It would seem Victoria is pretty much the only state that produces footballers.AFL draft power rankings 26-50: The hidden gems your club can snare for a bargain
AFL draft power rankings 26-50: Hidden gems your club can nab for a bargainwww.foxsports.com.au
Diamonds in the Rough - 41 to 50 rankings by Matt Balmer
40. Flynn PEREZ
Clubs: Bendigo Pioneers
Position: Outside Midfielder
Size: 188cm, 81kg
Bio: Like a number of prospects, Perez’s draft year was cut short after rupturing his ACL during pre-season training for Vic Country. But his name firmly remains in consideration for AFL clubs, given his good underage season where he averaged 16.5 disposals for Bendigo in 2018. His speed and poise with ball in hand make him an appealing option for clubs on the outside.
41. Nick BRYAN
Clubs: Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro
Position: Ruck
Size: 202cm, 87kg
Bio: A lack of consistency across 2019 will hold Bryan back from being a first-round selection, but the 202cm tall remains one of the premier rucks in this year’s draft pool. His ruck work and mobility around the ground makes him appeal to AFL clubs, with his speed and work at ground level meaning he can play up forward if needed. He is far from the finished product, with clubs hoping to develop Bryan over coming years.
Cooper Sharman played under Rodney Eade at Balwyn.Source: News Corp Australia
42. Noah CUMBERLAND
Clubs: Brisbane Lions Academy/Allies
Position: Medium Utility
Size: 183cm, 79kg
Bio: A Daniel Rich clone, the Brisbane Lions Academy member might be the first player from the Queensland state that receives a bid, with his dash across the ground catching the eye of club recruiters. He isn’t just a zippy player, with Cumberland able to impact the play in the contest and lay fierce tackles. Cumberland played a variety of roles across the year, but might be best on the wing where he can break the lines and boot the ball long inside 50.
43. Jake RICCARDI
Clubs: Werribee VFL
Position: Key Forward
Size: 194cm, 96kg
Bio: After being overlooked for two years, Riccardi is firmly on the radar of AFL clubs after a starring season for Werribee in the VFL. The 20-year-old won the Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal as the best young player in the VFL, with the past 13 winners all going on to be draft. Riccardi averaged five marks per game, booting 38 goals in 20 showings for the Tigers – including a bag of six against Coburg.
44. Charlie COMBEN
Clubs: Gippsland Power/Vic Country
Position: Ruck
Size: 199cm, 84kg
Bio: Comben has continued to develop across 2019, improving as the season went on. The 18-year-old had a good showing at the Under 18 Championships as Vic Country’s No. 1 ruckman, while he also showed off his mobility closer to goal. Unlike other talls, he is good below his knees and possesses plenty of upside given his 84kg frame.
45. Emerson JEKA
Clubs: Western Jets/Vic Metro
Position: Key Position Utility
Size: 198cm, 91kg
Bio: The key tall has had an indifferent season following a knee injury for Australia against Casey on the MCG. Jeka has been utilised at both ends in 2019, but has struggled for consistency. His clear strength is his marking overhead, where he is able to take countless contested marks. As an opposition player, if you give Jeka a run at the ball, you are almost no chance of stopping him marking the ball.
46. Fraser PHILLIPS
Clubs: Gippsland Power/Vic Country
Position: Medium Forward
Size: 187cm, 72kg
Bio: The lively half-forward isn’t someone who needs to have a lot of touches to hurt opposition teams. The 18-year-old booted 28 goals from 15 games in the NAB League this season, using his smarts around goal to hurt opposition sides. Phillips has plenty of X-Factor and is still a raw prospect in terms of his development.
Jake Riccardi could be the first player drafted out of the VFL.Source:Getty Images
47. Sam PHILP
Clubs: Northern Knights
Position: Inside Midfielder
Size: 186cm, 79kg
Bio: Philp was the real riser in the second-half of the season following his absence from the Vic Metro squad. The 186cm onballer has elite speed and dominated the NAB League for the Northern Knights, averaging 22.8 disposals, 5.8 tackles and 5.8 clearances. His athletic traits make him a player who will catch the eye. He has plenty of development left in terms of his football skills. Philp is one of the better breakaway quick midfielders, given his speed forward going forward.
48. Brock SMITH
Clubs: Gippsland Power/Vic Country
Position: Medium Defender
Size: 189cm, 82kg
Bio: The rebounding defender had his best season to date as he became a crucial cog to Gippsland’s 2019 NAB League Grand Final push. Unfortunately the Power didn’t make it all the way, but Smith was one of their biggest contributors as he averaged 19.6 disposals and 5.4 marks during his 12 appearances. At times he had to play as a tall defender, but looked most at home mopping up in a Dylan Grimes role where he intercepted at will.
49. Ned CAHILL
Clubs: Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country
Position: Small Forward
Size: 179cm, 78kg
Bio: The lively forward booted 17 goals for the Dandenong Stingrays in the NAB League this year, showcasing his X-Factor and high footy IQ. Inside 50, Cahill is one of the more tougher opponents and uses his speed and agility to outwork opposition players. For Vic Country, Cahill booted six goals and averaged 3.5 tackles.
50. Darcy CHIRGWIN
Clubs: Sandringham Dragons/Vic Country
Position: Inside Midfielder
Size: 191cm, 80kg
Bio: A broken leg meant the first half of Chirgwin’s season was virtually a write-off. But he soon returned to the Sandringham Dragons, following a school football stint at Melbourne Grammar, averaging 24.7 disposals and 7.9 tackles in the final seven matches. His clearance work is good, with the athletic 191cm midfielder also showing his ability in his bottom age year to play on the outside. Chirgwin provides plenty of upside for a club who calls his name out.
Anyone have a view on this Chirgwin fella.
Philp rated at 47 right in the mix.