AFL DRAFT GURU RATES LEADING WA CONTENDERS - TALL DEFENDERSWednesday, October 26, 2022 - 1:45 PM - by Mark Readings

AFL Talent Ambassador Kevin Sheehan has named four WA backmen among a group of leading contenders for next month’s NAB AFL Draft. 

Sheehan has profiled his most outstanding tall defenders as part of his assessment of all players who attended this month’s NAB AFL Draft Combine in Melbourne and the NAB AFL State Draft Combines. 

When analyzing the National Combine, Sheehan gave glowing reports to WA trio Jed Adams, Jedd Busslinger, and Hugh Davies. 

Adams caught the eye of Sheehan despite not testing at the Combine because of a shoulder injury. 

“A left-footed tall defender who’s a strong contested mark, neat kick and provides plenty of rebound. 

Was outstanding for Peel Thunder this season playing predominantly at Under-18s level, averaging 14 disposals and three contested marks for the premiership-winning team. 

He was also rewarded with a debut at senior level late in the season. 

Played two matches for Western Australia at the 2022 NAB AFL National Championships U18 Boys and was eye-catching in the final game of the season, with his intercept marks and precise ball use putting him among the best players on the ground,” Sheehan said. 

East Perth’s Jedd Busslinger made an impact with his intercept marking and ability to take the game on. 

“He was among WA’s best players in matches against Victoria Metro and the Allies at the 2022 NAB AFL National Championships U18 Boys, averaging 22 disposals, seven marks and five rebound 50s. 

His campaign was curtailed by a shoulder injury which required surgery, but he was still rewarded with All-Australian selection, such was his dominance across the two matches,” Sheehan declared. 

Claremont’s Hugh Davies was another player unable to test at the Draft Combine after being diagnosed with lumbar stress. 

“Hugh is a mobile tall defender who is both brave and strong overhead and is generally a neat distributor by hand and foot. 

Impressed in just three Under-18 club matches for the Tigers this season, averaging 19 disposals. 

Mixed his games between college and club and was rewarded with selection in all four matches for Western Australia at the National Championship, where he was solid throughout and averaged 15 disposals,” the AFL Talent Ambassador said. 

Sheehan also reserved praise for Peel Thunder product Josh Draper, who excelled at the recent State Combine in Perth. 

“A developing key position player who can play back or forward, as well as pinch-hit in the ruck. 

That versatility was shown for Peel Thunder’s Colts team in its WAFL premiership campaign this year. 

Is part of Fremantle’s Next Generation Academy due to Ethiopian heritage on his mother’s side. 

Has an excellent athletic profile, with his running vertical jump of 87cm putting him in the top three at the State Combine,” Sheehan said.