STRENGTHS:

+ Defensive pressure
+ Goal sense
+ Smarts
+ Scoreboard impact
+ Speed
+ X-Factor

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Composure
- Endurance
- Size

Whether it’s threatening to leap and take mark of the year, threading goal of the year from an absurd angle, weaving in and out of traffic, or burning opponents with his raw pace, Champion lays claim to many tools to become an elite small forward at the next level.

He is as exciting as any prospect in the draft, possessing eye-catching speed that he uses to get up and down the ground or storm into space. Champion displayed the ability to explode from contests, take a bounce and drive his side inside 50 when he regularly spent time through the midfield for Subiaco in the latter stages of the WAFL Colts season. This versatility, which he also showed in short bursts for Western Australia, adds a string to his bow.

Upon returning to Subiaco following the National Championships, Champion was elevated to the Lions’ League side, and made an immediate impact kicking seven goals in three games. One of the most commendable aspects of Champion's senior appearances was his willingness to hunt and chase defensively. He pressured opposition defenders into poor disposal and turnovers, threatening to stick rundown tackles and win the ball back for his team.

Another of Champion’s best traits is his innate ability to relocate after disposing of the football. In transition, Champion often begins the chain and is then used again and again, relocating to better positions to win the football again and be used by teammates. Multiple possessions in an attack is a good thing when it’s Champion with ball in hand, because he usually makes something happen.

There were a couple of instances throughout the year where Champion let his competitive side get the best of him and he gave away some unnecessary free kicks and 50m penalties. If he can keep that under control and clean up his accuracy on goal - he was slightly wayward on set shots in the back half of the year - then he won’t have any issues adjusting to the top level.

Although, size is an obvious question mark when it comes to the 172cm prospect. You have to have some elite traits to make it at the top level with such a build, so luckily Champion passes the test for pace and agility, and his skills and smarts. One element he may also look to enhance is his endurance base, especially if he is to sustain a four-quarter impact and effectively pinch-hit up the ground.