AFTER a dramatic conclusion to the Under 18 National Championships, Rookie Me Central’s AFL Draft Power Rankings lay claim to plenty of change in July. While things are relatively settled at the top with a pick-your-poison range of selections, there are two new entrants in the top 10 as the overall list is extended out to 30 names. See who made the cut, and scroll to the bottom of the article for a section on some of the other prospects in contention.
STIFF TO MISS
As usual, and even with the list extended by five names, there are a host of players unlucky to have missed out. Some have been on the precipice all season, while others are building up to it after strong representative carnivals.
From the title-winning Vic Metro side, Northern Knights trio Jesse Dattoli, Zak Johnson, and Thomas Sims are all thereabouts. Dattoli had a terrific outing on the wing in Metro’s last game, while Johnson came into his own down back and Sims was imposing up forward.
On the Country side of things, Jonty Faull is a top tall option being considered by many clubs. Richmond is one side which has been rumoured to potentially package him and GWV Rebels teammate, Lalor. Near-hero in the decider, Archer Day-Wicks is also in contention for his mercurial ability.
The Allies have a few likely types outside the top end. Skipper Joshua Murphy was hard to leave out for his goalkicking capabilities as a power forward, while Nathaniel Sulzberger hasn’t been forgotten after a highly touted run in preseason.
Western Australia’s competitive National Championships has put a raft of role players on the map. Hamish Davis is one who, at 190cm, looms as a promising utility. Livewire forward Malakai Champion also had his moments and can do things others only dream of.
Despite a 1-3 campaign, South Australia also has a few prospects close to the rankings. Ben Camporeale was well embedded in them last month and took out his state’s MVP award, so will be well known given his father-son status with Carlton.
Central District key forward Charlie Nicholls is doing his stocks no harm having recently made his Reserves debut. The likes of defender Angus Clarke and small forward Benny Barrett have also shown promise, with the latter a Port Adelaide NGA candidate.
BREAKDOWN
Allies (3):
Leonardo Lombard (7) – Suns Academy
Sam Marshall (14) – Lions Academy
Jobe Shanahan (21)
Logan Smith (30) – Giants Academy
South Australia (2):
Sid Draper (8)
Alex Dodson (27)
Vic Country (8):
Finn O’Sullivan (2)
Sam Lalor (5)
Xavier Lindsay (12)
Joe Berry (15)
Jack Whitlock (16)
Matt Whitlock (18)
Tobie Travaglia (22)
Noah Mraz (24)
Harvey Langford (25)
Alix Tauru (28)
Cooper Hynes (29)
Vic Metro (11):
Josh Smillie (1)
Jagga Smith (3)
Levi Ashcroft (4) – Brisbane F/S
Luke Trainor (6)
Murphy Reid (10)
Taj Hotton (11)
Christian Moraes (13)
Harry Armstrong (19)
Tom Gross (20)
Isaac Kako (21) – Essendon NGA
Harry O’Farrell (23)
Harrison Oliver (26)
Western Australia (1):
Bo Allan (9)