Koby LeCras Draft Profile

West PerthTall Forward

#9

Koby LeCras

height: 192cm

weight:

D.O.B: 26-04-2008

Leagues: AFL U18 Championships, AFL U16 Championships

Snapshot
Analysis
Summary

SNAPSHOT: “A natural marking forward with outstanding aerial range and a raking left-foot kick.”

Koby LeCras’ footballing pedigree is strong, hailing from good stock which is adored by the West Perth faithful. He’s the son of six-game former Roo Brent, while his uncle Mark won a flag in his 219 AFL appearances with West Coast.

The 18-year-old debuted at WAFL League level this year, donning his father’s number 20 guernsey. He is cut from a slightly different cloth, although grew up supporting the Eagles and possesses similar goal sense to his famous uncle.

As part of his AFL Academy duties this year, LeCras spent time training at West Coast during preseason and learned from the likes of Jake Waterman. His final full game was with the Academy, booting three goals against Richmond’s VFL side.

A partial ACL tear sustained in his senior debut cut LeCras’ year short, unable to represent Western Australia as he did so brilliantly at Under 16 level in 2024. Nonetheless, he returned in time for the National Draft Combine and turned in a terrific 2km time of 6:23.

STRENGTHS:

+ Footy IQ
+ Kicking power
+ Overhead marking
+ Scoreboard impact
+ Versatility
+ Work rate

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Size
- Speed

LeCras has arguably played his best football as a forward and has eyes on establishing himself in that third of the ground. But he's an interesting case, measuring up at just under key position height while boasting endurance over speed, and terrific footy IQ. He draws comparisons in style to Geelong star Ollie Dempsey, who has made a name for himself drifting forward from the wing and providing great aerial presence.

The 18-year-old prides himself on two key traits: his marking ability and work rate. Whether as a conventional lead-up option close to goal or a connection piece up the field, LeCras combines the two attributes wonderfully well and they form the crux of his game.

As a marking target he relies more on his smarts and timing, rather than pure speed, to gain separation. In a similar fashion to Essendon's Nate Caddy, he has the reach to play above his height and extends nicely at the ball overhead. Otherwise, he sits in that awkward in-between size.

The other side of the equation, his work rate, derives from a family-driven mantra. LeCras is driven by advice from his father - 'you don't get put on top of the mountain, you climb it'. It shows on the field, where LeCras searches up and down the line, while off the field he worked diligently to participate in the National Draft Combine despite partially tearing his ACL in April.

LeCras has proven his versatility having been utilised in large chunks on the wing, although his freakish nature in front of goal suggests he is best used in the front half. Capable of scoring from anywhere, in open play or over the mark, LeCras' raking left boot is a weapon which catches the eye.

While he is determined to work on every part of his game to become a more complete player, LeCras has some definitive improvement areas. Speed is a question mark given his size and slender frame, which will be tested against bigger bodies and smarter defenders at the top level. He is also seeking to become more consistent, but didn't have the clean bill of health to make strides in that sense.

DRAFT RANGE: 20-35

SUMMARY:

LeCras is placed among the relative unknowns of the draft pool, although has at least some top-age exposure and a strong reputation built beforehand. His smarts and natural ability will appeal to clubs, who may yet have some question marks over his in-between size and role at the top level. With an uninterrupted run at it, he has the talent to suggest a first round run would have been possible. Showing up and competing at the National Combine after his ACL injury will leave a positive impression, highlighting his determination and diligence.