STRENGTHS:

+ Follow-up work
+ Mobility
+ Vertical leap

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Consistency
- Strength

West Adelaide was land of the giants this year, and Darcy Minchella is perhaps one of the less heralded talls to have donned the red and black this year. Playing 11 SANFL Under 18 games, the 18-year-old produced a few impressive performances towards the end of the season as an undersized ruck (196cm). For what he may lack vertically compared to many modern day rucks, Minchella makes up for it with terrific athleticism and mobility for a player his size.

Among Minchella's impressive feats this year, he notched a high of 35 hitouts against grand finalist North Adelaide, before compiling 21 disposals, 11 marks (seven contested), and 20 hitouts in a win over eventual premier, Glenelg. Those two performances capped off the five-game run which arguably put Minchella under the nose of recruiters. He also used his dexterity to impact on the follow-up and around the ground, averaging two clearances, over two inside 50s, and nearly three tackles per game.

While there is nice scope for development in Minchella, he has some filling out to do and should he not grow much further past his current standing, may have to adjust to key position roles at either end of the ground at AFL level.