Powerful key forward Jake Miller shapes as a player Tasmania could pounce later this year.
Miller has kicked nine goals in the early part of the Talent League season and is the complete package as a tall forward, with his contested marking, skill and work rate all standing out.
“Jake's very impressive and professional. He's had a great start to the year, and what's so impressive is his running power, his below his knees stuff is really good and what gets underrated is his ball skills,” Jets Talent Manager Reuben William told Zero Hanger.
“His one-on-one marking whether that's on a lead or standing under a high ball, he's got no issue and he's got a high footy IQ which makes him hard to defend.”
The Devils can sign up to 12 17-year-olds across this year and next year ahead of their entrance to the competition in 2028.
Bendigo utility Max Thompson, Western Australia's Axel Walsh, Gippsland's Oscar Henwood are other top prospects the club will have its eye on.
A watchlist of more than 20 Under-17s was released earlier this year.
Highlighting the regard he is already held in, Clancy Snell, considered the best key defender in this year's draft class, was given the assignment on Miller in the Vic Metro vs Vic Country trial on Sunday.
Miller competed well and finished with 1.2, but it has been in the Talent League, and last year's Under-16s National Championships where he was named All Australian that he has made his strongest imprint.
“If you know the kid, you can see (his strong start to the year) coming from a mile away. He's a good leader among our group and he's reaping the benefits of his hard work,” William added.
A trio of other Jets stood out in the Vic Metro trial on Sunday.
Strong marking, hard-running midfielder-forward Lachie Hicks had 24 disposals at 79 per cent efficiency and four clearances on Saturday, while also kicking three goals.
It followed a strong start to the Talent League season for Western Jets, where he will play all year having finished his studies at Wesley College.
“His athleticism is a point-of-difference he has over a lot of mids,” Hicks said.
“His ability to run, go at speed, jump, mark the footy at the highest point has been shown in the first few rounds. His ball-winning is very good and he's done very well leading the midfield brigade for the rest of the year.”
Noah McMenamin shapes as a potential Mid-Season Draft smokey after an intercepting masterclass in the Victorian trial match on Sunday after a strong start to the season.
He took eight intercept marks in the first half against Tasmania Devils in Round 2 and shown significant improvement this year, holding down a key defensive post.
“He's had a great start - he's shut down every key forward he's played on and intercepts really well and has good athleticism so he's one we've been really pleased with,” William said.
Jets skipper Angus Tippett also did some impressive things to finish with 23 disposals and six clearances after an injury-interrupted pre-season.
“What has been constant even with the (lower leg) injury is his leadership and willingness to get around his teammates,” William said.
“I'm excited to see what the next step looks like for him.”
