STRENGTHS:

+ Athleticism
+ Composure
+ Distribution
+ Intercepting

IMPROVEMENTS:

– Ground balls
– Strength

The true definition of a late season bolter, Tew Jiath only made his Coates Talent League debut in Round 9 and is one of the rare combine invitees from outside of the representative squads. Jiath proved undroppable since and was arguably Gippsland’s most important defender, with his intercept game and ability to control the airways being invaluable additions to any side. The Hawthorn NGA prospect looks set to be rewarded for his hard work since the preseason come draft time, albeit likely before the Hawks can match a bid to join his brother Changkuoth in brown and gold. Jiath provides a lot of what AFL clubs are now looking for from their defenders, with his work in offence doing damage due to his composure, speed and evasiveness, while his one-on-one craft and intercepting are consistently reliable. There remains an element of ‘rawness’ to Jiath, with his strength and ability at ground level under contact or pressure two areas of improvement, but he possesses high upside given how new he is to the talent pathways, and the athletic gifts he has. There’s still some ways to go on the penetration he gets behind his disposal as well, however he has been a reliable user to date.

DRAFT RANGE: 25-40