The 2016 NAB AFL Draft Combine begins on Thursday in Melbourne, so we’ve taken the chance to have a look at the top draft prospects coming from the GIANTS Academy and NSW/ACT.
The group will be tested and scrutinised by all eighteen clubs over then next four days, to see if they have what it takes to be selected in the NAB AFL Draft in Sydney on November 25, and the NAB Pre-season and Rookie Drafts on November 28.
Harry Perryman (Midfielder/ half-forward)
From: Collingullie/ GIANTS Academy/ NSW-ACT
Height: 184cm
Weight: 75kg
D.O.B: 19/12/1998
A quality player who just moves like a natural footballer. Perryman isn't quick but twists and turns his way out of trouble and rarely gets caught. He has a background playing as a half-back, but this year has moved into the midfield where his strengths have come to the fore. He's equally as clever and classy on both feet, and knows where the goals are. Perryman plays in an unflustered and uncomplicated manner but always seems to make the right decision when in possession. Perryman made one appearance for the WSU GIANTS in their round 15 NEAFL win over Southport Sharks. Another academy player the GIANTS will have the ability to bring into their club. However, There's a lot of interest in him from rivals, due to his smarts and footy brain.
Will Setterfield (Midfielder)
From: Sandringham Dragons/ GIANTS Academy/ NSW-ACT
Height: 190cm
Weight: 80kg
D.O.B: 5/2/1998
One of the smoothest movers in the draft. Setterfield combines a solid inside game as a midfielder with strong run and flow with ball in hand, and he rarely wastes a touch. The 18-year-old is the prototype for the new-age midfielder given his height and athleticism, and can play all over the ground. He finished his under-18s division two carnival for the winning Rams with 28 disposals and six tackles in a commanding showing. Despite living in Melbourne at boarding school and playing TAC Cup footy for the Sandringham Dragons, Setterfield is eligible for GIANTS academy, having moved from Albury.
Kobe Mutch (Midfielder)
From: Bendigo Pioneers/ GIANTS Academy/ NSW-ACT
Height: 184cm
Weight: 79kg
D.O.B: 18/3/1998
Mutch stamped himself as one of the most improved players in this year's pool with a consistent display at the division two under-18s national carnival, where he averaged 25 disposals across three games. The teenager's best traits come in his work rate – he is an elite endurance athlete – and his ability to kick on both feet. His dual-sided skills allow him to spin out of stoppages and hit targets with a minimum of fuss, and he collects plenty of the ball. Mutch has improved his contested game to complement his outside run, so will have plenty interested. He's also very disciplined and follows plans. GIANTS have first call on him as a member of its academy.
Max Lynch (Ruckman)
From: Murray Bushrangers/ NSW-ACT
Height: 200cm
Weight: 96kg
D.O.B: 12/9/1998
Lynch led New South Wales-ACT and the Allies in the ruck department at throughout the championships. He averaged 14 hit-outs a game, but a third of those were to advantage, which is a strong strike rate. Lynch is also serviceable around the ground, especially in the forward line and competes in the air. Lynch is in the GIANTS’ zone as an academy prospect, so they will get first call on him. Lynch made his NEAFL debut for the WSU GIANTS in round two, kicking a goal in their loss to the Swans’ reserves at Blacktown International Sportspark.
Harrison Macreadie (Defender)
From: Henty/ GIANTS Academy/ NSW-ACT
Height: 196cm
Weight: 89kg
D.O.B: 11/4/1998
Macreadie showed some impressive signs last year as a bottom-ager with his run and drive through half-back for New South Wales-ACT. He can run well with the ball and although at key position size, Macreadie sometimes looks most at home on a wing or half-back flank. That's unlikely to be his position at the next level, however, as some more time in the gym should see him build a bigger frame to hold down some taller marking forwards. The GIANTS relocated Macreadie to Sydney to be closer to the club, so are clearly in the box seat to take the academy prospect. Macreadie played 11 games for the WSU GIANTS in the NEAFL, including their four-point Grand Final win over the Swans’ Reserves.
Sam Fisher (Midfielder/ Forward)
From: Ainslie/ Canberra Demons/ GIANTS Academy
Height: 180cm
Weight: 76kg
D.O.B: 23/2/1998
Fisher’s best performance was 22 disposals against the Northern Territory in Division Two, before playing for the Allies in Division One of the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships. He was a consistent performer for the Canberra Demons in the NEAFL this season and also lined up for the WSU GIANTS late in the year. Fisher played seven games for the GIANTS, including the NEAFL Grand Final win over the Sydney Swans.
Todd Marshall (Forward)
From: Murray Bushrangers
Weight: 198cm
Weight: 87kg
D.O.B: 8/10/1998
Emerging tall forward who played representative cricket in England last year before focusing on AFL this year. Showed real potential with his marking, agility and elite goal sense. Averaged 2.3 goals for NSW/ACT and 1.8 goals for the Allies in the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships. Marshall played one game for the WSU GIANTS in the NEAFL in 2016, kicking a goal in their round two loss to the Sydney Swans.
Zachary Sproule (Forward)
From: Murray Bushrangers/ GIANTS Academy
Weight: 197cm
Weight: 84kg
D.O.B: 12/5/1998
Versatile tall forward or defender with a huge tank and an excellent long kick, whether from defence or at goal. Played mainly forward for NSW/ACT and Allies this year and played back for Murray Bushrangers in the TAC Cup. Member of the NAB AFL Academy and GIANTS Academy, he has elite running capacity for his size and has modeled his game on Carlton’s Patrick Cripps and Fremantle captain David Mundy. Sproule made his NEAFL debut for the WSU GIANTS in round 15 kicking a goal in their win over the Southport Sharks.
Isaac Cumming (Defender)
From: Broken Hill / GIANTS Academy
Height: 183cm
Weight: 72kg
D.O.B: 11/8/1998
Medium defender with good closing speed and ball-winning ability. Represented NSW/ACT and the Allies in the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships, using the ball effectively by hand and foot. Also played Under 18s at North Adelaide this year and represented the WSU GIANTS in their round 17 NEAFL win over Swans’ reserves.
Ryan Garthwaite (Defender)
From: Murray Bushrangers/ Corowa-Rutherglen
Height: 192cm
Weight: 84kg
D.O.B: 30/6/98
Tall defender who excels in one-on-one contests and is strong overhead. A reliable type who can play on a tall or small forwards and provide good rebound from defence. Overcame a number of injuries to show his promise with the Allies this year. Garthwaite played two games for the WSU GIANTS in the NEAFL in 2016, acquitting himself well in the games against Swans reserves and Gold Coast reserves.
