Will Phillips and Tom Powell were the standout players at the top of the draft order in 2020, but another Roo recruit has caught the eye of star midfielder Jy Simpkin.

Eddie Ford wasn’t taken until pick 56, but the crafty forward is impressing in early pre-season training.

“I like the way Eddie Ford goes about it,” Simpkin told North Media.

“On and off the field he’s always up and about.

“He’s done some pretty cool things at training; he loves to take a mark and get in the air.

“He’s an exciting prospect.”

Ford has already been dubbed with the nickname ‘Elvis’, partly due to his fancy footwork on the field, but perhaps more because of his moves off it.

“He’s always having a joke. He loves to dance around and sing in the change-rooms as well,” Simpkin said.

Ford was credited for his “speed, power and clean hands” when selected by North at the draft.

He has the scope to play forward, midfield or in defence.