With an output that has caught the eyes of recruiters across the country, South Adelaide prospect Arlo Draper is seen as an exciting and versatile prospect ahead of the 2021 National Draft.

Draper has shown an ability to move well through congestion and possesses genuine ball-winning capabilities. During nine games in the SANFL Under 18 competition, the versatile teenager averaged 24.4 disposals and a goal per game.

Playing alongside the highly touted Jason Horne-Francis at South Adelaide, Draper has still managed to earn his own plaudits andย  is expected to be a middle to late first-round selection.

Unfortunately for Draper, his season was cut short by injury when representing his state against Western Australia. He will likely be seeing a late start to pre-season as he overcomes an AC joint injury to his right shoulder.

Due to his injury, Draper did not attend the draft combine.

In what is shaping up as a talented crop of South Australian prospects, Draper should be one of the top three selected from the state.

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Team:ย South Adelaide
Position:ย Midfield/forward
Height:ย 186cm
Weight: 75kg

Strengths

Versatility
Agility
Forward craft
Ability in the air

Weaknesses

Strength
Consistency

Draft range

8-16

Potential landing spots

St. Kilda (Pick 9), West Coast (Pick 10), Port Adelaide (Pick 12), Richmond (Pick 15)

AFL Comparisonsย 

Jaidyn Stephenson
Archie Perkins
Connor Rozee

North Melbourne v Hawthorn - 2021 AFL Community Series
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 06: Jaidyn Stephenson of the Kangaroos warms up during the AFL Community Series match between the Hawthorn Hawks and the North Melbourne Kangaroos at Arden Street Ground on March 06, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Expert Comments

"Draper didn't end his season how he'd have liked โ€“ with his arm in a sling after a nasty AC joint injury in the Grand Final day clash between South Australia and Western Australia. The injury came after he had settled into his role across half-back and also follows an ankle concern earlier in his season. In between those injuries Draper showed his talents as a medium forward and midfielder who is creative, dangerous around goal and a good decision-maker with the ball in his hands. There's a bit of young Bomber Archie Perkins to Draper." - Callum Twomey

"Medium forward with a few tricks which make him difficult to contain including his aerial ability, dazzling speed and agility which can turn an opponent inside out. Has a touch of Connor Rozeeโ€™s class about him and has already played a couple of senior matches with South Adelaide coming up through the grades after dominating Under 18s where he averaged 24.4 disposals in nine matches." - Kevin Sheehan