Western Australian Jedd Busslinger has worked hard to establish himself as the premier key defender of this year's talent pool and has consequently been linked with a selection at the top end of the draft.
Busslinger, standing at 197cm, is one of just two West Australians to be invited to the opening round of the draft at Marvel Stadium on Monday, an indication of his chances to strongly be considered as a top 10 selection.
He played football in the WAFL this year and impressed with his ability to look comfortable amidst bigger bodies and a higher intensity of play.
The plaudits on Busslinger are glowing despite the frustration he endured in the second half of this year after undergoing shoulder surgery.
"It was obviously really disappointing to not be able to finish the season and even the State games but it was a probably decision that should help me in the long-term and hold me in good stead to have a long career hopefully," he told the West Australian.
"It's all looking really good at the moment, it's a really slow process but I'm tracking well and the plan is that hopefully I'll be back fully training by the middle of January."
Busslinger has impressed with his maturity and ability to play with freedom in the defensive 50, with his composure ensuring that he rarely seems under pressure.
This was punctuated by his selection in the under-18 All-Australian squad despite playing only two national championship games.
Although he would love to remain in Western Australia, Busslinger is open to a move interstate and has been linked to numerous different clubs as a long-term prospect.
Position: Tall Defender
State: Western Australia
State League Club: East Perth Royals
Community Club: Coolbinia JFC
Date of Birth: 11/03/2004
Height: 197cm
Weight: 82kg
Marking
Composure
Intercept ability
Experience at Senior Level
Speed
Top 15
Gold Coast (Pick 5), Carlton (Pick 10) West Coast (Pick 12)
Brennan Cox
Nick Coffield
Adam Tomlinson
"[Busslinger is] A tall defender whose real weapons are his intercept marking and ability to take the game on" - Kevin Sheehan (AFL.com)
"The tall defender enjoys being an offensive threat in the back half with his overhead marking, his reading of the play and his set up ability" - Cal Twomey (AFL.com)