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, the VFL, 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, before recently announcing his intention to nominated for the club. He’s a true big game player who loves crucial moments.

AUGUST RANKING: #2

LAST MONTH:

Ashcroft earned a slice of Coates Talent League history, taking out a third consecutive premiership with Sandringham to add to his deep list of accolades. This time, he did it as co-captain and got to lift the cup just two years after his elder brother did so. After a frustrating first half of his Wildcard Round outing, Ashcroft was unstoppable and averaged 33 touches across his last four games, including 40 in the quarter finals. His final junior game, the Grand Final yielded 29 touches and three goals. He is well placed to match Will’s status as the highest-ever father-son bid at pick two.

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 credentials. The midfielder was arguably the most unlucky player to miss out on National Academy honours this year but wholly impressed 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, and he is one of the most creative handball exponents available.

AUGUST RANKING: #6

LAST MONTH:

Reid continued to push his case as a genuine top five prospect by running out the season as one of Sandringham’s most reliably damaging players. He had 32 disposals and three goals in Wildcard Round, and backed it up with another three majors in the quarter finals. Reid’s Grand Final was unfortunately cut short in the third quarter as he went down with both a foot and knee complaint, though that did little to sour the second premiership medallion he earned. His opening quarter in that game was terrific as usual.

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. Having dominated his peers, he was also given a VFL opportunity with Richmond this year – the club he supports.

AUGUST RANKING: #10

LAST MONTH:

Much like the top prospects around him, Langford finished the season in exemplary form to solidify his chances of being a high top-10 pick. He guided Dandenong into the finals with 32 touches and two goals in Wildcard Round, before leading all comers in the quarters with 27 disposals. He and the Stingrays were comfortably felled in the prelims, but that didn’t stop Langford from having a team-high 25 touches against stiff opposition. His exposed form is difficult to ignore.

BEST IN THE WEST

The sole West Australian to feature in our rankings all year, Allan also shouldered 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, explosive 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 before returning to help Peel take out the WAFL League flag.

AUGUST RANKING: #9

LAST MONTH:

Allan made a timely return to Peel’s senior side, covering as a late inclusion for Fremantle’s Will Brodie. He showed plenty of power and explosiveness with 12 disposals and four tackles in the preliminary final, before keeping his spot and having 11 and six in the decider. No other prospect has the feather of a senior premiership in their cap this year, so Allan can hang his hat on that remarkable achievement.

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, quad, and hamstring niggles. 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 held him in good stead as he eased 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.

AUGUST RANKING: #7

LAST MONTH:

Lalor’s GWV Rebels made it all the way to the Talent League Grand Final, though unfortunately he wasn’t there to lead them through it. Injury ended his season and any hopes of participating in the draft combine, having suffered a high grade hamstring strain in Wildcard Round. He battled through the pain during that match, looking his usual self in the opening stages before copping the knock and having to plant himself deep forward in dire conditions.

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 he 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. O’Sullivan may have been booted from top spot early in the year but certainly has top-end talent and may surpass many of his peers at the next level. A clean run at it is required.

AUGUST RANKING: #3

LAST MONTH:

After missing out on Wildcard Round, O’Sullivan returned to make an impact in Oakleigh’s two finals appearances. While not entirely at his best in either game, he managed 16 touches against Northern in the quarters before bagging two goals from 20 disposals in the prelims. If he had fired a few more shots in his top-age season, especially minus the injuries, he’d likely have very much remained embedded in the top five.

THE ULTIMATE PROSPECT

Top of the crop during the early stages of 2024, Smillie is the ultimate prospect. He draws comparisons to Patrick Cripps and Tom Green as a 194cm midfielder, but offers terrific versatility and athleticism to compliment his stoppage craft. He skippered the National Academy and Eastern Ranges, and is highly driven to earn his place as the number one draft pick. Smillie’s poise and ball use for a player his size are quite rare and make him a dynamic threat. While challenged throughout the National Championships among a stacked field of prospects, he is capable of utterly dominating his peers. There’s strong competition for top spot, which saw him usurped in August having led in June and July.

AUGUST RANKING: #4

LAST MONTH:

Smillie recaptured some of his best form towards the end of the year, but unfortunately Eastern could not manage to get out of Wildcard Round. The Ranges’ skipper stood up regardless, having a team-high 26 disposals and two goals in the loss at Mars Stadium to serve one final reminder of his potential. In terms of his overall profile, few can match his upside this year, but others have sustained a higher level of performance.

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 and is the ultimate professional.

AUGUST RANKING: #5

LAST MONTH:

Draper ran out the year at SANFL League level, though his South Adelaide side failed to make an impression having finished second-bottom. That result meant he missed out on adding to his regular season feats as others moved on to finals, though his body of work over the last few years has been as good as anyone – despite some setbacks.

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.

AUGUST RANKING: #11

LAST MONTH:

Lombard was part of Gold Coast’s VFL premiership defence, turning out in the Suns’ narrow Wildcard Round loss to Frankston. The youngster finished strongly, posting 18 disposals and three tackles to surpass his season average of 17.5. He’ll set the Suns back a pretty penny, though it will be well worth it as he is likely to seamlessly transition into the senior side next year.

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.

AUGUST RANKING: #12

LAST MONTH:

Hotton could only sit and watch as Sandringham took out a third consecutive premiership this month, having been ruled out for the season with an ACL tear. He’ll attend the draft combine without participating before coming back bigger and better in 2024. His talent will likely still warrant a first round selection.

CLINICAL CONVERTER

It is no stretch to say Armstrong has been one of the flavours of the month, having elevated his stocks to no end in recent times. The key forward 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. After booting multiple goals in each of his first four outings, he was not held goalless this season for a total haul of 27 majors in 10 games. The clinical left-footer plays a relatively simple style, able to fly for strong marks and convert his chances, boasting good speed off the mark and pure fundamentals.

AUGUST RANKING: #18

LAST MONTH:

Armstrong continued his happy knack of booting bags of goals, kicking four in Wildcard Round, the quarter final, and grand final. The only blemish on his finals record was being relatively well contained by Riak Andrew in the prelims, though he otherwise constantly found a way to hit the scoreboard, even if restricted throughout large chunks of the match,

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 and may well land at The Hangar via said eligibility. 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.

AUGUST RANKING: #13

LAST MONTH:

Kako’s season ended with a syndesmosis injury sustained in Calder’s Round 17 win over Tasmania. That meant he was unable to help his side navigate Wildcard Round and the finals series, having finished as the top Metro seed. He is set to end up at Essendon via NGA eligibility and is already getting comfortable in those surroundings through rehab.

GUTSY UTILITY

Travaglia has all the makings of a promising draft prospect, and has pushed himself well into first round considerations this year. Having plied his trade on the wing as a bottom-ager, he has thrived with a move to defence this season but is capable of playing a variety of roles. Travaglia’s versatility is boundless, having also spent time in midfield with a rotation to the forwardline. He featured in down back for Vic Country, showcasing his gutsy intercept marking and aerial range to go with a high work rate and sharp turn of speed on the rebound. At 187cm with dynamism and team-first attributes, Travaglia is one to keep an eye on.

AUGUST RANKING: #15

LAST MONTH:

Travaglia’s season ended upon Bendigo’s Wildcard Round exit at the start of the month. He didn’t have his best day out in Bundoora but still put up strong numbers with 18 disposals, five marks, and 11 tackles. There could be no denying his endeavour and hunger to impact the contest, doing so defensively having not been as prolific with the ball. He recently was named runner-up in Bendigo’s best and fairest count.

VERSATILE LEFT-FOOTER

Lindsay is criminally underrated at times, and perhaps even so here, but enjoyed 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.

AUGUST RANKING: #14

LAST MONTH:

Another injury casualty in the back-end of the Coates Talent League season, Lindsay’s final outing came in Round 19 where he went down with a PCL injury. Prior to that, he looked on song for another strong game through Gippsland’s midfield. He was then rewarded for a terrific campaign by taking out the Morrish Medal.

THE TOP TALL

Setting himself apart as 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 also rates himself as a potential swingman. Trainor was best afield in the AFL Academy’s first game and helped Vic Metro clinch the Under 18s title with a goal after the siren.

AUGUST RANKING: #8

LAST MONTH:

Having been the hero of school and representative title wins, Trainor was unfortunately unable to add a Coates Talent League premiership to his trophy cabinet this year. He suffered a head knock in Sandringham’s quarter final win over Calder and was placed in 21-day concussion protocols, which ruled him out of the Grand Final a fortnight later.

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, topping the charts both in the Coates Talent League and Under 18 National Championships. He is an absolute menace inside 50 with his speed and smarts, and can also push up the ground to provide a spark when needed. While lively at ground level, Berry is strong overhead for his size and finds several avenues to goal – whether it be with snaps or set shot conversions. Only thrice was he kept goalless this year, such is his class.

AUGUST RANKING: #17

LAST MONTH:

Berry tied for Murray Bushrangers’ best and fairest award, but his season ended with a Wildcard Round loss. The going was tough in a windy day at La Trobe University, where Berry spent most of the day in midfield for a haul of 11 disposals and three marks. Still, he had put plenty of runs on the board before then and remains one of the prime medium-small forward prospects available in the first round.

FREQUENT FLYER

A high flyer in every sense of the phrase, Tauru has firmly planted himself in the draft bolter category. Considered a top 15 candidate, the 194cm 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 in his return from injury. 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, especially having played in all kinds of roles recently.

AUGUST RANKING: #19

LAST MONTH:

Tauru converted himself into somewhat of a swingman in the latter stages of the season, and was often utilised at the wind-advantaged end of the ground – both as a forward and defender. He had 16 disposals in both his Wildcard Round and quarter final outings, with the latter also yielding two goals and six marks. Clubs are excited by his potential and he should be able to showcase it further at the draft combine.

RANGY RUCK-FORWARD

Featuring in our rankings alongside twin brother Matt, Jack Whitlock offers a slightly different skillset his talented sibling. 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 25 goals in 12 Coates Talent League games this season.

AUGUST RANKING: #20

LAST MONTH:

Whitlock finished his Coates Talent League campaign strongly, imposing himself with 24 disposals, six marks and a goal in Murray’s Wildcard Round loss. He spent plenty of time through the ruck and while the heavy wind wreaked havoc with his goalkicking, opportunities were aplenty. His work ethic and intent, especially in big moments, were impressive in that particular outing, not to mention his mobility for a tall.

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 all bar two of his 11 games for Bendigo Pioneers, including a bag of six in Round 19. 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. Perhaps most impressively, he booted 11 majors in three VFL appearances for Essendon.

AUGUST RANKING: #16

LAST MONTH:

Shanahan and the Pioneers were bundled out in Wildcard Round, though he got to showcase his versatility in yet another meeting with Riak Andrew. Having twice gotten the better of him this year, Shanahan was kept goalless in his time up forward but showed some nice signs on the wing to finish with 12 disposals and four marks. His 23 majors for the season made him the Pioneers’ top goalkicker.

BOUNDLESS ENERGY

Dattoli’s national carnival and promising end to the Coates Talent League season has seen him accelerate into top 25 calculations. The lively small forward boasts terrific craft around goal and always tries to create something with ball in hand. He also holds his own at the stoppages and has been utilised in midfield outside of his representative duties with Vic Metro, where he proved to be an important link player on the wing or as a high forward. Dattoli produced a trio of three-goal games at Coates Talent League level this year and has racked up as many as 35 touches while turning out between his school football commitments.

AUGUST RANKING: #27

LAST MONTH:

Coming into Wildcard Round on the back of two three-goal games, Dattoli starred with 35 disposals, eight inside 50s and a goal to guide Northern into finals. He copped a tough matchup inside 50 against Oakleigh, but still managed to get his hands on the ball with 21 disposals (15 handballs) and two behinds. At his best, he is capable of turning games on their head both as a forward and midfielder – he proved that late in the season.

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.

AUGUST RANKING: #24

LAST MONTH:

Marshall made the ideal finish to his top-age campaign, named best afield in Sandringham’s Grand Final triumph with 28 disposals and two goals. The midfield mainstay carved GWV to shreds with his hard running and incisive ball use in the front half, in what was one of his best ever performances. He was consistent as ever throughout the finals series, having 27 touches and a goal in the prelim, and 26 and one in the quarters after a relatively steady Wildcard Round. Brisbane is getting not one, but two rippers fresh off a flag.

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 25.3 disposals, 4.0 marks, 5.0 inside 50s, and nearly two goals per his 12 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, or teammates in better positions to score.

AUGUST RANKING: #21

LAST MONTH:

Hynes helped lead Dandenong to the preliminary finals on the back of two-goal hauls in both Wildcard Round and the quarter finals. He then finished with a steady 17 disposals and five tackles against eventual premier, Sandringham having made a terrific start to proceedings. He looms as exactly the type of damaging, big-bodied midfielder-forward which is currently in vogue.

ALL EFFORT

Faull came into 2024 as one of the most highly touted tall forwards, having produced a sparkling end to his bottom-age campaign. Injury derailed the start of his season, but he quickly found his groove after booting five goals in his first game back. The standard was set from there, with the competitive and mobile tall cracking into the Vic Country team and being held goalless just twice in 11 Coates Talent League appearances. On the flipside, he snared multiple majors in seven of those games. Few talls show the same endeavour and work rate as Faull so consistently does.

AUGUST RANKING: Unranked

LAST MONTH:

Faull was integral to GWV’s run to the grand final, booting nine goals in his two finals appearances to that point. He was held goalless in the decider, but took five marks and was dominant one-on-one against a game direct opponent in Adrian Cole. The only issue was that all of those marks were taken outside attacking 50. Still, Faull’s big moment came in the prelims where he took hold of the game to bag five goals from seven marks in his best performance for the year.

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 was 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 established himself as an important big game performer and 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.

AUGUST RANKING: #25

LAST MONTH:

Gross’ crowning performance came in Oakleigh’s narrow quarter final win, where he kicked 2.3 from 21 disposals and five marks as one of the top three players afield. He managed 19 touches in the Chargers’ two games either side of that, looking most dangerous when operating inside 50 but pinch-hitting effectively on-ball. Oakleigh’s quality engine room allowed him to showcase more of his forward craft late in the year.

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 year. 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, and since returned to help them take out a third consecutive flag.

AUGUST RANKING: #28

LAST MONTH:

Having broken out at representative level, Oliver left some of his best form for last with a gutsy Grand Final performance. He had 17 disposals and five marks across half-back, rising for brave intercept marks and setting up the play typically well by foot. His kicking was arguably not at its best in Wildcard Round and the quarter finals, but he rose to the big occasion once again to prove his top 30 credentials.

LATE-SEASON STORMER

Hannaford has stormed into top 30 calculations on the back of his outstanding late-season form. Having been overlooked for a National Draft Combine invite, instead attending the Victorian state event, he has proven to be up to higher honours with some of the best big-time performances of any draft prospect. The powerful utility started the year as a midfielder/defender, but was thrust forward ahead of the National Championships and ended up being a game-winner there as GWV made a run for the Coates Talent League Grand Final. He’s powerful, hits hard, and has a ravenous appetite for the contest.

AUGUST RANKING: Unranked

LAST MONTH:

Hannaford’s six-goal haul in GWV’s quarter final upset of Geelong – the minor premier – helped establish his name as one to watch among the top 30 prospects. He kicked three consecutive final quarter goals in that game to help the Rebels come from behind and progress. His Grand Final exploits were also outstanding, despite a tough loss, never giving up to gather 24 disposals, nine tackles and a goal.

ENERGETIC RUNNER

Moraes is a hard runner, particularly in attacking phases, and was 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, ever.

AUGUST RANKING: #23

LAST MONTH:

Moraes and the Ranges couldn’t quite get over the Wildcard Round hump this year. The midfielder was slightly down on his usual numbers over the last two games – both against Northern – having 17 disposals and a goal in each. Those efforts came on the back of a season-best 27 touches and five goals against Western in Round 17.

RAW TALL TALENT

Somewhat of a bolter this year, Whitlock has proven his potential at both ends of the ground. The more raw and mobile Whitlock twin, Matt started out the year in defence before swinging forward to boot 27 goals in his last 14 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 his upside. Still, that kind of versatility and potential in both a footballing and athletic sense makes him one of the most exciting prospects in late-first round contention.

AUGUST RANKING: #26

LAST MONTH:

Whitlock ran out the season as a forward for Murray, though had his Wildcard Round outing cut short through injury. Up to that point, he had posted six disposals and a goal as the Bushrangers fell at the hands of Gippsland. He’ll look to get back into action at the draft combine, where his vertical leap will be on show.

RISING RUCK

One of the most fast rising prospects across the National Championships was Dodson, who emerged 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 faced a decision of whether to pursue the footballing path, and has opted to take it over a promising basketball career.

AUGUST RANKING: #22

LAST MONTH:

Dodson helped Sturt achieve a third-place finish in the SANFL Under 18s season, though the Double Blues were bundled out of the semi finals by eventual premier, Woodville-West Torrens. The ruck managed 19 disposals, 21 hitouts and seven clearances in that game, having some frustrating moments but overall showing glimpses of what he could become as a late-first or second-round selection.