Much has been made of the prodigious South Australian talent in this year’s AFL National Draft, with a handful of SA-based players in the mix to be selected in the first round.
Jack Lukosius and Izak Rankine have both been touted as potential No. 1 picks, alongside Vic Country midfielder Sam Walsh at the top of most clubs’ draft boards according to AFL National Talent Manager, Kevin Sheehan.
“Jack Lukosius is a chance to go at number one,” Sheehan told AFC Media.
“He’s the tall forward that can play tall defence as well at 194 centimetres. Some people have likened to a Nick Riewoldt, his leading patterns are fantastic up forward.
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“He’s got a great burst of speed, so he can get off his opponent. Wonderful set of hands and a magnificent kick of the football. Even play on the wing this boy, he’s so versatile.
Sheehan said a couple of years in the SANFL with Woodville-West Torrens had given Lukosius a great introduction to what it takes to become an AFL player.
Jack Lukosius representing South Australia at the AFL U18 Championships
“He (Lukosius) looks a special player as does Izak Rankine… he’s got some Eddie Betts about him. He can do the freakish thing in the air and at ground level.
“Just a little bit of a glimpse at the goals and it’s often enough… he’s got that innate ability to find that only opening at important times in the games and he set alight the final of the under 18 nationals this year with five goals. He was brilliant and a back-to-back All-Australian.”
In addition to Lukosius and Rankine, North Adelaide’s Connor Rozee and Central District’s Jackson Hately have also been earmarked as first round prospects.
“Connor Rozee’s another player from SA that has emerged in the last three years,” Sheehan said.
“A potential player through the midfield or even as a medium forward. He’s lightly built at the moment, but very strong in his attack on the ball. He’s quite good in the air, he’s a goal kicker as well and again he’s had that taste of senior footy this year that makes him a pretty attractive proposition.
“Jackson Hately’s another with senior footy under his belt and an excellent player as a taller midfielder, but a versatile player. One that can play forward or back.
“They’re four of the boys that are certain to be prominent when we’re talking the top 20.”
