Oakleigh ChargersOakleigh ChargersTall Defender

#14

Max Kondogiannis

height: 190cm

weight:

D.O.B: 14-11-2007

Leagues: AFL U18 Championships, Coates Talent League Boys

  • Snapshot
  • Analysis
  • Summary

SNAPSHOT: “An aerially apt interceptor who takes the game on with speed and precise kicking on the rebound.” – Michael Alvaro

In a draft class relatively thin on tall defensive talent, Max Kondogiannis has staked his claim throughout 2025. The 190cm Oakleigh Chargers interceptor ticks plenty of boxes in his position and established himself at high levels as a top-ager. Despite an interrupted start to the campaign, Kondogiannis got going early in the Coates Talent League season and never looked back.

Coming off 11 bottom-age appearances for the Chargers, Kondogiannis kick-started his year with 21 disposals and seven marks in Round 3 against Sandringham Dragons. His early-season exploits and trial game form led to Vic Metro selection, where he locked away his spot in the side across a full National Championships – even despite suffering a finger injury between games one and two.

Kondogiannis also showed his wares on the school football scene as captain of Carey Grammar. He has spent time forward at APS level, but the larger sample size in representative grades suggests he will find a home in defence. Kondogiannis’ draft combine invite yielded a strong showing of his running ability, completing the 20m sprint in 2.943 seconds, and the 2km time trial in 6:26.

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STRENGTHS:

+ Aerial ability
+ Kicking
+ Intercept marking
+ Reading the play
+ Rebounding
+ Speed

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Defensive craft
- Size

Looking over Kondogiannis' profile, he boasts a valuable spread of traits which hold up to how football is trending. As a likely third tall defender, he fits the mould of a roaming interceptor who can seamlessly turn defence into attack. He can do it all himself, too, able to impact aerially with his range and leap, before getting on the move with a solid combination of kicking and running power.

Kondogiannis' aerial ability is often key to getting the rest of his game going. He reads the play beautifully to get into position early and is more than comfortable leaving his opponent to intercept. His footy IQ stands out in those situations, as does his courage to slot into the defensive hole and brace for oncoming contact. That kind of ability allows him to play slightly taller than his 190cm standing.

With ball in hand, Kondogiannis is then capable of producing daring rebound play. He showed a willingness to be more daring towards the back-end of the season with Oakleigh, utilising his speed to launch into counterattacks. His greater running power allowed for more impact up the ground, not only intercepting off a higher line, but also carrying the ball into dangerous areas.

Another central facet of Kondogiannis' rebound ability is his kicking. He often acts as a primary distributor off the last line, showcasing good power and range in his ball use. He is quite accurate in slow play and takes safe options, but can also break the lines when greater urgency is required. His composure deep inside 50 is quite noticeable for a taller player, acting to relieve pressure.

Despite it being listed as a strength, Kondogiannis can continue to refine some of his ball use and decision making. While leaning into a more attacking style, he sometimes compromised execution on the run and delivered a less consistent end product. He can also look to enhance his defensive fundamentals, becoming stronger in one-on-one contests and finding a greater balance between attack and defence.

An attribute which will help develop Kondogiannis' defensive craft is added strength. He has quite a lean and wiry frame, so can continue to built on it once he steps up to senior level. Still, he projects as quite a versatile prospect with all he can do in defence, while also having the potential to swing forward or even using his speed-endurance running on a wing. The upside is there.

DRAFT RANGE: 40-60

SUMMARY:

Kondogiannis offers a good amount of versatility and has the athletic traits to hold up at the next level. With few tall defenders set to feature at the top end of the draft crop, he projects as a high-value option beyond the second round who does plenty of things right. His ability to cut off opposition kicks and flick the switch to start counterattacks suits current day ball movement, though he can work on building a stronger frame and enhancing his defensive skillset. He’ll likely project as a third tall defender at the top level.

AFL U18 Championships

SeasonTeamKHBDMCPUPTHOCLRI50R50GLGMKHDMHOTGDC
2025Vic Metro5223752019403024240413.05.818.85.00.00.80.075
Total-5223752019403024240413.05.818.85.00.00.80.075

Coates Talent League Boys

SeasonTeamKHBDMCPUPTHOCLRI50R50GLGMKHDMHOTGDC
2024Oakleigh Chargers7561136240015005370116.85.512.42.20.01.40.042
2025Oakleigh Chargers583593173246110715261511.67.018.63.40.02.20.276
Total-13396229413246260720631168.36.014.32.60.01.60.1118
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