NATHAN Bassett's time as Norwood coach is undeniable proof that he knows a sure thing when he sees one.
During his four-year stint at The Parade, the newly appointed assistant coach at Essendon maintained a near-perfect strike rate when it came to predicting which of his SANFL players would be offered an AFL opportunity.
Among others at Norwood called upon by an AFL club during his reign, Bassett foresaw the drafting of Paul Puopolo to Hawthorn, Nick Duigan, Sam Rowe and Jaryd Cachia to Carlton, Dean Terlich to Melbourne and Nick Lower to the Western Bulldogs.
Speaking to AFL.com.au, Bassett predicted left-footed defender Matt Fuller would be next.
The 23-year-old played a vital role in Norwood's defensive structure throughout 2013, driving the side's attack with his booming left foot.
Fuller capped a sensational season by nailing a stunning, long-range goal in the club's Grand Final win over North Adelaide.
It's understood that as many as six AFL clubs are interested in the Adelaide-based sales rep and his premiership coach was adamant one would pounce.
"He'll be on an AFL list and I think he'll go in the national draft," Bassett told AFL.com.au.
"He's a good age, he's got a good work ethic, he's very keen to get better and [in Fuller] you'd get someone into your footy club who can make it better straight away.
"He's got some good talent, speed, power, makes pretty good decisions with the footy and he kicks a long way.
"There's plenty of good reasons why he should do OK at AFL level next year."
While Fuller wasn't invited to the National Draft Combine or the state screening, Bassett said the perceived lack of attention was just that – a perception.
He said clubs had played "ducks and drakes" and that while Fuller hadn't tested publicly, sides had been "flying him around the country" to have a close and private look.
About to embark on his own AFL journey at the Bombers, Bassett was confident Fuller's prospective employers would have been impressed by what they saw in the 180cm, 83kg defender.
His kicking skills in particular are exceptional.
On both sides of his body, Bassett said Fuller had just the weapons AFL clubs drooled over.
"That left foot is very valuable but he's also a very good kick on his right foot as well, he's able to play on and kick with either foot from a kick-in," he said.
"He breaks the line and puts defences under pressure, but it's not just about being a long kick, he can move it from one side of the ground to the other and get it there quickly.
"That's valuable at AFL level where there's so much congestion."
Fuller said he paid significant attention to preserving and improving his kicking ability, spending up to an extra two hours a week honing the skill.
His ability to hit targets by foot was put to good use this season, when he was used as a defensive general who was trusted to set up Norwood's attack – often from the last line of defence.
But the club's first back-to-back premiership in 90 years was even sweeter for Fuller given he missed the 2012 flag because of a shoulder injury.
He said he remembered the news of that injury, sustained on the eve of a dominant finals campaign, hit him like a Byron Pickett shirtfront.
With the Redlegs in unstoppable form, he knew the season-ending shoulder reconstruction would cost him a premiership medallion.
But with that feeling lodged in the back of his mind, Fuller powered through the 2013 season and said he was still unable to describe the joy of this year's ultimate success.
"As soon as I did my shoulder and they told me it was going to need to be operated on it hit home straight away – I knew I was going to miss out on the flag," Fuller said.
"Coming into this year it just sat there in the back of your mind, just drove you along and pretty much inspired me to not let another one get away.
"I couldn't explain the feeling when the siren went this year … I still can't find the words."
