STRENGTHS:

+ Consistency
+ Aerial ability
+ Rebounding
+ Clean skills

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Contested work
- Athleticism

Eastern Ranges and Vic Metro defender Callum Verrell was an incredibly consistent player all year, settling into a running defender role that he succeeded at throughout both the NAB League and AFL Under 18 Championships. In almost identical statlines despite the jump, Verrell averaged 18.5 disposals and 5.2 rebound 50s for the Ranges, then 19.0 disposals and 5.3 rebound 50s for Metro. Few could doubt he nailed down that exact role, earning him a State Draft Combine invite.

Verrell not only found plenty of the ball, but he won a lot of it via intercept marking, averaging more than six marks per game for Metro at the national carnival. He is someone that can not only get into the right spots and intercept, but also be the release kick in the back pocket or half-back. His skills are clean, and he can hit targets over multiple distances, usually able to have some penetration on his boot as well.

Given these strengths it might be a surprise to see Verrell only handed a State Draft Combine invite, but there are some improvements for him to make. He is not a contested player, often winning a lot of ball in loose situations, and held a 20 per cent contested rate at the championships, and he is also not super athletic. Verrell is more of a natural footballer, which is where he will fall in favour with some clubs, and not with others depending on their priorities for his role type.