Liam Hetherton Draft Profile

Murray BushrangersKey Forward

#1

Liam Hetherton

height: 198cm

weight:

D.O.B: 02-05-2007

Leagues: Coates Talent League Boys

Snapshot
Analysis
Summary

SNAPSHOT: “A tall marking threat inside 50 who kicks goals in bunches and moves well for his size.” – Michael Alvaro

Having taken a back seat to several eventual draftees last year, Liam Hetherton was primed to snatch centre stage in 2025. The key forward managed nine Coates Talent League games with the Murray Bushrangers as a bottom-ager, learning off the likes of Jack and Matt Whitlock, Joe Berry, and leading goalkicker Josh Murphy. With all of them moving on, it was his turn to spearhead the Bushies’ attack.

Hetherton showed signs of doing exactly that early in the season, booting 11 goals in his first three CTL appearances. He also represented the National Academy in two games against VFL opposition and continued to show growth. That was until two stress fractures were discovered in his back, with the 197cm talent forced to undergo a 16-week recovery which ruled him out for the rest of the year.

While the start to Hetherton’s top-age campaign was positive, he sought to peak at the National Championships in Allies colours. That opportunity was taken away from him, as was the chance to compete at the National Draft Combine. Hetherton is expected to get back into the swing of full training around mid-December, potentially priming him for a strong preseason heading into senior footy.

Being drafted would cap off a storied journey for Hetherton. He started out up in Mackay (Queensland) and went on to represent the GWS Giants Academy during the 2023 Under 16 National Championships. The North Albury product then progressed into the Bushrangers Under 18 program and represented NSW/ACT in the Under 17 Futures trials, bursting onto the scene with five goals against Vic Country.

Hetherton’s progression continued with another three majors in the National Futures showcase on AFL Grand Final Day, which went even further to securing his AFL Academy induction. A big Western Bulldogs supporter who grew up watching his dad play footy, Hetherton models his own game on some of the Dogs’ prominent key forwards and will look to join them at the elite level.

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STRENGTHS:

+ Bodywork
+ Forward craft
+ Mobility
+ Marking
+ Scoreboard impact
+ Vertical leap

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Endurance
- Kicking

Hetherton is a natural forward capable of both owning his space inside 50 and working further up the ground. He also provides a handy chop-out in the ruck and possesses a spread of useful athletic traits. For reference, Hetherton's preseason vertical leap results (75cm standing and 89cm running) would have comfortably placed him in the top 10 at the National Draft Combine. He also gets a tick for agility via the eye test.

While somewhat overshadowed by star teammates in his bottom-age campaign, Hetherton was able to showcase his goalkicking ability in the early stages of 2025. He booted hauls of 3.1, 5.0, and 3.2 in his only three Coates Talent League appearances, and was able to find the goals from a variety of situations. Whether converting over the mark, following up in open play, or grabbing out of the ruck, he consistently found a way to score.

Hetherton's scoreboard impact also comes down to his forward craft. When stationed deep inside 50, he reads the cues early and commits to bodywork in one-on-one jostles. From there, he can take low marks on the lead or hold his ground to pluck the ball out of the air. He prides himself on his marking ability, although can work on clunking the ball a little cleaner overhead or out in front, and gaining greater separation from his opponent.

Outside of his contested exploits, Hetherton is decently agile in open play. As mentioned, it allows him to find different avenues to goal, and unlike many key forwards, he is also willing to follow up and apply pressure. Such feats help him exude real presence. Hetherton has identified endurance as his key area for improvement, so a greater running tank will only heighten his ability to impact the game outside of purely scoring.

Hetherton also has room for growth in some of his skill execution. His kicking is a particular area of focus, and to Hetherton's credit, he straightened up his goalkicking to an extent compared to 2024 - where he managed 7.13 for Murray. He can also develop his decision making and composure when field kicking, as he can tend to run into trouble and dump the ball forward when looking to move the play on quickly.

DRAFT RANGE: 40-60

SUMMARY:

The relatively shallow nature of this year’s draft crop means recruiters will be watching back plenty of vision to unearth hidden gems. That means despite missing much of the year through injury, Hetherton’s early exploits should be given greater attention. He seems to be actively ironing out his improvement areas and is looking to elevate his training standards. His ability to take over and lead Murray’s forward group when available was excellent to see, and his goalkicking record holds him in good stead. Recruiters will also value Hetherton’s secondary position as a ruck, given how crucial that kind of role is at AFL level. Coming off a long-term injury, Hetherton’s cautious approach to recovery should place him nicely to enter a full preseason. He could offer great value late in the draft with relatively untapped potential.

Coates Talent League Boys

Season	Team	K	HB	D	M	CP	UP	T	HO	CLR	I50	R50	GL	GM	K	H	D	M	HO	T	G	DC
2024	Murray Bushrangers	39	24	63	21	0	0	13	29	0	12	3	7	9	4.3	2.7	7.0	2.3	3.2	1.4	0.8	36
2025	Murray Bushrangers	28	9	37	13	23	16	4	16	3	5	0	11	3	9.3	3.0	12.3	4.3	5.3	1.3	3.7	81
Total	-	67	33	100	34	23	16	17	45	3	17	3	18	12	5.6	2.8	8.3	2.8	3.8	1.4	1.5	117