STRENGTHS:

+ Aerial ability
+ Competitiveness
+ Defensive craft
+ Toughness

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Offensive output
- Production

You'd be hard pressed to find a more desperate, dogged defender than Balyn O'Brien. The Eyre Peninsula native has made a name for himself down back with his relentless desire to compete and trademark toughness. He came on strongly this year - his first in the South Australian state program - and ended up playing six SANFL League games for Norwood, including three finals.

O'Brien's defensive craft is not just built on brawn. He reads the play well and knows when to peel off to make intercepts, now finding a greater balance between killing the play or backing himself to mark. His aerial nous allows him to play taller than his 187cm standing, although O'Brien is just as adept at locking down smalls with his determined follow-up work and pressure.

Naturally for such a defensive-minded player, developing greater offensive drive is something O'Brien can work on. He tends to be a low-production type, while sacrificing dynamism on the rebound for high-percentage decisions in and out of possession. Still, he's incredibly reliable and has been tested in a variety of roles in Norwood's Under 18 side having boosted his aerobic tank.

DRAFT RANGE: Rookie