1. He played a key role in the Allies' first ever U18 Boys AFL National Championship title

The silky left-footed midfielder was dominant during the Allies' run towards a maiden U18 Boys National title, averaging 33 touches per game to narrowly finish second in the Larke Medal voting for the competition's best and fairest. The team - made up of youngsters from New South Wales/ACT, Northern Territory, Queensland, and Tasmania - went undefeated through the campaign (4-0), sealing the deal with a win over Vic Country at RSEA Park in July. The Tassie product notched 32 possessions, eight clearances, and two goals on the day to help the Allies take out an 11-point victory.

2. He can break a game open, and win it

With that game against Vic Country in the balance at half-time, McKercher took it upon himself to create something special from the centre. And the Launceston local was at the forefront of the Allies' third-quarter blitz, kicking two of his side's five goals.

"I kind of felt it was an opportunity," McKercher told foxfooty.com.au. "The game was lying there and if they kick two goals there, they probably would have won the game. I just really pushed forward hard and tried to make something happen.

"When the game’s there, just go win it for your team - and I felt I did that."

McKercher's midfield abilities, paired up with the explosive tendencies of Luke Davies-Uniacke and George Wardlaw, is a truly tantalising prospect.

3. He is more than prepared for life in Melbourne

Although he hails from the Apple Isle, McKercher isn’t distracted by the impending addition of a Tasmanian-based AFL club. He's just eager to begin his professional playing career. "I'm pretty ready to live over here (Melbourne)," he told Zero Hanger. "I've been looking forward to it my whole life. I've dreamed of being an AFL player for 10-15 years now."

4. He's a true student of the game 

Despite being a Carlton fan in boyhood, as McKercher grew up he left behind his connection with the Blues and developed into just being a genuine fan of the sport. "I used to go for Carlton when I was a kid, but I just started watching like every game on a weekend … I didn’t really barrack for a team after that," he told Zero Hanger. "On a Sunday, I'd probably watch most of those games and Friday night, too ... I think it's the best game in the world, it's so entertaining.

"If I want to watch seven games in a weekend, it must be pretty good."

5. He's a Morrish Medal winner

A strong nine-appearance campaign for the Tasmania Devils in the U18 Boys Coates Talent League, where he averaged 29.4 touches a game, saw McKercher tie for the league best and fairest award – the Morrish Medal. The award further solidified McKercher's credentials as a top-five draft pick, as did his selection in the Talent League Team of the Year.