The nephew of two-time Richmond premiership player Josh Caddy, Northern Knights centre-half-forward Nate Caddy is in the conversation as a top 10 draft selection for 2023.
The under-sized spearhead enjoyed a strong draft campaign that was interrupted by a leg fracture early on, with Caddy bouncing back to represent the Knights, Parade College, Vic Metro, the AFL Academy and Carlton's VFL side this year alone.
Caddy would boot 25.19 from his nine Talent League games, culminating with a 6.4 and 25-disposal outing against the Pioneers in Round 11. He would earn a spot in the Talent League Team of the Year forward line alongside Vic Metro teammates Jordan Croft, Logan Morris and Nick Watson.
AFL scouts were keen to see how the Yarrambat junior would fare at the National Championships, with Caddy booting six goals across his trio of carnival appearances for Vic Metro, with a three-goal performance against Western Australia a highlight.
Caddy kicked goals against Port Adelaide's SANFL side and Carlton's VFL outfit in his two appearances for the AFL Academy, and would even represent the Blues' reserves against Williamstown in May where he'd boot two goals from eight disposals at the state league level.
The key forward plays much taller than what his smaller frame of 193cm suggests, with Caddy relying on his unmatched leaping ability and contested marking to remain a difference maker in the air and even draw comparisons to back-to-back Coleman Medal winner Charlie Curnow.
While at times he might be inaccurate in front of goal, Caddy knows how to get himself in the best position with his ability to burst into a lead and shake off his opposition. He can also push high up the field to work with the midfield or present as an outlet option on the transition.
Caddy falls into an interesting position among this year's draft class, arguably being the only key forward available to all 18 clubs among the first 15-20 selections. With other tall forwards Jed Walter and Croft tied to the Suns and Bulldogs respectively, clubs looking to sharpen their spears with height might want to move up the order to get access to Caddy.
Position: Key Forward
Height: 193cm
Weight: 92kg
State: Victoria
Club: Yarrambat
Vertical
Marking
Acceleration
Athleticism
Pick 6-10
GWS (Pick 7)
Geelong (Pick 8)
Essendon (Pick 9)
Charlie Curnow
Mitch Georgiades
"He's got that really good leaping ability but covers the ground pretty well. Might be a bit undersized if he comes up against a Harris Andrews where it's going to test him aerially. Caddy is just a super leaper at the ball, his marking ability is incredible." - Michael Alvaro