Sandringham Dragons midfield-forward Taj Hotton was one of the unfortunate tales of the 2024 draft class, with his strong start to the year curtailed by an ACL injury.
The setback came ahead of the U18 National Championships but not early enough that Hotton wouldn't get his chance to show his value as a ball-winning goalkicker in the Talent League.
Hotton played three games for the Dragons to average 28.7 disposals, 7.3 marks, 9.0 ground ball gets, 4,7 inside-50s, 9.0 score involvements and 1.7 goals per game to be among the brightest starters in the competition.
A highlight outing came against the Oakleigh Chargers in Round 2 when Hotton recorded 32 disposals, 13 score involvements and four goals to catch the eye of AFL scouts.
He also managed one appearance for the AFL Academy, rolling between midfield and the forward line against Coburg to amass a return of two goals from 16 possessions.
Hotton, the son of former Collingwood and Carlton player Trent Hotton, and the brother of current-listed Saints youngster Oli, comes from a proven football family.
His season-ending injury has hurt his chances as a top 10 draft pick, but Hotton remains a likely first-round selection at November's AFL Draft.
Clubs like Richmond, Port Adelaide, Fremantle and the Western Bulldogs are among the sides that could pull the trigger on Hotton's services.
Hotton's X-factor flair and ability to play as an inside-outside midfield threat may earn him comparisons to the likes of Brisbane's Zac Bailey or Adelaide's Jake Soligo.
Position: Midfielder-Forward
Height: 182cm
State: Victoria
Club: Hampton Rovers
Goal Sense
Speed
Ball-Winning
Agility
Pick 10-20
Richmond (Picks 10, 11, 18, 20 and 23)
Port Adelaide (Pick 13)
Fremantle (Pick 14)
Western Bulldogs (Pick 17)
"A high half forward who showed slices of real talent when he started 2024 in sensational form, including having 32 disposals and kicking four goals against the Oakleigh Chargers in Round 2 of the Coates Talent League season. His talent and potential were obvious early in the year and AFL clubs will be closely monitoring his rehabilitation ahead of the Draft." - Kevin Sheehan