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 pre-season testing, and some of our scouting notes on them from last year.

Next under the microscope in our AFL Draft watch is East Fremantle prospect Brandon Walker, who is part of Fremantle’s booming Next Generation Academy (NGA) alongside twin brother, Chris. The classy, rebounding half-back has already impressed with his line-breaking speed, astute disposal, and vertical leap when intercepting from defensive 50. After earning All Australian honours at Under 16 level, Walker was a standout for Australia in its annual Under 17 fixture against New Zealand, and went on to become a mainstay for East Fremantle’s WAFL Colts outfit as a bottom-ager.

This year, the 184cm prospect will be looking to break into the West Australian Under 18 starting side having been named in the 2019 squad, while also resuming his climb up the WAFL ranks. He managed the second-best running vertical jump off the left side (94cm) across the nation during preseason, and is sure to showcase much more than just his incredible athleticism once the on-field action returns.

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PLAYER PAGE:

Brandon Walker
East Fremantle/Western Australia

DOB: October 17, 2002

Height: 184cm
Weight: 75kg

Position: Half-back/midfielder

Strengths: Vertical leap, speed, decision making, reading the play, rebounding
Improvements: Consistency/accumulation

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PRESEASON TESTING RESULTS:

Standing Vertical Jump – 73cm
Running Vertical Jump (R/L) – 75cm/94cm
Speed (20m) – DNT
Agility – DNT
Endurance (Yo-yo) – DNT

DNT – Did not test

>> Full Testing Results:
Jumps
20m Sprint
Agility
Yo-yo

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2019 SCOUTING NOTES:

WAFL Colts Round 15 vs. Peel Thunder

By: Lenny Fogliani

The 2018 AFL U16s All-Australian defender showed why he is so highly touted for the 2020 AFL Draft with another polished performance. He accumulated 11 possessions, grabbed three marks and laid two tackles, while he also provided a heap of run from the defensive half.

WAFL Colts Round 14 vs. Swan Districts

By: Lenny Fogliani

The 2018 AFL Under 16s All-Australian member increased his draft stocks for 2020 with another superb performance. Against Swan Districts, Walker accumulated 16 possessions, took four marks and laid two tackles, playing primarily across the half-back line. His line-breaking capabilities, decision-making and disposal efficiency are all at a fantastic level for someone his age. He is a part of Fremantle’s Next Generation Academy.

WAFL Colts Round 8 vs. South Fremantle

By: Lenny Fogliani

The 2018 AFL U16 All-Australian showed why he is already being touted as a possible first round draft pick in next year’s AFL Draft. Against the Bulldogs, Walker gathered 21 possessions, recorded five inside 50s, took four marks and laid four tackles to be one of the best players.

WAFL Colts Round 2 vs. Subiaco

By: Lenny Fogliani

The Fremantle Next-Generation Academy prospect was sizzling off the half-back line for East Fremantle. He finished with 15 possessions and five marks, showcasing the traits that made him an All-Australian last year. He used his speed to burn off opponents, was smart with his decision-making and elite with his foot skills.

WAFL Colts Round 1 vs. Claremont

By: Lenny Fogliani

The 2018 WA U16s All-Australian was excellent for the Sharks, showing why he is so highly rated for the 2020 AFL Draft. He used his crisp disposal and electrifying speed from the half-back line to torch the Tigers. He finished with 11 possessions, five marks and three tackles.

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Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos

>> 2020 WA U18s Squad Prediction

>> CATCH UP ON OUR DRAFT WATCH SERIES

Allies:
Tahj Abberley
Jackson Callow
Braeden Campbell
Oliver Davis
Errol Gulden

South Australia:
Kaine Baldwin
Corey Durdin
Luke Edwards
Taj Schofield
Riley Thilthorpe

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

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

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