While small-framed compared to most of his draft class Gold Coast Academy talent Jake Rogers packs a punch in midfield with his physicality and speed.
The Broadbeach midfielder enjoyed a stellar draft campaign in 2023, representing the Allies, Suns Academy, AFL Academy and Gold Coast's VFL unit throughout the year to build his case as a likely first-round draft selection.
Rogers, who stands at 170cm tall, is one of the best pressure midfielders in the game and can also damage his opposition with his intelligent and effective ball use.
A strong 2022 season in the Talent League and National Championships would set a solid foundation for Rogers, who reached great heights this year that included a breakout performance for the AFL Academy against Carlton's VFL side in May.
The team of draft stars notched up a narrow win over the Blues at Marvel Stadium, with Rogers named best-afield for his 26-disposal outing in midfield.
That match wouldn't be Rogers' only appearance for the year against senior opposition, with the agile onballer playing in a trio of games for the Suns' reserves at the VFL level as well.
Rogers was a key piece in the Allies' premiership-winning campaign this year, too, working alongside Tasmanian duo Ryley Sanders and Colby McKercher and Sydney Academy talent Caiden Cleary in midfield to earn a place in the U18 All-Australian team alongside his trio of teammates in the middle of the field - with the Allies having eight players represented in total.
He would rank among the Suns' best during their limited Talent League campaign, with Rogers averaging 25.5 disposals (team high), 6.3 tackles (top two) and 4.3 inside 50s (top two) across his four appearances.
It's Rogers' tackling and contested work rate around midfield that has seen him become so highly rated in 2023, with the Touk Miller-like midfielder tipped to join Suns Academy teammates Jed Walter and Ethan Read as early draft selections.
A bid for Rogers could come as early as the top 10 and as late as the second half of the opening round at November's draft, with the Suns looking to land as many as four of their Academy graduates.
Position: Midfielder
Height: 170cm
Weight: 68kg
State: Queensland
Club: Broadbeach
Strengths
Tackling
Speed
IQ
Physicality
Draft Range
Pick 9-15
Potential Landing Spots
Gold Coast (Academy bid)
AFL Comparison
Expert comments
"Just an electric kind of player at ground level, super clean, he's really zippy, he's got that speed and agility and he's only small, 171cm." - Michael Alvaro.
