South Australian defender Mitch Harris has emerged as an AFL Draft bolter to watch at the Under-18s National Championships.
The 196cm Woodville-West Torrens player put himself on the map in Round 4 against Sturt, taking 12 intercept marks and has maintained strong form since then to become one of the most hyped Croweaters.
“His intercept marking is outstanding,” Woodville-West Torrens coach Shane Reardon told Zero Hanger.
“He makes good decisions on when to go for his marks and when to spoil. He doesn't get outmarked very often and his decision-making in aerial contests is really good.”
As well as his intercepting and contested strength, the Aliir Aliir-like defender has the ability to quell his opponent in one-on-one contests, which he showcased in the South Australian state trial against a South Australian Under-20s representative side.
He had no issues matching up against the bigger bodies, taking out best afield honours despite finishing with just eight disposals
He backed it up with another strong performance against NSW/ACT the following week, complementing his lockdown and aerial strength with ball-use he's worked hard to improve.
His upside, size and attributes has him in the upper echelon of backmen in the crop, with Clancy Snell the only player of his type ahead of him in Zero Hanger's June Power Rankings.
“His ball use he's worked really hard on over summer,” Reardon added.
“Last year he probably took it a bit safe but he's worked on taking those kicks on the 45 and be a bit more damaging and that's starting to pay off.
“He's starting to take pride in hurting opposition with his kicking so he's turned an area of development for him into a real strength. That's the approach he's adopted.”
Harris will be an important part of South Australia's backline, alongside AFL Academy member Kale Matthews-Hampton and the underrated Harry Franz.
South Australia's Under-18s National Championships begin against Western Australia on Saturday at 12.30pm.
