STRENGTHS:

+ Goal sense
+ Scoreboard impact
+ Consistency

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Versatility
- Strength

An incredibly consistent small forward, over-age Tasmanian talent Brandon Leary put his name up in lights as a readymade option for AFL clubs. Though he is still quite light at just 72kg to go with 177cm, Leary can add size and strength to his frame to avoid being outbodied, with plenty going for the clever talent. In 2022, Leary slotted 33 goals from 14 games in the NAB League, then booted five across his two AFL Under 18 Championship matches.

Of his NAB League season, Leary was arguably the most consistent goalkicker of the lot, and while Aaron Cadman pipped him for the leading goalkicker, Leary kicked at least one goal in each of his first 13 matches at the level. Though he failed to kick one against the Dandenong Stingrays in the preliminary final, Leary booted 4.3 against the Bendigo Pioneers in the elimination final a week earlier. His season high was six against NT Thunder, with four hauls of three goals as well during the season.

In summarising Leary, he is very much a pidgeonholed small forward, because his traits are perfect for the role. Not a huge defensive pressure player, he holds his own aerially, and his offensive impact is strong, it is just about whether a club wants a pure small forward.