Image Credit: Claremont FC

POSITION: General Defender

DRAFT ANALYSIS: "Avery is a tall defender who shot onto the AFL Draft scene in 2020 with an outstanding season, in which he showcased his ability to intercept mark and find plenty of the ball." - Michael Alvaro

Claremont's Jack Avery has rocketed into AFL Draft contention on the back of an outstanding top-age season in the WAFL Colts. He was a key and consistent figure in the Tigers' team which made the Grand Final, quickly consolidating his spot at centre half-back after missing out on his side's 2019 premiership. It means he has gone from a relative unknown, to potentially becoming the next great Claremont intercept defender to reach the elite level. The 18-year-old also worked hard on his overall fitness in 2020, showing marked improvement in his running capacity, strength, and agility. His form and steep rate of development proved more than enough to earn selection in the second Western Australia Under 18 All-Stars showcase, as well as a late call-up to his state's draft combine to confirm a level of AFL interest. As one of the big improvers in 2020, Avery looms as a true draft smokey and firmly places himself in the 'bolter' category.

STRENGTHS:

• Intercept marking
• Contested marking
• Reading the play
• Accumulation
• Rate of improvement

IMPROVEMENTS:

• In-between size
• Lack of high level exposure

Avery is a versatile defender in the sense that he can fulfil his defensive duties well, but also works to put his side on the front foot from the back half. At the core of that, and his overall game is the ability to pick off intercept marks. Avery is a strong and competitive unit, with his courage to go back with the flight or position in the hole aiding his nous of cutting off opposition attacks. He is just as capable of winning the ball back in one-on-one contests too; out-bodying his direct adversary or simply reading the direction of play at a superior rate. He is not only a terrific reader of the play, but also a sound reader of the ball in flight. That slight distinction is what really helps Avery's marking prowess, as he can then position best to clunk the ball, protect the drop zone, or work around his opponent to get a clean run at it. From there, neat exit kicks on his favoured left side are usually the go-to, another big part of Avery's game.

The next trait which sets Avery apart is his ability to rack up strong numbers across half-back. He produced eye-catching averages of over 23 disposals, six marks, and 10 intercept possessions across a full WAFL Colts campaign in 2020, peaking at 33 disposals and seven marks in the losing Grand Final. He only dropped below 20 disposals once, in Round 4 against one of the bottom sides in Peel Thunder. It also shows a high level of consistency for Avery, something which made him increasingly hard to ignore as the season went on. Thus, his rate of improvement ended up being as high as many other players in the draft pool; going from the struggle of battling for a game last year, to eventually become one of the most reliable figures in the competition's minor premiership winning team.

In terms of improvements or the factors working against Avery, his in-between kind of size would be at the forefront. While he can largely play as a centre half-back at Colts level and shut down one of the opposition's best tall forwards, Avery may struggle to replicate that same style of play at 189cm in the elite system. He is strong and competitive, but would perhaps be suited to a third-up role or even more midfield minutes going forward. Had he earned that extra exposure at the highest level possible, Avery could well have better developed his midfield craft and added some strings to his bow to further push his draft case. In his current role, he remains one of the best in his cohort, but his rate of development points towards being able to adjust quickly to whatever may be thrust in front of him - something he may be forced to do in the AFL system.

DRAFT PROJECTION: Late - Rookie

Given the large majority of runs Avery has put on the board came in 2020, he has massively benefitted by simply being able to prove his worth on the field as a top-ager. It also means he remains a late chance of making the elite grade, and a rookie spot could suit him well as he continues to improve at a steep rate. Clubs will have to figure out what kind of role would best suit Avery at the next level and decide whether they have the ability to develop him over time, especially given the impending cuts to list sizes. That factor could see him initially miss, though there will be plenty of opportunities down the line in mid-season drafts should Avery continue to bang the door down among the WAFL grades.

FURTHER CONTENT:
Scouting Notes; 2020 WAFL Colts Grand Final