Overlooked draft prospect to return to Talent League

Overlooked AFL Draft prospect Marcus Krasnadamskis is set to return to Eastern Ranges as a 19-year-old in 2026, Zero Hanger can reveal.

He is expected to link up with a VFL club, but is set to mostly play Talent League ahead of the Mid-Season Draft, given he is a developing tall and underexposed, due to basketball commitments.

The athletic ruck was one of the Ranges' best performed players in a practice match at Kennedy Community Centre, Dingley, against Oakleigh.

The former Australian junior basketballer launched for the footy with great confidence, took big grabs and found plenty of the ball, especially in the first half. He is expected to benefit from the new ruck rules given his athleticism and vertical jump.

Krasnadamskis was viewed as one of the leading draft prospects at last year's national draft but was ultimately overlooked, before being given a chance to trial for a list spot at Richmond in the Supplemental Selection Period (SSP). 

While Krasnadamskis impressed at the Tigers and was well-liked, his time at the club concluded last month with the club inviting Boston Dowling, two years his senior.

Oakleigh's Jamil Smyth-Secka and Ryder Brown and Eastern Ranges trio Zac Antonellos, Max Bartlett and Brodie Wilson were other standouts.

Chargers tall Jai Leach will also return to the Talent League as a 19-year-old after receiving draft interest last year and gaining a state combine invite, impressing as a raw and developing player.

The Talent League season starts on the weekend of March 21.