IN the build up to football eventually returning, Draft Central  takes a look at some of this year’s brightest names who have already represented their state at Under 17 or Under 18s level in 2019. While plenty can change between now and then, we will provide a bit of an insight into players, how they performed at pre-season testing, and some of our scouting notes on them from last year.

Next under the microscope in our AFL Draft watch is Oakleigh Chargers prospect Finlay Macrae, a balanced midfielder who comes from good pedigree. The brother of Western Bulldogs star, Jack had the opportunity to train at Whitten Oval during preseason after making a splash in Oakleigh’s NAB League premiership-winning side, while also running out for Xavier College in the APS Football season. Macrae was named in Vic Metro’s 2019 squad as a bottom-ager having donned the ‘Big V’ at Under 17 level, but will look to break through for an Under 18 berth in 2020.

While he has spent most of his time with Oakleigh thus far running off a half-forward flank, the classy midfielder will be looking to become a permanent midfield cog in each side he represents as a top-ager. With poise, ball-winning hunger, excellent decision making and skill execution, the promising Charger has all the traits to do exactly that.

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PLAYER PAGE:

Finlay Macrae
Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro

DOB: March 13, 2002

Height: 184cm
Weight: 75kg

Position: Balanced midfielder

Strengths: Poise/class, decision making, accumulation, versatility
Improvements: Speed/explosiveness

2019 NAB League stats: 7 games | 16.9 disposals | 3.9 marks | 2.6 tackles | 1.1 clearances | 3.4 inside 50s | 0.4 goals (3)

>> Q&A: Finlay Macrae

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PRESEASON TESTING RESULTS:

Standing Vertical Jump – 61cm
Running Vertical Jump (R/L) – 60cm/72cm
Speed (20m) – 3.12 seconds
Agility – 8.90 seconds
Endurance (Yo-yo) – 20.6

>> Full Testing Results:
Jumps
20m Sprint
Agility
Yo-yo

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2019 SCOUTING NOTES:

Under 17 Futures All Stars

By: Peter Williams

A solid game by the NAB League premiership player who was busy in all thirds of the ground. He used it well in the back half early in the match, seeming composed for his side and just settling down and releasing the pressure valve with safe kicks in defensive 50. When he went further up the ground he was able to set up his team going inside 50, winning more of the ball as the game went on. Macrae showed good hands under pressure in defence, but will thrive in the midfield next season.

NAB League Grand Final vs. Eastern

By: Peter Williams

The midfielder had some exciting moments throughout the Grand Final on his way to 20 touches and seven marks, only missing a couple of opportunities and finishing with two behinds on the scoreboard. His run and carry and decision making is a highlight and like a number of Oakleigh midfielders, showed why the Chargers will be tough to beat again next year.

NAB League Preliminary Final vs. Sandringham

By: Ed Pascoe

It would seem a second Macrae is on the horizon in the AFL with 2020 prospect Finlay playing a fantastic game showing his class and composure. Macrae’s best bit of play came in the second quarter selling a bit of candy before kicking a perfect pass inside 50 to teammate Cooper Sharman, Macrae found it easy to find space around the ground and use the ball superbly by hand and foot. Macrae finished the game with 22 disposals, nine marks and six inside 50s.

NAB League Round 17 vs. Sandringham

By: Michael Alvaro

Is coming into a nice patch of form, looking comfortable among some of the best top-age ball winners to find plenty of the pill. His class on the ball is obvious, finding it in all areas and using it effectively with polished kicks. He also gets forward well and found the goals again in this game with a nice finish during Oakleigh’s final quarter onslaught. Will be a leading candidate heading into 2020.

Under 17 Futures vs. Queensland

By: Michael Alvaro

Best afield for mine, the brother of Bulldogs star Jack showed off his pedigree with a game-high 34 disposals – 10 more than anyone else – six marks, five clearances, eight inside 50s and a goal. Macrae built into the game nicely, starting with some clean and effective accumulative touches before really having an impact in the second half. He lifted again in the fourth term, hitting the scoreboard with a classy finish from 45m while also assisting goals to Ollie Lord and Jack Diedrich to cap off a fantastic display.

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>> MORE OAKLEIGH CHARGERS CONTENT

>> 2020 Vic Metro U18s Squad Prediction

>> CATCH UP ON OUR DRAFT WATCH SERIES

Allies:
Tahj Abberley
Jackson Callow
Braeden Campbell
Oliver Davis
Errol Gulden

South Australia:
Kaine Baldwin
Corey Durdin
Luke Edwards
Taj Schofield
Riley Thilthorpe

Vic Country:
Sam Berry
Jack Ginnivan
Nick Stevens
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan

Vic Metro:
Jackson Cardillo
Nikolas Cox
Connor Downie
Reef McInnes
Archie Perkins

Western Australia:
Denver Grainger-Barras
Logan McDonald
Nathan O’Driscoll
Brandon Walker
Joel Western