STRENGTHS:

- Toughness
- Pressure
- Agility
- Goal sense

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Size
- Kicking consistency

River Stevens is the son of North Melbourne premiership skipper Anthony and eligible to head to the Roos as a great value pick. A tenacious small forward who provides great run and carry in the front half of the ground, Stevens is a nifty sub-180cm forward who adds the defensive pressure to go with his slick agility.

Boasting an impressive work rate and determination that is a chip off the old block, Stevens does his best work in the froward 50, where he kicked eight goals in seven games for Geelong Falcons, then a couple of majors for Vic Country at the National Championships. Similarly, his production for a small forward is quite high, often playing at half-forward and working up the ground to get involved in transition and be a distributor going forward.

While Stevens' size might limit him from a role further afield, he does the small forward position justice with that balance of offensive and defensive traits. His ball use can be a little hit and miss at times, but with his zippy nature around the field, Stevens is an eye-catching player who has room to improve in an elite program.

DRAFT RANGE: Late/Rookie

PLAYER HIGHLIGHTS: