ON the back of representative form at the Under 18 National Championships, there are a bunch of AFL Draft prospects boosting their stocks on the big stage. In today’s edition of Rising Stocks, we narrow in on Western Australia’s crop, and some of the underrated Allies flying under the radar.

>> Power Rankings: June Top 20

Daniel Curtin (Claremont/Western Australia)
Key Defender/Utility | 195cm | 91kg | 08/03/2005

Touted as a top 10 prospect coming into the year, Curtin has only strengthened his standing in said range and looks all the more appealing after his latest outing for WA. The 195cm key defender, who has also spent time in attack, proved his quality as a midfielder at a high standard having done so for Claremont in the WAFL Colts, amassing 26 disposals and six clearances. He has the inside game of a big bodied ball winner, but also moves well and makes excellent decisions by hand and foot.

Clay Hall (Peel Thunder/Western Australia)
Midfielder | 188cm | 83kg | 12/05/2005

Hall is one of the few West Australians to have earned a senior WAFL berth early in the season, and has since stamped himself as a key member of his state’s midfield. The smooth moving left-footer has strung together two strong representative games, showcasing an improved ability to step to the outside and deliver the ball with sharp foot skills. He has done his draft chances no harm over the last couple of weeks, although he arguably sits outside the range of players like Curtin (top 10) and Tholstrup (top 20).

Koltyn Tholstrup (Subiaco/Western Australia)
Forward | 184cm | 83kg | 10/03/2005

There have been few better inclusions in this year’s national carnival than Tholstrup, who made an instant impact for WA in his timely return from injury. The hard running utility played up forward where his defensive efforts and work rate made for two-way influence, and helped set the tone for the Black Ducks’ breakthrough victory. He’s another WA talent who has played senior footy and is willing to help the team with pure effort in a variety of roles.

>> Scouting Notes: Western Australia vs. South Australia

Will Graham (Suns Academy/Allies)
Midfielder/Defender | 186cm | 79kg | 17/05/2005

The Allies midfield is stacked, which has seen Graham shift to a defensive role which he has adjusted to beautifully. More recently, he broke through for a VFL debut with the Suns who are absolutely flying atop the state league’s ladder. With Gold Coast boasting three likely first round academy products, clubs are monitoring Graham as a potential top 30 selection. He’s a big bodied and clean ball winner with deceptive athleticism, and now, proven versatility and senior experience.

Nick Williams (Suns Academy/Allies)
Tall Defender | 191cm | 83kg | 02/05/2004

Along with Graham, Williams is a Suns Academy product who clubs are monitoring as a National Draft steal. An over-ager, he has been exposed to VFL football but arguably had his best game in the Suns Academy’s final Talent League game – collecting 18 disposals and 10 marks. The latter is a strength of his, but Williams has also garnered interest for his GPS numbers, racking up the kilometres in Allies colours despite his role as a deep defender. One to watch.

Phoenix Gothard (Murray Bushrangers/Allies)
Small Forward | 178cm | 70cm | 07/09/2005

A quick and creative small forward, Gothard did enough to earn Allies selection in the early stages of the season and has gone from strength to strength since entering the representative scene. With glimpses of serious ability at said level, he returned to the Talent League over the weekend and put in one of his best performances to date. Gothard snared 2.4 from 20 touches in a loss, and with a bit more polish on his end product, could have won Murray the game. He makes things happen.

James Leake (Tasmania Devils/Allies)
Defender | 188cm | 74kg | 10/02/2005

Leake has showed his wares early in the season as a potential surprise packet this year, and has followed through since to put his name firmly on the draft radar. The Tasmanian most often turns out in defence where his speed, aerial ability, and competitiveness serve him well. On Sunday, he was swung forward and put on a marking clinic en route to booting three goals. His set shot conversion was also impressive, making him a bonafide high upside type.

>> Scouting Notes: Coates Talent League – Round 11