Hulking Palm Beach Currumbin key forward Jed Walter not only headlines the Gold Coast Suns' 2023 Academy class but this year's tall forward options too off the back of a successful National Championships and strong four-game Talent League stint.
The 194cm, 97kg attacker is a force to be reckoned with in the attacking third, but not only for his aggressiveness and physicality, with Walter a menace for the opposition even without the ball in hand due to his pressure and tackling acumen.
The Queenslander averaged 2.3 tackles per game to go with his 18.3 disposals and 4.5 goals each outing for the Suns' Academy side in the Talent League this year, booting 18 goals from just a quartet of appearances.
He would back up his strong form with the Allies at the National Championships, spearheading his side to the carnival title with 11 goals from his four games and an average of 13.3 disposals.
His size, strength and ability to work himself into the right position gave him the upper hand against the opposition each week, with the ready-made key forward also flexing his power against Carlton's VFL side in May this year.
Walter would only boot the one goal during the four-point win, but would show scouts his lethal ability to impact the ball in flight and back up his efforts at ground level.
His draft campaign has Walter likely fetching a rival bid as early as Pick 2 for the November 20-21 draft, with the Suns preparing a matched offer for the exciting attacker along with Ethan Read and Jake Rogers early into the piece.
It is Walter's Academy status that perhaps has seen his name fly under the radar. If he was on offer to all 18 clubs, he might've been as talked about as likely No.1 pick Harley Reid.
Walter's size and forward prowess give him a close comparison to Geelong champion Tom Hawkins, who is damaging with the ball and can also get others involved with his smarts and pressure around the Sherrin.
Position: Key Forward
Height: 194cm
Weight: 97kg
State: Queensland
Club: Palm Beach Currumbin
Strengths
Physicality
Forward Pressure
Ready-Made
Aerial Threat
Draft Range
Pick 2-5
Potential Landing Spots
Gold Coast (Academy bid)
AFL Comparison
Expert comments
"A big bustling key forward, super physical, aggressive and physically ready. He had no trouble adjusting to the senior opposition. He attacks the ball so well in the air and really hustles with his tackling pressure at ground level, which not many tall forwards do." - Michael Alvaro
