THERE is no one right way, answer, or opinion when it comes to AFL recruiting. That only becomes more evident as each draft approaches and those in the know begin to compare notes – or, contrast them.

Although most recruiters can agree on a group of around 15 prospects who look set to feature in this year’s first round, the next tier of talent is much more difficult to get a gauge on.

In fact, some say you could throw a blanket over who fills up the next 20 to 30 slots, such is the evenness of the crop.

We take a look at a handful of prospects within that next group who are perhaps causing contention between recruiters, and thus have the widest draft ranges.

THE GREAT DIVIDERS

George Stevens (GWV Rebels/Vic Country)
Midfielder/Defender | 189cm | 94kg | 14/04/2005

Stevens is a prospect who somewhat flies in the face of what recruiters have generally steered towards in recent times. He’s a big-bodied ball winner whose size is an advantage at junior level, though he also offers finesse with his clean hands, kicking distribution, and decision making. The GWV Rebels talent, who diligently recovered from an ACL tear last year, is by no means a line-breaking athlete or overtly damaging ball user, but just does so few things wrong. Clubs will value his character highly, given the aforementioned rehabilitation and his status as National Academy captain in 2023. He could feature around the top 30 for that factor alone, and is well within the overall draft frame regardless.

Logan Morris (Western Jets/Vic Metro)
Tall Forward | 191cm | 90kg | 05/10/2005

Morris falls into the awkward category of being an undersized key position junior who currently plays taller than what he may be able to at AFL level. There is no denying his marking prowess, with Morris more than holding his own aerially at 191cm and proving a one-touch player in contested situations. Though, he is not particularly agile or effective at ground level and has had to do an enormous amount of work to build up a running base more suitable to the role he is likely to be draft for. The Western Jets product has also been trialled in defence, but arguably looks most natural up forward. Some clubs will rate him around the top 20, others not nearly so highly.

Archer Reid (Gippsland Power/Vic Country)
Key Forward | 203cm | 93kg | 19/09/2005

Having come into the year rated as a top 10 talent, Reid has unanimously fallen out of the first round mix but will likely have enough fans to be drafted – especially if his late-season form picks up. The 203cm forward and brother of Essendon’s Zach possesses the tools to be an effective tall, but has lacked confidence and competitiveness at times this year. At his best, he’s a nimble lead-up target who can work over less athletic defenders and beat them at ground level. He has supreme skills below his knees and can even provide a chop-out in the ruck, but is yet to really take a game by the scruff of its neck this year. Perhaps delivery is key for him – something which picked up late in the national carnival.

Archie Roberts (Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro)
Defender | 184cm | 77kg | 18/11/2005

Roberts has been a highly touted talent for some time and fits into the deep group of running defenders available in this year’s draft. Though, he may not be the best of them. The Vic Metro vice-captain is a creative asset off half-back, often snatching metres from the kick-ins and driving past teammates demanding the ball in return. You want the pill in his hands when he overlaps, as he makes great decisions and has a weaponous left foot. Though, Roberts’ numbers may be slightly inflated by his style of play and for the most part, clubs want to see him improve his defensive acumen. He also expressed a desire to be trialled in midfield, which may crucially add another string to his bow.

Arie Schoenmaker (Tasmania Devils/Allies)
Defender | 194cm | 89kg | 07/01/2005

Another attacking defender, Schoenmaker has made great strides after having the start of his draft year hampered by an off-field indiscretion. He was welcomed back to the Tasmania Devils unit, and quickly earned an Allies call-up. As was evident as early as last year, his kicking is quite uniquely strong and a significant part of his game. Schoenmaker could well be the AFL’s next superboot and makes fantastic decisions as a rebound defender, but at 194cm, can clearly work on his contested work and competitiveness. He has done some great work to break the one-trick pony mould this year, considered a top 20 talent by some clubs, but a little further outside that range for others.