We take a look at some of the top prospects ahead of the National Draft to be held at the Adelaide Convention Centre on November 24.
The following four youngsters are among those touted as potential first round selections.
Eric Hipwood – Aspley/Caloundra
Height: 200cm
Weight: 82kg
A versatile tall who has the capabilities to play as either a defender or a forward Eric Hipwood is a member of the Lions Academy. Hipwood has terrific hands overhead and is strong in contested situations. Agile for his size, the left-footer uses the ball effectively with almost every possession he gets. He was important in Queensland’s Divison Two U18 Championships win earning All Australian honours. He averaged 21 disposals and 7 marks during the Championships.
Eric Hipwood at the AFL Combine earlier this month.
Luke Partington – Norwood/Tumby Bay
Height: 181cm
Weight: 72kg
A strong runner who starred for South Australia in the U18 Championships Partington is a hard working midfielder who is expected to attract the attention of most clubs. He has good speed with excellent endurance to match and is a proven ball winner around the stoppages. Partington has shown he can use the ball exceptionally well whether it is by hand or foot and is a composed player with the footy in his hands. He won All Australian honours after averaging 24.3 possessions (eight contested) for South Australia in the U18 Championships.
Luke Partington is expected to be one of the first players picked from South Australia.
Darcy Parish – Geelong Falcons/Winchelsea
Height: 181cm
Weight: 73kg
One of the best decision makers in the current draft pool Darcy Parish is expected to be taken early in the first round after an impressive U18 season. A medium midfielder with the ability to push forwards he reads the game exceptionally well. He is a quick and agile player as well as a prolific ball winner who hunts his own ball and has a strong ability to create something from nothing. Parish has won back to back All Australian honours after averaging 21.8 disposals and four clearances during the 2015 U18 Championships. He plays with plenty of dare and is not scared to take the game on making him a clear standout among his peers.
Darcy Parish in a sheering shed in his hometown of Winchelsea.
Mitch Hibberd – Clarence
Height: 191cm
Weight: 85kg
Hibberd is a tall midfielder who has also shown the ability to play as a key defender if called upon. He has overcome significant knee and shoulder injuries to put in some strong performances for Tasmania throughout the 2015 season. He is a great decision maker and has very good athletic ability which makes him an exciting prospect for recruiters. Hibberd averaged 23.3 possessions in three games in the U18 Championships.
