A ready-made midfielder more than capable of winning his own ball, Vic Country's Ben Hobbs firms as an early selection come draft night as he is seen as arguably the best inside midfielder on offer.

With the likes of Jason Horne-Francis and Nick Daicos looking already assigned to AFL clubs before next month's National Draft, Hobbs joins Sandringham Dragons best and fairest Finn Callaghan as the next names in the queue in what is a midfield-dominated class.

Hailing from the regional town of Horsham, Hobbs has been a constant force in the middle of a football field for years, having featured in his local team's senior premiership at the age of 15, almost claiming best afield honours.

SEE ALSO: The top Vic Country prospects for the 2021 AFL Draft

A proven ball-magnet in the Nab League with the Rebels, Hobbs was able to take advantage of the short exposure pool this year in averaging 25 possessions per game and even claiming a place in the midfield of the 2021 Team of the Year.

Team:ย Greater Western Victoria Rebels
Position:ย Midfielder
Height:ย 183cm
Weight:ย 80kg

Strengths

Ball-winning ability
Power
Clearances
Leadership
Vision
Tackling
Ready-made

Weaknesses

Moving the ball by foot
Speed

Draft Range

5-10

Potential Landing Spots

Hawthorn (Pick 5), Richmond (Pick 7), St Kilda (Pick 9)

AFL Comparisons

Ben Keays
Jacob Hopper
Trent Cotchin

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 14: Trent Cotchin of the Tigers looks upfield during the round 17 AFL match between the Greater Western Sydney Giants and the Richmond Tigers at Spotless Stadium on July 14, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

Expert Comments

"In a draft full of players dividing opinion among club recruiters, the majority are sold when it comes to Hobbs. A growing list of them rate the brave accumulator as the best pure inside midfielder in the pool." - Callum Twomeyย