Oakleigh Chargers prospect Tom Gross is an exciting midfield-forward hybrid who can play taller and stronger than his 181cm frame.
Gross entered the year off the back of a formidable bottom-age campaign that saw him earn his U18s Vic Metro debut early to add to his solid campaign with the Chargers.
The Kew Rovers junior broke through with Oakleigh two years ago as a 15-year-old and reached great heights in 2023 - averaging close to a goal per game from his mean of 23 disposals.
He ended last year with a good showing at the Future Stars game on grand final day, kicking two goals and three behinds to be a lively threat in the front half.
While this year hasn't seen Gross remain on the same trajectory, he was still a pivotal piece for the Chargers alongside Pick 1 contenders Finn O'Sullivan and Jagga Smith to put up similar numbers to last year.
Gross played in all four of Vic Metro's wins at the U18s National Championships this year too, averaging 20 disposals, 5.3 marks and 7.0 score involvements per game as he floated between inside midfield, wing and half-forward roles. His efforts for Vic Metro earned Gross a spot at half-forward in the U18 All-Australian side.
Gross possesses a good contested game while having quick feet to break away from the pack - giving him a route to leave his mark on the scoreboard.
A selection for Gross could come late into the first round but would most likely fall in the first half of night two at the draft.
Gross might earn an AFL comparison with Western Bulldogs gun Adam Treloar or GWS veteran Stephen Coniglio for his midfield versatility and dash, with the Dogs, Saints and Magpies among the clubs that might be interested in his services.
Position:ย Midfield-Forward
Height:ย 181cm
State:ย Victoria
Club:ย Kew Rovers
Strengths
Contested Game
Scoreboard Impact
Speed
Inside-Outside Ability
Draft Range
Pick 25-50
Potential Landing Spots
Western Bulldogs (Picks 25, 35 and 48)
St Kilda (Picks 32 and 47)
Collingwood (Picks 52 and 55)
AFL Comparison
Expert Comments
"A medium midfielder and forward with a sharp competitive edge and burst out of stoppage who can play on the outside as well as the inside." - Kevin Sheehan
