1). GWS: Thomas Boyd (VIC – KPF)
Height: 199cm, Weight: 102kg, DOB: 22/08/1995
Recruited from: Eastern Ranges
Profile:
Boyd has the brute, the size and endurance to line up Round 1 of the 2014 season. Boyd is an imposing and physical forward. Boyd’s contested marking, ability to take the ball at its highest point, and out in front will make him a headache for opposition teams. Boyd’s technique in front of goal is faultless, and his team-first attitude to bring the ball to ground to allow his smaller forwards to run on. Boyd is remarkably clean below his knees, unstoppable in the air, is prone to kicking bags of goals, and his one-grab marks and sticky fingers in even the biggest of packs has already got AFL clubs pondering what they could give up, to get their hands on GWS’ number 1 pick. Boyd doesn’t mind throwing his weight around, either. He tackles, Sheppard’s, crashes packs. All key attributes to a long-term gun forward. Boyd has also shown the ability to play as a relief ruckman for the Eastern Rangers this year, another feather in his cap that recruiters have surely taken note of.
Stats:
*Round 2 - 14 disposals, 7 marks and 6 goals
*Round 3 – 7 disposals, 5 marks and 3 goals (before going down with injury)
*23 goals off 5 games in TAC Cup 2013 (before going down with injury)
*44 goals in the TAC Cup in 2012 as a bottom age player
*Recorded a 2.95 sec 20m sprint time at the TAC Cup Testing day in March this year
Honours:
*Captained the AFL-AIS Team in England 2013
*AFL-AIS Member 2013
*All Australian 2013
2). Melbourne: James Aish (SA – Mid/Def)
Height: 183cm, Weight: 74kg, DOB: 08/11/1995
Recruited from: Norwood
Profile:
Aish is now considered to be a top three selection. He is an elite kick on both sides of his body, excellent in traffic, courageous in the air and it’s not uncommon to see Aish in the leading disposal winners in each game he plays, the ball just finds him.
Aish became the youngest ever player to debut for Norwood seniors in the SANFL (he was 16 years old), he also won All Australian honours as a bottom age player in 2012, and played a key role in Norwood’s premiership last year, averaging 18 disposals a game at SANFL level, and closer to 30 at Colts level. Aish had a shoulder reconstruction earlier in the year, and looked back to his potent best in the second round of the Nationals.
Stats:
* Round 1 - 13 disposals, 3 marks and 3 clearances
* Round 2 – 22 touches, 1 goal, 3 score assists
* Round 3 - 14 disposals, 7 marks
* Round 4 - 16 disposals, 3 inside 50’s, 4 tackles
* Round 5 - 14 disposals and 2 score assists
* AIS-AFL vs New Zealand – 17 possessions (7 contested) in 2012
Honours:
*Captained the AFL-AIS Team in England 2013
*AFL-AIS Academy Member 2013
*All Australian 2013
* Norwood Premiership Player 2012
* All Australian 2012
3). St Kilda: Josh Kelly (VIC – Mid)
Height: 182cm, Weight: 73kg, DOB: 12/02/1995
Recruited from: Sandringham Dragons
Profile:
Josh Kelly was initially strongly considered to be taken as a mini-draft selection in 2012. Kelly has had an outstanding TAC Cup and National Championships campaign this year, underlining why he is expected to be taken with pick 3 overall come November.
Kelly is a massive accumulator of the footy, has elite awareness, teriffic vision in traffic, and Kelly’s efficient ball use saw him finish inside the top 1% of all players to take part in this year’s National Championships. Kelly also has a fantastic pedigree, his father Phil played 61 games with North Melbourne, and was a two-time Sandover Medalist in the WAFL.
Kelly is all class, although he has a light frame, his ability to look motionless through traffic, as if he has all the time in the world, is akin to similar traits of Scott Pendlebury – he is a smooth mover. Kelly is the type of player his teammates look to get the ball to, his ability to find targets on his left foot with ease, is as uncanny as it is natural.
Kelly’s elite endurance explains why he gets to so many contests and in return, a lot of the ball. He goes all day, runs both ways and is such a hard worker and can make an immediate impact in 2014
Stats:
*Round 2 – 26 disposals, 7 marks, 4 inside 50′s and 5 goal assists
*Round 3 - 30 disposals, 6 clearances, 6 tackles and 4 inside 50’s.
*Round 4 - 28 disposals, 7 marks, 4 clearances, 4 inside 50 and 1 goal
*Round 5 - 24 disposals, 4 marks and 6 tackles.
*Averaged 27 possessions for Vic Metro in four games
Honours:
*Fastest 3km time trial at the 2012 National Draft Combine (9.48 seconds) as an underage player
*Ran an 800m spring in 1.56 (could qualify for the Commonwealth Games)
*Joint winner of the prestigious Ben Mitchell Medal awarded for excellence in the AIS-AFL Academy
*All Australian 2013
*AFL-AIS Academy Member 2013
*All Australian 2012
*AFL-AIS Academy Member 2012
4). Western Bulldogs: Matt Scharenberg (SA – Def/Util)
Height: 190cm, Weight: 89kg, DOB: 18/09/1995
Recruited from: Glenelg
Profile:
Matthew Scharenberg has been outstanding in the National Carnival that saw him take All Australian honours and a joint winner of SA’s MVP award with captain Luke Dunstan. Scharenberg is a rare talent, hailing from an elite baseball background (once playing in the junior Australian team) – awareness, vision and poise are key attributes that allow Scharenberg to look as though he has all the time in the world with ball in hand. He often plays the game on his own terms, and is one of the classiest players in this years crop. The beauty of Scharenberg, is that he can play an array of poisitions well; whether that be a free-wheeling reboudning defender, or an agile, quick and responsive type up forward, Scharenberg can play anywhere with ease, and with the number one kick rating in the championships, he’s the type of player teammates look to get the ball into the hands of. The figure to Scharenberg’s game, is his ability to take the game on, back his strengths and use them to his advantage.
Stats:
* Round 1 – 26 disposals (20 kicks), 10 marks, 7 inside 50′s and 7 rebound 50′s
* Round 3 - 27 disposals, 4 rebound 50′s and 4 marks
* Round 4 - 22 disposals, 5 marks, 2 inside 50′s and 5 rebound 50′s
* Round 5 - 17 disposals, 5 marks and 6 rebound 50′s
* Averaged six marks and 21.6 disposals in the National Championships
* Recorded the number 1 disposal effieicncy in the National Championships
Honours:
*All Australian 2013
*All Australian 2012
* Runner up Larke Medalist 2013
* South Australia MVP 2013
*AFL-AIS Academy Member2013
5). Gold Coast: Jack Billings (VIC – Fwd/Mid)
Height: 184cm, Weight: 78kg, DOB: 18/08/1995
Recruited from: Oakleigh Chargers
Profile:
Deadliest users of the footy in this year’s draft, Jack Billings is a rare and special talent who’s game nous, and weapon of a left foot hurts the opposition if given too much room. Billings has been lauded for his sticky hands, and is exceptional overhead and in the air. When the ball hits ground level, Billings has an uncanny ability to find his way through and out of traffic, setting up his team mates, or going the journey to kick a goal from close or long range. Outside of packs, Billings knows where to run, when to spread and his vision is impeccable, making for all the traits of a future elite midfielder. Billings is very crafty around goals, but will look to further develop his endurance running to add to his flash and flamboyancy. Billings has capped off a tremendous 2013 carnival, taking home All Australian Honours to now make him a dual All Australian player.
Stats:
*Round 4 – 20 disposals, 7 marks, 2 clearances and 1 goal.
*Round 5 - 15 disposals, 3 marks, 2 score assists and 3 goals
*Australia vs New Zealand – 4 Goals and 22 disposals (BOG) in 2012
*Averaged 19 touches for Oakleigh in their premiership year in 2012.
Honours:
*All Australian 2013
*All Australian 2012
*Oakleigh Chargers TAC Cup Premiership Player 2012
6). West Coast: Dominic Sheed (WA – Mid/Fwd)
Height: 183cm, Weight: 82kg, DOB: 10/03/1995 Recruited from: Subiaco
Profile:
Dominic Sheed took this year’s national championships by storm, before unfortunately breaking his collarbone in the fourth round of the carnival. The classy, prime mover from WA averaged 27.8 disposals in his four outings, eventually taking home the Larke Medal for Division 1′s best player award. Sheed arguably was the best performed and well-rounded midfielder of the champs, who should be rated much higher than some are giving him credit for. Sheed is high production midfielder, easily shakes a tag, has the endurance and football smarts to run all day, and accumulates an elite number of possessions, whilst averaging 13kms a match throughout the championships. Sheed is a well-balanced midfielder; he can play as a ball-winning extractor, burrowed under the packs, laying tackles and clearing the ball from congestion, or as a free-wheeling, offensive midfielder, propelling his team forward. In attack, he kicks goals from all angles, none better than outside 50 off a step or on the run, in defence, he is cool, calm and collect and players the percentages, finding targets with ease – he is an unforgiving footballer. A super elite ball user, Sheed is damaging on either side of his body, and relishes a one on one contest when resting up forward. He’s a fantastic pressure player, makes good decisions when the heat is on.
Stats:
* Round 1 - 32 disposal, 6 marks, 8 clearances and 6 inside 50′s
* Round 2 - 34 disposals, 7 marks, 9 clearances and 4 inside 50′s
* Round 3 – 16 disposals, 4 clearances, 3 inside 50′s
* Round 4 - 29 disposals, 6 clearances, 4 inside 50′s and 4 goals
* Averaged 27.8 disposals, 4 marks, 4 tackles, 5 clearnaces and 5 inside 50′s
Honours:
* Larke Medalist 2013
* 2013 AFL-AIS Academy Member
* All Australian 2013
* WA MVP 2013
* WA Captain 2013
7). Brisbane: Ben Lennon (VIC – Util)
Height: 188cm, Weight: 79kg, DOB: 05/06/1995
Recruited from: Northern Knights
Profile:
Ben Lennon can play virtually anywhere that is required of him. Gifted with versatility and explosiveness, Lennon makes big impacts on games no matter which position he plays in. Some prefer him up forward, where his marking ability is second to none, and his goal nous – either on the run or from a set shot is ultra-reliable. Lennon has a booming kick that penetrates well over 60 metres, which if in defence, plays a bit similar to Shannon Hurn. Up forward, Lennon is very smart, he does like to wheel around and carry on after marking and can finish with ease from outside 50, or hit up a target inside 50 lace out. Lennon has terrific pace, makes multiple leads, and has his running patterns down pat. Lennon is a brilliant tracker of the ball, is also very agile, mobile and clean beneath his knees and has a knack of kicking multiple goals. Earlier in the championships, when Lennon played out of defence, his whopping kick cut through zones, and sometimes cleared them, allowing Metro to go coast-to-coast with ease. He’s the type of player who will be a very important avenue to goal for whichever club he is drafted to.
Stats:
* Round 3 - 14 disposals, kicked 4 goals and 3 score assists
* Round 4 - 13 disposals, 5 marks (3 contested), 5 inside 50′s and 1 goal
* Averaged 12.5 disposals and kicked seven goals in the National Championships 2013
* Averaged 17.9 possessions and 5.4 marks in 8 TAC Cup games in 2012.
* Against Collingwood’s VFL side, he had 16 disposals, took six marks and was one of his side’s best
Honours:
* 2013 All Australian
* 2013 AFL-AIS Academy Member
8). North Melbourne: Luke McDonald (VIC – Util) F/S
Height: 188cm, Weight: 80kg, DOB: 09/02/1995
Recruited from: Oakleigh Chargers
Profile:
Son of former North Melbourne champion and now current Football Manager Donald McDonald. There is plenty to like in McDonald for North fans, for junior McDonald is an elite kick and not just over 30-50 metres, he hits targets lace out, under pressure from well over 60 metres. Best utilized off a half back, McDonald is calm under pressure, and a brilliant defensive mark. He finds targets by foot with ease. A brilliant play maker who creates off half back; transitions well through the midfield and can kick goals from outside the 50m arc. McDonalds is one of the best kick of this year’s draft intake, his consistency by foot is unmatched (apart from his game against South Australia), whether that be from long range or a short option or from a kick in – his bullet passes, and poise on the outside of packs will be a welcome addition to the North Melbourne side, which is craving some white-collar polish on what is a blue-collar midfield. The Vic Metro captain can play any position on the ground with ease, and should make the transition into a goal-kicking midfielder in years to come and hurts opposition with his line-break speed that makes him a genuine 100m player. He’s quite accomplished in a one-on-one contest, elite in the air, and unbeatable once the ball hits the deck, and demonstrated in the National Championships that he can even play a tagging role. McDonald’s character is also highly regarded. Although earning selection for the 2013 AFL-AIS Academy, McDonald opted not to take up the highly regarded squad, already knowing that he is assured of being drafted into the AFL system at year’s end; this paved the way for Kade Kolodjashnij to get a call up into the team – another act of selflessness for the highly touted teenager.
Stats:
* Round 3 – 20 disposals, 9 marks, 4 rebound 50′s, 3 inside 50′s
* Round 4 – 10 disposals, 2 inside 50′s and 3 rebound 50′s (Horrid efficiency)
* Round 5 – 21 disposals, 5 marks, 3 inside 50′s, 4 rebound 50′s, 8 pressure acts.
Honours:
* 2012 All Australian
* 2012 AFL-AIS Academy Member
* AFL-AIS Selection 2013
* Premiership Player for Oakleigh Chargers 2012
*Vic Metro Captain 2013
9). GWS (Activated Compensation): Kade Kolodjashnij (TAS – Util)
Height: 188cm, Weight: 76kg, DOB: 09/08/1995
Recruited from: Launceston
Profile:
Kade Kolodjashni run and carry has been a clean highlight of his game for Tasmania in Division 2. Kolodjashnij loves to play the flanks, he led the way in Division 2 for rebound 50′s, and his left foot is a weapon – slicing through zones, and penetrating well over 50m. Kolodjashni’s aerial ability was also a strong talking point in the championships, he flies into and over packs, and can take a defensive contested mark, or simply leave his man to kill the ball and the contest. With the number one disposal efficiency of any Division 2 player, Kolodjashni’s athleticism, ability to link up and become a play maker, pace and confidence will see him be the most sought after player in this year’s draft. Kolodjashni also tied with teammate Toby Nankervis and Queensland’s Liam Dawson in the Harrison Medal (Davison 2 B&F), won Tasmania’s Most Valuable Player award and earned All Australian honours.
Stats:
* Round 1 - 37 disposals, 2 clearances and 5 rebound 50′s
* Round 2 - 24 disposals and 4 rebounds
* Round 3 - 27 disposals, 9 marks, and 1 goal
* Round 4 - 34 touches, 10 marks, 5 inside-50′s and 2 goals
* Round 5 – 15 disposals, 3 marks, 2 clearances and 3 rebound 50′s
Honours:
* AFL-AIS Academy Member 2013
*Tasmanian Captain 2013
* All Australian 2013
* Tasmania MVP
* Harrison Medalist (Div 2 B&F)
10). Carlton: Luke Dunstan (SA –Mid/Fwd)
Height: 185cm, Weight: 83kg, DOB: 29/01/1995
Recruited from: Woodville-West Torrens
Profile:
Dunstan is the type of player who has the attributes to one day lead an AFL club as captain, and carve out a 200+ game career. He is physically imposing at the contest, offers leadership above and beyond expectations and had a standout National Championships, fittingly taking home MVP honours with teammate Matthew Scharenberg. Dunstan is one of the most prolific ball winners in the National Championships, and dominates the stoppages with clearances and his strong tackling. Although predominately an inside midfielder, Dunstan has shown tremendous ability to move forward where he can impact the scoreboard, complimenting the work he does at the stoppages. At Colts level in 2012, Dunstan averaged 27.1 possessions and 5.1 Clearances in 11 matches for Woodville-West Torrens and could play round 1 of the 2014 season.
Stats:
* Round 3 - 30 disposals combined with 9 marks, 5 clearances and 7 tackles
* Round 4 - 23 disposals, 7 marks, 3 clearances, 5 tackles and 3 inside-50’s
* Round 5 - 22 disposals, 6 clearances, 3 tackles and 4 inside-50’s
* Averaged 22 disposals through the National Championships
Honours:
* All Australian 2013
* All Australian 2012
* South Australian Captain 2013
* South Australia MVP 2013
* AIS-AFL Academy Member 2013
Height: 199cm, Weight: 102kg, DOB: 22/08/1995
Recruited from: Eastern Ranges
Profile:
Boyd has the brute, the size and endurance to line up Round 1 of the 2014 season. Boyd is an imposing and physical forward. Boyd’s contested marking, ability to take the ball at its highest point, and out in front will make him a headache for opposition teams. Boyd’s technique in front of goal is faultless, and his team-first attitude to bring the ball to ground to allow his smaller forwards to run on. Boyd is remarkably clean below his knees, unstoppable in the air, is prone to kicking bags of goals, and his one-grab marks and sticky fingers in even the biggest of packs has already got AFL clubs pondering what they could give up, to get their hands on GWS’ number 1 pick. Boyd doesn’t mind throwing his weight around, either. He tackles, Sheppard’s, crashes packs. All key attributes to a long-term gun forward. Boyd has also shown the ability to play as a relief ruckman for the Eastern Rangers this year, another feather in his cap that recruiters have surely taken note of.
Stats:
*Round 2 - 14 disposals, 7 marks and 6 goals
*Round 3 – 7 disposals, 5 marks and 3 goals (before going down with injury)
*23 goals off 5 games in TAC Cup 2013 (before going down with injury)
*44 goals in the TAC Cup in 2012 as a bottom age player
*Recorded a 2.95 sec 20m sprint time at the TAC Cup Testing day in March this year
Honours:
*Captained the AFL-AIS Team in England 2013
*AFL-AIS Member 2013
*All Australian 2013
2). Melbourne: James Aish (SA – Mid/Def)
Height: 183cm, Weight: 74kg, DOB: 08/11/1995
Recruited from: Norwood
Profile:
Aish is now considered to be a top three selection. He is an elite kick on both sides of his body, excellent in traffic, courageous in the air and it’s not uncommon to see Aish in the leading disposal winners in each game he plays, the ball just finds him.
Aish became the youngest ever player to debut for Norwood seniors in the SANFL (he was 16 years old), he also won All Australian honours as a bottom age player in 2012, and played a key role in Norwood’s premiership last year, averaging 18 disposals a game at SANFL level, and closer to 30 at Colts level. Aish had a shoulder reconstruction earlier in the year, and looked back to his potent best in the second round of the Nationals.
Stats:
* Round 1 - 13 disposals, 3 marks and 3 clearances
* Round 2 – 22 touches, 1 goal, 3 score assists
* Round 3 - 14 disposals, 7 marks
* Round 4 - 16 disposals, 3 inside 50’s, 4 tackles
* Round 5 - 14 disposals and 2 score assists
* AIS-AFL vs New Zealand – 17 possessions (7 contested) in 2012
Honours:
*Captained the AFL-AIS Team in England 2013
*AFL-AIS Academy Member 2013
*All Australian 2013
* Norwood Premiership Player 2012
* All Australian 2012
3). St Kilda: Josh Kelly (VIC – Mid)
Height: 182cm, Weight: 73kg, DOB: 12/02/1995
Recruited from: Sandringham Dragons
Profile:
Josh Kelly was initially strongly considered to be taken as a mini-draft selection in 2012. Kelly has had an outstanding TAC Cup and National Championships campaign this year, underlining why he is expected to be taken with pick 3 overall come November.
Kelly is a massive accumulator of the footy, has elite awareness, teriffic vision in traffic, and Kelly’s efficient ball use saw him finish inside the top 1% of all players to take part in this year’s National Championships. Kelly also has a fantastic pedigree, his father Phil played 61 games with North Melbourne, and was a two-time Sandover Medalist in the WAFL.
Kelly is all class, although he has a light frame, his ability to look motionless through traffic, as if he has all the time in the world, is akin to similar traits of Scott Pendlebury – he is a smooth mover. Kelly is the type of player his teammates look to get the ball to, his ability to find targets on his left foot with ease, is as uncanny as it is natural.
Kelly’s elite endurance explains why he gets to so many contests and in return, a lot of the ball. He goes all day, runs both ways and is such a hard worker and can make an immediate impact in 2014
Stats:
*Round 2 – 26 disposals, 7 marks, 4 inside 50′s and 5 goal assists
*Round 3 - 30 disposals, 6 clearances, 6 tackles and 4 inside 50’s.
*Round 4 - 28 disposals, 7 marks, 4 clearances, 4 inside 50 and 1 goal
*Round 5 - 24 disposals, 4 marks and 6 tackles.
*Averaged 27 possessions for Vic Metro in four games
Honours:
*Fastest 3km time trial at the 2012 National Draft Combine (9.48 seconds) as an underage player
*Ran an 800m spring in 1.56 (could qualify for the Commonwealth Games)
*Joint winner of the prestigious Ben Mitchell Medal awarded for excellence in the AIS-AFL Academy
*All Australian 2013
*AFL-AIS Academy Member 2013
*All Australian 2012
*AFL-AIS Academy Member 2012
4). Western Bulldogs: Matt Scharenberg (SA – Def/Util)
Height: 190cm, Weight: 89kg, DOB: 18/09/1995
Recruited from: Glenelg
Profile:
Matthew Scharenberg has been outstanding in the National Carnival that saw him take All Australian honours and a joint winner of SA’s MVP award with captain Luke Dunstan. Scharenberg is a rare talent, hailing from an elite baseball background (once playing in the junior Australian team) – awareness, vision and poise are key attributes that allow Scharenberg to look as though he has all the time in the world with ball in hand. He often plays the game on his own terms, and is one of the classiest players in this years crop. The beauty of Scharenberg, is that he can play an array of poisitions well; whether that be a free-wheeling reboudning defender, or an agile, quick and responsive type up forward, Scharenberg can play anywhere with ease, and with the number one kick rating in the championships, he’s the type of player teammates look to get the ball into the hands of. The figure to Scharenberg’s game, is his ability to take the game on, back his strengths and use them to his advantage.
Stats:
* Round 1 – 26 disposals (20 kicks), 10 marks, 7 inside 50′s and 7 rebound 50′s
* Round 3 - 27 disposals, 4 rebound 50′s and 4 marks
* Round 4 - 22 disposals, 5 marks, 2 inside 50′s and 5 rebound 50′s
* Round 5 - 17 disposals, 5 marks and 6 rebound 50′s
* Averaged six marks and 21.6 disposals in the National Championships
* Recorded the number 1 disposal effieicncy in the National Championships
Honours:
*All Australian 2013
*All Australian 2012
* Runner up Larke Medalist 2013
* South Australia MVP 2013
*AFL-AIS Academy Member2013
5). Gold Coast: Jack Billings (VIC – Fwd/Mid)
Height: 184cm, Weight: 78kg, DOB: 18/08/1995
Recruited from: Oakleigh Chargers
Profile:
Deadliest users of the footy in this year’s draft, Jack Billings is a rare and special talent who’s game nous, and weapon of a left foot hurts the opposition if given too much room. Billings has been lauded for his sticky hands, and is exceptional overhead and in the air. When the ball hits ground level, Billings has an uncanny ability to find his way through and out of traffic, setting up his team mates, or going the journey to kick a goal from close or long range. Outside of packs, Billings knows where to run, when to spread and his vision is impeccable, making for all the traits of a future elite midfielder. Billings is very crafty around goals, but will look to further develop his endurance running to add to his flash and flamboyancy. Billings has capped off a tremendous 2013 carnival, taking home All Australian Honours to now make him a dual All Australian player.
Stats:
*Round 4 – 20 disposals, 7 marks, 2 clearances and 1 goal.
*Round 5 - 15 disposals, 3 marks, 2 score assists and 3 goals
*Australia vs New Zealand – 4 Goals and 22 disposals (BOG) in 2012
*Averaged 19 touches for Oakleigh in their premiership year in 2012.
Honours:
*All Australian 2013
*All Australian 2012
*Oakleigh Chargers TAC Cup Premiership Player 2012
6). West Coast: Dominic Sheed (WA – Mid/Fwd)
Height: 183cm, Weight: 82kg, DOB: 10/03/1995 Recruited from: Subiaco
Profile:
Dominic Sheed took this year’s national championships by storm, before unfortunately breaking his collarbone in the fourth round of the carnival. The classy, prime mover from WA averaged 27.8 disposals in his four outings, eventually taking home the Larke Medal for Division 1′s best player award. Sheed arguably was the best performed and well-rounded midfielder of the champs, who should be rated much higher than some are giving him credit for. Sheed is high production midfielder, easily shakes a tag, has the endurance and football smarts to run all day, and accumulates an elite number of possessions, whilst averaging 13kms a match throughout the championships. Sheed is a well-balanced midfielder; he can play as a ball-winning extractor, burrowed under the packs, laying tackles and clearing the ball from congestion, or as a free-wheeling, offensive midfielder, propelling his team forward. In attack, he kicks goals from all angles, none better than outside 50 off a step or on the run, in defence, he is cool, calm and collect and players the percentages, finding targets with ease – he is an unforgiving footballer. A super elite ball user, Sheed is damaging on either side of his body, and relishes a one on one contest when resting up forward. He’s a fantastic pressure player, makes good decisions when the heat is on.
Stats:
* Round 1 - 32 disposal, 6 marks, 8 clearances and 6 inside 50′s
* Round 2 - 34 disposals, 7 marks, 9 clearances and 4 inside 50′s
* Round 3 – 16 disposals, 4 clearances, 3 inside 50′s
* Round 4 - 29 disposals, 6 clearances, 4 inside 50′s and 4 goals
* Averaged 27.8 disposals, 4 marks, 4 tackles, 5 clearnaces and 5 inside 50′s
Honours:
* Larke Medalist 2013
* 2013 AFL-AIS Academy Member
* All Australian 2013
* WA MVP 2013
* WA Captain 2013
7). Brisbane: Ben Lennon (VIC – Util)
Height: 188cm, Weight: 79kg, DOB: 05/06/1995
Recruited from: Northern Knights
Profile:
Ben Lennon can play virtually anywhere that is required of him. Gifted with versatility and explosiveness, Lennon makes big impacts on games no matter which position he plays in. Some prefer him up forward, where his marking ability is second to none, and his goal nous – either on the run or from a set shot is ultra-reliable. Lennon has a booming kick that penetrates well over 60 metres, which if in defence, plays a bit similar to Shannon Hurn. Up forward, Lennon is very smart, he does like to wheel around and carry on after marking and can finish with ease from outside 50, or hit up a target inside 50 lace out. Lennon has terrific pace, makes multiple leads, and has his running patterns down pat. Lennon is a brilliant tracker of the ball, is also very agile, mobile and clean beneath his knees and has a knack of kicking multiple goals. Earlier in the championships, when Lennon played out of defence, his whopping kick cut through zones, and sometimes cleared them, allowing Metro to go coast-to-coast with ease. He’s the type of player who will be a very important avenue to goal for whichever club he is drafted to.
Stats:
* Round 3 - 14 disposals, kicked 4 goals and 3 score assists
* Round 4 - 13 disposals, 5 marks (3 contested), 5 inside 50′s and 1 goal
* Averaged 12.5 disposals and kicked seven goals in the National Championships 2013
* Averaged 17.9 possessions and 5.4 marks in 8 TAC Cup games in 2012.
* Against Collingwood’s VFL side, he had 16 disposals, took six marks and was one of his side’s best
Honours:
* 2013 All Australian
* 2013 AFL-AIS Academy Member
8). North Melbourne: Luke McDonald (VIC – Util) F/S
Height: 188cm, Weight: 80kg, DOB: 09/02/1995
Recruited from: Oakleigh Chargers
Profile:
Son of former North Melbourne champion and now current Football Manager Donald McDonald. There is plenty to like in McDonald for North fans, for junior McDonald is an elite kick and not just over 30-50 metres, he hits targets lace out, under pressure from well over 60 metres. Best utilized off a half back, McDonald is calm under pressure, and a brilliant defensive mark. He finds targets by foot with ease. A brilliant play maker who creates off half back; transitions well through the midfield and can kick goals from outside the 50m arc. McDonalds is one of the best kick of this year’s draft intake, his consistency by foot is unmatched (apart from his game against South Australia), whether that be from long range or a short option or from a kick in – his bullet passes, and poise on the outside of packs will be a welcome addition to the North Melbourne side, which is craving some white-collar polish on what is a blue-collar midfield. The Vic Metro captain can play any position on the ground with ease, and should make the transition into a goal-kicking midfielder in years to come and hurts opposition with his line-break speed that makes him a genuine 100m player. He’s quite accomplished in a one-on-one contest, elite in the air, and unbeatable once the ball hits the deck, and demonstrated in the National Championships that he can even play a tagging role. McDonald’s character is also highly regarded. Although earning selection for the 2013 AFL-AIS Academy, McDonald opted not to take up the highly regarded squad, already knowing that he is assured of being drafted into the AFL system at year’s end; this paved the way for Kade Kolodjashnij to get a call up into the team – another act of selflessness for the highly touted teenager.
Stats:
* Round 3 – 20 disposals, 9 marks, 4 rebound 50′s, 3 inside 50′s
* Round 4 – 10 disposals, 2 inside 50′s and 3 rebound 50′s (Horrid efficiency)
* Round 5 – 21 disposals, 5 marks, 3 inside 50′s, 4 rebound 50′s, 8 pressure acts.
Honours:
* 2012 All Australian
* 2012 AFL-AIS Academy Member
* AFL-AIS Selection 2013
* Premiership Player for Oakleigh Chargers 2012
*Vic Metro Captain 2013
9). GWS (Activated Compensation): Kade Kolodjashnij (TAS – Util)
Height: 188cm, Weight: 76kg, DOB: 09/08/1995
Recruited from: Launceston
Profile:
Kade Kolodjashni run and carry has been a clean highlight of his game for Tasmania in Division 2. Kolodjashnij loves to play the flanks, he led the way in Division 2 for rebound 50′s, and his left foot is a weapon – slicing through zones, and penetrating well over 50m. Kolodjashni’s aerial ability was also a strong talking point in the championships, he flies into and over packs, and can take a defensive contested mark, or simply leave his man to kill the ball and the contest. With the number one disposal efficiency of any Division 2 player, Kolodjashni’s athleticism, ability to link up and become a play maker, pace and confidence will see him be the most sought after player in this year’s draft. Kolodjashni also tied with teammate Toby Nankervis and Queensland’s Liam Dawson in the Harrison Medal (Davison 2 B&F), won Tasmania’s Most Valuable Player award and earned All Australian honours.
Stats:
* Round 1 - 37 disposals, 2 clearances and 5 rebound 50′s
* Round 2 - 24 disposals and 4 rebounds
* Round 3 - 27 disposals, 9 marks, and 1 goal
* Round 4 - 34 touches, 10 marks, 5 inside-50′s and 2 goals
* Round 5 – 15 disposals, 3 marks, 2 clearances and 3 rebound 50′s
Honours:
* AFL-AIS Academy Member 2013
*Tasmanian Captain 2013
* All Australian 2013
* Tasmania MVP
* Harrison Medalist (Div 2 B&F)
10). Carlton: Luke Dunstan (SA –Mid/Fwd)
Height: 185cm, Weight: 83kg, DOB: 29/01/1995
Recruited from: Woodville-West Torrens
Profile:
Dunstan is the type of player who has the attributes to one day lead an AFL club as captain, and carve out a 200+ game career. He is physically imposing at the contest, offers leadership above and beyond expectations and had a standout National Championships, fittingly taking home MVP honours with teammate Matthew Scharenberg. Dunstan is one of the most prolific ball winners in the National Championships, and dominates the stoppages with clearances and his strong tackling. Although predominately an inside midfielder, Dunstan has shown tremendous ability to move forward where he can impact the scoreboard, complimenting the work he does at the stoppages. At Colts level in 2012, Dunstan averaged 27.1 possessions and 5.1 Clearances in 11 matches for Woodville-West Torrens and could play round 1 of the 2014 season.
Stats:
* Round 3 - 30 disposals combined with 9 marks, 5 clearances and 7 tackles
* Round 4 - 23 disposals, 7 marks, 3 clearances, 5 tackles and 3 inside-50’s
* Round 5 - 22 disposals, 6 clearances, 3 tackles and 4 inside-50’s
* Averaged 22 disposals through the National Championships
Honours:
* All Australian 2013
* All Australian 2012
* South Australian Captain 2013
* South Australia MVP 2013
* AIS-AFL Academy Member 2013
