AFL Draft

AFL Draft Profile: Jack Delean

A high-flying small forward who knows how to kick bags.

Published by
Mitch Keating

High-flying South Australian Jack Delean is an athletically gifted small forward who threatens defences with his goal sense and jumping ability.

Delean's bottom-age campaign had him in good stead, showing nice glimpses at the National Championships for the Croweaters while booting 28 goals from 16 games for South Adelaide's U18s side.

The 181cm small forward would reach new heights with a three-goal haul at the 2022 Future Stars game in a win alongside the likes of Dan Curtin, Colby McKercher and fellow attacker Jack Callinan.

Delean would take the needed next steps this year, helping lead South Australia at the National Championships and would boot nine goals from his four matches - which included four-goal outings against the Allies and Vic Country.

His SANFL dominance would continue in 2023, with Delean kicking 38 goals from 13 games for the Panthers to eventually earn a call-up to South Adelaide's senior side, where he booted six goals from a trio of appearances.

Delean boasts a good vertical leap - made evident by his top 10 score at the AFL Draft Combine standing vertical jump test - and uses his athletic advantage to soar for pack marks and hangers.

His eye for goal is up there with the best in his class, with Delean able to turn nothing into something in a flash.

A bid for Delean, who may gain comparisons to Norm Smith Medal winner Bobby Hill, could come from Fremantle (Picks 34 and 46), North Melbourne (Pick 57), Port Adelaide (Pick 69) or St Kilda (Pick 40).

Torrens University SA U18 National Championships players Will McCabe, Jack Delean and Tyler Welsh. (Picture – AFL Photos)

Position: Forward
Height:
181cm
Weight: 77kg
State: South Australia
Club: Reynella

Strengths

Vertical
Scoreboard Impact
Forward Craft
Senior Experience

Draft Range

Pick 30-60

Potential Landing Spots

Fremantle (Picks 34+46)
St Kilda (Pick 40)
North Melbourne (Pick 57)
Port Adelaide (Pick 69)

AFL Comparison

Bobby Hill
Gryan Miers

Expert comments

"A forward who is quick on the lead and possesses an exciting leap and strong hands. All these attributes make him a dangerous target in the forward half. His standing vertical jump of 74cm at the National Draft Combine was ranked in the top 10 and highlighted his spring." - Kevin Sheehan

Published by
Mitch Keating