To assist fans in understanding the potential of this year’s draft crop, Champion Data has applied the same ranking system it uses at AFL level to assess players in this season’s NAB AFL Under-18 Championships.
“Making this information available will connect supporters to the performances of players likely to end up in the AFL in the years to come,” AFL talent manager Kevin Sheehan said.
After two rounds of the championships, Tasmania’s Josh Green heads the rankings with an average of 165.9 points for his matches against Queenland and Vic Metro.
Here are the leading players from each team, based on the Champion Data ratings.
Josh Green, Tasmania
Small midfielder
Average points: 165.9
Average disposals: 33
Disposal efficiency: 63.6%
Goals: 2
Kevin Sheehan: “A prolific ball-winner and hard runner. Has shown smartness around goal and clean ball-handling at stoppages and in slippery conditions and was his team’s best player in both games.”
Jamie Solly, South Australia
Tall forward
Average points: 165.9
Average disposals : 11
Goals: 11
Sheehan: “Much improved player with great goal sense and accuracy, kicking 11 goals with only one behind and four goal assists. Wins one-on-one contests and has sure hands.”
Harley Bennell, Western Australia
Medium midfielder
Average points: 156.4
Average disposals: 21
Goals: 10
Sheehan: “Provided excitement for his team with great goal sense and slick movement through the midfield and up forward in both games. Strong overhead for his size and agile.”
Anthony Miles, NSW/ACT
Medium midfielder
Average points: 138.1
Average disposals: 35.5
Sheehan: “Outstanding player for his team in both games. He is an accumulator of the football, especially in close. Also pushed forward and kicked three goals.”
Mitch Wallis, Vic Metro
Medium midfielder
Average points: 132
Average disposals: 28.5
Goals: 2
Sheehan: “Has won the contested ball and clearances as well as providing terrific run to receive for his team in both games. Courageous and smart user of the ball with hand and foot.”
Michael Hutchinson, Queensland
Medium defender
Average points: 122.9
Average disposals: 14.5
Sheehan: “New to the game from a soccer background, this rangy defender has shown good overhead ability and run from defence.”
Shaun Edwards, Northern Territory
Medium midfielder/defender
Average points: 99.8
Average disposals: 15
Sheehan: “One of the youngest players in the championships, turning 17 in December, this fluid-moving midfielder/defender has excellent clean hands, agility and speed, using it to provide rebound and lay tackles. Shows class in ball use.”
Lucas Cook, Vic Country
Tall forward
Average points: 121.8
Average disposals: 16
Sheehan: “Reads the ball well in the air and always seems to get in front. Has good ability overhead and converts his chances from set shots or snaps efficiently. Outstanding in win over Vic Metro.”
