Vic Metro has traditionally been the most dominant team in the Under 19 National Championships, taking home 17 titles in the history of the competition.
In turn, they have also boasted the most talented players in history, many of whom have been beneficiaries of the APS program.
Just last year, three of the top four picks in the draft were selected from Vic Metro and we are likely to see something similar once again this year.
In no particular order, here are the five leading draft stars coming out of Vic Metro.
Will Ashcroft
Position:ย Midfielder
State:ย Victoria Metro
State League Club:ย Sandringham Dragons
Community Club:ย Old Brighton Grammarians
Date of Birth:ย 06/05/04
Height:ย 181cm
Weight:ย 78kg
Will Ashcroft comes into this year's draft as the most tantalising prospect in the draft.
However, due to the virtual certainty that Brisbane will match a bid for Ashcroft, he will probably slide down to Pick 2.
The son-of-a-gun is a prolific ball winner, possessing the ability to accumulate the ball inside and out due to his great endurance in conjunction with his midfield craft and stoppage work.
Perhaps most impressively of all, Ashcroft seems ready-made for the AFL thanks to his experience against senior players in Brisbane's VFL side as well as his consistency.
Illustrating his consistency, the Larke Medallist didn't drop below 27 touches in the NAB League, averaging 34.5 disposals across the competition.
George Wardlaw
Position:ย Midfielder
State:ย Victoria Metro
State League Club:ย Oakleigh Chargers
Community Club:ย St Peter's
Date of Birth:ย 18/07/04
Height:ย 182cm
Weight:ย 80kg
George Wardlaw is an explosive midfielder with a great ability to win the ball in the contest.
With the Roos holding the second and third picks in the draft, (which will likely be relegated to third and fourth due to Ashcroft going top two) Wardlaw looks set to arrive at Arden Street in any case.
Unfortunately, Wardlaw's season with the Oakleigh Chargers in the NAB League was cut short due to a succession of hamstring injuries making him a slightly risky player to target.
Despite this, when taking to the field, the midfield bull has always been fantastic, showcasing his prodigious talent.
Harry Sheezel
Position:ย Forward/Midfielder
State:ย Victoria Metro
State League Club:ย Sandringham Dragons
Community Club:ย Ajax
Date of Birth:ย 13/10/04
Height:ย 185cm
Weight:ย 80kg
Harry Sheezel has been a terrific goal-kicker in his junior career, particularly in the NAB League where he snagged 36 goals in 14 games for the Sandringham Dragons.
He has a natural sense of goal, possesses a great footy IQ and is a great overhead mark.
Despite his midfield craft requiring more work, The goal sneak averaged a tick under 20 touches for the Dragons.
Sheezel is the type of player who isn't necessarily the best athlete but is a magnificent football player.
Elijah Tsatas
Position:ย Midfielder
State:ย Victoria Metro
State League Club:ย Oakleigh Chargers
Community Club:ย Surrey Park
Date of Birth:ย 18/10/04
Height:ย 186cm
Weight:ย 79kg
Elijah Tsatas is another player in the draft who is a midfield beast, possessing the ability to do the dirty work and explode out of stoppages.
His athleticism combined with his amazing ability to extract the ball and be clean in the contest sees him as a scary prospect.
Whilst he does look to be a top-end talent, he has had a torrid run with injury, making him a bit of an unknown for selectors.
Whatever the case, with a lot of frame left to fill, Tsatas is sure to have plenty of improvement left in him.
Cameron Mackenzieย
Position:ย Midfielder
State:ย Victoria Metro
State League Club:ย Sandringham Dragons
Community Club:ย Beaumaris
Date of Birth:ย 21/01/04
Height:ย 188cm
Weight:ย 83kg
Cameron Mackenzie is the epitome of a modern-day midfielder due to his big frame in combination with his overall athleticism.
Standing as one of the most balanced and well-poised players in the draft, Mackenzie was part of St Kilda's Next Generation Academy.
Having played 10 games for the Sandringham Dragons this year, Mackenzie went on to average a tad over 24 touches whilst averaging 3.7 tackles and 4.7 Inside 50s.
If he can improve his consistency and work on his outside game, he would play a pivotal role for whichever club he plays for, just as he did for Vic Metro and the Dragons in the past year.
