It was an interesting year for Gippsland Power and Vic Country forward Marlon Neocleous.
He was a surprise snubbing from the AFL Academy at the start of the year after being one of the best in last year's U17s Futures game, before strong footy for Gippsland early in the season led to a late call-up.
He showed promise against the senior bodies – having played senior footy as early as 2024 at local level.
He evolved as a player throughout 2026. Compared early to Nick Watson, he played his best footy as a high forward who connects the midfield with the forward line, which allows his decision-making, field kicking and composure to come to the fore, but his strength for his size and creativity around goal also makes him tough to stop closer to goal.
Didn't quite find his best as consistently as he would have liked across various levels, playing for Vic Country, Gippsland, AFL Academy and Caulfield Grammar, which has caused him to somewhat slide.
Neocleous was also affected by injury, frustratingly missing two of the four U18s National Championships games.
He is shaping as a potential bargain in the middle stages of the draft.
Likely Landing Spot(s)
Brisbane
Collingwood
Richmond
Draft Range
Picks 35-50
Strengths
Footy IQ, strength, pressure, decision-making
Key Quote
“He's so dynamic inside 50 and is one of our hardest working players.” - Kris Pendlebury
