WA Defenders in Contention for NAB AFL DraftThursday, November 3, 2022 - 11:17 AM - by Mark Readings

Injuries have restricted talented WA teenagers Sam Gilbey and Jed Hagan heading into this month’s NAB AFL Draft. 

But the local players proved their value during a strong 2022 season and have been assessed by AFL Talent Ambassador Kevin Sheehan, whose given his verdict on the top medium defenders before Draft Day. 

Gilbey, who hails from Claremont, has overcome a tough year to emerge as a potential draftee. 

“A highly talented medium defender who has had an illness and an injury interrupted year. 

He suffered glandular fever early in the season and then a fractured tibia, but in between he showed his speed and penetrating left-foot kicking in three matches for WA in the National Championships, averaging 16 disposals to put him among his state’s best against the Allies. 

He played four Colts matches for Claremont, with his 31 disposals against Swan Districts a standout performance. 

A produce of Hale School, he didn’t test at the NAB AFL Draft Combine due to his leg injury,” Sheehan said. 

East Fremantle’s Jed Hagan stands just 175cm but has been a standout performer this year. 

“A versatile player who plays with passion and determination which belies his physical size. 

He played in all parts of the ground during the National Championships, averaging 17 disposals (75% efficiency) and four tackles to win All-Australian honours. 

Stepped up to play eight WAFL senior matches with the Sharks, including three finals. 

One of the highlights was his debut performance, when he amassed 20 disposals and seven tackles. 

He suffered an ankle syndesmosis injury in the Preliminary Final loss to Claremont, which took the gloss off his outstanding year and meant he was unable to complete physical testing at the National Draft Combine, “Sheehan said. 

Medium defenders Jack Cleaver and Toby McQuilkan attended the State Combine in Perth last month, with Sheehan giving his assessment on the duo. 

Both players made their mark this year. 

“Jack is an outstanding left-footed defender who had an outstanding year, playing seven matches at senior level with East Fremantle, including three finals, where he averaged 15 disposals a game. 

Was a consistent performer for WA at the National Championships, averaging 19 disposals per match. 

Was impressive with 25 disposals in the final match against South Australia to be named his team’s best player,” he said. 

McQuilkan will be 22 when the Draft takes place, but this mature age South Fremantle defender has admirers in AFL circles. 

“Toby had a breakout year at senior level in the WAFL, making the Team of the Year and finishing runner-up in the Bulldogs’ Best and Fairest Award after averaging 23 disposals across 18 matches. 

He was a real eye-catcher at the State Combine, with his time of 7.8 seconds for the agility test ranked second across all performers at State Combines. 

Also performed well in the 20m sprint (3.03 seconds) and 2km time trial (6.40 seconds),” Sheehan observed. 

The AFL Talent Ambassador is releasing player profiles by positional groups up until the Draft. 

The players featured in the profiles either attended the 2022 NAB AFL Draft Combine or the 2022 NAB AFL State Draft Combine. 

The 2022 NAB AFL Draft will be held on Monday November 28 and Tuesday November 29. 

The 2022 NAB AFL Rookie Draft will follow on Wednesday November 30.