#23
Koltyn Tholstrup
height: 186cm
weight: 86kg
D.O.B: 28-06-2005
Leagues: AFL U18 Championships
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Snapshot
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Analysis
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Summary
SNAPSHOT: “An energetic and bullish forward, Koltyn Tholstrup’s unique combination of skill and flair makes him hard to miss on the footy field.”
A high half-forward with plenty of character, Koltyn Tholstrup takes the game head on and has buckets of experience at senior level. Coming into 2023 off the back of 30 goals in 15 WAFL Colts games across two years, Subiaco had Tholstrup training with the senior squad all off-season. This was the platform for a Round 1 League debut, finishing the season with 10 games at the top level and seven goals.
After missing out on the first game in the National Carnival, Tholstrup’s impact on WA’s Under 18 side made the Black Ducks look a far more cohesive and dangerous outfit. His composure when looking to win the ball in the air or on the ground, as well as when using the ball is a class above most other prospects in this year’s draft.
A brilliant creator and finisher, many of Tholstrup’s disposals create opportunities for inside 50 targets, always looking to take the game on with his penetrative kicking. His bullish nature and strong contested work, along with his aggressive kicking decisions lead him to be a handy pinch hitter in the midfield as well.
Having missed four weeks with groin issues at the back end of the season, Tholstrup returned for Subiaco’s finals series. Though he and his side struggled to make an impact in the postseason, that experience will be invaluable heading into an AFL system.
STRENGTHS:
+ Effort
+ Kick penetration
+ Overhead marking
+ Power
+ Scoreboard impact
+ Strength
IMPROVEMENTS:
- Consistency
- Conversion
After a strong bottom-age year in 2022, Tholstrup found himself straight into the senior set up at Subiaco, making his League debut in Round 1 of the WAFL season. With serious power and clean overhead marking, it was no surprise to see Tholstrup elevated to senior level as he possesses the physicality and intensity at the footy required to play League football.
In Colts football last year, Tholstrup at times played as an undersized key forward. He was able to outmuscle opponents in contested marking situations, and proved to be one of his side’s primary targets when moving the ball forward. Though he was not as prolific in 2023 throughout League and State footy, Tholstrup managed 30 goals in 15 WAFL Colts games, managing five hauls of over three goals.
His scoring output at junior level is even more impressive when you consider how often Tholstrup would pinch hit in the midfield. Thanks again to his strength, Tholstrup is a workhorse who loves to get stuck into the contest with great success. Though, the query remains whether he has the tank to continue developing as a midfielder.
His composure with the ball in hand makes him a player you want having possession when looking to go inside 50. Whether in the midfield or as a high half forward, Tholstrup can burst through traffic and release a penetrating and damaging kick when going forward.
Though he has still shown several of the skills that have made clubs rate him so highly, Tholstrup’s numbers have suffered in League and State football in 2023. Managing just seven goals in 10 League games, his accuracy in front of goal has room for improvement in the faster paced and higher pressure level of senior football.
At state level, he featured as a creator of chances rather than a goal scorer. With 18.3 disposals and six inside 50s per game, Tholstrup was a key cog for Western Australia to turn possession into goal scoring opportunities.
Despite not putting up as large of numbers as he’d hope this season, Tholstrup remains one of the most exciting players to watch in this year’s draft class. A high impact player with X-factor, Tholstrup looks as though he’d be a great selection for clubs looking for a forward in the Cam Zurhaar mould.
DRAFT RANGE: 15-30
SUMMARY:
Tholstrup’s energy going both ways and willingness to get stuck into a range of roles are intangibles not many draft prospects offer without a push. His application can hardly be faulted, and as one of the few top-agers with senior experience this year, he has some handy points of difference. He seems like the type of character fans will enjoy, and one whose teammates would easily warm to him. His football does the talking too, and should be enough to land him a chance at the elite level either late in the first round or somewhere in the second.
AFL U18 Championships
| Season | Team | K | HB | D | M | CP | UP | T | HO | CLR | I50 | R50 | GL | GM | K | H | D | M | HO | T | G | DC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Western Australia | 35 | 18 | 53 | 23 | 21 | 33 | 15 | 0 | 1 | 12 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 8.8 | 4.5 | 13.3 | 5.8 | 0.0 | 3.8 | 0.3 | 61 |
| 2023 | Western Australia | 40 | 15 | 55 | 18 | 22 | 32 | 5 | 0 | 4 | 18 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 13.3 | 5.0 | 18.3 | 6.0 | 0.0 | 1.7 | 0.3 | 86 |
| Total | - | 75 | 33 | 108 | 41 | 43 | 65 | 20 | 0 | 5 | 30 | 1 | 2 | 7 | 10.7 | 4.7 | 15.4 | 5.9 | 0.0 | 2.9 | 0.3 | 147 |
