Vic Country utility George Stevens is one of the better contested workers and ball winners this year's draft class has to offer, with the South Warrnambool junior using his large frame to out-muscle his opponents at the coalface or in defence.
Stevens can play as a big-bodied inside midfielder or as an asset in the backline - where he developed his craft to emerge as a top-rated draft prospect before earning his stripes as an onballer.
The 189cm and 101kg young gun was one of Vic Country's best at this year's Championships, averaging 19.2 disposals, 6.2 tackles and 3.8 clearances per game while working alongside the likes of Harley Reid and bottom-ager Finn O'Sullivan.
The midfield trio, along with Gippsland's Zane Duursma, would earn Team of the Year honours following the National Championships, with Stevens likely going close to snatching Reid's MVP title.
Stevens would also earn a spot at half-back in the Talent League Team of the Year and would also be selected as captain of the side following his impressive 13-game campaign with the GWV Rebels, where he would average 28.8 possessions, 5.0 tackles and 4.5 inside 50s.
Arguably Stevens' most impressive game this year came in his second VFL appearance for Geelong this year, recording a team-high 29 disposals to go with four clearances, five marks and five inside 50s for the Cats.
While like a bigger or slower Jack Crisp, Stevens could gain comparisons to young Port Adelaide bull Lachie Jones given his size and ability to play across the defensive half of the field.
His draft selection could come as early as the first round, with a likely call coming early into night two of the November 20-21 National Draft.
Position: Midfielder-Defender
Height: 189cm
Weight: 101kg
State: Victoria
Club: South Warrnambool
Strengths
Tackling
Strength
Contested Work
Ready-Made
Leadership
Draft Range
Picks 20-35
Potential Landing Spots
Adelaide (Pick 20)
Collingwood (Picks 19+33)
Brisbane (Pick 30)
AFL Comparison
Expert comments
"Had a super champs and probably would have been right up there in the MVP discussion for Country. Stevens was great, just a real consistent performer in midfield, big solid body. He did his stocks no harm." - Michael Alvaro
