IN one of the most recognisable draft crops in some time, the 2018 AFL National Draft is heating up to be one of the most talked about in the lead-up with so many tall and small prospects who are already looking like genuine AFL stars. As with last year, on the first Monday of the month, we take a look at the top 20 prospects and where we see them throughout the season. Some will rise and drop depending on performances, while others will remain steady throughout. Keep in mind that the Power Rankings are an opinion-based ranking system, without taking into account AFL club finishing positions or needs – ie. not a Phantom Draft. It is purely measuring players on our opinion of their ability. Without further ado, here are our current top 30:

July rank: #1

Lukosius started the season as the consensus number one after jumping on the scene as a 17-year-old for WWT Eagles in the SANFL Preliminary Final, booting four goals and clunking eight marks on his League debut. He has continued his form into this season, booting seven goals from five matches, including an 18-disposal, 11-mark and three-goal game against Glenelg. He also showed his versatility collecting 25 disposals, 14 marks and six inside 50s from centre-half back in a South Australia Under 18 trial match at the beginning of the year. For the AFL Academy he was utilised at both ends, looking most at home as a forward, finishing the match with 12 disposals and two goals. The thing that separates Lukosius from other talls is his foot skills, where you could argue he is one of the best kicks in the entire draft pool, hitting targets at ease off his right foot around the ground. A genuine franchise player.

Past month:

While he had a quieter final National Under 18 Championships playing at both ends, Lukosius has returned to the SANFL and continued where he left off. Picking up 14 disposals per game and booting a couple of goals a game, he stands up at senior level consistently.

July rank: #2

The best midfielder in the 2018 AFL Draft pool has started the season exceptionally well at TAC Cup level. Walsh’s smarts help him around the ground and it is very hard to keep him quiet or out of a game. Against the North Melbourne VFL team, Walsh had 22 disposals, nine marks and four clearances, working through the midfield and booting the opening goal of the game. His spread on the outside is good and he has shown he can win the footy in both contested and uncontested situations. He leads from the front and is probably the safest player in this draft pool for a club to draft. The knock was his disposal at full speed last season, but he is as consistent as they come across all areas.

Past month:

Walsh maintains his top two spot in the rankings after a successful carnival, winning the overall Most Valuable Player (MVP) to go with his Vic Country award. He has returned to Geelong and had back-to-back-to-back 30 plus disposal games and seems unstoppable in the competition. Arguably the leading contender for the Morrish Medal as well and could repeat the feat of Hugh McCluggage who went top three in the National Draft after winning the Morrish Medal.

July rank: #4

Ben King has started the season very well, used at both ends at all levels. While Ben is a natural key defender, he has shown at school level that he can be a valuable forward, booting 18 goals in the first two school games. Like brother Max, he is very mobile and has an outstanding leap. He recovers very well when the ball hits the ground and when he flies to mark or spoil the ball and the footy falls to ground. Is one of the best tall defenders and competes exceptionally well. Reckon we might see him more as a forward as the season goes, could become a genuine ‘swingman’ if he isn’t already. After a good AFL Academy game, Ben King won the Melbourne Cricket Club’s President’s Medal as the best player.

Past month:

After making the most of limited opportunities for three goals against South Australia in the final match of the National Under 18 Championships, King has returned to Haileybury in the APS. In his two matches back, King booted back-to-back hauls of seven goals against Caulfield Grammar and Scotch College, the latter opposed to Will Kelly. While it was considered a good battle, it showed how resourceful King was to kick a bag in the win. He celebrated with his teammates taking out the overall shield title on Saturday. For the first time this year Ben moves above brother Max.

July rank: #3

The tall forward is one of the best tall prospects we have seen in recent years and is most certainly in the mix as a top five pick, despite the fact that King will not play another game this season. After booting a few goals in the opening quarter for Haileybury College at school football, King’s knee buckled from underneath him in the second quarter and he was stretchered off. Scans later confirmed that the talented forward suffered a torn ACL. Nevertheless, King is a superb prospect who is outstanding in the air (thanks to a big wingspan) and a goal-kicking option, having booted 8.5 against Oakleigh Chargers earlier in the TAC Cup last month. A real strength of King’s is his ability to collect the ball when it hits the ground, with a strong recovery helping the 201cm tall. While some say he could slip down the order due to injury, he won’t be falling outside the top 10, or even maybe the top five due to his impressive skill set.

Past month:

Recovering from an ACL injury which will see him miss the rest of the 2018 season.

July rank: #5

Probably the most exciting prospect in the 2018 AFL Draft pool, Rankine can do some special things that a majority of others cannot. He is a lively forward who can push into the midfield and win his own footy, with his agility a key trait. Rankine was so good in last year’s NAB AFL Under 17 All Stars match that they made him switch teams at half-time! He missed the opening few weeks through suspension, but has since returned back to SANFL League footy with West Adelaide, booting four goals from 12 disposals. At this stage he is more of a forward/midfielder than a pure midfielder – and it will be interesting to see how he goes throughout the year, working on his craft with more midfield time for the South Australian side in the NAB AFL Under 18 Championships.

Past month:

Lit up Etihad Stadium booting five goals against Vic Metro to have some watching to question whether Rankine could steal the number one spot from close mate Jack Lukosius. He is pushing hard up the order, and his best is as electrifying as others, but just needs that consistency and discipline on-fireld at times to really be considered for pick one. On talent alone he could well be top two. Went back to SANFL level and has been good without starring.

July rank: #6

Bailey Smith had a great finish to the 2017 season which saw him elevated to the NAB AFL Academy Level Two group. Smith played mostly across half back last year, but did show his ball winning capabilities on the inside for Xavier College and the Dragons, including a huge 44 disposals (22 contested) at 72 per cent efficiency, 13 inside 50s, 10 clearances, six marks and four rebound 50s match against Western. The Dragons 2018 captain is a strong leader and has really transitioned into an inside ball winning midfielder, having collected 37 disposals (22 contested) in the opening match of the season this year. In his most recent outing for the Dragons against the Jets, Smith had 28 disposals, 11 clearances and booted two goals, where he used his quick and clean hands to effectiveness on the inside. The right footer is a capable target around the ground and runs very well.

Past month:

Smith took out the Vic Metro Most Valuable Player (MVP) as well as Metro’s Best and Fairest award, with the vice-captain leading by example in every game he played. Rested for a week between the National Championships and the return of school football, expect Smith to be a key player for the Dragons in the upcoming TAC Cup finals series.

July rank: #7

Up until this time last week, Blakey had multiple options as the son of former North Melbourne and Brisbane player John. Blakey also fell into the Sydney Swans Academy, while he could have opted for the open draft. However – Blakey has made a decision to stick with the Sydney Swans Academy and the Swans are going to get a ‘goodie’. Blakey is a natural forward with a good goal sense and marks well overhead. He glides around the ground and can play in defence if required, while there is midfield potential should some of his coaches see fit. Blakey has dominated in the AFL Under 18 Academy Series against some average opposition, but he booted an exceptional goal off a few steps in the AFL Academy match against North Melbourne’s VFL side. While injuries kept him out of a lot of football last year, expect Blakey to warrant an early bid inside the top 10 at this stage.

Past month:

Finished the National Championships on a high with an impressive performance at Etihad Stadium against Western Australia. The biggest tick was his ability to get things happening when it was not going his way – pushing into the midfield and genuinely being a huge influence at the coal face. As versatile as you’ll see, he is a gift for the Swans and will not even cause them to hesitate in matching a bid for the exciting tall.

July rank: #9

Jackson Hately is one of the few pure inside midfielders in the top half of the rankings list. While he still has some size to put on, the 192cm midfielder is strong in the contest, where he can win the contested ball, tackle hard and win clearances. Hately can also hit the scoreboard when required. The Central Districts product has had a taste of SANFL League footy, recording 21 disposals and seven tackles against Glenelg a few weeks ago. Hately was one of the standouts for the AFL Academy in their match against the North Melbourne VFL side, where he had 17 disposals, eight tackles and kicked two goals.

Past month:

Hately was one of South Australia’s top performers across the National Under 18 Championships, and does not do a lot wrong. He ticks plenty of boxes and has returned to SANFL action, playing League for Central District. In that senior grade he does not look out of place, and is able to find the ball in the contest without being overawed by more experienced and stronger bodies.

July rank: #8

Thomas is a really exciting player whose glimpses over the last few years suggest he is going to be a special player in the future. The Tasmanian falls into North Melbourne’s Next-Generation Academy and therefore the Kangaroos will have first dibs on Thomas who will likely command a first round bid. Thomas is an outside midfielder who has a good burst of speed and agility, using it well off his right foot. He can also push forward and hit the scoreboard. One of the cleanest players in the draft crop, Thomas is a one-touch player and turns an inch into a mile.

Past month:

Thomas had a bit of an inconsistent carnival at the National Under 18 Championships, and while he showed the unbelievable class he has – clean as any other player out there – he did fade in and out of games at times. Regardless, his ceiling is enormous and North Melbourne will be closely keeping an eye on their draft position with their first round pick to be in this region. Since the championships, Thomas has returned to the Tasmanian State League (TSL) where he has played two games for ladder leaders North Launceston, booting a goal against Clarence in his first game back and then being a member of the 143-point win over North Hobart.

July rank: #10

Ian “Bobby” Hill is an exciting small forward similar to Rankine in the way that he can make recruiters and fans go “wow” at certain moments. While at this stage, he is far from the finished product – he has produced plenty of glimpses that suggest he’ll be a strong player for the future. He has superb speed and agility, while his goal sense is outstanding. So far in the WAFL Colts for Perth he has been very good – having overcome a concussion earlier in the season. Hill is Western Australia’s best draft prospect and the second cousin of Fremantle pair Brad and Stephen Hill.

Past month:

After coming into the National Championships underdone given his concussion and various niggles, Hill had a bit of an up-and-down carnival, suspended for the final round for a sling tackle on Vic Country’s Laitham Vandermeer. After an impressive 25 disposals and three goal haul for Perth in the Colts a few weeks ago, Hill stepped up to the Reserves where he had the 10 touches and three tackles, still very slight compared to senior bodies.

July rank: #14

Rozee is another of South Australia’s top draft prospects and in recent weeks has pushed into the SANFL League side for North Adelaide. The midfielder has smarts around the ground, getting into the right positions and has shown his capabilities to run hard. He rarely wastes a disposal and moves well in and around the stoppages. While he has spent some time playing as a half forward in recent times, he will likely end up as a pure midfielder with his strong skill set. Rozee has made his SANFL League debut, booting two goals in both appearances in the last fortnight. Rozee played all four games as a bottom-ager for South Australia in the 2017 Under 18 Championships, averaging 14 disposals and seven tackles.

Past month:

Playing in various positions at the National Championships, Rozee almost seemed to be forgotten in terms of the top-end talent available in the 2018 draft crop. He has elite skills and while his light body means he has to play in outside roles, he ticks a lot of boxes. He returned to the SANFL League for North Adelaide, booting a goal and having three score assists, as well as 15 disposals and three inside 50s, showing how damaging he can be with ball in hand going forward.

July rank: #12

The red-haired Williams burst onto the scene last year with some eye-catching displays for the Dandenong Stingrays, while he was also able to represent the Vic Country Under 18 team as a bottom-ager, where he mostly played in the ruck. While Williams is a strong ruck, he is probably a better forward at the moment – in the mould of Gold Coast’s 2014 draftee Peter Wright. Williams has an outstanding leap and is a capable set shot for goal and booted a stunning bag of seven against the Western Jets in Round 4 of the 2018 TAC Cup.

Past month:

Williams continues to be the next best tall after the top handful of elite talents and it is easy to see why. His aerial ability is as good, if not better than the others and is unbeatable when he gets a leap at the ball. He dropped a few marks at the National Under 18s Championships, but has been clunking them in the past few weeks at TAC Cup level. His goal kicking has been a little suspect, but in terms of his impact on games, he is maintaining the rage for longer rather than fading in and out. So much scope as a developing tall.

July rank: #21

Stocker is a player who could definitely find himself as a first round prospect by November. Stocker is a strong midfielder who wins the football on the inside and spreads well from the stoppages. His clearance work is very good, while he can play on the outside where he can use the ball very well off either his right or left foot. Stocker will have the entire season at TAC Cup level, having finished school at Haileybury College in 2017.

Past month:

Could the first four Metro players picked be from Sandringham Dragons? It is certainly possible with Liam Stocker’s form over the past month. He is one, if not the most consistent player in the TAC Cup for July. It was disappointing injury kept him out of the National Championships, but now he is back and he is making up for it. Will be tested in the TAC Cup finals against the best of the best and could enhance his stocks even further, ala Tim Taranto style.

July rank: #11

Taylor might be earlier than many others have him – it is based on the potential that the Calder Cannons product has. Taylor has plenty of X-Factor, which he showed in past years at school football for PEGS, playing alongside top draftees Cameron Rayner and Daniel Venables. Taylor at this stage is far more comfortable across half forward than as an inside midfielder, but has plenty of opportunities across the year to improve his midfield calibre. He has a good skill set and can mark well overhead.

Past month:

Returned to Calder Cannons and had a quiet day out against Dandenong in blustery conditions at RAMS Arena. Against Murray Bushrangers at Albury, he was back involved again, picking up 21 disposals, four marks, five clearances, three rebounds and a goal with much more midfield minutes. One who could go from top 10 to second round, has plenty of scope.

July rank: #16

The Gippsland Power captain is one of those players that in his bottom-age year looked like an outside midfielder, but won the majority of his possessions on the inside. In 2018, it has balanced out for him to impact on the outside and he is strong through the core despite being one of the lightest midfielders out there. He is a transition player who can give-and-go and can get forward and impact on the scoreboard. The biggest thing with Duursma is he has not got an obvious weakness, and while he does not win as much of the ball as other midfielders in the top end, he has both top skill and the ability to gain meterage with each disposal.

Past month:

Hardly does anything wrong and is one of the most well-balanced players in the draft crop. The Gippsland captain is starting to win more of the ball too, putting in consistent four quarter efforts. In Round 13, he had 26 disposals, four marks, four clearances, five inside 50s and two goals against Western Jets, then backed it up on Saturday with 29 disposals, seven marks, eight inside 50s and four rebounds. What is most remarkable is in those two games he played different roles, one predominantly inside and the other predominantly outside.

July rank: #13

McHenry’s super 2017 season saw him elevated to the National AFL Under 18 Academy Level Two squad and is a player that gives his all in every game. Despite his light frame, McHenry starts at the centre bounce and can win the contested football. The Falcons midfielder is a great character and you really need to check out his work on the Geelong Falcons Facebook page and watch the ‘Ned’s Falcons files’ videos. McHenry impressed in the National AFL Under 18 Championships for Vic Country last year as a bottom-ager, averaging 18 disposals at 75 per cent efficiency and laying 5.5 tackles.

Past month:

McHenry returned from the National Under 18 Championships to play the one game with Geelong Falcons, notching up 16 disposals, five tackles, five clearances and six inside 50s. He then headed back to finish off the APS football season, which wrapped up on the weekend. Expect him to return to the Falcons side for the remaining few games of the season.

July rank: #15

Based on potential – Collier-Dawkins could well be a first round prospect come later in the season. He still has some work to do in order to reach this level, but the signs early in the season are very good. Collier-Dawkins was very good in the #57 last year as a bottom-ager for the Oakleigh Chargers winning the ball as a hybrid midfielder, and ‘RCD’ has had a big growth spurt over recent years, seeing him jump to 193cm (and growing!). Collier-Dawkins looks most at home as an inside midfielder – using his clean and quick hands to effectiveness, but has played on the outside at times this year, including the Vic Metro trial game where he recorded 13 disposals and four marks.

Past month:

Upon returning to the Oakleigh Chargers, Collier-Dawkins has made a modest return for himself, averaging 14 disposals in his three games back in the TAC Cup. He is not a huge accumulator and is one that continues to impress in patches. He needs to iron out some four quarter performances, but the ability to accelerate out of a stoppage, lower the eyes and hit-up a leading target like he did against Gippsland Power on Saturday, is a reason why he is considered so high.

July rank: #22

The lightly-built outside midfielder who spends a lot of time forward, is a little on the small side, but plays taller than his 178cm. He has that touch of class that shines through when he wins the football, and his first few steps are lightning. Butters spreads well across the ground and can win the ball on the wing and be on the receiving end of a pass inside 50 moments later.

Past month:

After a great National Under 18 Championships, Butters injured his shoulder in the final game at Etihad Stadium against South Australia. He went in for surgery and has been put on ice for the remainder of the TAC Cup season. A huge talent who should not fall too far based on his performances at national level.

July rank: #30

Foley is an overager who plays on the inside and can win a truckload of clearances, while laying some strong tackles. He has impressed for Subiaco in the WAFL Colts, and earned a place in the Black Swans side for the National Under 18s Championships. Consistent as any midfielder in the draft crop.

Past month:

Since returning to the WAFL Colts, Foley has continued his ball winning ways for Subiaco, averaging 24 touches and eight tackles per game. He has a high impact per possession and a bigger body that enables him to use his frame at stoppages. Is one who just does not do a lot wrong, and is one who should surely play senior footy this season. Expect him to be considered in the first round, and certainly top 30.

July rank: #18

An inside midfielder with lightning hands, West has the ability to impact in close or in the air. He has a vice-like grip and is one of the best contested marks of the midfielders in the competition. Rarely beaten one-on-one, West’s next step is just working on doing the fundamentals perfectly as there have been times where he can over-use the football or overcomplicate a situation. No doubt Western Bulldogs fans will keep a close eye on him.

Past month:

After the National Championships, where West was one of the top Vic Metro players across the competition, he has headed back to St Kevin’s to play the remainder of the APS competition which wrapped up on the weekend. In line to play the APS vs. AGSV match on Saturday, before returning to Calder the week after to finish off his year in the TAC Cup for the Cannons. The championships enhanced his reputation and remains in top 20 calculations.

July rank: #25

An inside midfielder at TAC Cup level, his consistent form this season is as good as anyone in the competition. He lead the Western Jets in style with his contested work, acceleration and clearance ability among his top strengths. His leadership was recognised at state level, earning the Vic Metro captaincy over fellow captain Bailey Smith.

Past month:

After a really promising National Under 18 Championships playing forward, O’Halloran returned to the Western Jets where he has had a solid run of form prior to Round 14. O’Halloran racked up 25 touches, six marks and nine inside 50s against Gippsland Power, before having 16 touches, seven clearances and six inside 50s against Murray Bushrangers. He did not have as much impact in the weekend’s wind-affected match at Williamstown, having 11 touches and four clearances, but at full fitness expect the Jets captain to bounce back next round and be a big influence in finals.

July rank: #24

Bendigo Pioneers and Geelong Grammar product Jye Caldwell is a good midfielder who has some strong tricks. Injury forced him off the ground early in the AFL Academy match against the North Melbourne VFL team, but he has returned to football and is one who showed some talent in the Under 18 Championships last year for Vic Country, averaging 18 disposals. Caldwell tackles well and can win both the contested and uncontested ball.

Past month:

After injuries ruined his National Under 18 Championships, Caldwell has returned to the APS competition, and will have two games under his belt before returning to Bendigo Pioneers for the remainder of the season where he is expected to remind recruiters of his talent.

July rank: #20

The Norwood midfielder has a nice balance of skills and grunt, able to play on the inside or out and is set to play a pivotal role for South Australia at the National Championships. Valente was nominated captain of the Croweaters and his leadership shines through on the field. Known for his ball-winning abilities and clearance expertise, Valente is not overawed by bigger bodies and would be one player who is AFL ready from round one.

Past month:

Valente has played the one game since returning from a huge National Under 18 Championships where he was awarded the South Australian MVP, and named in the All-Australian side. He played Under 18s in the SANFL and booted two goals in a best on ground performance to show once again he was too good for the level. Expect him to be back playing seniors soon.

July rank: #26

Collingwood fans would be excited to see a Next Generation Academy Member come through the ranks next season. The AFL Academy defender is a run-and-carry player and despite being just 179cm, plays much taller and has even opposed key position players before. Expect him to develop into a medium tall defender, and with no second round pick following acquisition of Sam Murray last off-season, the Pies will be more than happy to match a bid given it will come after their first round selection.

Past month:

Quaynor has been playing further up the ground for Oakleigh since returning to the Chargers, spending more time on the wing and finding more of the football. He showed off his natural game sense and ability to read the play on multiple occasions against Gippsland Power at Warrawee Park on Saturday, intercepting passes at full speed and not breaking stride. While he just had the 10 touches, he had five rebounds, drifting back opposed to talented bottom-ager Sam Flanders on occasions, showing he can work hard defensively as well. The week before, Quaynor had 21 disposals and four inside 50s off a wing.

July rank: #19

A classy midfielder who can also hit the scoreboard, Jones has been going about his business very nicely. The Tasmanian was overshadowed by the efforts of top 10 pick Tarryn Thomas at the Under 18 Academy Series, but his ability to win clearances and burn off his opponents is eye-catching. He often gets forward and hurts opposition teams on the scoreboard, and is always dangerous at ground level. Just the 180cm, but is versatile and slot in anywhere.

Past month: 

Since a successful National Under 18 Championships which saw him earn All-Australian honours, Jones has returned to the TSL, playing for Launceston. In his three games back for the club, Jones has booted three goals and been named Launceston’s second best in each of his matches.

July rank: #17

There is a little bit of Tim English in the way Riley Bowman moves around the ground. The athletic ruckman has a decent leap on him, he is also a good user of the ball by foot. While Bowman is very raw and will need developing by any club that takes him, he has shown enough this year to suggest he needs to be tracked closely during the season. He worked hard in the ruck for the AFL Academy against the bigger North Melbourne opponents, at times going up against big Brayden Preuss.

Past month:

Bowman played his role at the National Under 18 Championships, being the second best ruckman behind Kieren Briggs, and expect him to be among the top three taken in that position. The emphasis of rucks going later seems to be continuing, but Bowman has still been solid at TAC Cup level without dominating. He was far too good against Bendigo Pioneers a few weeks ago, and has just been okay in the past fortnight. Looked at for his upside and athleticism. The drop is more others jumping up rather than him falling too much.

July rank: N/A

The virtually unknown West Australian defender has bolted up the rankings in draft calculations following an impressive National Under 18 Championships. He was very good at GMHBA Stadium against Vic Country, and then dominated at Etihad Stadium against the Allies. Clark has fantastic foot skills, good agility and thinks his way through situations. Has not had a huge WAFL Colts season, but since the National Championships he has turned it on at Reserves level. One to watch.

Past month:

Since winning Western Australia’s MVP award, Clark has returned to the WAFL, but instead of Colts, he has stepped up into the Reserves and gone to another level. In his two games he has recorded 17 and 22 disposals and importantly, is averaging five tackles. Firming as Western Australia’s third best prospect behind Hill and Foley.

July rank: N/A

The readymade ruck has had a breakout year in his top-age season, when most rucks are struggling for consistency. He won the GWS GIANTS Academy MVP, then took out the Allies MVP to go with it, in a team which also had top 10 picks Blakey and Thomas. While he is not an athletic ruck in the speed sense, he has an enormous tank and his second efforts and tackling are reminiscent of what Brodie Grundy produces on a regular basis – a tall that can impact a contest after the hitout.

Past month:

Briggs capped off his terrific National Under 18 Championships with the Allies MVP award and was one of a number of players at the carnival who shot up the draft boards with his consistency across the matches. While often going against athletic rucks, Briggs earned his keep by his second efforts and enormous work rate around the ground – he just runs opponents into the ground. He is also strong overhead and showed he could play as a resting forward as well. All-Australian honours to go with it opposed to a number of talented rucks. GIANTS will need to match a bid to keep the big man.

July rank: N/A

While fellow Academy and father-son prospect Nick Blakey made his call earlier in the season, there is still a three-way tussle for Bailey Scott. The Gold Coast Academy utility also has North Melbourne and Geelong that will be after his services, and he has a big decision to make. He is strong, can play up either end or on the inside, while his kicking can still be cleaned up a little, he impacts the contest, leads by example and hurts teams on the scoreboard when up forward.

Past month:

Scott enhanced his draft credentials at the National Under 18 Championships with the Allies. He made the All-Australian side and was consistent off half-forward or through the middle, having a penetrating kick and constantly cracking in hard at the contest. A medium midfielder who will be more inside than outside, Scott can virtually slot in anywhere and if his National Championships are anything to go by, he will be a very solid player at AFL level.

July rank: N/A

Another new August addition to the AFL Draft Central Power Rankings, McLennan is a player who caught the eye in the National Under 18 Championships with his composure and ability to read the ball in flight from half-back. One of the top defenders across the carnival, McLennan is a fantastic kick of the football and firming as another medium defender option in that second round. Last month he was one to watch, this month he is in the top 30.

Past month:

McLennan finished off the National Under 18 Championships with All-Australian honours, and no doubt in the top five players for South Australia in terms of performance across the four games. He has since returned to the SANFL where he has played seniors for Central District, making his debut and having eight disposals at 100 per cent efficiency. Importantly he laid five tackles and did not look out of place, playing his role. The week before at Reserves level, McLennan also ran at 100 per cent kicking efficiency from 11 kicks, and 95.7 per cent efficiency overall from 23 disposals.

Keep an eye out:

Will Kelly (Vic Metro)
Angus Hanrahan (Vic Metro)
Tom McKenzie (Vic Metro)
Toby Bedford (Vic Country)
Ely Smith (Vic Country)
Zac Foot (Vic Country)
Sydney Stack (Western Australia)
Connor McFadyen (Allies)
Jacob Kennerley (South Australia)