AS the dust settles on the 2021 AFL Draft, many overlooked prospects are now turning their attention to the next opportunity, with some lucky enough to be training with AFL clubs in hopes of filling list spots come the Supplemental Selection Period (SSP). With plenty of talent yet to find a home after such an even intake, we take a look at 10 names who were particularly unlucky to be left in limbo this time around. As many before them have proven; if you’re good enough, they’ll find you.

Jamieson Ballantyne

The Greater Western Victoria (GWV) Rebels had a stacked squad this season, and Ballantyne was one who lifted his level to sit alongside some of their stars. A mainstay on the wing, his outside run was important but he proved to be more than just an uncontested feature, cracking in to win his own ball when required. He also showcased sound decision making, enough to earn Vic Country honours and a draft combine invite. With terrific form behind him and plenty of development to come, Ballantyne could reach great heights with more exposure in time.

Josh Browne

Winning a league best and fairest is nothing to scoff at, and neither is a disposal average of over 32 across 14 WAFL Colts outings. That is exactly what Browne achieved in 2021, proving one of the most consistent performers nationwide from a pure numbers standpoint. The East Fremantle midfielder boosted his running capacity and was frequently able to hit the scoreboard, but perhaps has a couple of knocks in his kick execution and composure coming away from the contest. Still, this is a prospect who can play, find plenty of the ball, and stand up in the big moments.

Anthony Caminiti

A slightly raw tall who hit the spotlight in quick time this year, Caminiti is one who could really press his case over a full season. Scouted by the Northern Knights team while playing for Carey Grammar in the APS competition, the lean forward target presents well on the lead and likes to move with ball in hand. He booted five goals on his NAB League debut against the Brisbane Lions Academy, later earning selection in the Victorian trial games and a draft combine invite. With added strength and competitiveness, he could develop quickly.

Josh Cripps

The younger, and taller, brother of Carlton co-captain Patrick Cripps is training with the Blues after impressing in the back end of this year’s WAFL Colts season. A 199cm ruck-forward, Cripps built steadily upon returning from a long-term knee injury, but really put his name in lights with high production games for East Fremantle leading into finals. He is strong in contested marking situations and possesses clean left-foot skills for a player of his size, but like his brother, is not as quick off the mark as others.

Kade Dittmar

Another who is currently training with an AFL club – West Coast – Dittmar was one of his state’s best performers through midfield in 2021. He cracked the League grade for one outing with East Perth and has the readymade frame to compete with mature players. Dittmar’s main strengths come to light at the contest, with his bullocking style and propensity for a big fend-off a couple of traits which help him win plenty of hard ball. Given the high number of West Australians taken, he can count himself a touch unlucky.

Ronald Fejo Jnr

A mature-ager of sorts among this lot, Fejo had a couple of AFL clubs tracking him for their open list spots, but ended up linking with Essendon for a train-on chance. The Northern Territory native showed plenty of class in West Adelaide’s reserves this year, managing a couple of League appearances and getting special dispensation to compete in Under 19 fixtures. His carving runs on the wing and classy use by foot make for a handy highlights package, and one which should see him stay in contention.

Tyreece Leiu

Another who, unsurprisingly, found an opportunity to fight for SSP selection, Leiu is currently training alongside Cripps at Carlton. The versatile Eastern Ranges product was a mainstay in the elite talent pathway through the years and found a home in defence having originally shone with his big frame in midfield. A handy intercept marker, Leiu’s progress was halted by untimely injuries which robbed him of representative honours, but he still had enough interest to get a draft combine invite. The Blues could do with some marking support in defence, too.

Charlie Molan

A player who is by no means flashy or flair-based, Molan simply gets the job done. He is as reliable as anyone else available on his sheer ability to fulfil a role and produce maximum effort each week. Having developed mostly off half-back, he moved up to a wing in 2021 and leant on his terrific work rate to remain relevant going both ways, putting in the one-percenters and using the ball well by foot. His sister, Sophie is currently listed at Richmond’s AFLW side, and Charlie is a solid option for clubs looking for a fundamentally sound leader.

Corey Preston

Perhaps the most unlucky 19th-year prospect to miss out, Preston impressed early in 2020 to earn a draft combine invite and repeated the feat this year after getting much more form under his belt. He had spent some time training with the Western Bulldogs last preseason, but no clubs budged once again on the Eastern Ranges product. His damaging kicking and ability to rebound the ball off half-back or the wing were shown in 2021, but Preston is also a very capable forward who could develop strongly in an elite environment.

Lewis Rayson

A real leader among the South Australian crop, Rayson can count himself unlucky to not have garnered more attention after giving his all as a top-ager. He stood out throughout the pathway and is now training with Gold Coast with hope of obtaining a spot via the SSP. The hard running small defender/wingman provides plenty of drive on the outer and also showed his wares through midfield in the Under 18 competition, having no trouble finding the ball. He, too could remain on the radar.