STRENGTHS:

+ Endurance
+ Intercepting
+ Reading the play
+ Work rate

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Contested work
- Strength

Ben Hopkins bolted out of the blue with a memorable 2023 Coates Talent League season to firmly put himself in the minds of recruiters. Standing at 190cm, Hopkins found a niche in defence, though could easily play up forward or on a wing, boasting ridiculous volumes of endurance and repeat speed efforts.

With a high work rate, and an ability to read the play behind the ball, Hopkins went from a virtual unknown to a draft possibility. He earned a State Draft Combine off the back of a memorable second half of the season, starting in Round 12. There, he picked up a season-high 31 disposals and went on to average 25.3 touches in his final six games.

With speed, endurance and smarts at his disposal, Hopkins just needs to build up his 70kg frame to compete at the elite level. He offers a range of AFL traits and really began to hit his stride late in the season to be considered a potential late or rookie chance - a pick made on upside given those developable attributes and versatility.

DRAFT RANGE: Late/Rookie