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AFL Draft Profile: Jacob Konstanty

A menace for opposition defenders, this Gippsland star is one of the best small forwards among the class of 2022.

Published by
Mitch Keating

Gippsland Power talent Jacob Konstanty is arguably the leading pure small forward prospect in 2022, offering excellent service deep in attack.

Konstanty booted goals in 12 of his 14 NAB League games, however only netted a return of 17 goals for the season, with production and finish an area of growth for the teenager.

That shouldn't draw clubs away from Konstanty's ability to get teammates involved and his keen eye for goal when on the ball, while he also offers immense forward pressure on the opposition.

The Drouin native averaged 5.8 tackles per game for the Power in 2022, an element of his game that supports his place as one of the leading small forward options in the draft.

Konstanty could land in the first round of the draft given a club like GWS, who hold a trio of top 20 picks, are in need of adding some spark to their forward third.

The Western Bulldogs and Essendon may also weigh up the selection of Konstanty with their early second-round picks.

Konstanty's exciting capacity, overhead ability and forward pressure has him drawing similarities to Lions livewire Lincoln McCarthy and Bulldog Cody Weightman.

Position: Small Forward
State: Victoria Country
State League Club: Gippsland Power
Community Club: Drouin
Date of Birth: 09/11/04
Height: 177cm
Weight: 73kg

Strengths

Forward Pressure
Speed
Forward Craft
Overhead Ability

Weaknesses

Production

Draft Range

Late First Round to Early Second Round

Potential Landing Spots

GWS (Pick 15, 18, 19), Western Bulldogs (Pick 21), Essendon (Pick 22)

AFL Comparisons

Lincoln McCarthy
Cody Weightman

Expert Comments

"A small forward who switched football codes from soccer, which he had played for the four years prior, to the oval ball just two years ago and rapidly put himself on the AFL radar. His pace, evasiveness and pressure game became real weapons in the NAB League this year, averaging 15 disposals, six tackles and kicking 17 goals in 14 matches for the Gippsland Power." - Kevin Sheehan

Published by
Mitch Keating