Flexible South Australian prospect Jakob Ryan is an enticing talent for AFL clubs to consider at this month's National Draft.
Ryan, commonly utilised as a medium-sized defender, can also push further up the field as an outside midfielder or forward target.
His defensive prowess has seen him thrive, offering great disposals out of the back third and an ability to fly across the pack and claim an aerial ball.
While lacking some size when compared to the AFL talent he's set to come up against as early as next year, Ryan makes up for this with his ability both in the air and at ground level.
He averaged 28.4 disposals, 6.8 marks, 3.3 tackles, 3.4 inside 50s and 4 rebounds 50s per game for Glenelg's Under-18s this year.
Suitable for a club with a number of list needs, Ryan is likely to gain attention from a wide range of AFL clubs ahead of the draft.
The Brighton native has quite a wide window as far as landing spots in the draft after Collingwood emerged as keen suitors for the SA prospect with their opening selection at Pick 16.
The Magpies may be able to hold off on calling Ryan's name until their next two selections at Pick 25 and 27, while the likes of West Coast or Carlton could also come calling.
Position: Utility
State: South Australia
State League Club: Glenelg
Community Club: Brighton
Date of Birth: 20/09/04
Height: 189cm
Weight: 79kg
Strengths
Disposal
Versatility
Aerial Impact
Weaknesses
Size
Draft Range
Late First Round to Second Round
Potential Landing Spots
Collingwood (Pick 16, 25, 27), West Coast (Pick 20, 26), Carlton (Pick 29), Fremantle (Pick 30)
AFL Comparisons
Jack Bowes
Jordan Ridley
Buku Khamis
Expert Comments
"A super versatile player capable of playing wing, back or forward. Uses his athletic ability, aerial strength, and footy nous to rack up possessions. An effective user of the ball, he averaged 28 disposals across eight matches at under-18s level for Glenelg this year and played a dominant role in their premiership win." - Kevin Sheehan
