Harry Franz Draft Profile

GlenelgKey Defender

#36

Harry Franz

height: 193cm

weight:

D.O.B: 27-11-2008

Leagues: AFL U18 Championships, AFL U16 Championships

Snapshot
Analysis
Summary

SNAPSHOT: “A brave aerialist who intercepts prolifically and moves well across the ground for his size.”

Harry Franz has been a mainstay in South Australia’s relatively strong 2008-born group throughout the pathway, establishing himself in the state side throughout each age bracket. This year, he played all four games in the Croweaters’ Under 18 campaign and went on to help Glenelg take out the AAMI Talent League flag.

Franz is a native of the Yorke Peninsula but moved with his family to Adelaide years ago. His journey has been closely linked with state teammate Mitchell Harris, who also hails from Kadina. Both players were named best on ground for their respective sides in the 2024 SANFL Under 16 showcase, and were integral members of the Under 18 backline this year before earning invites to the National Draft Combine.

With his father being a Melbourne supporter, Franz “jumped on the bandwagon” – his words – after the Dees’ 2021 premiership. He idolises 204-game intercept defender Jake Lever, but also admires the way St Kilda youngster Alix Tauru launches himself at the contest as a fellow aerial specialist.

STRENGTHS:

+ Aerial ability
+ Composure
+ Intercept marking
+ Mobility
+ Reading the play
+ Versatility

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Decision making
- Endurance

Franz arguably didn't get to show his best self on the representative stage this year, but possesses plenty of desirable traits. Having settled into a role down back, he prides himself on his aerial ability and that translates to abundant intercept opportunities.

Taking a leaf out of Alix Tauru's book, Franz likes to throw himself into packs and has the strong vertical leap to do so. He's also a terrific reader of the play, able to settle into position early and react quickly to gain first access to the ball. From there, his hands are strong and he has no trouble clunking contested marks.

Over a third of Franz's average 5.4 marks per Talent League game were contested this year, including a high of four in Round 1. He also knows when to spoil and not only holds his own in one-on-one battles, but thrives when providing an outnumber both in the air and when recovering at ground level.

Franz is a solid competitor who has shut down the likes of state teammate Charlie Bradford this year. While slightly under AFL key position height, he holds his own aerially and tackles ferociously. He gets the job done both deep and high, able to either intercept in threatening positions or to alleviate pressure on the last line.

Combining aggression with a cool head, Franz's composure has developed well. While prone to inviting pressure with an error or two, he has become a trusted distributor in defence and continues to improve his field kicking. His athletic traits help in those situations, able to calmly step past opponents and explode forward.

Franz views that kind of power and explosiveness as a key element of his game. He has the closing speed to pressure opponents in each phase, while his first five steps allow him to get free on turnover. On the flip-side, endurance is the aspect he is looking to enhance with a focus on his running capacity.

The overall versatility of Franz is what makes him a potential value selection. He can swing forward or even have a run in midfield, while blending intercept work into lockdown roles as a defender. He is obviously prolific in the air, but moves well for his size and is capable of using the ball well. An all-rounder.

DRAFT RANGE: 40-60

SUMMARY:

Having taken somewhat of a back seat at the National Championships this year, Franz has definitely flown under the radar. Although, his form for Glenelg was exemplary and indicative of the quality he possesses. As a mobile tall who can play high or deep, and even swing forward if needed, there is upside to work with. While slightly undersized, he moves well for a tall and thrives aerially, particularly as an interceptor. If he can continue his upward trajectory in the way of ball use, he shapes as a value key defender option outside of the accepted ‘big three’ this year.