Former Brisbane star Jason Akermanis has backed AFL Academy prospect Caylen Murray for a big Under-18s National Championships.
The Brisbane Lions-tied prospect will be a key piece for an Allies side which does not have the strength on paper of recent years, with his athletic profile giving him great scope.
“He's so versatile because of his speed and ability to run and get handball receives,” Brisbane Academy assistant coach Akermanis told Zero Hanger.
“You need three of him because of how good he is. You need him kicking in, and then getting it in transition and getting it into the forward line.”
Murray was part of the AFL Academy side earlier this year, averaging 14 disposals as a game-breaker in defence.
He continued to impress for the Brisbane Academy and maintained that strong level in an Allies trial game a fortnight ago, finishing with 26 disposals at 88 percent and taking the game on with his drive and ball-use.
“He can change pace well as well. He will be a continual work in progress because he's a bit leaner but once he's big and strong, he'll be very good because he has pace, skill and ability to get out of trouble," Akermanis added.
“He can dominate in the midfield, he has attributes that lend themselves to being a forward so for a coach, he's wondering because you have different options for where you play him.
"In the modern game, he's perfect.”
"RUTHLESS FEROCITY": AKERMANIS ON HAWTHORN AND BRISBANE-TIED HODGE
The Lions also have Hawthorn father-son prospect Cooper Hodge, Matthew Owen, Archie Watts and Reece Thompson.
Thompson, 192cm, has emerged as an overaged prospect being closely tracked given his running power, left-footed skills, marking and mobility.
The Allies kick off their Under-18s National Championships campaign against Vic Country at 12.45pm in Blacktown on Sunday.
