Midfielder
183cm/80kg
16/9/03
Greater Western Victoria Rebels/Vic Country
Hobbs is the leading pure inside midfielder in the pool who will be a ball-winner from day one and looms as a future captain as well. Hobbs is ultra-reliable: he just gets his hands dirty on all occasions at the stoppages and is adept at feeding the ball out. Clubs saw him also become more attacking with his disposal mid-year when he started to push forward and hit the scoreboard. After an ankle injury early in the year, Hobbs averaged nearly 30 disposals in his five completed NAB League games and is ready to play AFL.
Class of 2021: Check out what draft prospect Ben Hobbs can do Watch the best highlights from Ben Hobbs ahead of the 2021 NAB AFL Draft
Midfielder
189cm/82kg
26/4/03
Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
It was Callaghan's run and carry, striking left-foot kicking and poise under pressure that caught the eye of clubs very early in the year while he played for the Sandringham Dragons. And those first impressions have lasted, with the 18-year-old clearly one of the best handful of players in the draft. Callaghan spent the first half of his season as a wingman before more time inside the centre square midfield roles mid-year, and combines his excellent endurance running with classy ball use.
Finn Callaghan showed why he could potentially be an early pick in the 2021 NAB AFL Draft with some standout performances.
Forward/defender
204cm/75kg
19/7/03
Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro
The Western Bulldogs have worked to gather enough points to match an early bid for Darcy, the talented father-son prospect who is the best tall in this year's draft pool. As you'd expect for a player his size, Darcy is strong in the air and flies for his contested grabs. But his trick is that he superbly agile at ground level, too, and is a threat inside-50 not just in marking situations. Darcy is currently nursing a stress reaction in his foot that has seen him in a moonboot.
WATCH: Sam Darcy sizzles with six in U19s trial game Luke Darcy's son, Sam, turns it on for Vic Metro in an under-19s trial match against Vic Country
Midfielder
185cm/81kg
21/6/03
South Adelaide/South Australia
A starring performance in the SANFL preliminary final locked in Horne-Francis as North Melbourne's No.1 pick, with the brilliant effort leaving no doubt that he was set to be a Kangaroo. Horne-Francis was electric in booting 3.3 from 24 disposals and eight clearances and once again proved his status as a prospect who enjoys the big stage. With a strong dose of physicality, strength, power, footy smarts and downright presence, Horne-Francis is ready for his next test at the top level.
ICYMI: Horne-Francis' sizzling SANFL prelim that has everybody talking
With three goals, 24 disposals, and 10 score involvements, Jason Horne-Francis' SANFL prelim on October 19 was one to remember
Midfielder
183cm/72kg
3/1/03
Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro
Daicos didn't need a full season to show his talents this year, with the midfielder close to best afield in nearly every game he played. The son of Collingwood legend Peter and brother of Magpies midfielder Josh is a level above: he dominates games not only through weight of possessions but also impact, averaging 36 disposals and two goals at NAB League level. Determined as he is talented, Daicos has been able to step up his preparations for the start of his AFL career since committing to the Magpies on a four-year deal.
Nick Daicos highlights: Son-of-a-gun Magpie dazzles with sublime skills Watch the highlights of 2021 NAB AFL Draft prospect Nick Daicos
Cal Twomey's Phantom Form Guide: Top draft prospects' October ranking
In this bumper edition, Cal Twomey ranks a whopping 35 players in the 2021 draft pool
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