In an up-and-down carnival for Vic Metro, few enhanced their stocks as much as Max Kondogiannis, a third-tall defender who intercepts and kicks with great confidence.
The Oakleigh defender backs himself to read the flight of the ball and take intercept marks, and has great composure to get his team out of trouble and counterattack when the ball hits the deck.
He averaged 19 disposals and five marks for Vic Metro, consensually viewed as the best defender in game one and improving from there. It's also worth noting that due to a finger tendon injury, he didn't play any footy between game one and two, yet still carried on his very strong form.
He was Carey Grammar's captain this year and played a little bit forward at APS level, but is viewed as a defender at the next level, while his footy IQ is another noted attribute.
The one thing to note about Kondogiannis is that he does have a rawer frame, so he would likely need 12-18 months of development in the system before he likely gets AFL game time. So one thing clubs will know is they're not getting the finished product – or anywhere near the finished product.
Combine added strength with Kondogiannis' other attributes and you have a very good footballer. Expect his name to fall somewhere early in the second round of the AFL Draft.
| 34 RANK | | Max Kondogiannis Oakleigh Chargers Defender HEIGHT: 190cm | ▶+ |
Strengths
Intercepting
Read Of Play
Kicking Efficiency
Draft Range
Pick 20-40
Potential Landing Spots
Brisbane (Picks 17, 37 and 40)
Port Adelaide (Pick 24 and 42)
Sydney (Pick 27)
West Coast (Picks 19 and 33)
