A pair of interstate representative games were the highlights of the weekend's talent pathway footy.
That and more in this week's edition of AFL Draft watch.
Richmond-tied prospect shines in South Australian trial game
Woodville-West Torrens winger Jack Leys backed up a sensational start to the season on the wing with a starring showing in a South Australian trial game against an Under-20s representative side.
His ability to cover the ground and skill execution stood out as he adapted to the slightly more seasoned bodies seamlessly and held his shape to provide an option in transition and pushed forward potently.
Interceptor Mitch Harris was another to catch the eye.
He has risen up boards in the last month, with a Round 4 performance which contained 12 intercept marks – after missing a fortnight with concussion – kick-starting his strong form.
Cain Florance brought his trademark athleticism and pinpoint kicking and was another standout.
Underrated West Australian the standout
Leo Steed was the major standout of Western Australia's Under-18s trial game on Saturday against the Under-20s representative side.
The 176cm talent attacked the footy with his usual intent and worked hard against the slightly more seasoned bodies.
It continues a strong start to the season for the clean midfielder/forward, who has been an early draft riser.
Heath Mellody's pinpoint kicking was on show, while he continued to show increased aptitude around the contest.
Winger George Gale continued his excellent form, running hard both ways and finding plenty of the footy, off the back of consecutive 30+-disposal games in the previous trial games.
Meanwhile, bottom-aged ruck Axel Walsh, who is strongly expected to be in Tasmania's sights for pre-listing later this year, played his best game in his third outing of the year after being sidelined early with a knee injury.
Arki Butler wows
A three-goal second quarter surge by Brighton Grammar captain and top five prospect Arki Butler broke the game open for his school against Haileybury College.
Butler kicked two stunning goals in a minute and was a prominent midfield presence all day, shrugging the attention Haileybury gave him to burst forward from centre clearance and prove a nightmare matchup with his sidestep inside 50.
In what was widely viewed as a grand final preview in the APS competition, Brighton Grammar proved far too strong, with fellow draft prospects Tyson Bradley and Haileybury captain George Dimer also among the best.
South Australian leadership group announced
Top 10 prospect Kodah Edwards will captain South Australia at the Under-18s National Championships, to kick off on June 13.
The South Adelaide prospect captains his SANFL side, skippered the state at Under-16s level and showed great promise in the AFL Academy series.
He will be assisted by vice captains Dougie Cochrane, Ethan Herbert, Cain Florance and Jack Gordon.
AFL Academy member's timely reminder
Gold Coast Academy prospect Archie Hill was decisive in Gold Coast Academy's last gasp win on Sunday.
Traditionally a half-back, Hill has been played off half forward, rotating into the midfield, to prove his liveliness in the forward half and build his contest game.
His game is built off his running power and willingness to take the game on which were on show on a dreary Melbourne day.
Hill trained with the Suns across summer and will represent the Allies at the Under-18s National Championships next month, before likely finishing the season for the Suns VFL side.
The Suns Academy won the last game of their Talent League season with the last kick of the game against Gippsland, with Kodi Wallace, Leroy Kaesler and match-winner Cooper Collins also among the standouts.
Mid-Season Draft initial list revealed
The first batch of players to nominate for the AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft have been released.
This masthead will continue to provide in-depth analysis and breaking news about the Mid-Season Draft until it is held on May 26, when a livestream will be held on Zero Hanger's Youtube page.
Under-16s trials standouts
Highly regarded Oakleigh Charger Jonny Millar was a standout of the Victorian Under-16s trials at Preston City Oval on Sunday.
Millar flew for marks and kicked three goals to strengthen his credentials for Vic Metro selection.
Nevon Eshwara, Mac Stewart, Freddie Hardeman and Billy Burton were among the other standouts for Vic Metro in its win over Vic Country.
Gippsland Power's Alex Ingham, who has already made his Talent League debut, was viewed as Vic Country's best.
Famous names Lukas Koutoufides, Ben Richardson and Will Thornton were among eight players pre-selected for Vic Metro.
The Under-16s National Development Championships kick off on 8 June at Kennedy Community Centre, Dingley, before most of the games take place later in the month on Gold Coast.
