2016 AFL Draft prospects: Hugh McCluggage

Name: Hugh McCluggage
Position: Midfielder
DOB: 03-03-1998
Height: 185cm
Weight: 75kg
Draft range: 1-5

Pub summary
Classy midfielder, with the ability to push forward and hit the scoreboard.

Strengths

• Clean ball skills
• Creates time/space
• Pace
• Excellent overhead mark for his size
• Accurate kick for goal

Weaknesses

• Small frame
• Contested work, plays more an outside midfielder role

Overall

McCluggage has enjoyed an incredible 2016, displaying poise and class that is rarely seen at Under-18 level. He is incredibly clean, particularly at ground level, and seems to have plenty of time whenever he gets the ball, resulting in very accurate disposal by foot.

He reads the play extremely well and can find a lot of the footy.

McClaggage is not just an elite midfielder, but is incredibly handy when thrown forward. He has averaged over two goals for the rebels in the TAC Cup this season and he has the ability to take great contested marks for his size.

He won the 2016 Morris Medal, the TAC Cup's best and fairest, and he averaged 20.7 disposals and kicked seven goals in four games for Vic County in the Under-18 Championships earlier this year.

Under-18 Championships statistics

• Games: 4
• Average disposals: 20.5
• Average contested possessions: 9
• Goals: 7
• Average marks: 4
• Average tackles: 2.7
• Average clearances: 1.5
• Average clangers: 2
• Average inside 50s: 2.7

Highlights