A very raw youngster, AFL Draft prospect Matt Whitlock could be a future superstar of the competition.

Whitlock has been deployed at both ends of the grounds by the Murray Bushrangers in the Talent League and Vic Country in the National Championships.

He averaged 14 disposals and five marks in both competitions, as well as kicking 29 goals, including two bags of five and was rewarded with selection in the Talent League Team of the Year at fullback.

His running vertical jump of 90cm at the National Combine was impressive and ranked sixth overall, with his speed (3.05 seconds on the 20m sprint) also very good for a key position prospect.

The brother of fellow prospect Jack, the Whitlock boys have claimed the key positional posts at either end of the ground throughout their junior days.

Matt is likely to go late in the first round or early in the second, and Richmond could have him earmarked if he's still available with one of their later selections.

The Giants, Port Adelaide and Fremantle all need to bolster their utility stocks, while West Coast would be in need of a key position player.

Despite being a unique prospect, Whitlock can be likened to Sam Darcy and the King twins (Ben and Max) for his ability to play all over the ground.

Matt Whitlock of the AFL Academy against the Footscray Bulldogs at Whitten Oval, 2024 (image via AFL Photos)

Position:ย Utility
Height:ย 
198cm
State:ย Victoria
Club:ย Shepparton

Strengths

Agility
Intercepting
Versatility
Upside
Mobility

Draft Range

Pick 20-35

Potential Landing Spots

Richmond (Pick 20, 23 and 24)
GWS (Pick 21)
West Coast (Pick 26)
Port Adelaide (Pick 29)
Fremantle (Pick 30)

AFL Comparison

Ben and Max King
Sam Darcy

Expert comments

"A tall defender who can also go forward and have an impact, which he did on numerous occasions this year. Athletic and lightly framed, he is a good player one-on-one and reads the game well to take intercept marks when in defence." - Kevin Sheehan.