The sporting world loves comparisons.

Although some may fit the bill, others often leave us in hysterics.

Despite the potential for public castigation, Essendon head of football Josh Mahoney has likened the mulleted Sam Draper to the bearded Max Gawn.

Even though Mahoney's contention is likely to rankle plenty of punters, the 2004 Port Adelaide premiership player is in solid position to hold the view, as he has worked with both names during the past 12-months.

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Speaking on SEN's AFL Nation, Mahoney explained that the 22-year-old Dons big man was already displaying plenty of traits that had helped Gawn become the contemporary game's leading ruckman.

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“He reminds me so much of (Max Gawn) in the early days and the impact he can have, Mahoney explained.

"If he can track along as well as Maxy has, he’s going to be an really important player for us.”

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 24: Max Gawn of the Demons and Toby Nankervis of the Tigers compete in a ruck contest during the 2018 AFL round five match between the Melbourne Demons and the Richmond Tigers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on April 24, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images)

However, Mahoney's current focus for Draper was simple - keep stringing games together.

“We just want to get him out (on the field) there a bit more,” he said.

“He’s only played a couple of games back now after being injured in Round 2, he has such a presence."

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Having grown up playing the round ball code, Draper made the transition to Australian Rules Football later than most draftees, and given his rawness, it was why he found his way to Essendon via the Rookie Draft.

Following Friday night's appearance, Draper has played a total of 13 games in red and black and averages 19.3 hitouts each week.