2015 AFL draft prospects: Aaron Francis

Published by
James Rose

Name: Aaron Francis

Position: Half Back/Half Forward

DOB: 10/08/1997

Height: 192cm

Weight: 89kg

Draft range: 3-10

Pub summary: Gun utility with excellent footskills and ability to take intercept marks but there are questions regarding his midfield ability.

Strengths

  • Elite footskills
  • Intercept marking
  • Football smarts
  • Aerial prowess

Weaknesses

  • Midfield clearance and stoppage work
  • Can be inconsistent

Overall

If you knew Aaron Francis was going to develop into a midfielder you could justify a top 3 pick on him, the rest of his game is that good.

Francis has the ability as a utility to dominate games. For mine, he plays his best football as a half back where his ability to read the play allows him to drop off his direct opponent and take intercept marks, which then allows his long accurate kicking to set up his team offensively.

Aaron’s ability to drop off his man and set up attack shouldn’t be mistaken for a belief he plays an outside only game, as he is one of the more physical players in this year's draft pool. His style of play could be likened to that of Luke Hodge when he plays in defence.

Aaron Francis could end up being one of the steals of this year's draft. He is most likely going to get drafted around or before pick 10 but could easily prove to be one of the best players of the draft in the longer term.

Video:

Published by
James Rose