THE NAB AFL Under-18 Championships showcase the stars of tomorrow in Australian Football, and AFL Talent Manager Kevin Sheehan runs through some of the players most likely to catch the eye of spectators and clubs alike.
Division one players:
Brad Ebert (South Australia)
Born: April 2, 1990
Height: 187cm
Weight: 86kg
From: Port Adelaide Magpies/Henley
Brad Ebert is the nephew of one of the greatest ever players to come out of South Australia, Russell Ebert, and Sheehan says he’s certainly a player to keep an eye on.
“He's already taken all before him in the last couple of years,” Sheehan said.
“He was a star player in the midfield at under-16 level last year and he's a prolific ball winner.
“He's strong overhead, can win it in the air, and is powerful in the contest. He can also play as an inside midfielder or a wingman.
“He was a star for the Australian side on its tour to South Africa earlier in the year and he was a leader in that group.
“He's played some senior matches for the Port Magpies already this year, so he's just about ticked all of the boxes in seeming destined to join his cousin Brett, who is playing for Port Adelaide at AFL level.
“A genuine player to watch.”
Ben McEvoy (Vic Country)
Born: July 11, 1989
Height: 199cm
Weight: 90kg
From: Murray Bushrangers/Dederang-Mt Beauty
A two-metre prospect from the Murray Bushrangers, McEvoy is a one of a number of potential ruckmen looming as outstanding prospects for the AFL according to Sheehan.
“Ben can also play up forward and occasionally down back, but he's got outstanding AFL qualities,” he said.
“He's played at this level in 2006 and has continued to develop as an outstanding player in the TAC Cup this year.
“He has got the height, athletic ability, nous and leadership qualities to be a top player in the ruck in the AFL.”
Trent Cotchin (Vic Metro)
Born: April 7, 1990
Height: 184cm
Weight: 81kg
From: Northern Knights/Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School
Sheehan says Trent Cotchin is a strongly-built midfielder with all the attributes required for a medium-sized midfielder/forward.
“He is strong in the contest and strong overhead and is super smart around the goals,” he said.
“He reminds me a bit of [Essendon midfielder] Brent Stanton as a player with that speed/endurance combination.
“Trent has been dominant at TAC Cup level and representing Vic Metro at under-16 level and was a standout in Vic Metro's trials.
“His work on both sides of his body was a feature. He uses the ball so beautifully and one of the goals he kicked from the boundary was all class, while he is also freakish up forward.
“Trent's quick, strong at the ball and clean with his hands and is a really exciting prospect.”
Chris Masten (Western Australia)
Born: May 2, 1989
Height: 179cm
Weight: 78kg
From: East Fremantle
Chris Masten will be representing Western Australia for the third consecutive season.
“Chris was a star at under-18 level last year and under-16s in 2005,” Sheehan said.
“He wasn't eligible for the draft last year, but he's also played senior footy for East Fremantle.
“He's an outstanding running machine and was a state-ranked middle distance runner and that continues to show in his play. He is especially suited to the modern game with his great running ability.
“He uses his hands very well and is smart around goals. He's a leader and prolific ball winner.”
Division two players:
Craig Bird (New South Wales/Australian Capital Territory)
Born: January 21, 1989
Height: 178cm
Weight: 76kg
From: Nelson Bay
Craig Bird is one of eight players representing NSW/ACT that are already listed by an AFL club. He holds a scholarship as part of the AFL's greater Sydney scholarship scheme with the Sydney Swans.
“Craig’s is an interesting story,” Sheehan said.
“He is the captain of NSW/ACT and last year he was an All-Australian.
“His great ability is to keep finding the footy. He is brilliant at winning the ball and makes great decisions with it.
“He sets the play up and kicks important goals and he's had a great season this year in the lead-up to the championships.
“He's really put his stamp on some impressive performances for NSW/ACT, including a win over the Calder Cannons, who are probably the benchmark in the TAC Cup.
“His leadership and form has been outstanding in recent times.”
Cyril Rioli (Northern Territory)
Born: July 14, 1989
Height: 178cm
Weight: 74kg
From: St Marys
The nephew of both Maurice Rioli and Michael Long, Sheehan said Cyril can be considered very unlucky not to have received All-Australian honours last year, but continues to take all before him.
“Earlier this year, Cyril even represented the Indigenous All Stars team against Essendon, giving him a taste of what will be before him.
“He's now at Scotch College in Melbourne and has been a dominant player for its senior team.
“He's kicked bags of seven and five goals and can play as a midfielder or medium-sized forward or defender.
“He's a left-footer and a great ball-winner. He has that beautiful Rioli sidestep to get through traffic and an outstanding ability around goal.”
Sam Reid (Queensland)
Born: November 7, 1989
Height: 185cm
Weight: 75kg
From: Zillmere
“Sam is a great example of how people can really improve their footy,” Sheehan said.
“He missed the cut last year as a 17-year-old in a very strong Queensland [side], but he has improved out of sight this year and has really developed.
“He has been in outstanding form in the lead-in games and he has been dominant against some of the TAC Cup sides, winning 30-plus disposals in the midfield on several occasions.
“He's a rangy type and is strong overhead, while he kicks well on both his left and right foot.
“He makes great decisions, is courageous and has great running ability.
“He was part of the AIS/AFL Academy which went to South Africa, so that helped mature him and helped convince him that he could play at the highest level.
“He has also played senior footy in the AFLQ and looms as another Queenslander destined for the AFL.”
Tom Collier (Tasmania)
Born: March 25, 1989
Height: 192cm
Weight: 86kg
From: Lauderdale
According to Sheehan, Tom Collier is the athletic model of a modern-day player and can perform in nearly every position.
“Tom’s lightly-framed at the moment, but he could play in a key position in the future,” Sheehan said.
“He's got the athletic ability to play out wider, with his pace, while he is also suited to a back-flank or up forward.
“Tom has also played senior football with the Tassie Devils in the VFL this year, having had experience against older players.
“He also played in a senior state game for Tasmania against Queensland this year, so he's had a range of experiences.
“He played in last year's championships, and had the disappointment of being overlooked in last year's NAB AFL Draft, but he's come on in leaps and bounds this year.
“He is certainly an exciting prospect from the Apple Isle.”
