Sub 6: The combine numbers propelling running specialist's draft stockBy SEN
5 Nov 2025
Oakleigh Chargers’ draft prospect Sam Grlj set the AFL draft combine alight, solidifying his case for a top selection in the upcoming National Draft.
Finishing second in the 2km time trial with a 5:59 and top 10 in the 20m sprint, Grlj has the talent and athletic profile to slot into AFL football from Round 1. Known for his line-breaking abilities, the 18-year-old’s explosive nature and natural confidence renders him unstoppable at full flight.
But beyond his elite running capabilities, Grlj’s mentality and aggressive style of play holds him amongst the top prospects, modelling his game on a star of the competition.
“I try to base my game around Zak Butters,” Grlj told SEN Breakfast.
“(We have) similar size and similar athletic abilities and attributes. His speed and aggression that he plays with is something I try to model my game on. I like to play with a little bit of aggression – it definitely suits the way I play, and I really enjoy that side of the game.”
Given his stellar dash and gut-running, Grlj presents as an ideal prospect off the half-back flank, perfectly moulded to the run-and-carry of the modern game.
Attracting interviews with 16 clubs at the combine, the talent couldn’t quite get a read for which AFL clubs have him atop their draft boards, however Grlj could be selected as early as Pick 6.
“They keep (their cards) pretty close to their chest,” he said.
“It’s definitely hard to get a read, even talking to people close to me and around me who have experience going through this path – they don’t even know.
“For me, I’m just trying to focus on my studies for now, do a bit of training and really try to switch off from footy because it can be consuming sometimes.”
Grlj’s draft prospects were significantly boosted by his terrific showing with Richmond’s VFL set up, playing two games for an average of 17 disposals and four tackles.
“It was awesome,” Grlj said of the experience with the Tigers.
“It was great, after champs to go into that environment was unreal and the guys down there are awesome. Joel Garner and Liam George (VFL leadership) – they are really good guys, and they really showed me the culture and what it’s like.
“I really enjoyed it and was able to play some good footy off the back of that.”
With just two weeks until the National Draft, Grlj – as well as several other draft prospects – expressed his belief that the best player available for selection is Gippsland star Willem Duursma.
“Willem Duursma – probably have to give him the credits. I played against him at Vic Country, and he was unreal that day, played really well.
“He can play everywhere, can play all three positions and plays them all really well. That versatility is something that is unbelievable for him.”
https://www.sen.com.au/news/2025/11/05/afl-draft-2025-sam-grlj-draft-combine-numbers-richmond-vfl
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