THERE could be an issue for Dylan Stephens if the AFL ever decides to reintroduce State of Origin football.
Stephens grew up in Mildura in country Victoria, where his family still lives. Except he moved to Adelaide six years ago to take up a scholarship at St Peter's College.
He played for South Australia at this year's NAB AFL Under-18 Championships - where he won a guernsey in the All Australian side - but has links on both sides of the border.
"My mates from SA will claim me as being from SA, and my Mum and Dad will say I'm a Victorian boy," he told AFL.com.au.
"Deep down, I grew up as a Victorian boy and I love South Australia … but I'm probably a Victorian."
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Stephens might be permanently claimed as a South Australian next week if he lands at Adelaide, with the midfielder being considered by the Crows with their prized pick No.6.
Wherever he goes, Stephens will start his AFL career after an impressive second half of his draft season, which saw him feature prominently at senior level for Norwood and then head back to the reserves side to claim a win in the Grand Final.
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He gathered 26 disposals and was one of his side's best in the 19-point win, having averaged 19 disposals in 12 senior appearances.
After not performing to the level he had hoped in the national carnival, Stephens thought he made amends with his senior appearances.
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"That's probably my best half of the year and I really started to find my feet at League level and find confidence and after a mediocre championships that I had I really wanted to bounce back and I think I did that. It was a good way to finish the year," he said.
"To be able to match it with those bigger bodies as an inside player around the stoppages and then to try to get them on the outside as well gives me a lot of confidence."
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Stephens has drawn comparisons to West Coast wingman Andrew Gaff, and he models his game on Greater Western Sydney star Josh Kelly.
Adelaide aside, Sydney, Fremantle, Carlton and Hawthorn are all interested in Stephens with early choices next Wednesday night.
His NAB AFL Draft Combine results reflected those of an elite athletic prospect, with Stephens recording a 2.97-second 20-metre sprint (10th overall), an 8.245-second agility test (10th overall) and a 6:01 2km time trial (third overall).
"My combination of speed and endurance is probably my strength. My ability to take the game on and kick the ball deep inside 50 is what I do the best," he said.
