Kevin Sheehan's Top WA Draft Prospects - Small And Medium DefendersThursday, October 26, 2023 - 6:15 PM

AFL Talent Ambassador Kevin Sheehan has released profiles on the WA's top small and medium defender prospects ahead of the 2023 AFL Draft.

The 2023 AFL Draft will be held on Monday, November 20 and Tuesday, November 21. The 2023 AFL Rookie Draft will follow on Wednesday, November 22.

Sheehan's player profiles will be released by positional group each week ahead of this year's Draft.

The players profiled attended the 2023 AFL Draft Combine or 2023 AFL State Draft Combine which were held during October.

NATIONAL COMBINE
Riley Hardeman
State: Western Australia
State League Club: Swan Districts
Community Club: Caversham
Date of Birth: 27/02/05
Height: 185cm

Left-footed medium defender who is strong overhead, has line-breaking speed and is a penetrating kick. These attributes were on show during the National Championships, where he captained Western Australia and earned All Australian selection after averaging 18.5 disposals and 5.8 marks and displayed composure under pressure. Made his senior debut with Swan Districts this year and impressed when representing Australia as part of the AFL Academy. His natural leap was on display at the Draft Combine where he featured in the top 10 performers in both the standing vertical jump (75cm) and running vertical jump (91cm).

STATE COMBINE
Joe Fonti
State: Western Australia
State League Club: Claremont
Community Club: East Fremantle
Date of Birth: 24/12/04
Height: 188cm

Medium defender who blossomed after being moved from the midfield. His very good form at club under 18s level saw him added to the Western Australia state team. His intercept marking ability and run from defence were features of his game across three matches for his state, averaging 12 disposals. Tested extremely well at the State Draft Combine in Perth, registering times of 2.88 seconds on the 20m sprint and 7.97 seconds on the agility test which were ranked first and second respectively among all players who tested at the three State Draft Combines.

Oscar Hine-Baston
State: Western Australia
State League Club: Perth
Community Club: Manning Rippers
Date of Birth: 18/10/04
Height: 177cm

Powerful small defender with a competitive edge who was a consistent player for Western Australia at the National Championships averaging 15.5 disposals at 77 percent efficiency as well as four tackles. Was at his best against the eventual title winners in the Allies with his speed and rebound impressive despite his side suffering a heavy defeat. Progressed to debut at senior level with Perth in the WAFL this year. His natural leap was outstanding during the State Draft Combine testing in Perth, where he ranked number one amongst all state participants in both the standing vertical jump (77cm) and running vertical jump (97cm). With a parent born in South Africa he qualifies as a member of the West Coast Eagles’ Next Generation Academy.

Previously: Kevin Sheehan’s 2023 AFL Draft top prospects: Tall defenders