Eltham’s Nick Vlastuin and Nathan Hrovat of Mill Park have been earmarked all season as two of the most talented junior footballers in the country and both are expected to be snaffled by AFL clubs early in Thursday’s draft.
Affectionately known as Tigga, Vlastuin captained Vic Metro in the 2012 NAB AFL Under-18 National Championships, where Metro took out the Division One title for the second consecutive year.
His exceptional clearance work, leadership and courage have impressed recruiters and drawn comparisons to AFL stars Lenny Hayes and Luke Ball.
Vlastuin’s big frame and ability to win the contested ball have insiders touting him as a likely Round 1 starter next season, with Richmond a leading contender to select him with pick No.9.
Standing only 174cm, what Nathan Hrovat lacks in size he certainly makes up for in determination and character.
Hrovat captained the Northern Knights in the TAC Cup this season and was a vice-captain to Vlastuin for Vic Metro.
Not only was he part of Metro’s six-man leadership group, Hrovat was also named its Most Valuable Player at the championships and was selected in the midfield of the Under-18 All Australian team, along with Vlastuin who has selected on the half back flank.
Hrovat took out the Northern Knights best and fairest award despite playing just eight games because of higher duties, and finished third in the Morrish medal and second in the TAC Cup coaches award.
He plays as an inside midfielder but works just as competently on the outside where he has the ability to hit targets and push forward to kick goals.
Hrovat is expected to be taken between picks 15-25 in the draft, with North Melbourne (pick 17), Fremantle (19) and Collingwood (21) all linked to the midfielder.
Yarrambat junior Matthew Haynes is another who is expected to be selected later in the draft after an impressive 2012 season.
Haynes has pace to burn and his outside run is a feature of his game. It’s not surprising given he won a 100m title at national level as a 15-year-old.
The defender/wingman has been praised for his leadership and was selected alongside Hrovat as a vice-captain for Vic Metro. He is outspoken and likable and is one of the most popular members in any team he plays in.
Aidan Corr is another from the Northern Knights who is expected to be selected in the opening two rounds of the draft.
The younger brother of Macleod forward Cathal, Corr played his juniors with Macleod in the Yarra Junior Football League, but played two games for Macleod seniors in 2011.
Corr plays as a key defender and is renowned for his agility, closing speed and aggression from defence.
With a lack of quality key talls in this year’s draft, 195cm Corr’s stocks have risen considerably. Richmond has shown interest in the 18-year-old, while new club’s Greater Western Sydney and Gold Coast are both in need of bigger bodies to fill key defensive posts.
Anthony Bonaddio (West Preston) and Tom Grimes (Hurstbridge) are likely to be recruited through December’s rookie draft.
