Vic Country co-captain Harry DeMattia is a versatile midfield bull who relies on his pace, kicking and leadership qualities to leave an impact on each game.
The Dandenong Stingrays talent firms as a potential first-round selection at the 2023 AFL Draft, having chosen football over cricket after being a member of Australia's U19s program with the bat and ball.
DeMattia is viewed more as a midfielder but can play across half-forward or offer run and smart ball use from defence, with the teenager having been utilised in a multitude of roles over the past 18 months.
His 2023 campaign would include four matches for Vic Country, who he led alongside top-rated prospect Harley Reid, and he would appear in his side's best performers on two occasions while working at an average of 14.3 disposals, 4.3 tackles and 5.0 inside 50s per game across the National Championships.
While not the biggest frame, DeMattia is a physical presence around the ball and is also a strong tackler, leading by example in being as reliable on defence as he is with the Sherrin at his disposal.
His mongrel attitude, versatility and leadership qualities might even see DeMattia viewed as a taller Liam Baker, while All-Australian Dan Houston is another AFL comparison that comes to mind given his balance of high work rate, run and long-range kicking.
DeMattia could fetch a bid in the second half of the first-round at the earliest, with Adelaide (Pick 14), North Melbourne (Picks 15, 17 and 18) and Collingwood (Pick 19) each holding selections in the top 20 and could view DeMattia as a viable option.
Position: Midfielder
Height: 185cm
Weight: 78kg
State: Victoria
Club: Edithvale-Aspendale
Strengths
Versatility
Speed
Physicality
Leadership
Draft Range
Pick 15-30
Potential Landing Spots
Adelaide (Pick 14)
North Melbourne (Picks 15, 17+18)
Collingwood (Pick 19)
AFL Comparison
Liam Baker
Dan Houston
Expert comments
"A midfielder/forward with both speed and endurance which enables him to cover the ground and compete in the air and at ground level often in a high half-forward role. A left footer, he brings real pressure with his ability to lay run down tackles against the flow of play." - Kevin Sheehan
