Adelaide father-son prospect Max Michalanney is an exciting local prospect that the Crows will swoop on at this month's National Draft.
With his father, Jim, playing 211 games for Norwood, Michalanney is aligned to Adelaide as a father-son prospect and has been nominated as an imminent draft selection by the Crows ahead of the count.
An athletic defender, Michalanney firms as a likely second-round selection at the draft, however, boasts the potential of an early draft pick, having showcased his ability to impact the marking contest with his vertical prowess.
While a majority of his 2022 campaign came in the reserves with the Redlegs, Michalanney featured in several matches for Norwood's senior side, including two finals matches on the way to the club's premiership-clinching grand final win.
Unfortunately didn't join his father, a four-time flag winner, as a premiership player for Norwood, having been omitted for the season decider.
His ability to compete with ready-made bodies at an elite level is sure to give Michalanney the confidence to transition his skills to the AFL quickly however, proving to be a ready-made asset for the Crows.
The 190cm backman is a consistent competitor and has a promising intercept marking ability that is sure to aid Adelaide's rearguard in the years to come. His size also allows him to play as either a medium or tall stopper in the defensive third.
His defensive acumen was on show for South Australia in the National Championships, with his season capped off by claiming an All-Australian nod.
Position: Medium Defender
State: South Australia
State League Club: Norwood
Community Club: Glenunga
Date of Birth: 26/02/04
Height: 190cm
Weight: 78kg
Strengths
Athleticism
Vertical
Senior Level Experience
Intercepting
Weaknesses
Strength
Draft Range
Second Round
Potential Landing Spots
Adelaide (Father-Son Bid)
AFL Comparisons
Jeremy Howe
Charlie Ballard
Lachie Young
Expert Comments
"Disciplined and team-oriented defender who uses his reach and speed to negate the effectiveness of his opponents. Also provides good run and smart ball use on the way out. Was South Australia's best player in both its win over the Allies and narrow loss to Victoria Country at the National Championships and was rewarded for his consistency by winning All-Australian selection after averaging 13 disposals (72% efficiency) and five tackles per game." - Kevin Sheehan
Jim (curse him) was probably the best Centre-Half-Forward in Australia in his day …… Here’s hoping that Max is half as good a player – he’ll play 250 great games if he is.