Tasmania Devils Under-18s coach Jeromey Webberley has pointed to the growth of Jaxon Artemis which has propelled him onto the radar of AFL clubs ahead of the Mid-Season Draft on Tuesday.
The widespread expectation in the industry is that whichever club has the first selection will call Artemis' name out after a start to the VFL season that has proven strong growth in his defensive transition.
“There has been some nice growth in his game, including his understanding of defence and understanding how he can use his athletic profile to impact the game defensively, not just offensively,” Devils coach Jeromey Webberley told Zero Hanger.
"We feel like he's making steps towards being a complaint defensive player.”
With Artemis all but certain to be selected in Tuesday's intake, he was rested from the Devils most recent game to protect him from potential injury, with the club having a bye this weekend.
He had 27 disposals in his most recent game, a draw with Werribee, which highlighted the excitement he offers off half-back.
“We really love his offensive game, his ability to break the game open, get handball receive and his offensive damage within a game so he has been fantastic down here with us,” Webberley added.
“Everyone knows his offensive ability but we feel like what he's added to his defensive game at the start of the year has been a highlight and his transition across the straight has given him this opportunity.”
He arrived at Tasmania with a WAFL senior premiership under his belt, as well as being named the state's Most Valuable Player at the 2024 Under-18s National Championships.
Playing that strong footy without being selected has given him a strong perspective on the ups and downs of the footy landscape.
“Jacko's a happy go lucky high energy guy who fits within the group well. He's been open and honest about managing expectation and he's done it really well. He has strong relationships across the program and has allowed his footy to do the talking," he added.
"After missing out in his 18th year, it sounds like he understands how the draft works and knows there is no guarantees so it is about focusing on what he can control around preparation and recovery which is allowing him to perform.”
Max Mapley is another Devil in Mid-Season Draft discussions. He is among several talls clubs are considering and has shouldered the club's ruck load across the first two months with preferred big man Cam Owen being injured.
“He has had an outstanding start to the year. He's not as tall as some of the other rucks but he's extremely athletic with his vertical and I'm impressed with his follow up and ability to impact the game at ground level for a tall. He's got great agility and speed and fundamentals skill for a tall,” Webberley said.
“He's been really consistent and provides good defensive intent and energy for a ruck. He's had to shoulder a lot of load being a number one ruck at 21 years of age.
“The new ruck rules set up for Max. He's a run and jump player and his follow up so the new rules have allowed him to blossom. He's still building out his frame but has been able to contribute around the source and second phase of stoppage.”
Having coached him at Under-18s level prior to this season, Webberley views Mapley, 198cm, as a key defender long term, a view echoed by his player Agent, Tim Hazell speaking to Craft of the Draft on Friday.
Small forward Jed Hagan and former Essendon player Jye Menzie are other Devils to have attracted mild interest ahead of Tuesday.
Clubs were intrigued by Hagan's rapid start to the season, with Webberley lauding his blend of pressure and ability to get involved in scores, but the interested has since died down.
He sustained a rib injury in the VFL state game and has yet to reach the heights he was previously producing.
Menzie, meanwhile, has had minor interest from West Coast, which is interested in taking experienced players but appears unlikely to be selected.
Having played at Essendon as a small forward, the club has worked with him to improve his flexibility, providing him with the opportunity to play as an inside midfielder.
While Tasmania will be able to provide VFL players with a golden ticket onto its AFL list, Webberley highlighted the significance of having players from the club find their own way into the top flight.
“We want all of our players to have aspirations and be an aspirational program so to have guys in consideration for Mid-Season is outstanding,” Webberley said
“Yes, we'd love to keep them here because they're good players for us and we'd love to put them on our AFL list but we want people to reach their childhood dream.
“We want our program, the community and the state and the mainland to realise you can get opportunity through our program to realise their childhood dream or return to a list so we're excited for those guys and hopeful they get an opportunity.”
