AFL Talent Ambassador Kevin Sheehan has today released his third NAB AFL Draft TOP PROSPECTS ahead of the 2021 NAB AFL Draft to be held on Wednesday November 24 and Thursday November 25.
The Tall Forwards & Rucks group has the potential to have multiple top-20 selections led by 200cm Sudanese sensation in Mac Andrew from the Dandenong Stingrays, a 204cm father-son prospect from the Western Bulldogs in Sam Darcy while the leading ruck specialist, also a 204cm young giant, from the Geelong Falcons in Toby Conway, all set to have a strong impact on this year's NAB AFL Draft.
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Jye Amiss
East Perth, WAFL / Bussellton FC
State: Western Australia
Height: 196cm
Weight: 83kg
Date of Birth: 31/07/03
Tall forward who has been a sensation at Under 18s level in the WAFL kicking 51 goals and just 15 behinds in 15 matches this year. Has excellent acceleration on the lead, strong one touch hands as well being a strong pack mark. As his numbers indicate, he is a deadly accurate kick on his preferred left foot as well as being an unselfish and team-oriented player prominent with his goal assists. Showed a thin slice of these appealing traits in kicking two goals and setting up other opportunities for Western Australia against South Australia in NAB AFL U19 Championships game in August then suffered an injury to his knee in the AFL Grand Final curtain raiser curtailing his season.
Mac Andrew
Dandenong Stingrays, NAB League / Berwick FC / St. Joseph’s Ferntree Gully
State: Victoria (Country)
Height: 200cm
Weight: 70kg
Date of Birth: 12/04/03
Emerging tall forward/ruck who showed sparkling form at the start of the year with his overhead marking, natural leap, agility and speed. His standout features propelled him into the Australian Under 18s team for its NAB AFL Academy match against Geelong’s VFL team in April where he was lively. Born in Egypt to Sudanese parents, he is part on Melbourne’s Next Generation Academy, noting the Demons can only match any bid for him after selection 20 with alterations made to the bidding system for the NAB AFL 2021 Draft in November. Looked highly promising with his aerial ability and mobility for Victoria Country in AFL Challenge match against Victoria Metro and averaged 12.7 disposals, 2.7 marks and 12.7 hit outs in six matches for the Dandenong Stingrays this year winning NAB League “Team of the Year” honors.
Will Bella
Gold Coast Suns Academy / Mackay
State: Queensland
Height: 196cm
Weight: 98kg
Date of Birth: 13/04/03
Tall forward who is an imposing target up forward with his size and willingness to create contests by launching at the ball Aaron Naughton style. Quick and agile with natural goal sense he works hard up and back to provide options for his team. Had a taste of VFL football this year playing four matches for the Gold Coast Suns as well as two matches at Under 19s level in the NAB League where he averaged 16 disposals, 4.5 marks and 1.5 goals. Showed his impressive standing vertical jump at NAB AFL Draft Combine testing in Queensland with his 75cm leap ranked 2nd Nationally. Comes from a real sporting family with his father having represented Queensland in rugby at Under 17 level and his mother a state basketballer.
Eric Benning
Claremont FC, WAFL / Waringarri Crows
State: Western Australia
Height: 196cm
Weight: 85kg
Date of Birth: 14/07/03
Indigenous tall forward/ruck with some of the traits of a young Paddy Ryder. Mobile, versatile and athletic he represented Western Australia at Under 19s level against South Australia on three occasions as was amongst his state’s best players in game two at Optus Stadium on AFL Grand Final day. Played 13 matches at Under 18s level in WAFL averaging 11.5 disposals, 2.2 marks and 3.2 tackles. Part of the Next Generation Academy with Fremantle coming from the East Kimberley Football League.
Anthony Caminiti
Northern Knights, NAB League / Heidelberg FC / Carey Grammar
State: Victoria (Metro)
Height: 196cm
Weight: 83kg
Date of Birth: 09/12/03
Tall forward who can win the ball in the air and at ground level. Marking is his real weapon with his five-goal performance against the Brisbane Lions in the NAB League an eye-catching performance. Only playing three matches averaging 11 disposals and four marks as he shared his season with Carey Grammar. A state under aged athlete he quickly was added to the trials for Victoria Metro this year before the shutdown curtailed the championships in September.
Toby Conway
Geelong Falcons, NAB League / St. Mary’s FC / Geelong Grammar
State: Victoria (Country)
Height: 205cm
Weight: 97kg
Date of Birth: 24/04/03
Ruckman who continues to develop, growing taller after first coming onto the radar winning All Australian honors at the 2019 NAB AFL Under 16s Championships when he was 197cm. Had compelling season as a NAB AFL Draft prospect playing six matches with the Geelong Falcons averaging 13.8 disposals, 2.8 marks and 27 hit outs winning NAB League “Team of the Year” honors. Was also prominent for both Victoria Country at Under 19s and Australia at Under 18s levels in representative matches this year. His marking, ruck craft and preparedness to support his team working hard defensively has drawn comparisons to Brisbane Lions ruck Oscar McInerney.
Lukas Cooke
Woodville-West Torrens, SANFL / Westminster
State: South Australia
Height: 195cm
Weight: 83kg
Date of Birth: 26/09/03
Athletic tall forward who has improved dramatically this year after not making the Eagles Under 18s last year. His quick leads and contested marking have been a feature of his eight matches at Under 18s level in the SANFL where he has averaged 14.6 disposals, 6.3 marks and kicked 20 goals. Has also played a couple of Reserve grade matches to accelerate his development and he represented South Australia at Under 19s level in all four matches this year kicking four goals in the final match against Western Australia being among his side’s best players.
Joshua Cripps
East Fremantle FC, WAFL / Northampton
State: Western Australia
Height: 198cm
Weight: 92kg
Date of Birth: 13/08/02
Tall forward/ruck who has shown great resilience in overcoming ACL injury in 2020 to impose himself at Under 18s level in the WAFL playing 12 matches and averaging 15.7disposals, 4.2 marks and kick 16 goals creating immediate interest from scouts. Very competitive by nature and mobile he’s also strong overhead drawing comparisons to St Kilda’s Rowan Marshall at a younger age. Younger brother of Carlton captain Paddy Cripps he represented Western Australia at Under 19s level in the final match against South Australia in October.
Sam Darcy
Oakleigh Chargers, NAB League / Glen Iris FC / Scotch College
State: Victoria (Metro)
Height: 204cm
Weight: 73kg
Date of Birth: 19/07/03
Tall forward who can also play down back or in the ruck using his athletic attributes and skill set to great effect. A one touch mark overhead he also reads the ball very well in flight and launches himself to take contested marks drawing comparisons to Max and Ben King a couple of years back. Has a technically sound goal kicking routine, he stood out this year kicking six goals in a Victorian Metro trial match then kicked a special goal on his non preferred left foot from the boundary line in a pocket in the AFL Challenge match against Victoria Country. Only played three matches with the Chargers averaging 16 disposals, 6.3 marks and six hit outs as well as sparkling for Scotch College he was selected in the “Team of the Year ‘on his overall performances. Is the son of former Western Bulldogs star Luke Darcy and eligible for the Bulldogs under the father/son rule.
Ryan Eyers
Murray Bushrangers, NAB League / Corowa-Rutherglen FC / Galen College
State: NSW/ACT
Height: 198cm
Weight: 76kg
Date of Birth: 24/04/03
Tall forward and can also assist his team with a turn in the ruck. Agile player who presents well as a marking target and is exceptional below his knees with his one touch hands and vision. Been in the Allies squad in the last two years but due to lockdowns and border restrictions has been unable to show his potential at representative level. Played eight games with the Bushrangers averaging nine disposals and six hit outs.
Felix Flockart
Sandringham Dragons, NAB League / Old Brighton FC / Sandringham Zebras, VFL
State: Victoria (Metro)
Height: 202cm
Weight: 80kg
Date of Birth: 05/11/01
Resilient young ruckman who has overcome adversity with injury, illness as well as pandemic shutdowns to build his resilience in the last three years. Has a very impressive athletic profile competing at state level in the 800 meters and high jump indicating he has some of the physical traits of the modern ruckman. Still developing his ruck craft and positioning around the ground to impact the game but has shown distinct promise to be selected in the Victorian Young Guns game this year as well as playing four matches with the Sandringham Dragons averaging 10.2 disposals, three marks and 12.5 hit outs.
Jordan Lukac
Woodville-West Torrens, SANFL / Henley Sharks FC
State: South Australia
Height: 196cm
Weight: 88kg
Date of Birth: 18/09/02
Tall forward who captain’s his side at Under 18s level and has shown he can impose himself with his physical presence, athleticism and skill in important games kicking five goals in the preliminary final for the Eagles in two goals in winning Grand Final team bringing his total to 35 goals in 15 matches this year. Had a taste of open aged football with three games at Reserves level also representing South Australia in three Under 19s this year this year. Missed nearly two years of football due to stress fractures but has plenty of upside and is now beginning to put his game together. Impressed with his 2.98 seconds for 20 metres at the NAB AFL Draft Combine in SA. Is of African descent with his mother born in Zimbabwe.
Sam Paea
Calder Cannons, NAB League / Aberfeldie FC
State: Victoria (Metro)
Height: 194cm
Weight: 94kg
Date of Birth: 14/07/02
Tall forward whose hard running allows him to consistently present as a marking target up forward. Strong overhead and good below the knees, he was a member of the Victoria Metro Under 19s squad as well as playing in the Young Guns game earlier in the year. Strong performer for the Calder Cannons in seven games and outstanding late in the shortened season kicking four goals against the Jets and five goals against the Falcons to be his team’s best. Had a taste of VFL with Essendon as he continued his development. Comes from a sporting family with father representing New Zealand in basketball.
Luke Polson
Peel Thunder FC, WAFL / Warnbro FC
State: Western Australia
Height: 194cm
Weight: 92kg
Date of Birth: 10/04/03
Tall forward who can also pinch hit in the ruck for his team using his athletic ability, particularly his speed, to win the ball through the midfield. Been a dominant player at Under 18s level for Peel averaging 16.8 disposals, 3.8 marks and kicking 14 goals before debuting at League level late in the year giving him a glimpse of the requirements at the next level. First appeared on the radar when he represented Western Australian at Under 16s representative level in 2019. Played two matches for his state at Under 19s level against South Australia providing a strong presence up forward in both matches.
Josh Rentsch
GWV Rebels, NAB League / Penshurst FC / Ballarat Grammar
State: Victoria (Country)
Height: 197cm
Weight: 100kg
Date of Birth: 14/09/03
Tall forward who plays with a real physical presence up forward for his team. A natural leader on the field he is very team oriented as well as being a strong mark both on the lead and overhead. He showcased his prowess in representing Victoria Country in AFL Challenge match this year. Developed another string to his bow this season assisting with ruck duties up forward and around the ground using his ruck craft to help his team dominate clearances. Played nine matches for the Rebels averaging 11.8 disposals 8.8 hit outs and 1.6 goals and was a very worthy joint winner of the Morrish Medal as the NAB League’s best and fairest player and selected in the “Team of the Year”.
Jake South
Subiaco FC, WAFL / Carine JFC
State: Western Australia
Height: 196cm
Weight: 91kg
Date of Birth: 25/03/02
Athletic ruckman who competes aggressively and with great intensity with his second efforts often winning clearances for his team. Has clean hands below the knees along with good composure and is a sound kick. Been impressive in 10 matches at Under 18s level in the WAFL averaging 12.1 disposals, 2.6 matches with 15 hit outs as well as being among his state’s best in their win over South Australia in the NAB AFL Under 19s championship match in August having 16 disposals, six clearances and 11 hit outs.
Will Splann
Tasmania Devils, NAB League / North Hobart FC / Guildford Young College
State: Tasmania
Height: 195cm
Weight: 90kg
Date of Birth: 25/10/03
Indigenous tall forward also capable of playing in defence. Still has massive upside having missed almost two years due to injury/illness but his undoubted potential began to unfold with some exciting performances for the Tasmania Devils this year in the NAB League. His three goals from six marks against the Bushrangers gave a thin slice of what he is capable of as a forward with his attack on the ball in the air and strong hands real weapons. Played six matches averaging nine disposals and 3.4 marks for the Devils in the NAB League this season as well as playing some eye-catching matches for North Hobart late in the year.
Oscar Steene
West Adelaide, SANFL / Goodwood FC / Adelaide High School
State: South Australia
Height: 201cm
Weight: 85kg
Date of Birth: 23/08/03
Developing ruckman who can go forward and have an impact on the scoreboard. Played 15 games at Under 18s level this season averaging 11.8 disposals and 19 hit outs for Westies as well as putting in strong performances for South Australia in Under 19s state matches against Western Australia on two occasions and against the Allies, averaging nine disposals and 17 hit outs. Earnt a late call up to the NAB AFL Draft Combine but unable to test due to injury.
Ned Stevens
Northern Territory Thunder / Gold Coast Academy / Waratah FC / Labrador FC
State: Northern Territory
Height: 194cm
Weight: 83kg
Date of Birth: 07/06/03
Tall forward from the Northern Territory who has also represented the Territory in basketball. First caught the eye having AFL traits with his natural leap and mobility when he represented NT in the NAB AFL Under 16s Championships in 2019 and since has relocated to Queensland joining the Gold Coast SUNS Academy to pursue a potential AFL career. Has had an injury interrupted year but returned late in the season with Labrador.
Dante Visentini
Sandringham Dragons, NAB League
State: Victoria (Metro)
Height: 201cm
Weight: 88kg
Date of Birth: 13/02/03
Imposing athletic tall forward whose overhead marking is his competitive advantage along with his height. Presents well as a target and provides that vital contest which brings the ball to ground if he doesn’t mark providing his team with opportunities. Very useful option also in the ruck, a role he played this year for both Victoria Metro at Under 19s level (11 disposals and 10 hit outs) as well as for the Sandringham Dragons in six matches averaging 10.3 disposals, 2.8 marks and 8.5 hit outs.
Patrick Voss
Oakleigh Chargers, NAB League / GWS Giants Academy / Turvey Park FC / Wesley College
State: New South Wales / ACT
Height: 194cm
Weight: 84kg
Date of Birth: 29/06/03
Tall forward who also looks comfortable in defence bringing his sharp competitive edge, strong marking and aggressive tackling to the fore. An athletic type who works hard up and back as a forward he’s also courageous in his attack on the ball and brings a real physical presence for his team. From the Riverina of NSW, he attends Wesley College in Melbourne sharing his football with the Oakleigh Chargers whilst still a member of the GWS GIANTS Academy. Impressed for Chargers in seven matches averaging 14.7 disposals, 5.6 marks and .6 goals.
Jack Williams
East Fremantle FC, WAFL / Rossmoyne FC
State: Western Australia
Height: 195cm
Weight: 94kg
Date of Birth: 01/12/03
Tall forward who is constantly on the move and presenting as a marking target up forward for his team using his vice like grip in front and overhead to great effect. Been an outstanding player at Under 18s level in WAFL playing 15 matches and averaging 14.6 disposals, 5.9 marks and kicking 40 goals as well as being prominent for Western Australia in two of its wins over South Australia in the Under 19s matches being very prominent in final match with 16 disposals, taking 7 marks and kicking 2 goals to be among his side’s best players. A member of the NAB AFL Academy he also showed his AFL promise in representing Australia in a representative match against Geelong’s VFL team back in April.
