SNAPSHOT: “A run-and-gun rebounder who daringly backs his speed and foot skills to slingshot from defence.”

A bolter in every sense of the word, Jake Eime has stormed up draft boards this year. The lightly-built defender has sought to prove that size is no issue when you’re as good as he is, claiming Under 18 All-Australian honours after being overlooked for the state Under 16 squad in 2024.

Eime made 13 bottom-age appearances for Central District and truly captured attention with his impressive first half in last year’s SANFL Futures showcase. That performance, along with his season as a whole, led to a berth in the state squad for 2026. He hasn’t looked back since.

Averaging 22.3 disposals across another 12 AAMI Talent League appearances this year, Eime also made his League debut with Adelaide’s reserves. His Indigenous heritage was lost on the Crows due to an administrative error, otherwise they would likely have gained priority access to him under Next Generation Academy rules.

Nonetheless, Eime has spent time at West Lakes under the mentorship of Wayne Milera. He grew up supporting the Crows and models his game on the likes of GWS dasher Lachie Ash. His exploits this year earned him a run at the National Draft Combine, where he finished equal-10th in the 2km time trial (6:10).