a big gap separating his best and worst. Still developing as a footballer, Romero is quick, fleet-footed and can hit the scoreboard, but can overuse the ball and be a bit selfish at times. Romero showed glimpses of his prestige pedigree last year, averaging 12 disposals, while also showing some great defensive pressure at times for the Cannons. He'll need to lift his output this year, and would be hoping for a call up into the Vic Metro side.
Apologies if measurements aren't up to date, most profiles (height, weight) are based of 2015's information, and some have been updated from the information I've been able to get ahold of from testing days. Club lists are still another month away from being finalised, so I'll update that accordingly to ensure everything is as accurate as possible.
DEFENDERS
Alex Witherden
Height: 185cm, Weight: 77kg, DOB: 10/9/1998
Recruited From: Geelong Falcons
Position: Medium Defender
A consistent player for the Falcons last year, Alex Witherden found another level in the backend of the season, where he proved to be the rudder in defence for Michael Turner’s Falcons. With a long, penetrating kick that sets up play from defence, sling-shotting his team into attack – Witherden is strong, bold, aggressive yet also offers polish on the outside of congestion.
Jarrod Berry
Height: 191cm, Weight: 80kg, DOB: 5/2/1998
Recruited From: North Ballarat Rebels (Vic Country)
Position: Tall Defender
With an iconic ‘hunch’ over the ball, Jarrod Berry is a combative back flanker who can go one-on-one and throws his weight around. Berry is no stranger to getting physical both on and off the ball, and presents as someone who could become a full-time tall midfielder at AFL level; such is his balance, vision and poise. Berry ticks all the boxes; a strong athletic profile, acceleration that creates separation on his opponent, a good mark overhead and a tidy kick off both sides of his body that hits targets. No stranger at kicking goals from behind the paint, Berry won All Australian honours at last year’s Championships, and took out Country’s MVP at U16 level in 2014, and looks ready to take his footy to another level this year.
Josh Rotham
Height: 192cm, Weight: 82kg, DOB: 1/9/1998
Recruited From: West Perth Falcons
Position: Key Defender
A blue-collar key defender who knows how to get things done, Josh Rotham’s impact is always felt. With an ability to roll off his man to help out a teammate in another contest, Rotham knows when to stay and when it’s his turn to go, always killing the contest with a strong spoiling game and ability to read the flight of the ball. Rotham’s name really got put on the map after a strong Championships for WA last year as a bottom-ager, (it’ was because Josh Schache kicked a bag on him!), showing his versatility as a defender; shutting down opponents, taking intercept marks and rebounding from half back. A really good ball user who makes good decisions with the footy, there is enough to suggest that Rotham might become a utility type as he continues to develop.
Sam Powell-Pepper
Height: 188cm, Weight: 83kg, DOB: 8/1/1998
Recruited From: East Perth Royals
Position: Medium Defender/Midfielder
A really strong, aggressive defender – Sam Powell-Pepper has some good football attributes, with a tendency to fend-off opponents who dare strip him of the ball, Powell-Pepper doesn’t mind giving the ‘don’t argue’ in defence, and with quick hands, and a bash-and-crash mentality, he’s an aggressive, medium sized defender who has rapidly developed. At the next level, it’s likely that Powell-Pepper can become a bid-bodied inside midfielder, who can really be a team’s enforcer and extractor. A bulldozer who will bash and crash his way out of trouble, Powell-Pepper has courage and leadership that clubs love. The indigenous talent has a few feathers in his cap already, having captained the U15 Boomerangs, U16 WA team and also was the AFL Academy’s Captain last year against New Zealand. Whilst his disposal can sometimes be erratic, and his disposal numbers equally as inconsistent, 2016 provides an opportunity for Powell-Pepper to really up the ante.
Sam McLarty
Height: 195cm, Weight: 95kg, DOB: 11/5/1998
Recruited From: Oakleigh Chargers
Position: Key Defender
A talented footballer with a serious back-story, Sam McLarty was diagnosed with deafness as an infant, and has a bionic ear that hasn’t stopped him from playing elite junior football. With that aside, the tough, competitive defender got a call up for two games for Vic Metro last year, and is a no-fuss player who just gets the job done. By no means a ball-winning defender, McLarty plays as a lock-down key defender, putting the glove on opposition forwards, rarely having his colours lowered. A reliable defender who drops off his opponent to kill a contest elsewhere, McLarty isn’t afraid to take a mark down back and get the ball moving quickly from defence.
Jack Scrimshaw
Height: 193cm, Weight: 77kk, DOB: 9/9/1998
Recruited From: Sandringham Dragons
Position: Tall Defender
A super-athletic tall defender whose best position might be through the midfield or on a wing down the line, Jack Scrimshaw is part of a new-age group of key position players draft over the past few years, who are agile, mobile and robust enough to play majority of positions on the field. Whilst based in defence, Scrimshaw is a strong mark, likes to get things moving quickly by foot and has excellent vision and awareness, and has a sense of timing and space. He’s shown glimpses that he has a good-enough outside game to make him a threat on a wing, and it’ll be interesting to see where the Dragons, as well as Vic Metro, utilise him this year.
Harrison Macreadie
Height: 195cm, Weight: 82kg, DOB: 11/4/1998
Recruited from: Hently/GWS Academy
Position: Tall Defender
A GWS Academy member who is one of the best defenders in this year’s draft class, Harrison Macreadie is a competitive monster, and whilst he only tips the scales at 82kg – it’s his courage in the air, strength through his core and ability to stand his ground that wins him plaudits. Macreadie could just as easily progress into the midfield or on a wing, and should see some opportunity there in his final bottom-age year to show recruiters just how high his ceiling goes. Blessed with poise, composure and an elite kick – the Giants will be stoked to welcome him to the fold later in the year.
Ben McGuinness
Height: 189cm, Weight: 75kg, DOB: 21/5/1998
Recruited From: Lauderdale Bombers
Position: Defender
The leading prospect for the Apple Isle, Ben Maginness is a wirey, rangy, floating defender that has a great athletic profile which clubs love. His brother Josh is listed with the Lions, and Ben impressed at Brisbane during his stint as part of the AFL Academy placement. Didn’t have a huge impact at the Championships last year, but certainly looked comfortable at TAC Cup level in the times he represented Tasmania. McGuinness displayed his versatility during that time, playing a variety of roles and excelling at most. With a good leap, pace and a tackling game that is a focal point – McGuinness’ TSL form saw him feature on eight occasions of the 13 games he played.
Matthew Neagle
Height: 175cm, Weight: 76kg, DOB: 19/2/1998
Recruited From: Murray Bushrangers
Position: Small Defender
The son of the late Merv Neagle, Matthew is eligible to the Bombers as a father/son prospect this year, however like a lot of bottom-age prospects there is limited exposure to go off. Neagle had a consistent year in 2015 playing for Wodonga in the Ovens Murray league in the senior side. He got a taste of TAC Cup footy, but is set to feature more prominently in his top-age year.
Beau Moorcroft
Height: NA,Weight: NA, DOB: NA
Recruited From: Northern Knights
Position: Small defender
His dad's famous hanger at Etihad Stadium is one thing, but Gary Moorcroft retired from the Bombers just two games shy of his son Beau being father/son eligible to the Bombers. Nonetheless, Beau is a chip off the old block, with the same body-shape, iconic leap, and clean hands his dad had. Moorcroft junior however, has a bit of zip and isn't afraid to fight for the footy, having done well representing the Knights' U16 team, and playing senior football alongside his dad with Bundoora last year in the NFL. He'll be looking to cement his spot in the Knights' TAC Cup side in 2016.
FORWARDS
Josh Battle
Height: 194cm, Weight: 89kg, DOB: 1/9/1998
Recruited From: Dandenong Stingrays
Position: Key Forward
A great name, and an equally exciting prospect. Josh Battle is a powerful key forward with some serious acceleration that helps him create separation on his opponent. Battle had an impressive bottom-age year, that saw him earn a late call-up into the AFL Academy that toured America this year. Battle has vice-like hands, is strong overhead, and ultra-competitive at ground level. Not one to shy away from a wrestle, Battle keeps his feet in a contest, getting front position before protecting the drop of the ball. The 194cm-teen is courageous in the air, he’s not afraid to hit packs hard to spill the ball for smaller teammates, and conversely can take a strong pack mark. The centre half forward will be the No.1 target for the Stingrays this year, and I’ll be tracking his progress with interest. The sky’s the limit for this kid.
Zach Sproule
Height: 193cm, Weight: 81kg, DOB: 15/5/1998
Recruited From: Murray Bushrangers/GWS Academy
Position: Key Forward
Josh Schache might’ve won the spotlight last year in the Murray Bushrangers forward line, but his partner in crime Zach Sproule was equally as effective, albeit with less fanfare. Regardless, the strong, lead-up forward with a huge tank had a consistent season in what was a development year for the young tall. Twice Sproule enjoy a five-goal haul in as many weeks, bagging 16 goals in total from eight games. Sproule didn’t have as much impact at National Championship level and at times wasn’t accountable as he could’ve been, which is a question mark on his defensive pressure, as much as his endurance. On the upside, Sproule is a clean, one-grab mark with his contested marking a feature. He gets up the ground to play a really high half-forward role, where he can exploit and run his opponent into the ground.
Luke Strnadica
Height: 199cm, Weight: 88kg, DOB: 1/1/1998
Recruited From: East Fremantle Sharks
Position: Key Forward
After ditching an emerging cricket career, Luke Strnadica – an athletic big man really announced himself as a ruckman for East Fremantle, but showed in last year’s National Championships as well as at WA colts level he could be a handful as a forward. With good athleticism, strong hands and cleanliness at ground level, Strnadica’s agility at almost 200cms is perhaps his most impressive quality. He is a raw forward that ticks a lot of boxes, but is certainly a long-term prospect at AFL level.
Joshua Daicos
Height: Weight: DOB:
Recruited From: Oakleigh Chargers
Position: Medium Forward
It'll be Magpie mayhem should the son of one of Collingwood's most loved and decorated players be seen good enough to follow in the footsteps of his father, Peter. Josh Daicos reportedly opted to by-pass TAC Cup Footy last year in favour to concentrate on his School and Local team, with the added bonus of enjoying contact hours at Collingwood as part of the father/son Academy - appropriately named after his dad. However this year he returns to TAC Cup footy after training throughout the preseason with the Chargers. The classy forward possesses an elite kick off both sides, sure hands and a dead-eye for goal just like his father. Whilst his frame is light, he's got the same nous and spatial awareness of his dad in the training sessions I've gotten along to. The sharp-shooter was named in the YJFC Team of the Year in 2015 on the forward flank, and is credited with lifting his AGS school side, Camberwell Grammar to victory single handily a number of times last year.
Patrick Kerr
Height: 190cm, Weight: 85kg, DOB:
Recruited From: Oakleigh Chargers
Position: Key Forward
The Grandson of Carlton great Lawrie Kerr, Patrick is a developing key forward who showed in glimpses last year what he was capable of, kicking 12 goals in six games for the Chargers, including a haul of four against the Falcons and bags of three against the Rebels and Power. A strong mark, and a good lead-up type, Kerr marks the ball strongly inside 50, and has good leading patterns, moving into dangerous, high-percentage ranges. The spearhead will likely be Vic Metro’s No.1 target at this years National Championships.
Ezekiel Frank
Height: 192cm, Weight: 80kg, DOB: 7/4/1998
Recruited From: North Ballarat Rebels
Position: Key Forward
A player who defies logic, for a key forward – Ezekiel Frank moves as if he were a small midfielder; elusive, tricky, quick, and slippery. Best suited to a third-tall up forward, Frank relocated to St Patrick’s in Ballarat from the Northern Territory, and has developed rapidly since doing so. He’s still underdeveloped at this stage, and is more a long-term prospect, but he can do some special things with limited opportunities. He’s a clean, one-take player who’ll carve any defender up at ground level, and he offers plenty in the air with a good leap and strong hands.
Jy Simpkin
Height: 181cm, Weight: 73kgs, DOB 10/9/1998
Recruited from: Murray Bushrangers
Position: Small Forward
A pacey half forward with a bag of tricks, Jy Simpkin had a super impressive bottom-age year with the Bushies, but mostly impressed on the big stage for Vic Country at 2015’s National Champs. With deft touch, a knack for kicking multiple goals and setting plenty more up – Simpkin has an arsenal of weapons around goal that make him deadly, but his improvement will come in the way of making a move further up the ground in 2016.
Ben Ainsworth
Height: 177cm, Weight: 73kg, DOB: 10/2/1998
Recruited From: Gippsland Power
Position: Small Forward
A powerful unit for a player on the wrong side of 180cms, Ben Ainsworth is a super-competitive half forward, who can swoop on a loose ball and burry it between the big sticks in a matter of seconds. The sharp shooter kicks goals from all over the park, but it’s his ability to set up goals and create opportunities for others that makes him such a wanted player. Ainsworth’s ability to take strong marks overhead at full tilt is one of his most impressive assets. He runs hard and direct at the ball, and is a one touch player who is capable of turning games. He slips though tackles, and always finds another gear. He’s got AFL-ready qualities, and is a player every team could do with.
Hugh McCluggage
Height: 184cm, Weight: 70kg, DOB: 3/3/1998
Recruited From: North Ballarat Rebels
Position: Medium Forward/Midfielder
An exciting and explosive half forward who pushes high up onto the wings, and darts back just as quickly to continue the chain of possession, Hugh McCluggage got a late call-up in the AFL Academy off the back of an impressive finals series for the Rebels. Having started out as the 23rd man earlier in the year, a spate of continuous form meant McCluggage was one of the first-picked each week for North Ballarat, with the year topped off with an eye-catching performance for the Academy against the Allies on Grand Final day last year. Should become a full-time midfielder in his final junior year.
Jake Waterman
Height: 189cm, Weight: 84kg, DOB: 6/5/1998
Recruited From: Claremont Tigers
Position: Medium Forward/Midfielder
A really smart, strong forward with a fierce tackling mentality and an appetite to always be first to the ball, Jake Waterman is the second son of Dual West Coast Premiership player Chris, and younger brother to listed Eagle, Alec, however – Jake certainly looks the pick of the two brothers. With the ability to get up the ground and use his powerful frame at the contest, Waterman starred up forward for WA at last year’s National Championships, kicking the most goals for the Sandgroppers. Waterman’s standout trait is his marking game; he hits the ball at full speed, marks strongly overhead, and also loves to reach for the ball out in front. Whilst not a key position player, Waterman is an elite mark for his height, and demands the ball with his smart leading patterns. Waterman still needs to work on his conversion; he can really spray his shots for goal at times. It’ll be interesting to see whether he can find another gear in his game, and take a step towards playing through the midfield in his final junior year.
Callum Brown
Height: 172cm, Weight: 62kg, DOB: 27/4/1998
Recruited From: Eastern Ranges
Position: Small Forward/Midfielder
A famous name at Collingwood, Callum Brown is the son of former Premiership Magpie and captain, Gavin Brown. Callum however, is a different player to his dad. The small, bottom-age speedster started off as the 23rd man last year with a 10-tackle debut that ensured he'd earned a spot the following week. It wasn't long before Brown had cemented his spot in the Ranges starting 18, and a 17-disposal, three goal effort saw him named one of the Ranges' best in the TAC Cup preliminary final. Like his dad, he's hard at it, fiesty, and plays with his heart on his sleeve. A bit of a barometer type, whose always busy in the forward 50, and not a bad mark overhead for his size either.
Jesse Maxfield
Height: 179cm, Weight: 70kg, DOB: 28/8/1998
Recruited From: Sandringham Dragons
Position: Small Midfielder/Forward
As the son of former Sydney captain and 200-gamer, Stuart Maxfield, the Swans get first dibs on Jesse Maxfield - a creative, smart and bold forward, who has been trailed through the midfield and down back. Maxfield averaged a touch under 12 disposals in his bottom-age year for the Dragons from six games, which isn't a bad development season. He'll be looking to improve on that and have greater impact this year, but will miss a fair chunk of TAC Cup footy with School Football commitments.
Michael Romero
Height: 175cm, Weight: 70kg, DOB: 9/10/1998
Recruited From: Calder Cannons
Position: Small Forward
The son of Bulldogs great Jose, Michael Romero qualifies as a father/son this year, but still has a long way to go before being drafted. Whilst Romero has qualities like his father, the small forward is erratic, with a big gap separating his best and worst. Still developing as a footballer, Romero is quick, fleet-footed and can hit the scoreboard, but can overuse the ball and be a bit selfish at times. Romero showed glimpses of his prestige pedigree last year, averaging 12 disposals, while also showing some great defensive pressure at times for the Cannons. He'll need to lift his output this year, and would be hoping for a call up into the Vic Metro side.
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