Some draft names to know (Inside Football)

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Some names to know in lead-up to September
AUSWIDE – BEN GUTHRIE
Inside Football

Every year players boost their stocks with standout performances across the under-18 national championships and those who come from nowhere to establish themselves as draft selections.

Here are a few to keep an eye on in the months before November's national draft.

Vic Metro

Brandon Ellis – arguably Vic Metro's most reliable player across the five games. Played off half-back with Metro where he was named as an All-Australian. His strengths are his smart decision making under pressure and his skill execution. Kicks the ball with power and accuracy and reads the play well. Makes his teammates better players.

Toby Greene – after not being selected for the first game against NSW/ACT he established himself in the midfield and did not budge for the rest of the carnival. His consistent performances earned him an All-Australian guernsey. Thrived on winning the contested footy and extricating the ball from clearances. Uses the ball effectively.


Vic Country

Lauchlan Dalgleish – did not manage to break into the Vic Country side for any of the games, but could find himself as a late draft selection later in the year. Has transferred over to football from athletics and these qualities are noticeable in the way he plays. The archetypal wingman has elite speed, so much so that he has competed in the Stawell Gift. Uses the ball well and is influential in hitting the scoreboard.

Shaun Marusic – managed only one game for the championships against the Northern Territory. The 19-year-old has been in terrific form for the Gippsland Power in the TAC Cup. His height (193cm) and athleticism is sure to appeal to potential AFL clubs, as well as the fact he can play as a key forward or key defender. Has a good leap and judges the ball well in the air.


Western Australia

Riley Hutchinson – a bottom-aged player who is not eligible to be drafted this year, but can be selected by Greater Western Sydney in the supplemental draft and on-traded to clubs for draft picks and established AFL stars. A prototype for the modern-day half-back flanker as he can transition from defence to attack when needed. He is a strong runner and is daring.

Christopher Yarran – Another in line to be listed by GWS in the supplemental draft. A crafty small forward with electrifying pace. He has a strong goal sense and the ability to kick the remarkable goal. Doesn't win a lot of possessions, but those he does win are always influential. Hits the scoreboard regularly, including a five-goal haul against Tasmania earlier in the carnival.


South Australia

Brad McKenzie – a good height for a midfielder at 188cm. Productive in winning the ball in contested situations, but can also provide outside run. Possesses a damaging left boot and a strong work rate. Can also play as a resting forward or attack off a half-back flank. Regarded as one of the Croweaters' big draft hopes.

Brodie Grundy – the ruckman, who does not turn 18 until next April, is not eligible for this year's draft. However, he can be listed by Greater Western Sydney in the supplemental draft and on-traded. Named as the back-up ruckman to Vic Metro's Billy Longer in the All-Australian team. Impressed with deft tap work and his mobility to push forward in transition. Takes a strong mark and has key athletic features to his game.


Tasmania

Julian Dobosz – unlucky to miss All-Australian selection after a sensational carnival, netting 15 goals across four games. The 193cm forward is a convert to football from cricket in the past six months. Reads the flight of the ball well and has good goal sense. Plenty of upside and a potential project player at just 19 years of age and limited football experience.


Queensland

Jackson Allen – regarded as one of the best kicks in the under-18 competition through the midfield and possesses natural ball-winning ability. Was regularly the designated kicker in a struggling Queensland side.


NSW/ACT

Jarrod Witts – signed by Collingwood under the NSW scholarship program. He is a monster at 208cm and 107kg. Plays mainly in the ruck due to his size, but also showed an ability to push forward and take strong contested marks. Deceptive in his ability to get around the ground and also follows up his ruckwork. May take a few years to develop, but a possible replacement for Darren Jolly in years to come.


Northern Territory

Damien Williams – is already on GWS's list after joining the club last year. A medium defender who has conviction in the way he attacks the ball in the air. Acquitted himself well against the tall forwards of NSW/ACT despite being outsized. Rebounds well from defence and is prepared to take the game on.

http://www.insidefootballonline.com/auswide.html