STRENGTHS:

+ Vertical leap
+ Contested marking
+ Scoreboard impact

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Finishing
- Accumulation

Debuting in Round 7 for the Sandringham Dragons, Chris Rousakis quickly stepped in and filled the role as the tall target inside 50, being selected for every game thereafter. Remarkably, Rousakis stood at just 187cm, but was able to present as a key position player with his strengths lending themselves to that role.

Despite being a tad undersized as a key position player, Rousakis more than makes up for it with his aerial theatrics, with a strong leap and elite hands meaning he can often out-mark taller opponents, or at least get up on their shoulders and create a contest. By doing just that, Rousakis was able to kick more than a goal a game across the NAB League season, averaging just over 10 disposals and just under three marks in 13 games.

Rousakis’ conversion stands as an area for improvement, scoring more goals than behinds in only five of his 13 NAB League games, and finishing the season with 15.19. If he can clean up his finishing, then the Dragons forward could be all the more potent. Along with conversion, Rousakis would be able to impact more by getting more of the ball, admittedly a hard task in his position. If he can make the most of his chances and continue to develop his forward craft, then Rousakis could be a handy medium-tall at the elite level.