Dandenong Stingrays ley defender Noah Mraz had a luckless year on the injury front but showed plenty of promise in 2023 and early this year before a season-ending foot setback.
Prior to his draft year, Mraz had spent two years with the Stingrays and managed a bottom-age appearance for Vic Country last year to show his ability against older opposition.
His athleticism, marking, vertical leap and mobility were on display last year for Mraz to earn a spot in the 2024 AFL Academy as one of this season's best key defenders.
The Narre Warren product managed a par of appearances in the Talent League this year, with his campaign commencing with a 24-disposal outing against Gippsland where Mraz was able to show off his flexibility and pinch-hit in the ruck.
He would end his two-game spell with averages of 19.5 disposals, 6.0 intercepts, 3.5 spoils and 2.5 intercept marks per game, with his last appearance of the year coming for the AFL Academy against Coburg.
Mraz was able to recover from his navicular injury in time for the AFL Draft Combine, where he would present a strong 2km time trial pace of 6:32 and a running vertical jump of 88cm.
The teenager's athleticism, composure and ability behind the ball may earn him comparisons to Gold Coast backman Charlie Ballard, while Mraz's ability to play across the field also has him close to Geelong veteran Mark Blicavs.
The Cats, who hold Pick 45, could be a landing spot for Mraz, while the Saints, Bulldogs and Blues also hold selections in his projected range and could see a need in the 198cm stopper.
Position:ย Key Defender
Height:ย 198cm
State:ย Victoria
Club: Narre Warren Foxes
Strengths
Aerial Impact
Vertical
Versatility
Aerobic Capacity
Draft Range
Pick 30-50
Potential Landing Spots
St Kilda (Pick 32 and 47)
Western Bulldogs (Pick 35 and 48)
Carlton (Pick 38)
Geelong (Pick 45)
AFL Comparison
Expert comments
"A mobile tall defender with an aerial presence, he had a taste of National Championships football as a bottom-age player last year and certainly held his own in the match against Victoria Metro. Started this season full of promise, averaging 19.5 disposals and four marks in his first two matches with the Dandenong Stingrays." - Kevin Sheehan
