SNAPSHOT: “A dual sided and big bodied player, Allan has made the most of his limited exposure in 2022 to show off high-end athleticism and versatility.”

The son of former Hawthorn best and fairest winner and premiership player Ben Allan, Ed is narrowly ineligible for father-son selection, much to the joy of 17 other AFL clubs. He managed only six games in 2022 across WAFL Colts and state level as a result of injuries sustained to his lower back, but the numbers and performances he put in across those games have been enough to have clubs sniffing.

Averaging a tick over 25 disposals per game, with nearly six marks to go with that, Allan has impressed doing the hard grunt work in the guts, and starring as a winger on the outside. Compounding his performances this season are his results in the recent National Draft Combine, where he found himself atop the charts for the 20-metre sprint, clocking in at 2.814 seconds, a mere .06 seconds off of the best ever time recorded in 2010.

SNAPSHOT: “A decorated ball winner who has been relentless in his pursuit of excellence, Ashcroft is incredibly well-rounded and clear as this year’s top prospect.”

Having done everything in his power to stamp himself as this year’s leading AFL Draft prospect, Ashcroft has arguably gone clear in top spot after a top-age campaign which delivered on all the hype. There was conjecture on whether the Victorian-based father-son candidate would nominate to become a Brisbane Lions player, but he firmly committed to the club with a two-year deal on top of his initial contract of the same length.

Ashcroft was named captain of the Sandringham Dragons this year, and like Nick Daicos before him, took on the mantle in his NAB League debut in Round 1. He will look to become the first father-son selection to go at pick one, after Sam Darcy‘s bid was called out second in last year’s intake.

A driven character made of leadership material, Ashcroft also became a leader among the AFL Academy and Vic Metro squads, and took out this year’s Larke Medal as the best player throughout the Under 18 National Championships. That accolade came less than a week after helping Sandringham take out the NAB League premiership, where Ashcroft was adjudged best afield.

He is set to join 2019 Larke Medal winner Deven Robertson in maroon, blue and gold come year’s end, alongside fellow father-son candidate Jaspa Fletcher after the pair spent over a month training with Brisbane during preseason. With three typically prolific VFL games under his belt for the Lions, the transition is set to be seamless.

SNAPSHOT: “A physically developed ruckman who uses his athleticism to have an impact at the contest and around the ground.”

Harry Barnett has put forward his case to be the number one rated ruck prospect in this year’s draft class. He enjoyed a dominant stretch through April-May in the SANFL Under 18 competition, where he averaged 24 disposals and 28 hitouts, earning a call-up to West Adelaide’s League side. The 18-year-old managed 25 hitouts on debut, and earned his first win at senior level in Round 17 against South Adelaide.

After missing his state’s opening game of the AFL Under 18 National Championships with COVID, Barnett assumed the primary ruck mantle and was a consistent contributor for a somewhat disappointing South Australian side. His performances were enough to earn a starting spot in the All Australian side, as the primary ruck choice.

Measuring in at over 200cm with a handy leap, Barnett can get up and over the opposing ruckman with relative ease and his strong build makes him difficult to move at stoppages around the ground. His contested marking makes him a valuable commodity in both attack and defence, and although at times unpredictable, he has flashed some ability when wheeling onto his right boot and distributing the ball by foot.

A great character off the field, Barnett appears to have the talent and personality that would fit into an AFL environment, should he be given the opportunity.

SNAPSHOT: “A hard running wingman/forward who racks up possessions on the outside and can hit the scoreboard.”

One of the hardest runners in this year’s AFL Draft crop is Jaxon Binns. The Dandenong Stingrays prospect has made a name for himself as a prolific outside midfielder, with the capacity to translate his best traits as a high half-forward. Having cracked the NAB League for a single game last year, Binns was a key contributor in eight outings as a top-ager in 2022. He also built on his Under 17 representative experience as a core member of the Vic Country Under 18 squad, including in a standout 39-disposal performance against the Allies. Like many Victorian prospects, the 17-year-old spent a large portion of his season adhering to school football commitments, turning out for APS Football premier Caulfield Grammar. His consistency of production across each level this year has been impressive.

SNAPSHOT: “A ferociously competitive ball winner who runs hard and makes his presence felt going both ways.”

There are few harder and more physical competitors among this year’s crop of midfielders than Hugh Bond, a talented multi-sport athlete out of the Greater Western Victoria Rebels region. A rower at the national level, Bond has put his focus into footy of late, and overcame seperate injuries both last year and in preseason to produce a solid top-age campaign. He turned out 12 times for the Rebels this season, earning Vic Country selection and stepping up in big games. Bond’s move to defence while donning representative colours only boosted his stocks, with the on-baller’s desire to hunt both the opposition and ball translating well to his role behind the ball. With his strong physique and running capacity, there is plenty to like.

SNAPSHOT: “A crafty medium forward who fares well both aerially and at ground level, having shown glimpses across an injury-interrupted season.”

Fighting adversity to put his name in the draft conversation, Shadeau Brain has proven memorable by name and nature in 2022. The Brisbane Lions Academy prospect earned a National Combine invitation off glimpses of promise, despite ending the season in a sling on the back of shoulder surgery. After a disrupted preseason, Brain only managed a couple of Lions Academy outings before linking with Noosa in the QAFL Seniors, and eventually turning out for the Allies’ last three games. He capped off his season with a trio of VFL appearances, but had it end early in Noosa’s second-last regular season game.

SNAPSHOT: “An athletically gifted midfielder with proven versatility, Burgiel played across all 3 lines at various points this season, bringing his daring run and clean disposal to each role”

Somewhat flying under the radar due to the plethora of talent in all his sides, Coby Burgiel has been a consistent and reliable force through the midfield, but has shown his versatility when forced to play as a defender or forward for Vic Country at the Under 18 Championships. Burgiel’s speed and cleanliness below his knees are two traits that standout amongst other midfielders in the crop, finishing equal second in the 20m sprint at the National Combine with a stunning 2.88-second run, Burgiel has no trouble showing this speed on-field.

SNAPSHOT: “The leading key defender in the pool, Jedd Busslinger stands as one of the few prospects to have played senior State League football this season, looking comfortable with the higher intensity and bigger bodies”

As the standout tall defender amongst the draft crop, Jedd Busslinger has performed well at every level he has played over the last two years, playing as a bottom-ager in the WA Under 19s side last season, and then making the step up to WAFL League in 2022. Busslinger’s quality is obvious for those that watch him and he makes his games count, highlighted with Under 18s All-Australian selection despite playing just two Under 18s Championships games. Unfortunately having his season cut short due to mid year shoulder surgery, Busslinger has done everything he possibly could to ensure he gets selected in November’s National Draft.

SNAPSHOT: “The premier key position player in this year’s AFL Draft pool off the back of a consistent season for both GWV Rebels and Vic Country as a strong marking forward.”

Coming into the year, Aaron Cadman was considered one of the leading key forward prospects out of Victoria. By midway through the season, he had not only taken that mantle, but became the number one key position player in the entire country. As others struggled with consistency, Cadman flourished and put up some ridiculous numbers not only from a goal sense, but from a work rate perspective up the ground as well.

In 2022, Cadman moved up from a likely first round prospect into a potential Top 5 talent, and one who stands alone when it comes to what he offers. He slotted 34 goals in 12 games at NAB League level to win the leading goalkicker award. Just once in those 12 games was he held goalless, and on nine or more occasions he bagged multiple goals. His 34.23 final tally included two bags of five and three bags of four.

Showing that he could equally match it with the best from around the country, Cadman went on to have the most scoring shots in the Under 18 National Championships with 20, but inaccuracy (10.10) stopped him from taking out the overall leading goalkicker there. He also had the most disposals of any of the key forwards, proving he could impact further than on the scoresheet. When talking about Cadman, it is easy to describe him as a hard working key forward, but he has genuine impact on games outside his final goal tally. Alongside his leading goalkicker award at NAB League level, Cadman won NAB League Team of the Year honours, GWV Rebels best and fairest award, and the Rookie Me Central Medal.

SNAPSHOT: “A clever and crafty forward who works opponents over up the ground, and hurts them on the way back to goal.”

A late addition to the National Combine list, Seth Campbell has been made to prove himself in 2022. The Burnie native emerged as one to watch after Tasmania’s Under 17 clash with Queensland last year, and quickly became a key cog in the Devils’ mid-forward rotation as a top-ager. Campbell averaged 19 touches, 4.7 inside 50s and over a goal per his 13 NAB League games this season, earning Allies selection and even breaking through for a senior TSL berth with North Launceston. It was there where he produced arguably his standout performance, booting 10.6 from 32 disposals to leap firmly onto the draft radar.

SNAPSHOT: “An outstandingly consistent inside midfielder from Geelong Falcons who was able to crack in and showcase high-level contested ball-winning ability and clean skills”

It almost seems fitting that as Geelong premiership skipper Joel Selwood heads off into the sunset following a glittering career, that a teenager who embodies the retiring Cat enters the league. Unsurprisingly, Jhye Clark takes after his older clone, and is known for his leadership, consistency and unrelenting contested game. With few flaws in his overall profile, Clark is one of the top onballers in this year’s AFL Draft.

The Geelong Falcons skipper is one of those players you can just lock in to 250 games without a second thought. If he can remain injury-free, then the hard inside midfielder is one who will provide the club that drafts him plenty of memorable moments over the next decade. In season 2022 alone, Clark shone as captain for the Falcons, and then as co-captain for Vic Country, where he was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) for his state, and a member of the starting midfield for the All-Australian team.

Few players could hold a candle to Clark’s sheer consistency on the inside, cracking in each and every time, and like Selwood, the number five leaves nothing out on the field. Though unlike many top-line midfielders Clark does not have the explosive speed or complete outside game to match his inside exploits, he just does everything well across the board. Not only is he a skilled, high-production player, but one who fans will love and wears his heart on his sleeve, willing to bleed for his sides.

SNAPSHOT: “A speedy and competitive forward, Clarke’s energy and athleticism on-field provide him with a real sense of X-factor.”

One of the few prospects with prior NAB League experience coming into the season, Charlie Clarke has been somewhat of a surprise packet across the 2022 campaign in a star studded Sandringham Dragons side. Equally lively through the midfield or up forward, Clarke’s ability to impact in multiple roles was a valuable asset in the Dragons’ journey to the premiership, being held goalless in just two of his 15 appearances.

Clarke’s feats, including a remarkable seven-goal haul against Tasmania in Round 4, garnered representative honours with Vic Metro where he played all four games throughout the Under 18 National Championships. Above all, he is a talent who loves the big stage and rises to grand occasions with his guts to take the game on and instinctual play inside attacking 50.

SNAPSHOT: “A dangerous medium forward with a bag of tricks, Harry Cole is a classy operator who showed glimpses of his talent in state colours to emerge as a bona fide draft prospect”

A crafty mid-sized forward with a genuine eye for goal, Harry Cole is another Western Australian product who has come from a fair way back to emerge as an intriguing option in the draft. Coming into the season, Cole was somewhat of an unknown quantity, having never featured in any Western Australian state squads and having only appeared in a handful of games for Claremont in his under-age year. An outstanding start to the year at both school and colts level saw Cole added as a late selection into the West Australian state squad for the National Championships. He took full advantage of his inclusion, putting together one of the best individual cameos in the carnival to dominate the second term against Vic Metro and put his name up as a potential draftee. If drafted, he will join a production line of talent out of Hale School, with Cole wining the best and fairest for his school as captain in between running out for the Tigers in the Colts.

SNAPSHOT: “A slingshot style rebounding defender with weaponous long kicking, and athleticism which is relevant both offensively and defensively.”

It is only fitting that the top Tasmanian prospect in this year’s AFL Draft crop is the state’s skipper, Lachlan Cowan. Hailing from Devonport, the dashing defender has cracked senior TSL football with North Launceston, in addition to his many junior footballing feats this year. Leading his state’s NAB League side throughout 12 games, he proved a standout en route to earning Team of the Year honours and the Morrish Medal, tying with Dandenong Stingrays midfielder Taj Campbell-Farrell as the league’s best and fairest player. Cowan’s flair makes him one of the most enjoyable players in draft contention this year, with his superboot and daring run off half-back among the assets which catch the attention and imagination of fans and recruiters alike. Capping off a terrific top-age campaign, he won a National Combine invite and looks every bit a top 30 talent.

SNAPSHOT: “A contested ball-winning beast who has been a top performer at every level.”

There’s not much that Adam D’Aloia hasn’t achieved in his junior career. In 2021 he was best on ground in the SANFL Under 18 Grand Final, leading his side to victory against a more-fancied Glenelg outfit. He captained South Australia at State Under 17 level and performed strongly as a bottom-ager for South Australia’s Under 19 side. His 2022 campaign was once again filled with outstanding performances and individual accolades. As captain, D’Aloia was named South Australia’s MVP at the Under 18 Championships and won the Team First Player Award for good measure, before also taking out All Australian honours. Although a SANFL League debut eluded him, D’Aloia dominated at every level and established himself as one of Woodville-West Torrens’ best players in their Reserves side.

D’Aloia has a strong appetite for the contest and is an elite first possession winner. He’s also willing to get his hands dirty defensively, and is capable of laying some big tackles. A relentless competitor who wills himself to have an impact on the contest, D’Aloia has been a model of consistency throughout his junior career, while also demonstrating qualities of strong leadership and professionalism.

SNAPSHOT:“ An exciting midfielder/forward who has exciting traits which set him apart from other players in the draft pool.”

When Alwyn Davey’s twin brother Jayden went down with his second anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) the dream of playing with his brother at Oakleigh was dashed but the likelihood it can happen at another club seems high with both Alwyn and Jayden eligible under the father-son rule for Essendon. Despite Jayden being done for the year early, Alwyn got his skates on making an early impression playing mostly in the midfield in a stacked Oakleigh midfield brigade and he would continue to improve as the games went on and was rewarded with selection for the AFL Academy who played Collingwood’s VFL side. Alwyn would go on to play every game for Vic Metro with his best game coming against Western Australia with 19 disposals, five inside 50s and two goals, and his best game for Oakleigh would come against eventual premiers Sandringham in Round 16 with a 26-disposal game.

Davey averaged 16 disposals for Oakleigh and only kicked three goals, but it was his eye catching traits and score assists that really caught the eye in those six games. He would also play plenty of good football for APS team Xavier College and would regularly hit the scoreboard with some fantastic goals. It was a big year of footy for Davey playing every NAB League, APS and Vic Metro game possible along with his games in the Metro trials and the AFL Academy game, he would also finally put on the Essendon jumper playing for their VFL side late in the year which included a stunning long range snap goal that really showed off his class.

SNAPSHOT: “An aggressive intercept defender who likes to get involved offensively, Hugh Davies shapes as one of the value key defensive options of this year’s draft pool.”

In a draft crop that has been considered by some to be bereft of genuine defensive talent, Claremont’s Hugh Davies could be one of the options clubs look towards to sure up a key defensive void on their list. Having only played three Colts games for the season due to school football commitments at Christ Church, Davies flew under the radar somewhat but he impressed with every opportunity he had to take the field to earn himself a late call-up to the state squad for the National Championships. For Western Australia, Davies was thrown into a baptism of fire, given the job on highly touted top 10 fancies Matthew Jefferson (Vic Metro) and Aaron Cadman (Vic Country) in what was a steep learning curve for the youngster. But Davies came out the other side of those matchups well and showed glimpses of his aerial prowess and poise with ball in hand to impress recruiters enough to earn an invite to the national combine and put him in the picture to be picked up.

SNAPSHOT: “An athletic and silky small forward, Dewar possesses an exciting leap with some fast feet that put you on the edge of your seat whenever he is around the footy.”

Starting the season as a defender, Dewar showed off some exciting traits that saw him move forward ahead of the AFL Under 18 National Championships. A West Coast NGA product, Dewar will only be available to the Eagles as an Academy selection after pick 40. He possesses a lot of the exciting athletic traits that you would want from a small forward, and pairs this with an innate goal sense.

Hailing from the Goldfields region of Western Australia, nearly seven hours inland of Perth, Dewar moved to Perth to board at PSA school, Wesley College in 2021. Having graduated school, Dewar has taken up an electrical apprenticeship and has remained in Perth to give himself the best opportunity to grow as a footballer and be taken in this year’s draft. He finished the year in fine form, booting five goals across Subiaco’s first two finals, before having to miss their preliminary final loss to eventual premiers Peel Thunder.

SNAPSHOT: “A big-time ball winner who can hit the scoreboard in bunches.”

Few players boast some of the stat lines that Billy Dowling produced this season. He was simply impossible to slow down in the SANFL Under 18 competition, averaging more than 30 possessions a game on his way to being named the league’s Most Valuable Player. His Round 16 performance against eventual premiers Glenelg was one of many season highlights, with Dowling collecting 44 disposals to go with 4.3, in a clear best on ground display. Selected to represent South Australia at the Under 18 National Championships, Dowling played every game in the tournament and was one his state’s best and most consistent contributors. A strong accumulator who hits the scoreboard, Dowling also possesses the athletic attributes that will simplify his transition to AFL football, should he be given the opportunity. His physical profile and overall ability suggests that he could fill a variety of different roles at the elite level.

SNAPSHOT: “ A small forward/midfielder with great leadership and football smarts able to impact the game whether that’s creating goals or kicking them.”

One of many talented Oakleigh prospects, Blake Drury has been one to watch as early as Under 16s, sharing the midfield with George Wardlaw and Elijah Tsatas. Amongst that strong group, Drury has been a mainstay in the leadership group,  named Oakleigh Under 17s captain last year, and was also a leader for Vic Metro.

Standing at 176cm, Drury has had to find another weapon in his arsenal and has spent a lot of time inside 50 this year moving from a midfield mainstay to show his tricks to recruiters but he has still had the odd change into the middle to great success.

One could say Drury shares some similarities to Jack Higgins who was a ball magnet at 18s level but would find a more permanent home as a crafty small forward at AFL level. Drury will not go as high as Higgins did in the draft, but his attributes should attract clubs as there are many players currently in the AFL influencing games despite their height.

Drury played every game for Vic Metro playing that forward/midfield role and despite playing mostly forward for Oakleigh averaged 18.7 disposals and six marks per game from seven games. He also played for APS premiers Caulfield and represented Vic Metro in the 17s games against Vic Country last year and to see him get a national combine invite was no surprise.

SNAPSHOT: “A prospect with enormous class capable of playing on either side of midfield, and kicking long-range goals.”

Flying somewhat under the radar as a high-end father-son prospect is Jaspa Fletcher. Though his father Adrian also played for Geelong, St Kilda and Fremantle, the top Queenslander talent is exclusively aligned to the Brisbane Lions and will almost certainly end up there come draft night. Born in Victoria, Fletcher has long had ties with the Lions Academy and led them through three NAB League outings this season, after a single appearance last year. He went on to skipper the Allies squad, turning out for three of four National Championship games and pushing his case as a potential first round selection with All Australian honours. A foot stress fracture ended up cutting Fletcher’s top-age campaign short, and though others who may feature in a similar draft range gained more exposure, the balanced midfielder showed plenty across the various levels he played in throughout 2022 – including the QAFL seniors with Sherwood.

SNAPSHOT: “An athletic forward who is strong in the air and capable of playing through the ruck.”

Phoenix Foster was somewhat of a surprise packet for South Australia at the National Championships. With lead ruck Harry Barnett a late withdrawal from game one due to COVID, Foster took the opportunity with both hands and was named one of South Australia’s best players in the Croweaters’ win against the Allies. So impressive was his performance, that he retained his position in the side throughout the Championships, playing in all bar one game. A strong aerial athlete who competes well in the air, Foster always finds a way to hold onto the mark or bring the ball to ground. His vertical leap allows him to be competitive in the ruck and he has shown he can present as a lead-up option around the ground.

Foster managed a goal in every one of his appearances for Norwood in the SANFL Under 18 competition this year, finishing with 26 majors from just 11 games. His average of 2.18 contested marks per game was good for third highest in the league, trailing only state teammates Ashton Moir and Tom Scully. An invite to the National Draft Combine tops off a strong year for Foster, whose impressive rise has solidified him as a genuine chance to be selected in late November.

SNAPSHOT: “A damaging medium forward with explosive speed, clean hands, and the ability to kick goals from anywhere.”

One of the hard luck stories of the year has been that of Murray Bushrangers forward Brayden George. The mercurial medium forward was beginning to stake his claim as a nailed-on first round prospect, before repeat knee injuries struck him down and look set to interrupt his first AFL preseason. The 18-year-old was highly touted coming into the year, showcasing his rare goalkicking talent and powerful attributes for Vic Country’s Under 17 side in 2021. He was unlucky to miss out of AFL Academy selection, but took it in his stride with a preseason that had him raring to go.

Off the back of five bottom-age outings for the Bushies last season, George was in scintillating touch across his first handful of appearances as a top-ager. His five goals in Round 1 and six in Round 5 were particular highlights, until a knee injury ruled him out for several weeks. Upon a steady return, he unfortunately tore his ACL early into his second game back. Despite the frustrations of being stuck on the sidelines for much of the year, George displayed glimpses of high-end talent which will likely be enough to see him feature within the first couple of rounds of the National Draft. There are few players who can do what he does inside attacking 50.

SNAPSHOT: “A silky smooth rebounding defender with lethal foot skills and sound decision making.”

Sam Gilbey’s top-age campaign has been far from smooth sailing, but the Claremont and Hale School prospect had a solid amount of runs on the board already. Having represented Western Australia at both Under 17 and 19 levels last year, he earned AFL Academy selection and was pegged as one of his state’s top talents. Fast forward to 2022, and the 18-year-old turned out for a couple of Reserves hitouts in preseason before getting to work in the WAFL Colts and PSA competitions. Unfortunately, a bout of glandular fever disrupted his run and it was only until after his National Championships campaign that Gilbey began to feel himself again.

Having built some promising form, Gilbey’s crowning performance of the year was a 31-disposal, six-mark effort against Swan Districts in Round 15, but in his very next game he was struck down with a fractured tibia having landed heavily in a marking contest. Walking again on the road to recovery, he remains a draft prospect with undeniable talent – boasting a lethal left foot off the half-back line.

SNAPSHOT: “A genuine utility with enormous running capacity, capable of playing small and tall in each third of the ground.”

There aren’t many prospects who truly suit the utility tag, but Jason Gillbee is certainly one. Having played both sides of midfield and as a medium-tall at either end of the ground, the Bendigo Pioneers running machine is a proven quantity in all thirds of the field. Hailing from Balranald in the Riverina district of New South Wales, Gillbee made the move down to Bendigo to further his education and football, gaining valuable bottom-age experience with the Pioneers last year before being named among the 2022 AFL Academy intake. He has taken great strides since, turning out 10 times throughout his latest NAB League campaign en route to Team of the Year honours, and earning selection in the Allies squad. In an one-off quirk, he also represented Vic Country this year prior to the Under 18 National Championships.

SNAPSHOT: “A versatile prospect who can fill roles in midfield and defence, Ginbey firms as a potential first-rounder after an excellent season which saw him claim state MVP honours”.

A name that may not have been on many draft boards at the start of the season, Reuben Ginbey has put together a superb campaign, stepping up at every level he has played to leapfrog many of his state colleagues and emerge as one of Western Australia’s best prospects for the 2022 draft. Hailing from Dunsborough in the state’s south-west region, Ginbey has juggled his time this year between captaining Wesley College at PSA level and playing League football at East Perth, having been an regular selection at senior level for the Royals whenever he was available throughout the year. Having played most of the year as a defender prior to the the state championships, Ginbey was thrown into the midfield to add some impetus for the Black Ducks and took his game to a new level, winning Western Australia’s MVP for the carnival after averaging over 21 disposals and locking horns with some of the best midfielders in the country.

SNAPSHOT: “A tough inside midfielder who thrives at the contest, Steely Green has emerged as a bolter in this year’s draft crop having produced some excellent form for South Fremantle at senior level.”

A player with one of the best names in the draft class, South Fremantle’s Steely Green has put together some outstanding form as a midfielder at senior level to put his name in the frame as a draft prospect. Having produced modest numbers for the Bulldogs at Colts level in his bottom-age year, Green wouldn’t have been on the radar of too many clubs but he did a power of work over the preseason to be a surprise selection in a strong South Fremantle League side for Round 1. From there, he never looked back, averaging over 18 disposals and four tackles to produce the best form of any Western Australian prospect at League level for the season. A small but tenacious midfielder, Green translated that form into state colours, where he formed part of the leadership group for Western Australia and captained them to their only win of the carnival against South Australia.

SNAPSHOT: “ A versatile tall who has shown some promising signs at both ends of the ground and shapes as a possible first round bolter” 

A fair few Oakleigh players have had some troubles this year and Gruzewski shares a very similar story to Elijah Tsatas as a player who started the year strong only to get injured in the middle of the year. That resulted in the athletic tall missing the bulk of the national championships, only to come back later in the year and really catch the eye and finish the year strongly. Gruzewski’s greatest feat and strongest impression on recruiters however may have come off the field, with his fantastic show of sportsmanship helping Lewis Hayes cross the finish line in the 2km when his legs gave way and just could not go on. It is safe to say recruiters would have been more happy to see that act rather than a few less seconds off his 2km time. 

Gruzewski has grown slightly from 192cm to 193cm, and is just a smidge short to play on some of the 200cm-plus key forwards, but with his impressive leap he could still potentially hold his own. Gruzewski’s athletic profile and play style are not unlike recent top 10 pick Josh Gibcus and it is likely that added height which helped garner that high pick and why Gruzewski could go lower than his talent may suggest.  Gruzewski played six of his seven games as a key defender for Oakleigh which lead to an average of 13.7 possessions and five marks per game which is certainly solid for a tall key defender with his one game up forward only scoring one goal he still looked like a threat whenever the ball came inside 50. Gruzewski would play forward in his only outing for Vic Metro kicking two goals and taking a brilliant leaping mark showcasing his impressive leap and marking which was used on plenty of occasions at APS level as well for Caulfield where he spent time forward, back and also in the ruck. 

SNAPSHOT: “A player who has ticked every box in his junior career, Geraldton product Jed Hagan is a hard-working and accomplished utility with senior experience who presents as a value option on draft night.”

For keen watchers of junior football in Western Australia, there have been few more impressive players than Jed Hagan emerge through the ranks in recent seasons. From breaking into the East Fremantle Colts side as a 15 year-old, to being an All-Australian at the Under 18 Championships and playing senior WAFL football, Hagan has just about ticked off every significant landmark that a junior player can in the state before being drafted. After starting the year in the Colts and dominating in midfield, Hagan made the ascension to senior level after the state carnival where he showed his wares as a diligent half-forward in an East Fremantle side that made it all the way to a preliminary final. He is one of hardest working players in the draft crop and despite being small in stature, his football nous and ability to execute the fundamentals of the game sees him firm as an astute pick-up for a club in the middle stages of the draft.

SNAPSHOT: “A sound intercept marking defender capable of playing to or below his 197cm standing, with composed ball use to boot.”

One of this year’s premier tall defensive options, Lewis Hayes has put together a top-age campaign of great composure and dynamism. The Eastern Ranges talent came into the season on the back of three bottom-aged outings and Vic Metro Under 17 experience, which served him well upon becoming a key piece for both sides in 2022. The brother of Port Adelaide ruck Sam, Hayes is a tall prospect who moves well for a player his size but remains raw and rangy in build. He is a late-year birth (December 17) with plenty of development left, but has already proven himself as a steadfast option behind the ball. Looking to the likes of Darcy Moore and Aliir Aliir for inspiration, the 17-year-old showed his wares across 11 NAB League games this year and was named at full back in the official Team of the Year. His strong performances at representative level also helped press claims for All Australian selection.

SNAPSHOT: “An explosive and hard-nosed midfielder, Hewett’s blend of athletic power and silky skills have led him to be one of the leading midfielders in this year’s draft crop.”

Off the back of a massive 2021, winning flags at WAFL Colts and PSA level, Hewett came into 2022 as one of the leading draft prospects. Hewett’s only games at Under 18 level this year came for his state in the National Championships. Locally, he established himself as a regular fixture in the Swan Districts League team in the WAFL. Playing a blend of midfield and forward, Hewett showed a lot of versatility, but struggled to set the world alight at the senior level. Averaging 13.6 disposals in the top flight and a goal every other game, Hewett put up some admirable performances from a junior playing against men.

His state series came with a mixed bag of results for a struggling WA outfit, though Hewett led from the front in game one with 29 disposals and two goals. He didn’t manage to replicate those feats in his next three games, but his last two appearances came with an average of 19.5 disposals as WA began to change up its midfield structure in search of a win. He finished the season strongly at League level, averaging 16 disposals and slotting a goal in each of his last four appearances. He backed his on-field feats up with an impressive National Combine where he found himself in the top five for the agility testing.

SNAPSHOT: “Arguably the best two-way runner in the pool, Hollands brings a well balanced approached to his midfield craft, but has shown himself to be more than capable of impacting up either end of the ground.”

Rewarded for taking his limited opportunities in 2021 with AFL Academy Selection, it is obvious Ollie Hollands came into the season rated highly, and he lived up to that throughout. Splitting his time this season with the Murray Bushrangers, Geelong Grammar and Vic Country, Hollands has been a consistent performer across all competitions he’s played a part in. Predominantly a midfielder, he has shown his ability to impact both on the inside and outside, with his endurance level and accompanying work rate allowing him to get from contest to contest effectively and burn opponents in transition. He also managed to apply that same high level work rate off the back flank at times, most notably in the AFL Academy game against Collingwood’s VFL side.

SNAPSHOT: “An athletically gifted mid-forward who has improved as the season’s gone on, Hotton’s impact on games became increasingly impressive with more midfield minutes each week.”

Improving more and more with each game, Olli Hotton took some time to start delivering consistently on his promise as a prospect, but hardly looked back once he got up and running. Hotton started the season for Sandringham in a predominantly forward role, leaning on his speed and one-touch skills at ground level to outdo opponents and create scoring opportunities.

After strong school footy form with Haileybury College, Hotton’s breakout game came as Vic Metro took on South Australia in the Under 18 National Championships, collecting 24 disposals and booting three goals with an extended run in the midfield. Having taken his chance at representative level, he continued to perform to a high standard in the NAB League en route to premiership success.

SNAPSHOT: “A tough and powerful midfielder-forward who thrives on the contest and deals immense damage to the opposition.”

One of the big bolters in this year’s draft class, Bailey Humphrey has made every post a winner in 2022. The Gippsland Power captain got a handful of NAB League games under his belt last year, but missed out on the initial Vic Country hub and took it in his stride to prove himself more than capable as a top-ager. A strongly built ball winner who doubles as a damaging forward, Humphrey’s season was interrupted by an untimely knee injury which saw him miss much of the Under 18 National Championships, but he rocketed into top 10 contention upon his emphatic return. Humphrey’s 31 disposals and 4.5 against the Northern Knights in Round 14 made recruiters take note of the game-breaking ability he offers, and after leading the Power to both a minor premiership and preliminary final, the 18-year-old eventually got to don the ‘Big V’ in Vic Country’s final championship match.

SNAPSHOT: “A clean and composed tall midfielder with uncanny spacial awareness and the ability to rotate to defence.”

The Hustwaite name has been synonymous with success in the Dandenong Stingrays region of late, with current draft prospect Henry following in the footsteps of elder brother Campbell – the club’s 2018 premiership captain. Though the ‘Rays fell short of a second flag in five years, the junior Hustwaite has established himself as a genuine top level chance throughout 2022. The 18-year-old enjoyed a growth spurt which shot him up to 194cm, adding size to his sound smarts and stoppage craft. Compared to the likes of Scott Pendlebury for his left-foot kicking and composure, Hustwaite perhaps runs against the grain of many traits which make a modern day prospect, but offers invaluable natural footballing traits which help him shine. He turned out 12 times for Dandenong in this year’s NAB League season, earning an AFL Academy call-up and Vic Country honours along the way. He helped both the Stingrays and ‘Big V’ to title deciders, starting off as a third tall behind the ball before being thrust into midfield and thriving en route to a National Combine invite.

SNAPSHOT: “A tall prospect with enormous upside, Jefferson’s range and mobility make him an aerial threat who needs few opportunities to impact each game.”

When buzzwords like ‘upside’ are brought up, Matthew Jefferson is a draft prospect who comes to mind. The 195cm Oakleigh Chargers talent projects as a high-end selection based not only on how good he is currently, but arguably moreso on what he could become. The raw and rangy forward has long been on the radar, showing his wares for Vic Metro’s Under 17s and even cracking a NAB League debut last year. Fast forward to 2022, and he became a focal point when available to Oakleigh, as well as for Wesley College and Vic Metro’s Under 18 side. With his set position in attack, Jefferson looks towards the likes of the King twins and Essendon’s Harrison Jones for inspiration on his craft. His feats this year, including a breakout seven-goal game against Western Australia, were ultra impressive and he even battled through injury to see off his top-age campaign on a positive note.

SNAPSHOT: “A medium defender with exciting athleticism which lends to eye-catching aerial and rebounding passages.”

One of just three Northern Territory natives to earn a National Draft Combine invite this year, Lloyd Johnston has come a long way in a short amount of time. The Wanderers junior took out the NTFL Rising Star award in his debut senior campaign, before representing the league and Territory en route to Allies selection. With an athletic profile sure to capture fans’ imaginations, the medium defender plays above his height in a marking sense, while accelerating at burning speed on the rebound. His collection of attributes and high upside will be primarily available to the Gold Coast Suns through their ties to the Darwin zone, and Johnston has already turned out for the Queensland club’s VFL side, twice.

SNAPSHOT: “A tenacious and zippy midfielder with an eye for goal, Jones has proven size does not matter to put his name on the radar of many clubs.” 

Shorter players tend to experience a lot of adversity when trying to get drafted, and few have done better to shake off the “too small” tag than Darcy Jones has in 2022. earning WAFL Colts team of the year honours as a bottom-age player in 2021, Jones took his game to new heights this year. At 175cm, opposition mids could be mistaken for thinking he would be easy to stop, something they very quickly learn to be untrue. He thrives in the contest, using his speed and agility to get first hands to the ball and evade would-be tacklers as if they were cones in a training drill. He faced an uphill battle to make it in the midfield for WA, but his strong form early in the season saw him become one of the first names on the whiteboard come the National Championships. He has taken every opportunity that has come his way at Colts, State, Reserves and League level to impress recruiters with his ability to get plenty of the ball and impact the scoreboard.

SNAPSHOT: “An athletic, highly-skilled ruck/forward prospect who has plenty of X-factor.”

There’s not a lot of things on a football field that Isaac Keeler can’t do. The mercurial forward/ruck continues to flash the x-factor and match-winning ability that brings fans to games. Keeler has put together patches of brilliance throughout the year, most recently in the SANFL U18 Semi Final against Norwood. Keeler’s start to the second half set the tone for his side and his dominance through the middle and around the ground helped turn a quarter time deficit into a comfortable victory.

Spending large periods through the ruck for North Adelaide this season, Keeler does his best work as an extra midfielder in that part of the ground. His ability to read the opposing ruckman’s tap and win his own clearance helps shake up the midfield mix for his side. A capable leaper too, Keeler can rise above the opposition ruck and get first hand to the football. Averaging a touch under 18 disposals a game this season is a testament to his ability to win possession around the ground. Keeler is equally dangerous inside 50 where he’s a threat on the lead, in the air and below his knees.

SNAPSHOT: “Max Knobel is an exciting ruck who is a long-term project player, but has some exciting traits that catch the eye for a bigman”

Max Knobel is a Gippsland Power bigman who has come along in leaps and bounds in season 2022. Though far from the finished product, Knobel has some eye-catching moments that suggest he could be a top-flight player in the future. Though some rucks are readymade beasts and others are athletic freaks, Knobel is neither, but more something in between. He is mobile enough to get around the ground and provide an option, and strong enough to be a presence when forward. Like any tall, Knobel is not a player a club would draft to bring in for Round 1, 2022. The son of former Brisbane, St Kilda and Richmond’s Trent, the Power ruck is not eligible for any of the clubs as an attached selection, with his father’s 41 games in the red, white and black the most of any of his three stints. Having been a rookie elevation himself, Knobel’s father knows what is is like to have reached the top level the hard way, and learnt alongside some of the early 2000s top rucks.

For Max, he just keeps growing. Having entered 2022 as a 204cm, 86kg, 17-year-old surpassing his dad’s playing height of 202cm, Knobel is now up to 206cm and 91kg, putting on some much needed size to go with his towering figure. It enabled him to averaged 16.6 hitouts throughout the 2022 NAB League season with the Power, and earn a spot as Vic Country’s first choice ruck. Knobel was widely regarded as the standout ruck behind South Australia’s Harry Barnett at the championships, with the All-Australian Croweater admitting Knobel was his toughest opponent. Though not tipped to be a high selection, if indeed at all, Knobel is a value late-rookie pick given his clear upside and ability to get around the ground despite his size. He has done enough to suggest he could be a long-term AFL ruck, and the fact he can provide a presence inside 50, makes him a perfect development player who could be one to learn off an elite ruck in their late 20s or early 30s.

SNAPSHOT: “Arguably the best defensive forward in the crop, Konstanty manically applies pressure inside 50, creating opportunities for himself and teammates when the opposition makes mistakes.”

Having kicked four goals for Vic Country in an Under 17s match in 2021, it’s not surprising that Jacob Konstanty was a prospect with eyes on him from the very start of the year. He took a little bit of time to get going in 2022, but a switch from the midfield back to his usual small forward role saw him flourish. Whilst Konstanty isn’t always a massive goal kicker each week, it could be argued he creates more goals than most with his forward half pressure, manically chasing down opposition defenders in an effort to create opportunities for himself or his teammates in the forward half. With an average of 5.8 tackles from his 14 NAB League games, his effort in this regard is consistent. In his top-age campaign, Konstanty popped up as a dangerous asset throughout Vic Country’s 3-1 National Championships run, while helping Gippsland to a minor premiership and preliminary final berth en route to his richly deserved National Combine invite. Not bad for a soccer convert who was picked out of Drouin’s reserves.

SNAPSHOT: “A leading forward who presents strongly at the football and uses it well by foot.”

Harry Lemmey burst onto the scene in 2021, where he got a taste of SANFL League football for West Adelaide and representative football for South Australia. Fast forward 12 months and the hype may have cooled a little, but despite a challenging year the young forward still presents a strong option for clubs looking to add to their key position stocks.

Playing across all three grades for West Adelaide, as well as representing South Australia at the National Championships, Lemmey faced the difficult task of adapting to new teammates and different coaching throughout the year. Combine that with a temporary position change down back and early season setbacks with injury and illness, and we’re given a fair indication of how unsettled this year has been for him.

Challenges aside, Lemmey looks to have the skill-set and athletic profile to succeed at AFL level. He’s quick on the lead and takes the ball cleanly overhead. He has the athleticism to present further up the ground and uses the ball well by foot, particularly when delivering inside 50.

SNAPSHOT: “A small midfielder-forward with slick hands, a sharp turn of speed, and strong inside craft.”

Injuries can often be perceived as a curse, but Noah Long is a draft prospect who turned his into blessings. The Bendigo Pioneers and Geelong Grammar product endured an interrupted preseason (knee) and was hurt in his very first NAB League outing for the year (collarbone), but came back better for it in a slightly altered role. He had originally impressed as a small but tough inside midfielder with terrific touch, and was forced to adapt to spending plenty more time up forward. Though he still sees himself impacting more on-ball, Long’s three-goal effort for Vic Country against Western Australia suggests he has unlocked another string to his bow.

SNAPSHOT:  “A well balanced and poised midfielder, Mackenzie successfully took on a full-time midfield role in 2022, showing off his keen decision making and stoppage craft throughout.”

Sandringham Dragons midfielder Cameron Mackenzie is one of the more reliable ball winners in this year’s draft crop, producing a remarkable level of consistency across multiple levels to establish himself as a top 10 candidate. Playing as a defender and midfielder in his Under 17 representative games, Mackenzie made the permanent move on-ball for Sandringham and Vic Metro in 2022, rocketing himself up draft boards with his movement around stoppages and decision making in congestion. The St Kilda NGA prospect has steadily improved as the season has gone on and taken his opportunities to impress in both the NAB League and Under 18 National Championships, playing a pivotal role for Sandringham and Vic Metro respectively.

SNAPSHOT: “A physically imposing ruck with ample craft who plays within his limits, but can also hit the scoreboard.”

There are few more physically developed draft prospects than Nick Madden, a ruck out of the GWS Giants Academy. Hailing from Osborne in the Riverina region, the 18-year-old has already cracked senior footy at local level, and even tested himself against AFL opposition across two VFL games. In terms of pathway progression, Madden turned out four times for the Giants Academy along a 1-3 NAB League run, before linking up with the Allies. He made his presence felt throughout a full national carnival, throwing his hat in the ring as a strong and key position prospect with plenty of improvement left.

SNAPSHOT: “South Adelaide’s Jaiden Magor is a dynamic forward/midfielder capable of impacting the scoreboard in attack and winning his own ball with power through the middle.”

South Australian Jaiden Magor is one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2022 draft pool, given his projected upside and flashes of individual brilliance across the season. Magor entered draft calculations towards the back-end of last season after he booted two bags of four goals for South Adelaide’s U18’s. Having finished his schooling at Sacred Heart College last season, and playing a key role in the school’s undefeated run, Magor began his top-aged year at the Panthers, where he strung together eight U18 matches. He booted 12 goals in these games and won plenty of the ball throughout, including a massive 41-disposal effort against eventual premiers Glenelg. He lined up for SA in their opening National Championship clash with the Allies and kicked two first-half goals, but unfortunately suffered an ankle injury which kept him sidelined for two months. Magor returned for rounds 17 and 18 with the Panthers and didn’t disappoint, kicking five goals against the Bulldogs and backing it up with six majors against Woodville-West Torrens to remind recruiters of his match-winning capabilities in attack.

SNAPSHOT: “An all-round athlete who can play above his height at either end of the ground, blending speed, endurance and aerial ability.”

As far as raw excitement goes, there a few draft prospects who catch the eye like Tom McCallum. The Tasmanian is one of the top talents out of the Apple Isle this year, having proven himself across 13 NAB League games and a full National Championships campaign with the Allies. The athletic 192cm top-ager came into the Devils’ side last year as a forward, turning out six times for four goals and impressing with his aerial exploits. Given his side’s tall attacking options, he shifted to defence in 2022 and continued to shine with more of the same marking feats, as well as damaging rebound running.

SNAPSHOT: “Toby McMullin is an athletic forward-midfielder who has some explosive elements to match his clean skills and defensive pressure”

Already one of the AFL Draft crop’s top improvers in season 2022, Toby McMullin is a talent who has further scope for improvement going forward. Only joining the Sandringham Dragons for the first time this year, the forward-midfielder who was particularly prolific for Melbourne Grammar in the APS, is not a massive ball-winner, but makes the most of it when he does have it. The McMullin surname might sound familiar for Pies fans, with Toby being the son of long-time director Ian McMullin, who secured on the board from 1998 until 2018, having also played 25 of his 49 VFL/AFL games with the Magpies. A mad Pies fan due to that link, McMullin has forged his own path, boasting a balanced profile that features offensive and defensive traits across the board. McMullin impressed enough during Vic Country’s trial match with Vic Metro – he slotted three goals – to earn a spot in the AFL Under 18 Championships squad. Though boarding at Melbourne Grammar, McMullin hails from Port Fairy in the Hampden League, where he was able to gain valuable experience against senior opponents, including a number of ex-AFL and VFL players.

SNAPSHOT: “Arguably Adelaide’s most promising father-son prospect to-date, Max Michalanney is an athletic defender capable of shutting down tall and small opponents and providing rebound from half-back.”

Max Michalanney’s progress has been closely followed by Crows fans for a number of years now. Michalanney is eligible to join Adelaide under the father-son rule given his father Jim played 200 SANFL matches with Norwood. A four-time premiership player and life member of the Redlegs, the Michalanney name returned to the Norwood senior side this season, with Max playing three games including two finals as the red and blue’s claimed their 31st league premiership. Michalanney was the hard-luck story of Norwood’s flag, having been dropped for the Grand Final clash with North Adelaide, but looked comfortable at the level and played his role well despite not recording huge numbers. The Rostrevor College product was also impressive for South Australia throughout the Under 18s National Championships, in particular against the Allies in game one, providing rebound off half-back and shutting down his opponent. He was rewarded for his efforts by being selected on the interchange of the Under 18s All-Australian team as one of three South Australian representatives.

SNAPSHOT: “A powerfully built, hard-running wingman who sweeps back and drives forward on the outside.”

Yarrawonga product Caleb Mitchell carried on the momentum of a strong preseason to cement his spot on the wing this season, turning out 10 times for the Murray Bushrangers. There, he showcased the running capacity and strong frame which have him pegged as a potential draft prospect. With the wing position proving increasingly pivotal to teams’ setups at the top level, Mitchell offers sound two-way coverage of the ground. His best outing this year was a 31-disposal, two-goal effort against minor premier, Gippsland Power, and he proved relatively consistent otherwise. The 18-year-old impressed enough to earn a call-up to the Vic Country squad, playing all four National Championship games as a reliable runner on the outside. Back home, he managed a handful of games with Yarrawonga, including a grand final loss to Wangaratta where he booted a goal.

Image Credit: AFL Photos

SNAPSHOT: “A widely skilled forward with immense talent and athleticism, capable of delivering X-factor in spades.”

One of the most prolifically talented prospects in this year’s draft pool is Anthony Munkara. The Tiwi Islands native plays with freedom and enjoyment, which rubs off on onlookers as he sets games alight with instinctual skill and a deep bag of tricks. With senior NTFL experience under his belt, Munkara has most often been sighted tearing up South Australian college football with Westminster, but also linked up with West Adelaide for a couple SANFL Under 18 outings this year. The leading Northern Territory talent and Essendon Next Generation Academy member also donned Australian colours as part of this year’s AFL Academy, and continued his representative experience with the Allies. While he may not have the same amount of high-level exposure or experience as other players in his range, there is little doubting Munkara’s ability as one of the crop’s most promising forwards.

SNAPSHOT: “An ultra-competitive and physically imposing ruck who loves getting his hands dirty and marks well around the ground.”

Few top-agers had more NAB League experience under their belt coming into the season than Olivier Northam, who turned out seven times for the Geelong Falcons last year. The 195cm prospect, who thrives in contested situations, impressed early in the campaign as a ruck-forward but has been tested on each line across multiple levels. He was selected as one of Vic Country’s primary rucks for the Under 18 National Championships, following on from strong form at the Under 17 level. Northam’s unique character and style both on and off the field make him an intriguing prospect, who has waxed with some of the best Victorian talent in 2022.

SNAPSHOT: “A well-rounded forward/midfielder in the mould of Nat Fyfe and Patrick Dangerfield, Mattaes Phillipou’s aerial ability and scoreboard impact make him South Australia’s highest rated draft prospect.”

Mattaes Phillipou is regarded by most draft watchers as the best draft-eligible talent from South Australia. Boasting a 192cm frame and a handful of match-winning tools, part of the drawcard with Phillipou is his projected upside. However the Woodville-West Torrens prospect has pieced together a strong junior career which has included representing South Australia at the National Championships and winning a SANFL U18 Premiership with the Eagles in 2021. Having announced himself to recruiters last season when he booted 25 goals and averaged 23.3 disposals as a bottom-ager, Phillipou has taken his game to the next level this year, pushing his name into top ten consideration in the process. Proving far too good for the U18 competition, Mattaes managed to play three reserves games, with his three goal and 13 disposal effort against Sturt in round 17 particularly noteworthy. Among SA’s best performers at the mid-season carnival, Phillipou’s season was cut short when he sustained an ankle injury in August.

SNAPSHOT: “A tough inside midfielder with clean skills, O’Sullivan earned a National Combine invite via promising performances despite facing a few stints on the sidelines in 2022.”

After representing Vic Country in last year’s Under 17s showdowns against Vic Metro, O’Sullivan came into 2022 with solid form at higher levels. Having shown his cleanliness with ball in hand and toughness at the contest, it was unfortunate that the 17-year-old’s top-age campaign was derailed by injury. O’Sullivan only managed a handful of games across both the NAB League and APS competitions for the year, ultimately meaning he missed out on Country’s 3-1 National Championship run, unable to show his wares against the top competition. A positive outlook on O’Sullivan’s year is the fact he performed when he did take to the field, showing off a lot of the traits that had him highly regarded coming into the season.

SNAPSHOT: “An athletic and versatile medium-tall with clean foot skills and sound marking ability, Jakob Ryan is among the highest rated Croweaters in the draft pool.”

Jakob Ryan is one of South Australia’s most well-performed draft prospects, having played consistent football at college, club and state level for a number of years. Ryan captured the attention of onlookers as a bottom-ager in 2021 with his play for Glenelg in the SANFL Under 18 competition, where he played well in a variety of roles. With his long blonde locks, Ryan proved hard to miss in the yellow and black, as a key member of the Bays’ side which made it to the Grand Final that year. Throughout his 2021 campaign, Ryan’s 189cm frame and adaptable skillset saw him spend time on the wing, as a leading third-tall forward, and down back as an intercept marker. He booted five goals in seven Under 18 games, and was arguably Glenelg’s best player in the Grand Final defeat to Woodville-West Torrens. On that day at Adelaide Oval, Ryan announced himself by managing 20 disposals, five contested marks and seven inside 50s to go with a classy outside 50 goal from the boundary.

Ryan entered his top-age year with high expectations, and nestled into things by producing consecutive 28-disposal games for the Tigers playing as a half-back. It was in defence where Ryan spent most of the year, able to use his overhead marking strength and natural footballing smarts to intercept when the opposition went forward. As the season wore on, Ryan split his time between Under 18 football with Glenelg and school football with Sacred Heart College. Playing a similar role in both sides would no-doubt have helped with the transition between the two setups. Ryan was ultra-consistent across all levels, taking his game to the next level by winning more of the ball and distributing it well by hand and foot.

Ryan also played a pivotal role in defence for South Australia at the National Championships where he was named his state’s best player in their match against Victoria Metro at GMHBA Stadium. The utility then deservedly made his Reserves debut for Glenelg in Round 13, taking 16 marks in two games and looking comfortable at the level. Remarkably, Ryan’s Reserves debut would turn out to be his only loss for the season at school and club level. His strong individual season also culminated in team success, with Ryan winning a back-to-back premiership with Sacred Heart and also claiming redemption in the Bays’ Under 18 side.

SNAPSHOT: “A hardened inside midfielder who can roll forward to clunk overhead marks and kick crucial goals.”

One of the top Northern Academy products in this year’s draft crop is Harry Rowston, who is tied to Greater Western Sydney (GWS) via the Riverina region. A Giant since 2016, the tough inside midfielder boards at Assumption College and also turned out for the Calder Cannons during this year’s NAB League season. It has been quite the year for Rowston, who earned both individual and team success en route to securing a National Combine invite. After solid performances for the Giants Academy and NSW-ACT Rams, the 18-year-old was called up to the Allies squad and proved a reliable figure there to collect Most Valuable Player honours. It didn’t take long for him to settle into the Calder setup having helped Assumption College take out the AGSV title, quickly becoming the Cannons’ most impactful player in midfield. His side defied the odds to secure a finals berth, and Rowston’s top-age campaign was capped by recent All Australian selection.

SNAPSHOT: “An onballer with an exciting blend of speed and skill, Sturt’s Nick Sadler is a noted leader who has performed well at a variety of levels this season.”

Nick Sadler may not be one of the more well-known South Australian draft prospects, but his traits on and off the field could very well see him end up on an AFL list come draft night. Sadler’s top-aged season got off to a terrific start when he made his SANFL League debut in the Double Blues Round 1 clash with West Adelaide, after impressing with the senior squad throughout the pre-season. He booted a goal and managed seven disposals as the Double Blues enjoyed a comfortable first-up win. Sadler would go on to play another league match alongside two reserves games, and was one of driving forces behind Sturt’s comeback season in the Under 18s, making the finals after claiming the wooden spoon last year. Named vice-captain of the team, Sadler missed South Australia’s opening match of the national carnival due to COVID protocols, but returned to feature in the remaining three matches.

SNAPSHOT: “An aerially apt key forward whose early-season goalkicking feats planted him firmly on the AFL Draft radar.”

You’d be hard pressed to find a richer run of form than what Tom Scully produced through Rounds 1-7 of the 2022 SANFL Under 18 season. The raw and rangy tall forward booted a remarkable 37 goals in said period en route to 50 overall, including three bags of seven. His goalkicking prowess saw him earn a call-up to the AFL Academy, before being selected in South Australia’s Under 18 squad – albeit for a single National Championships game – and rounding out his campaign at Reserves level where West Adelaide reached the preliminary finals. It’s fair to say Scully has come a long way in a short space of time, developing quickly over the last two seasons having converted from soccer, and spending more time in attack this year after cutting his teeth as a ruck. He looms as one of the more intriguing tall prospects in the pool.

SNAPSHOT: “Arguably the best performed forward in this year’s draft crop, Sheezel has consistently impressed at all levels of football with his elite forward craft and goal sense.”

As an AFL Academy Squad member, Sheezel was already highly touted for his goalkicking nous and impact coming into the year. Though, he pushed himself into the top rung of prospects with consistent performances at the NAB League and Under 18 National Championships levels, finishing the year with 36 and eight goals in either competition respectively. Though not the most athletic prospect in the pool, Sheezel’s innate instincts inside attacking 50 have seen him find the goals, or set them up for teammates, through neat disposal and keen decision making, earning him comparison’s to former West Coast forward Mark LeCras.

SNAPSHOT “A big bodied inside ball winner, Mitch Szybkowski is not afraid to use his frame to push opponents around to give himself the best position around stoppages, following up with clean distribution to outside runners.”

Impressing enough as an Under 17 Vic Country representative to earn AFL Academy Selection, Mitch Szybkowski has had a consistent year at all levels as an inside midfielder, using his frame and positioning to devastating effect around stoppages to be a prime first possession winner. Szybkowski has been an increasingly important player the higher level he’s played, being rewarded for his efforts in feeding the ball out from the inside to the likes of Oliver Hollands and Jhye Clark at National Championships level. Representing Dandenong Stingrays and leading the side to the 2022 NAB League Grand Final, the onballer has consistently been among the most productive players in the Victorian competition, and able to adapt to the next level for Vic Country.

SNAPSHOT: “A medium defender able to play on small and medium forwards while also providing rebound with his skill and composure.” 

It has been a tricky year for Luke Teal, missing the first three weeks of the NAB League season missing some of the bigger games but returned against Calder Cannons in Round 4. He successfully had 19 disposals, and although was shaky early, he quickly got going again and by the end of the year was really hitting his straps.

Teal is a good size for a modern footballer, standing at around 190cm and playing mostly as a defender has played on a range of types but mostly small forwards with his biggest task against Harry Sheezel in Round 16. That was a good battle, with Teal finishing that game with 20 disposals and was a real weapon with his sharp kicking. 

With his ability to shut down while also provide rebound, Teal could project to be like Collingwood defensive duo Brayden Maynard and Isaac Quaynor who both had a huge years for Collingwood showing those types of players to be very valuable in modern football. 

Teal would finish the year only managing four games with Oakleigh Chargers but would average 17.8 disposals and five marks per game and although he has not shown to get the huge numbers like a Lachlan Cowan or Jakob Ryan, he has also had an interrupted year and has had to play more lockdown roles. Teal would also play the final game for Vic Metro against Vic Country which was his first representative game since last year where he also excelled down back. 

SNAPSHOT: “One of the most attacking midfielders in the draft Tsatas uses his speed and smarts to win plenty of the ball on the inside and outside”

Elijah Tsatas has been a highly rated prospect for a while now with selection in SSA squads and some strong performances in Under 16s pre-season games, Vic Metro Under 17s and even a debut as a 16-year-old for Oakleigh’s Under 19 side last year. Tsatas has spent a lot of his time either as a stoppage midfielder or running wingman, and has excelled at both roles. Tsatas started the year in ripping form with some strong results in the preseason testing and some big games for Oakleigh before APS started. A 42 disposal game against Eastern Ranges was the highlight, but a foot fracture during his game against Collingwood VFL for the AFL Academy ruled him out for three months, missing a large chunk of the National Championships. He would make a strong return through APS team Wesley College with a three-goal game followed by a 37-disposal and 10-clearance game.

Tsatas’s return to NAB League could not have been better with a dominant display against eventual premiers Sandringham with a stacked midfield including Will Ashcroft, Cam Mackenzie and Olli Hotton finishing with 38 disposals and 13 inside 50s. He would back that up with a 34 disposal game against Bendigo in Oakleigh’s last game as the Oakleigh vice-captain gave his all in a losing effort. The natural ball winner would finally get to play for Vic Metro and would end the game with 29 disposals and five clearances and was only two possessions off Will Ashcroft, who was the highest ball winner for the game. Tsatas was not able to back up his strong pre-season testing at the National Combine, but was impressive in interviews with the well spoken Charger embracing the pressure and how he may have to play interstate at the next level.

SNAPSHOT: “A well-performed ruckman who has captured the attention of recruiters with his athleticism and involvement around the ground.”

South Adelaide ruckman Will Verrall has been on the radar of recruiters for several years following a strong junior career. Hailing from the Christies Beach Football Club – the same junior club as last year’s number one pick Jason Horne-Francis – Verrall produced an outstanding bottom-aged season in 2021 at SANFL U18 level. Given the responsibility of leading the ruck division, Verrall was a mainstay of a talented Panthers side, averaging 23.4 hitouts in 15 games as South Adelaide got within two kicks of a Preliminary Final berth. Entering the year as one of the best ruck prospects in the country, Verrall’s pre-season was hampered by a groin injury. It took him a couple of weeks to find his form, but the ruckman still managed to play 13 matches and suit up for South Australia in the Croweaters’ final game at the Under 18 National Championships. His body of work over the past couple of years also saw him invited to test at the National Combine in Melbourne.

SNAPSHOT: “A hard running speedster who consistently put up strong numbers for Gippsland Power, playing in both defence and on a wing”

Cooper Vickery has enjoyed a consistent year at NAB League level for Gippsland Power, where he became a reliable ball user out of the defensive half and running down the ground. His transitional running from the back 50 and then rotating onto a wing allowed him to find plenty of the ball, and his metres gained were always high. An outside-dominant player, Vickery is still only light at 72kg, and his traits suit that outside role. Often found coming out of half-back, Vickery is a player who will look for the one-two be it via hand or short kick, and that allowed him to set his side up in transition.

Though not the most damaging player with his disposal, he is neat and consistent, averaging the 17.3 disposals for the Power, and reaching double-figure disposals each week bar one. In Rounds 8-9, Vickery picked up back-to-back 25-disposal hauls and averaged eight rebound 50s in that time. Earning his spot in the ‘Big V’ for Vic Country, Vickery averaged a similar 16.8 disposals, as well as 3.5 marks and 3.5 rebound 50s, with his kicking efficiency of 68.3 per cent quite high, but also only winning a third of his touches in a contested situation. Regardless, Vickery showed enough to earn a National Draft Combine invite, and has done all he could throughout season 2022 to put himself in a position to be drafted.

SNAPSHOT: “James Van Es is an intercept marking machine for the GWV Rebels, with his positioning and strength one-on-one among his best traits”

James Van Es is a strong key defender with upside for the future given his remarkable athleticism that could still be further implemented on-field to add extra weapons to his game. The Greater Western Victoria (GWV) Rebels defender is a natural leader who was impressive for St Patrick’s College in the Herald Sun Shield Grand Final loss to Whitefriars College. Van Es is a reliable backman who earned Vic Country representative honours, often being a critical interceptor, but also one who could play on an opponent and nullify them. Being a strong defender who had athletic traits makes him a player who has potential if a club can give him a chance. He averaged 11.3 disposals, 4.0 marks and 3.3 rebound 50s at the AFL Under 18 Championships, and was able to have a mix of defending one-on-one and finding space to step into.

In a draft crop where there are strong defenders, and then athletic defenders, Van Es is a player who could be a mix of both, but he could further showcase his athleticism – mainly his 2.91-second 20m sprint – on-field. Overall though his year has been a successful one for his draft stocks, with the 197cm and 99kg prospect developing strongly in a GWV Rebels side that produced the best bigman in the draft crop in Aaron Cadman.

SNAPSHOT: “An explosive athlete and ideal teammate who showcases impressive displays of contested ball winning and burst from congestion.”

Consistently appearing in representative sides through his junior career, Wardlaw has been a player who turns up and plays to a high level whenever he takes to the field. Taking the most of his limited opportunities over the last few years, Wardlaw earned AFL Academy selection after an impressive Under 17 carnival, even earning the MCC President’s Medal for best afield in the academy side’s match against Collingwood VFL earlier in the year. Unfortunately, Wardlaw’s top-age campaign was cut short, with a series of hamstring injuries ruling him out of the Vic Metro Under 18 campaign, and finishing his run with the Oakleigh Chargers which only garnered three appearances. However, Wardlaw’s top end traits were well and truly on show when he did take to the field, impressive enough to see him remain in the conversation as this year’s best prospect, and a likely top three selection.

SNAPSHOT: “A well-rounded athlete and defender capable of intercepting, rebounding, and locking down a variety of opponents.”

Josh Weddle is a prospect who falls into the bolter category this year, having enjoyed a steep rise up draft boards. Turning out for the Oakleigh Chargers and Carey Grammar, he quickly showcased the blend of athleticism and versatility he offers down back to earn selection in the Vic Metro squad. Playing all four National Championship games, he took on the task of manning some of the best tall forwards of the draft crop, playing above his size with sound defensive craft, while also looking dangerous on the rebound. The 18-year-old’s exploits this year saw him named at full back in the All Australian side, and at centre half-back in the NAB League team of the year, before deservedly being invited to the National Draft Combine in October.