Subiaco forward Koltyn Tholstrup is one of the biggest X-Factor players in this year's draft class, with his flair and strength among the traits that view him as a difference-maker on the field.
A tantalising threat at ground level, which also boasts a strong leap, the curly-haired and long-kicking Tholstrup is an agile half-forward who can roam through midfield and put his stamp on the game with his match-winning efforts.
While he would fall just short of a Team of the Year selection, Tholstrup would be among Western Australia's best performers at the 2023 National Championships - featuring in the last three games after missing his state's opener through injury.
There, he would average 18.3 disposals, 6.0 marks and 6.0 inside 50s per outing before returning to Subiaco and playing a part in the WAFL side's finals run.
Adding senior experience to his bow saw Tholstrup's stocks grow, with the teenager playing ten games at the state league level for a return of 17 scoring shots and an average of 11 disposals and 2.4 tackles as an emerging half-forward.
He would gain further attention at October's AFL Combine after recording a second-best time of 8.194 seconds in the agility test - bested only by Lions teammate Lance Collard. Tholstrup would also amass a top 10 finish in the 2km time trial.
His attitude and power as a smaller-framed forward draw comparisons to North Melbourne bull Cameron Zurhaar, with clubs in the first round of this year's draft set to consider the Newtown Condingup native strongly.
St Kilda hold two selections for the opening night of the count and could use Picks 13 or 21 on Tholstrup, while North Melbourne (Pick 15, 17+18), Collingwood (Pick 19) and local club West Coast (Pick 23) might also be in the mix.
Position: Forward
Height: 186cm
Weight: 86kg
State: Western Australia
Club: Newtown Condingup
Strengths
Power
Agility
X-Factor
Senior Experience
Draft Range
Pick 15-25
Potential Landing Spots
St Kilda (Pick 13+21)
North Melbourne (Pick 15, 17+18)
Collingwood (Pick 19)
West Coast (Pick 23)
AFL Comparison
Cameron Zurhaar
Xavier O'Halloran
Expert Comments
"A talented player with an elite work rate, Tholstrup often plays as a high half forward and sometimes goes through the midfield. He is a fearless competitor with excellent game sense and is a penetrating kick." - Kevin Sheehan
