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AFTER 18 months out with injury, Mitchell Hibberd returned to football earlier this year, gathered 29 disposals and immediately got recruiters talking.
Hibberd was eligible for last year's NAB AFL Draft, but was overlooked as he battled fitness problems. At the end of 2013 the Tasmanian prospect had a knee reconstruction and just as he was returning to action he required a shoulder reconstruction.
It meant he had a later start to his campaign this season, but Hibberd is a good example of the AFL's 19-year-old rule working well. After injury ruled him out of the 2014 draft, he was able to take part in Tasmania's under-18 program this season.
He performed well in the championships and in the TAC Cup, and won selection for the Allies in the All Stars curtain-raiser clash at the MCG on Grand Final day.
Last month's draft combine at Etihad Stadium proved Hibberd to be one of the best all-round prospects in this year's crop. He came second overall in the beep test (reaching level 15.4) and third in the 3km time trial (10:02 minutes), but also ran 3.01s in the 20-metre sprint.
At 190cm he presents as a new type of midfielder who is versatile and strong above his head. His marking for the Allies was exceptional, and he likes to go for his grabs. The best part about Hibberd's make-up is his run and carry out of defence and ability to link-up through the ground.
He arches his back when in space and can kick long, becoming the type of player who hurts a team when he gets a disposal and breaks through the lines. With a professional attitude already, Hibberd has shown he can overcome setbacks to show his wares.
Hibberd's injury history sits as perhaps the biggest issue, but he underwent a medical test at the combine in front of clubs and couldn't have done much more to prove his body will be fine across the season. Because of his lack of match conditioning, however, he probably isn't quite as physically developed as some of the other prospects in the pool. That could be seen as an advantage – put him into an AFL system and his improvement could be rapid.
Geelong drafted Jackson Thurlow in 2012 and picked up an agile, tall and mobile half-back who can pretty much play all over the ground. Hibberd has a few similar traits to his fellow Tasmanian in the way he runs with the footy and backs himself.
Hibberd has some suitors late in the first round, while others have him back a little bit further. He seems most likely to fit into the 20-35 part of the draft.
Clubs like players who have a point of difference, and Hibberd has it with his mix of athleticism and run. He also separates himself from the pack a little with his ability to play in a whole range of different positions. Dedicated and keen for his chance, Hibberd has earned an opportunity this year. 
