North Adelaide half-back Sam Tassone surged into draft contention with a mammoth pre-season, laying the foundations for a breakout year.
His first month of the year for the Roosters put him on the radar as a metres-gained half-back who can clear the defensive end and offer counterpunch.
He took a backseat to South Australian teammate Jake Eime for the first half of the National Championships before a big finish showed what he was capable of.
Tassone's ball-use and decision-making off half-back set the game up for the teams he plays in, and while he does not possess electrifying speed, his anticipation, quick-thinking and willingness to play on instinct allow him to escape opponents.
A separating factor between Tassone and other half-backs is his willingness to defend his opponent, create turnover and attack off the back of that, rather than being a gung-ho player who wants to run off his opponent and attack at all costs.
Originally from Victoria's remote Sunraysia region and now boarding at South Australia's Prince Alfred College, it has been a rapid rise for Tassone. Unable to crack his side's first-footy team last year, he now shapes as one of the Croweaters' most likely draft prospects.
Strengths
Kicking
Agility
Defensive Intent
Draft Range
Pick 45-Rookie
Likely Landing Spot(s)
Port Adelaide
Brisbane Lions
St Kilda
Key Quote
"He's pretty agile as a running half-back. He can turn left and right quickly; he's strong through the hips; he can defend when he needs to, and his ball-use is good.” - Mitch Liddle
