Have done this several times in recent seasons @Mrs Mecuri
A few guys from around the state leagues I would look at:
Josh Freezer, 192cm, 91kg, 12.6.1988, Bendigo Gold (VFL)
Ave. 16 possessions, 4 handball receives, 7 marks (2 contested), 2 tackles
Seen a fair bit of Josh Freezer this year. He started the year off like a house on fire and was even (highly) considered for a spot in the state team at one stage. A lovely well balanced left footer who kicks well over distance but often takes a safer (shorter) option, reminds me of Grant Birchall with his kicking. Is very strong overhead and plays very well as a link up man out of defence. He has been one of my favourites for the past couple of years, and would love to see him get a chance at the top level. Might not be a star but could very well be a strong role player for a team looking for a KPD/3rd Tall defender.
Kyle Hartigan, 193cm, 91kg, 11.7.1992, Werribee Tigers (VFL)
Ave. 13 possessions, 3 handball recieves, 4 marks (1 contested), 2 tackles
Everybody knows about this former All Australian Under 18 defender. He has gone back to the second best competition in the country. Very strong defensively, Hartigan's biggest downfall has been his offensive prowess, however, he has improved this from sub 10 possession games last year to averaging 13 possessions a game including some big 20+ possessions games. Kicking is sound, but not someone you would make a kicker coming out of defence. Very similar in style to Darren Glass.
Matt Sully, 196cm, 95kg, 15.10.1992, Geelong Cats (VFL)
Ave. 8 possessions, 1.5 handball recieves, 2 marks, 3 tackles
A player who came into prominence late last year when he was surprisingly named in the best 10 country footballers in a Herald Sun article. A strong bodied key position defender who was playing in the VCFL and dominating against grown men as a 19 year old. Would love to hear back from some of the Geelong VFL watchers and give me some more info on the kid.
Kyle Martin, 182cm, 82kg, 17.9.1990, Frankston Dolphins (VFL)
Ave. 26 possessions, 9 handball recieves, 5.5 marks, 5 tackles
One of my favourites from the Frankston Dolphins this year. Came across from Noble Park unannounced and coach Simon Goosey gave him a chance, 7 months later he ended the season one of the most promising prospects in the VFL. At 22 Martin still has time on his side. Can play inside or outside and has that versatility to play as a link up on the outside and strong enough to win his own ball. Was a revelation going forward managing to go forward and kick 13 goals for the year. A player I have tracked very strongly throughout the year. Did injure himself in the middle part of the year, but came straight back into the side and picked up where he left off, picking up 29 possessions in early July.
Adam Marcon, 180cm, 79kg, 28.7.1992, Northern Blues (VFL)
Ave. 24 possessions, 10 handball receives, 2 marks, 4 tackles
Hard working, hard running midfielder who creates strong link up through the midfield. Would love to see him take more marks, but he has elite endurance and that helped him average 10 handball recieves. Managed to kick 13 goals and was duly rewarded with a call up to the state game in which he more than held his own. Young Willie Wheeler (Coburg) has been talked up heaps but I think Marcon provides a better prospect. Marcon could play in a back pocket/back flank and do a good job.
Ben Ross, 179cm, 77kg, 21.9.1988, Werribee Tigers (VFL)
Ave. 22 possessions, 9 handball receives, 3 marks, 3 tackles,
JJ Liston Trophy winner who had an exceptional season after being delisted by the Kangaroos. Ultra consistent year whos run and carry was a real feature for the Tigers this year. He could always play football at North Melbourne but was cruelled by injury in his time at Arden Street. Perhaps a second chance looms for this 24 year old after an outstanding season.
Sam Dwyer, 178cm, 77kg, 29.8.1986, Port Melbourne Borough (VFL)
Ave. 20 possessions, 7.5 handball receives, 5 marks, 2 tackles, 20 goals
Best player running around in the state leagues IMO. Can play inside or outside, can run and carry and has some seriously smooth foot skills. Very good forward of centre especially delivery inside 50 to the leading forwards. A smart creative player, Dwyer managed to snag himself a very good 20 goals for the season. Had some injury concerns in the lead up to finals, and that impacted his output throughout the finals series. At 26, time may not be on his side, but he deserves another mention in this thread (again). A
Snoop Dog favourite.
Leigh Osborne, 186cm, 84kg, 13.8.1990, Frankston Dolphins (VFL)
Ave. 17 possessions, 6.5 handball receives, 2 marks, 2 tackles, 4 goals
Rebounding defender who has been invited to the National Combine on the back of a very strong season for the cellar dweller Dolphins. An exceptional left footer who also has a good burst of pace, Osborne must be on the radar of plenty of clubs.
Khan Haretuku, 199cm, 101kg, 19.10.1989, Frankston Dolphins (VFL)
Ave. 12 possessions, 5.5 marks (1 contested), 7 hitouts, 30 goals
Former St.Kilda rookie who came to Frankston with a big reputation, but very little output. Season 2012 really showed what he could do and on the biggest stage of all, really put his name in lights to be one of the best on ground in the VFL state game (kicking 4 with a number of contested marks). A strong key position forward, do not be fooled by the ungangly kicking style because it is more than effective. I genuinely think someone will give this former NSW Scholarship holder a second chance lifeline at the top level.
These are the guys I would look at from the VFL, would love to hear people's thoughts on the other state leagues and any players that have jumped out from the pack this year?