THE 2023 Young Guns series has been run and done, with the over-age contingent going 1-1 over their games against Vic Country and Metro Under 18s. Consisting of 24 players nominated by AFL recruiters, the squad is full of hopefuls who sought to impress ahead of the AFL Mid-Season Draft on May 31.

>> Scouting Notes: 2023 Young Guns – Game 1 | Game 2

Now that the two-game series is complete, it is time to take a look back at the mature and over-age draft candidates who are either the most highly touted, or caught the eye across both fixtures. We highlight three names in the mix, as well as a bunch of others who may come into consideration.

TOP OF THE CROP

Ryan Maric (Gippsland Power)
06/09/2004 | 193cm | Forward

One of the top mid-season contenders, Maric burst onto the scene as an over-ager with four goals in his opening Coates Talent League outing this year. Cutting his teeth mostly as a forward, the 193cm talent averaged 19 disposals, seven marks and over two goals per his three games for Gippsland, before representing Vic Country and the Young Guns in recent trials. He was shifted to defence in the second Young Guns game, showcasing his ability to cover the ground and use the ball well by foot.

Ethan Stanley (Box Hill Hawks)
13/11/2003 | 188cm | Wing

A true draft bolter, Stanley is a 19-year-old who has made his name in the VFL this season. He’s part of the Box Hill Hawks, who have been largely successful having players promoted to Hawthorn’s senior list over the last couple of mid-season intakes. Stanley averages 13 disposals in four state league appearances to date, catching the eye with his knack for taking grass and unleashing long kicks from the wing. He was a standout in the second Young Guns game, booting two long-range goals.

Clay Tucker (Eastern Ranges)
09/08/2004 | 204cm | Ruck

The mid-season draft is often one for developing talls and Tucker fits that bill. He is developing nicely week to week, adding traits to the height and ruck craft which originally put him on the radar. Tucker extends well overhead at 204cm and spreads to clunk marks at either end of the ground, averaging 10 touches, three grabs and 20 hitouts in four Talent League games this year. He even fared well up forward in the second Young Guns clash, moving fluently for his two set shot goals. A long-termer.

WHO ELSE IMPRESSED?

As far as the Young Guns go, there were plenty of players who caught the eye in at least one of the two games. Despite needing to be nominated by AFL recruiters to play, that far from guarantees anything once the mid-season draft comes along.

Oakleigh pair Will Elliott and Luke Teal have benefitted from extended runs on-field. Both have turned out for the Chargers this year, while Teal has also linked with Richmond VFL. Elliott has upside as a ruck/forward and Teal was solid through midfield in both Young Guns games – particularly the second.

There were a couple of Geelong Falcons who fared well, too. Co-captain Hamish Pierson had a strong second game in his usual key defensive post, while Archie Sinnott showcased his penetrative left-foot kicking playing through midfield and off half-back. He can also play on the wing.

Ziggy Toledo is a name most draft watchers will be familiar with. He hardly lowered his colours with three goals in game one and a bright start to game two, playing forward alongside strong marker Archer May and crafty goal sneak Beau Tedcastle, who also snared three goals in game one.

Essendon SSP train-ons Mitch Szybkowski and Jack Cleaver showed more of the same, with the former even getting a run in defence. Rye Penny‘s athleticism was a good watch back there, while Collingwood VFL midfielder Jedd Longmire skippered the side in midfield and up forward.

AROUND THE NATION

There will be a much more comprehensive compilation of the leading mid-season prospects closer to draft day (May 31), but there are already a few leading candidates. West Australian Jack Buller is one, a potential suitor for both local clubs as a tall forward who has taken his game to new heights of late.

Claremont teammate Ben Clarke is a lesser-know prospect who has garnered interest. The 20-year-old is a tall wingman who has come on strongly this season, playing in the Tigers’ League and Reserves side across the opening six rounds. He has played just three top flight games to date.

Speedy small Robert Hansen Jr is another in the frame to be taken locally, and is also in WA’s Under 18 state squad as an over-ager. In South Australia, 191cm North Adelaide forward Noah Casalini looms as a great story having nearly been lost to football. He was part of the Swans Academy growing up.

This year’s intake could also be a second chance saloon for key position players Sam Naismith and Oscar McDonald. The likes of Callum Brown, Ryley Stoddart, and Marty Hore are in the frame, while fellow VFL product Brandon Ryan is pressing for his first chance at the bigtime.

HOW STRONG IS THE CROP?

The leading candidates for this year’s mid-season draft came together slowly, and for good reason. Less players are falling through the cracks after several Covid-impacted seasons, and thus there remains few absolute certainties for the intake.

Don’t expect clubs to be clamouring to free up space for an abundance of must-haves, but rather for there to be some handy top-up options for clubs in genuine need of list depth and replacements. The main three highlighted above, and around the nation should be the most heavily considered.