WITH preseason shortly set to make way for season proper, many AFL Draft prospects will be champing at the bit to impress in 2025. With that in mind, our new Star Turn series highlights some of the breakout moments and performances which put players on the map during their bottom-age campaigns.

First under the spotlight is key forward Liam Hetherton, who has already proven himself as a goalkicker in big games. The North Albury product is a National Academy member and impacted last year’s Futures series with a total of eight goals in two outings. His star turn was a bag of five in NSW-ACT colours.

Hetherton first came to prominence on the representative scene during 2023’s Under 16 National Championships, where he donned GWS Giants colours. He went on to play nine Coates Talent League games with Murray Bushrangers last year, saving his best performances for the Futures stage.

The 195cm talent made a relatively modest start with Murray, but used his breakthrough game with NSW-ACT as a springboard for stronger form. Hetherton went on to kick goals in each of his last three CTL appearances, including a high of 3.3, before snaring another three in the National Futures match.

Murray BushrangersKey Forward

Liam Hetherton

Height: 195cm

Weight: -

DOB: 02-05-2007

2024 Coates Talent League
9 games | 7.0 disposals | 2.3 marks | 3.2 hitouts | 7 goals (total)

2024 Under 17 Futures Trials
Vic Country 7.13 (55) def. by NSW-ACT 11.12 (78)
Saturday, August 10 @ Avalon Airport Oval, Werribee

>> Click here for the full Scouting Notes

Having rucked and spent time at either end of the ground for Murray alongside the Whitlock twins, Hetherton was finally freed up to be his side’s spearhead forward. Rams teammate Max King stole some of the marking spotlight early on, but once he move to midfield, Hetherton took over the airways.

The first half was a low-scoring affair, with NSW-ACT conceding two and one-point leads at the opening breaks as either side entered half-time on four goals apiece. Despite his side trailing, Hetherton had put the Rams ahead thrice with 2.1 in the second quarter, accounting for both of the visitors’ goals.

He would go from two in the second to three in the third, breaking the game open with back-to-back-to-back majors. They all came within a scintillating three-minute purple patch, as Hetherton single handedly turned NSW-ACT’s two-point lead into 20. He was in rare form.

After intercepting a kick-in from the score he was involved in, Hetherton bagged his first of the quarter with a wheeling 50m set shot. He had to fly against three opponents to earn his second via a two-grab mark, before nabbing number three by recovering a ground ball and snapping it home under pressure.

That three-minute period went a long way to sealing Hetherton’s selection in the National Futures game on AFL Grand Final day. He took the latter opportunity with both hands too, showcasing glimpses of high-end potential – but not without a few things to work on as a top-ager.

Hetherton left a few opportunities out there, unable to hold all of his contested marks and putting a set shot wide. As he continues to build strength, he’ll hopefully develop his ability to crash packs and take the ball with one grab, as he is already quite hard to spoil at the top of his reach. Becoming a more consistent finisher will also be key this year – he kicked 7.13 for the Bushies in 2024.

>> NATIONAL CHAMPS: Why the 2025 Allies can repeat history

PREVIOUS SCOUTING NOTES

“The most dangerous Team Sloane forward, Hetherton has a lot of potential, with just inaccuracy at times letting him down. He missed a couple of chances but found his range in the second term and never looked back, finishing with three majors including working hard towards goal to mark unimpeded in the goalsquare for number three. His craft inside 50 to clunk grab after grab and read the leading lanes stood out and he was rewarded on the scoreboard.” – Peter Williams, 2024 National Futures match

“The bottom-ager could not buy a goal early, kicking four consecutive behinds before booting two goals in a minute either side of the final break. Hetherton clunked a mark at the top of the goalsquare and converted, then had an eye-catching play with a snap around his body that bounced home. Though his radar was off early on, his bodywork to get opportunities – as well as his ability to apply pressure and win a free kick for a run-down tackle – meant he was able to impact in different ways.” – Peter Williams, 2024 CTL Round 14

“Arguably best afield with 18 disposals, four marks, and three goals, Hetherton played a big part in getting his side over the line. All three of his majors were scored in the second half, with two coming consecutively at the start of term four to snatch the lead. After limping off in the first quarter, he came back with a bang and impacted both in the air and in open play.” – Michael Alvaro, 2023 Under 16 National Championships

“A tall who displayed great dexterity at 194cm, Hetherton started in the ruck but also made an impact in his time up forward. He was one of the Giants’ many marking threats and would likely have succeeded regardless of any mismatch, given his mobility. Two of Hetherton’s three goals came in open play, scoring through a classy snap and dribbler. He finished with 14 disposals, five marks, and 10 hitouts.” – Michael Alvaro, 2023 Under 16 National Championships