Kevin Sheehan’s 2023 AFL Draft top prospects: Small and medium forwardsThursday, November 2, 2023 - 12:00 PM

AFL Talent Ambassador Kevin Sheehan has released profiles on the top small and medium forward 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

Lance Collard
State: Western Australia
State League Club: Subiaco
Community Club: North Beach
Date of Birth: 26/03/05
Height: 180cm

Small forward who is extremely dangerous around goals. Booted 39 goals in 16 matches in Western Australia’s pathway this year where he played predominantly at Colts level. Also represented his state in three games at the National Championships which gave him a taste of playing against the nation’s best. He then highlighted his potential by kicking bags of five goals in three of the final five games of the WAFL Colts season. Showcased his athletic prowess at the national Draft Combine where he produced the quickest time on the agility test (8.16 seconds) and a top ten finish on the 20m sprint (2.92 seconds). Is a member of the West Coast Eagles’ Next Generation Academy program meaning they can match any bid after selection 40 in this year’s Draft.

Koen Sanchez
State: Western Australia
State League Club: East Fremantle
Community Club: Applecross Mt Pleasant
Date of Birth 19/01/05
Height: 177cm

A small forward or wingman with lightning-quick movement and reflexes which makes him a difficult match up for opposition sides. Was at his best for Western Australia at the National Championships with his ability to read the game to find space and his prodigious kick making him dangerous around the goals. Averaged 17.8 disposals (9.2 contested) and 1.5 goals per match at the Championships to earn All Australian honours. Was also dominant in six club matches at under 18s level for East Fremantle averaging 26.5 disposals before playing a couple of reserve grade games to further his progression. Injured and unable to test at National Combine.

Koltyn Tholstrup
State: Western Australia
State League Club: Subiaco
Community Club: Newtown Condingup
Date of Birth: 28/06/05
Height: 186cm

A talented player with an elite work rate who often plays as a high half forward and sometimes goes through the midfield. He is a fearless competitor with excellent game sense and a penetrating kick. He played the final three games for Western Australia at the National Championships after missing the first with injury but didn’t miss a beat to average 18.7 disposals. Has a sharp competitive edge which has seen him already play 10 senior matches for Subiaco in the WAFL. Tested impressively at the national Draft Combine to record the second quickest time on the agility test (8.19) and a top ten finish in the 2km time trial (6:17).

STATE COMBINE

Jack Cocking
State: Western Australia
State League Club: East Fremantle
Community Club: Railway
Date of Birth: 27/01/05
Height: 189cm

Medium forward who had an outstanding year at Colts level kicking 49 goals for East Fremantle as well as setting up scoring opportunities for his teammates. Agile and possessing an impressive natural leap, he proved a difficult match up using his footy IQ and innate goal sense. Booted six goals on two occasions and multiple goals 13 times for the Sharks. His elite leap and agility were shown at the state Draft Combine in Perth with his running vertical jump of 94cm ranked third among all state participants, while his time of 7.99 seconds in the agility test ranked fourth.

Previously: Kevin Sheehan's Top WA Draft Prospects - Small And Medium Defenders

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