OVERVIEW

There were high hopes for South Australian ruckman Callum Coleman-Jones, but his season was ended shortly after the National Under 18 Championships requiring knee surgery. Coleman-Jones is a member of the AFL Academy and the tall ruckman played one of his best games for the season against the Allies. Coleman-Jones had 28 disposals, 15 hitouts and five marks. As a bottom-ager, Coleman-Jones had some decent performances for South Australia in the ruck and up forward - while for Sturt Under 18s finals last year he was also strong.

STRENGTHS

• Marking
• Ruckwork
• Strength

Coleman-Jones' overhead marking is outstanding. As a lead up forward, Coleman-Jones rarely drops marks - especially when he is leading in a straight line. While around the ground when he predominantly plays in the ruck, he can be a tall target moving forward. His contested side of marking is some of the best in the out of any of the tall prospects.

Coleman-Jones' ruck work is very good. At the centre bounces or around the ground, he is consistent and is able to win majority of the hitouts. His strength around the ground at the throw ins, often help him push off his other opponents and win the tap without any issues. In at the centre bounce, he has a reasonable jump which means that he can get above his opponents. In the National Under 18 Championships, Coleman-Jones mostly played in the ruck, using his strength to outmuscle opposition players.

IMPROVEMENTS

• Agility
• Endurance
• Kicking

Coleman-Jones' agility is an area that needs to be improved. Whilst he didn't test at the National Combine, when he plays his lack of ability to change direction is noticeable - especially when he is up forward at national or club level. With the game of football being played at a fast pace with athletic defenders and forwards, it's an area that will need to improve once he is back to full fitness following knee injury.

His endurance can also be improved and for him to play as a number one ruckman, he will need to cover a lot of kilometres around the ground. Running in the preseason and at state league level in his first season if he is drafted should be able to help both of these.

Coleman-Jones kicking technique has areas of concern, not helped by an awkward ball drop. This is an area that can be worked on and can bring down his overall kicking efficiency as a footballer. Kicking is one area that the tall will need to work on during his time on an AFL list.

DRAFT PROJECTION: Late/Rookie

SUMMARY

Coleman-Jones has some good traits as a football with his contested marking and ruckwork being strong, but he will need to work on his athletic abilities and kicking if he is to become a strong AFL footballer in the future. The AFL Academy member was ruled out for the rest of the SANFL season due to injury after the National Under 18 Championships and should find a home late in the draft.