Game Day 2022 AFL National Draft Thread (North's current picks - Sheezel, Wardlaw, #23, #63)

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2022 REPLAYS

Metro v Young Guns: Colgate Young Guns v Victoria Metro - Round 1
Country v Young Guns: Colgate Young Guns v Vic Country - Round 2
Fitzroy Cubs v Carlton VFL: AFL Diversity Talent Programs
Match Replay: NAB AFL Academy v Collingwood
Match Replay: 2022 SA v Allies: 2022 NAB AFL National Championships - U18

AFL DRAFT COMBINE RESULTS 2022

Vertical Jump

75cm – Darcy Jones (WA)
75cm – James Van Es (VIC C)
72cm – Jack O’Sullivan (VIC M)
70cm – Olli Hotton (VIC M)
70cm – Reuben Ginbey (WA)
70cm – Elijah Hewett (WA)
69cm – Jacob Konstanty (VIC C)
68cm – Blake Drury (VIC M)
68cm – Tyrell Dewar (WA)
68cm – Josh Weddle (VIC M)
68cm – Edward Allan (WA)

Running Vertical Jump

98cm – James Van Es (VIC C)
90cm – Josh Weddle (VIC M)
90cm – Will Verrall (SA)
89cm – Jack O’Sullivan (VIC M)
87cm – Darcy Jones (WA)
87cm – Mattaes Phillipou (SA)
84cm – Toby McMullin (VIC M)
83cm – Mitch Szybkowski (VIC C)
83cm – Reuben Ginbey (WA)
83cm – Anthony Munkara (ALLIES)
83cm – Lachlan Cowan (ALLIES)

Agility

7.072sec – Darcy Jones (WA)
8.182sec – Jaxon Binns (VIC C)
8.217sec – Elijah Hewett (WA)
8.247sec – Steely Green (WA)
8.255sec – Edward Allan (WA)
8.267sec – Luke Teal (VIC M)
8.285sec – Toby McMullin (VIC M)
8.292sec – Jacob Konstanty (VIC C)
8.325sec – Harry Rowston (ALLIES)
8.343sec – Noah Long (VIC C)

20m Sprint

2.814sec – Edward Allan (WA)
2.880sec – Toby McMullin (VIC M)
2.883sec – Coby Burgiel (VIC C)
2.910sec – James Van Es (VIC C)
2.912sec – Darcy Jones (WA)
2.924sec – Olli Hotton (VIC M)
2.928sec – Reuben Ginbey (WA)
2.929sec – Cooper Vickery (VIC C)
2.937sec – Josh Weddle (VIC M)
2.951sec – Lloyd Johnston (ALLIES)

2km Time Trial

5min 54sec – Ollie Hollands (VIC C)
5min 54sec – Jason Gillbee (ALLIES)
6min 00sec – Jaxon Binns (VIC C)
6min 03sec – Josh Weddle (VIC M)
6min 15sec – Reuben Ginbey (WA)
6min 16sec – Jakob Ryan (SA)
6min 17sec – Steely Green (WA)
6min 21sec – Will Dowling (SA)
6min 25sec – Blake Drury (VIC M)
6min 25sec – Seth Campbell (ALLIES)
6min 25sec – Mattaes Phillipou (SA)
Player Profiles and Updated Top 50 - Post Championships & Combine.

Comment -
Not much changed in the top 5,but a fair bit has changed beyond that. Also added in half a dozen more profiles which mostly feature at the end.

1. Will Ashcroft 06/05/04 - Sandringham Dragons - 183cm Midfielder - Professional and balanced midfielder who accumulates the footy at will. Consistency at all levels has been seriously impressive. Has nominated Brisbane to be a F/S selection. Will no doubt be taken inside the top 2 picks. Unfortunately didn't test at the combine.

2. George Wardlaw 18/07/04 - Oakleigh Chargers - 182cm Midfielder - Tough, fast and explosive inside midfielder. Has the ability to take first possession and explode from the contest making him very damaging. Had a tough run over the past 3 months with re-occurring hamstring injuries. Has excellent defensive intent and pressure. Didn't test at the combine as a precaution.

3. Harry Sheezel 13/10/04 - Sandringham Dragons - 183cm Forward/Mid - Classy half forward/mid who can find space in a phone booth. Sums up situations quickly and can hit the hardest of kicks. Duel sided, smart, and excellent over head. Composure and overhead marking a real feature in his game. Question marks on his speed and ability to transition to the midfield at AFL level, but I think he has the footy IQ to overcome those deficiencies.

4. Aaron Cadman 03/03/04 – GWV Rebels – 194cm Forward - High work rate and elite leading CHF. Works up and down the ground and get involved in possession chains. Has dynamic movement for a big man and is a decent grab, particularly on the lead. Needs to improve his set shot goal kicking. Cadman is no doubt the premier key forward in this years draft class, but I still have concerns about his height and game style and whether that will translate to being a 50+ goal key forward at AFL level.

5. Elijah Tsatas 18/10/04 - Oakleigh Chargers - 184cm Midfielder - Powerful running midfielder who can play inside and outside. He is a true line breaker, with a combination of long running gait and long kicking. High footy IQ with positioning around the ground allowing him to always stay involved. Kicking can sometimes be a little bit hit and miss. Missed a big portion of the year due to a foot fracture.

6. Oliver Hollands 16/01/04Murray Bushrangers – 182cm Midfielder/Defender - Versatile midfielder who can play inside/outside, wing or across half back. Has an elite tank, and is arguable one of the best disposer in the draft. A long kick who can also provide some run and carry. Won the 2km time trial at the combine to highlight his elite running capacity. Have him ranked far higher than others mainly due to his kicking.

7. Bailey Humphrey 11/09/04 – Gippsland Power – 184cm Forward - A tough and a powerful athlete who loves the physical side of the game. A real game breaker with his overhead contested marking, goal kicking, physicality and ability to step up in pressure situations. Large scope of development due to his power and general footy IQ.

8. Mattaes Phillipou 27/12/04 – Woodville-West Torrens – 192cm Midfielder/Forward - Powerful left footer who can break the game open either in the midfield or across half forward. Strong overhead and has goal kicking ability when playing forward. Huge amount of upside, but no obvious best position at AFL level at this stage.

9. Jedd Busslinger 11/03/04 - East Perth - 195cm – Defender - Elite intercept defender who is good overhead but also has an excellent kick for a big man. Isn't afraid to take the game on, but also can lock down on the big tall forwards. Equally at home to playing that third tall interceptor role. Has a slight frame at this stage so will take some time to mature before playing AFL footy. While I think he is an elite intercept defender I do have concerns as to whether he will be big enough (physically) to play as a genuine KP at AFL level.

10. Cam Mackenzie 21/01/04 – Sandringham Dragons – 187cm Forward/Mid - Rarely plays a bad game and has benefitted from playing alongside Ashcroft. Can win the footy at the coal face but can also provide some run on the outside. Is crafty around goal when resting forward.

11. Jhye Clark 23/07/04 - Geelong Falcons - 180cm Midfielder - Consummate professional who rarely has a bad game. Fantastic balance between inside and outside game. Balanced, clean and always stays involved. Lacks an athletic point of difference to those rated above him, but in my opinion he is a sure bet to be a 200 gamer. Slips down the rankings due to a poor combine.

12. Elijah Hewett 27/05/04 - Swan Districts – 27/05/04 - 186cm Midfielder - Powerful, tough and physical goal kicking midfielder. Has a good turn of speed and is explosive off his first 3-4 steps allowing him to get separation from the contest.

13. Reuben Ginbey 10/10/04 – East Perth - 189cm Midfielder/Defender - A shift from half back to inside mid seen him thrive at the championships. Has a mature body, and is at home in the contest. Ball use by hand is really solid, but decision making and execution by foot is a big area of his game that needs to improve. Showed a lot of form in the WAFL playing as an intercept half back with his marking a real feature. Tested really well at the draft combine.

14. Lachlan Cowan 01/12/04 - Tasmania Devils - 187cm Defender - Arguably the best half back in the draft, Cowan provides a tonne of drive with his ability to intercept and kick long. Provides good run and carry but also has good balance between his offensive and defensive game. Sees the game well and has a damaging footskills that make him a serious weapon across half back. Rarely has a bad game.

15. Lewis Hayes 17/12/04 – Eastern Ranges – 195cm Key Defender - Rangy intercepting key defender who I rate a lot higher than most. Has all the attributes you could want in a defender; closing speed, long limbs, positioning and ability to intercept. Can accumulate the footy as well if allowed to play a loose role. Impressive decision making and has the foot skills to be damaging when exiting D50. Will take some time to mature physically.

16. Isaac Keeler 23/04/04 - North Adelaide - 197cm Ruck/Forward - Freakishly gifted tall forward, who has impressive movement below his knees and goal kicking ability. A special athlete, who has a good leap and speed. Bucket loads of potential but still very raw.

17. Oli Hotton 06/09/04 – Sandringham Dragons – 181cm Midfielder - Skillful midfielder who is at home both on the inside and out on a wing. Works hard both ways and is an attacking threat inside forward 50. Has a touch of class and his decision making is excellent.

18. Matthew Jefferson 08/03/04 – Oakleigh Chargers – 194cm Forward - Strong marking athletic key forward who kicked 7 goals against WA in the champs. Is slight, and will take some time. Doesn't seem to accumulate much footy around the ground at this stage and does his best work closer to goal.

19. Alwyn Davey Jr 26/02/04 – Oakleigh Chargers – 180cm Forward - Slick & quick is the best way to describe Davey. Slices through traffic with speed and agility. Has beautiful finishing skills and loves getting forward of centre to impact the scoreboard. F/S to Essendon.

20. Henry Hustwaite 20/07/04 – Dandenong Stingrays – 193cm Midfielder/Defender - Tall mid/key defender who has been consistent in the NAB League. Equally at home across half back or as an inside mid, he shows composure where ever he plays. When playing midfield he is a clearance machine who takes first posession and always manages to get his hands free. Across half back he sets up play with his good decision making and skill. Hard to see where his best position is at AFL level, too small to be a key back, and probably doesn't have much point of difference to be a mid. I think he ends up being a 3rd tall defender who can setup behind the play.

22. Billy Dowling 01/07/04 – North Adelaide – 187cm Midfielder - Putting up stupid numbers in the SANFL U 18's, averaging nearly 32 disposals and 1.5 goals per game. Also had a consistent champs where he was arguably SA's most consistent mid. Hard worker who impacts the contest with physicality. Has a mature body and isn't afraid to put it on the line. Works hard both ways and is often seen in D50 while playing in the midfield. His ability to accumulate is up there with the best in the draft and I feel he is underrated because he lacks a point of difference athletically. His ability to find the footy highlights his high footy IQ.

22. Charlie Clark 04/01/04 – Sandringham Dragons – 182cm Forward - Had him ranked far lower in previous rankings, but after watching a few of his previous games he has surged up my rankings. He is crafty, has a mean streak and has an appetite for the goals. Has an impressive side step and loves to carry the ball with aggression. He is the type of player that doesn't need a lot of the footy to generate scoring opportunities. Has kicked 23.15 in 12 games this year including a bag of 7.

23. Mitch Szybkowski 09/01/04 – Dandenong Stingrays – 186cm Midfielder - Big bodied inside mid who thrives at the coal face. He is strong, and uses his big frame to advantage when extracting the footy. Displays excellent hands and vision to release players on the outside. Most have him inside the top 15 but he is a little bit one paced and doesn't have much versatility, which is why I rank him lower than others.

24. Jaspa Fletcher 24/02/04 – Brisbane Academy – 184cm Midfielder - Hard running winger who has shown he can also play inside. Has a bit of pace that he likes to use to break the lines. Has good skills and already has a good tank. Brisbane will do all they can to ensure he is a F/S.

25. Harry Barnett 22/01/04 – West Adelaide – 202cm Ruck - Best tap ruckman in the draft. Not to dissimilar to our very own Todd Goldstein, with his ruck craft and follow up work. Good below his knees and a good kick for a big man. Decent mark, and already covers the ground well.

26. Jed Hagan 15/10/04 – East Fremantle – 175cm Midfielder/Defender - Tenacious, physical and well rounded footballer. Arguably one of my favourite players in the draft, simple because he always shows up to play. Despite his height, he can play as an inside mid, winger, lock down defender or as a small forward. Has recently kicked multiple goals in the seniors for East Freo in the WAFL. Has very neat skills, a bit of toe and absolutely thrives in the contest. I think whoever picks him up will get a gem.

27. Harry Lemmey 30/01/04 - West Adelaide - 199cm Forward - Was a sure bet to be a top 5 pick after his impressive under age year. Hasn't quite come in as well as many expected this year. At his best, he is a strong contested mark and smart footballer who has really good skills for a guy his size. His inconsistency and failure to really dominant any games this year is concerning.

28. Tom Scully 02/11/04 – West Adelaide – 204cm Forward - Tall forward who burst on to the scene earlier this year with bag after bag of goals in the SANFL under 18's. Tall, long and mobile for a guy his size, Scully has good lead up play and positioning. He has good agility and ground level game for a kid his size. Form has dropped away a bit over the last couple of months and he failed to have an impact in his one champs game.

29. Darcy Jones 03/04/04 Swan Districts – 173cm Wing - Small, zippy midfielder who has a number of attributes well suited to AFL. Quick, agile, evasive and courageous. Jones loves taking the game on using his speed and creativity. Has neat skills and composure in space. Had an excellent draft combine by breaking the agility record.

30. Brayden George 13/01/04 – Murray Bushrangers – 185cm Forward - Medium powerful forward who has a real dynamic presence when inside 50. The type of player who just makes things happen either at ground level or in the air. One of the better contested marks in this years draft class. Recently done his ACL, which is why he has fallen down my draft rankings. In all reality, due to his talent he will most likely go far earlier than this pick.

31. Jacob Konstanty 09/11/04 - Gippsland Power - 176cm Forward - Clever goal sneak who has a real evasiveness in his game. Is arguably the most consistent small forward in this years draft class, he plays the game with a real physical edge. Run down tackles and defensive intent are a real feature of his game. Can push up into the midfield and get involved too. Has a good centre of balance, and rarely goes to ground in the contest. In order to be a real premium small he just needs to sharpen up his goal kicking and skill level around the ground.

32. Adam D'Aloia 09/04/04 - Woodville-West Torrens - 184cm Midfielder - SA skipper, who is a grunt midfielder who loves the physical stuff. High footy IQ who runs to the right areas to be damaging. Loves a goal, but is also very accountable. One of the best tacklers and two way runners in this draft pool.

33. Jakob Ryan 20/09/2004 – Glenelg – 188cm Defender - Athletic defender who sees the game well. Long kicking half back who likes to take the game on, he has a nice leap and solid contested mark. Can play up the ground on a wing or even across half forward.

34. Jaxon Binns 29/10/04 - Dandenong Stingrays - 182cm Wing - Hard running wingman who has the ability to accumulate the footy at will. Doesn't have much of an inside game, but uses his elite tank to find space and break the game open. Despite his ability to find the football, his disposal is sometimes questionable. Due to his athleticism and ability to play as an outside runner, there is still plenty of scope for development. Tested really well at the draft combine for most athletic traits, which is why he has moved up my draft order.

35. Max Gruzewski 21/07/2004 - Oakleigh Chargers - 193cm Forward/Defender - Athletic key position player who is happy playing at either end of the ground. Has strong hands and good lateral movement for his size. Some draft watchers believe he is now shaping as a top 30 pick, while I like him as a prospect I'm still unsure as to his best position at AFL level.

36. Anthony Munkara 3/10/04 - West Adelaide – 190cm – Forward - Mercurial and freakishly talented, Munkara has an eye for goals and has the ability to win games off his own boot. Has beautiful vision in traffic and the skills to match. Was touted as potential top 10 pick at the start of the year but has only played one championship game and a couple of games at SANFL. Unsure if he is injured or simply not playing footy. On talent alone he deserves to be placed much higher.

37. Sam Gilbey 14/05/04 - Claremont - 185cm Defender - Another classy half back, who has strong rebounding ability. Reads the play well and uses his elite vision and kicking to setup across half back. Reads the play well and is solid in the air. He has slipped down my rankings due to a broken leg a few weeks ago.

38. James Van Es 07/08/04 – GWV Rebels – 196cm Defender - Dour and tough key defender who locks down on the oppositions best key forwards. Has decent closing speed and is an aerial threat with his intercept marking. The type of footballer you can just rely on to do the basics right all of the time. Surprised a fair few at the combine with the way he tested.

39. Kobe Ryan 17/02/04 – West Adelaide – 183cm Midfielder - Quick midfielder who is at home either inside or outside the contest. Has a long kick and clean hands inside the contest. Works hard both ways, but also likes to impact the scoreboard. Has played some league footy at SANFL level which highlights his potential, average 30+ disposals per game at under 18's level.

40. Josh Weddle 25/05/04 – Oakleigh Chargers – 191cm Defender - Intercepting defender who often made to play as genuine key position player. Has strong hands and is excellent one v one. He provides good skill off half back but also has a bit of run in his game. Has excellent closing speed. He is now a couple of cm's taller, but still not quite tall enough to be a genuine key defender, which is why I have him lower than most.

41. Cooper Harvey 12/07/04 – Northern Knights – 180cm Midfielder - Nuggety and tough midfielder who has come back two consecutive fractured arms to play a big role in the Knights resurgence. Has a real defensive edge in his game which results in him providing multiple efforts in the contest. His tank and foot skills need some work, but there is plenty to work with. F/S to North this year, it is a bit of an unknown as to where a bid will come.

42. Jonti Schuback 18/03/04 - Gippsland Power - 183cm Wing - Dashing half back/wingman who isn't afraid to take the game on. Has a bit of toe and good evasiveness. One of my favourites from this years draft, has he has good footy IQ and rarely plays a bad game. Has good balance between his offensive and defensive game.

43. Coby Burgiel 09/09/04 - Gippsland Power - 183cm Midfielder - Hard running, consistent midfielder who can play on every line. Has really neat skills and is very capable around goals. At home either inside or outside the contest. Has an excellent agility which allows him to find space in and around the contest.

44. Callum Verrell 22/04/04 – Eastern Rangers – 187cm Defender - Reliable defender who rarely gets beaten. Verrell has good balance between his offensive and defensive game. Can lock down on opponents, but also provide some run and carry. His composure and balance in the contest really stands out. Is capable of going with both talls and smalls.

45. Nick Sadler 08/01/04 – Sturt – 180cm Midfielder/Defender - Capable of playing on every line, Sadler is a reliable footballer who does all the team things. Tackling and defensive effort are features of his game. Has very neat skills and decision making and is capable both inside and outside the contest. Biggest question mark is to what role best suits him at AFL level.

46. Max Michalanney 26/02/04 – Norwood – 191cm Defender - Half back who can play a variety of roles and is suited to playing on both talls and smalls. Offers some rebound but can also lock down on his direct opposition. F/S to Adelaide.

47. Luke Teal 20/05/04 – Oakleigh Chargers – 188cm Wing - Attacking half back/wing who can win the footy in the air and on the ground. He is smart, balanced and composed. Was looking as a likely top 25 pick before the start of the season but has played less than 10 games due to a number of niggly injuries.

48. Blake Drury 11/01/04 – Oakleigh Chargers – 177cm Wing - Zippy half forward/mid who loves kicking a goal. Drury has leadership qualities, effort and competitiveness in spades. Works up and down the ground and can get involved in the inside and on the outside as a link up player. Probably ends up being a half forward at AFL level, but there are concerns as to whether he has enough tools to overcome his stature.

49. Lloyd Johnston 10/08/04 – NT Thunder - 184cm Defender - Dashing and evasive half back who loves the take the game on either by foot or by using his speed. Has excellent intercept marking for his size due to his athleticism and leap.

50. Jaiden Magor 16/02/04 - South Adelaide - 185cm Forward/midfielder - Talented midfielder forward who has some serious assets. Has natural forward craft, and can kick goals from anywhere. Is both an aerial threat and a threat at ground level. Very capable in the midfield as well where he uses his ball use and evasiveness to good affect.


Next 10 in no particular order:

Jason Gillbee
15/04/04 – Bendigo Pioneers – 190cm Midfielder - Tall, lean and hard running midfielder who can also play as a running half back. Likes to take the game on with his run. Has no worries finding the footy, but his disposal often lets him down.

Kane Bevan 25/4/2004 - West Perth - 192cm Midfielder - Big bodied, strong inside mid who can get forward and provide a marking target. Bevan is a clearance/contested machine who uses his clean hands around the contest. Loves the physical side of the game, but lacks in the outside game department.

Noah Long 23/08/04 – Bendigo Pioneers – 178cm Forward/Midfielder - Creative small mid/forward who uses his zip in and around the contest to create separation. Played more forward in the championships and had an impact on the scoreboard. Has natural goal sense and the skills/creativity to finish. Has had an injury interrupted year.

Harry Rowston 12/08/04 – GWS Academy – 181cm Midfielder - The Allies MVP, a hard two way midfielder who thrives in the contest. Covers the ground well and uses the ball well particularly by hands. He is really good overhead and isn't afraid to go back with the flight of the ball when pushing back into defence. Lacks a little of a point of difference which is why he is down my order. GWS will no doubt match a bid for him which could come as early as the top 30.

Tom McCallum 15/05/2004 - Tasmania Devils - 192cm Defender - Undersized key defender who uses his body and positioning to beat bigger opponents. Is slight, but has good core strength that allows him to compete. Has some speed that allows him to break the lines. He is let down by an awkward kicking style that sometimes results in poor kicks particularly when he is on the move. His intercept game is really impressive which will translate well to AFL level. However, he will take some time to get a mature body.

Finn Emile-Brennan 07/05/04 – Dandenong Stingrays – 181cm Defender - Skinny, slight but classy half back who has composure and a nice turn of foot. Uses his speed and agility to break the lines, and despite his smaller stature he is a long, powerful kick of the football. Linked to the Demons academy, but I wouldn't imagine he will receive a bid inside the top 40. Looks a long term prospect and will take time considering his weight.

Hugh Bond 25/09/04 – GWV Rebels – 184cm Midfielder - Physical and tough inside mid that likes to heap the pressure on his opponents when they don't have the footy. Tackling and defensive intent, along with his inside work are real features of his game. Has an elite tank which allows him to get from contest to contest. His hands in close are excellent, but can sometimes seem rushed when using the ball by foot. Lacks a bit of composure and can sometimes be slow to dispose of the ball.

Rye Penny 03/01/04 – Calder Cannons – 185cm Defender - Elite athlete who has a good leap, some speed and agility. Suited to playing across half back or on a wing where he can put his running capacity and speed to good use. Can break the lines with run and carry but is equally at home flying for marks and intercepting. His decision making particularly when under pressure is what lets him down, but there are plenty of athletic traits to work with.

Edward Allen 26/05/2004 - Claremont - 194cm Midfielder - Rangy outside midfielder who has come onto the scene late in the piece, after avg close to 25 disposals per game late in the season at WAFL colts level. Despite testing incredibly well for both speed and agility, he is one of those players that doesn't seem to use it during the game. Clubs would see a huge scope for potential considering his athleticism and height.

Harvey Gallagher 26/09/2003 - Bendigo Pioneers - 179cm Defender - Overage defender, who was incredible consistent this year for the pioneers. Provides run and carry off half back, but is equally at home defending one on one.

Late Draft or Rookie List Options:

Paul Pascu
20/08/2004 - Calder Cannons - 183cm Midfielder - Balanced midfielder who can also play across half back. Has a beautiful kicking action and can kick well on both sides of his body. Is equally at home inside or outside the contest. Attacks the contest with vigour, but has finishing skills outside the contest as well. Has had an injury interrupted which has impacted his consistency and draft standing. Earlier this year he was considered a top 30 prospect. Players like him don't lose their talent so it wouldn't surprise me if he was taken in the top 40.

Toby McMullin 06/0/2004 - Sandringham Dragons - 182cm Forward/Mid - Solid midfielder/forward who has some AFL capable qualities. Tested well for the 20m sprint with a 2.88, but also has good game sense and finishing. Some clubs may see some potential in him, despite only avergaing 11 disposals per game at NAB league level.

Jack O'Sullivan 22/10/2004 - Oakleigh Chargers - 177cm Midfielder - Physical small midfielder who has good balance between his inside and outside game. Has excellent vision and kicking to match often opening up the play with neat kicking. Has had some injury concerns this year. Question marks has to whether he has enough tools to overcome his height at AFL level.

Shadeau Brain 13/02/2004 - Brisbane Academy - 185cm Forward - Physical half forward who has some impressive athletic tools. Has a defensive edge to his game, often applying high amounts of pressure inside forward 50. Not only is he defensive, but he has some flair with his speed, leap and agility. Needs to work on his production and finishing skill, but does have some AFL qualities.

Darcy Edmends 28/04/2004 - Northern Knights - 183cm Midfielder - Classy ball user who doesn't need a heap of possessions to have an impact. Makes good decisions with ball in hand, and is particularly damaging when kicking inside forward 50. Avg'd 18.6 disposals and close 7 marks per game at NAB league level which highlights his work rate.

Oscar Murdoch 24/09/2004 - Geelong Falcons - 190cm Defender - No fuss defender who toils away doing his job. Only avg'd 11 disposals across 11 games for the Falcons, but will come under consideration to be drafted after he featured in the final championship game where he was one of VC's best players. Provided excellent intercepting marking and disposal while playing on the dangerous Harry Sheezel.

Archie Lovelock 19/12/2001 - Glenelg - 178cm Midfielder - Classy midfielder who seems to be somewhat underrated. Has played good footy at every level he has played at this year. Featured in the bests for SA for 2 out of his 3 games. Was also best afield in the SANFL u 18's grand final where he outshone much more fancied draftees in Will Dowling and Jakob Ryan. Avg'd 26.3 disposals per game in under 18's as well as 6 tackles and 3 clearances. Is a strong runner with good defensive application.

Angus Anderson 31/12/2003 - Sydney Academy - 189cm Midfielder - Overage midfielder from Northern NSW. Anderson had 2 covid impacted years during his development as a 17 and 18 year old. Tough inside mid, who thrives at the coal face. Wins the ball and distributes well by hand. Has a good tank so gets from contest to contest well. Has a mature body which he loves to throw around. Has played AFL most of his life, but has played some rubgy as well which results in him having an exceptional tackling technique. Biggest knock on him is that he struggles to have an impact when not playing as a clearance midfielder.

Seth Campbell 29/12/04 – Tasmania Devils – 182cm Forward - Zippy half forward/wing who loves getting on the scoreboard. Pushes up the ground to provide an option through the midfield, and then works back hard into inside 50. Plays with real flair and creativity. This is matched with good vision and a skillset that allows him to hit some lower % kicks. Defensive intent is solid too. Still very raw but plenty to work with.

Oliver Northam 28/07/2004 - Geelong Falcons - 195cm Forward/Ruck - Athletic player who has been playing as a genuine ruckman for the Falcons. Has a solid leap that allows him to ruck against opposition far taller than him. Has good follow up work and is solid below his knees. Can go forward and kick a goal. Will be more suited to playing as a key forward at AFL level. Still very raw.

Jack Cleaver 22/05/04 – East Fremantle – 188cm Defender - Tough and courageous half back who can also push into the midfield. Has good balance between his defensive and offensive work. Can lock down on an opponent, but can also provide some run and carry when playing a more loose role. Kicking can be a little bit hit and miss. Has played a couple of senior games in the WAFL.

Noah Bradshaw 01/01/2003 - Murray Bushrangers - 183cm Midfielder - Son of Brisbane champion Daniel Bradshaw, he is a uncompromising and tough overage inside midfielder who thrives in the contest. Likes to release teammates by hand but also works well around the ground to provide an option. Has good defensive application, averaging nearly 6 tackles per game. Lacks a bit of speed, but makes up for it with Footy IQ. Potential F/S to Brisbane.

Jackson Broadbent 2/12/2004 - Peel - 201cm Ruck - Excellent tap ruckman who provides some follow up at ground level. Was rated as an early first round choice prior to this year but he hasn't had much of a consistent impact at WAFL level or in the championships. He covers the ground well and has neat skills for a ruckman, but he isn't much of a threat aerially at this stage.

Phoenix Foster 12/9/2004 - Norwood - 196cm Forward - Key Forward who has kicked 26 goals from 11 games in the SANFL under 18's. He is an aerial threat with strong contested marking and a good leap. He attacks the footy with vigour and can provide an option up the ground. Also can pinch hit in the ruck. Plenty to work with if taken later in the draft or as a rookie.

Nick Madden 17/5/2004 - GWS Academy - 204cm Ruck - Monster lumbering ruckman in the Braydon Pruess mould. Physical type who isn't afraid to throw his weight around. Because of his huge frame he has solid contested marking and can be a threat up forward. Endurance and overall athleticism is below average which means he is a rookie at best. In the GWS academy.

Will Verrall 11/03/2004 – South Adelaide – 200cm Ruck - Mobile ruckman who works hard once the footy hits the deck. Wins clearances and finds the footy around the ground. Has good skills for a ruck and can be a threat in the forward line. Biggest question mark is is he tall enough to be a genuine ruck at AFL level?

Max Knobel 27/06/2004 - Gippsland Power - 204cm Ruck - Son of Trent Knobel. Raw, but has plenty of upside. Looks to have a good tank and has a nice deft touch when palming the ball. Has improved out of sight in the last two months, getting more involved around the ground and with clearances. Will be a slow burn as it will take him a fair while to fill out.

Tyrell Dewar 27/03/2004 - Subiaco - 185cm Forward - General forward who is a threat both aerially and at ground level. Has excellent lateral movement which allows him to get separation. When in range he has excellent goal sense. Lacks a bit of consistency and is still quite raw.

Taj Campbell-Farrell 29/06/04 – Dandenong Stingrays – 185cm Midfielder - Morrish Medal winner, who is the epitome of consistency. Tough inside mid, who uses his physicality on the inside to win the footy, Has clean hands around the contest, and he knows his limits with his kicking. At this stage he lacks a bit of versatility in his game and there are questions marks as to how much upside he has.

Cooper Vickery 16/12/04 - Gippsland Power - 180cm Defender - Neat small defender who does all the team things, while also providing some run and carry. His skills combined with his good decision making means he is always makes the most of is possessions. Lacks a little bit of a point of difference compared to other defenders in the draft pool.

Ted Clohesy 09/06/04 – Geelong Falcons – 184cm Midfielder - Prolific inside mid who does his best work at the coal face. Avg 24 disposals and 7 tackles per game for the Falcons this year, which highlights the balance between his ball winning and defensive application. Releases the ball well by hands, but is also a good option when kicking the ball inside 50. Has a neat short field (30m) particularly to leading targets. At this stage lacks some versatility in his game.

Steely Green 09/01/2004 - East Fremantle - 178cm Midfielder/Defender - No fuss footballer who does all the basics right. A real footballer's footballer who can play a variety of roles inside and outside the contest or in the back pocket. he has defensive intent, neat skills and composure with ball in hand. Has played WAFL seniors this year in a strong side, which highlights his footy IQ and ability to step up to any level.

Kelsey Rypstra 02/05/2004 - North Adelaide -172cm Forward - Zippy small forward who has a real energy about his game. Provides excellent pressure and defensive intent, but is also crafty around goals. He is tough, and has a low centre of gravity which makes him hard to tackle. Played more midfield at U 18's level but will be suited to a small forward role at AFL level. Unfortunately done his ACL just after mid year, which may impact his draft chances.

Jovan Petric 17/4/2004 - Western Jets - 196cm forward - Athletic key forward who works hard around the ground. Has good speed off the mark which allows him to get separation on his opponents. Decent at ground level and can also rotate through the ruck. Was consistent at Nab League level but didn't have much of an impact at championship level.

Will Splann 25/10/2003 - Tasmania Devils - 195cm Forward - Overage key forward who has a mature body. Very much a lead, mark and kick Full Forward. Doesn't offer a heap around the ground, but does the basics well. Leading patterns and multiple efforts repeat leads highlight his forward craft. Lacks a bit at ground level and overall athleticism which is why he is a rookie option.

Casey Voss 14/9/2000 - Sturt - 182cm Defender - Mature age intercepting half back who's game has gone from strength to strength over the last 2 years. He was looked at as a mature age option for the MSD but was overlooked. His pure weight of numbers in the SANFL is hard to ignore. Averaging 24 disposals, 9 marks, 6 rebound 50's. Voss is strong in the air, composed and very neat by foot. His overall athleticism is probably the only thing holding him back.

Mutaz El Nour 14/8/2001 - Northern Bullants - 192cm Defender - Athletic defender who has impressive skills, overhead marking and closing speed. After a solid first half of the year, El Nour was unlucky not to be drafted in the MSD. Unfortunately didn't play much in the 2nd half of this year due to a number of niggling injuries. In a draft that is lacking a bit of depth after the top 40. Development players like El Nour who have high potential may appeal in the rookie draft.

Ethan Phillips 17/7/1999 - Port Melbourne - 196cm Defender - The premier key defender in the VFL won the Fothergill medal for most talented player under 24 years old. Phillips has strong hands, and has elite positioning that allows him to cut off attacks. He has excellent one on one but lacks a little bit of top end speed which means he can be exposed on the lead against quicker opponents. With a lack of key position players in this draft he will appeal as a ready made option.

Another extended write up for a lesser known prospect who I really like:

Jaiden Magor 16/02/04 - South Adelaide - 185cm Forward/midfielder - Talented midfielder forward who has some serious AFL qualities. Prior to this year it was looking as though he could be a first round prospect, but he probably didn't come on as much as expected, especially as a genuine mid. He also didn't have as much impact as he would've been hoping for at the championships. Nonetheless, he still has stacks of natural potential. He has natural forward craft, and can kick goals from anywhere. It doesn't matter if they are snaps, on the run or from a set shot. Magor, is also both an aerial threat and a threat at ground level. Outside of Sheezel, he is probably the cleanest and most balanced ground level player in this draft. He has also shown that he is very capable in the midfield as well where he uses his ball use and evasiveness to good affect. For a 185cm player, his marking is impressive. The reason why his marking is so impressive is his ability to time the ball while also protecting the ball drop. He has natural footy IQ and goal sense but also has defensive tenacity, with solid tackling and pressure. He has performed consistently in the SANFL under 18's over the past two years and represented SA at both under 17 and under 18 level.

At championship level he played 2 of 4 games. He got squeezed out of the midfield due to the likes of Ryan, D'Aloia and Dowling dominating the centre square. Played mainly across half forward and showed small flashes of brilliance and vision. Featured in the bests against the Allies where he had 20+ disposals and kicked 2 goals.

At SANFL U18's level he played 10 games, avg'd 22.4 disposals, 6 marks and 3 tackles, 4 clearances and 2.3 goals per game. He only went goalless once, splitting his time between deep forward and the midfield. His best game came in round 8 against Glenelg where he was a level above the opposition. He stuffed the stat sheet with 41 disposals, 9 marks, kicked 2.1 and 4 tackles. Also kicked a bag of 6 and another bag of 5 in the last two games on the season. Was surprising he didn't get a chance in the reserves or seniors considering his consistent form.

 
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Now looking forward to the 2022 draft.


For Father-son prospects, we will have Cooper Harvey, Darby Scott will be eligible again. Thomas Longmire hasn't made the grade this year. There is also another Longmire but he isn't eligible. Jed Longmire is the nephew of Horse.

NGA prospects to be added.


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Eye on the future: 10 draft prospects to watch in 2022
Draft guru Callum Twomey looks ahead to the best prospects in
By Callum Twomey -

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Will Ashcroft celebrates a goal during the U17 Championships match between Vic Country and Vic Metro at GMHBA Stadium on June 26, 2021. Picture: AFL Photos
ON TO the next one we go. The 2021 NAB AFL Draft has just been run so the focus quickly moves to the upcoming pool in 2022.
As AFL.com.au does in the days following the draft every year, we look ahead and forecast 10 names who will be draft prospects to track in the next season.
This year is a little more difficult, with players next year to enter their draft season as the most under-viewed draft class in decades after having their under-16 championships in 2020 cancelled and their 2021 under-17s carnival also cut short before its finish by COVID-19.
Nevertheless here are a group of talents (in alphabetical order) who will be on the radar next season.

Will Ashcroft
183cm/74kg
Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
6/5/04
Midfielder

Ashcroft showed why many think he is a possible top pick at next year's draft with a standout game for Vic Metro against Vic Country in its opening under-17s match in June. The talented midfielder collected 33 disposals, 12 clearances and booted two terrific goals to show his dynamic nature around the ball. The son of Brisbane triple premiership player Marcus, Ashcroft will be eligible to join the Lions as a father-son in 2022.
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Father-son prospect Will Ashcroft and (inset) Marcus in action for Brisbane in 1998. Pictures: brightongrammar.vic.edu.au | AFL Photos

Jhye Clark
180cm/76kg
Geelong Falcons/Vic Country
23/7/04
Midfielder

Clark looks set to follow in a long line of Falcons midfield ball-winners, with the physical prospect able to get his hands dirty and feed the ball out of the midfield. He was named Vic Country's best player at the under-17s championships, he's good in the air for a player his size and he's comfortable with the body contact that comes with playing in and around the ball.
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Jhye Clark in action for the Falcons in a NAB League match against Bendigo on August 15, 2021. Picture: AFL Photos

Lewis Hayes
195cm
Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro
17/12/04
Key defender

A tall defender worth tracking through next year after showing promising signs as an under-17s prospect with Vic Metro. Hayes, whose older brother Sam is a developing ruckman at Port Adelaide, is a good overhead mark and distributes the ball well out of defence when it's in his hands.
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Lewis Hayes breaks clear during the Metro-Country clash in the U17 Championships on June 26, 2021. Picture: AFL Photos

Elijah Hewett
182cm/82kg
Swan Districts/Western Australia
27/5/04
Midfielder

An eye-catching bottom-age season finished with Hewett playing a key role in Swan Districts' Grand Final win in the WAFL colts competition. Hewett, a powerful midfielder, collected 22 disposals in the premiership decider, seeing him finish the season averaging 22 disposals from eight games at the level.
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Swan Districts' Elijah Hewett in action during the 2021 WAFL colts Grand Final. Picture: WAFL

Oliver Hollands
182cm/70kg
Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country
16/1/04
Midfielder

The younger brother of Gold Coast's Elijah Hollands, who was pick No.7 at last year's draft and is an exciting forward/midfield talent. The younger Holllands is more of a pure midfielder, with the Murray Bushrangers prospect picking up 22 disposals in the clash against Vic Metro as Country's best player mid-year. Hollands got a taste of things for the Bushrangers this season, averaging 17 disposals in three games, and looks a top-10 contender next season.







Harry Lemmey

199cm/93kg
West Adelaide/Vic Metro
30/1/04
Key forward



It was an exciting season for the talented tall forward in 2021, with Lemmey's performances in West Adelaide's under-18s side seeing him elevated to their League team, where he played two senior games. At under-18s level, he booted 17 goals from seven games, including kicking three goals in each of their finals games (including a 20-disposal and 12-mark display in the preliminary final). Looks a standout key forward option.



Harry Sheezel

183cm/73kg
Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
13/10/04
Forward



Sheezel caught the eye for Vic Metro when he kicked three goals in the under-17s carnival clash against Vic Country. The crafty medium forward has a few aspects to his game inside-50 and is dangerous when the ball is up for grabs around goal, where his smarts and finishing skills come to the fore.

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Harry Sheezel kicks for goal during the Country-Metro clash at the U17 Championships on June 26, 2021. Picture: AFL Photos


Luke Teal

184cm
Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro
20/5/04
Defender/midfielder



A smart and attacking player who creates and takes the game on when positioned at half-back. Teal had some exciting moments through the under-17s trials and carnival for Vic Metro and has also displayed some of his qualities with midfield opportunities. He can mark well above his head and is adept at being an intercepting defender for his side.

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Luke Teal looks to get a handball away during the Metro-Country clash at the U17 Championships on June 26, 2021. Picture: AFL Photos


Elijah Tsatas

184cm/73kg
Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro
18/10/04
Midfielder



A very exciting midfield talent who has some jets. Tsatas has shown his speed and line-breaking ability on the wing and through midfield roles, and also played for the Chargers this season as a bottom-ager. He can provide link up play and is able to whiz through stoppages and come out the other side with the ball in his hands. Plenty of clubs are viewing him as a No.1 contender a year out from his draft.

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Elijah Tsatas grabs a loose ball during the Metro-Country clash at the U17 Championships match on June 26, 2021. Picture: AFL Photos

George Wardlaw

181cm/72kg
Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro
18/6/04
Midfielder



A midfielder with a tough, competitive edge, Wardlaw was among Vic Metro's best players in its clash with Vic Country at GMHBA Stadium when he kicked up 22 disposals. Wardlaw is a tough player at the stoppages and smart with the ball in his hands, and later in the NAB League season was given some opportunities with the Chargers to feature as a bottom-ager.
 
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PMBangers Top 22

'Early disclaimer, this is just my top 22 for next years crop early on, so some positions are iffy at best!'

FB: Sam Gilbey (Claremont/ WA), Jedd Busslinger (East Perth/ WA), Jonti Schuback (Gippsland Power/ VIC C)

Gilbey is a speedy rebounding defender out of Claremont, with a piercing left foot out of defence, his attacking flair from the back half puts him in a position to transition into a Wing long term, standing at 185 cm, he's a nice height to play on a range of opponents, but his style forces them to defend him moreso than him doing the defending. Busslinger is a classic intercepting tall defender, not too dissimilar to Rhett Bazzo from this year, but I'd argue more damaging with his disposal and more willing to push up the ground, the 195 cm East Perth product will have his work cut out for him at the champs next season with the strength of the tall forwards. Jonti, otherwise known as 'The Jont', is another smooth mover like Gilbey, but is arguably better on the wings or in the thick of things as a rover, also possessing a damaging boot and speed.

HB: Kobe Ryan (West Adelaide/ SA), Harry Barnett (West Adelaide/ SA), Jed Hagan (East Fremantle/ WA)

Ryan is 100% better as a midfielder, but due to not many others in the side being able to play multiple positions (or rather, not showing that versatility) he's forced onto the half back line, where his class and poise under pressure are still valuable weapons when forced back here that he utilises to full effect. There's a bit of the Pendlebury's to Ryan, with his movement smooth but looking more so due to read of the game than athleticism. Barnett is 202cm and has played mainly ruck and forward, but at his height he's got sublime skills and athleticism that may see him turn into a successful Key Defender. Regardless, his ability to get around the ground and impact in all phases of the game is invaluable for a big man. Hagan is very much a 'performance' selection here, having made the WA U19s team and holding his own it's hard to deny that he's got more exposure than most, however I expect he may drop quickly next year =(

C: Elijah Tstatas (Oakleigh Chargers/ VIC M), George Wardlaw (Oakleigh Chargers/ VIC M), Oliver Hollands (Murray Bushrangers/ VIC C)

Arguably 3 of the best 4 mids heading into next year, all three of these guys have shown their capabilities as inside and outside players with genuine game sense. Elijah is an athletic beast with his acceleration around stoppages a massive weapon of his, paired with his damaging kick he looms as a genuine Pick 1 candidate early. Wardlaw is also in that same calibre of player, but a much stronger contested player with a real strength of his being his repeat efforts, inside consistency and the ability to stand up in tackles, and that's no joke, the RookieMe Central team were discussing last night and concluded we'd never seen Wardlaw brought to ground before disposing of the ball. Hollands is the brother of the SUNS' Elijah, with athleticism and class being key features of his game.

HF: Jack O'Sullivan (Oakleigh Chargers/ VIC C), Will Elliott (Oakleigh Chargers/ VIC M), Harry Sheezel (Sandringham Dragons/ VIC M)

O'Sullivan is exactly the type of small player that I love, so early disclaimer that I may be overrating him all of 2022, but as a forward he's a pressure machine that knows how to use it going forward as well, there's not many tackles he goes for that he doesn't lay and when rotated through the midfield he's a contested ball magnet as well. Elliott is a super athletic tall, which is looking to be a theme next year, who can play ruck but looks much more at home as a forward, where he can impact well at ground level and aerially for his height. Sheezel is similar to Rachele from this years draft, but slightly taller and I think with a little stronger workrate, but a similar flair in the forward 50 and knack for doing miraculous things

FF: Elijah Hewett (Swan Districts/ WA), Harry Lemmey (West Adelaide/ SA), Mattaes Phillipou (WWT Eagles/ SA)

The premiere tall heading into next season, Lemmey is a lead up specialist with his arm span and ability to mark in front at full speed allowing him to beat most opponents with ease when given the space to lead into, with his follow up shot at goal super impressive for a junior, already having a well defined routine. Phillipou is a super athletic medium forward that runs through the midfield well, it's very much a speculative pick having him this high early on, but I think he's got a lot of similar traits to a guy like Calen Poulter. Hewett has done the majority of his damage as a big bodied inside ball winner for WA, but at club and PSA level has had some impressive stints up forward, and he still manages to hit the scoreboard when playing through the guts.

R: Jackson Broadbent (Peel Thunder/ WA), Will Ashcroft (Sandringham Dragons/ VIC M), Jhye Clark (Geelong Falcons/ VIC C)

Broadbent is undoubtedly a big prospect, and whilst he may not have the athleticism of other ruck options next year he already looks like a guy that could be considered a safe bet to make it as a number 1 ruck at the next level, early on he reminds me a bit of Jarrod Witts, but I feel Broadbent is more mobile. Ashcroft will be spoken about plenty as a top end father-son, but he does pretty much everything as a midfielder really well and frequently hits the scoreboard. Clark is a hard at it mid that is surprisingly clean with his disposal, even when being tackled or directly pressured he manages to hit targets by hand or foot

IN/C: Noah Long (Bendigo Pioneers/ VIC C), Kane Bevan (West Perth/ WA), Adam D'Aloia (WWT Eagles/ SA), Matthew Jeffersen (Oakleigh Chargers/ VIC M)

Long is a very similar player to Caleb Serong, just high workrate, ferocious and doesn't let his size stop him from having a crack and really troubling opposition players through the midfield. Bevan is a versatile prospect, and at 192 cm he could very well grow to KPP height but keep his strengths as a midfielder, especially his contested ball winning. D'Aloia has impressed everyone that's watched him, even getting a BOG medal in one of the SA U19's games, as well as the SANFL U18s Grand Final, a hard at it and hard working midfielder. Jeffersen is an exciting tall utility, with hisa best performances coming as a forward where his leading patterns and accuracy will impress many
 
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WA’s best 2022 draft prospects: Elijah Hewett, Jackson Broadbent, Jedd Busslinger and more
Jordan McArdle
The West Australian
Sat, 27 November 2021

Sixteen West Aussies were picked up across this week’s national and rookie drafts in a huge result for the State.

But early indications are next year’s crop could be even better.

Led by powerful Swan Districts midfielder Elijah Hewett, who already has a WAFL colts premiership and Alcock Cup under his belt at Scotch College, there’s several exciting first-round prospects.

Peel Thunder and Collie-bred giant Jackson Broadbent experienced senior WAFL footy at just 16 last season and even earlier in the South West league.

East Perth and Trinity College defender Jedd Busslinger overcame lower-back issues to impress as an intercept-marking defender, even breaking into the State 19s squad.

East Fremantle and Geraldton product Jed Hagan made the WAFL colts team of the year in 2020 as a 15-year-old with his elite disposal and ability to find the footy standing out.

We take an early look at the State’s best 10 2022 draft prospects.

Elijah Hewett

Club: Swan Districts

From: Caversham JFC/Scotch College

Age: 17

Height: 186cm

Weight: 82kg

Position: Midfielder

Colts premiership player. Alcock Cup champion. Elijah Hewett is building quite the footy CV already.
The big-bodied Swan Districts midfielder impressed as a bottom-ager at colts level, averaging 22 possessions including a strong performance in a winning grand final against Claremont at Optus Stadium.
Played State 17s and was best-afield in their final match against South Australia in Adelaide which resulted in a narrow win.
His PSA numbers were even better, averaging 28 touches, six clearances, five tackles and 1.4 goals per game for Scotch College.
Genuine top-10 chance if he keep progressing and don’t be surprised if he breaks into the Swans’

Jedd Busslinger

Club: East Perth

From: Coolbinia JFC/Trinity College

Age: 17

Height: 195cm

Weight: 83kg

Position: Key defender

Busslinger is shaping up to be one of the best key defender in next year’s draft pool.
He’s a great size at 195cm, reads the play well, has good skills and is strong overhead.
Is still slightly framed but that will no doubt improve with time.
Has some lower-back issues early days but that appears a thing off the past judging by his output last season at WAFL colts and PSA levels.
Made both the State 17s team and took a whopping 18 marks in game one against South Australia before getting added to the 19s as injury cover.

Jed Hagan

Club: East Fremantle

From: Brigades, Geraldton

Age: 17

Height: 174cm

Weight: 71kg

Position: Midfielder

If feels like this kid has been dominating WAFL colts forever.
Hagan made the 2020 colts team of the year at just 15 years old and continues to improve, making both the State 17s and 19s squads last year which shows just how highly he’s rated.
Can play as an inside midfielder and across half-back with his good skills, running power and ability to read the game among his strengths.
Will move to Perth ahead of his draft year after racking up some serious mileage over the past two seasons which will further help his development.
Remarkably won the JL Williams Medal, as the best player in the national under-15s carnival, twice which hasn’t been done before.

Jackson Broadbent

Club: Peel Thunder

From: Collie

Age: 17

Height: 202cm

Weight: 92kg

Position: Ruck

When you’re playing senior WAFL football at 16, you’ve got to be doing something right.
Peel Thunder man mountain Jackson Broadbent, from Collie, achieved something only two other player had before him at the club, following in the footsteps of ex-AFL pair Daniel Wells and Brock O’Brien.
Represented the State 17s and even got a game in the 19s.
Move around the ground well for a big man and uses it well.
Expect to see more of Broadbent, who has been likened to West Coat premiership ruck Dean Cox, in the seniors in 2022.

Darcy Jones

Club: Swan Districts

From: Kalamunda JFC

Age: 17

Height: 173cm

Weight: 60kg

Position: Midfield/wing/half-back

Jones is another exciting talent to keep an eye on at Swan Districts.
Known for his outside run and carry, the pocket rocket starred in an inside-midfield role in his WA under-17s debut against South Australia in Adelaide in October.
It came a week after he impressed on with his pace and elite foot skills as the Black Ducks claimed the WAFL colts flag against Claremont.
His helmet and size automatically make people think of Caleb Daniel, but he models his game on St Kilda’s Bradley Hill.
Is keen to develop his inside-midfield craft next year.

Chase Bourne

Club: South Fremantle

From: Fremantle City Dockers

Age: 17

Height: 180cm

Weight: 67kg

Position: Small forward/midfielder

Bourne has some serious x-factor about him and can turn the game off his own boot.
Part of Fremantle’s Next Generation Academy, Dockers recruiters - and supporters - will be hoping he slips outside of the top-40 protected zone.
But the way he’s progressing, the explosive small forward/midfielder will follow in fellow Dockers NGA talent and South Fremantle product Jesse Motlop’s footsteps and get snapped up by a rival before that.

Sam Gilbey

Club: Claremont

From: Wembley Downs JFC/Hale School

Age: 17

Height: 185cm

Weight: 67kg

Position: Half-back/midfielder

Gilbey has some of the silkiest foot skills going around as he’s shown at PSA, WAFL colts and national under-17s levels.
The classy left-footer plays his best footy across half-back but can also pinch hit in the midfield where he might spend more time in 2022.
Former Fremantle and Melbourne player Jason Norrish, who coaches GIlbey at Hale, is predicting big things from his first XVIII regular.

Kane Bevan

Club: West Perth

From: Joondalup-Kinross JFC

Age: 17

Height: 192cm

Weight: 86kg

Position: Midfielder/defender

From a rangy half-back to a genuine inside midfielder, Bevan transformed his game in 2021 thanks to a savvy move from West Perth colts coach Ryan Lasscock.
Like Hagan, Bevan has been playing colts for two full seasons and made the 2020 WAFL colts team of the year.
Is a similar size to Nat Fyfe at 192cm, playing that big-bodied midfield role to perfection.
Racks up the footy and is strong defensively and overhead, averaging 27 touches in the last month of the season including 31 against East Fremantle in a losing elimination-final cause.
Could easily return to that intercept-marking defender role if needed, with his versatility no doubt exciting AFL recruiters.

Ed Allan

Club: Claremont

From: Mosman Park JFC/Scotch College

Age: 17

Height: 191cm

Weight: 77kg

Position: Half-back/wing/midfielder

The son of inaugural Fremantle captain and Hawthorn premiership player Ben Allan has been making a name for himself for quite a while now.
Is a different type of player to his dad, more of a rangy outside type who’s played a lot on the wing and half-back.
Produced some massive games for PSA school Scotch College and WAFL side Claremont, including a 41-possession effort against Trinity.
Ben Allan fell two games short of Ed qualifying for Hawthorn under the father-son rule and 53 short at Fremantle.

Jasper Scaife

Club: West Perth

From: Quinns Districts JFC

Age: 17

Height: 195cm

Weight: 85kg

Position: Key forward

Yet another Fremantle Next Generation Academy prospect, Scaife is an exciting key forward with the physical attributes to succeed at the top level.
Is a great size at 195, has a good set of hands and deadly left boot.
Had a breakout game in round 22 against East Fremantle, booting three goals, and is one to watch for next year.

Others to watch
  • Will Bailey (Claremont and Christ Church/midfielder)
  • Jordyn Baker (East Perth and West Coast NGA/wing)
  • Jack Cleaver (East Fremantle and Aquinas College/midfielder)
  • Connor Carbone (Peel Thunder/medium defender)
  • Hugh Davies (Claremont and Christ Church/key defender)
  • Josh Draper (Peel Thunder, Trinity College and Fremantle NGA/forward-ruck)
  • Jacob Evitt (Subiaco/midfielder)
 
Oct 4, 2006
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WA’s best 2022 draft prospects: Elijah Hewett, Jackson Broadbent, Jedd Busslinger and more
Jordan McArdle
The West Australian
Sat, 27 November 2021

Sixteen West Aussies were picked up across this week’s national and rookie drafts in a huge result for the State.

But early indications are next year’s crop could be even better.

Led by powerful Swan Districts midfielder Elijah Hewett, who already has a WAFL colts premiership and Alcock Cup under his belt at Scotch College, there’s several exciting first-round prospects.

Peel Thunder and Collie-bred giant Jackson Broadbent experienced senior WAFL footy at just 16 last season and even earlier in the South West league.

East Perth and Trinity College defender Jedd Busslinger overcame lower-back issues to impress as an intercept-marking defender, even breaking into the State 19s squad.

East Fremantle and Geraldton product Jed Hagan made the WAFL colts team of the year in 2020 as a 15-year-old with his elite disposal and ability to find the footy standing out.

We take an early look at the State’s best 10 2022 draft prospects.

Elijah Hewett

Club: Swan Districts

From: Caversham JFC/Scotch College

Age: 17

Height: 186cm

Weight: 82kg

Position: Midfielder

Colts premiership player. Alcock Cup champion. Elijah Hewett is building quite the footy CV already.
The big-bodied Swan Districts midfielder impressed as a bottom-ager at colts level, averaging 22 possessions including a strong performance in a winning grand final against Claremont at Optus Stadium.
Played State 17s and was best-afield in their final match against South Australia in Adelaide which resulted in a narrow win.
His PSA numbers were even better, averaging 28 touches, six clearances, five tackles and 1.4 goals per game for Scotch College.
Genuine top-10 chance if he keep progressing and don’t be surprised if he breaks into the Swans’

Jedd Busslinger

Club: East Perth

From: Coolbinia JFC/Trinity College

Age: 17

Height: 195cm

Weight: 83kg

Position: Key defender

Busslinger is shaping up to be one of the best key defender in next year’s draft pool.
He’s a great size at 195cm, reads the play well, has good skills and is strong overhead.
Is still slightly framed but that will no doubt improve with time.
Has some lower-back issues early days but that appears a thing off the past judging by his output last season at WAFL colts and PSA levels.
Made both the State 17s team and took a whopping 18 marks in game one against South Australia before getting added to the 19s as injury cover.

Jed Hagan

Club: East Fremantle

From: Brigades, Geraldton

Age: 17

Height: 174cm

Weight: 71kg

Position: Midfielder

If feels like this kid has been dominating WAFL colts forever.
Hagan made the 2020 colts team of the year at just 15 years old and continues to improve, making both the State 17s and 19s squads last year which shows just how highly he’s rated.
Can play as an inside midfielder and across half-back with his good skills, running power and ability to read the game among his strengths.
Will move to Perth ahead of his draft year after racking up some serious mileage over the past two seasons which will further help his development.
Remarkably won the JL Williams Medal, as the best player in the national under-15s carnival, twice which hasn’t been done before.

Jackson Broadbent

Club: Peel Thunder

From: Collie

Age: 17

Height: 202cm

Weight: 92kg

Position: Ruck

When you’re playing senior WAFL football at 16, you’ve got to be doing something right.
Peel Thunder man mountain Jackson Broadbent, from Collie, achieved something only two other player had before him at the club, following in the footsteps of ex-AFL pair Daniel Wells and Brock O’Brien.
Represented the State 17s and even got a game in the 19s.
Move around the ground well for a big man and uses it well.
Expect to see more of Broadbent, who has been likened to West Coat premiership ruck Dean Cox, in the seniors in 2022.

Darcy Jones

Club: Swan Districts

From: Kalamunda JFC

Age: 17

Height: 173cm

Weight: 60kg

Position: Midfield/wing/half-back

Jones is another exciting talent to keep an eye on at Swan Districts.
Known for his outside run and carry, the pocket rocket starred in an inside-midfield role in his WA under-17s debut against South Australia in Adelaide in October.
It came a week after he impressed on with his pace and elite foot skills as the Black Ducks claimed the WAFL colts flag against Claremont.
His helmet and size automatically make people think of Caleb Daniel, but he models his game on St Kilda’s Bradley Hill.
Is keen to develop his inside-midfield craft next year.

Chase Bourne

Club: South Fremantle

From: Fremantle City Dockers

Age: 17

Height: 180cm

Weight: 67kg

Position: Small forward/midfielder

Bourne has some serious x-factor about him and can turn the game off his own boot.
Part of Fremantle’s Next Generation Academy, Dockers recruiters - and supporters - will be hoping he slips outside of the top-40 protected zone.
But the way he’s progressing, the explosive small forward/midfielder will follow in fellow Dockers NGA talent and South Fremantle product Jesse Motlop’s footsteps and get snapped up by a rival before that.

Sam Gilbey

Club: Claremont

From: Wembley Downs JFC/Hale School

Age: 17

Height: 185cm

Weight: 67kg

Position: Half-back/midfielder

Gilbey has some of the silkiest foot skills going around as he’s shown at PSA, WAFL colts and national under-17s levels.
The classy left-footer plays his best footy across half-back but can also pinch hit in the midfield where he might spend more time in 2022.
Former Fremantle and Melbourne player Jason Norrish, who coaches GIlbey at Hale, is predicting big things from his first XVIII regular.

Kane Bevan

Club: West Perth

From: Joondalup-Kinross JFC

Age: 17

Height: 192cm

Weight: 86kg

Position: Midfielder/defender

From a rangy half-back to a genuine inside midfielder, Bevan transformed his game in 2021 thanks to a savvy move from West Perth colts coach Ryan Lasscock.
Like Hagan, Bevan has been playing colts for two full seasons and made the 2020 WAFL colts team of the year.
Is a similar size to Nat Fyfe at 192cm, playing that big-bodied midfield role to perfection.
Racks up the footy and is strong defensively and overhead, averaging 27 touches in the last month of the season including 31 against East Fremantle in a losing elimination-final cause.
Could easily return to that intercept-marking defender role if needed, with his versatility no doubt exciting AFL recruiters.

Ed Allan

Club: Claremont

From: Mosman Park JFC/Scotch College

Age: 17

Height: 191cm

Weight: 77kg

Position: Half-back/wing/midfielder

The son of inaugural Fremantle captain and Hawthorn premiership player Ben Allan has been making a name for himself for quite a while now.
Is a different type of player to his dad, more of a rangy outside type who’s played a lot on the wing and half-back.
Produced some massive games for PSA school Scotch College and WAFL side Claremont, including a 41-possession effort against Trinity.
Ben Allan fell two games short of Ed qualifying for Hawthorn under the father-son rule and 53 short at Fremantle.

Jasper Scaife

Club: West Perth

From: Quinns Districts JFC

Age: 17

Height: 195cm

Weight: 85kg

Position: Key forward

Yet another Fremantle Next Generation Academy prospect, Scaife is an exciting key forward with the physical attributes to succeed at the top level.
Is a great size at 195, has a good set of hands and deadly left boot.
Had a breakout game in round 22 against East Fremantle, booting three goals, and is one to watch for next year.

Others to watch
  • Will Bailey (Claremont and Christ Church/midfielder)
  • Jordyn Baker (East Perth and West Coast NGA/wing)
  • Jack Cleaver (East Fremantle and Aquinas College/midfielder)
  • Connor Carbone (Peel Thunder/medium defender)
  • Hugh Davies (Claremont and Christ Church/key defender)
  • Josh Draper (Peel Thunder, Trinity College and Fremantle NGA/forward-ruck)
  • Jacob Evitt (Subiaco/midfielder)

That’s seems like a great crop 1 year out.

Busslinger already 83kgs? Gibcus was drafted at 84. Also, 18 marks in a game? That’s a lot of marks for an underager in colts.

One to watch for us
 
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