ANDREW Brayshaw started this season with a good appreciation of the challenges of getting drafted by an AFL club.
In 2014, he saw older brother Angus picked up by Melbourne at selection No.3 after a terrific season where nearly everything went right. But last year, he witnessed the other side of the draft, with another older brother, Hamish, overlooked.
Brayshaw has made sure that won't happen to him this season. Since coming back from a minor injury mid-season, the Sandringham Dragon has wasted no time to prove he is among the best midfielders in this year's draft crop.
It was his end to the season which truly cemented him among the top rung of players, as he powered the Dragons to the TAC Cup Grand Final and then backed it up with an outstanding week at the NAB AFL Draft Combine.
He's a very solid all-round prospect. For a start, he's a natural footballer: tough, smart, reads the play well and kicks the ball with poise. He can also sneak forward to hit the scoreboard – he kicked at least one goal in seven of his 10 TAC Cup appearances this year.
As the season went on and he began to gather more confidence, Brayshaw's running game came to the fore, and he was not only able to win it at the stoppages but also then get away and be damaging in space. He averaged 24.8 disposals a game in the under-18s competition.
His athletic profile matches up with his football qualities. He proved his endurance in front of clubs at the Combine by winning the inaugural Yo-Yo test and came fourth overall in the 2km time trial, while he also finished inside the top 10 for the agility test. He also ran a three-second flat 20-metre sprint, so it all adds up to a nice package.
There's not a lot to worry about with Brayshaw. If there's anything that clubs are asking, particularly in reference to taking him really early, is whether he has one absolutely outstanding trait that sets him apart from other players. He might lack a killer trick, but he does everything at a high level so it shouldn't be too much of a worry.
There's a bit of Trent Cotchin in the way Brayshaw plays in the midfield. He has most bases covered and does it with a minimum of fuss.
He's in contention to be the first name called next Friday night at the draft as the Brisbane Lions' No.1 choice. If not, Fremantle, North Melbourne, Carlton and Collingwood will all strongly consider him with picks in the first six.
Brayshaw ticks a lot of boxes. Most of them, in fact. He has crept up as a highly rated player but belongs towards the top of draft boards. Throw in the fact he's an articulate and respected leader among his peers and it makes for an appealing choice.
