STRENGTHS:

+ Accumulation
+ Competitiveness
+ Consistency
+ Endurance
+ Inside-outside balance
+ Work rate

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Explosive speed
- Kicking on the run

Dalton has traits which live up to the standards of modern footy. His running power alone is a highly desirable attribute and he arguably leads the draft crop in that area. His fitness testing results translate on-field, where he works over his opponents on the spread. Whether dropping back to support ball movement out of defence or charging through the corridor to launch inside 50, he's a player who connects the lines relentlessly.

The terms 'workhorse' and 'running machine' are often aligned to Dalton as a result. His endurance is an asset which lends to his high rate of accumulation, and consistently high disposal hauls each week. It helped him get straight back into his work off a relatively long-term injury this year, averaging 28.5 disposals across eight games. He had a lazy 35 touches in his first game back, no less.

While capable of racking up possessions on the outside, Dalton is an incredibly balanced ball winner. He is renowned for his clean ground level work at the contest, often punching above his weight in stoppage situations. Further to his clearance feats, Dalton is a fierce tackler and averaged 5.4 per game in the Coates Talent League. It's part of what makes him such a strong all-round competitor and leader.

If not for his running ability, Dalton's attitude would be his most distinguishable trait. He puts it all on the line each time he's out there and demands high standards of his teammates, often being among the more vocal players afield. Being able to lead by example aids that trait, with Dalton being one of the more professional 18-year-olds you're likely to see - on and off the field.

In terms of improvement areas, while Dalton covers plenty of ground, he has identified explosive speed as a deficiency. Being on the smaller side makes breaking away from the contest a little more difficult without that raw pace. It's also something that impacts his disposal. Dalton gets into all the right spots to be a damaging launch player, but he can work on executing kicks on the run or under pressure to compound his effectiveness.