Eastern Ranges midfielder Josh Smillie emerged as the top draft selection for 2024 early in the year before an underwhelming national carnival impacted his draft stock. Yet, he still remains a watch to be selected high up the draft order, as his tantalising potential of upside will surely compel list managers on draft night.
Residing in Victoria's eastern suburbs, Smillie's defining traits are hard to miss, with his towering, bulky frame highlighting his strength, power and athleticism. At 195cm, Smillie's power out of the stoppage is difficult to stop, especially against the leaner midfielders he encountered in the Talent League.
Additionally, he also possesses nimble agility, allowing him to manoeuvre into space with ease, despite his sizable body. His capability was on full display in the opening three rounds of Talent League, where he averaged over 30 disposals. With clearance nous similar to AFL stars Patrick Cripps and Tom Green, Smillie is able to score from stoppage, kicking 16 goals from 12 Talent League games in 2024.
Despite a poor national carnival where Smillie averaged 19 disposals, the Vic Metro midfielder still accumulated 10 contested possessions and six clearances from his limited possessions, again illustrating his contested ability. However, with an open, speedy tempo, Smillie's impact waned compared to other draft prospects who shined in the fast nature of the national carnival.
A versatile prospect, Smillie's penetrating and accurate kicking indicate his high upside too. In his less impactful games at the national carnival, Smillie was often forced to dispose via handball, and was thus unable to produce his efficient, driving punts. At the Talent League level, his kicking was a prominent aspect of his poised skillset, averaging 13.3 kicks out of his 24 disposals.
Smillie's stock has dipped since he burst into the limelight in the early stages of the year, albeit minorly. Sitting in a draft range between Picks 3 and 8, Smillie could land at St Kilda (Picks 7 and 8). Should his limitless upside be taken into account though, there is no doubt he could rise back up the draft order, with Richmond (Pick 6) potentially swooping in.
Position: Midfielder
Height: 195cm
State: Victoria
Club: Park Orchards
Size
Agility
Stoppage Craft
Poise
Pick 3-8
Richmond (Picks 1 and 6)
Melbourne (Pick 5)
St Kilda (Pick 7 and 8)