Clay Hall

Peel ThunderMidfielder

#35

Clay Hall

height: 189cm

weight: 87kg

D.O.B: 12-05-2005

Leagues: AFL U18 Championships

Snapshot
Analysis
Summary

SNAPSHOT: “Clay Hall is a big-bodied midfielder who gets stuck in at the coalface, but also leans on his running capacity to rack up possessions.”

West Australian Clay Hall made history in his WAFL League debut this year, as he and his father Derek became the first father-son pair to play in the top flight for Peel Thunder. Now, he looks to follow his dad’s footsteps into the AFL, where Derek managed 74 games for Geelong and two for West Coast.

After famously turning down the chance to feature in last year’s Futures showcase on AFL Grand Final day, Hall instead played a key role in Peel’s Colts premiership and was duly named captain for 2023. He only appeared twice at the level though, cracking a senior berth in Round 2 and also representing his state this season.

Hall graduated from a wing role to full-time midfield minutes across all levels this year, and was the only non-Allies player to be named in the Under 18 All-Australian team. If not for top five prospect Dan Curtin, he likely would have taken out MVP honours, too, such was his consistency in an underperforming team.

STRENGTHS:

+ Clean hands
+ Consistency
+ Contested game
+ Inside-outside balance
+ Running capacity
+ Size

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Composure
- Driving legs from contest

Hall has traits applicable to both the inside and outside, but has just about fully graduated to playing exclusively through the guts this year. He brought a bit of bite to the otherwise tame West Australian side, getting stuck in at the contest with averages of 27.3 disposals, 6.0 clearances, and 5.3 tackles. His size was a factor in that dominance and it helped him hold his own against senior bodies across nine League games.

With every passage beginning at the contest, that's where Hall does much of his best work. He has clean hands and is able to prize the ball once it hits the deck, using his strong frame to protect the drop zone. His point of difference, though, is also being able to accumulate possessions on the outside. Hall is a hard runner and can chain plays in transition, moving smoothly and often finishing his work with sharp left-foot kicks.

However, some of Hall's disposal can be inconsistent, especially when possessing the ball under pressure. Even since the start of the season, he has been looking to improve his composure at the contest as he either tends to rush his disposals or accepts being locked up in tackles. If he can begin to drive his legs away from the contest or manufacture more time in possession, he will use his skills more effectively.

A couple of intangibles in Hall's game are character and consistency. He has a good head on his shoulders and was named captain of Peel's Colts in 2023, seeking to connect with and nurture less-experienced juniors despite spending much of his time with the senior or representative groups. Hall's consistency is observed in his numbers, notching over 20 touches in four of nine League games and staying involved throughout four quarters with thanks to his endurance and competitiveness.

As far as where he fits in at the next level, there's a bit of flexibility there for Hall. He is accustomed to rolling on the wing and has the work rate to do so. Being more outside-oriented would also allow his skills to shine. Though, he's just as capable on the inside and played all of his best footy there this year, making use of his contested capabilities and balancing his game nicely.

DRAFT RANGE: 25-40

SUMMARY:

With extensive senior experience and much of his best form found at representative level, Hall has enjoyed a nice boost in draft stocks throughout the year. His strong running capacity and sheer size are good traits for a balanced midfielder to have, and Hall gets after it with consistent four-quarter performance. That, and his exposed form should see him snapped up in the National Draft. West Coast is said to be interested early in the second round, which would likely be Hall’s ceiling. He’s a Geelong fan, having spent the first 10 years of his life in Victoria, but is well travelled and happy to end up anywhere.

Strengths

Clean hands

Consistency

Inside-outside balance

Running capacity

Size

Improvements

Composure

Driving legs from contest

AFL U18 Championships

Season	Team	K	HB	D	M	CP	UP	T	CLR	I50	R50	GM	K	H	D	M	T	DC
2022	Western Australia	4	8	12	1	4	8	1	1	1	1	1	4.0	8.0	12.0	1.0	1.0	37
2023	Western Australia	55	53	108	14	45	64	21	24	18	9	4	13.8	13.3	27.0	3.5	5.3	108
Total	-	59	61	120	15	49	72	22	25	19	10	5	11.8	12.2	24.0	3.0	4.4	145