The 2014 AFL season is fast approaching and there is a lot of new talent entering the system. Most fans might know who their club’s first pick in the draft was but that’s not always the best indicator for who will make an impact this year.
This is a guide to those young guns that either weren’t taken with their club’s first pick or may have fallen off the radar after being picked in previous years.
Luke Dunstan (St Kilda)
Saints fans are all pumped to see pick three Jack Billings debut but Luke Dunstan shouldn’t be forgotten.
Dunstan is just the kind of midfielder St Kilda needs: a hard in-and-under type with clean hands.
Almost more importantly for St Kilda, Dunstan is a young man with obvious leadership skills.
Expect him to debut early in the season and make in impact immediately. And in a few years expect to see the word ‘captain’ next to his name.
Claye Beams (Brisbane)
The talented 22-year-old has only played a handful of games for Brisbane in three seasons.
The younger brother of Collingwood’s Dayne Beams, Claye has missed almost two entire seasons with a bad run of luck, including stress fractures in his foot and rupturing his ACL last year.
But reports from the new Lions coach suggest Beams is finally fighting fit and leading the way at training.
Expect Beams to be in the team’s line-up from Round 1 if he’s fit, and if he can stay injury-free he will be a more than handy addition to Brisbane’s midfield or half-back line.
Jonathon Patton (GWS)
Patton came into the AFL with a lot of fanfare, drafted with the number one pick in 2011 but has failed to make much of an impact after being repeatedly cruelled by injury.
The emergence of the Jeremy Cameron and the drafting of Tom Boyd last year have overshadowed Patton so far but a tall forward doesn’t get drafted at number one unless he can seriously play.
Jonathon Patton is still young and 2014 could be the year he finally delivers on that promise.
Expect him to play during the pre-season competition and if he stays fit he should be remain in the team.
The big question is whether three alpha-forwards in Patton, Cameron and Boyd can all play together in one attack.
Tim Broomhead (Collingwood)
Pies fans should keep an eye out for this young medium-sized midfielder.
Broomhead was a surprise selection at pick 20 in the 2012 draft but Derek Hine rarely gets it wrong.
Full of class, hard at the ball and blessed with speed, Broomhead could be an elite midfielder if he can add a bit of size to his frame.
A bout of glandular fever is all that kept him out of the seniors last year but he performed well in the VFL during the second half of the season.
Expect to see him make a debut on a forward flank before the bye.
Jay Kennedy-Harris (Melbourne)
Melbourne supporters’ minds are divided between their new coach in Paul Roos, their new power forward in Jesse Hogan and their first round draft pick in Christian Salem.
The 2013 pick 40, Jay Kennedy-Harris has slipped under the radar, which isn’t hard for the 173-centimetre small mid/forward.
Dripping class and composure, this elusive young man will have a field day crumbing at the feat of Melbourne’s growing stock of big forwards.
Roos has warned he doesn’t like debuting recruits before they’re ready but expect to Kennedy-Harris to get his chance before the bye.
The Aficionado
Roar Rookie
I dare someone to watch last night's game between Richmond and Melbourne and tell me that I was wrong about Jay Kennedy Harris. Will get his chance early and the season and will light up the Dees.
Dalgety Carrington
Guest
I reckon a bloke named Josh Simpson could make a splash at some point. Dayle Garlett is primed to tear a few games up and Viv Michie could surprise a few if he stays on the park for a decent amount of time.
TomC
Roar Guru
Bontempelli is a real boom or bust pick for the Dogs. They seem to be keen to use high picks on Victorians at the moment, so perhaps that was a factor in not taking Aish.
Dan Lonergan
Guest
James Aish can make the Bulldogs regret not picking him. He has the outside class they need. McCARTNEY keener on hard nuts.
Francis Curro
Roar Pro
The GWS forward line is going to be interesting with the three forwards (Patton, Cameron and now Boyd). Lets hope one of these three are not dumped to the seconds because its two crowded. Or even worse, dumped down back when they could be a big key forward at another team.
steve
Guest
you dont have to read it, watch it or listen to it. I put up with that round ball game by not reading listening to, or watching it. not hard.
The Aficionado
Roar Rookie
Thanks Steve. I agree, the top end of last year's draft was quite strong so we could see some first year players making a huge impact straight away. As a Collingwood man, I hope you're right about Brodie Grundy. It'll be tough for him to handle number 1 ruck duties for a whole season but I reckon he's got it in him.
The Aficionado
Roar Rookie
Good call TomC. They are definitely 3 to watch. There's actually a bit of young class coming through Melbourne's midfield with Toumpas, Dom Tyson, Jack Viney and Viv Michie combining. Perhaps they'll surprise a few people over the next year or two.
The Aficionado
Roar Rookie
Yes, great call. He should have been on the list for sure.
Stephen
Guest
Joe Daniher??
Steve J
Roar Guru
Nice Andrew - each year there are bolters from amongst the players. Last year the 2 psuedo first year players in O'Meara and Crouch both excelled, expect the same from Jack Martin and Jesse Hogan this year. I am really looking forward to seeing Martin play. Other first year players I think will have an impact are Dom Sheed, Luke McDonald, Patrick Cripps and Aish. They have all had some senior footy with McDonald playing some VFL last year instead of being a top ager in the TAC cup. You can't go past Boyd either, if he gets the third defender in the GWS forward line its going to be an interesting season. I reckon kids like Jesse Lonergan and Brodie Grundy may kcik on a bit more as well. Not sure if there are any stand out mature agers this season. Possibly Nathan Gordon for the Tigers will be worth keeping an eye on after a strong season in the SANFL and getting his second bite at the AFL.
TomC
Roar Guru
Interesting little article, Andrew. Lots of players yet to play a game. There's a huge leap from being a debutant running around in the state league to being an AFL footballer, and it's always hard to know whether the promise shown at one level can translate to a higher level. Claye Beams is a bit older, and a bit more exposed, than the others on this list, but injury has probably forced him into a do-or-die season in 2014. If he can't perform or can't get his body right this might be the end of the road at 22 or whatever he is. Others I'm keen to see: Toumpas - must be capable of more than he showed in 2013. Should benefit from a bit more experience around him in the Melb midfield this season. Troy Menzel - Pure excitement. Imagine what a difference this guy would make to the Blues if he can really break out in 2014. Shane Kersten - It's not easy for an undersized forward to go from the VFL to the AFL, but so far this guy has made every post a winner and has every chance of a successful introduction in such a strong Geelong team.
Franko
Guest
Broomhead will be an interesting one to watch. I am kind of hoping he struggles a bit this year so that his trade value is lowered for a return to PA. However, I think the kid is pretty talented and will get plenty of chances this year to stake his claim.
alicesprings
Guest
On a positive note can't wait for the pre season games to begin! Will be interesting to see which of the new draftees are ready made for the seniors. Melbourne vs Geelong up here in a couple weeks..towns buzzing!
alicesprings
Guest
Well dibatag whether through choice or divine providence you live in this great country where Australian Football is played. Its the most popular code in Australia by a country mile..maybe its time you jump on the bandwagon instead of trolling around with a chip on your shoulder??
langou
Roar Guru
No idea, without watching the reserves competitions, I am not sure how you can tell.
dibatag
Guest
Oh God that time of year again when we are bored to death with bloody so called football
The Aficionado
Roar Rookie
Definitely, I couldn't agree more - those boys will be stars for sure. I only left them out of the piece because I wanted to look at those guys that people may not have heard of yet. But good call.
SportsFanGC
Roar Guru
Looking purely from a Queensland perspective based here on the Gold Coast I am looking forward to watching Jack Martin and Kade Kolodashjnij for the Suns and also James Aish for the Lions. All 3 come with big wraps, Jack Martin particularly. I think there is plenty of positive for QLD footy moving forward.
World Traveller
Guest
Not enthused by AFL this year. Hawks, Swans and Dockers to finish 1 - 3 this year.