AS IS often the case, Vic Metro is set to boast a wealth of high-class midfield options in 2027. Evidenced by the Under 16 squad of 2025, the embarrassment of riches will likely run deep for years to come.

For all the crop’s individual talent, a great quality of the group is the willingness of each player to slot into other roles when required, and play an unselfish brand of football. Such strong rapport is a large reason why Metro took out the Pool A title at Under 16 level, producing four All-Australians.

Several of the players outlined below are arguably well poised to earn bottom-age debuts in the Under 18 side this year – akin to the 2024 draft crop which featured Levi Ashcroft, Murphy Reid, Jagga Smith, and Josh Smillie.

We profile Vic Metro’s emerging crop of 2009-born midfielders.

>> Ones to watch: 2027 AFL Draft crop

Griffin Barker (Western Jets)
Midfielder | 185cm | 13/08/2009

While Barker was overlooked for All-Australian selection at last year’s Under 16 National Championships, he was an integral member of Vic Metro’s midfield. He was among eight 2009-born players to earn a Talent League debut with Western Jets last year, playing a handful of games with plenty of midfield exposure. Barker is a robust inside ball winner with one-touch handling and clean distributive skills, often seen burrowing under packs and flicking the ball on to teammates. He’s strong through the core and capable of either absorbing or breaking through tackles to get the ball moving out of congestion.

Koby Bewick (Calder Cannons)
Midfielder | 177cm | 10/01/2009

Essendon F/S

Essendon fans are already all over Bewick’s potential, with the son of two-time premiership Bomber Darren shaping as a top-end talent. His style and prolific nature draw comparisons to Collingwood star Nick Daicos, boasting elite footy IQ and the ability to impact on each line. He’s a terrific ball user with great running power, making him a threat off half-back, through the middle, and even as a resting forward. He hits the scoreboard and brings others into the play, knowing where his next touch will come. Bewick was selected in last year’s Under 16 All-Australian team and played four Talent League games.

Harper McCullough (Oakleigh Chargers)
Midfielder | 176cm | 29/05/2009

A true competitor in midfield, McCullough punches above his weight with dogged determination and explosive contributions around the contest. He’s the type of ball winner who consistently does the tough stuff as a clearance extractor and tackler, allowing others to shine with his selfless approach. McCullough is also capable of catching the eye with ball in hand, refusing to be beaten or tackled as he drives his legs into attack. What’s more, his work rate is helps him stay involved on the outside. McCullough was an Under 16 All-Australian last year and played two Talent League games for Oakleigh.

Tevita Rodan (Calder Cannons)
Midfielder | 179cm | 18/02/2009

Essendon NGA & Port Adelaide F/S

A chip off the old block, Rodan has already showcased some of the same pop and power as his father, David. Rodan senior played 185 AFL games, with his 111 at Port Adelaide making Tevita father-son eligible in 2027. He’s also part of Essendon’s Next Generation Academy. Like Calder Cannons teammate Bewick, the 16-year-old has already made his Talent League debut and can play on every line. He is a playmaking rebounder down back, dynamic threat up forward, and clever extractor who can navigate stoppages through the middle. Expect him to earn more midfield exposure as he develops.

Baxter Sruk (Eastern Ranges)
Midfielder | 182cm | 18/07/2009

This kid just keeps on racking up individual honours. He won the esteemed Kevin Sheehan Medal at last year’s Under 16 National Championships and was duly named Vic Metro’s MVP. Having kicked the winning goal in two of the three games there, he went on to spur Rowville Secondary College to the Intermediate Herald Sun Shield title with three fourth-quarter majors. Sruk is physically developed and powerful, but also covers ground well in the attacking phase and kicks goals for fun on his booming left foot. Expect him to slot right into Eastern’s engine room with rotations to half-forward.

DEPTH

While the star names listed above will likely steal plenty of attention, there remains some quality depth to consider a fair way out from 2027. Sandringham Dragons midfielder Riley Stratford played one game for Vic Metro at last year’s Under 16 champs, as did Oakleigh’s Jack Condello. Both spent time on-ball and will likely establish themselves there at Talent League level. They have also broken into the top APS level for Brighton and Carey respectively. Elsewhere, gutsy Northern Knights prospect Campbell Rooks has already had a taste of Talent League footy and earned some midfield minutes for Metro’s 16s. He was among those tasked with playing a secondary role, looking comfortable and combative in defence.