Moe native Bailey Humphrey enjoyed a stellar back-end to his 2022 season to be considered as a top 10 selection at the National Draft.
The explosive midfield/forward hybrid is seen as a certain first-round pick off the back of a prolific campaign with the Gippsland Power, leading the NAB League side to the competition's minor premiership.
While injuries hampered the midriff of his year, Humprhey returned in style, collecting 31 disposals, 12 marks, 5 tackles and 4 goals in his side's Round 14 thrashing over the Northern Knights.
That performance was one of Humphrey's six multiple goalkicking outings, with the powerful inside midfielder showcasing his ability to move forward and be an attacking threat.
Humphrey averaged 19.8 disposals, 5.7 marks, 4.6 tackles, 4.5 inside 50s and almost 2 goals per game for the Power to press his case as one of the leading Vic Country options ahead of the draft.
Humphrey's potential is one of the most attractive aspects of his game, with the 185cm-tall prospect potentially placed on a trajectory that could see him surpass the rest of his class.
His inside work in midfield and strength to push away from the pack to press forward are what will have AFL clubs considering Humprhey early into November's count.
Essendon could weigh up a move for Humprhey at Pick 4, while the Suns, Hawks and Saints may also come calling with their top 10 picks.
His powerful nature and ability to play anywhere across the attacking half of the field has Humprhey likened to Brisbane bull Cam Rayner or Swans gun Isaac Heeney.
Position: Midfield/Forward
State: Victoria Country
State League Club: Gippsland Power
Community Club: Moe
Date of Birth: 11/09/04
Height: 185cm
Weight: 86kg
Strengths
Explosiveness
Potential
Ball-Winning
Contested Work
Weaknesses
Aerobic Capacity
Draft Range
6-10
Potential Landing Spots
Gold Coastย (Pick 5),ย Hawthorn (Pick 6), St Kilda (Pick 9)
AFL Comparisons
Cameron Rayner
Isaac Heeney
Connor Rozee
Expert Comments
"An inside midfielder who is powerful in his attack on the ball and his exit from stoppages. A neat kick on both feet, he is a very crafty player around goal when playing forward. Was dominant for the Gippsland Power in the first half of the NAB League season before a knee injury had him miss the National Championship matches during the middle of the year. Returned for the Power late in the season and produced exciting form." - Kevin Sheehan
