Image Credit: Graham Denholm/AFL Photos

POSITION: Tall Forward/Wing

DRAFT ANALYSIS: "Allison is a tall utility with terrific endurance, able to present as a key forward or ply his trade as a uniquely versatile wingman." - Michael Alvaro

Calder Cannons prospect Matthew Allison is one in a number of Victorians to have shot onto the AFL Draft radar in 2020 despite not being able to contribute any top-age football. The 194cm utility managed 10 NAB League games among an improving Cannons list last year, while also earning selection in the Vic Metro Under 17 Futures side. He did not quite make the cut for the most recent AFL Academy intake, but was able to showcase his best traits during a couple of promising preseason trial games, where he averaged seven marks between the outings to further capture the attention of recruiters. While he predominantly proved his wares as a deep-lying key forward on those occasions, Allison was also seen on the wing as a bottom-ager and looked poised to rotate between the two posts this season. Such is his versatility, the Cannons were also prepared to play Allison across half-back, with plenty of potential to harness and an exciting base to develop.

STRENGTHS:

• Endurance
• Overhead marking
• Versatility
• Upside

IMPROVEMENTS:

• Strength/power
• Production

There is a lot of upside to what Allison brings to the table as a raw prospect who is still very much developing. One trait which remains consistent for the 18-year-old is his running capacity, which combines well with his toe off the mark to form an exciting speed-endurance mix. It is perhaps the key to what makes Allison so versatile, as he is capable of presenting as a key forward with his height and ability to gain separation, but can also grow into other roles such as the wing or high half-forward given his work-rate. The Calder prospect's marking prowess is another attribute which is evident on the eye test, as he can often clunk the ball at its highest point once he has burned or worked over and opponent.

Allison is said to have done plenty of work with former Calder talent manager Tom Lonergan, who has helped him improve his bodywork and power. At 194cm and 81kg, he is still quite lean so a couple of preseasons in the gym should do wonders for his contested marking acumen and explosiveness. The positive with that factor is Allison could develop in those other roles outside of the key forward slot to ensure his ability to jostle with bigger key defenders is at the right level before being thrown in the deep end. His athletic base, particularly endurance-wise is already at a high standard and will aid his potential transition to the elite level even further.

He remains an especially raw type though, and 2020 was set to be the year for Allison to truly show what he is capable of. His averages in 2019; 8.2 disposals, 1.5 marks, and 2.9 tackles, convey quite a low rate of output and Allison only booted two goals for the year - albeit with less permanent time forward. He was set to gain much greater responsibility as one of Calder's main focal points as a top-ager, which theoretically would have seen his production and consistency improve drastically. That was somewhat proven in his preseason performances, which yielded far better numbers and provided a glimpse into Allison's eye-catching, high-marking potential.

DRAFT PROJECTION: Late - Rookie

Allison is one of the quintessential high-upside talents available in this year's draft and is one who could well thrive in an elite environment. His most obvious improvement areas are ones which can be easily developed over a few preseasons and alongside high-level established talent, so perhaps clubs with the capacity to take on those prospective kind of players will look at Allison closely. Having earned a National Combine invite despite overlooked for the 2020 AFL Academy, there is clear interest in the Victorian prospect and his overall potential. The trimmed-down list sizes may see less clubs take on developmental players, but Allison is in the mix in terms of players who fall into said category. His athletic base and versatility will surely appeal to clubs, but they may wish to see him perform consistently in the extended Under 19 competition before acting.