Miers jumps to the top of the draft
GRAND final hero Gryan Miers has elevated himself to the top of the draft pool in the wake of his sevengoal performance, says leading talent scout Kevin Sheehan.
Miers delivered a breathtaking performance for the Geelong Falcons in the TAC Cup decider, enhancing his credentials as one of the best small forward prospects in the game.
Miers is to take centre stage again this weekend after being named in the NAB AFL All-Stars clash, which is a curtain raiser to Saturday’s grand final between Adelaide and Richmond.
Miers has been named in the Corey Enright squad alongside fellow Falcons Matthew Ling and James Worpel, while David Handley will play in the Brent Harvey squad.
The carnival will start on Friday at Simonds Stadium with an under-17 Futures clash.
Sam Walsh and Connor Idun will play for the Enright side, while Ed McHenry and Oscar Brownless will line up in Harvey’s team.
The All-Stars will have the eyes of the nation’s recruiters on Grand Final day, with Miers looking to impress.
“Hot off seven goals in the grand final . . . we thought he’d do a Steele Sidebottom and kick 10 at one stage, he played a marvellous game,” Sheehan said yesterday.
“He reminds us of a Stephen Milne. He’s just able to find the sticks from any angle.
“He was unbelievable in that game and he’s been in form all year, kicking 50 goals, and he’s been exceptional as a small forward.
“He has a massive work rate and it topped off what has been a great year for him.”
After Miers set the game alight at Etihad Stadium on Sunday, Sheehan believes he has climbed the draft order. “He’s a draftable player and he’ll be on a list,” Sheehan said.
Worpel is well regarded for his “inside work” and will feature prominently on draft day.
“He’s a bull with his power and strength and his ability to get away from a stoppage or a contested area,” Sheehan said.
“He had a great national championship where he was All-Australian and he’s taking on leadership roles and had a terrific year as an inside, contested, clearance player.”
Sheehan believes Ling remains a strong draft chance on the back of his versatility.
“He’s got pace, agility and his ball use and decision making is very, very good and he’s had a strong year,” he said.
Walsh is a walk-up draft prospect next year, having produced enormous numbers this season.
“He’s got a bit of Lachie Whitfield about him,” Sheehan said.
“His running ability is just elite and he’s a machine running up and down the ground.
“He has great decision-making ability, great use of the ball in every aspect, he’s clean, brave and ultra consistent at a very high level.
“He had 29 (disposals) in the grand final and he’s averaged that this season as a bottom-age player. That’s unheard of, those sorts of numbers, and he’s a very professional young man. “He just hasn’t missed a beat.” The under-17 Futures game at Simonds Stadium kicks off at 1.30pm on Friday.