STRENGTHS:

+ Aerial ability
+ Athleticism
+ Follow-up work
+ Upside

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Endurance
- Strength

A raw prospect with considerable upside, Jai Leach created a stir among recruiters late in the year. Having played 14 QAFL Colts games with Palm Beach Currumbin, he made the move down to Melbourne via the Eddie Betts Foundation and linked up with the Oakleigh Chargers. There, he made three promising appearances to earn a state draft combine invite.

The Queenslander is a terrific athlete, able to soar for marks and catch the eye with his leap at centre bounces. Further to his ruck work, he's quite mobile and follows up well at ground level to either tackle or clear the ball. Even at 197cm, Leach is quite comfortable in possession and had little trouble getting his hands on the ball in Oakleigh colours.

With such little exposure to the elite talent pathway, there is plenty of development left in Leach. He can certainly look to add size and strength to his frame, while building an endurance tank to last at AFL level. Even still, clubs will view him as a project player who could repay faith in the long-term. If not a late or rookie option, he may be an ideal over-age candidate.

DRAFT RANGE: Rookie