STRENGTHS:

+ Competitiveness
+ Dare
+ Evasiveness
+ Line-breaking
+ Running power
+ Speed

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Accumulation
- Composure

Grlj's main weapon is his running power. He operates at full-throttle, accelerating through the gears like no other and leaving opponents in his wake. His daringness in every situation is quite unique, as Grlj backs his speed regardless of peril. What's more, he blends speed with a strong endurance base, producing repeat sprint efforts conducive to current day football. As much was evident at the National Draft Combine, where he achieved top-10 finishes in both the 20m sprint and 2km time trial.

With lightning-quick bursts, Grlj generates forward momentum in an instant. He takes off as soon as he collects the ball without compromise and consistently puts the opposition on the back foot. Particularly as a defender, he has the ability to spark end-to-end forays with repeat possessions in single passages, either linking up by hand or gut-running to track his kicks. Along the way, opponents struggle to lay a hand on him.

Grlj's evasiveness is part of what makes him so difficult to contain. He slips tackles and rolls them off his back, also riding the bumps well and possessing a wicked side-step. That's what allows him to take so many risks, even under enormous pressure, as he finds a way to get out of danger so prolifically. Such aggressive line-breaking ability is hard to come by, and can be extremely damaging when executing fast breaks through the corridor.

Complimenting his obvious flair is Grlj's competitive streak. He's a real goer, willing to lay fierce tackles and get in the face of the opposition. Often times you'll see him bury an opponent into the ground and let them know about it, playing at a high intensity and judging himself harshly for any rare errors or losses. An added benefit of his will to win has been a vastly improved midfield acumen. Grlj has become quite clean and tough around the ball, able to extract and distribute in fluent motion.

Being a high-impact type, Grlj is less of an accumulator than most in the half-back/midfielder mould. His greatest possession tally in the Coates Talent League this year was 24, though he proved consistent with hauls of 20-plus disposals in four of seven appearances, and a low of 15. Boosting his production level will only compound his ability to hurt the opposition, balancing out his damaging bursts with sustained energy.

Another area Grlj can look to develop is his composure. He tends to play to one very high gear, so being able to slow the play down when required and assess his options will be part of adjusting his decision making to the top level. You don't want to quell his natural instincts, but he'll get away with a lot less in the AFL in terms of breaking tackles and having as much time in possession. Otherwise, Grlj gets a tick for enhancing his midfield craft - as sited in preseason - and has seems to operate at highly professional standards.