Veteran AFL draft guru and league Talent Ambassador Kevin Sheehan has revealed his top 40 prospects of 2021 ahead of Wednesday's National Draft.
'Shifter' has once again kept a close on the teenagers set to make their way to AFL clubs this week, with 2021's crop showing a great balance of Victorian and interstate names among the top echelons of this year's class.
Victorian players have been limited in their exposure this year given the impacts of COVID-19, with South Australian and Western Australian draft hopefuls emerging high in this year's rankings.
Headline by South Adelaide's Jason Horne-Francis, this year's prospects boast a versatile and enticing bow of attributes that are sure to have an immediate impact on the AFL in 2022.
Names are in alphabetical order by surname
Leek Alleer (Central Districts)
Height: 195cm
Weight: 81kg
Sheehan says: High marking and extremely athletic tall defender who has been a revelation at senior level this year after being switched to defence. Hampered by injury for two years, he has come through the grades at Central Districts from under 16s, under 18s and Reserves to be play some exciting senior football this year and emerge as a NAB AFL Draft prospect.
Player comparison: Port Adelaide’s Alliir Alliir
Jye Amiss (East Perth)
Height: 196cm
Weight: 83kg
Sheehan says: Tall forward who has been a sensation at Under 18s level in the WAFL kicking 51 goals and just 14 behinds in 14 matches this year. Has excellent acceleration on the lead, strong one touch hands as well being a strong pack mark. As his numbers indicate, he is a deadly accurate kick on his preferred left foot as well as being an unselfish and team-oriented player prominent with his goal assists.
Player comparison: Carlton’s Harry McKay
Mac Andrew (Dandenong Stingrays)
Height: 201cm
Weight: 74kg
Sheehan says: Emerging tall forward /ruckman who showed sparkling form at the start of the year with his overhead marking, natural leap, agility and speed his standout features. He was called into the Australian Under 18s team for its NAB AFL Challenge match against Geelong’s VFL team in April where he was lively. Born in Egypt to Sudanese parents he is part on Melbourne’s Next Generation Academy, noting the Demons can only match any bid for him after selection 20.
Player comparison: Melbourne’s Luke Jackson
Sam Banks (Tasmania)
Height: 187cm
Weight: 71kg
Sheehan says: Been Tasmania’s shining light for several years winning its MVP and All Australian honors at Under 16s level in 2019. Had an injury interrupted season after suffering a broken wrist missing the Australian Under 18 game but was in sparkling form before and after that playing four matches with the Tasmania Devils in the NAB League averaging 21.8 disposals and selected in NAB League’s “Team of the Year.”
Player comparison: Western Bulldogs Bailey Dale
Rhett Bazzo (Swan Districts)
Height: 195cm
Weight: 81kg
Sheehan says: Tall defender/forward who has been a swingman this year at school and club level after winning All Australian Under 16s honors in 2019 as a defender. Strong in defence for the Australian Under 18s team against Geelong (VFL) in the annual NAB AFL Challenge match he then starred for Western Australia in the championships match against South Australia taking 10 marks and having 18 disposals to one of the best afield across half back suggesting it might be his most suitable position.
Player comparison: Melbourne’s Steven May
Tom Brown (Murray Bushrangers)
Height: 186cm
Weight: 77kg
Sheehan says: A line breaking medium defender who loves to take the game on and step past the opposition using his elite agility. Composed and a decisive decision maker he can also go forward and impact the game. Although his father Paul was a star for Geelong playing 84 games for the Cats, it wasn’t enough to qualify as a father/son under AFL rules so he’s in the open 2021 NAB AFL Draft.
Player comparison: Geelong’s Tom Stewart
Jase Burgoyne (Woodville-West Torrens)
Height: 186cm
Weight: 65kg
Sheehan says: A dazzling defender who can also bring his talents into the midfield and have an impact for his team. His acceleration from stoppages and neat side set are complimented by his distribution by hand and foot making him a thrilling prospect. Caught the eye with this skill set in both the Australian Under 18s team in April this year together with his two performances for South Australia against Western Australia at Under 19s level averaging 21 disposals to be one of his team’s best on both occasions.
Player comparison: Port Adelaide’s Karl Amon
Sam Butler (GWV Rebels)
Height: 184cm
Weight: 76kg
Sheehan says: Medium midfielder/forward with exciting pace both away from stoppage and giving him separation to allow shots at goal. Brother to Dan at St Kilda with similar attributes and can be very effective as a pressure forward with goal sense as well. Had an excellent season with the GWV Rebels averaging 17.6 disposals at 72% efficiency in nine matches with an average of 4.8 tackles and .8 goals per game.
Player comparison: Brisbane Lions’ Hugh McCluggage
Finn Callaghan (Sandringham Dragons)
Height: 191cm
Weight: 86kg
Sheehan says: Left footed medium midfielder who burst onto the scene with dominant performances early with the Sandringham Dragons winning selection in the Australian Under 18s team for its Challenge match against Geelong (VFL) and showcasing his natural talent and athleticism. Can play inside and excel at stoppages or on the outside on the wing using his penetrating kicking to give good service to his forwards.
Player comparison: Western Bulldogs’ Marcus Bontempelli
Campbell Chesser (Sandringham Dragons)
Height: 186cm
Weight: 83kg
Sheehan says: Medium Midfielder who can also use his line breaking pace and long kicking to provide drive from defence. An All Australian at Under 16s level in 2019, we only saw thin slices of his undoubted flare and athleticism in three NAB League games due to injury averaging 18.3 disposals (14 uncontested) at 76% efficiency.
Player comparison: Adelaide Crows’ Paul Seedsman
Judson Clarke (Dandenong Stingrays)
Height: 180cm
Weight: 72kg
Sheehan says: Left footed small forward who is dynamic around goals using his elite agility and speed to great effect to find space and convert. As well as that goal sense he also brings energy, pressure and a sharp competitive edge up forward, not unlike Western Bulldogs Rising star Cody Weightman. His skill set and potential was to the fore in a five-goal performance for Victoria Country in a trial match against Victoria Metro this year.
Player comparison: Sydney Swans’ Tom Papley
Toby Conway (Geelong Falcons)
Height: 204cm
Weight: 90kg
Sheehan says: Ruckman who continues to develop, growing taller after first coming onto the radar winning All Australian honors at the 2019 NAB AFL Under 16s Championships when he was 197cm. Had a compelling season as a NAB AFL Draft prospect playing six matches with the Geelong Falcons averaging 13.8 disposals, 2.8 marks and 27 hit outs winning NAB League “Team of the Year” honours.
Player comparison: Brisbane Lions’ Oscar McInerney
Nick Daicos (Oakleigh Chargers)
Height: 182cm
Weight: 73kg
Sheehan says: Medium midfielder who literally had the ball on a string in both his NAB League matches where he averaged 35.8 disposals and two goals in five appearances and representative games for both the Australian Under 18s team (29 disposals) and Victoria Metro (41 disposals) in a clear indication of his undoubted talent. A creative player who has clean hands and wonderful vision he reacts quickly to bring his teammates into the game. Very nimble on his feet he steps through traffic with his natural speed and pushes forward to regularly hit the scoreboard. His running patterns are elite along with his overall footy smarts and he absorbs the pressure in congestion.
Player comparison: Carlton’s Sam Walsh
Sam Darcy (Oakleigh Chargers)
Height: 205cm
Weight: 93kg
Sheehan says: Tall forward who can also play down back or in the ruck using his athletic attributes and skill set to great effect. A one touch mark overhead he also reads the ball very well in flight and launches himself to take contested marks from any position. Has a technically sound goal kicking routine, he stood out this year kicking six goals in a Victorian Metro trial match then kicked a special goal on his non preferred left foot from the boundary line in a pocket in the AFL Challenge match against Victoria Country.
Player comparison: St Kilda’s Max King
Arlo Draper (South Adelaide)
Height: 186cm
Weight: 75kg
Sheehan says: Medium forward with a few tricks which makes him difficult to contain including his aerial ability, dazzling speed and agility can turn an opponent inside out. Has a touch of class about him and has already played a couple of senior matches with South Adelaide coming up through the grades after dominating Under 18s where he averaged 24.4 disposals in 9 matches.
Player comparison: Essendon’s Jake Stringer
Neil Erasmus (Subiaco)
Height: 188cm
Weight: 80kg
Sheehan says: Medium forward with exciting natural sporting talent only recently focusing purely on an AFL career after being an elite underaged cricketer. Born in Johannesburg, South Africa he was selected earlier this year in the Australian Under 18s AFL team and grasped the opportunity to be one of his sides best in a representative match against Geelong’s VFL side in April.
Player comparison: Melbourne’s Christian Petracca
Josh Fahey (GWS Academy)
Height: 186cm
Weight: 76kg
Sheehan says: Medium defender/wingman who really takes the game on using his speed, step through traffic and prodigious elite left foot to break open the game. Starred for the Australian Under 18s team against Geelong’s VFL side in the AFL Challenge match in April winning the MCC President’s medal as Australia’s best player having 23 disposals at 75% efficiency. Played three games for the GWS Giants in the VFL this year experiencing the higher-level averaging 13.3 disposals with his best being 24 disposals against Richmond.
Player comparison: Brisbane Lions’ Daniel Rich
Josh Gibcus (GWV Rebels)
Height: 195cm
Weight: 84kg
Sheehan says: Developing tall defender who has emerged this year to be included in the Australian Under 18s team against Geelong (VFL) where he was one of his side’s best to also show his skill set to be one of Victoria Country Under 19s better performers in AFL Challenge game against Victoria Metro in July. Blessed with an elite vertical jump it assists his intercept marking and aggressive spoiling both features of his rapidly developing game he also played 10 matches with the GWV Rebels averaging 12.5 disposals and 4.4 marks winning NAB League “Team of the Year” honours.
Player comparison: Melbourne’s Jake Lever
Josh Goater (Calder Cannons)
Height: 190cm
Weight: 80kg
Sheehan says: Versatile midfielder/defender who uses his height, natural spring, speed and agility to win and use the ball efficiently in a range of roles both inside and outside through midfield and across half back. His vision, decision making and execution by hand and foot is a real asset and stood out in his seven matches in the NAB League averaging 24 disposals at 85% efficiency with four clearances for the Calder Cannons.
Player comparison: Port Adelaide’s Xavier Duursma
Cooper Hamilton (Bendigo Pioneers)
Height: 184cm
Weight: 83kg
Sheehan says: Medium defender/midfielder with elite endurance which enables him to get to multiple contests as well as outnumber the opposition and supporting his team in multiple situations. A very strong contested mark both one on one and in a pack, he also uses the ball effectively by hand and foot.
Player comparison: Melbourne’s Trent Rivers
Ben Hobbs (GWV Rebels)
Height: 183cm
Weight: 79kg
Sheehan says: Medium midfielder who is a hard-edged beauty who excels one on one and consistently extracts the ball out of congestion. Has elite game sense reading the cues in winning the loose ball and has been ultra-consistent from the Under 16s championships in 2019 when he won All Australian selection and Victoria Country’s MVP. Has similar traits to Port Adelaide’s star Travis Boak with his competitive edge and ability to hit the scoreboard averaging 25 disposals (11 contested) 5.2 clearances and five tackles in six matches for the GWV Rebels winning “Team of the Year “honours.
Player comparison: Port Adelaide’s Travis Boak
Jason Horne-Francis (South Adelaide)
Height: 185cm
Weight: 81kg
Sheehan says: Medium midfielder who stocks continued to rise after a standout year at League level in the SANFL topped off by a best on ground performance in a losing preliminary final having 24 disposals and kicking three goals in a damaging display for this young gun. An All Australian and his state’s MVP at Under 16s level just three years ago, he has now had two years of senior football under his belt and looks ready for the next step. Has rare ball winning ability whether it’s at stoppages or overhead and is a dangerous player near goals.
Player comparison: Geelong’s Joel Selwood
Blake Howes (Sandringham Dragons)
Height: 191cm
Weight: 79kg
Sheehan says: Medium forward who also has shown the versatility to adapt well to playing on the wing this year using his lively speed and thrilling marking to great effect. An innate ability around goals adds to his armory he played for both the Australian Under 18s and Victorian Metro Under 19s in representative matches this year giving encouraging glimpses of his potential.
Player comparison: Hawthorn’s Jack Gunston
Matt Johnson (Subiaco)
Height: 191cm
Weight: 80kg
Sheehan says: Tall midfielder who has risen to every challenge this season with ultra-consistent and impressive performances across the board at club and representative levels. Averaged 21 disposals in 10 matches at Under 18s/Reserves level for Subiaco progressing to play three league games for the WAFL powerhouse before starring for Western Australia in two matches against South Australia including winning the NAB award as his state’s best player in its AFL Grand Final curtain raiser.
Player comparison: Geelong’s Mitch Duncan
Mitch Knevitt (Geelong Falcons)
Height: 193cm
Weight: 85kg
Sheehan says: Tall midfielder who had an outstanding season after recovering from an ACL injury two years ago and missing last year due to COVID shutdown. An outstanding performer for the Geelong Falcons averaging 24.3 disposals (50% contested) 4.4 clearances and 4.3 tackles, he won their best and fairest award as well as a place in the NAB League’s “Team of the Year”. Has the elite speed and endurance combination which allows him to transition both back and forward.
Player comparison: West Coast Eagles’ Elliott Yeo
Jesse Motlop (South Fremantle)
Height: 177cm
Weight: 78kg
Sheehan says: Small forward who has really started to blossom as a potential player with eye catching performance in both the NTFL and the WAFL particularly around his forward craft. His pace, goal sense and ability to win the ball, then make quick decisions with it has seen him progress from Under 18s to play six senior football with South Fremantle after winning a Rising Star nomination much earlier in the year playing football with St Mary’s in the NT.
Player comparison: Brisbane Lions’ Charlie Cameron
Mitchito Owens (Sandringham Dragons)
Height: 191cm
Weight: 87kg
Sheehan says: Medium forward who grabbed his chance when he received a last-minute call up to the Victoria Metro Under 19s team for its AFL Challenge match against Victoria Country gathering 29 possessions, seven marks and kicking a goal to be one of his sides best. Can also play inside midfield and use his height at stoppages to great effect after growing over 15cm in past 18 months.
Player comparison: St Kilda’s Jack Steele
Josh Rachele (Murray Bishrangers)
Height: 180cm
Weight: 78kg
Sheehan says: Small forward/midfielder who was scintillating in the NAB AFL Under 16 Championships in 2019 for Victoria Country averaging 26 disposals and winning its MVP as well as the overall division one best and fairest award. Twelve months earlier he was in the Australian Under 17 soccer squad and been offered a scholarship to join Melbourne City. As a forward has explosiveness, is very competitive and has strength overhead.
Player comparison: GWS Giants’ Toby Greene
Matt Roberts (South Adelaide)
Height: 184cm
Weight: 80kg
Sheehan says: Powerfully built midfielder who pushes forward where he impacts the scoreboard. Prolific ball winner with the footy smarts, one touch hands and a penetrating kick on his preferred left foot. A fierce competitor he has progressed from dominating Under 18s at South Adelaide (Averaged 32 disposals in three games) to playing seven league games including a preliminary final kicking two goals showing a thin slice of his potential.
Player comparison: Brisbane Lions’ Jarryd Lyons
Angus Sheldrick (Claremont)
Height: 179cm
Weight: 86kg
Sheehan says: Left footed midfielder whose attack on the ball is strong and ruthless with his one touch hands and competitiveness attracting the attention of scouts. One of the best players afield in both his AFL U19 Championships matches for his state against South Australia averaging 24 disposals and continued his sparkling form at Under 18s level for his club where he’s averaged 25.6 disposals, 6.4 clearances and 4.4 tackles including starring in the finals.
Player comparison: Melbourne’ Jack Viney
Josh Sinn (Sandringham Dragons)
Height: 187cm
Weight: 78kg
Sheehan says: Dashing medium defender who breaks the lines with his acceleration and penetrates with his preferred left foot. Had an injury interrupted year missing the Australian Under 18s game with a hamstring injury before impressing for Victoria Metro in its match against Victoria Country before suffering an ankle injury late in the match. An All Australian at Under 16s level in 2019 he played five matches with the Sandringham Dragons this year averaging 17.6 disposals also making the NAB League’s “Team of the Year".
Player comparison: Melbourne’s Christian Salem
Tyler Sonsie (Eastern Ranges)
Height: 181cm
Weight: 73kg
Sheehan says: Small midfielder with rare footy smarts and clean hands making him a stoppage star. His dazzling speed and polished step through traffic out of the centre has drawn comparison to Richmond star Trent Cotchin with his disposal on both sides another point of difference. Was Victoria Metro’s MVP and earnt All Australian selection in Under 16s in 2019, he started the season well with the Eastern Ranges playing five matches averaging 23 disposals (12 contested) and a goal a game as well as being eye-catching in his only game for Box Hill in the VFL.
Player comparison: Essendon’s Darcy Parish
Zac Taylor (Calder Cannons)
Height: 181cm
Weight: 79kg
Sheehan says: Small midfielder who is very composed and looks self-assured in winning and using the ball to his team’s benefit both through the centre of the ground and up forward. Capable of hitting the scoreboard playing midfield using his footy IQ to get into dangerous spots and convert.
Player comparison: Gold Coast Suns’ Touk Miller
Jacob van Rooyen (Claremont)
Height: 194cm
Weight: 91kg
Sheehan says: Tall defender or forward who showed his real talent playing an outstanding game across half back for Western Australian Under 19s in the championships match against South Australia taking eight marks and having 12 disposals in an eye-catching performance. His versatility and aerial ability have drawn comparisons to West Coast Eagles emerging star Oscar Allen with his 30 goals in eight matches at Under 18s WAFL level showing that swingman ability along with playing mainly forward in five senior matches with Claremont this year.
Player comparison: Carlton’s Jacob Weitering
Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera (Glenelg)
Height: 188cm
Weight: 70kg
Sheehan says: Medium midfielder who has had an outstanding development season which included impressing at representative and club levels cumulating with a premiership at Reserves level with Glenelg after playing four matches in their League team. A playmaker on the wing, he is both poised and composed with the ball in hand and uses his step through traffic and deft foot skills to create for his team and can take a one on one marks with his natural spring.
Player comparison: St Kilda’s Brad Hill
Josh Ward (Northern Knights)
Height: 183cm
Weight: 77kg
Sheehan says: Left footed small midfielder who showed all the traits this season of an emerging future star. Uses his elite endurance and footy smarts to win the ball then shows poise and sharp vision to use it in an elite fashion by hand and foot. His natural leadership, running capacity and prolific ball winning ability allows him to impose himself on the game.
Player comparison: Essendon’s Zac Merrett
Corey Warner (East Fremantle)
Height: 182cm
Weight: 74kg
Sheehan says: Left footed medium midfielder who can play both inside and outside using his impressive combination of speed and endurance to influence the play. Brother to Sydney Swans Rising Star Chad Warner, he progressed this season from dominating Under 18s football (nine matches, averaging 23.9 disposals) to playing four league matches an impressing averaging 13 disposals.
Player comparison: West Coast Eagles’ Andrew Gaff
Jack Williams (East Fremantle)
Height: 195cm
Weight: 91kg
Sheehan says: Tall forward who is constantly on the move and presenting as a marking target up forward for his team using his vice like grip in front and overhead to great effect. Been an outstanding player at Under 18s level in WAFL playing 13 matches and averaging 14.9 disposals, 5.8 marks and kicking 35 goals as well as being prominent for Western Australia in their win over South Australia in the AFL Under 19s Championship match in August.
Player comparison: Geelong’s Tom Hawkins
Darcy Wilmot (Northern Knights)
Height: 183cm
Weight: 76kg
Sheehan says: Medium defender with natural power and agility whose intercept marking is a real feature of his game. Very strong contested ball winner who uses the ball well in rebounding for his team. Played seven games for the Northern Knights averaging 15.1 disposals and often was involved in 60 metre plays.
Player comparison: Sydney Swans Callum Mills
Marcus Windhager (Sandringham Dragons)
Height: 185cm
Weight: 85kg
Sheehan says: Explosive medium forward who is a contested ball winner with the ability to find space in heavy traffic with his agility. Also a dangerous player when he pushes forward, he has overcome an ACL injury two years ago to play some exciting football at college and club level this year. Eligible for St Kilda under Next Generation Academy and they can match any bid from selection 20 onwards.
Player comparison: Port Adelaide’s Connor Rozee
