AFL Talent Ambassador Kevin Sheehan has today released his fifth NAB AFL Draft TOP PROSPECTS ahead of the 2021 NAB AFL Draft to be held on Wednesday November 24 and Thursday November 25. 

As arguably the greatest small player of all time Brent “Boomer” Harvey often proclaimed “If you are good enough…. your big enough” in other words your lack of height won’t stop you becoming a star.

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Western Bulldogs small defender Caleb Daniel, Gold Coast Suns small midfielder Touk Miller, and two small forwards, who are NAB AFL Rising Stars, in Bulldogs Cody Weightman and the Demons Kosi Pickett are all testament to the dazzling impact of small players on our game.

Our list of 26 smalls includes surnames like Motlop, Farmer and O’Loughlin with family ties to AFL greats who have entertained us in years gone by and now its time for the next generation to shine on the AFL stage.

2021 NAB AFL Draft – Top Prospects - Small Forwards, Defenders and Midfielders

Isaac Birt
South Adelaide, SANFL/ Strathalbyn FC
State: South Australia
Height: 183cm
Weight: 70kg
Date of Birth: 04/07/03
Classy left footed wingman with similar traits to Port Adelaide’s young star Karl Amon. His blistering speed and agility together with his pinpoint kicking and footy smarts has led to him having a remarkably consistent season including representing his state in against Western Australia having 16 disposals in the first match in August. Played 16 matches at under 18s level averaging 20.6 disposals at an impressive 70% efficiency in 2021. Did not test at the 2021 NAB AFL Draft Combine due to knee injury.

Judson Clarke
Dandenong Stingrays, NAB League/ Yarra Valley Grammar
State: Victoria (Country)
Height: 179cm
Weight: 69kg
Date of Birth: 17/10/03
Left footed small forward who is dynamic around goals using his elite agility and speed to great effect to find space and convert. As well as that goal sense he also brings energy, pressure and a sharp competitive edge, not unlike Western Bulldogs Rising star Cody Weightman, up forward for his team. His skill set and potential was to the fore in a five-goal performance for Victoria Country in a trial match against Victoria Metro this year. Overcome an ACL injury in 2019 to return to full fitness and form this year playing five matches with the Dandenong Stingrays averaging 17.6 disposals, 3.4 tackles and .8 goals per game and together with his representative form was selected in the NAB League “Team of the Year.” Strong performer in the 2km endurance run with a time of 6 minutes and 19 seconds (Strava tested) as part of the 2021 NAB AFL Draft Combine program.

Youseph Dib
Oakleigh Chargers, NAB League / Blackburn FC
State: Victoria (Metro)
Height: 174cm
Weight: 76kg
Date of Birth: 25/02/03
Hard edged small midfielder/ defender who is extremely strong in the contest with elite quick hands and vision. An All-Australian at Under 16s level in 2019 drawing comparisons to Collingwood star Taylor Adams, he is a member of the Pies Next Generation Academy with his mother born in Lebanon. Has represented both Australia at Under 18s level and Victoria Metro at under 19s level this year and played consistently with the Oakleigh Chargers averaging 15 disposals (10 contested) across seven matches. Tested soundly for endurance recording a 6 minutes and 32 seconds time in the two kilometre time trial (Strava tested) under the Draft Combine program.

Isaiah Dudley
Central Districts, SANFL/Salisbury North JFC
State: South Australia
Height: 167cm
Weight: 71kg
Date of Birth: 30/04/03
Small forward with lightning reflexes, elite footy IQ and goal sense to have a real impact when he gets the ball in his hands. He’s in fact a nephew of Eddie Betts and even shown some of his uncle’s aerial X factor this year as well as the trademark goal sense. Has progressed from dominating Under 18s football averaging 21.5 disposals in 10 matches to playing the same number of games at Reserves level kicking 22 goals overall. Represented South Australia against Western Australia this year on a couple of occasions with his three second half goals in the AFL Grand Final curtain raiser his best performance. An All-Australian at Under 16s level in 2019, he’s in the Adelaide Crows Next Generation Academy but has not been prenominated by the Crows and is therefore available in the open Draft.

Richard Farmer
Subiaco, WAFL / North Beach JFC / Hale School
State: Western Australia
Height: 176cm
Weight: 71kg
Date of Birth: 16/07/03
Creative small forward with speed and agility allowing him to get separation from opponents. Has the change of pace and allusiveness of Melbourne’s Rising star Kosi Pickett at times as he continues his development at Under 18s level where he has averaged 14.4 disposals and kicked five goals in seven matches this season. An indigenous player in the Next Generation Academy with the West Coast Eagles, he’s also played for Western Australian at under 19s level against South Australia on AFL Grand Final day kicking a goal from his 9 disposals. His NAB AFL Draft Combine running vertical jump of 84cm was an indication of his natural spring and his 3.04 seconds for 20 meters sound for speed.

Ronald Fejo Jr.
West Adelaide, SANFL / Northern Territory Thunder / Wanders FC
State: South Australia, Northern Territory
Height: 178cm
Weight: 75kg
Date of Birth: 16/12/01
Lightly framed wingman from Darwin who has relocated to West Adelaide to pursue his AFL dream. An indigenous youngster who had played rugby and basketball until his 18th year, he takes the game on with his run and carry drawing comparisons with St Kilda’s Brad Hill at an early age. A good ball user with endurance he has played a couple of League games with West Adelaide after consistent performances at Reserves level averaging 18.2 possessions in 16 games. Also represented the Northern Territory Thunder with distinction in two NAB League game and was their best player averaging 19.5 disposals. One of the Allies best players in their only representative game against South Australia in October having 15 disposals and 4 inside 50s. He further showcased his Draft potential with a swift 8.08 seconds for the AFL agility run at the NAB AFL Draft Combine in South Australia ranked 6th nationally.

Harrison Grintell
GWS Giants Academy, NAB League / GWS, VFL / Narrandera FC
State: New South Wales / ACT
Height: 174cm
Weight: 75kg
Date of Birth: 04/11/02
Small forward with speed and endurance who impressed with six goals in three matches in the NAB League for the GIANTS averaging 13.3 disposals. Has the footy smarts and goal sense which saw him then play four matches in the VFL as he then remained in the Hub with the GIANTS as they completed their AFL season in Perth, no doubt benefiting from that training experience. Has remained out of NSW which was in lockdown to play for the Allies against South Australia at the Adelaide Oval in October and was lively up forward and through the midfield with 13 disposals. Rounded out a challenging year recording a 6 minutes and 30 seconds time for the 2km (Strava tested) on the road in NSW country town of Narrandera as part of the NAB AFL Draft Combine assessment.

Kaden Harbour
East Perth, WAFL / John Forest SC
State: Western Australia
Height: 178cm
Weight: 78kg
Date of Birth: 26/09/03
Small forward who is quick and agile with an impressive natural leap. At ground level he is a one touch player whose second efforts and tackling also strengths of his game. Has progressed to play a couple of Reserves games this year after playing 13 matches at Under 18s level where he averaged 12.2 disposals and kicked 17 goals. Was lively as a small pressure forward for Western Australia in two of its wins over South Australia at Under 19s level averaging 9.5 disposals and 3.5 tackles. His slick 2.99 seconds for 20 meters at the NAB AFL Draft Combine in Perth rounded out his impressive athletic profile.

Austin Harris
Gold Coast Academy, NAB League / Broadbeach FC / Cairns Saints
State: Queensland
Height: 177cm
Weight: 69kg
Date of Birth: 30/04/03
Left footed midfielder/defender who was outstanding for Queensland at Under 16s level in 2019 winning their MVP award and All-Australian honors. Very quick with a neat step through traffic, he has had an interrupted season with injury but not before he represented Australia at Under 18 level in April against Geelong’s VFL side and having five games at NAB league and VFL level with the Suns with his 29 disposals against the Dandenong Stingrays his best performance. Son of former first-class cricketer Errol Harris who shifted from Queensland’s state squad to opening the batting with Tasmania at Sheffield Shield level. Did not play nor test late in the year due to injury.

Harvey Harrison
North Adelaide, SANFL / Tyndale Christian College
State: South Australia
Height: 182cm
Weight: 76kg
Date of Birth: 11/10/03
Small midfielder whose speed and attack on the contest has stood out this year at Under 18s level resulting in him being a prolific ball winner averaging 25.2 disposals in 17 matches being a shining light for his team. A super competitive and durable type he’s also very creative with his hands, sharp vision and awareness helping him set up his teammates. Also had a taste of Reserve level football this year as well as representing his state at Under 19s level against the Allies kicking two clever goals from his 14 disposals. Showed blistering speed at the NAB AFL Draft Combine to be the fastest player tested this year with his 2.85 seconds for 20 meters ranking him number one nationally.

Hugh Jackson
North Adelaide, SANFL/Crystal Brook FC
State: South Australia
Height: 182cm
Weight: 72kg
Date of Birth: 03/05/03
Classy midfielder capable of playing on the inside or outside using his elite kicking on his preferred left side together with his clean hands and footy smarts drawing comparisons to GWS Giants Josh Kelly. Has had an outstanding year at Under 18s level averaging 29.3 disposals at 70% efficiency and 4.8 clearances with 3.4 tackles at club level in 16 games as well as having 20 possessions against Western Australia at State Under 19 level for South Australia in August. A hip injury stopped him from testing at the NAB AFL Draft Combine in South Australia.

Arthur Jones
Claremont, WAFL / Mt. Barker FC
State: Western Australia
Height: 179cm
Weight: 65g
Date of Birth: 18/07/03
Wingman who burst onto the scene with a standout performance in Western Australian’s second match against South Australia having 16 disposals and kicking two goals to be among their best players in a hard-fought win in the AFL Grand Final curtain raiser at Optus Stadium. His speed and agility lit up the midfield after showing promise in 10 matches at Under 18s level averaging 12.6 disposals for Claremont who finished runners up this year. Part of the Krakouer clan, he really caught the eye with his competitive performance in the 2km test racing Corey Warner at the NAB AFL Draft Combine before recording a 6 minutes and 30 seconds to finish 2nd overall in Western Australia for endurance.

Alastair Lord
Norwood, SANFL / Rostrevor College
State: South Australia
Height: 181cm
Weight: 75kg
Date of Birth: 26/11/03
Dashing defender who reads the play exceptionally well to intercept and then provides great rebound with his run and carry from defence. Links up well with his fellow defenders and been an efficient user by hand and foot as he’s averaged 22.4 disposals (77% efficiency) playing just five matches at Under 18s level due to injury. Showed composure and class down back in Under 19s matches against both Western Australia and the Allies being amongst his state’s best players. Dazzled at NAB AFL Draft Combine level with his agility time of 7.94 seconds ranked number one nationally.

Andy Moniz-Wakefield
Northern Territory Thunder / Nightcliff FC
State: Northern Territory
Height: 181cm
Weight: 70kg
Date of Birth: 26/10/03
Small midfielder who has represented the Northern Territory Thunder at Under 16s and Under 18s levels in recent years with his outside speed and neat ball use features of his game. Outstanding in two games in the NAB League this year for Thunder averaging 23 disposals and 5.5 clearances and then showed glimpses of his talent for the Allies at the Adelaide Oval against South Australia having 11 disposals. From Nightcliff Football Club in Darwin where he has played all his club football, he’s also a member of Melbourne’s Next Generation Academy as his mother was born in East Timor. His running vertical jump of 81cm at the South Australia Draft Combine was a clear indication of his power.

Jesse Motlop
South Fremantle, WAFL / South Coogee JFC / Aquinas College
State: Western Australia
Height: 177cm
Weight: 78kg
Date of Birth: 23/11/03
Small forward who has really started to blossom as a potential player with eye catching performance in both the NTFL and the WAFL particularly around his forward craft. His pace, goal sense and ability to win the ball, then make quick decisions with it has seen him progress from Under 18s to play six senior matches with South Fremantle after winning a Rising Star nomination much earlier in the year playing football with St Mary’s in the NT. Son of former North Melbourne and Port Adelaide star Daniel, he doesn’t qualify for either under the AFL’s father/son rules but is eligible for Fremantle as a Next Generation Academy prospect and they can match any bid after selection 40 in the 2021 NAB AFL Draft. Represented Western Australia against South Australia in two Under 19s matches drawing comparisons with his uncle Steven Motlop at Port Adelaide. His Draft Combine time of 8.06 seconds for the AFL agility run ranked him 4th nationally whilst his 84cm running vertical jump was also impressive.

Cooper Murley
Norwood, SANFL / Tea Tree Gully FC
State: South Australia
Height: 178cm
Weight: 67kg
Date of Birth: 10/06/03
Small midfielder with a real competitive edge whose speed and smart ball use leading to comparisons with Port Adelaide’s young star Zac Butters. First made a statement about his potential when he starred for South Australia at Under 16s level in 2019 earning All-Australian honors but has been restricted this season due to ankle and collarbone injuries to just eight matches. Was dominate at Under 18s in four of those matches averaging 21.5 disposals he played the other four games at Reserves level before the second injury curtailed his year. His outstanding form in 2020 winning his club’s best and fairest at Under 18s level in a premiership year should hold him in good stead as scouts assess his AFL potential. Returned from injury for the NAB AFL Draft Combine testing with his 82cm running vertical jump and 3.08 seconds for 20 meters a thin slice of his athletic potential.

Blayne O’Loughlin
North Adelaide, SANFL/Gepps Cross FC
State: South Australia
Height: 173cm
Weight: 72kg
Date of Birth: 11/01/03
Small defender whose ball winning ability and neat left foot disposal propelled him into the Australian Under 18s team for their NAB Challenge match against Geelong (VFL) in April with that form continuing in 13 matches over the season at Under 18s level where he averaged 28.5 disposals in captaining his team. Strong in defending one on one he’s also stepped up to play three matches at Reserves level averaging 14.7 disposals. Played all four Under 19s matches for South Australia averaging 19 disposals including winning his team’s best player award in the AFL Grand Final curtain raiser against Western Australia at Optus Stadium. Nephew of former Sydney Swans champion Mick O’Loughlin he is part of the Adelaide Crows Next Generation Academy.

Josh Rachele
Murray Bushrangers, NAB League / Shepparton Swans / Caulfield Grammar
State: Victoria (Country)
Height: 179cm
Weight: 81kg
Date of Birth: 11/04/03
Small forward/midfielder who was scintillating in the NAB AFL Under 16 Championships in 2019 for Victoria Country averaging 26 disposals and winning its MVP as well as the overall division one best and fairest award. Twelve months earlier he was in the Australian Under 17 soccer squad and been offered a scholarship to join Melbourne City. As a forward he has some of Giants star Toby Greene’s dazzle with his explosiveness, competitiveness and strength overhead. He’s also a crafty forward kicking six goals against the Northern Knights, averaging 2.8 goals in his four matches for the Murray Bushrangers this year. A member of the NAB AFL Academy over the past two years, he represented Australia at Under 18s level against Geelong’s VFL team and then showed a glimpse of the future representing Victoria Country against Victoria Metro to be one of his team’s best winning 20 disposals and kicking a goal. Chosen in the NAB League’s “Team of the Year” for his performances across all levels.

Ollie Sanders
Tasmania Devils, NAB League / North Launceston
State: Tasmania
Height: 179cm
Weight: 79kg
Date of Birth: 30/05/02
Small midfielder who is a prolific ball winner and neat user of the ball on his preferred left foot. Shows astute game sense and is a good decision maker being in excellent touch in AFL Challenge match against Queensland at under 19 level having 26 disposals and kicking two goals to be one of his side’s best. Had similar numbers in three NAB League games (averaged 25.7 disposals) before injury interrupted his season mid-year. Handled the step up to show distinct potential in two matches for North Melbourne in the VFL this season.

Angus Sheldrick
Claremont, WAFL / Mosman Park JFC / Christ Church Grammar
State: Western Australia
Height: 179cm
Weight: 86kg
Date of Birth: 07/11/03
Left footed small midfielder whose attack on the ball is both strong and ruthless with his one touch hands drawing comparisons with Western Bulldogs star Tom Liberatore. One of the best players afield in both his U19 matches against South Australia averaging 24 disposals and has continued his sparkling form at Under 18s level for his club where he’s averaged 25.6 disposals, 6.4 clearances and 4.4 tackles including starring in the finals. Given his father represented Australia as a swimmer it’s not surprising he was a state representative in water polo added to his sporting CV. Missed the 2020 season due to a collar bone injury but has made up quickly for lost time. Tested soundly at the NAB AFL Draft Combine with his 3.05 seconds for 20 meters and 8.36 seconds for the AFL agility run.

Jake Soligo
Eastern Ranges, NAB League / Dromana FC
State: Victoria (Metro)
Height: 179cm
Weight: 80kg
Date of Birth: 25/01/03
Small midfielder/forward who runs hard all day and can find space but also good in tight with his clean hands and contested ball winning. His work rate and endurance are real assets setting up an impressive season with the Eastern Ranges averaging 22.6 possessions (10 contested) as well as representing Victoria Metro at Under 19s level showcasing goals from 50 meters are also in his repertoire. Had a taste of VFL football playing for Richmond during the year adding to his development with his overall game resembling Brisbane Lions star Jarryd Lyons.

Tyler Sonsie
Eastern Ranges, NAB League / Rowville FC
State: Victoria (Metro)
Height: 181cm
Weight: 78kg
Date of Birth: 27/01/03
Small midfielder with rare footy smarts and clean hands making him a stoppage star. His dazzling speed and polished step through traffic out of the centre has drawn comparison to Richmond star Trent Cotchin with his disposal on both sides another point of difference. Was Victoria Metro’s MVP and earnt All-Australian selection in Under 16s in 2019, he started the season well with the Eastern Ranges playing five matches averaging 23 disposals (12 contested) and a goal a game as well as being eye-catching in his only game for Box Hill in the VFL having 22 disposals and kicking two goals in an impressive performance. Another member of the NAB AFL Academy, bone bruising to his knee curtailed his year before the shutdown but rewarded with NAB League “Team of the Year” selection.

Hugh Stagg
Glenelg, SANFL / Immanuel College
State: South Australia
Height: 180cm
Weight: 82kg
Date of Birth: 11/04/03
Powerful small midfielder who can break the game open with his acceleration out of the centre. Can also provide a real spark to the forward line with his speed and goal sense not unlike St Kilda’s star Dan Butler. Had splendid season at Under 18s level for Glenelg averaging 24.1 disposals (50% contested) in 14 matches winning the McCallum-Tomkins medal as the competition’s best and fairest player. Represented South Australia in three AFL U19 Championships matches averaging 13.3 disposals. Came from a very sporting family with his mother an Australian gymnast and his father a state representative in lacrosse with his own athleticism showcased at NAB AFL Draft Combine with his time of 2.91 second ranked 4th nationally this year.

Will Spain
Sturt, SANFL / Cornerstone College
State: South Australia
Height: 177cm
Weight: 73kg
Date of Birth: 10/07/03
Small midfielder who can play inside or out on the wing to great effect for his team. Had a very promising 2020 season at under 18s level last year and upgraded after dominating two early games at that level to play 14 matches at Reserves games averaging 16.3 disposals this season. A player with a high footy IQ and clean hands he can win the contested ball with high consistency. Originally from Broken Hill in NSW, he is a super resilient type who missed testing at Draft Combine due to a groin injury.

Jahmal Stretch
Claremont, WAFL / Halls Creek Hawks FC
State: Western Australia
Height: 182cm
Weight: 65kg
Date of Birth: 16/01/03
Small forward with thrilling pace and ‘one touch’ hands making him extremely dangerous around goals. Can push up and play on the wing, he’s pursuing his AFL dream with Claremont after playing with the Hall’s Creek Hawks. Played 13 matches at Under 18s level this year kicking 16 goals and represented Western Australia at Under 19s level against South Australia in AFL Grand Final curtain raiser at Optus Stadium. His outstanding running vertical jump of 93cm at the NAB AFL Draft Combine in Perth ranking him 4th nationally making him a difficult match up with his speed and overhead marking up forward.    

Zac Taylor
Calder Cannons, NAB League / Penola Catholic College
State: Victoria (Metro)
Height: 180cm
Weight: 70kg
Date of Birth: 31/01/03
Small midfielder who is very composed and looks self-assured in winning and using the ball to his team’s benefit both through the centre of the ground and up forward. Capable of hitting the scoreboard playing midfield using his footy IQ to get into dangerous spots and convert. Had excellent year including representing Victoria Metro at Under 19s level as well as averaging 26 disposals (10 contested) at 71% efficiency winning him the Cannons best and fairest award and selection in the NAB League’s ‘Team of the Year’.

Josh Ward
Northern Knights, NAB League / Fitzroy FC / Melbourne Grammar
State: Victoria (Metro)
Height: 181cm
Weight: 74kg
Date of Birth: 17/08/03
Left footed small midfielder who showed all the traits this season of an emerging future star. Uses his elite endurance and footy smarts to win the ball then shows poise and sharp vision to use it in an elite fashion by hand and foot. His natural leadership, running capacity and prolific ball winning ability like Carlton’s young star Sam Walsh. He imposed himself on five matches with the Northern Knights averaging 30.2 disposals (11.6 contested) and had 29 disposals in the AFL Challenge match for Victoria Metro against Victoria Country in July being one of the best afield. Capped off his year being named captain of the NAB League’s ‘Team of the Year’.

James Willis
North Adelaide, SANFL/Ingle Farm FC/ The Heights School
State: South Australia
Height: 181cm
Weight: 76kg
Date of Birth: 10/07/03
Hard edged midfielder with that attractive combination of dazzling speed and powerful endurance. Used those assets to have excellent season with North Adelaide at Under 18s level averaging 24.3 disposals, 3.8 clearances and 4.7 tackles in 12 matches. Tough and competitive, he’s a contested ball winner who loves the physical side of the game. A leg injury curtailed the final five weeks of the season and resulted in him being unable to represent his state in under 19s matches nor test at Draft Combine level.