Sandringham Dragons teenager Jacob Edwards has been touted as the likely No.1 selection for the 2021 Mid-Season Draft.
The ruck/forward hybrid has had a string start to his NAB League campaign this year and firms to be on the radar of several AFL clubs ahead of the June 2 draft.
At 202cm tall, Edwards offers plenty of height and strength with his versatility to move between key roles despite being overlooked in the national draft.
Speaking on Sportsday, The Age reporter Sam McClure tipped Edwards to be taken with the first selection of this year's Mid-Season Draft.
“If you haven’t heard the name Jacob Edwards, just write it down,” McClure said.
“I think he’s going to be an interesting prospect and I reckon he’ll be read out by whoever has the first pick in the upcoming mid-season draft.
Bit of buzz about Sandringham Dragons ruckman Jacob Edwards after his performance against Oakleigh Chargers y’day in the NAB League Boys. Athletic 200cm left-footer who was playing Div 3 junior football not long ago but he’s coming along quickly at the Dragons.
— Paul Amy (@PaulAmy375) April 6, 2021
“He actually nominated for last year’s draft but like a lot of his Victorian teammates, didn’t play. So he wasn’t seen, therefore they (clubs) didn’t take the risk on a 202cm ruck/forward.
“He’s been turning heads playing for Sandringham in the NAB League … he’s only 78kg so he’s got a bit of weight to put on.
“He’s been dominating and there’s some clubs very excited about him.
“This kid’s 18, he’s 19 in November, so whoever gets him in the mid-season draft is basically getting him ahead of time ahead of this year’s National Draft."
In an interview between McClure and Sandringham talent manager Mark Wheeler, the latter praised Edwards' wide range skill set.
“He’s big, he’s agile, and he kicks it as good as anybody. He wasn’t really on our radar for the 2020 draft, he always felt he would go in the 2021 draft," Wheeler said.
“He’s a bit like the King boys, Max and Ben.
Sam McClure thinks North Melbourne, which is likely to have the first selection in this year’s mid-season draft, might select the athletic ruck/forward Victorian “schoolboy giant” Jacob Edwards. https://t.co/rteTYfyAE1
— @TheTruthNMFC (@TheTruthNMFC) April 20, 2021
“He’s definitely a ruck because of his leap and hands on the ball, but they need to be able to play a secondary position. His hands on the ball are actually unbelievable.”
Having nominated for the 2020 AFL Draft, Edwards is therefore eligible to enter the Mid-Season Draft, with North Melbourne currently holding the first pick as they sit 18th on the ladder.
