2022 NATIONAL AFL DRAFT PROSPECTS

With the 2022 National AFL Draft fast approaching, top draft prospects Steely Green, Toby McQuilkin, Roan O’Hehir and Hamish Free have been putting in the effort to increase their chances of being drafted.

STEELY GREEN

Teenage midfielder Steely Green is a top contender for the 2022 National Draft producing an outstanding season with the best form of any league-level prospect in Western Australia with an average of 18 disposals and 4 tackles across the 2022 season.

The small but tenacious midfielder originally from Brookton/Pingelly, has compiled a solid year of senior footy. Green was selected for the WA State 18’s team and was welcomed into the leadership group while also captaining the side to their only win against South Australia. Steely was also awarded Best First Year Player in the Senior side after his incredible season.

ROAN O’HEHIR

Colts captain smokey Roan O’Hehir has been in communication with Sydney Swans considering O’Hehir as a late-round or rookie pick. The running half-back/midfielder averaged more than 24 possessions in 15 appearances in the Colts side this year, producing a consistent season while leading his team into their finals campaign.

Roan finished third in the Colts’ best and fairest as well as being selected in the WAFL Colts’ team of the year as a starting midfielder. O’Hehir debuted for the Reserves in Round 13 with a total of 51 disposals across his 3 reserves games this season.

The Swans have picks 14, 17, 42, 69, and 80 in the draft which commences on the 28th of November, as well as two spots available in the rookie draft.

HAMISH FREE

Hamish Free was always going to stand out on the footy field, at first it was a result of his 200cm, 105 kilogram frame, now it’s his raw football ability, with him now being recognised as one of the leading ruckman in the WAFL competition, with plenty of upside.

A junior player from Mandurah, Hamish whilst being involved in Peel Thunder’s development pathway, chose South Fremantle as the best club to further develop his skills in readiness to compete in the WAFL. Hamish’s development was supported by premier Bulldog ruckman Brock Higgins and whilst they shared rucking duties in a total of 11 league games in 2021, with Brock retiring at years end, Hamish was more than ready to take the lead ruck in 2022.

Free placed 7th in South Fremantle’s Best & Fairest and added goalkicking to his versatility, 2 great roving goals in season 2022, further proof that Hamish’s impact on games is continuously growing.

TOBY MCQUILKIN

Toby McQuilkin commenced his football journey with Mundijong Centrals Junior Football Club, before securing a spot in the Colts Squad for season 2018 where he played a total of 18 games as well as 2 reserves games. In 2019 Toby played 7 colts games and 2 reserves games, and in 2020 he secured a spot in the senior squad and went on to play all 8 games in the Reserves side.

Toby’s breakout year came in 2021, after commencing the season in the Reserves, Toby’s performances in the backline were rewarded with a league selection in Round 8, going on to play 16 games for the season, 4 of which were finals, including the losing grand final to Subiaco. Toby’s performances in the finals saw him recognised as South Fremantle’s Player of the Finals.

Unfortunately, the ‘rags to riches’ climb, with a great finale of being selected in the AFL National Draft did not eventulate, but Toby certainley showed that with desire and commitment towards a purpose, anything is possible. Toby’s focused, but balanced approach to his football remained in place for 2022 and by season’s end he added another 18 games to his league tally and finished Runer-Up in the clubs Best & Fairest vote.

Other South Fremantle players nominated for the 2022 National Draft include mature player Tom Blechynden, 150 gamer Zac Strom, young gun Chase Bourne and Jake Florenca who debuted for West Coast Eagles earlier this year.

Full list of South Fremantle players who have nominated:
Tom Blechynden
Chase Bourne
Liam Brandis
Jordan Douglas
Jake Florenca
Hamish Free
Steely Green
Toby McQuilkin
Roan O’Hehir
Jermaine Pckett
Luke Rockley
Zac Strom
Josh Taylor-Thorpe
Lachlan Turley
Christian Wilson