Exquisitely talented, daring, smart: This Brighton Grammar footy captain is shaking up the draft

A strong group of prospects have separated themselves at the top of next month’s AFL draft.

Port Adelaide list boss Jason Cripps revealed this week that Essendon will bid on the Power’s next-generation academy prospect Dougie Cochrane at No.1, but there is plenty of other intrigue in how the top 10 might shake out.

This is our latest top 30 – but it is not a mock draft – based on performance, potential, injury risk and intangibles, based on discussions with recruiting staff at AFL clubs, junior coaches, and this masthead’s own views.

Among those considered but missed out were Ethan Herbert, Billy Wigmore, Xavier Ladbrook, Wil Antrobus, Blake Justice, bolter Jake Soutar and fellow mature-ager Brady Wright, Keenan Boi and Zac Antonellos.

Patella tendonitis, which required surgery, delayed the No.1 pick-elect’s season until August, meaning Cochrane missed the under-18 championships. But he remains the standout prospect. Cochrane can play almost anywhere, is a great athlete, reads the play well, and has sticky hands and sublime skills. After returning in the SANFL as a forward – and being starved of the ball in a 70-point loss to Norwood – he was swung into defence for his last three games with great effect. Cochrane’s penetrating kick was put to use for kick-in duties.

The do-it-all midfielder, who carried a heavy load at the Rebels, is firming to be Essendon’s first live selection once they place a bid on Port Adelaide’s NGA sensation Cochrane. If so, the chatter about the Bombers’ once-small onball brigade will be no more. Drever would join Sullivan Robey and Dyson Sharp. Drever is big and powerful, puts his body on the line to win the Sherrin, and bursts away from stoppages before driving long kicks inside 50. There are questions about his ball drop, but Drever is universally liked as a prospect.

Butler is believed to be in the mix at Richmond’s selection. He is exquisitely talented, executes kicks others would not dare, has huge upside, and is as footy smart as anyone in the draft class. Butler needs to improve his running to realise his potential, while there are behavioural concerns – but they are not expected to impact his standing. He will mostly make his AFL living as a forward, but could at least pinch-hit at centre bounces. Butler missed time with a collarbone injury, but returned early to captain Brighton Grammar’s premiership.

Teixeira isn’t the big personality that his Sandy teammate Butler is, but his football speaks loudly. He rocketed into top-five contention with some eye-catching performances at the under-18 championships. Some recruiters think Teixeira has more upside than any player other than Cochrane. He has power and speed, which he puts to use to escape from stoppages, while his creativity and vision make him dangerous with his kicking. Teixeira hasn’t put up numbers as big as others, but there are few doubts he can make it as a midfielder.

Mellody is one of the year’s big risers. He won the Larke Medal at the under-18 championships before seamlessly transitioning to playing against the WAFL’s best. Mellody was once viewed as a half-back or wing, but proving his onball wares has heightened his reputation. Mellody is a beautiful kick who creates scoring opportunities, is clean at ground level and accelerates out of stoppages. The Tigers could consider him, and most think West Coast would be mad not to snap the local boy up, particularly after he starred against their reserves.

Some scouts still rate him as the second-best prospect – raving about his ball-winning ability, toughness and power – whereas others have him further down, largely based on his at-times scratchy kicking and decision-making. Either way, Carlton won’t hesitate to bring Andrew Walker’s son in, and will have the chance to prove people right or wrong. The new draft rules could work in the Blues’ favour, given the bottom-five clubs will all score a start-of-second-round pick if Essendon bid on Dougie Cochrane. In that scenario, Walker could slide a bit.

Van Hattum has fans as a top-three prospect, and fits a need for both Essendon and Richmond, but where he is selected is one of this draft’s mysteries. He is a giant of a man, and very athletic and agile for his size, which he makes good use of on the field. Van Hattum won a few scouts over late in the year with his aggression and competitiveness, while his kicking skills are exceptional for a big man. He can impact the game aerially, but could do more of that. Not many ruckmen are taken in the top 10, so it will be interesting to see who pulls the trigger.

Matthews’ limited exposure this year due to a stress reaction in one of his feet is probably the only reason he is this low. There are recruiters who rate him a better prospect than Drever, and rival clubs will want to get a bid in before the Giants’ first pick (currently No.7) to prevent them double-dipping. Matthews has not played since the injury cut his under-18 championships short, but his dazzling form before that has not been forgotten. He wins his own ball – and lots of it – finds space, is a relentless runner, and is creative with his trusty left boot.

Every recruiter who spoke to this masthead ranks Harris as the best key defender in this draft. The jungle drums suggest North Melbourne are considering him at their first selection, while Melbourne could also consider him. Harris reads the ball superbly in the air and his marking in general is a strength, on top of being a strong one-on-one defender who knows when to spoil instead. He performed well in the SANFL seniors late in the season to enhance his draft stock. Harris needs to develop physically, but looks a great prospect with big scope to improve.

Brisbane Lions Academy/Allies Defender/midfielder, 181cm Under-18 All-Australian DOB: 16/1/2008 U18 champs stats (averages): 24 disposals, 5 rebound 50s, 5.5 contested possessions

There is enough love for Murray that he looks a surefire top-10 selection, with some recruiters believing he could attract a bid just outside the top five, which would be a disaster for the Lions. New draft rules make it much harder for a high-performing club such as Brisbane, who must pay a 20 per cent loading after making the grand final and use no more than two selections to match a bid. Murray will likely start as an attacking half-back flanker in the AFL, but can fill various roles with his speed, endurance, evasiveness, neat skills and smarts.

Northern Knights/Vic Metro Key forward, 194cm DOB: 21/5/2008 U18 Talent League stats (averages): 12.4 disposals, 2.3 goals, 7.1 score involvements

Gayfer has established himself as the top key forward available, with both St Kilda and Collingwood believed to be interested. He is physical, tough, aggressive and athletic, uses his body well to take contested grabs, and kicked loads of goals in the Talent League, under-18 championships and for Parade College. Gayfer can be inconsistent, doesn’t always run to the right spots, and his set-shot kicking is a query, but there is lots to like here. His biggest fans see him as a forward, whereas others think he will be more effective as a defender.

Malady’s highlights package is as good as anyone’s, and his aerial prowess, speed and general athleticism make him an enticing prospect. The consensus is he sits somewhere just outside the top 10. Malady had some outstanding performances throughout the year, including five goals in the Power’s Talent League grand final win, but recruiters would love to see him win more of the ball. Malady projects primarily as a third-tall forward, but has occasionally been used on a wing and there are scouts who think he could slot in at half-back as well.

Snell was all the rage early in the season and is still a highly touted prospect, but he didn’t finish the year quite as well as he started it. In his favour was a mature VFL performance for Collingwood that was another tick for his draft resume. Snell is an excellent interceptor, his athleticism and height are ideal for a key defender in the AFL, he is cool in a crisis, and he kicks well. Snell was a major reason Gippsland made the Talent League grand final and is one of three tall backmen who could be selected in the first 15 picks.

Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro Key defender, 196cm Under-18 All-Australian DOB: 16/9/2008 U18 Talent League stats (averages): 12.6 disposals, 3.4 intercept marks, 3.1 rebound 50s

Bradley’s draft stock is only going up. Vic Metro’s MVP award-winner had to win over critics who pointed to his lack of speed, agility and athleticism, but they can’t argue with his track record. Significant for Bradley was the job he did in the Talent League finals on fellow first-round prospect Sam Gayfer, who was viewed as a test of his limitations. He is highly intelligent, already physically strong, and makes up for his athletic shortcomings with outstanding footwork and positioning. Melbourne are one club monitoring him around this area of the draft.

Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro Utility, 181cm DOB: 16/9/2008 U18 Talent League stats (averages): 15 disposals, 3.6 inside 50s, 1.2 goals

Burrows is rising fast, with St Kilda believed to be among the clubs tracking him closely. His numbers might not leap off the page, but it is easy to see him succeeding in the AFL with his athletic traits, work ethic and versatility. Burrows had not played down back until this year’s under-18 championships, but his performances opened a few eyes and even saw him used in the same role for the Dragons in the finals. He can leap for marks up forward, run through the midfield or even do a job in defence, so expect him to be snapped up pretty early.

Swan Districts/Western Australia Midfielder, 177cm Under-18 All-Australian DOB: 7/3/2008 WAFL League stats (averages): 14.3 disposals, 5.8 contested possessions, 3.7 tackles

Steed is as reliable as they come, and a safe pick in this section of the draft. He might even go earlier, and it will be interesting to see if West Coast or Fremantle trade up for him. Steed is a busy player around stoppages, unafraid to burrow into traffic, loves to tackle, and makes quick and good decisions, particularly by hand. Clubs are increasingly turning to bigger-bodied midfielders, so Steed does not fit that mould, but needs only to look at the likes of Lachie Neale, Touk Miller, Dion Prestia and Zach Merrett for inspiration.

Northern Knights/Vic Metro Wingman, 181cm DOB: 28/2/2008 U18 Talent League stats (averages): 21.3 disposals, 4.2 inside 50s, 5.1 score involvements

Another interesting name to follow. A hamstring injury sidelined Krasna at the end of a breakout under-18 championships, but he was an impressive performer in more of an inside midfield role once he did return, including 13 clearances across his last two matches. Krasna is on track to be a top-20 selection, and could end up closer to 10 than 20. He might be slight, but is willing to get his hands dirty, difficult to tackle, quick, a good decision-maker and regular goalkicker, so don’t be surprised if he keeps pushing up.

Glenelg/South Australia Forward, 185cm DOB: 26/3/2008 U18 SANFL stats (averages): 18 disposals, 1.8 goals, 6.8 score involvements

There was lots of hype about Patterson entering the season – and even top-10 draft projections – but much of this year did not materialise how he hoped. A key reason was a shoulder injury that derailed the first half of his campaign. Patterson showed glimpses of his upside as a dynamic forward at the national championships, but it was afterwards in the SANFL that he reminded everyone of his ability, including 23 disposals and two goals in the under-18s grand final. He is quick, slippery in traffic, has a nice leap, neat skills and kicks some brilliant goals.

Central District/South Australia Defender, 183cm Under-18 All-Australian DOB: 29/7/2008 U18 SANFL stats (averages): 22.3 disposals, 3.6 rebound 50s, 4.2 intercept possessions

Eime is a prototypical running defender who might also spend time on a wing in the AFL. He accelerates quickly, is shifty with the ball, takes opponents on and his kicking has improved. Eime made his case as a potential first-round selection with an impressive national championships, but probably didn’t finish the season quite as strongly as he started it. Like some others in this section of the draft, his range is somewhere between 15 and 25. Fremantle are one club believed to be considering him.

Geelong Falcons/Vic Country Key forward, 193cm DOB: 6/3/2008 U18 Talent League stats (averages): 5 disposals, 3 marks, 2 goals

What might have been. A season-ending knee injury in April at a Falcons training session changed the course of Pickett’s draft year – and any hope of him being a top-10 selection. Recruiters are now torn on what to do with him, weighing up the risk versus reward he presents. Pickett is often likened to Jack Gunston and Logan Morris as a forward of similar height with good football IQ and craft, and an ability to create separation who is an accurate set-shot kick. He can play a one-out role closer to goal or roam further afield.

Western Jets/Vic Metro Forward, 176cm DOB: 4/7/2008 U18 Talent League stats (averages): 17.9 disposals, 2.9 goals, 3.1 tackles

The Bulldogs can theoretically match any bid on El Souki, but so much depends on what happens with incoming superstar Zak Butters and whether they will still have the necessary draft collateral. El Souki missed most of the under-18 championships recovering from a broken ankle, but rebounded to lead the Talent League in goals during the home-and-away season. He is richly talented, powerful, plays with aggression – look out if he tackles you – and has a wonderful goal sense, but does need to improve his running.

Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro Forward, 173cm DOB: 21/6/2008 U18 Talent League stats (averages): 14.7 disposals, 1.4 goals, 3 tackles

Does Dimer’s lack of height even matter anymore? Not everyone can be Nick Watson – and no one suggests Dimer is at his level or a replica of his style – but the Hawks star has paved the way for pint-sized forwards. The Sandringham product has fast feet, is clean at ground level, a creative handballer and seems well suited to the demands of playing the high half-forward role in the AFL. He was also Haileybury College’s school and football captain, and would add leadership and high-end character to whichever club he ends up at.

Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country Midfielder, 184cm DOB: 30/1/2008 U18 champs stats (averages): 19.4 disposals, 3.5 inside 50s, 2.8 clearances

Phillips’ good is really good, and he is one of the most skilful players – with both feet – in the draft pool, but recruiters often report wanting to see more from him. He can play on the inside and outside as a midfielder, although he spent the under-18 championships on a wing, in part because of perceived deficiencies in the contest. Some scouts envision him as a midfielder-forward and want to see him put his kicking to better use in the forward half in creating scoring opportunities.

Geelong Falcons/Vic Country Midfielder/defender, 176cm DOB: 22/1/2008 U18 Talent League stats (averages): 21 disposals, 5 clearances, 7.8 tackles

Williams is no longer in top-10 contention, and may not even be a first-round pick, after an injury-interrupted season, but he is versatile enough to play in the midfield, across half-back or possibly as a pressure forward. He is small in stature, but quick, tough, competitive, loves to tackle and mostly uses the ball well on his left boot. Williams co-captained Vic Country with Cody Walker and has a reputation as a hard-working and popular teammate.

Northern Knights/Vic Metro Midfielder/forward, 176cm Under-18 All-Australian DOB: 14/4/2008 U18 Talent League stats (averages): 24.7 disposals, 5.4 inside 50s, 5.9 clearances

Not every club rates Cooke in the top 30, but he won most recruiters over with his consistently strong performance, athletic profile, work ethic and forward craft, including being a good mark overhead, particularly for his size. He played a lot through the midfield as a junior, but the expectation is most of his AFL minutes will be in attack while pinch-hitting in the centre. Cooke’s critics query how effective he will be at the top level and whether there is a role for him.

West Perth/Western Australia Forward, 193cm DOB: 26/4/2008 U18 WAFL stats (averages): 19 disposals, 6 marks, 1 goal

LeCras was viewed as a likely first-round selection entering the season, but similar to fellow tall forward Jack Pickett, a knee injury ruined his plans. He suffered a partially torn ACL while making his WAFL senior debut in April and was not sighted again, but his early season form was strong, including a three-goal effort for the AFL Academy against Richmond’s VFL team. LeCras also recorded a good result in the two-kilometre time trial at this week’s draft combine, but recruiters are keen to see his medical report before making a call on him.

South Adelaide/South Australia Midfielder/forward, 184cm Under-18 All-Australian DOB: 25/7/2008 U18 SANFL stats (averages): 23.5 disposals, 5.5 clearances, 5.2 tackles

Another polarising prospect who some scouts wouldn’t draft at all, while others like him more than this ranking. Edwards captained South Australia at the under-18 championships, where he was a consistent performer, and he rounded out his season by playing and acquitting himself well at senior SANFL level. He is not a great athlete or runner, and the suspicion is he will need to make it as a forward to be a successful AFL footballer. Edwards has shown he can be an impact forward who values defence.

Claremont/Western Australia Midfielder, 190cm Under-18 All-Australian DOB: 6/9/2008 U18 WAFL stats (averages): 31 disposals, 13.7 contested possessions, 5.3 inside 50s

Gale is a big midfielder who has a knack for finding the Sherrin and uses his size and strength well in the contest, but recruiters are mulling over how much his lack of speed will dull his influence in the AFL. He graduated to WAFL seniors late in the season and handled the step-up in standard. The general belief is Gale will find a role for himself at the next level and maximise his talents, given his running ability, professionalism and work ethic.

Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro Midfielder/wingman, 187cm Under-18 All-Australian DOB: 27/7/2008 U18 Talent League stats (averages): 27.9 disposals, 4.8 clearances, 6.7 score involvements

MacGowan might not be quick – the most common asterisk on his draft portfolio – but you can’t argue with his outstanding production, including claiming Sandringham’s best-and-fairest award. He capped a consistently excellent season by being the only prospective draftee to beat six minutes in the two-kilometre time trial, which again highlighted his running capacity. MacGowan might start his AFL career on a wing, but his ball-winning ability and smarts could see him move inside eventually.

Western Jets/Vic Metro Midfielder/forward, 183cm DOB: 19/1/2008 U18 Talent League stats (averages): 28.5 disposals, 4.6 clearances, 8.3 score involvements

Hicks sneaks into this top 30, but has a wide draft range. He is a great athlete – it runs in the family, with his brother Brodie representing Australia in the 4 x 400-metre relay at the world under-20 championships – and put up gaudy numbers all season, including a solid carnival for Vic Metro. The Jets rave about him. Hicks’ upside is tantalising, but a common concern among recruiters is that he is inconsistent with his effort within matches, which could lead to him sliding a little.

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