2013 draft crop ..... (afl)

[one-eyed]

Some names in junior footy to keep an eye on throughout next year.

The next crop
By Callum Twomey
afl.com.au
Fri 23 Nov, 2012

THERE is a long way to go until next year's NAB AFL Draft, and a lot can happen between now and then.

But some talented players from across the country have been identified already. Here are 10 to keep an eye on next year - names you're likely to hear a lot more about. 

James Aish
Norwood
183cm/72kg
Midfielder 

There are some players who look at ease on the football field and Aish is one of those. The midfielder gets the ball and always seems like he knows what he's going to do with it next. He's quick enough and tall enough, and has the skills to execute all the plans he makes when he has the ball. Showed his talent last month when he starred for Norwood in its SANFL Grand Final win as a 16-year-old. Aish has a long family history of footballers and he is the next generation.

Jack Billings
Oakleigh Chargers
180cm/73kg
Half-forward
If he continues his rate of development it wouldn't be a surprise to see Billings placed well within the top five picks next year. He's a sharp half-forward with elite kicking skills and a strong overhead mark. Billings reads the game better than most and he loves the big stage, playing his best footy when it counts. Might play a bit more through the midfield next year but he already has a lot going for him.

Tom Boyd
Eastern Ranges
198cm/100kg
Key forward
Boyd is a strong-marking, straight-kicking full forward who made a lot of people take notice of him this year. He was the TAC Cup's leading goalkicker (44 goals) and played four games for Vic Metro. He saved his best game of the championships against Vic Country, where he grabbed five marks and kicked three goals. He forced his way into the AIS-AFL Academy squad after missing out last year and he belongs among the best players his age in the country.

Matt Crouch
North Ballarat Rebels
180cm/75kg
Midfielder
The younger brother of Adelaide's Brad Crouch was part of the mini-draft crop this year, and was not too far off the mark after an impressive season. A natural footballer, Crouch sees the ball at stoppages and just knows how to make it his. He shoots off handballs, but is good by foot and is strong over the ball. Averaged 19 disposals at 77 per cent efficiency in four games for Vic Country.

Luke Dunstan
Woodville-West Torrens
184cm/82kg
Midfielder
Dunstan was a member of the group invited to the NAB AFL Draft Combine due to his mini-draft eligibility. He probably wasn't in the frame for selection this year, but will be well on the radar next season. Strongly built and with nice skills, Dunstan also has soft hands, which make him a difficult proposition when he shifts forward. Mostly an inside midfielder, though, who loves getting the ball and swinging on his left foot.

Josh Kelly
Sandringham Dragons
181cm/71kg
Midfielder
If not for two outstanding West Australians - Jack Martin and Jesse Hogan - Kelly would probably already be at an AFL club, getting things organised and working at a plan ahead of his debut in 2014. Kelly was in this year's mini-draft pool, and although Martin headed to the Gold Coast and Hogan to Melbourne, Kelly was a clear third. The midfielder can run all day, has a brilliant left-foot kick, and clubs already love his mature demeanour. 

Luke Reynolds
Port Adelaide
186cm/85kg
Forward
Reynolds has a handy knack of popping up and kicking goals when his team needs them. He has a raking left-foot kick and has played mostly as a forward to this point, but has been tried a little bit this year through the midfield and off half-back to further his football development. Didn't break into SA's team for a game at this year's championships, but will be there next year.

Matt Scharenberg
Glenelg
189cm/88kg
Defender/forward
The talented South Australian gave up a promising baseball career (he represented Australia at junior level) to have a go at footy, and it's been a good decision. He has spent most of the last couple of years playing as either a second tall defender or forward, but will probably end up tall midfielder. Has great athleticism and all the physical qualities that will appeal to clubs about this time next year, and complements them knowing the game.

Dominic Sheed
Subiaco
185cm/82kg
Midfielder
Sheed is a powerful midfielder who can burst through packs, pick up the ball and keep running with it. When a contest needs to be won he isn't afraid to make it happen, and his endurance allows him to do that time and time again during games. With Martin and Hogan already leaving the state through the mini-draft, Sheed is one of the top West Australian talents for next year.

Lewis Taylor
Geelong Falcons
173cm/72kg
Midfielder
Taylor is a small midfielder who loves to run with the ball tucked under one arm and take the game on. He might be small but Taylor is solidly built and isn't afraid to go and get the ball himself. He has some pace, and some skills to match. Taylor saved his best game of the championships against South Australia, where he gathered 21 disposals and kicked two goals in Vic Country's loss.

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