STRENGTHS:

+ Athleticism
+ Competitiveness
+ Distribution
+ Intercepting
+ Overhead marking
+ Reading the play

IMPROVEMENTS:

- In-between size
- Versatility

The crux of Dean's game revolves around his defensive craft. He's a nailed-on backman who is incredibly tough to beat and has put on several marking masterclasses this season. With early reads on the play, Dean utilises his athleticism to arrive at the ideal drop zone or close in on aerial contests, before leaping high to impact with a spoil or intercept mark. He's incredibly tough to beat one-on-one and is prepared to put his body on the line.

All of the above is what makes Dean a great competitor. He played in just four wins between Murray Bushrangers and Vic Country this year, proving a reliable figure behind the ball. If not for his influence, many of the losses his side's suffered would have been far worse. His intercept work is incredibly clean and assured, as is his ability to distribute the ball quickly. He's an efficient left-foot kick who backs his skills on the way out.

For all his aerial nous, Dean is also quite competent roaming across the ground. He runs a sub-three second 20m sprint and seems comfortable in possession, using it well by hand. He is a keen tackler too, able to lock up opponents to form another method of shutting down opposition attacks. Everything about his game screams composure and dependability. You feel safe when he's in the area for your side.

Picking out glaring improvement areas for Dean is like splitting hairs. By his own admission, he's somewhat of an in-betweener at 193cm - not quite key position height but not exactly a medium-small. He plays taller but has the weapons of both types of players, although was tested at times this year when conceding 5-10cm of height. Perhaps he'll be best suited as a second or third intercept defender upon entering the AFL.

While versatile in term of his primary position, able to play on a range of opponents and in different roles, Dean has essentially played down back his whole career. It means his craft is as good as it gets for a player his age, but he hasn't necessarily had the opportunity to test himself in different thirds of the ground. Although, when you're so good in your main post, it's little wonder why he hasn't left it.