THE WEST Australian is one of this year's most compelling draft prospects. He can do things like nobody else: pick up the ball at top speed, accelerate and then kick a goal from 55 metres. But he is also inconsistent, and without the footy nous of a few other prospects.
Marsh had played most of his junior footy through the wing and midfield before this season, when he took on a key-position role up forward. His best game of the championships came against Vic Metro at Patersons Stadium, when he almost singlehandedly turned the game Western Australia's way with three goals and a blistering final term. He is not quite a modern-day key-position height (192cm), but is probably too big to play as a full-time midfielder.
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STRENGTHS
Marsh's speed is central to everything he does. At last month's NAB AFL Draft Combine, he ran 2.78 seconds for the 20-metre sprint, narrowly missing the all-time record of 2.75. It was the fastest of any player this year. Then in the repeat sprints he tested third quickest (24.18 seconds). It was evidence of what is seen on the field: when Marsh gets going, nobody can catch him. He can mark and jump (he was 10th in the standing vertical leap), and he has a thumping kick on him when he connects.
WEAKNESSES
Because everything is go, go, go with Marsh, he can do a lot of things in a rush and lack some composure. His kicking is also very hit-or-miss, as seen in his goalkicking numbers for East Fremantle, where he kicked 20 goals and 37 behinds in 13 games.
STRENGTHS
Marsh's speed is central to everything he does. At last month's NAB AFL Draft Combine, he ran 2.78 seconds for the 20-metre sprint, narrowly missing the all-time record of 2.75. It was the fastest of any player this year. Then in the repeat sprints he tested third quickest (24.18 seconds). It was evidence of what is seen on the field: when Marsh gets going, nobody can catch him. He can mark and jump (he was 10th in the standing vertical leap), and he has a thumping kick on him when he connects.
WEAKNESSES
Because everything is go, go, go with Marsh, he can do a lot of things in a rush and lack some composure. His kicking is also very hit-or-miss, as seen in his goalkicking numbers for East Fremantle, where he kicked 20 goals and 37 behinds in 13 games.
PLAYS LIKE
Nobody else, really, and that's the attraction or the put-off. His electrifying pace as a taller forward is his point of difference. Maybe there's a bit of West Coast forward Jack Darling in him, in terms of being slightly undersized but too athletic and nippy for key backs to handle.
DRAFT RANGE
Very hard to read. Most likely in the 20-40 bracket.
BOTTOM LINE
With a highlights package like no other, Marsh might be the most unpredictable player in the draft. His good is sensational, his bad makes you look away. Harness his talent, though, and there are the makings of a unique player.
DRAFT RANGE
Very hard to read. Most likely in the 20-40 bracket.
BOTTOM LINE
With a highlights package like no other, Marsh might be the most unpredictable player in the draft. His good is sensational, his bad makes you look away. Harness his talent, though, and there are the makings of a unique player.
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