TASMANIA Devils are expected to announce their first batch of recruits shortly after the AFL Grand Final, and as reported by AFL.com.au’s Callum Twomey on Gettable, the list of targets has well and truly narrowed. We profile the eight players said to be in contention for the lucrative set of four-year contracts up for grabs.

>> MORE: AFL confirms Tasmania’s list establishment rules

PROFILED

James Artemis (East Fremantle/Western Australia)
Midfielder | 180cm | 05/03/2009

The cousin of Essendon midseason draftee Jaxon, James is looking to continue his family’s history in that regard. He took out Western Australia’s Under 16 MVP award last year and quickly moved into East Fremantle’s Colts side. Also a member of this year’s state Under 18 team, Artemis is capable of playing out on the wing or through the middle. His explosive turn of speed is the eye-catching trait, lending to a great ability to take ground and attack. He may be on the way alongside close mate, Axel Walsh.

Griffin Barker (Western Jets/Vic Metro)
Midfielder | 186cm | 13/08/2009

Barker was among Tasmania’s initial, wider list of interest but has recently closed in hard on a potential contract. The Western Jets product is a hard-nosed midfielder in the Matt Rowell mould, able to extract contested ball and barrel his way out of stoppage. He dishes out fend-offs for fun and can take ground on the outside by creating space with his powerful side-step. While he has spent plenty of time on the wing, Barker has established himself at Talent League level and is a nailed-on inside midfield star.

Angus Brown (Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro)
Small Forward/Midfielder | 176cm | 27/05/2009

Brown has been out of sight, out of mind lately due to a knee injury but remains closely linked to a Tasmanian berth. The electric small forward is a phenomenal athlete, capable of fooling opponents with his slick lateral movement or jumping on their heads. Brown already boasts an exciting highlight reel having mostly played as a high forward at Sandringham. He’s the type who can impact at stoppage on account of his pressure and ground level craft, while also showing traits suited to the wing.

Jake Miller (Western Jets/Vic Metro)
Key Forward | 197cm | 07/05/2009

A player who could turn out to be the best of the lot, Miller has made great developmental strides in 2026. After captaining Vic Metro to last year’s Under 16 title, the mobile key forward has continued to excel at the Talent League, school, and representative levels. He works up the ground as an active marking target equally capable of splitting packs or outworking his opponent. Deeper forward, the left-footer is a threat on the lead and has become a highly reliable goalkicker. Almost a certainty here.

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

Sruk is arguably the best and most pure midfield prospect in next year’s crop, and is quite mature in a development sense. His compact frame is complimented by clean hands, deceptive agility and poise, and polished skills by hand and foot. What’s more, he can carve up the opposition with his penetration in the attacking phase, showing great work rate and an appetite for the big moments. After an injury interrupted start to the season, he has excelled in Eastern Ranges colours this year.

Riley Stratford (Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro)
Midfielder/Forward | 188cm | 05/04/2009

One of the many Vic Metro products linked to a move south, Stratford shows high upside as a big-bodied midfielder. Standing at 188cm, he has the size and strength to hold his own as an inside extractor or become a marking presence up forward. He tends to fare well in contested situations and daringly drifts into attacking zones to ensure he can hurt the opposition. Stratford has been performing strongly on the school football scene, as well as in Sandringham’s midfield mix back in the Talent League.

Max Thompson (Bendigo Pioneers/Vic Country)
Small Utility | 174cm | 03/06/2009

Thompson has the unique ability to impact games in every third of the ground. He put his name in lights during last year’s Under 16 championships as a deadeye small forward, but has since shown great signs as a playmaking rebound defender and hard-running midfielder. He even made his Talent League debut out on the wing. Thompson’s elite footy IQ, work rate and foot skills make him the type of player who can dictate games and effortlessly rack up possessions. His consistency has been outstanding this year.

Axel Walsh (East Perth/Western Australia)
Ruck/Key Forward | 202cm | 20/01/2009

If the draft were held now, Walsh would be the first player selected. Along with Miller, the West Australian bigman is almost certain to land in Tasmania having set himself apart from others in his age group. He recently made an impressive WAFL Reserves debut for East Perth and may be in line for a League berth during finals. At 202cm, he has extraordinary aerial range and can take marks all around the ground, but is also skilful for his size and acts as a fourth midfielder of sorts. A rare, dominant, freakish talent.