SIMPLY ENERGY DRAFT WATCH: MAY EDITIONFriday, May 31, 2019 - 10:15 AM - by Lenny Fogliani

The 2019 Simply Energy WAFL Colts Competition is shaping up to be an extremely even competition, with only two games separating fourth from ninth.

A number of players are starting to stamp their authority on the competition, and of this group, Jye Clark, Trent Rivers, Jackson Knight, Deven Robertson and Kade Wallrodt have stood out the most.

JYE CLARK - CLAREMONT
The younger brother of Geelong’s rising star Jordan, Jye Clark has put together an exceptional start to the 2019 Simply Energy WAFL Colts competition. In six games, Clark is averaging 24 possessions, five marks, four inside 50s and two tackles. His best performance came against Subiaco in round seven where he finished with 30 possessions, eight marks, seven inside 50s and two goals, while he has also produced outstanding performances against East Perth (29 possessions, five marks, four inside 50s) and Perth (25 possessions, five marks and four inside 50s). Clark plays in a similar manner to his brother in that he uses his elite vision, decision-making and skill execution to penetrate his way through the opposition’s defensive zones. 

TRENT RIVERS - EAST FREMANTLE
The East Fremantle Captain has proven to be one of the best prospects for this year’s AFL Draft, after a stunning start to the 2019 Simply Energy WAFL Colts competition. In four games for the Sharks, Rivers is averaging 27 possessions, six marks, five tackles, and five inside 50s, playing primarily on the half-back flank. He has also demonstrated an ability to push into the midfield where he uses his big frame to win the clearances and contested possessions for his team, distributing it to his outside runners. His most dominant outing came against West Perth in round five, where he gathered 27 possessions, took 10 marks, recorded nine inside 50s, laid four tackles and kicked two goals.

JACKSON KNIGHT - PEEL THUNDER
The Mandurah product is the equal leader in the WAFL Colts Coaches Award after a stellar start to the 2019 campaign. In four games for the Thunder, Knight is currently averaging 17 possessions, five marks, four tackles and has kicked two goals, primarily playing on the half-forward flank. He produced best afield performances against West Perth in round one (18 possessions, six marks, four inside 50s, three tackles and a goal), East Fremantle in round three (20 possessions, seven marks, and five inside 50s), and was also one of Peel’s best against East Perth in round five (18 possessions, six marks, four inside 50s and a goal). 

DEVEN ROBERTSON - PERTH
The 2017 WA U16s Captain and MVP winner is one of the leading inside midfield prospects in this year’s NAB AFL Draft pool. Comparable to Melbourne stalwart Nathan Jones, Robertson is a contested-ball winning midfielder who has a ferocious attack on both the ball and his direct opponent. Like Jones, Robertson is a respected leader because of his excellent work rate and professionalism. In just two games in 2019, Robertson is averaging 30 possessions, seven marks, six tackles and three inside 50s. He produced a best-on-ground performance against Claremont in round five (37 possessions, eight marks, five tackles, four inside 50s and a goal) to demonstrate why he is considered to be one of the elite midfielders in this year’s Simply Energy WAFL Colts competition.

KADE WALLRODT – SWAN DISTRICTS
After finishing second to Mitchell Bain for the E.J. McManus Award (Swans’ Colts Best & Fairest), there were high expectations on Wallrodt in season 2019. And so far, the South Bunbury product has lived up to expectations with a scintillating start to the year. After seven rounds, he is currently third in the WAFL Colts Coaches Award with 12 votes after best afield performances against East Perth in round two (33 possessions, five marks, five inside 50s and three tackles), East Fremantle in round six (28 possessions, seven inside 50s, five tackles and three goals), and a dominant outing against Perth in round three (24 possessions and a goal). In five games, Wallrodt is averaging 24 possessions, five inside 50s, three marks, three tackles, and he has kicked six goals.

Others
Leno Thomas – Claremont
Michael Wright – East Fremantle
Regan Clarke - Perth