Image Credit: Andy Brownbill/News Corp
POSITION: Key Forward/Wing
DRAFT ANALYSIS: "A raw multi-sport athlete with high scope for improvement, Kolar looms as a prospective bolter in this year's draft pool." - Michael Alvaro
Having transitioned to football from a soccer and athletics background, Northern Knights prospect Liam Kolar has enjoyed a steep rise in his short career. The 195cm athlete made the most of a late call-up on NAB League debut last year, showing glimpses of his potential up forward and even rotating through the ruck. His form was enough to warrant playing out the remaining two games with Northern, but a couple of strong preseason outings in 2020 truly cemented Kolar's spot on the AFL Draft radar. The 18-year-old's testing data would have turned heads, and makes for a solid base for him to improve his football upon. Though unable to show his wares on-field as a top-ager, Kolar earned a National Combine invite and is a talent to keep an eye on.
STRENGTHS:
- Vertical leap
- Athleticism
- Endurance
- Versatility
- Scope
IMPROVEMENTS:
- Raw/strength
- Football craft
Despite the small sample size provided, it is clear that Kolar boasts all the athletic attributes which recruiters value. He ticks every box; as a lead-up key forward he is quick off the mark and has a sizeable vertical leap, while also proving agile enough to operate further afield and impact at ground level. His endurance base, highlighted by preseason results of 6:09 across 2km and 21.7 in the yo-yo test, also suits the modern game in a range of roles. It ultimately plays into Kolar's versatility, with the potential to utilise that running capacity and speed up on a wing once his game sense improves. His effort to come into Northern's side so late last season, adjust to the rigours, and compete against players who had been out there consistently is also testament to his elite athletic attributes - not to mention a high rate of improvement.
Outgoing Knights talent manager Rhy Gieschen identified Kolar as one to watch during preseason, noting his unique all-round athleticism and raw potential. One particular moment in preseason stood out, playing against reigning the NAB League premier, Oakleigh. In a Northern win, Kolar dashed forward with multiple running bounces, burned an opponent and thumped home one of his two goals from 50 metres out. Having returned a relatively low output in his initial Under 18s stint, such eye-catching plays are what make those at the top level take notice.
While he would prove somewhat of a speculative choice come draft time, Kolar could really be anything if provided the right support. The next and most significant step in his development will be to hone his football knowledge and craft, things which typically come with experience. After all, it is all well and good being able to run, jump, and weave, but you must be able to play the game above all else. Kolar has adjusted well to the elite Under 18s pathway, so should have confidence in his ability to maintain that trend as he climbs the ranks. Whether Kolar develops into a modern day centre half-forward, wingman, or mobile utility, there is plenty for AFL clubs to work with.
There are still a few things Kolar may look to enhance as he improves his overall craft. Somewhat rangy and lightly built, his one-on-one positioning and strength will be important for key position roles, while also allowing him to utilise his athleticism more effectively. His speed off the mark and vertical leap would be an unstoppable combination when presenting at the ball, but Kolar is sometimes caught behind or in a spot where he is unable to leap at the ball. These are things a few preseasons and experience at the top level will easily fix. Understanding the right leading patterns and when to take the game on from further afield will also come more naturally to him over time, hopefully aiding his overall output and consistency in the process.
