THE ALL-ROUNDER

Our leading prospect coming into the year, O’Sullivan has been unlucky with a couple of injury setbacks. He managed 15 disposals, four tackles and five inside 50s in Round 1 of the Coates Talent League before a broken thumb sidelined him, and injured his finger in the second AFL Academy showcase – which ruled him out of Vic Country’s opening match. He remains arguably the most well-rounded midfielder in a unique bunch; boasting a good turn of speed, contested nous, overhead marking ability, and a booming kick. On the flipside, he has very few glaring weaknesses to boot. O’Sullivan may have been booted from top spot for now but certainly remains in the hunt and will only get better after returning to a baptism of fire at representative level.

JUNE RANKING: #2

LAST MONTH:

O’Sullivan was always going to be up against it returning to action at the National Championships, but will only be better for it. He gets the benefit of the doubt to remain in second spot having popped up with some crucial contributions in the last quarter of Vic Country’s win over the Allies. Playing on either side of midfield once again, he was much quieter in Sunday’s final against Vic Metro, albeit with a bunch of top prospects fighting for ascendancy and the result. His best is surely yet to come.

MR CONSISTENT

Having aimed to play consistent football this year, Smith has certainly lived up to that goal to-date. The prolific midfielder has been in rare form this season, having racked up 50 and 40 disposals in his last two Coates Talent League games. Smith is lightly framed but wonderfully balanced at the contest and hardly loses his footing, able to extract the ball cleanly and zip to the outside untouched. His vision and decision making match his exquisite skills by hand and foot, all of which makes him difficult to deny as a top five talent. He also offers leadership as Oakleigh’s captain and is far and away the Chargers’ best player each time he takes the field.

JUNE RANKING: #4

LAST MONTH:

Smith had an excellent representative carnival, placing second in the Larke Medal voting and arguably being unlucky not to take out Vic Metro’s MVP award. He won’t worry about the latter too much given he skippered his side in an undefeated run to the title. Smith was a class above with 32 disposals and nine clearances in wet conditions against the Allies, and backed that up with 37 touches against WA. He was everywhere at times in Metro’s victory on Sunday, again leading the disposal charts to post 25 and eight clearances. His level of performance hardly wavers and is elite, not out of place anywhere amongst the top five.

STANDARD SETTER

Ashcroft is one of the most fierce competitors in the draft crop and sets high standards for his teammates. The Sandringham Dragons co-captain hardly has a bad game and posts big numbers at each level he features in – from the Coates Talent League, to APS football, and representative level. He has a great balance of strong stoppage craft and a high running capacity to ensure he can accumulate possessions like few others can, as well as hit the scoreboard. Like brother Will, he’s tied to Brisbane as a father-son prospect and spent part of his preseason training with the Lions. He has been part of Sandringham’s consecutive premierships and could become the first player in history to win three flags in the competition if the Dragons repeat the feat this year.

JUNE RANKING: #3

LAST MONTH:

As he often does, Ashcroft came into the representative season putting up strong numbers in the APS system and maintained his form. While he has been battling a shoulder injury, the midfielder started out with 24 disposals, six clearances and two goals against the Allies, before leading the way with 34 touches, eight marks and a goal against South Australia. He was a touch more reserved in Sunday’s final match but hardly ever has a bad game and will look to run out the year strongly at school and Coates Talent League level.

MIDFIELD BULL

Lalor is somewhat of an unknown within the top 10 having battled through seperate injuries this year – from a hip complaint in preseason, to foot and quad niggles more recently. Although, he was solid for the AFL Academy in game two and starred in his return games for both Geelong Grammar and GWV Rebels. His ability to impact up forward should hold him in good stead as he continues to ease back into action, though the midfield is where Lalor arguably shines brightest. The big-bodied contested bull draws comparisons to Dustin Martin for his explosiveness and no-nonsense approach at the contest, able to fend off opponents and extract the ball at will. He averaged 20.3 disposals and 7.5 tackles in Rebels colours last year.

JUNE RANKING: #8

LAST MONTH:

Lalor made a powerhouse return to Coates Talent League football with 34 disposals, eight marks and nine rebound 50s last month, which came after a seven-goal haul at APS level. It put him in good stead to shake off his injury issues and hit the ground running for Vic Country. Lalor showcased his versatility with large chunks of time up forward, kicking three goals against the Allies and taking some big contested marks in his three outings. He only averaged 11 touches and five marks per game, but again has his best football ahead of him.

THE TOP TALL

Setting himself apart as clearly the best tall talent in this year’s draft, Trainor is surrounded by midfielders in the top-end of the rankings. He measures up at 195cm but doesn’t quite play like a genuine key defender, instead working most effectively as the main interceptor and distributor – think Tom Stewart. His aerial ability is terrific, able to leap at the ball with confidence or stand under high balls and pluck them at the top of his reach. Complimenting his defensive game is some of the best composure and kicking you’re likely to see from a tall. He was best afield in the AFL Academy’s first game and helped Vic Metro clinch the Under 18s title.

JUNE RANKING: #5

LAST MONTH:

Trainor was tested throughout the National Championships, made to showcase more of his defensive craft. He played a great role on Tyler Welsh in Vic Metro’s win over SA, shortly removed from his most prolific game of the carnival – 26 disposals, six marks and nine rebound 50s against WA. Trainor also had his moment in the sun at the end of Sunday’s title decider, swinging forward to snatch the cup with a kick after the siren. He remains the top tall talent available.

COMBATIVE QUEENSLANDER

After the Suns Academy produced four first round draftees last year, Lombard has set himself apart as the program’s leading 2024 talent. The powerful midfielder loves to get stuck in with chat and niggle on the field, but backs it up with enormous talent. He leads through actions as a player with high work rate; able to run in waves and connect with opponents on the attack, while also applying himself with strong defensive efforts. Lombard won a VFL premiership with the Suns last year and was levels above in his opening two National Championships outings, going on to take out the Larke Medal alongside Vic Country’s Harvey Langford.

JUNE RANKING: #10

LAST MONTH:

After starring in the Allies’ first two games, Lombard was tested by an elite Vic Metro midfield in game three. His fourth appearance was more indicative of his quality, yielding 28 disposals, five clearances and a goal to help take out his side’s MVP award and the competition’s best and fairest honour. Lombard has looked just as comfortable at VFL level too, having 22 disposals and a seriously good running goal in his first game back, before a steadier return of 12 touches.

SLICK STEPPER

A fleet of foot midfielder, Draper has overcome adversity early in his top-age year to return to form. The South Adelaide product has seen brother Arlo make the big leagues and having played senior footy as a bottom-ager, is South Australia’s best prospect. He’s also the state’s captain and skippered the Panthers to an Under 18 flag last year – being best afield in the Grand Final, no less. Draper’s list of accolades is extensive having also won state MVP honours at the 2023 National Championships. His turn of speed catches the eye, but his work rate really cuts up the opposition and he can roll forward to impact the scoreboard. Draper has also been working on his kicking on the run, which is improving.

JUNE RANKING: #6

LAST MONTH:

Draper had the tough task of entering his top-age season off the back on an injury, and straight into representative football. On the back of a couple of trial games, he built into the National Championships but is truly finding his feet back at SANFL League level with South Adelaide. The state skipper and 2023 MVP had a high of 26 disposals and four clearances in SA’s Superman Suit, which he eclipsed with an effort of 27 touches and nine clearances in his senior outing on the weekend.

BEST IN THE WEST

The sole West Australian to feature in our rankings for July, Allan also shoulders his state’s captaincy. He featured for the Black Ducks at last year’s National Championships and was a bright light in a dour campaign, going on to raise his stocks as a top-ager. Allan has spent most of his junior career as a defender but was trialled up forward late last year and is now developing as a midfielder. His size, electric speed and willingness to take the game on make him an exciting player to watch in full flight. Down back, where he played two senior games to start the year, Allan is a capable interceptor and sound distributor on his favoured left foot. He missed game one of the National Championships through a back injury but excelled at the level and is now back into League footy.

JUNE RANKING: #23

LAST MONTH:

Allan missed game one of the championships but found his groove across three solid outings. He kept his side in the game with two crucial goals against Vic Metro, and had his most prolific day against Vic Country with a team-high 22 disposals and seven tackles. His inside grunt work and ability to surge the ball forward impressed. Allan has since gone on to slot back into Peel Thunder’s senior side after debuting in Round 1. The difference is, he’s now rotating between midfield and defence, having 16 disposals, 11 tackles and five marks in his first game back.

PURE CLASS & POISE

Reid timed his top performance for Vic Metro exceptionally well, and went on to take out MVP honours to strengthen his top 10 potential. The midfielder was arguably the most unlucky player to miss out on National Academy honours this year but continues to impress at school, Coates Talent League, and representative levels. While not blessed with natural pace, Reid is fleet of thought with smarts, decision making and ball use being his main assets. He hardly wastes a touch and finds the ball in dangerous areas when not doing so at stoppages. Playing at such a high level alongside a host of the year’s top prospects has only boosted his standing.

JUNE RANKING: #16

LAST MONTH:

Reid was named Vic Metro MVP at the end of a consistent carnival full of his usual class. He beat out a stacked field with averages of 24.5 disposals, 3.3 clearances and one goal per his four games. The midfielder’s best outing yielded 31 touches, eight clearances and three goals in his side’s thumping win over SA, as he thrived with a full-time run on-ball. Otherwise, he got to show some versatility playing up forward and out on the wing.

THE GREAT UNKNOWN

Hotton’s place in the rankings is largely out of his hands given he will take no further part in the season after suffering an ACL tear. The dynamic midfielder-forward made a magnificent start to the year, producing games like his 32-disposal, 10-mark and four-goal effort against Oakleigh in Round 2, along with a scintillating display for the National Academy as a top-up player. After injuring himself at training, those performances will be the measure of his talent. Hotton is ultra athletic, offering terrific agility and spring in his leap to compliment his ability to rack up possessions and hit the scoreboard. He’ll be well guided off-field as the son of former Blue and Pie, Trent, and brother of St Kilda’s Olli.

JUNE RANKING: #9

LAST MONTH:

Hotton will be out of action for the remainder of the year after his ACL tear but is still very much in the minds of recruiters as a genuine top 10 prospect.

VERSATILE LEFT-FOOTER

Lindsay is criminally underrated at times, and perhaps even so here, but has been in exceptional form this year despite a couple of injury setbacks. After copping a corkie late in his Round 3 Coates Talent League appearance, he missed the first National Academy game and Vic Country’s third outing. The Gippsland Power captain is versatile enough to play through midfield or on the wing, with his booming left-foot kicking a real weapon on the attack. He has also proven capable of doing the tough stuff with high clearance and tackle numbers.

JUNE RANKING: #17

LAST MONTH:

Lindsay was arguably best afield in Sunday’s title decider with 30 disposals, 11 marks and eight tackles. He missed game three but spent the carnival playing either on the wing or through the middle, able to impact in both roles. The Gippsland product also turned out twice for the Power with returns of 20 disposals and two goals, and 19 disposals and one goal. He looks every bit a top 15 player with his array of traits and ability to impact going both ways.

ENERGETIC RUNNER

Moraes is a hard runner, particularly in attacking phases, and has been made to proves his wares in a variety of roles this year. He was squeezed out to the wing for the AFL Academy and played down back in Vic Metro’s opening National Championships game, but has shown over the last two seasons that he can more than hold his own as a midfielder-forward. Hailing from a basketball background, Moraes has clean hands on the inside and overhead, but thrives when he can chain possessions on the spread or outwork his opponent away from stoppages. His energy and consistent output are always impressive – hardly dipping below 25 touches in the last two seasons.

JUNE RANKING: #7

LAST MONTH:

Moraes was a victim of Vic Metro’s midfield depth to an extent, but still made every post a winner with roles down back, on the wing, and eventually as a more conventional midfielder-forward. The versatile running machine worked his way into games and had a knack for finishing strongly, helping his side run over the top in strong second halves. He was integral during the final quarter of Sunday’s title-winning game, and racked up 12 marks and two goals among his 22 touches against South Australia.

THE WORKHORSE

Another elite runner at the top-end of the crop, Marshall consigns the opposition to a death by a thousand cuts. He’s the kind of player who may not dominate throughout four quarters, but is consistent and can run over the top with his work rate late in games. That was best shown as he racked up 16 final quarter disposals against South Australia to finish with a game-high 30. Explosive and agile, Marshall is capable of playing inside or outside and has even had a run off half-back. He’s also a punchy kicker who can drive the ball forward in transition and link with others. The Queenslander is tied to Brisbane’s academy but boards at Melbourne Grammar and turns out for Sandringham in the Coates Talent League.

JUNE RANKING: #12

LAST MONTH:

Along with Lombard, Marshall has benefitted from exposure at VFL level after debuting last year, and managed 13 touches and six marks in his one and only state league game this year. He rounded out a strong representative campaign to average 27 disposals across the four games, hitting that exact mark twice to showcase his remarkable consistency. He was among the Allies’ top two ball winners thrice. The Queenslander will run out his season in the APS competition before reconvening with the Sandringham Dragons squad.

CLINICAL AND CRAFTY

Death, taxes, and Berry booting multiple goals in every game he plays. The clinical small forward has risen steeply this year on the back of undeniable goalkicking form, posting 22 majors in eight games for the Bushrangers after a relatively lean bottom-age campaign. He also snared nine in four games for Vic Country and is an absolute menace inside 50 with his speed and smarts. While lively at ground level, Berry is also strong overhead for his size and finds several avenues to goal – whether it be with snaps or set shot conversions. He has been used to provide a spark though midfield, too. Only once has he been kept goalless this year, such is his class.

JUNE RANKING: #18

LAST MONTH:

Berry may have quiet patches but has proven game-winning qualities. His electric third quarter against Vic Metro was indicative of a top 15 talent, and similar could be said about his three-goal haul against SA in game one. The small forward also gained midfield exposure for Vic Country and despite not having above 14 touches for the carnival, was energetic when called upon.

RANGY RUCK-FORWARD

The second member of his own family to feature in our rankings, Whitlock offers a slightly different skillset to twin brother Matt. He’s a key forward who can roll through the ruck, moving well for a 200cm player and offering fantastic aerial range. His reach has troubled opposition defenders, but Whitlock is also quite handy below his knees and can latch onto the loose ball with snap goals or contributions in open play. He filled in for the National Academy’s first game and produced a strong National Championships with Vic Country, to go with his 10 goals in six Coates Talent League games this season.

JUNE RANKING: #20

LAST MONTH:

Whitlock worked back into action after an injury layoff with a relatively steady return for Murray, but built into his early-season form at representative level. The mobile tall was an imposing figure up forward in Vic Country’s final game, booting two goals from seven marks to prove his status as a big game player. He ranks higher this month on the back of such form, along with his strong marking, competitiveness, and ability to roll through the ruck.

CRASH & BASH

Gross is a hard-at-it midfielder who doesn’t mind throwing his frame around, and offers an edge at the contest for each team he represents. That has been evident when unleashed at the centre bounces for the AFL Academy and Vic Metro, but Gross is also capable of going forward and consistently hitting the scoreboard. He is averaging 25 disposals, four clearances and a goal for Oakleigh and has looked solid at higher levels, holding up well physically. While competitive, he can work on his end product around goal given he produces so many opportunities in the forward half. When he gets it right, Gross can be as damaging as any other midfielder-forward available.

JUNE RANKING: #14

LAST MONTH:

Gross was another Vic Metro midfielder who was made to showcase his versatility. Outside of his chunks of gametime up forward, the combative onballer spent time in the guts and out on the wing where his work rate shone. Gross was most prolific on the outside with 27 disposals and nine marks against South Australia, but also added a good amount of grunt in the engine room. He gathered 23 touches and kicked a goal in his last Coates Talent League game, back in Round 10.

RAW TALL TALENT

Somewhat of a bolter this year, Whitlock has risen steeply in recent weeks on the back of some impressive feats. The more raw and mobile Whitlock twin, Matt started out the year in defence before swinging forward to boot 15 goals in his last five Coates Talent League games – including two bags of five. The highly dextrous tall covers enormous ground and often beats more sturdy opponents for athleticism, but is prone to a few errors which balance out that upside. Still, that kind of versatility and potential in both a footballing and athletic sense makes him one of the most exciting prospects in first round contention.

JUNE RANKING: #11

LAST MONTH:

Whitlock slides down the order this month but has done very little wrong. The swingman has played at both ends of the ground for Vic Country with great degrees of success, putting up consistent numbers in both roles. He averaged 13 disposals and five marks per game, while also booting two goals in game three against the Allies. Debate rages as to who is the higher-ranked twin, but bot Whitlocks are expected to be first round contenders.

CLINICAL CONVERTER

It is no stretch to say Armstrong is one of the flavours of the month, having elevated his stocks to no end in recent times. The key forward has dominated the APS competition, no less with a bag of 10 goals this year, but only debuted for Sandringham Dragons in Round 1 of 2024. He has kicked multiple goals in each of his four games for a tally of 12 overall. The clinical left-footer plays a relatively simple style, able to fly for strong marks and convert his chances.

JUNE RANKING: Unranked

LAST MONTH:

Armstrong has really put his name on the map over the last few weeks. He has long been a school football powerhouse but has now converted that to a pair of four-goal games in his most recent Coates Talent League outings, and a heroic bag of five in Sunday’s representative final. He now joins a strong group of key position options towards the back-end of the first round in what is a midfield-heavy crop.

BEE IN A BOTTLE

Kako is an absolute livewire inside forward 50, boasting genuine speed and boundless creativity. A product of Essendon’s Next-Generation Academy, he trained with the Bombers during preseason but is unlikely to last past the first 40 picks to land at The Hangar via said eligibility. That’s great news for the other 17 clubs, who will hold his attacking acumen in high regard. Kako has taken on the license to move into the midfield when Calder needs a spark, impressing with hauls of 24 and 29 disposals to compliment his scoreboard impact. When he gets it right, he’s as good to watch as any prospect in the draft pool and did some mercurial things at representative level.

JUNE RANKING: #21

LAST MONTH:

Plenty of Vic Metro’s attacks went through Kako during the National Championships. He kicked two goals against the Allies and South Australia before finishing strongly with three in Sunday’s makeshift Grand Final. The lively small also set up teammates with creative ball use and good energy up the ground, as was the case when he posted 25 disposals and six inside 50s in his most recent Coates Talent League game. He looks like featuring in the 15-20 range.

THE AERIALIST

There are few better than Shanahan in the aerial game, with the Moama native boasting a clean set of hands and wonderfully fluent leap. Such traits have seen the mobile 194cm talent find a home up forward having cut his teeth in defence and even as a tall midfielder last year. Offering clear upside, he has steadily grown into his his top-age campaign with goals in each of his seven games for Bendigo Pioneers, including a bag of five most recently. Shanahan built into form with the Allies too, presenting up the ground as a key connection piece and showing better signs with each passing game. He’s another of the ultra-talented talls in this range.

JUNE RANKING: #19

LAST MONTH:

Shanahan twice matched up on Dandenong Stingrays and Vic Country defender Riak Andrew over the last month, bagging a combined eight goals across the two matches. His best Allies performance was left for last, booting three goals from 16 disposals and nine marks against the Vics. At his best, the strong marking forward has been very difficult to contain when presenting up the ground.

GUTSY UTILITY

Travaglia has all the makings of a promising draft prospect, and has pushed himself into first round considerations. Having plied his trade on the wing as a bottom-ager, he has thrived with a move to defence this season to average 25 disposals, five marks and five tackles in his eight Coates Talent League games. Travaglia’s versatility is boundless, having also spent time in midfield with a rotation to the forwardline. He featured in defence for Vic Country, showcasing his gutsy intercept marking and aerial range to go with a high work rate and terrific turn of speed on the rebound. At 187cm with dynamism and the ability to play several roles, Travaglia is one to keep an eye on.

JUNE RANKING: #22

LAST MONTH:

While it ended on a sour note, Travaglia’s representative campaign was nothing short of outstanding. The Vic Country co-captain provided dash and dare in a variety of roles, and bookended his carnival strongly. The utility was prolific in games one (24 disposals, seven marks) and four (25 disposals, nine marks), and is perhaps slightly unlucky not to feature higher on this list given his array of traits.

THE SWINGMAN

While certainly capable of playing at either end of the ground, O’Farrell has found a home in defence at the highest levels. He featured there for the National Academy, Vic Metro and Calder Cannons, but has also been exposed to the forward half while playing school football over the journey. The 196cm high-flyer takes up good positions behind the ball and isn’t afraid to crash packs, although can work on taking his contested marks more cleanly and consistently. O’Farrell’s athleticism and distributive skills add to his appeal as a key position prospect, to go with the versatility a swingman offers. He’ll contend to be the second-best tall behind Trainor.

JUNE RANKING: #13

LAST MONTH:

Aside from his representative duties, O’Farrell had been plying his trade in the APS competition and looks to have cemented his spot down back. He last turned out for Calder in Round 10 for a return of 12 disposals, six marks and six rebound 50s, but only managed one full game for Vic Metro before being struck down by injury.

UNTAPPED TALL

A versatile and skilful tall, Mraz has played on all three lines over the journey but looks arguably most settled down back. The 198cm talent in a capable interceptor with terrific positional sense and reading of the play to compliment his movement and aerial ability. Mraz also moves the ball efficiently by foot and has good mechanics for a tall. Having had his start to the season delayed by concussion protocols, he is currently sidelined with a foot injury which he battled through across several Coates Talent League games and one National Academy outing. Should he get back on the park late in the season, he’ll content with the likes of O’Farrell, and Matt Whitlock to be considered among the best key defenders.

JUNE RANKING: #25

LAST MONTH:

Mraz is still working through rehabilitation of a 12-week foot injury which kept him out of the National Championships. His last appearance came in Dandenong Stingrays colours back in Round 3.

ON-BALL BRUTE

One of the top performers at the year’s National Championships, Langford set the tone through midfield with his ability to both win the contested ball and spread forward. His penetrative left foot is used to launch attacks, while he has a handy point of difference in being able to go forward and provide strong marking presence at 190cm. Langford is a co-captain at Dandenong Stingrays and has been a mainstay in the side for two seasons, putting up big numbers across the board. He may split some recruiters given his lack of natural pace, but has all the right footballing attributes and a ravenous work ethic.

JUNE RANKING: Unranked

LAST MONTH:

Langford’s stocks were already quite high heading into the National Championships, but he elevated himself to another level having taken out the Larke Medal and Vic Country MVP. He was a midfield mainstay, contributing consistent all-round averages of 25.5 disposals, 6.3 marks, 6.3 clearances, and 6.3 inside 50s in the four games. Langford was among his side’s best two players in each match, highlighting his dominance. Another who is knocking on the door for a big boost up the rankings.

THE HEARTBEAT

Sandringham Dragons coach Rob Harding described Oliver as the “heartbeat” of his side during preseason, and he has lived up to that description this season. The tough rebound defender is incisive with ball in hand, boasting terrific foot skills and decision making. He’s constantly on the move and can mop up across the backline, before shifting tact to turn his focus into attack mode. Before heading off to school football, Oliver showed promising signs with averages of 15.3 disposals and 2.3 rebound 50s for the Dragons. His best may well be yet to come as clubs push him into top 20 calculations.

JUNE RANKING: #24

LAST MONTH:

Oliver boosted his stocks throughout the National Championships, but especially in game one against the Allies where he had 25 disposals, six marks and five rebound 50s in tough conditions. The sharp and incisive half-back remained a reliable figure behind the ball for Vic Metro despite leaner returns, and remains in contention to push into a very competitive top 20.

RISING RUCK

One of the most fast rising prospects across the National Championships was Dodson, who is emerging as the leading ruck of this year’s draft. Also a talented basketballer, the Sturt product has shown glimpses throughout the pathway but is now proving what he can do with an extended run. He covers the ground well for a 203cm player and is quite clean at the contest, capable of putting up strong all-round numbers as a primary ruck. Dodson will soon face a decision of whether to pursue the footballing path, or take his talent to basketball.

JUNE RANKING: Unranked

LAST MONTH:

Dodson produced an exceptional National Championships, taking over South Australia’s primary ruck duties after missing game one. The towering big man made a splash with 19 disposals, 19 hitouts and nine inside 50s in his side’s loss to Vic Country, going on to maintain a similar level of output in the remaining two games. He has hit the ground running back in Sturt’s Under 18 side too, having 19 touches, four marks and over 20 hitouts in each of his last two games.

FREQUENT FLYER

A high flyer in every sense of the phrase, Tauru has firmly planted himself in the draft bolter category. Considered by some as a first round candidate, the 191cm defender certainly catches the eye with his aerial ability. He showed glimpses in the early part of the Coates Talent League season, before earning a call up from outside the Vic Country squad on the back of exceptional form last month. He attacks the ball fearlessly and is capable of playing above his height thanks to a terrific vertical leap. He’s one with raw potential and plenty of upside. Look out.

JUNE RANKING: Unranked

LAST MONTH:

Tauru has enjoyed quite the rise of late and is storming up draft boards. His Coates Talent League return was exceptional, notching 23 disposals and nine marks, and 17 and eight in his two games before Vic Country came calling. The tall defender showed glimpses over the last two representative games, with his aerial ability and intercept game standing out most in a pair of five-disposal outings.

THE HYBRID

Few can compete with the pure weight of numbers Hynes has produced at Coates Talent League level, forming a formidable one-two punch with fellow Dandenong Stingrays co-captain Harvey Langford. The midfielder-forward was blooded in the Vic Country Under 18s side last year and has backed up his promise with averages of 27 disposals, five marks, five inside 50s, and nearly two goals per his eight club appearances to date. He’s hard to tie down due to his size but has improved his running ability and has always had a good eye for goal.

JUNE RANKING: Unranked

LAST MONTH:

Hynes’ body of work is difficult to deny, and some clubs will have him in first round discussions as a result. The midfielder-forward’s last Coates Talent League outing yielded 27 disposals and three goals, and he held a primary position in attack for much of the National Championships. His best outing was against WA, booting two goals from 20 touches and eight marks with a couple of clutch moments late in the 11-point win.

TOWERING TALL

Smith is well in contention to be this year’s premier ruck prospect, and looked on track for such honours after a terrific Academy Series with GWS. Needless to say, the 204cm talent is quite adept at getting first hand to the ball but is quite mobile for his size and capable of getting involved on the follow-up. He has recently been blooded in the state league system and is yet another promising ruck specialist the Giants will have to consider out of their Academy.

JUNE RANKING: Unranked

LAST MONTH:

After starring for the Giants Academy, Smith averaged 11 disposals and 22 hitouts per his four Allies appearances. The rising ruckman won the hitout count in three of four matches, giving his midfielders first use of the ball. Smith also turned out for GWS’ VFL side with reasonable success, playing three times for a high of 19 touches, five marks and 28 hitouts against rivals, Sydney.