AS A 15-year-old, Hourigan created history at his SANFL club South Adelaide, becoming the youngest senior player in the club's history. The hulking forward has been a mature size for most of his youth, and handled himself well in the company of some more experienced company. He played just one senior game this season for the Panthers, but had a solid year as he progressed towards the NAB AFL Draft.
His form at the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships was recognised when he was named in the All Australian team, having booted 16 goals across five games. He strained a hamstring in the lead-up to the NAB AFL Draft Combine so did not test.
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STRENGTHS
The statistics tell an accurate story of Hourigan as a player. He relies on his marking and kicking, and he's pretty good at both. On the lead he guards the space in front of him and has sticky hands, and he is a long, accurate left-foot kick. Hourigan's competitive, and enjoys being in one-on-one battles with defenders. He was played by South Australia's coaches as a defender during the under-16 championships and may be able to play there more consistently in time. He's a physical forward who reads the game well and knows how to snag a goal when the opportunity presents.
WEAKNESSES
The knock on Hourigan is his aerobic capacity. His athleticism can improve, and he will need to work on staying in games for longer, and having a more consistent output from contest to contest.
STRENGTHS
The statistics tell an accurate story of Hourigan as a player. He relies on his marking and kicking, and he's pretty good at both. On the lead he guards the space in front of him and has sticky hands, and he is a long, accurate left-foot kick. Hourigan's competitive, and enjoys being in one-on-one battles with defenders. He was played by South Australia's coaches as a defender during the under-16 championships and may be able to play there more consistently in time. He's a physical forward who reads the game well and knows how to snag a goal when the opportunity presents.
WEAKNESSES
The knock on Hourigan is his aerobic capacity. His athleticism can improve, and he will need to work on staying in games for longer, and having a more consistent output from contest to contest.
PLAYS LIKE
Big and strong, Hourigan's a little like Carlton's Matthew Watson, who can also swing onto his left side and bang the ball a mile. Of similar height, Hourigan could end playing as a defender long-term if he builds his running.
DRAFT RANGE
Probably in the 30-60 range.
BOTTOM LINE
An old-fashioned type with old-fashioned traits. They should appeal to a club a bit later on in the draft. His accuracy around goal is first-class.
DRAFT RANGE
Probably in the 30-60 range.
BOTTOM LINE
An old-fashioned type with old-fashioned traits. They should appeal to a club a bit later on in the draft. His accuracy around goal is first-class.
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