STRENGTHS:

+ Defensive acts
+ Follow-up work
+ Physicality
+ Speed

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Endurance
- Scoreboard impact

Western Jets over-ager Lucas Impey established himself as the Coates Talent League's premier ruck in 2024, earning Team of the Year honours and being Vic Metro's primary choice in its undefeated run to the title. The 198cm former basketballer has come on strongly, even earning a VFL berth with Williamstown.

Impey's speed for his size is outstanding, running a 2.99-second 20m sprint at the state draft combine. He utilises it on the field to hunt the opposition, applying punishing defensive pressure and tackles. That kind of play forms the crux of his terrific follow-up work, where he is desperate to impact beyond the initial ruck contest.

Averaging 14 disposals and five tackles in 11 CTL games means that shows in the numbers, too. He also remains a physically dominant hitout winner, averaging 30 per game, and giving his midfielders first use. Improvement will come as he continues to build his running capacity, aiding his marking ability around the ground.

Impacting the scoreboard will also help Impey take the next step, as despite spending a good amount of time up forward this season, he only booted two goals in Western Jets colours - both in the same game against the Northern Territory Academy. Given he is an '05-er, he is a little further along than some top-age rucks, though.

DRAFT RANGE: Rookie

PLAYER HIGHLIGHTS: