Potential Pick 1 selection Cooper Duff-Tytler has paid credit to his stint with Essendon's VFL program as he prepares to take the step toward top-flight football.
On top of his commitments with the AFL Academy, Calder Cannons and Vic Metro this year, the towering 200cm ruck-forward hybrid featured in a VFL game for the Bombers in August.
Coming up against a host of AFL-listed talent when Essendon's reserves took on Sandringham, Duff-Tytler looked comfortable in the front third of the field, booting three goals from five scoring chances and 13 disposals.
The change of pace and space allowed the Woodend-Hesket product to 'play to his strengths' as a hard-working, athletic key position target.
"They embraced me at their club," Duff-Tytler said of his time with Essendon.
"I trained there for a few weeks beforehand, getting to know all the boys. Come game day, they let me focus on what I do well and encouraged me to create a contest and work hard, and the rest would look after itself.
| 5 RANK |  | Cooper Duff-Tytler Calder Cannons Ruck/Forward HEIGHT: 200cm | â–¶+ |
"I knew it was going to be a step up from junior footy, just faster, quicker, bigger. But I think I stepped up quite well.
"I used my strengths, getting up the ground and around the ground to overwork my opponent. I think it played into my strengths, that step up."
Having finalised his combine testing this weekend, Duff-Tytler's focus shifts toward complementing his campaign through training ahead of the draft on November 19, as well as final interviews with AFL clubs.
While seen as a long-term asset for clubs weighing up the selection of the dominant big man, Duff-Tytler has no concerns over whether he's ready to make the step up to the AFL.
"I've dreamt of it forever. I definitely feel like I'm ready going into the AFL," he added.
"I can't wait to get there and soak up the experience, trying to become a good AFL footballer."
The question surrounding Duff-Tytler's prospects as an AFL player will be which third of the field he'll be best suited to playing in predominantly.
The aerial threat is seen by some as a ruck-first prospect who can roll forward, while others may view him as an attacking target who can support in the ruck.
For Duff-Tytler, who believes he played his best football as a ruck then a forward, he's open to playing whatever role is required.
"I think this year, I probably played better as ruck-forward," he said.
"But going into the future, I'm open to playing anywhere the coach wants me.
"I think I can play good footy in any position."
Duff-Tytler looms as a likely selection for West Coast with one of their opening selections, as the Eagles are anticipated to hold the first two picks of the AFL Draft following Oscar Allen's imminent move to Brisbane.
Richmond and Essendon will follow in the queue, with Duff-Tytler unlikely to get past the Bombers' pair of selections - currently Picks 4 and 5.
