TASMANIA'S Brody Mihocek and Victorian Michael Talia lead an impressive group of tall defenders invited to take part in the 2011 NAB AFL Draft Combine.
The group of 14 AFL hopefuls, released on Tuesday, will have the opportunity to push their cases for selection at the NAB AFL Draft at the combine to be held over four days at Etihad Stadium from October 4.
The list includes nine players from Victoria, three from Western Australia and two from Tasmania.
Mihocek impressed for division two champions Tasmania and Talia put in several eye-catching performances for division one title winners Vic Metro at the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships in July and were rewarded with All Australian honours.
"Mihocek is a powerful athlete at 191cm who can play at both ends of the ground," AFL national talent manager Kevin Sheehan said.
"His marking was impressive throughout the championships along with his ball-winning ability.
"He looks a really draftable type."
Both players have strong football backgrounds with Mihocek the son of former Essendon half-forward Jack, while Talia is the brother of Adelaide Crows' first-round draft pick Daniel.
They're part of a group that will come in for some close scrutiny from AFL recruiters at the combine.
"Tall defenders are much sought after in the draft," Sheehan said.
"To potentially be able to match up on a powerful AFL tall forward, they must have very good repeat speed, sure hands and be composed under pressure.
"The draft combine tests for repeat speed with its six by 30m test with three players pitted against each other whilst the 'Matthew Lloyd clean hands test' evaluates sure ball handling and composure.
"Both tests produce vital information when assessing tall defenders."
2011 NAB AFL Draft Combine - National
Tall Defenders
TASMANIA:
Brody Mihocek
Club: Burnie
Age: 18
Height: 191cm
Weight: 86kg
"Represented Tasmania at the NAB AFL U18 Championships averaging 16.6 possessions a game (nine contested). Has very good speed and is a powerful kick of the footy. Provides a good marking option up forward as well as in defence. He is an All Australian at Under 18 level in 2011."
Henry Schade
Club: North Hobart
Age: 17
Height: 194 cm
Weight: 81 kg
"Represented Tasmania at the NAB AFL U18 Championships. Provides good run from the defensive end and uses the football very well. He has the size and athletic scope to play on tall forwards at senior level."
WESTERN AUSTRALIA:
Nathan Blee
Club: East Perth
Age: 21
Height: 192cm
Weight: 80kg
"Has very good closing speed, body positioning when one on one and he uses the ball well. Can get off his opponent and create run from defence."
Alex Howard
Club: Swan District
Age: 18
Height: 190cm
Weight: 86kg
"Represented Western Australia at the NAB AFL U18 Championships, playing in four matches where his marking and reading the play showed out as his strengths."
Jordan Lockyer
Club: West Perth
Age: 18
Height: 190cm
Weight: 85kg
"Represented Western Australia at the NAB AFL U18 Championships working at 75 per cent disposal effectiveness over five games. He can also go forward and provide a mobile marking target. He is the son of former West Coast Eagles star Andrew Lockyer."
VICTORIA:
Andrew Boseley
Club: Geelong Falcons
Age: 18
Height: 194cm
Weight: 80kg
"Played three games for Vic Country in the NAB AFL U18 Championships. He is a great attacking player and he constantly marks the ball from opposition forward entries."
Alex Brown
Club: Oakleigh Chargers
Age: 17
Height: 191cm
Weight: 80kg
"Represented Vic Metro in two games at the NAB AFL U18 championships, averaging 14.5 disposals and four marks. He has very good pace and mobility for a player of his size and he can play tall and small especially when back. He is a very good mark and spoils well with his closing speed."
Ben Darrou
Club: Sandringham Dragons
Age: 17
Height: 190cm
Weight: 93kg
"Represented Vic Metro at the AFL U18 Championships averaging 14.5 disposals, four marks, 4.5 tackles per game. His kicking is a real feature and combined with his vision make him a real attacking weapon from defence. He possesses good natural size and athletic ability and he does not shirk any contests."
Simon Deery
Club: Gippsland Power
Age: 17
Height: 192cm
Weight: 84kg
"Represented Vic Country at the NAB AFL U18 Championships playing two games and averaging 3.5 tackles a game. He can play either end and have an impact on the game."
Sam Frost
Club: Sandringham Dragons
Age: 17
Height: 194cm
Weight: 87kg
"Represented Vic Metro at the NAB AFL U18 Championships averaging 14 disposals a game. He is a hard runner who loves to back himself to win the footy and take the game on. He is very good overhead and also has a huge leap."
Jordan Kelly
Club: Dandenong Stingrays
Age: 18
Height: 191cm
Weight: 81kg
"Represented Vic Country at the NAB AFL U18 Championships averaging 10 disposals and three tackles a game. He is a good size and has the ability to win his own ball. He has a good long kick and can play well one on one."
Tim Mohr
Club: Casey Scorpions
Age: 22
Height: 195cm
Weight: 98kg
"Former Tasmanian who reads the play well and has the ability to come off his opponent and impact the contest. He is rarely beaten one on one and strong in the air. He can set up counter attacks from defense. He has averaged 15.6 disposals and four marks in VFL this year."
Michael Talia
Club: Calder Cannons
Age: 18
Height: 191cm
Weight: 87kg
"Represented Vic Metro at the NAB AFL U18 Championships providing good run and drive from the defensive end, averaging 16.2 disposals and 5.5 marks. He is extremely competitive and a very good overhead mark. He capped off the championships with All Australian honours."
Adam Tomlinson
Club: Oakleigh Charges
Age: 17
Height: 192cm
Weight: 85kg
"Part of the 14th intake into the AIS/AFL Academy. Represented Vic Metro at the NAB AFL U18 Championships playing back and forward. He is a very good athlete with great passion for the game. He uses the ball well and takes a very strong mark in a contested situation and presents well when he plays forward."
