Press Release::
AFL Talent Ambassador Kevin Sheehan has released profiles on the top midfielders in the 2024 Telstra AFL Draft pool.
The group includes some of the most highly-touted players in this year’s Draft crop.
Ten members of the 2024 Marsh AFL National Championships All Australian team are featured, including Larke Medal winners Harvey Langford and Leo Lombard, captain Jagga Smith, Bo Allan, Levi Ashcroft, Ben Camporeale, Sid Draper, Tom Gross, Sam Marshall and Murphy Reid.
Sheehan’s player profiles have been released in positional groups each week ahead of the Draft.
All players profiled attended the 2024 Telstra AFL Draft Combine or 2024 Telstra AFL State Draft Combine in October.
The 2024 Telstra AFL Draft will be held on Wednesday, November 20 and Thursday, November 21. The 2024 Telstra AFL Rookie Draft will follow on Friday, November 22.
Keep updated with all the latest news ahead of the 2024 Telstra AFL Draft at the AFL Draft Hub.
NATIONAL DRAFT COMBINE
Bo Allan
State: Western Australia
State League: Peel Thunder
Community Club: Halls Head
Date of Birth: 16/02/2006
Height: 191cm
A left-foot midfielder and defender with a real competitive edge. Has shown he can play very tight and provide run from defence, as well as having the capability of playing inside or outside in the midfield. He used his contested ball-winning ability and speed to provide consistent drive for Western Australia at the Marsh AFL National Championships, averaging 20 disposals (7.3 contested), 3.7 clearances and six tackles. Was among his team’s better players against both Victoria Metro and Country and was rewarded with All Australian selection. He handled the step up to senior State League level impressively for Peel Thunder, capping off an excellent year as a WAFL premiership player. He played 11 senior matches, averaging 12 disposals and six tackles. Was very impressive at testing at the national Draft Combine, finishing second on the running vertical jump (92cm) and fourth for the agility test (7.94 seconds), while his speed (2.99 seconds on the 20m sprint) was also in the top bracket.
Cody Anderson
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Eastern Ranges
Community Club: Healesville
Date of Birth: 30/01/2006
Height: 183cm
Medium-sized midfielder who is a real competitive beast with his contested ball-winning ability, particularly around stoppages. Has been a prolific ball winner for the Eastern Ranges in the Coates Talent League over the past two years. He averaged 23 disposals (12 contested), six clearances and six tackles in 11 matches this season. Earned his way into the Victoria Metro team for the match against South Australia but unfortunately suffered an ankle injury early in the match which ruled him out of the remainder of the National Championships. Returned for the final couple of matches for the Ranges, with his good form continuing to finish joint runner up in their best and fairest award. Is a member of Hawthorn’s Next Generation Academy and showed a sharp turn of foot at the Draft Combine, producing a time of 3.02 seconds in the 20m sprint.
Cody Angove
State: Western Australia
State League Club: Claremont
Community Club: Scarborough
Date of Birth: 28/05/2006
Height: 182cm
A midfielder and high half forward with an exciting athletic profile. Has a combination of speed and endurance, which together with his footy smarts allows him to win the ball and impact games. Had an interrupted start to the year due to a leg injury but returned to play all four games for Western Australia at the National Championships, averaging 12 disposals and being amongst his team’s best in the narrow loss to Victoria Country. A neat distributor by hand and foot, he averaged 18.3 disposals and kicked 11 goals in 10 games at Colts level for Claremont. He was among the Tigers’ best in their Grand Final win which saw him become a back-to-back premiership player. Performed well on the agility test (8.21 seconds) and 2km time trial (6:28) at the national Draft Combine.
Levi Ashcroft
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Sandringham Dragons
Community Club: Old Brighton Grammarians
Date of Birth: 18/12/2006
Height: 179cm
A midfielder/forward who uses his footy nous and clean hands to create for his teammates. Also has an elite work rate and is an excellent decision-maker with ball in hand. Has a remarkable underage record, being a triple Coates Talent League premiership player with the Sandringham Dragons as well as a back-to-back All Australian. Was dominant in the National Championships win over the Allies and also produced strong performances against South Australia and Western Australia. Averaged 25.5 disposals at 73 per cent efficiency to lead Victoria Metro to the title and added to his outstanding year by averaging 31.5 disposals across two matches for the Australia U18 team against VFL opponents Coburg and Footscray, being awarded the best player medal against the latter. Finished his underage career with a stellar performance in the Coates Talent League Grand Final, picking up 29 disposals and kicking three goals to be one of the best afield in the Dragons’ win over the GWV Rebels before winning his team’s best and fairest award. Is the son of Brisbane Lions triple premiership player Marcus and has formally agreed to join the Lions as a father-son selection where he will join his brother and 2024 Norm Smith Medal winner, Will. Did not test at the Draft Combine after having a shoulder procedure at season’s end.
Ben Camporeale
State: South Australia
State League Club: Glenelg
Community Club: Brighton Districts & Old Scholars
Date of Birth: 21/07/2006
Height: 186cm
A midfielder/defender who can play both inside and outside and use his athleticism and footy smarts to be a prolific ball winner. Used his hard running and contested ball-winning ability to open up the play and drive South Australia forward at the National Championships, where he was model of consistency in averaging 26.8 disposals (10 contested), 4.5 clearances and 3.8 tackles to win his side’s MVP award as well as All Australian honours. He also handled the step up to senior level comfortably, impressing for the Australia U18s team against VFL opponents earlier in the year. Dominated in the SANFL U18 competition, averaging 31.7 disposals in six matches to be crowned a joint winner of the McCallum Tomkins Medal as the competition’s best and fairest player. Along with twin brother Lucas, he is eligible to join Carlton as a father-son selection in this year’s Draft as the son of former star Scott, who played 233 of his 252 AFL games for the Blues. Did not test at the Draft Combine due to a hamstring injury.
Lucas Camporeale
State: South Australia
State League Club: Glenelg
Community Club: Brighton Districts & Old Scholars
Date of Birth: 21/07/2006
Height: 184cm
A wingman who covers the ground well with his athleticism and work rate and is a consistent ball winner. A stylish user of the ball on his preferred left foot, he has been prominent since earning All Australian honours at under-16 level in 2022. Was a member of the Marsh AFL National Academy this year and was at his best in the first of two matches for the Australia U18 team, gathering 26 disposals against Coburg at IKON Park. Continued to win plenty of the footy in the National Championships for South Australia, averaging 20.8 disposals at 71 per cent efficiency. Along with twin brother Ben, is eligible to join Carlton as a father-son selection in this year’s Draft. Tested impressively at the national Draft Combine with his running vertical jump of 91cm and 6:27 for the 2km time trial clear indications of his power and endurance.
Sid Draper
State: South Australia
State League Club: South Adelaide
Community Club: Willunga
Date of Birth: 05/07/2006
Height: 182cm
A powerful midfielder with line-breaking speed and elite agility which enable him to step out of congestion to open the game from stoppages. Showed resilience to overcome an injury-interrupted start to this season after battling stress fractures in his shins. Returned just before the National Championships and was able to perform well, averaging 21 disposals (eight contested) at 76.2 per cent efficiency, along with 3.8 clearances to become a back-to-back All Australian at under-18 level. Continued his good form at senior level, playing the final six matches of the year and averaging 22.2 disposals (12 contested), five clearances and six tackles to show his top end talent. Was the winner of the 2023 AFL Life Members Scholarship following the likes of recent winners Lachie Whitfield, Sam Walsh, Hayden Young and Harley Reid. Did not test at the Draft Combine while managing a back ailment.
Tom Gross
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Oakleigh Chargers
Community Club: Kew Rovers
Date of Birth: 15/09/2006
Height: 181cm
A medium midfielder and forward with a sharp competitive edge and burst out of stoppage who can play on the outside as well as the inside. Impressed for the Australian U18 team against Coburg early in the year, recording 21 touches in a forward and midfield role which gave him a sound preparation for the National Championships. Was outstanding on the wing for Victoria Metro against South Australia and was one of the most consistent players throughout the Championships for the title winners, averaging 20 disposals, 3.5 tackles and three clearances to earn All Australian honours. Continued to show his potential in eight games for the Oakleigh Chargers in the Coates Talent League, averaging 22.3 disposals (eight contested) as he shared his playing commitments between club and school football for Trinity Grammar.
Phoenix Hargrave
State: South Australia
State League Club: South Adelaide
Community Club: Reynella
Date of Birth: 15/09/2006
Height: 181cm
A midfielder/forward who is extremely strong in the contest and wins plenty of contested ball. He won the MVP award in the SANFL U18 competition last year as a 16-year-old and played an important role in South Adelaide’s premiership campaign. Was a consistent ball winner for South Australia at this year’s National Championships, averaging 19 disposals across the four matches which included being his team’s best player against eventual title winners Victoria Metro. Made a strong start to his senior career, playing six matches at the back end of the year where he averaged 15 disposals. Showcased his strong work rate and endurance with a solid time of 6:39 in the 2km time trial at the Draft Combine.
Will Hayes
State: Western Australia
State League Club: Claremont
Community Club: Subiaco
Date of Birth: 16/05/2006
Height: 180cm
A wingman or small forward who has pace and a neat step through traffic. Although lightly-framed, he is a beautifully balanced player with a touch of class and distributes the ball neatly and with penetration on both feet. He played all four matches for Western Australia at the National Championships, averaging 13 disposals at 75 per cent efficiency and was among his team’s best against both South Australia and Victoria Metro. Finished the season in style by becoming a dual premiership player with Claremont at Colts level. Tested extremely well at the Draft Combine, ranking third on the agility test (7.85 seconds) and 2km time trial (6:16) and producing a sound 3.00 seconds on the 20m sprint.
Cooper Hynes
State: Victoria Country
State League Club: Dandenong Stingrays
Community Club: Bonbeach
Date of Birth: 28/02/2006
Height: 190cm
Medium midfielder/forward who is a powerful contested ball winner around stoppages and dangerous when he goes forward with his innate goal sense and strong overhead mark. He had an exceptional year with the Dandenong Stingrays in the Coates Talent League, averaging 24 disposals (11 contested), 4.7 clearances and kicking 23 goals in 15 matches. Finished runner-up in the Morrish Medal and also for the Stingrays’ best and fairest award, as well as being selected in the Coates Talent League Team of the Year. Carried that form into the National Championships for Victoria Country, averaging 17 disposals at 79 per cent efficiency and averaging a goal a game against the best young players nationally. Did not test at the Draft Combine due to mid foot sprain.
Sam Lalor
Pronunciation: Law-lah
State: Victoria Country
State League Club: GWV Rebels
Community Club: Bacchus Marsh
Date of Birth: 30/08/2006
Height: 188cm
A powerful midfielder/forward who explodes out of stoppages and is dangerous when forward with his elite aerial ability. Was an All Australian at under-16 level in 2022 and followed up with an extremely promising bottom-aged year at under-18 level before having to overcome a number of injury challenges this year. Missed the early part of the year with a back issue and then the latter part of the year with hamstring injuries but still demonstrated his enormous potential in four Coates Talent League matches with the GWV Rebels, averaging 23 disposals and 5.8 marks. His performance against the Murray Bushrangers in Round 12 when he picked up 34 disposals and eight marks gave a glimpse of his talent. Was able to play three matches for Victoria Country in the National Championships, featuring in the best players with three goals from 16 disposals against the Allies. Did not test at the Draft Combine as he continued his rehab from a hamstring injury.
Harvey Langford
State: Victoria Country
State League Club: Dandenong Stingrays
Community Club: Mount Martha
Date of Birth: 15/03/2006
Height: 191cm
A left-footed tall midfielder who had an outstanding season at club and representative levels, displaying a remarkably high level of elite performance and resilience to propel him into early Draft conversations. Was the joint winner of the Larke Medal as the best and fairest player of the National Championships, averaging 25.5 disposals (7.7 contested), 6.2 marks and 6.2 clearances for Victoria Country and was also rewarded with his team’s MVP award as well as All Australian honours. He was also consistently excellent for the Dandenong Stingrays, averaging 26 disposals, five clearances and five tackles to win their best and fairest award and be named in the Coates Talent League Team of the Year. His 6:24 on the 2km time trial at the Draft Combine showcased his endurance and competitive edge.
Leonardo Lombard
State: Queensland
State League Club: Gold Coast Suns Academy
Community Club: Broadbeach
Date of Birth: 05/10/2006
Height: 179cm
An explosive ball-winning midfielder who is super competitive and energetic. He was already a premiership winning player at VFL level with the Gold Coast Suns coming into his Draft season. Further developed his game this year which was showcased during the National Championships, where he was joint winner of the Larke Medal as the best and fairest player and also claimed the Allies’ MVP award. Averaged 26.2 disposals (10.5 contested), 4.8 clearances, 4.5 tackles per game and add All Australian honours to his impressive resume. Also played another eight VFL matches for the Suns, averaging 17.5 disposals. Is a member of the Gold Coast Suns Academy meaning they can match a bid on Draft night. Showcased his elite power at the Draft Combine, recording the fastest time in the agility test (7.81 seconds), as well as being ranked second in the 20m sprint (2.85 seconds).
Sam Marshall
State: Queensland
State League Club: Brisbane Lions Academy/Sandringham Dragons
Community Club: Kawana Park Eagles/Old Melburnians
Date of Birth: 19/01/2006
Height: 185cm
A midfielder from the Sunshine Coast in Queensland who relocated to Victoria for school a couple of years ago. Has ticked off every box in terms of performance in his Draft year. He used his hard running and football nous to accumulate the ball and provide consistent drive in all four matches for the Allies during the National Championships, where he averaged 27 disposals (9.8 contested), four clearances and 3.8 tackles to earn All Australian honours. As a member of the Brisbane Lions Academy he was able to play a couple of VFL matches for the Lions and acquitted himself well, as he did for the Australia U18 team in their two matches against Coburg and Footscray. Capped off an outstanding year by winning the best on the ground medal in the Coates Talent League Grand Final after collecting 28 disposals and kicking two goals to secure another premiership win for the Sandringham Dragons. Did not test at the Draft Combine due to illness.
Christian Moraes
Pronunciation: More-ay-es
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Eastern Ranges
Community Club: Knox
Date of Birth: 08/11/2006
Height: 183cm
A running machine who is prepared to work deep into defence as well as push forward to create options for his team. Also has clean hands and is composed with the ball. Had an impressive season for the Eastern Ranges in the Coates Talent League, averaging 23.8 disposals and kicking 18 goals in 12 matches to finish joint runner up in their best and fairest award and earn Coates Talent League Team of the Year selection. Continued his high-level output by averaging 21 disposals for Victoria Metro in a star-studded midfield group, with his best performance coming against South Australia where he amassed 22 disposals and kicked two goals. His time of 6:25 on the 2km time trial at the Draft Combine ranked equal-ninth.
Finn O’Sullivan
State: Victoria Country
State League Club: Oakleigh Chargers
Community Club: Koroit
Date of Birth: 30/05/2006
Height: 182cm
A classy midfielder who was one of the dominant players of his age level over the past two years. His elite use of the ball, speed and lateral movement through the midfield are outstanding weapons. Claimed the best and fairest award at the 2022 AFL National Development Championships U16 Boys and followed it up with selection in the 2023 AFL National Championships U18 Boys All Australian side as a bottom-age player. Suffered a thumb injury in his first game of the 2024 Coates Talent League season which began a frustrating run of injuries that restricted his ability to consistently put games together. Was only able to play eight games at club and representative level this year, including two games for Victoria Country at the National Championships and one with Richmond’s VFL team. The last of his matches for the Oakleigh Chargers was his most productive, having 20 disposals and kicking two goals to be his team’s best player in its four-point preliminary final defeat to the GWV Rebels. Tested impressively at the Draft Combine, with his time of 8.14 seconds on the agility test ranked eighth, while he also produced eye-catching performances in the 20m sprint (2.99 seconds) and 2km time trial (6:28).
Jack Ough
Pronunciation: Our
State: Victoria Country
State League Club: GWV Rebels
Community Club: Wentworth District
Date of Birth: 15/12/2006
Height: 194cm
Tall midfielder who really blossomed this year. Uses his strong frame and power to excel in the contest, with his clean hands and crisp decision-making also features of his game. Showed versatility to play predominantly on the outside as a wingman for Victoria Country then as an inside midfielder with the GWV Rebels. He starred for the Rebels in the Coates Talent League final series, averaging 25 disposals which included having 33 disposals and seven inside 50s against the Geelong the Falcons in the quarter final. Played all four games for Victoria Country at the National Championships and was among the best players in the 11-point win over Western Australia. Tested soundly at the Draft Combine with his 6:39 on the 2km time trial a strong indication of his endurance and work rate.
Murphy Reid
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Sandringham Dragons
Community Club: South Melbourne Districts
Date of Birth: 30/07/2006
Height: 181cm
A midfielder-forward who has speed to burn which allows him to burst away from congestion and use the ball with precision. Reads the game exceptionally well, is a prolific ball winner and creative and innovative when in congestion. Was outstanding at the National Championships, averaging 24.5 disposals (9.2 contested), 3.2 clearances and 3.2 tackles across the four matches which included dominant displays against South Australia and the Allies. Was rewarded by winning Victoria Metro’s MVP award as well as All Australian honours. Was also a star at club level, averaging 21 disposals and kicking 14 goals in 10 matches for the Sandringham Dragons. Capped the year with his second Coates Talent League premiership and selection in the Team of the Year. Did not test at the Draft Combine due to knee injury.
Josh Smillie
Pronunciation: Smiley
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Eastern Ranges
Community Club: Park Orchards
Date of Birth: 17/05/2006
Height: 195cm
An athletic and versatile player who is capable of playing in the midfield, down back or as a hit-up marking forward. A one-touch player who reads the game exceptionally well wherever he plays, he averaged 26 disposals and kicked 16 goals in 12 matches with the Eastern Ranges this year which included logging 34 disposals and kicking three goals against the Brisbane Lions Academy. Won the Ranges’ best and fairest and earned selection in the Coates Talent League Team of the Year. A member of the Marsh AFL National Academy, he was given the honour of captaining the Australian U18 team in its matches against Coburg and Footscray and was among the better players in both games, averaging 23.5 disposals in a midfield and defensive role. Played a variety of roles for Victoria Metro in their National Championships title-winning team, averaging 18.8 disposals and 5.8 clearances. His 6:38 for the 2km time trial and 8.39 seconds on the agility test at the Draft Combine were both good results for a player of his type.
Jagga Smith
Pronunciation: Jagger
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Oakleigh Chargers
Community Club: Richmond
Date of Birth: 28/01/2006
Height: 182cm
A lively and creative midfielder who is a prolific ball-winner on the inside with elite distribution by hand and foot. He showed the rare ability to step through congested situations and maintain his composure at all levels this year, including at VFL level for Richmond. He averaged 29.2 disposals (13.8 contested) at 82 per cent efficiency and 6.8 clearances for Victoria Metro at the National Championships to finish third in the Larke Medal voting. Was also rewarded with the honour of being named captain of the All Australian team. Played a total of 21 games for the year, which comprised two appearances for the Australia U18 team, three for Richmond’s VFL side, 12 for the Oakleigh Chargers as well as four for Victoria Metro. He picked up 650 disposals at an average of 31 per game, which highlighted his amazingly consistent elite performance. Was a runaway winner of the Chargers best and fairest and tested soundly at the Draft Combine, recording 3.04 seconds on the 20m sprint, 8.5 seconds on the agility test and 6:27 on the 2km time trial.
Luke Urquhart
Pronunciation: Irk-heart
State: Western Australia
State League Club: East Fremantle
Community Club: Melville
Date of Birth: 19/09/2006
Height: 184cm
A powerful midfielder who is a stoppage star with his ability to extract the ball from congestion and can also be effective when thrown forward. He has come on in leaps and bounds since missing a significant chunk of his bottom-age campaign in 2023 due to hip surgery. Was impressive in three games at WAFL Colts level for East Fremantle, averaging 23.3 disposals, five clearances, 9.5 tackles and two goals. At representative level he was among Western Australia’s better players against the Allies and Victoria Metro and averaged 21 disposals (11 contested) and 5.5 clearances. Excelled at the Draft Combine with his speed (2.98 seconds on the 20m sprint) and endurance (6:25 on the 2km time trial) great assets for a midfielder.
STATE DRAFT COMBINE
Hugh Boxshall
State: Western Australia
State League Club: Claremont
Community Club: Swanbourne
Date of Birth: 11/07/2006
Height: 187cm
Medium midfielder with a real competitive edge. Wins the contested ball with his clean hands and uses his vision and awareness to set up his teammates. Strong overhead and an aggressive tackler, he had a real positive impact for Western Australia when he returned from injury, playing the last three games of the National Championships where he averaged 18.7 disposals (eight contested) and was among his side’s best against South Australia and Victoria Country. Finished the year in outstanding form at Colts level, being among the best afield with 30 disposals in Claremont’s Grand Final-winning team. Was outstanding in testing at the state Draft Combine in Perth, ranking second on the 2km time trial (6:08), third on the agility test (7.98 seconds) and fourth on the running vertical jump (86cm).
Charlie Burke
State: Western Australia
State League Club: Subiaco
Community Club: North Beach
Date of Birth: 11/04/2006
Height: 184cm
Wingman who uses his natural endurance and high work rate to push deep and provide his team with an outlet. Is strong overhead and can push forward to hit the scoreboard, attributes he showed in the National Championships for Western Australia. Averaged 16.2 disposals and 6.8 marks at the Championships and was among the best against both the Allies and South Australia. Had a consistent year at Colts level as captain of Subiaco, averaging 19 disposals and four tackles to be rewarded selection in the WAFL Colts Team of the Year. His time of 6:22 seconds for the 2km time trial was an excellent demonstration of his work rate and competitiveness.
Tom Cochrane
State: South Australia
State League Club: Central District
Community Club: Port District
Date of Birth: 27/01/2006
Height: 182cm
Medium midfielder/forward with good pace who excels at stoppages with his quick hands and vision. Also a dangerous player when he pushes forward. Comes from a prominent football family with his father Stuart playing 104 AFL matches in total at North Melbourne and Port Adelaide and his younger brother Doug winning the best and fairest at the 2024 Marsh AFL National Development Championships – U16 Boys when representing South Australia. Was a very consistent performer throughout the year for Central District at under-18 level, averaging 19.4 disposals (50 per cent contested) and kicking 21 goals. Was among his team’s best in their narrow Grand Final loss to Woodville-West Torrens.
Zane Cochrane
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Oakleigh Chargers
Community Club: Old Carey Grammarians
Date of Birth: 11/07/2006
Height: 187cm
Midfielder who is extremely versatile and can play on any line, as well as inside or outside. A penetrating kick, he was a prolific ball winner at club level, averaging 21 disposals and four marks in 10 Coates Talent League matches for the Oakleigh Chargers this year. Was rewarded with a game with Collingwood in the VFL where he acquitted himself well. Was impressive in the Chargers preliminary final loss to the GWV Rebels with 23 disposals, five marks and a goal to be one of his team’s best. His time of 8.41 seconds for the agility test was a highlight of his workout at the state Draft Combine.
Lucca Grego
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Western Jets
Community Club: Keilor
Date of Birth: 15/09/2006
Height: 184cm
Medium midfielder/defender who is a competitive and resilient type. Strong one-on-one and in the air, as well as being an excellent decision maker. A prolific ball winner at club level through the midfield, he adapted to play an important role in defence for Victoria Metro at the National Championships. Averaged 13 disposals in four matches for Metro, including being among his team’s best players against the Allies. Captained the Western Jets in the Coates Talent League and had an outstanding year, averaging 23 disposals (8.5 contested) and kicking seven goals in 13 matches to finish third in their best and fairest award. Tested extremely well at the state Draft Combine, ranking second on the agility test at the Melbourne event with a time of 7.96 seconds. His speed (3.01 seconds on the 20m sprint) and endurance (6:32 on the 2km time trial) were also strong performances.
Jhett Haeata
Pronunciation: Hi-ata
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Sandringham Dragons
Community Club: Beaumaris
Date of Birth: 25/10/2006
Height: 185cm
Wingman with dazzling pace and an elite step through traffic. Showed some exciting signs with the Sandringham Dragons this year, averaging 17 disposals and kicking eight goals in 10 Coates Talent League matches. Finished third in the Dragons’ best and fairest award however missed out on playing in the Grand Final win due to an arm injury. Couldn’t test at the state Draft Combine due to injury.
Kade Herbert
State: South Australia
State League Club: Woodville-West Torrens
Community Club: Bute
Date of Birth: 03/03/2006
Height: 184cm
A wingman who is very composed with ball in hand and very neat with his disposal. Has had a taste of State League senior football with Woodville-West Torrens over the past two seasons. Represented South Australia at the National Championships this year, averaging 14 disposals across four matches. His performance against Victoria Metro was full of promise, picking up 19 disposals, seven marks and five tackles. Also played some excellent football at SANFL U18 level, helping the Eagles to a premiership to cap off his year. Injured his hip in the Grand Final and was unable to test at the state Draft Combine.
Damon Hollow
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Calder Cannons
Community Club: Epping
Date of Birth: 30/03/2006
Height: 179cm
Small midfielder who has dazzling pace and is prepared to take the game on with his decision-making and precision kicking going forward. Captained the Calder Cannons and had an outstanding Coates Talent League campaign, averaging 19 disposals at 71 per cent efficiency across 15 matches to win the club best and fairest award. Played three matches for Victoria Metro at the National Championships and was at his best against the Allies with 21 disposals. Tested well at the state Draft Combine with strong results in the agility test (8.26 seconds) and 2km time trial (6:36) both strong results.
Xavier Ivisic
Pronunciation: Iv-is-ich
State: Victoria Country
State League Club: Geelong Falcons
Community Club: Bell Park
Date of Birth: 01/06/2006
Height: 181cm
Small midfielder who can play on the inside and outside and use his two-way running to great effect. A prolific ball winner who is both clever and creative, he averaged 25 disposals for the Geelong Falcons Falcons in six matches in the Coates Talent Leagues. Was a very consistent player for Victoria Country at the National Championships, averaging 22 disposals (nine contested) and 3.5 clearances. His agility (8.19 seconds on the agility test) and endurance (6:29 on the 2km time trial) were both impressive results at state Draft Combine.
Luke Kennedy
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Sandringham Dragons
Community Club: Ormond
Date of Birth: 11/10/2006
Height: 181cm
Midfielder with a high work rate, clean hands in the contest and an exceptional kick on both feet. Won a senior best and fairest award at Ormond as a 16-year-old in 2023 and this year was an important member of the Sandringham Dragons premiership team in the Coates Talent League. Averaged 18.5 disposals (eight contested) in 18 matches and finished runner-up in Dragons best and fairest award. Also made his VFL debut during the year, playing a game for both Sandringham and Coburg. His time of 6:08 in the 2km time trial was the second fastest of any player to test at a state Draft Combine.
Nash King
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Calder Cannons
Community Club: Wallan
Date of Birth: 05/01/2006
Height: 181cm
A midfielder with exceptional speed, which he uses to great effect to burst from stoppages and open up the game. Was a dominant player for the Calder Cannons in the Coates Talent League this year, averaging 24 disposals (11 contested) across 11 matches, as well as representing Victoria Metro in three matches at the National Championships. Was at his best against South Australia with 18 disposals and four tackles.
Jayden Nguyen
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Calder Cannons
Community Club: Aberfeldie
Date of Birth: 27/07/2006
Height: 178cm
Small midfielder and defender who has speed and versatility to both lock down small forwards or run and create using his precise ball use to set up the play. Had an outstanding year for the Calder Cannons in the Coates Talent League, averaging 19 disposals and three tackles in 14 games. Also earned selection for Victoria Metro and played three matches at the National Championships, averaging 14 disposals at 76 per cent efficiency. Was rewarded for his strong form early in the year with a call-up to the Australia U18 team and looked composed down back with 12 disposals against Coburg. Has Vietnamese heritage and is a member of Essendon’s NGA program, meaning the Bombers can match any bids that come his way on Draft night. Showcased his speed and agility at the Draft Combine, producing a time of 2.90 seconds in the 20m sprint and 8.13 seconds on the agility test which both ranked third of all state Draft Combine participants.
Patrick Retschko
Pronunciation: Retch-co
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Oakleigh Chargers
Community Club: Caulfield Grammarians
Date of Birth: 28/02/2006
Height: 186cm
Powerfully built midfielder who can play on both the inside and outside, using his burst of speed and long kicking to open up the game. Was a member of Victoria Metro’s title-winning team at the National Championships and was one of the best players in the win over the Allies with 24 disposals, seven marks and six inside-50s. Had a consistent year for the Oakleigh Chargers in the Coates Talent League, averaging 17 disposals in nine matches. Reminded scouts of his endurance with an outstanding 6:07 seconds in the 2km time trial, which ranked first of any player to test at a state Draft Combine event.
Charlie Rozenes
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Sandringham Dragons
Community Club: Ajax
Date of Birth: 09/08/2006
Height: 176cm
Small midfielder/forward with pace to burn who is very evasive whether playing on the wing or up forward. Stood out with five goals from 18 disposals in a Victoria Metro trial match earlier in the year, with his kicking and footy IQ both features of his game. Injury restricted him to just six matches for the Sandringham Dragons in the Coates Talent League and missed the Grand Final win due to a hamstring injury which required surgery. Was also unable to test at the state Draft Combine but recorded 2.93 seconds for the 20m sprint and 8.34 seconds for the agility test at the Coates Talent League testing day earlier in the year.
Patrick Said
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Calder Cannons
Community Club: Sunbury
Date of Birth: 24/04/2006
Height: 180cm
Small midfielder/forward with an exciting combination of speed and endurance. Finishes off his work with his elite kicking skills both on the run or from set shots. Had an excellent season with the Calder Cannons in the Coates Talent League, averaging 18 disposals and kicking a very accurate 24.6 in his 14 matches to finishing runner-up in their best and fairest award. Tested very soundly at the state Draft Combine with his speed (3.03 seconds on the 20m sprint), agility (8.26 seconds) and endurance (6:30 on the 2km time trial) all strong indicators of his physical assets.
Nathaniel Sulzberger
State: Tasmania
State League Club: Sandringham Dragons
Community Club: North Hobart
Date of Birth: 06/05/2005
Height: 187cm
Powerfully built inside midfielder who uses his strong frame and clever step to burst out of stoppages. A Tasmanian, he represented the Allies in all four matches at the National Championships, with his best performance coming against South Australia where he picked up 21 disposals. Was also part of the Sandringham Dragons midfield mix in their Coates Talent League premiership team and impressed with an average of 19 disposals across 10 matches. Was at his very best in the Wildcard Round, where he had 29 disposals and kicked three goals in a best on ground performance against the Western Jets. His 6:17 for the 2km time trial was ranked fifth across all state Draft Combine participants.
Isiah Winder
State: Western Australia
State League Club: South Fremantle
Community Club: Eaton Bombers
Date of Birth: 16/05/2002
Height: 179cm
Small midfielder/forward who had an outstanding season at senior level with South Fremantle, averaging 26 disposals (40 per cent contested) and kicked 16 goals to win the club’s best and fairest award. Has now played almost 50 games in the WAFL after initially being drafted by the West Coast Eagles in 2020, where he played seven AFL games. Was unable to test at the state Draft Combine in Perth due to injury.
