We know it’s only January, but with some clubs already being written off for the season, it’s not too early to be looking ahead to some of the names that look certain to be called at this year’s AFL Draft.
Names like McGrath, Taranto, McCluggage and Brodie dominated the build up to last year’s draft, but who will be the young guns to keep an eye on this year?
Forum draft guru Grundog has cast his eye over the best of this year’s class, and arrived at his top 40 prospects to watch in 2017 (in no particular order).
Cam Rayner
Western Jets/Vic Metro
Medium Forward/Inside Midfielder
Height: 185 Weight: 84 kg D.O.B: 21/10/99
One of the most exciting players in the 2017 afl draft is this lad. Cam Rayner from the Western Jets is an explosive midfielder who has played forward most of the year despite his obvious midfield talents. An All Australian in the u15’s, Cam this year has shown of his forward exploits as a hard leading medium forward as well as kicking bags of goals from the half forward line for the Western Jets. This included a purple patch where he kicked bags of seven and five consecutively which really made a statement to recruiters as well as secured a spot in the Academy Level 2 squad. Cam Rayner next year is expected to transition into the midfield and become an explosive midfielder who kicks goals. Cam is a real force in the midfield as he can take the ball, burst from stoppages and kick goals for his game, a real game changer.
Joel Garner
Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro
Medium Utility
Height: 184 cm Weight: 78 kg D.O.B: 21/5/99
One of the classiest players in next years draft is this indigenous midfielder. Joel Garner from the Eastern Ranges is one of those players who makes things look easy when they have the ball. Whether it is a side step or a kick lace out on his non preferred, Joel does it with ease. This year Joel has had some really good games and some average games as a utility for the ranges. But it’s his good games which have recruiters excited. Garner is a true utility who can play multiple roles for a team as a player but looks likely to settle as an outside midfielder who can go forward at times for his team. Garner is just a player who can on his day be that match winner as he creates goal scoring opportunities at will and could be a match winner for a team down the track.
Patrick Naish
Northern Knights/Vic Metro
Outside Midfielder
Height: 180 cm Weight: 67 kg D.O.B: 15/1/99
The son of a former Port Adelaide and Richmond player, Patrick is one Tiger fans will be watching closely in 2017. The son of Chris Naish, Patrick Naish is starting to write his own tale as he strives to make it at the big time. A student at Ivanhoe Grammar, Naish is an outside midfielder who although isn’t quick by foot, is quick by mind. Naish is one of the smartest players in next year’s draft as he has an innate ability to find the ball on the outside. This is equally matched with his foot skills which are quite strong seeming as he often kicks running at full speed. Naish has been tried at half back during the year but looks most comfortable when he has the freedom to create from the wing. The Richmond father son prospect is one who looks likely to be a key player for them in the future as he adds some class and football smarts to their young list in 2017.
Ethan Penrith
Northern Knights/Vic Metro
Small Utility
Height: 179 cm Weight: 74 kg D.O.B: 24/10/99
One who has come from a fair way behind to being a strong prospect for 2017 is Ethan Penrith. After being snubbed from u16 Vic Metro selection in 2015, Ethan has taken it upon himself to make them regret their decision and has done so in a big fashion. This year Ethan has excelled as a rebounding small defender with a elite agility and the ability to run with the ball unlike many in the draft. This ability to cut games open allowed him not only get selected to play in the Vic Metro futures squad but a chance to perform on grand final day in the u17 All Stars game. In both games he showed off his trade mark run as well as some evasiveness which was jaw dropping to say the least. Penrith is one who i would love to see play on a wing or up forward as his evasiveness and run allowing him to potentially become a solid wingman or small forward at AFL level. Penrith is a player who can impact games with little possession and one whose x-factor is sure to attract recruiters.
Jack Higgins
Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro
Inside Midfielder/Small Forward
Height: 176 cm Weight: 73 kg D.O.B: 19/3/99
The ball magnet of the draft, Jack Higgins has been a dominant force for a while now. After a super u16 championships which he was named the best player for the carnival, Higgins has replicated that form at u18 level as a bottom ager. This year for both Oakleigh and Metro, Higgins has showed everyone that he not only has the ball on a string but on a bungee cord the way it gets back to him. Higgins even on the biggest stage in the u17 All Stars match also performed with a 24 disposals effort as well as five scoring shots. Higgins can also play plausibly as a small forward as his overhead marking and goal kicking ability allow him to be even more damaging as a prospect. The main concern I have with Higgins is his footskills and his height which although alright is going to below the safe 180 mark for a player like Higgins. Higgins is a ball winner, goal kicker and a consistent performer for his team.
Sam Hayes
Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro
Ruckman/Key Forward
Height: 200 cm Weight: 90 kg D.O.B: 9/6/99
Another top prospect for the 2018 AFL draft is this ruck forward from the Eastern Ranges. A former u16 Vic Metro player, Sam Hayes with a growth spurt became one of the best TAC cup ruckman and impressed as a bottom ager for Vic Metro as a key forward. Sam at both TAC cup and national championships level was great tap ruckman but also showed some ability to play forward at times like he did in the last two games for Vic Metro. Sam as a ruckman provides a force in the air and can make an impact on games similar to that of Kurt Tippett as a player. There are questions surrounding his ability to cover the ground and his foot skills need work but has the raw tools to be a very solid ruckman at AFL level.
Noah Balta
Calder Cannons/Vic Metro
Key Position Utility
Height: 193 cm Weight: 88 kg D.O.B: 23/10/99
One of the lesser known talls in next years draft, Noah Balta is not one to be underestimated. After spending most of his junior career as a midfielder, a five centimeter growth spurt has seen him become a key position player at 193 cm. This year Noah Balta has shown that he is athletic and has plenty of skills which have allowed him to become one of the best bottom age swingman this year. This was on full display in a state academy futures game for which he was the best on ground player playing the first half as a intercepting defender then got swung forward in the second half. One to watch for the Calder Cannons as he is their best prospect for 2018.
Jaidyn Stephenson
Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro
Medium Forward/Balanced Midfielder
Height: 188 cm Weight: 76 kg D.O.B: 15/1/99
Another member of the Ranges 2015 premiership side, Stephenson is one of the best players in the draft crop. After kicking 10 goals in 5 TAC cup games in 2015 as a 15 year old, Jaidyn shown once again why he’s so highly rated. This year from both Vic Metro and Eastern, Stephenson has showed that he is close to the best forward in next years draft. For the Eastern Ranges alone he has kicked 23 goals in 11 games and also showed on occasion he can move up the ground. Jaidyn may look to move up the ground as he did in the u16s but will probably remain up forward where he looks extremely dangerous. Jaidyn has a turn of pace, is great overhead and has shown a capacity to kicks bags of goals.
Tom De Koning
Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country
Key Forward/Ruck
Height: 198 cm Weight: 79 kg D.O.B: 16/7/99
Although not a player well known at this point, De Koning is definitely one to watch for the Stingrays. After a massive 5 cm growth spurt in a year, Tom has gone from a undersized key forward to a fully fledged ruck forward this year. For Dandenong this year, De Koning has had an up and down year as a player but has done enough to go from an omission in the u16 Vic Country team to an AIS player on the back of a massive game and enough potential to excite clubs. This game i speak of is one where he kicked nine goals against the Northern Knights, a game which gave clubs a glimpse of a player who could wreak havoc on teams in the future. De Koning is also very slight at the moment as he is only 79 kg and often flashes in and out of games this year. With De Koning, recruiters will be thinking of the player they may get in the three years and not the player you will get in 2018.
Oscar Clavarino
Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country
Key Defender
Height: 194 cm Weight: 80 kg D.O.B: 22/5/99
The marquee key defender for the draft, Clavarino is a rock in defense. A player who has been on the radar of recruiters for a while, Clavarino has stepped up to the speed of TAC cup football and held down a key post all year. This year for Dandenong and Vic Country, Clavarino has showed that he can both stop and also provide a rebounding target on the way out. Oscar loves to intercept the football at every opportunity but definitely knows when it’s best to fist the ball out of play. Oscar is just the all round key defender with a great mix of stopping, rebounding and intercepting which makes him one of the most influential players on the ground no matter the situation.
Luke Davies-Uniacke
Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country
Inside Midfielder
Height: 187 cm Weight: 86 kg D.O.B: 8/6/99
The mystery man for the 2017 AFL draft is one who you can underestimate. After an incredible u15 schoolboys championships where he was named the best player for the carnival, Luke has faced some injury issues the last two years. These issues combined with school football commitments at Haileybury have limited the exposure recruiters get when looking at him playing against the best players in the state. Despite this, Luke played some very good football in his three total games at rep level including a very strong game against the Allies in the u18 Championships. Luke Davies-Uniacke is your prototype big bodied midfielder and unlike many other inside midfielder, has great foot skills to match his contested ball winning ability.
Hunter Clark
Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country
Balanced Midfielder/Half-back
Height: 186 cm Weight: 79 kg D.O.B: 26/3/99
One of the toughest players in next years draft and also one of the most skilled, Hunter Clark is one who has certainly caught the eye. The 2015 Vic Country MVP, Clark is one who has added some versatility to his game as a bottom ager. After being used mostly as a midfielder in the juniors, Clark has developed into a capable backman this year for both Vic Country and Dandenong but is sure to go back into the midfield for 2017. Dual sided and fearless when the ball is up for grabs, Clark is one who can lead by example for his team could be a leader in the future. Versatile, tough and skill make Clark very appealing as a prospect and could could end up being the pick of the draft.
James Worpel
Geelong Falcons/Vic Country
Inside Midfielder
Height: 185 cm Weight:82 kg D.O.B: 24/1/99
Another from the Geelong football factory, James is as tough as they come. After a playing some amazing football for both the Geelong Falcons and the Vic Country u18’s, James has really stamped himself as one of the best midfielders in the 2018 draft. He has shown at both levels that he is a force to be reckoned with in the guts and a player who has toughness which is unmatched in the 2018 crop. James Worpel excels in the clearances, tackles hard and has strength which is unstoppable in the middle. This strength and clearance work make him one of the most influential players on games as he i often the one feeding it to outside runners. Worpel’s disposal could use some work but is overall pretty good for an inside player. Tough and uncompromising, this is what you get with a player like James.
Lochie O’Brien
Bendigo Pioneers/Vic Country
Outside Midfielder
Height: 184 cm Weight: 74 kg D.O.B: 18/9/99
Another candidate for the number one pick is this outside midfielder. From Mildura, Lochie O’Brien is a class act with ball in hand and has speed to burn on the outside. This year, O’Brien has been a standout at every level and has shown that he can step up when the pressure is on. As a midfielder O’Brien is a great kick and loves to break games open with his speed. This was on full display in the u17 All Stars game where he gathered 20 disposals and kicked two goals from the wing. Something I would like to see is him tried as an inside midfielder as I think he could become even more dangerous in the guts and add another dimension which is missing from his game, contested ball winning. The LOB has breakneck speed, devastating foot skills and enough potential to warrant a high selection in 2017.
Changkuoth Jiath
Gippsland Power/Vic Country
Medium Forward/Outside Midfielder
Height: 184 cm Weight: 71 kg D.O.B: 13/6/99
From a Sudanese background, there is a good chance that the affectionately known CJ could be the best multicultural player to come through the juniors to date. A late addition the the AFL Academy, CJ has been involved in state talent programs since the u15 schoolboys where he impressed up forward. CJ since then has represented his state every year and has now been recognized for his efforts by being added to the Academy. CJ at his best provides tons of x-factor as he is evasive and has the ability up forward and in the midfield to kick goals. CJ, who boards at Xavier college, has still got plenty of room to grow as a player as he is still only skinny at 71 kg and is yet to refine his game sense. CJ is sure to be the first multicultural player taken in 2017 and with his skills, why wouldn’t you take a player with a ceiling like him.
Aiden Quigley
Gippsland Power/Vic Country
Medium Utility
Height: 183 cm Weight: 72 kg D.O.B: 7/6/99
One who may have slid down the rankings as a prospect but shouldn’t be underestimated. After an amazing u16 championships which he lead the carnival goalkicking, the Gipplsand product has an up and down year. This year at Gippsland we have seen Quigley play as a defender and although he didn’t play to the standard we expect, his output was still very strong. Aiden as a prospect is extremely versatile and has flashes which make you believe that he can make it at AFL level. It may be quick flashes at this point but with more midfield time and potentially a role in the forward line for Vic Country, Quigley could launch himself into top 10 calculations.
Jordan Johnston
North Ballarat Rebels/Vic Country
Medium Forward
Height: 182 cm Weight: 72 kg D.O.B: 9/9/99
Arguably the best North Ballarat Rebel eligible for the 2017 draft, Jordan Johnston is a different kettle of fish. Jordan Johnston of the North Ballarat Rebels was a mostly unknown player until earlier this where he quickly announced himself to recruiters for the Rebels. Johnston, who finished second in the North Ballarat Rebels goalkicking, this year kicked a staggering 26 goals from his 15 games including a massive seven goal haul against the 2016 premiership side, the Sandringham Dragons. Jordan Johnston although his small stature has an amazing ability to be a reliable scoring option for his team and one who always finds an avenue to goal. Jordan is a known goal kicker and one who you can rely on to kick bags, week in week out.
Kane Farrell
Bendigo Pioneers/Vic Country
Outside Midfielder/Small Defender
Height: 180 cm Weight: 72 kg D.O.B:
The best kick in the draft is this left footer from Central Victoria. Kane Farrell from the Bendigo Pioneers has been the standout kick of the draft for a few years now and it has been on full display this year. Spending the year mostly at halfback, Kane has shown off his super boot on a multitude of occasions as has shown an ability to kick the football better than most. This has allowed Kane to develop into a play maker in defense like a Suckling as his kick often sets up the game from the back half. Kane will be looking to move onto the wing next year and with a bigger body could become an inside midfielder. Farrell has some of the best foot skills I have seen since Riley Bonner as he can devastate teams with his ability to hit targets.
Tyrone Hayes
Gippsland Power/Vic Country
Small Forward/Outside Midfielder
Height: 175 cm Weight: 70 kg D.O.B: 27/4/99
A small indigenous midfielder from Far East Victoria, Tyrone has been up there with the best in the small forward position. Tyrone Hayes who plays TAC cup football for the Gippsland Power has been a standout player ever since his amazing championships alongside academy teammate Joel Garner in which he was named their MVP for the Boomerangs. Since then Hayes has dominated at every chance he has been given and although he can play a variety of positions he seems most comfortable around the wings or as a small forward. This was on full display in a game against New Zealand for which he kicked four goals and showed his evasive exploits across the half forward line. Tyrone has elite agility and skills to match as he looks to lead the Gippsland side in 2017.
Callum Coleman-Jones
Sturt/South Australia
Ruckman
Height: 199 cm Weight: 98 kg D.O.B: 13/6/99
The best pure ruckman in the draft is this lad. After dominating SANFL u18’s and showing off his forward exploits, CCJ has set himself apart from the rest of the other ruckman in his draft class. At 199 cm and already 98 kg, Coleman-Jones took the helm as Sturts number one ruckman in the u18’s and was rarely beaten in the ruck during the season. CCJ is an amazing ruckman to watch as he covers the ground unlike most and plays like an extra midfielder. In the air he is also a strong mark which has allowed him to develop a forward game which was a shock for many draft watchers. His kicking is shaky at times but has improved considerably since the start of the year. Callum Coleman-Jones is the modern ruckman as he covers the ground like a midfielder, is an elite mark overhead and has tapwork which is unmatched in the 2017 draft.
Nathan Krueger
South Adelaide/South Australia
Tall Utility
Height: 194 cm Weight: 84 cm D.O.B: 25/6/99
Mobile, tall and a ceiling so high it would touch the clouds, Krueger is something special. Nathan Krueger is a roaming third tall who has shown a knack for rebounding the football down back and kicking bags of goals up forward. Kruegers mobility and skill at 194 cm is a sight to behold and something that earnt him a call up to play in a state trial game for the SA state academy and an u17 All STars invitation. At both games he was one of their best players and showed that he is well and truely amongst the best of the draft. Krueger next year will most likely play in defense but could play some time up forward or even run through the midfield as his mobility allows him to. A tall with a lot of tricks, Nathan with his blonde mop of hair is sure to standout.
Darcy Fogarty
Glenelg/South Australia
Inside Midfielder/Key Forward
Height: 190 cm Weight: 86 kg D.O.B: 25/9/99
Powerful is a word that comes to mind when thinking of Darcy Fogarty. Darcy has been a standout at every level this year and has shown off his versatility for both the SANFL u18’s and the South Australian u18’s. As a key forward Darcy Fogarty provides an extremely strong marking target and then can go into the midfield and provide some explosiveness in an instant. This ability to go into the midfield as well as play as a key forward reminds me of a young Jake Stringer as his power and marking prowess allowed him to roam up the ground as well as play deep. Fogarty is one who might make a case for the number one pick and one who is definitely in the mix at the moment.
Andrew McPherson
Woodville West-Torrens/South Australia
Outside Midfielder/Medium Defender
Height: 184 cm Weight: 77 kg D.O.B: 5/3/99
McPherson is the name, speed is his game. Andrew McPherson this year has gone from not only a state representative at u16 level but a top prospect for 2017. This year, McPherson has defied all odds by being a consistent member of Brenton Phillips’ team despite his strict policy on bottom agers. This bypass of his policy not only put recruiters on notice to his talents but allowed him to grow as a player. At club level he has even had a taste of senior footy, playing reserves on six occasions. McPherson is as speed as they come and is that metres gained man for his side. He’s a player who can take the ball, go for a run and then hit a teammate lace out which often leads to a score for his team.
Jackson Edwards
Glenelg/South Australia
Balanced Midfielder
Height: 184 cm Weight: 72 kg D.O.B: 11/10/99
The son of Adelaide legend Tyson Edwards has shown the skill and poise of his old man. Jackson Edwards although the massive weight on his shoulder has risen above the critics and put himself amongst the best of next years midfielder. After a mediocre u16 Championships, Edwards has stepped up and shown at club level he is well and truly amongst the best of his state. This year Jackson playing for Glenelg at both u18 and reserves level has shown some poise and a piercing left foot. Expect Edwards to play SANFL seniors next year and to be one of their leading midfielders in the u18 championships. The Adelaide Crows are going to take this kid no matter what and will under the spotlight for sure in 2017.
Stefan Giro
Norwood/South Australia
Balanced Midfielder
Height: 177 cm Weight: 70 kg D.O.B: 10/3/99
Norwood may have produced South Australia’s answer to Billy Hartung with this kid. Stefan Giro is just your pure speed machine with a great mix of endurance, speed and ball winning which is unmatched in this years draft. This year for Norwood, Stefan has developed into a star ball winner with him gathering 40 disposals most weeks. This ball winning prowess through the year was also rewarded with eight reserves games and an Maccas Cup MVP award after a standout year in the u18’s including a 44 disposal and four goal game against West Adelaide. This preseason he has won the league 2km time trial and looks likely to play seniors most of the year. Giro is you classic pocket rocket in the midfield and has enough runs on the board to make me believe that he can have a massive year in 2017.
Jake Patmore
Claremont/Western Australia
Outside Midfielder/Small Defender
Height: 180 cm Weight: 72 kg D.O.B: 29/1/99
Western Australia’s best prospect might this quiet achiever from the Claremont. Jake Patmore from Claremont is an indigenous outside midfielder with great skill and also has some underly versatility which will hold him in great stead. Jake this year has played at both the u18 championships and in the WAFL colts in a variety of roles and has showcased his underlying talents. Next year I would expect Jake to play up on a wing at state level like he has at colts level where he averaged 19 disposals. Jake Patmore is extremely classy, has some evasive tricks and is likely to be Western Australia’s first player drafted come november.
Nathan Richards
GWS Academy/NSW-ACT
Ruckman
Height: 198 cm Weight: 99 kg D.O.B: 1/2/99
Another ruck prospect for the 2017 draft is a true giant. Nathan Richards from country New South Wales is a man mountain ruckman whose best talents include his marking strength and footskills. This year Richards has defied the odds to not only represent his state but also play for the Allies team as a taller player amongst the likes of Max Lynch and Todd Marshall. Nathan Richards is a massive body already at 99 kg and has used it to aid his aerial exploits as he is a very strong contested mark and has tap work which is close to the best in this draft class. Richards’ kicking is also a strength of his as he can hit targets better than other talls in the draft. Richards’ strength and skill are sure to impress clubs as they look for the next dominant ruckman in the AFL.
Alex Paech
Murray Bushrangers/GWS Academy/NSW-ACT
Key Position Utility
Height: 195 cm Weight: 104 kg D.O.B: 17/6/99
Another man mountain from the GWS Giants Academy. Alex Paech from the Murray Bushrangers despite his up and down year has shown enough to have me excited going forward. This year Paech has played as a tall utility with stints up forward, down back and through the midfield. What has allowed him to do this is his skills and his ability to get get physical with his massive frame. Next year Alex could end up playing at both ends of the ground but is more then likely to play in defense for the Bushrangers, NSW-ACT and for the Allies. Paech’s biggest knock is his mobility at 104 kg but with some more conditioning could become a greater offensive threat with his skills already being up there with the best for talls. Alex Paech despite his conditioning issues is a great prospect and one who is sure to impress at every opportunity in 2017.
Jarrod Brander
Bendigo Pioneers/GWS Academy/NSW-ACT
Key Forward
Height: 193 cm Weight: 93 kg D.O.B: 11/2/99
Probably the most likely candidate for the number one pick for 2017, Brander is one who has star written all over him. Brander is a tall forward who has a lot of raw talent and has shown despite his slight frame that he can dominate games. After a stunning u16 campaign, this year Brander has been cruelled by injury for the most part of the year. But when Brander got onto the park it’s not hard to see why he’s so highly rated. This was on show in the u17 All Stars game on Grand Final morning where he impressed as a centre half forward for his team. Brander next year could be playing for the Geelong Falcons alongside Patrick Dow who from all accounts has moved from Bendigo to Geelong. Brander is mobile, strong in the air and has is a player who draws the football towards him up forward.
Jack Powell
Canberra Demons/GWS Academy/NSW-ACT
Inside Midfielder/Small Forward
Height: 179 cm Weight: 73 kg D.O.B: 15/7/99
Another midfielder from the Giants academy is not only the first ACT player drafted next year but one who is arguably better than the likes of Jack Steele and Harrison Himmelberg. Jack Powell from the Canberra Demons has been talked up by many for a few years now and has really set himself apart from other midfielders in the draft. This year Powell has developed from his forward role in the u16’s into a tough uncompromising midfielder. This was on full display at the Division 2 Championships where he averaged 18 disposals. Powell late in the season also got to experience senior football for the GWS GIants and the Canberra Demons in the NEAFL Jack Powell is your true midfielder forward as he can regularly kick goals from the guts, win clearances and could be a game changer in 2017.
Thomas Schmusch
Woodville-West Torrens/South Australia
Key Defender
Height: 194 cm Weight: 81 kg D.O.B: 5/3/99
When it comes to defence, Schmusch gets the job done. Thomas Schmusch from Woodville-West Torrens has been highly touted as a defensive prospect and one who could surprise many this year. A member of the AFL Academy, Tom has taken a uber defensive approach to how he plays the key defensive post and has shown that when under pressure he is composed with his skills and temperament. This ability to not only shut down but keep his calm when the pressure is applied makes Schmusch one of the hardest players to play as a key forward. Schmusch’s rebounding is something i expect him to approve on as he becomes one of the best key defenders in the draft. Schmusch is a player a team can rely on to beat the opposition’s best forward and do it well.
Charlie Spargo
Murray Bushrangers/GWS Academy/NSW-ACT
Inside Midfielder/Small Forward
Height: 175 cm Weight: 75 kg D.O.B: 25/11/99
The pint sized pocket rocket from the Murray Bushrangers makes up for what he lacks in height he makes up for in skill and poise. After one of the best u16 championships in recent memory, Spargo learnt some new tricks playing as a small forward with stints in the midfield this year. Charlie Spargo has done all he could this year to put himself in the best position for the 2017 draft. This year Spargo has played for both NSW-ACT and the newly formed Allies side despite being a bottom ager. At both level he impressed with his willingness to work and have an impact on games with his best game coming in a TAC cup grand final which he gathered . Charlie Spargo has superstar written all over him and will be a steal for the GWS academy come draft night 2017.
Lachlan Fogarty
Western Jets/Vic Metro
Balanced Midfielder
Height: 179 cm Weight: 73 kg D.O.B; 1/4/99
The former u16 Vic Metro MVP has been well hidden this year in school football. Lachlan Fogarty from the Western Jets is a nippy small midfielder who works hard both ways and finds the ball to great effect. A star at u16 level, Fogarty this year has played only a handful of games at rep level with his year spent mostly at St. Kevins college. But on the rare occasion he did get to play at rep level, he sure did impress. Fogarty in the midfield is a player who puts lots of pressure on the opposition and can also dart away from the opposition before they even know what hit them. Lachlan Fogarty is close to the most dominant midfielder in the draft and will most likely lead the Western midfield in 2017.
Jordan Houlahan
Sturt/South Australia
Medium Forward
Height: 185 cm Weight: 73 kg D.O.B: 19/1/99
This Sturt high-flyer is one of the best sharpshooters in the 2017 draft. Jordan Houlahan from Sturt has been a quiet achiever this year and one who could shoot up the rankings with a big year in 2017. This year we have seen Jordan develop into one of the most consistent forwards in the SANFL u18’s. This year Houlahan kicked 29 goals from his 15 games and even played in Brenton Phillips’ team for a game as a bottom ager. Jordan Houlahan as a forward provides an elite overhead mark and is uber athletic when playing up forward. Jordan Houlahan is a human highlight reel up forward and one who may move up the ground with a greater endurance base in 2017.
Hayden McLean
Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
Key Forward
Height: 196 cm Weight: 91 kg D.O.B: 20/1/99
A member of the Sandringham Dragons premiership team, McLean could end up being one of best talls in the 2017 draft. Hayden McLean from the Sandringham Dragons is a key forward who thrives on crashing packs and taking amazing contested marks.Hayden’s first year in the TAC cup system has been one of immense improvement after not even making Sandringham u16’s in 2015 to being a key player in the TAC cup grand final against the Murray Bushrangers. Hayden kicked 27 goals from 19 games this year and has shown a willingness to throw his 196 cm, 91 kg frame around when the opportunity presents. Hayden McLean is a scary prospect up forward as his strength allows him to not only take marks and kick goals, but often determine the result of games.
Harry Simington
Gold Coast Academy/Queensland
Medium Forward/Defender
Height: 188 cm Weight: 87 kg D.O.B: 28/3/99
Another prospect to watch from Queensland is this rangy utility from the Gold Coast. Harry Simington who plays local football for Labrador is a high flying medium utility with strong hands and great versatility. This year Simington has been quite well hidden as he has only played one game for his state but has performed extremely well for the Gold Coast NEAFL team. This form was so good in fact that he earnt a spot in the u17 All Stars game where he played against the best of the best. Simington has impressed scouts with his ability to play at both ends of the ground and has shown some strong hands in the air. Harry Simington is a special plauyer who at either end of the ground, can play a role for a team and play it well.
Brayden Crossley
Gold Coast Academy/Queensland
Ruckman/Key Forward
Height: 198 cm Weight: 100 kg D.O.B: 16/8/99
The Suns academy have found a real gem with this monster. Brayden Crossley, the son of Southport legend Troy, has bounced back after a frustrating 2015 season which he just missed AFL Academy selection despite being one of their best players during the carnival. This year Brayden has developed into one of the best ruckman for the 2017 draft and is being groomed by the Suns academy as a potential key forward. Brayden as a ruckman provides some real strength and physicality which is yet to be matched by any other tall in this years draft as well as providing some marking strength up forward. Brayden Crossley is a monster of a lad who has the physicality and strength to play AFL as soon as he is drafted.
Jack Clayton
Brisbane Academy/Queensland
Medium Defender
Height: 184 cm Weight: 74 kg D.O.B: 25/2/99
One of the true leaders of the 2017 draft crop. Jack Clayton, son of Scott, is a skillful half back with excellent foot skills and a character which has been praised by the likes of Kevin Sheahan. This year Jack has played in defense the whole year and has shown for both his state and against men in the NEAFL that he is well and truly ready for AFL as a half back with his kicking and game sense setting apart from others in the draft. A former state cricketer, Jack has also shown that he is a gentleman off the field and could end up captaining his state and potentially the AFL Academy. Jack Clayton is a class act on and off the field is a class act and a player who can on his day damage the opposition on the rebound.
Conner Ballenden
Brisbane Academy/Queensland
Key Forward
Height: 198 cm Weight: 95 kg D.O.B: 21/3/99
Another candidate for the top pick, Ballenden is sure to have lions fans salivating. After an amazing u16 championships where he won the state’s MVP award and kicked six goals in three games, Ballenden went to a whole new level this year. Ballenden this year has had a great year ad an underage key forward as he played at state level as well as playing for the Allies this year. Ballenden is your true power forward and has shown an ability to take games by the throat at times. Ballenden is one of the best one on one tall forwards in next year’s draft as he can beat his opponent, kick a bag and has the potential to become a 50+ goal player for the lions in the future.
Dominic Grant
NT Thunder/Northern Territory
Inside Midfielder
Height: 189 cm Weight: 77 kg D.O.B: 29/1/99
One of the contested beasts of the 2017 draft is this tall midfielder from the top end. Dominic Grant from the Northern Territory is a contested beast who thrives on the tough stuff as well as providing some class up forward. Dom has had an up and down year this year as a midfielder with patches of extremely strong form and some really poor games. Although clubs won’t forget about his bad games, his best games this year has been extremely strong as he has developed into one of the the best clearance midfielders for the 2017 draft. In the guts he provides a real strong presence as his big frame allows him to win clearances and some agility to weave out of traffic when required. His kicking at the moment is quite scratchy but has shown enough to give me the confidence that clubs will take a punt on this raw indigenous midfielder. Dominic Grant is a player who can step up when the game gets tough and could eventually be a player a team could rely on to win his own football consistently.
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