OVERVIEW

Ben Paton is an over-age medium defender from Murray Bushrangers who has impressed with his rebounding, run and carry and ability to read the play. He shone for the Bushrangers, where he played a range of defensive and attacking roles off half back. Paton also was able to run out on Etihad Stadium for Collingwood's VFL side when they took on Richmond in the middle of the year. He has improved his game from his top-age year and looks set to earn a chance on an AFL list with his second attempt.

STRENGTHS

• Intercept ability
• Vertical leap
• Pace
• Ability to lock down a man and still get his own ball

After playing through the midfield last year, Paton was sent to the half-back line this season, which saw immediate results. His skillset is well suited to being a rebounding defender, as he loves to run and carry and is a fantastic intercept player. He reads the flight of the ball well and is very dangerous when lurking a kick behind the play. He has a very nice leap, as evidenced by his top 10 result in the National Combine vertical leap, and can crash a pack to pull down big contested marks when required.

He is quite pacy and likes to take the game on off half back. He usually gets the ball and wheels onto his right foot straight away to move the game on quickly, which is very effective in breaking the lines and penetrating through the opposition’s zone.

One of Paton’s big strengths is that he can lock down an opposition defender while still finding his own ball. Because of his ability to read the play and gain intercept possessions, Paton can beat his man and win his own ball at the contest. He has taken some big scalps this year, including keeping Gryan Miers goalless and playing well on Jack Higgins during the TAC Cup season.

IMPROVEMENTS

• Decision making
• Endurance
• Hands in close

While he finds the footy well, Paton is not always an effective user of the football. His footskills are fine, with the ability to kick off both feet and hit short and long targets, however his decision making ability is often lacking. He accelerates away from the contest and plays on frequently without looking to see what is ahead which can lead to rushed and sometimes ineffective possessions. His disposal by hand when under pressure can also be quite sloppy.

Another limitation for Paton is his endurance. This limited him when playing in the midfield last year and has not improved in the 2017 season. While this could be hidden when playing off half back in the TAC Cup, he will need to improve it to stay with the elite small forwards at the AFL level.

DRAFT PROJECTION: 30+

SUMMARY

Paton is a lively type off half back, with a mature body and the attributes to play a role in the AFL. He could become a very effective rebounding defender with the ability to lock down on a man and shut him out of the game if necessary. He could pop up anywhere in the second round onwards, with the third round seemingly where most have placed him. He is one the Pies could look at after his stint for their VFL side, but any club searching for a player who can step straight in and have an impact off the half-back flank and potentially wing long-term could look to select Paton. He still has a few areas he can work on, but as a whole he has stepped up in 2017 and looks a well-rounded prospect.