STRENGTHS:

+ Character
+ Consistency
+ Contested game
+ Strength
+ Tackling
+ Work rate

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Athleticism
- Hurt factor

A name that has been on draft radars for three years, George Stevens has continued to to impress with his honest efforts since debuting for the Rebels in 2021. Stevens came into the 2023 season pegged as a defender, but an early season switch into the midfield produced truly eye catching numbers in the Talent League and at National Championships level.

Since the switch, Stevens collected over 25 disposals in all but two games at Talent League level, averaging a touch under 29 across the full season. Stevens represented Geelong in the VFL twice this season, proving his midfield capabilities against more physically mature opposition. His second game was a standout performance, gathering 29 touches in arguably a best afield effort.

Stevens was one of Vic Country's more consistent and reliable contributors at the Under 18 Championships this year, mostly deployed in the midfield through the series but also showing his wares as a defender. He averaged a touch over 19 disposals by the end of the carnival and earned All-Australian honours.

The bulk of Stevens' work in the midfield revolves around stoppages and contested ball, where he uses his strength and size to his advantage, easily moving opposition players out of position to give himself the best run at winning the footy himself. With size on his side, Stevens still shows an impressive level of stoppage craft, often able to win clearances or first possession from the ruck's hands with smart runs and positioning.

Whilst his outside game and endurance aren't necessarily a strength, Stevens shows undeniable effort to get from contest-to-contest and keep his opposition accountable, looking to move forward with his side in possession and shut his opponents down as options when they’re out of it.

When stationed in the backline, Stevens is the definition of a general, directing teammates to fit structure or shut off opposition players, whilst remaining accountable for an opponent himself. He isn’t typical key position height, but controls the airways as if he was, with his reading of the ball allowing him to be an intercepting threat both in the air and at ground level. Stevens' distribution from the back half is also a highlight of his game, moving the ball smartly with precision by foot, able to kick start attacking plays with some of his ball movement.

With such a successful draft year individually, Stevens has truly demonstrated that his football ability stacks up with some of the other more fancied draft prospects, although questions remain about his ability to translate to the next level. His athleticism and already well developed build are the main concerns in that regard, particularly for a role in the midfield at AFL level.

Although Stevens is a clean user when out in space, he does tend to blaze away and dump his kicks when moving it from within the contest, which is something that AFL clubs will be looking to iron out. That is also apparent in front of goal, and Stevens' lack of explosive pace means many of his disposals are won or completed in a contest.