Along with twin brother Lucas, 2024 AFL Draft prospect Ben Camporeale is tied to Carlton as a father-son selection following his father and premiership player Scott Camporeale's 233-game career with the Blues.
Carlton have committed to acquiring both Camporeale boys via this month's draft window following a promising 12 months for the South Australian-based pair.
Ben and Lucas have spent time at Princes Park over the past few years as they strengthen their ties with the club, with both teenagers rated as promising midfielders who know how to find the ball.
Ben's stocks received a nice spike late last year when he recorded a game-high 30 disposals as well as eight marks, eight rebound 50s and five inside 50s in the U17s Future Stars game on grand final day.
Camporeale had a stellar 2024 campaign, taking out MVP honours at the U18s National Championships for South Australia where he averaged 26.8 disposals, 5.3 marks, 6.0 inside 50s, 4.5 clearances, 3.5 score involvements and 3.8 tackles across his quartet of appearances for the Croweaters.
Camporeale offered a nice balance of midfield work on the inside and as a flank option, with his running capacity giving him the ability to play on the wing or at half-back if required.
The Glenelg talent was a damaging ball winner for the Tigers at the U18s SANFL level in 2024 also, stunningly sharing the McCallum Tomkins Medal with three others as the competition's best and fairest.
Camporeale polled 18 votes from just six games for Glenelg, polling three votes in every match he played to leave an impact in a limited season.
At The Bay, Camporeale was also given a look at the reserves level, lining up for the Tigers' seconds against Sturt in Round 15 where he recorded 22 disposals, eight tackles, six clearances and six inside 50s in a win over the Double Blues.
A rival bid for Camporeale is likely to come in the second round or early into the third, placing Carlton in a difficult position given their second selection for the draft falls at Pick 38.
Camporeale's blend of being an inside-outside midfielder, a player with plenty of drive and versatility, and one with clean hands and a good tank may earn him comparisons to Carlton's own George Hewett or Brisbane's Deven Robertson.
Position:ย Midfielder
Height:ย 186cm
State:ย South Australia
Club: Brighton Districts & Old Scholars
Strengths
Inside-Outside Threat
Ball-Winning
Work Rate
Clean Hands
Versatility
Draft Range
Pick 25-45
Potential Landing Spots
Carlton (Matched Bid)
AFL Comparison
Expert Comments
"He's a really competitive beast who can play half-back or win the contested ball in the midfield. He does all the fundamentals well and doesn't fumble it. His kicking will get better in a full-time environment." - Kevin Sheehan
