https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl...-draft-hopefuls-to-watch-20240530-p5jhwz.html
A 50-disposal gun, an almost flawless prospect and Cripps 2.0: AFL draft hopefuls to watch
By Marc McGowan
The time to shine has arrived.
There is no more important period for prospective AFL draftees than the national under-18 championships. The Allies have already played twice, against South Australia and Western Australia, while the Victorian teams start their campaign this weekend.
We spoke to club recruiters, who shared their thoughts anonymously on this year’s crop in order to speak more freely on their strengths and weaknesses.
The AFL’s talent ambassador, Kevin “Shifter” Sheehan, also gave his take on the select group below.
Among those to narrowly miss out were Isaac Kako, Joe Berry, Noah Mraz, Matt Whitlock, Jobe Shanahan, Harry O’Farrell, Lucas Camporeale, Sam Marshall and Harry Armstrong.
Here are the top prospects so far, in alphabetical order.
Bo Allan
Peel Thunder/Western Australia, midfielder/defender, 191cm, 16/2/2006
Key WAFL Colts stats (averages): 21 disposals, 6.5 inside-50s, 3 tackles
Allan is Western Australia’s best draft prospect in 2024, and his versatility and size are a big part of his appeal. He has proven he can be effective as a rebounding defender and winger, and is developing his midfield craft as well. Allan is a good athlete with a neat left-foot kick who has good pace off the mark for his size. As with some others on this list, Allan’s stock largely depends on how well he plays at the championships.
Shifter says: “He’s a strongly built and powerful athlete who had a good game on Harley Reid last year, which should hold him in good stead.”
Levi Ashcroft
Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro, midfielder, 179cm, 18/12/2006
Key Talent League stats (averages): 27.3 disposals, 5 clearances, 9.7 score involvements
The son of triple premiership-winning ex-Lion Marcus, Ashcroft is an ultra-consistent and goalkicking midfielder who can join his brother Will at Brisbane as a father-son prospect. He is rated a top-three talent and could hardly do more, after being an under-18 All-Australian last year and starting this season superbly. Ashcroft does not have the sheer size of a player such as Josh Smillie, but his professionalism and on-field smarts have him well-positioned to be an impact player from the get-go at AFL level.
Shifter says: “He’s probably the most natural footballer in the pool. He does all the fundamentals at an elite level, gets to the right spots, distributes brilliantly, is super consistent, and hasn’t missed a beat.”
Ben Camporeale
Glenelg/South Australia, midfielder/defender, 186cm, 21/7/2006
Key SANFL U18 stats (averages): 30 disposals, 5.8 clearances, 7.3 score involvements
The Carlton father-son prospect, whose dad Scott played 233 of his 252 games for the Blues, is poised to attract an opposition bid somewhere in the teens to early 20s. Camporeale, like his twin Lucas, who has a similar draft range, needs to tidy up his kicking, but can play an inside or outside midfield role, has no problem finding the Sherrin, is professional, runs harder than most and consistently performs.
Shifter says: “Ben’s the right-footer of the twins and your inside player, whereas his brother is better on the outside. Ben gets his nose over the ball, and has really grown in the last six months, including being best on ground on grand final day in the under-17s Futures game, which is always a good indicator of real talent.”
Sid Draper
South Adelaide/South Australia, midfielder, 182cm, 5/7/2006
Key SANFL stats (averages): 31 disposals, 9 inside-50s, 14 score involvements
A shin stress fracture sidelined Draper for an extended period, but he played and gathered 19 disposals in South Australia’s win over the Allies then had a strong game for South Adelaide at the weekend. Performed outstandingly for his state as a bottom-ager last year – winning team MVP and under-18 All-Australian honours – and is on track to be a top-five pick. Draper’s ability to navigate and burst through traffic is one of his best traits.
Shifter says: “He returned in the trial matches to get some game time under his belt, then played quite well last week in his first real full hitout in the midfield [post-injury]. He has an elite ability to get through traffic with his step and agility, and his decision-making by hand and foot is excellent.”
Jonty Faull
GWV Rebels/Vic Country, key forward, 195cm, 1/2/2006
Key Talent League stats (averages): 14 disposals, 4 marks, 5 goals
Faull returned from a long-term back injury for the Rebels on Saturday, kicking a game-high five goals after booting 13 in his final four matches of last season. There is an obsession with finding 200cm key-position players, and some recruiters point out that Faull is neither super tall nor quick, but others are enamoured with his athleticism, marking ability and goalkicking prowess. He could emerge as the best key forward in this class.
Shifter says: “It was an amazing return, given he hadn’t played for nine months. He’s kicked five lots of four goals or more in his past seven games going back to last year, which is a terrific effort. He’s a big, powerful kid, and his marking is his obvious strength. He reads the ball in the air so early … and is a good set shot. Whether he’s ready to play this week [for Vic Country] remains to be seen.”
Tom Gross
Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro, midfielder/forward, 181cm, 15/9/2006
Key Talent League stats (averages): 24.7 disposals, 4.7 tackles, 6.7 score involvements
Gross projects somewhere at the back end of this group, but is consistently likened to retired Crows star Rory Sloane, the type of player every club could do with. He might not be the most aesthetically pleasing player, but is tough, competitive, almost always gets the job done and can impact the game in the midfield and up forward. Recruiters would like him to finish his work in front of goal with greater efficiency, but he is tipped to have a long AFL career.
Shifter says: “Tommy is your hard-edged, competitive midfielder who has got explosive pace out of stoppage, which is a hell of an asset. He can play as a smaller forward as well. He’s had a consistent last 12 months, and his form has been very good and even dominant at times this year.”
Taj Hotton
Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro, midfielder/forward, 180cm, 17/6/2006
Key Talent League stats (averages): 28.7 disposals, 7.3 marks, 1.7 goals
Hotton’s blistering start to the season had him poised to be one of the draft’s biggest risers until he suffered a season-ending ACL rupture at training last month. He is the son of ex-Blue and Magpie Trent – but not father-son eligible – and brother of St Kilda’s Olli. Hotton is competitive, an excellent athlete with great marking ability, and has performed at both ends and in the middle. Recruiters felt he could have been a top-10 pick if not for his setback.
Shifter says: “Probably the best-performed player in the first month or so of the year, and that earned him a call-up to play for the AFL Academy, where he was dominant again against Coburg. Him doing his knee at training was a football tragedy, but he’s got the score on the board.”
Sam Lalor
GWV Rebels/Vic Country, midfielder/forward, 187cm, 30/8/2006
Key Talent League stats (averages): 20.3 disposals, 7.5 tackles, 4.5 clearances (2023 season)
Injuries have limited Lalor’s exposure this season, and there is significant interest in the sort of shape he will be in for the championships. He is a midfield bull who thrives in the contest with his hardness and competitiveness, which has drawn comparisons to Dustin Martin. There are durability concerns about Lalor, who is also a talented cricketer, and recruiters would like to see him involve himself more in transition.
Shifter says: “Sam’s played only a smidgen of school footy this year because of injuries to his foot then a quad. He’s a powerful beast, this boy, but we just need to see some performance, so hopefully that will unfold. He will be a bit underdone, but he looks an AFL type, and his best will come later in the year.”
Xavier Lindsay
Gippsland Power/Vic Country, midfielder/defender, 183cm, 3/8/2006
Key Talent League stats (averages): 26.2 disposals, 7 inside-50s, 6.6 clearances
There are scouts who consider Lindsay a top-15 talent. The word that keeps coming up about him is “reliable” and he is one whose championships performance will play a big role in where he fits. There is still debate about Lindsay’s best position at AFL level, given he has played all over the field, but he consistently delivers, is competitive, boasts a splash of class and has leadership qualities.
Shifter says: “A natural footballer with a beautiful left-foot kick who is a prolific ball-winner, playing on the wing or at half-back. He’s an elite reader of the play, and has put together a very consistent two or so years in front of scouts’ eyes.”
Leonardo Lombard
Gold Coast Suns Academy/Allies, midfielder, 178cm, 5/10/2006
Key Talent League stats (averages): 24.7 disposals, 13 contested possessions, 5.7 clearances
Back-to-back best-on-ground performance in the Allies’ first two championships games convinced the remaining doubters of Lombard’s bona fides. The Suns matched four first-round bids on academy prospects last year and will need to do so again with Lombard – potentially inside the top 10. He oozes energy and intensity, and his power, strength and relentless ball-hunting make for an impressive package. Lombard lacks polish at times, but has barely put a foot wrong.
Shifter says: “You can compare him to Touk Miller and Jake Rogers, from the same club. He’s a fall-of-the-ball player, very tough one-on-one, thrives in the contest, has clean hands and sets play up. He also plays with enormous spirit, and that travels right through your group.”
Christian Moraes
Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro, midfielder, 182cm, 11/8/2006
Key Talent League stats (averages): 25.7 disposals, 11.7 contested possessions, 1.5 goals
Moraes, who has a high-level basketball background, has one of the widest range of potential draft outcomes, with the view that he needs to perform well at the championships to be a top-10 pick. He is one of the most gifted footballers in this year’s crop, and was a standout as a bottom-ager last year but has not quite lived up to expectations in 2024. Recruiters love Moraes’ offensive game and game-breaking ability but want to see him improve defensively. There is also a belief he will require the right environment to thrive.
Shifter says: “He got an injury in one of the academy games, and carried it into the second one, so you can put those two games aside. He’s a prolific ball-winner, an elite runner – the running man of this group – works deep into defence, and has added goalkicking to his kitbag from working hard offensively.”
Charlie Nicholls
Central District/South Australia, key forward, 197cm, 8/6/2006
Key SANFL U18 stats (averages): 17 disposals, 8.3 marks, 2.2 goals
Nicholls is coming with a rush, and is now among this draft pool’s leading key forward prospects. He is an ideal size for his position and matches that with athleticism, great hands, and an ability to work hard up the ground and back. Nicholls’ excellent SANFL form has translated to national level, and recruiters noted how much more confidently he was playing in recent games and rave about his upside.
Shifter says: “We look forward to rating the key forwards in their 18th year. He reads the ball very early, which is a great advantage, and leads to him playing in front, and he has lovely soft hands. His marking is his best asset. He has not filled out yet, but he’s one of the more appealing tall forwards in the draft pool.”
Finn O’Sullivan
Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Country, midfielder, 182cm, 30/5/2006
Key Talent League stats (averages): 15 disposals, 5 clearances, 5 inside-50s
O’Sullivan’s had an interrupted season, firstly with a broken thumb and now a broken finger that will sideline him for the start of the championships. However, he remains a genuine contender to be the dux of this year’s class. Won the division one best and fairest award at under-16 level two years ago before earning under-18 All-Australian honours as a bottom-ager last year. Classy, clever, competitive and strong overhead, O’Sullivan is close to a flawless prospect. Something recruiters believe separates him is his willingness to defend.
Shifter says: “From the very first time we saw him at under-16 level – when he was best on ground – he showed an elite running ability, depth in his kicking, and his ball-winning ability stood out. He can mark the ball, has a good jump and step, and is a well-balanced individual as well.”
Josh Smillie
Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro, midfielder, 194cm, 17/5/2006
Key Talent League stats (averages): 27 disposals, 5.6 clearances, 1.6 goals
The Patrick Cripps comparisons are inevitable, and recruiters are enamoured with Smillie’s size, brute ball-winning ability and the impact he has up forward. The expectation is Smillie would be a difference-maker from his debut season. One talent scout described him as a generational talent, and he is the popular choice to be the No.1 pick. There was a knock on his transition running, but the consensus is he has made strides in that part of his game.
Shifter says: “He had a taste of nationals last year, and dominated in the midfield, then had a game this year, Eastern v Brisbane Lions Academy, and if anyone needs to see what a league footballer looks like, [that game was it]. He made the game look easy, and that’s what elite kids do at his size. He was also appointed captain of the Australian side as well, which is great recognition.”
Jagga Smith
Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro, midfielder, 181cm, 28/1/2006
Key Talent League stats (averages): 34.7 disposals, 14.7 contested possessions, 9.1 clearances
Smith has plenty of admirers, particularly with his rare ball-winning ability, which was highlighted in an extraordinary 50-disposal, 17-clearance feast against the Western Jets. His football IQ and lateral movement are among his strengths, but there are queries on his light frame, efficiency and lack of penetration with his kicking. Some recruiters think he might start his AFL career as a forward to protect him as his frame develops.
Shifter says: “He’s a rubber man; he’s so flexible, both winning the ball with his agility then with his ability to step out of a contested situation, bend his body, and find a teammate with a handpass. His performance chart has been super consistent – he rarely plays a poor game – he’s courageous, and has clean hands.”
Luke Trainor
Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro, key defender, 195cm, 4/10/2006
Key Talent League stats (averages): 20.5 disposals, 3 intercept marks, 5 rebound-50s
Trainor is the exception in a projected top 10 littered with on-ballers. His athleticism and toughness in aerial contests appeal to recruiters, along with how he boldly takes the game on with his kicking. Trainor is more of a Tom Stewart-type as a defender rather than someone who will be charged with playing on the opposition’s No.1 tall forward – but that is not a slight. That said, his one-on-one defending is an area he can improve in.
Shifter says: “He’s the biggest bolter in now being considered a very early prospect. He’s super athletic, has a wonderful, natural spring, then when he hits the deck, he runs quickly and kicks the ball well. After one of the academy games, a recruiter told me he could play next week in the AFL. I know it’s a throwaway line, but it indicates how ready this young man is.”
Jack Whitlock
Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country, key forward/ruck, 200cm, 16/5/2006
Key Talent League stats (averages): 15 disposals, 2 goals, 8 score involvements
There are varied opinions on this year’s best key-position prospects, but Whitlock has positioned himself as a likely first-round selection. His brother Matt is also rated highly. A hand injury interrupted his season, but Whitlock is back playing for the Bushies and will be ready for the championships. His size, athleticism, marking ability and competitiveness are big ticks, and recruiters are excited about his upside, even if he is still a tad raw.
Shifter says: “Sometimes you get an early glimpse, and with this boy, it was his first game of the year against Tassie, when he kicked four goals. I was dying to see a 200cm boy [break out]. He grabbed that match by the scruff of the neck, and worked his way into the first of the AFL Academy games. He and his twin brother will be much talked about this year, and look to have the capabilities to play at both ends of the ground
