Young Victorian Jacob Edwards has been tipped to go pick No.1 in this year’s mid-season draft.
Sportsday host Sam McClure says Edwards, 18, has been “turning heads” playing for Sandringham Dragons in the NAB League with his performances exciting AFL clubs.
“If you haven’t heard the name Jacob Edwards, just write it down,” McClure told Sportsday.
“I think he’s going to be an interesting prospect and I reckon he’ll be read out by whoever has the first pick in the upcoming mid-season draft.
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“He actually nominated for last year’s draft but like a lot of his Victorian teammates, didn’t play. So he wasn’t seen, therefore they (clubs) didn’t take the risk on a 202cm ruck/forward.
“He’s been turning heads playing for Sandringham in the NAB League … he’s only 78kg so he’s got a bit of weight to put on.
“He’s been dominating and there’s some clubs very excited about him.”
Marlion Pickett (Richmond), Ryan Gardner (Western Bulldogs), Will Snelling (Essendon) and John Noble (Collingwood) – all selections from the 2019 mid-season draft – have all played regular football at their respective clubs.
But Edwards looms as a draft bargain given his age and untapped potential.
“This kid’s 18, he’s 19 in November, so whoever gets him in the mid-season draft is basically getting him ahead of time ahead of this year’s National Draft,” McClure said.
“Let’s say North Melbourne get him, they get him without having to use a pick on him. I don’t think he’s going to play AFL footy this year, but he’s a long-term project.
“It’s not what the mid-season draft was brought in for, having said that, it’s the perfect storm with COVID and the AFL wants to promote anyone, any age, to be able to get an opportunity.”
North Melbourne currently has the first pick in this year’s mid-season draft that’s slated for Wednesday June 2.
