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 in some capacity leading into 2020. 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 Geelong Falcons prospect Oliver Henry, the brother of promising Cats defender, Jack Henry. The 187cm utility boasts versatility in spades; able to swing up either end of the ground and impact the play both aerially, and at ground level. He plays a touch above his height with a terrific vertical leap, making him the ideal third marking tall up forward, or intercept and rebound type down back.

Henry impressed across 15 NAB League games last year, booting 18 goals – including a haul of five, four, and three goals early in the campaign. In a rare outing for 2020, he booted two goals and was among the best for St Joseph’s College in their outing against Geelong College. At this stage, he is well among the first round calculations.

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PLAYER PAGE:

Oliver Henry
Geelong Falcons/Vic Country

DOB: July 29, 2002

Height: 187cm
Weight: 77kg

Position: Medium Utility

Strengths: Marking on the lead, intercepting, vertical leap, versatility
Improvements: Consistency

2019 NAB League averages: 15 games | 10.0 disposals | 4.4 marks | 1.1 tackles | 1.5 inside 50s | 0.8 rebound 50s | 1.2 goals (18)

>> Feature: Oliver Henry
>> Marquee Matchup: Henry vs. Ford

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PRESEASON TESTING RESULTS:

Did not test – precaution due to tight hamstring.

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

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2019 SCOUTING NOTES:

Under 17 Futures All Stars

By: Ed Pascoe

The talented Geelong Falcon, who is the younger brother of rising Cats’ defender Jack Henry showed plenty of his talent in what was a hard day for the Team Dal Santo forwards. He was still able to catch the eye; he hit the scoreboard in the last quarter with a quality intercept mark in the goal square, showing his speed and quick decision making. Henry was strong overhead and clean at ground level but he also did the what was required defensively as well with some good tackles and smothers, he looks to be one of the most dangerous forward prospects in the 2020 draft.

NAB League Round 17 vs. Dandenong

By: Peter Williams

After spending time in defence in recent weeks, the medium-sized utility was back inside 50 and showed off his talent when it comes to providing a target leading out. He had great hands overhead to continually remained involved in the contest, presenting at marking opportunities. He took an intercept mark early in the match but rushed his kick and it was smothered. Henry led long up the wing to win a number of touches up the ground, but also crashed a pack in the second term and gave it off quickly to keep it moving. He did err late in the quarter opting for a quick snap rather than giving the hands off to Charlie Sprague who was free nearby. He converted a set shot after being held midway through the third term and did have the two from the game, also setting up Sprague for his fourth after wrestling the ball from two opponents and giving it over to his teammate.

NAB League Round 16 vs. Tasmania

By: Michael Alvaro

Had some sort of start to the game, clunking just about everything that came his way in defence with some brave efforts going back with the flight, and others coming in from the side. Henry’s clean hands and reading of the ball in flight were on full show, with his ability to rebound and find short options bringing a calmness to Geelong’s back half. Was arguably the most influential player afield in the first half, just continually attacking the ball in the air and bringing it down. Henry was eventually thrown forward as the Falcons rolled the dice late, but didn’t quite have the same impact. Will be a top prospect next year given his versatility, marking ability, and pedigree.

NAB League Round 7 vs. Murray

By: Peter Williams

A great finisher around goal who works really hard up the ground. He goes on long searching leads and often can win the ball in midfield or even at half-back, before running hard forward doubling back on his opponent to create an outnumber forward of centre. He is strong overhead and is good on the lead, and had a great moment in the opening term, faking a step on the right to kick on the left in board to Tom Richardson leading out. He was a little ambitious at one stage in the third term, crashing through multiple players before getting caught, but finished the term with a soccer off the ground after pushing hard then doubling back once the ball went over his head. Took a great mark late in the game and kicked an easy consolation goal, finishing the match with three majors and strapping across his face from a blood nose.

NAB League Round 6 vs. Sydney Swans Academy

By: Joe Lee

The classy and smooth moving forward was dangerous all day and provided an omnipotent headache for Swans defenders. Played out of the goal square, Henry was often outnumbered in marking contests but managed to at least halve them or win them on multiple occasions. Had 13 touches, five marks and 4.2, the only knock on Henry’s game was missing a couple of easy opportunities earlier on in the piece. Plays taller than his size and was outstanding for Geelong, particularly in the second half which saw him score three of his four goals.

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>> MORE GEELONG FALCONS CONTENT

>> 2020 Vic Country U18s Squad Prediction
>> August 2020 Power Rankings
>> July 2020 Power Rankings

>> CATCH UP ON OUR DRAFT WATCH SERIES

Allies:
Tahj Abberley
Charlie Byrne
Jackson Callow
Blake Coleman
Braeden Campbell
Alex Davies
Oliver Davis
Errol Gulden

South Australia:
Kaine Baldwin
Bailey Chamberlain
Zac Dumesny
Corey Durdin
Luke Edwards
Lachlan Jones
Caleb Poulter
Tom Powell
Taj Schofield
Riley Thilthorpe

Vic Country:
Sam Berry
Tanner Bruhn
Jack Ginnivan
Elijah Hollands
Zach Reid
Nick Stevens
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan

Vic Metro:
Jackson Cardillo
Nikolas Cox
Connor Downie
Eddie Ford
Bailey Laurie
Finlay Macrae
Reef McInnes
Archie Perkins
Will Phillips

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