IN the build up to football eventually returning, Draft Central takes a look at some of this year’s brightest names who have already represented their state at Under 17 or Under 18s level in 2019. While plenty can change between now and then, we will provide a bit of an insight into players, how they performed at the NAB League Preseason Testing Day hosted by Rookie Me, and some of our scouting notes on them from last year.

Next under the microscope in our AFL Draft Watch is Tasmania’s Jackson Callow, a powerful key forward who is not afraid to throw his weight around. The 193cm prospect was a mainstay in the Devils’ maiden full-time NAB League campaign, booting 24 goals in 14 games as his side’s focal point up forward. Callow also played a key role in North Launceston’s Tasmanian State League (TSL) premiership triumph, booting a game-high three goals in the decider.

After failing to break through for the 2019 National Championships, Callow seems a lock for the 2020 Allies Under 18 side and has fared well in his representative duties with Tasmania thus far. While he looks most comfortable inside forward 50, Callow can also pinch-hit in the ruck and was even tried in defence during the Under 17 All Stars showcase fixture. His physicality and unrivalled contested marking often draw multiple opponents, with the big-man hard to stop at full flight.

—

PLAYER PAGE:

Jackson Callow
North Launceston/Tasmania/Allies

DOB: June 11, 2002

Height: 193.6cm
Weight: 95.5kg

Position: Key Forward

2019 NAB LEAGUE STATS: 14 games | 13.6 disposals | 54% cont poss | 6 marks | 1.4 tackles | 2.6 inside 50s | 1.7 goals (24)

Strengths: Contested marking, aggression, strength, scoreboard impact
Improvements: Unknown versatility, goalkicking consistency

>> Marquee Matchup: Callow vs. Fleeton
>> Positional Analysis: Key Forwards

—

PRESEASON TESTING HIGHLIGHTS:

Standing Vertical Jump – 61cm
Running Vertical Jump (R/L) – 63cm/64cm
Speed (20m) – 3.08 seconds
Agility – 9.00 seconds
Endurance – 20.5

>> FULL RESULTS:
Jumps
Speed
Agility
Endurance

—

2019 SCOUTING NOTES:

2019 Under 17 Futures All Star Game

By: Ed Pascoe

The strong bodied key position forward had a solid game, showing he didn’t just rely on his size to take marks to kick his goals as he gathered a loose ball and kicked a lovely snap goal in the second quarter. He was moved to defence in the second half and looked better as the game went on taking a nice intercept mark in the last quarter, Callow looks to be the leading Tasmanian prospect for the 2020 draft.

2019 Allies Under 18 Trails vs. Vic Country/Metro

By: Peter Williams

The key forward presented nicely at the football and while he did not kick a major himself, pushed up the ground and was often the link between half-forward and deep forward, creating chances for teammates. He showed a nice field kick and a high work rate to hit-up a midfield teammate then pushed back to win it again, and put it out to Matt Conroy leading out in the square. Shared some of the ruck load while up forward as well.

2019 NAB League Round 12 vs. Eastern

By: Michael Alvaro

Callow looked like having a huge game after he booted three goals within the first half-hour, but was clamped well after the main break with Eastern ensuring he would compete against two or three markers in the air. He started off by winning a ground ball against his direct opponent deep inside 50 before snapping the first goal of the game, following up with a huge pack mark and set shot goal to highlight a scintillating opening. He also created Will Peppin’s goal after booting his third, marking deep in the pocket and kicking well inboard.

His physicality ensured that direct opponents were more occupied with holding him that getting to the ball, and Callow’s work off the deck was very good for a player of his size. He would go on to show as much by turning his opponent twice in the third term but missing the shot, eventually being restricted well.

2019 NAB League Round 4 vs. Calder

By: Scott Dougan

Callow was kept fairly quiet in the first term but was able to bounce back in the second. He took some nice marks on the lead in the forward half and due to his sticky hands, he was able to hold the majority of them. Callow’s third term was just unbelievable, with the bottom-aged big man taking four contested marks and booting three goals. In the end, Callow was the difference between the two sides and is definitely a very exciting prospect to keep a close eye on in his draft year.

2019 NAB League Round 3 vs. NT Thunder

By: Alex Gibson

Callow could have had a really, really big day. He dominated the Thunder’s defence all game and finished with five goals, however if he kicked straight could’ve easily had seven or eight to his name. Callow did not once get out-marked and either took the grab himself or brought the ball to ground, which his small forwards appreciated. Callow was the go-to man for the Devils and the well-built key forward’s work rate was impressive – often providing a target well up the ground.

—

>> MORE TASMANIA DEVILS CONTENT

>> CATCH UP ON OUR DRAFT WATCH SERIES

Vic Metro:
Jackson Cardillo
Nikolas Cox
Connor Downie
Reef McInnes
Archie Perkins

Vic Country:
Sam Berry
Jack Ginnivan
Nick Stevens
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan

South Australia:
Kaine Baldwin
Luke Edwards
Taj Schofield
Riley Thilthorpe

Western Australia:
Denver Grainger-Barras
Logan McDonald
Nathan O’Driscoll

Allies:
Braeden Campbell
Oliver Davis