Another year, another new wave of talent from Vic Country that is sure to excite this year's AFL Draft.
2022's crop of country kids is sure to add to a growing list of legends that have graced the game.
Headlined by the likes of greats Tony Lockett, Gary Ablett, John Coleman, Adam Goodes, Ron Barassi, Gary Ablett Jnr, Luke Hodge and John Nicholls, regional Victoria has been tremendously represented, with the list of iconic names sure to continue.
This year's crop is sure to do them justice, with Vic Country's 2022 squad home to several candidates that are in the frame to land a spot in the top 10 of the draft.
Here are a handful of the leading prospects from Vic Country ahead of the 2022 National Draft.
Aaron Cadman
Position: Key Forward
State: Victoria Country
State League Club: GWV Rebels
Community Club: Darley
Date of Birth: 03/03/04
Height: 195cm
Weight: 91kg
Seen as the leading name to land atop the draft with the GWS Giants, the athletic key-forward that is Aaron Cadman has been a draft bolter in 2022.
Cadman booted 34 goals for his NAB League side GWV to sit second in the competition's goalkicking tally, averaging 2.8 majors per game.
He would add to his stellar league run with an impressive string of performances at the National Championships level, where he amassed a further 10 goals.
A dominant season across all levels has Cadman has pout the 195cm-tall teenager sights of AFL clubs holding early draft picks, with his ability overhead, strong hands, size and vertical leap all tantalising aspects of the Darley product.
Often drawing comparisons to Cats premiership star Jeremy Cameron, Cadman boasts the skillset to be able to have an impact further up the field and be a key chain in moving the ball into attack.
Should a move to the Giants come to fruition, GWS may just have their new key man after losing Cameron two years ago.
READ: FULL AARON CADMAN PROFILE
Jhye Clark
Position: Midfielder
State: Victoria Country
State League Club: Geelong Falcons
Community Club: Queenscliff
Date of Birth: 23/07/04
Height: 181cm
Weight: 77kg
A fearless leader, Clark is another Vic Country prospect that is firming as a potential top 10 selection at this month's draft.
A ball magnet in midfield, the Queenscliff native didn't disappoint after entering the year as one of the top names among his class, averaging 25.4 disposals, 4.8 tackles, 5.8 inside 50s and 4.7 marks as the Geelong Falcons captain.
His form in the NAB League was smoothly transferred to the National Championships with Vic Country, helping his side land a grand final finish.
Like the aforementioned Cadman, Clark is another prospect who gains close comparisons to a champion Cat, with retired skipper Joel Selwood seen as a formidable like-for-like option given the pair's midfield grunt, consistency and leadership values.
Clark could find himself at Kardinia Park to begin his AFL career, with Geelong - who enter the draft at Pick 7 - sure to be among the clubs keen on his services.
READ: FULL JHYE CLARK PROFILE
Bailey Humphreyย
Position: Midfield/Forward
State: Victoria Country
State League Club: Gippsland Power
Community Club: Moe
Date of Birth: 11/09/04
Height: 185cm
Weight: 86kg
When talking about power, flare and mesmerising highlights, Humphrey is your man.
The Gippsland Power star wasn't an initial member of Vic Country's National Champiosnjips squad, but by the end of the carnival was among the side's leading names.
Humphrey's stocks sky-rocketed throughout his campaign with the Power, where he averaged 19.8 disposals, 5.7 marks, 4.6 tackles, 4.5 inside 50s and 1.9 goals per game to eventually earn a selection for Vic Country.
Likened to Sydney star Isaac Heeney, Humphrey is able to win his own ball through the middle of the field and capitalise in front of goal, looming as one of the draft's best scoreboard threats as an onballer.
Humphrey could very well join Clark in being among the earliest selected midfield options at the draft, framing as another potential top 10 pick.
Oliver Hollands
Position: Midfielder
State: Victoria Country
State League Club: Murray Bushrangers
Community Club: Wodonga
Date of Birth: 16/01/04
Height: 183cm
Weight: 71kg
An exciting wing option for AFL clubs to consider, although any interested suitor will be needing an early selection at the draft in hope of landing Oliver Hollands.
The young brother of emerging Gold Coast bull Elijah, Hollands is a workhorse. Aerobically gifted and a promising two-way player, he can cause damage in defence and quickly help his side convert on turnovers.
While placed as a leading outside midfield target for clubs, Hollands is more than capable of working hard at the coalface and winning his own ball.
His prolific running and endurance capacities are sure to separate Hollands from the pack, with an array of clubs to come call among the top 20 picks.
Both Carlton (Pick 10) and the Western Bulldogs (Pick 11) are sure to show some level of interest.
Brayden George
Position: Midfield/Forward
State: Victoria Country
State League Club: Murray Bushrangers
Community Club: Wangaratta Rovers
Date of Birth: 13/01/04
Height: 186cm
Weight: 87kg
An untimely ACL injury has placed George on the sidelines for what will likely be almost all of his rookie campaign at AFL level.
The Wangaratta native has seen his draft stocks take a hit due to a series of injuries, with his latest setback a cruel blow for the explosive midfield-forward hybrid.
Nevertheless, what has been seen from George is more than enough to certify his standing as a potential first-round selection at the draft.
George is a brute in midfield, flexing his strength to win the ball - whether that be at the content or through his impressive ability overhead.
He also possesses a sharp eye for goal and can move the ball lethally by foot, whether that's hitting a target or looking longer up the field.
Once ready to make his mark on the league, expect George to begin his AFL career as a lively forward threat before moving into the midfield.
