TASMANIAN prospect Kade Kolodjashnij is the early star of the NAB AFL Draft Combine, showing his talents in the jump testing. 

 

The half-back flanker and wingman, who played a starring role for Tasmania through the NAB AFL under-18 Championships, led the way in Monday's standing vertical jump test.

 

Kolodjashnij, who is projected to be a top-10 selection next month, had a 79cm vertical relative jump.

 

He beat fellow Tasmanian Brady Grey (76cm), Queenslander Fraser Thurlow (75cm), and West Australian Tom Vandeleur (72cm).

 

Kolodjashnij was also the standout in the running vertical jump off the right leg, jumping 97cm.

 

The AFL's academies development manager Michael Ablett said it demonstrated Kolodjashnij's surge up the draft order.

 

"He's just gone from strength to strength," Ablett told AFL.com.au.

 

"We've seen his footy continually improve throughout the year. We saw what he did earlier in the year, particularly at the AIS-AFL Academy's January camp and could see what an exciting athlete he was.

 

"But to actually get confirmed figures and that solid data on him now, it just backs up his football ability. Complemented by his athletic ability, I think it pushes him right up amongst the best kids in the country."

 

Queenslander Archie Smith, who had the best running vertical jump on the left leg, matched Kolodjashnij's leap of 97cm.

 

Smith is a recent convert to the AFL, having previously played basketball. His father, Andre Moore, was a former NBL star with the Brisbane Bullets.

 

The 200cm prospect is a member of the Brisbane Lions Academy, which means the club has bidding rights over him when the clubs meet next week.

 

Like the rules for the father-son bidding system, if no club bids for Smith the Lions can automatically list him with their last draft pick. If another club does place a bid for the 18-year-old, the Lions can choose to match it.

 

"There's no doubt he's a first-choice athlete. Brisbane are obviously very excited about having him and he's one who's showed solid improvement throughout the year," Ablett said.