Talent on show at U18 Championships

Originally published by Callum Twomey on afl.com.au

At this stage, this year’s draft pool is considered relatively shallow compared to recent seasons, but the championships offers the chance for players to show their traits against the best players their age around the country.

Already a batch have proved they have what it take to be drafted and take their game to the next level.

afl.com.au have identified the below NSW/ACT players to look out for throughout the carnival.

Jacob Hopper
186cm/82kg
6/2/97
Midfielder
NSW-ACT/North Ballarat Rebels

Hopper started his TAC Cup season with 27 disposals and four goals for the Rebels in a dominant display. He is a big-bodied midfielder who excels at the clearances, feeds the ball out and gets it going. He’s also more than capable of finishing his work as a reliable right-foot kick. With some injury troubles behind him, Hopper will play for NSW-ACT at the championships. He is set to join Greater Western Sydney as an academy selection at the end of the year.

Matthew Kennedy
187cm/84kg
6/4/97
Midfielder
NSW-ACT

With a handful of brilliant performances, Kennedy has rocketed up the draft ranks. The midfielder has all the hard-working elements wanted in a prospect – he keeps running, can dig in and win the ball and is composed when he’s got it. He also has more than a hint of class and poise, and has shown his tendency to push forward and kick goals. A member of the Giants’ academy, they will get first access to the Wagga Wagga product.

Callum Mills
188cm/80kg
4/2/97
Midfielder
NSW-ACT

Perhaps the best midfielder of the 2015 crop, Mills could not have been any more impressive last season. Hard, tough and with an appetite for winning the ball, he starred for NSW-ACT in the championships and was named an All Australian. He went on to play some brilliant games at NEAFL level for the Sydney Swans reserves side, and establish his place at the top of the draft board. His season has been interrupted with a shin injury, but he will join the Swans at the end of the year through the academy system.