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It’s almost AFL draft time again. And this year puts forward another list of kids looking to break into the AFL and make a name for themselves.
I thought I’d take the time to introduce a few that I feel will come into the league next year and start making an impact for their new team.
Willy Rioli
Playing for South Fremantle Willy Rioli is the cousin of Hawthorn legend Cyril Rioli.
Rioli played eight games this year for the WAFL Colts and four for the U18’s. He kicked 36 goals from eleven games. He is a fast thinker with elite kicks from both feet. Rioli doesn’t need much possession to make an impact on the game.
Jake Barrett
Jake played for Temora and spent seven games playing in the NEAFL as well as five games for the U18’s.
He’s a gun midfielder who can dominate teams on the outside averaging four to five goals a game, along with his ability to push forward.
Ben Lennon
This Vic Metro star played for the Northern Knights as well as playing seven games in the TA Cup and four games for the U18’s.
He is an exciting forward/midfielder that will most likely get drafted somewhere in the top ten.
With a strong mark and a solid kick he is always able to find the goals, averaging between seven to 10 a match.
Also averaging 28 disposals, he knows how to find his team and help set up goals.
Tom Barrass
Western Australian defender Tom Barrass played for Claremont.
He also played 11 games for the WAFL Colts and four games in the U18’s. He uses the ball smartly and is able to launch strong counter-attacks from his left foot, averaging five marks and 10 kicks per game.
Joel Tippett
Younger brother of controversial Swans star Kurt Tippett, Joel hails from Western Adelaide and played a massive twenty games in the SANFL.
Producing the highest vertical leap in this year’s state combine, as well as the second best time in the agility course, this full-back is already a very mature player standing at 196cm tall.
Johnathon Marsh
From East Fremantle, Marsh played thirteen games for the WAFL Colts and five games for the U18’s averaging 20 goals.
Younger brother of Sydney Swans player Henry Marsh who was taken at pick 46 last year, Henry is going to be an exciting forward for any team that picks him up.
Winning the draft combine 20 metre sprint with a time of 2.78 seconds, Marsh uses his impressive speed to make space and find goals.
Marcus Bontempelli
Northern Knights player Marcus Bontempelli played nine games in the TAC Cup and four for the U18’s.
He is a tall player standing at 192cm who can play anywhere on the field.
Cousin of Nick Dal Santo, Bontempelli will be a great player for a couch to mould.
A strong, mobile player, he averages 15 goals and is able to read the play and make quick decisions. With a 79 percent disposal efficiency Bontempelli will be a high draft pick.
Jake Kelly
This small defender from the Oakleigh Chargers played ten games in the TAC Cup and three more in the VFL.
A left footer, he is the son of Collingwood defender Craig Kelly and is going to have to prove himself after not being picked up by Collingwood as a father son selection.
Despite his size he is able to match-up on both tall and short players to find the mark, averaging five a game.
James Aish
Norwood’s James Aish also played eight games in the SANFL and five in the U18’s.
He is a genuine ball winner who is able to read the game with ease.
Expected to be picked up very high in the draft, James averages 12 kicks, five marks and six goals per game.
His agility and ability with the ball helps him escape the congestion on the field, allowing him to find space and make some very effective disposals.
Receiving All Australian Honours in both 2012 and 2013 he is one of the best midfielders in this year’s draft. Aish also broke a SANFL record by becoming the youngest Norwood player in 134 years to debut at league level.
Tom Boyd
This almost certain number one draft pick hails from the Eastern Ranges.
With the number one pick going to the Giants they can look forward to utilising this player who played only nine games in the TAC Cup yet booted 27 goals, as well as two games in the U18’s for nine goals.
This power forward at times seems unstoppable and was awarded All Australian honours after returning from injury to play in just two Vic Metro games.
Kicking four goals in the TAC Cup grand final after being sidelined for three months, Boyd uses his size and strength to protect his zone and is dangerous in the air.
He combines quick leg speed with a long, accurate kick to rightfully be ranked as a number one draftee prospect.
Other impressive stats include an average of 12 kicks, four handballs and eight marks per game.
So there they are. Ten top players looking to make their name heard in next years season.
Who would you like to see in your team?
Who’s in your ultimate team? Pick the best team and compete with other fans for daily prizes on Draftstars. For the best odds on the game try out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place? Set a deposit limit.