Essendon and Port Adelaide will have their sights on three leading prospects for the 2027 AFL Draft, with a trio of father-son options putting forward promising performances over the weekend's opening to the U16s carnival.
Suiting up for Vic Metro, Calder Cannons asset Koby Bewick - the son of Bombers champion Darren - was a standout as he collected 23 disposals, seven clearances and five tackles while booting three goals in a narrow win over Vic Country.
The Essendon-tied teenager added to a promising start to his Coates Talent League campaign, debuting for the Cannons in May - amassing 28 touches and one major.
His Calder teammate, Tevita Rodan, is linked to Port Adelaide as a father-son given his dad David played 111 games for Port Adelaide, while he is also part of Essendon's Next Generation Academy.
Rodan slotted into a defensive role for Vic Metro and recorded 19 disposals, four tackles and three clearances at Avalon Airport Oval on Monday.
The exciting flanker wasn't the only Port Adelaide-linked prospect to shine, with Louis Salopek, the son of former Power midfielder Steven, putting up a strong outing for Vic Country.
The young midfielder had a staggering 16 disposals in the opening term to finish his afternoon with 32 possessions and 11 clearances in what was an exciting performance for the 2027 prospect.
Speaking on this week's episode ofย Craft of the Draft,ย analyst Jonty Ralphsmith said the performances of the club-tied trio were exciting to see.
"There were a few club-tied standouts. Koby Bewick, the Essendon father-son prospect, kicked the three goals in the first half," Ralphsmith said.
"He just looked so poised at the contest and he got himself into really good spots in the forward half.
"He debuted off half-back for Calder, and he's looking like a really, really good prospect for 2027 for Essendon fans already to get excited about.
"Louis Salopek, from a Vic Country perspective, is a Port Adelaide father-son (option). He had a very busy first quarter, credited with 16 of his 32 disposals in that first term.
"He's really improving his defensive work so much, and when he got the ball he was able to reall impact.
"Tevita Rodan off half-back, tied to both Essendon and Port Adelaide, did some really likeable things and provided some run and dash.
Craft of the Draftย host Mitch Keating said the spread of traits from Bewick was a big factor in his starring performance to start his U16s carnival.
"Just so impressive, in midfield and forward of the ball," Keating said.
"So composed, great kicking, great decision-making, and when he gets his chance to take a shot on goal, he really takes it and pulls in another six points for his side."
You can watch the full episode of this week'sย Craft of the Draft series via our player below or on Zero Hanger's YouTube channel.
