WITH AFL Draft day, or days, fast approaching on November 24/25, Rookie Me Central takes a look at some of the prime prospects set to feature highly in this year’s intake. We break down the crop by position, continuing the series with an exciting group of small-medium forwards options. Among the 2021 crop are a few first round fancies, with plenty more sure to garner attention and fill one of the most important specialist list spots. Below are the top bunch of talents, listed in alphabetical order.

Small-Medium Forwards

Sam Butler

Like many of the players on this list, Butler has more to him than just the forward caper. Having developed his craft there with high level smarts and skill, the GWV Rebels prospect also proved his midfield capabilities this year and rose into first round contention. The brother of St Kilda’s Dan, Butler boasts similar speed and has wickedly clean hands which help him manufacture ways both out of the contest and towards goal. He will likely begin his career in attack and should he survive round one, will be snapped up quickly on night two.

Draft Range: 15-30

Judson Clarke

A player who suits the modern game, Clarke has all the traits to be a successful forward. While certainly capable as a slick small midfielder, the Dandenong Stingrays product looks most suited to the front half where his speed and finishing nous come to the fore. He shot into second round contention with five goals in the mid-year Victorian trial games and if not hurting the opposition through scoreboard impact, will lean on his trust left boot to create for others and cause headaches with his surge mentality.

Draft Range: 25-40

Paul Curtis

The standout Western Jets prospect in 2021 is Curtis, who has plenty of exciting traits but is looking to put the pieces together more consistently. He proved a game changer inside 50 during his seven NAB League outings this season, averaging two goals per game and popping up with spurts of individual brilliance to bring his side to life. He lays claim to great smarts and goal sense, able to win one-on-one battles or present on the lead before converting his chances. With a better endurance base, he can also expand his game further afield.

Draft Range: 35+

Blake Howes

One of the more eye-catching athletes in this year’s overall crop, Howes’ upside comes from his versatility. He has the all-important mix of speed and endurance, but looks most damaging aerially where he presents as a viable forward target and rangy option with superb reach around the ground. With a developing ground level game, Howes found some of his best form with a late-season move to the wing in 2021 and on pure potential, will be right in the second round mix.

Draft Range: 20-35

Kai Lohmann

Another super athlete capable of producing highlight reel moments, Lohmann is the type of player some recruiters are split on. At his best, the GWV Rebels forward is capable of breaking games open with moments – whether it be a high flying mark or running foray towards goal. His finishing touch looms as the missing piece of a very appealing puzzle, but there are few others who can do what Lohmann attempts in each outing and he backs himself to produce something special every time.

Draft Range: 25-40

Jesse Motlop

Motlop is a player three clubs will feel hard done by to miss out on. He is part of Fremantle’s NGA program but can only be matched on with a bid after pick 40, and his father Daniel played for both North Melbourne and Port Adelaide – but not enough to make Jesse father-son eligible. In his own right, Motlop is a dangerous small forward who brings great confidence to his play, with all the skill, speed and smarts to impact games in a flash. He played plenty of League footy this season and could be one who features early at the next level.

Draft Range: 15-30

Josh Rachele

Mercurial is one of the few words befitting of what Rachele can do on a football field, and that is exactly why he is the premier small forward available. Likely to feature within the top 10, the Murray Bushrangers graduate was a prolific junior soccer player before he committed to football, bringing the dancing feet and celebrations familiar to the world game. Rachele is unbelievably skilled both in the air and at ground level, with a sharp eye for goal and all the skill to win games off his own boot. With a lift in work rate, he can certainly impact in midfield down the line.

Draft Range: Top 10