West Adelaide prospect Harry Barnett is the leading recognised ruck talent for 2022, earning All-Australian honours following a stellar season for South Australia and the Bloods.
Barnett's range could come as early as the first round of the draft, with several clubs in that bracket needing to add to their ruck stocks for the future.
For any side hopeful of attaining great marking and ruck skills, Barnett is the best prospect to target this year, having flexed his strength and work rate across the National Champions and SANFL.
Barnett played in a dozen matches for West Adelaide's Under-18s side this year, averaging 24.8 hit-outs per game, only recording less than 20 taps in one match.
He recorded a season-high 33 hit-outs against North Adelaide and highly-rated South Australian Isaac Keeler in Round 17 against the Roosters, while his strong form warranted to selections for the Bloods' senior side, where he amassed 25 hit-outs in his maiden senior outing against Central Districts.
Barnett's form would transition into his outings for SA in the National Championships, where he averaged 11.7 disposals and 14.7 hit-outs per game to feed the likes of Adam D'Aloia and Mattaes Phillipou.
Standing at 202cm, Barnett is well built and might be able to muscle some of the current ruckmen in the AFL, however development on his disposal and endurance abilities is an area of needed attention.
Being the No.1 pure ruck prospect, Barnett could gain attention in the first round of the draft from a club like Sydney, who are sure to assess their ruck stocks for next season.
Collingwood and West Coast will also hold some interest, while Barnett could remain in SA should he slide to Port Adelaide's opening selection at Pick 33.
Position: Ruck
State: South Australia
State League Club: West Adelaide
Community Club: Goodwood Saints
Date of Birth: 22/01/04
Height: 202cm
Weight: 97kg
Strengths
Marking
Strength
Athleticism
Weaknesses
Aerobic Capacity
Disposal
Draft Range
Late First Round to Second Round
Potential Landing Spots
Sydney (Pick 17), West Coast (Pick 20), Collingwood (Pick 25, 27), Fremantle (Pick 30), Port Adelaide (Pick 33)
AFL Comparisons
Expert Comments
"A strong-marking ruckman and tall forward who shows a real physical presence around the ball, as well as impressive ruck craft and strong hands overhead. Won selection as the ruckman in the 2022 NAB AFL National Championships U18 Boys All-Australian Team." - Kevin Sheehan
