{"id":217998,"date":"2026-06-25T19:05:29","date_gmt":"2026-06-25T09:05:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/?p=217998"},"modified":"2026-06-25T19:05:31","modified_gmt":"2026-06-25T09:05:31","slug":"rising-stocks-metro-interceptors-stand-tall","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/2026\/06\/25\/rising-stocks-metro-interceptors-stand-tall\/","title":{"rendered":"Rising Stocks: Metro interceptors stand tall"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

ANOTHER round of Under 18 National Championships action has seen plenty of movement amongst the depths of the draft pool. Intercept defenders, tall goalkickers and state skippers headlined those to elevate their stocks over the weekend. We outline a dozen prospects who impressed across the two games.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

>>\u00a0Rolling Rankings:<\/strong>\u00a0Top 30 AFL Draft prospects<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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RISING STOCKS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

WESTERN AUSTRALIA:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tom Brown<\/a>\u00a0(Claremont)
Defender | 188cm | 29\/07\/2008<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brown has gone under the radar this year given his usually low statistical output, but has been just about unbeatable on the defensive end. With the speed to play on smalls and strength to match it with talls, Brown halves one-on-one contests at a minimum through sheer will and physicality. The Claremont Colt was immense for WA over the weekend, finally earning outside plaudits for his aerial prowess and desperate defensive acts. If he can lift his output and attacking influence, watch out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Current Range: <\/strong>35-50<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Tom Brown has been immense in WA’s defence | Image Credit: Rookie Me Central<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Leo Steed<\/a>\u00a0(Swan Districts)
Midfielder | 177cm | 07\/03\/2008<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Steed was once again outstanding in his second champs appearance, leading by example with pure tenacity and work rate in midfield. The scrappy ball winner showcased his inside game with team-high figures for contested possessions (11), tackles (eight) and clearances (six), while maintaining his usual running power on the outside. A few players showed room for improvement with their foot skills and while Steed can sharpen his delivery on the run, he looks a nailed on first round prospect at this stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Current Range: <\/strong>12-20<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Leo Steed was once again among WA’s best | Image Credit: Rookie Me Central<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Benji van Rooyen<\/a>\u00a0(Claremont)
Ruck | 203cm | 17\/09\/2008<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tasked with arguably the toughest ruck matchup at this level, van Rooyen more than stood up to the task. Boasting long reach and a safe set of hands, he extended well for a couple of impressive pack marks down the line. What’s more, he leapt aggressively at the centre ball-ups to lead the hitout count and was prepared to scrap for the ball on hands and knees. Having competed well against the nation’s best, van Rooyen can take the next step by enhancing his foot skills and forward half threat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Current Range: <\/strong>30-50<\/p>\n\n\n\n

>> Scouting Notes: <\/strong>Western Australia vs. Vic Metro<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Benji van Rooyen rises for a mark | Image Credit: Rookie Me Central<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

VIC METRO:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Albert MacGowan<\/a>\u00a0(Sandringham Dragons)
Wing\/Midfielder | 187cm | 27\/07\/2008<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

MacGowan has proven no stranger to racking up big disposal hauls this season, and while he was steady with 22 over the weekend, made a major impact in the win over WA. Operating mostly on the wing with stints on-ball, the outside running machine had no trouble finding width and all the right areas to provide teammates with an outlet option. He dominated between the arcs with his clean handling and ability to connect the lines. On pure consistency and execution of role, he’s becoming hard to deny.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Current Range: <\/strong>35-50<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Albert MacGowan ran riot on the outside | Image Credit: Rookie Me Central<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Kai Parker<\/a>\u00a0(Northern Knights)
Defender | 189cm | 17\/10\/2008<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reeling in an enormous 13 marks, several being intercepts, Parker helped his side absorb plenty of pressure in the back half. While he was also involved in Vic Metro’s high-volume possession play, Parker proved his ability to win one-on-one battles and provide bounce on the rebound. At 189cm, he’s capable of playing slightly taller on the defensive end, but has the athleticism and foot skills to do damage on the attack. Clubs will likely be enamoured by his versatility and dynamism down back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Current Range: <\/strong>35-50<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Kai Parker unloads a kick-in | Image Credit: Rookie Me Central<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Archie Spencer<\/a>\u00a0(Eastern Ranges)
Defender | 180cm | 24\/09\/2008<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A surprise packet on the day, Spencer thrived in relatively new surroundings down back. His unrelenting run, energy and competitiveness were key to a largely successful outing where he topped Vic Metro’s disposal count with 25. While combative on the defensive end, Spencer translated that aggression to fast transitional play which was full of power and dare. Along with Lachie Burrows<\/strong>, he has maintained his best traits in a different role while showing a different side to what he normally would as a mid-forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Current Range: <\/strong>40+<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Archie Spencer was full of running off half-back | Image Credit: Rookie Me Central<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Billy Wigmore<\/a>\u00a0(Western Jets)
Defender | 189cm | 29\/03\/2008<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Teaming up with Parker, Wigmore was an absolute brick wall in Vic Metro’s defence. While slightly below key position height, he tends to play tall and is near-unbeatable in the air. Wigmore put his intercept marking prowess on show among his eight grabs, showing superior reading of the play and strength in one-on-one duels. He also racked up some easier possessions and is capable of being composed in tight spots, although can continue to enhance his ball use and attacking threat to take the next step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Current Range: <\/strong>40+<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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