2019 Draft Watch

Written by Lenny Fogliani

Since 1981, the Perth Demons have produced over fifty players who have gone on to be drafted into the VFL/AFL.

In 2019, the Demons have three players who are in contention to be picked up in this year’s AFL Draft.

Below are their profiles.

REGAN CLARKE

Best known for his championship-winning goal after-the-siren against Vic Country, Clarke is a hard-working wingman. In four games for the Sandgropers, Clarke averaged 15 possessions, 6 marks, 4 inside 50s and 3 tackles, with notable performances against the Allies (19 possessions, 7 marks, 5 tackles, and 5 inside 50s) and South Australia (15 possessions, 5 marks, 4 tackles and 4 inside 50s). Despite playing just six games for the Demons’ Colts team, Clarke finished sixth in the Jack Ensor Medal after he averaged 20 possessions, 5 marks and 4 tackles with his best performances coming against Claremont (26 possessions, 8 marks and a goal) and South Fremantle (26 possessions, 8 marks and 6 tackles). As a wingman, Clarke has neat skills, reads the play well and is defensively accountable.

DEVEN ROBERTSON

The nephew of former Demon and West Coast champion Darren Glass, Robertson could not have done much more in 2019 to enhance his draft stocks. At this year’s National Championships, he was named the Captain of the All-Australian team, won the Larke Medal, and WA’s MVP Award after he averaged 30 possessions (12 contested), 7 tackles, 5 clearances, 4 inside 50s and 4 rebounding 50s across four games. The Manning Junior is an inside midfielder in a similar mould to Rory Sloane – both are respected leaders amongst their peers, courageous, tough, hunt the football and opposition with intent and have excellent work ethics.

ELIJAH TAYLOR

The relative of Tim Kelly, the Kickett brothers, Nicky Winmar and Paddy Ryder, Taylor is an exciting medium-sized forward who is comparable to Collingwood’s Jaidyn Stephenson. Like Stephenson, Taylor is a forward who loves to take the game on, whether it be through his explosive pace, dazzling skills or strong overhead marking ability. He plays with a natural instinctive feel, a healthy dose of flair and can play a variety of roles. At this year’s Championships, he won All-Australian selection after he kicked 6 goals and averaged 12 possessions (5 contested), 3 marks, and 2 inside 50s. In five games for Perth’s Colts team, Taylor kicked 4 goals and averaged 17 possessions, 4 marks and 3 tackles with his best performance coming against Claremont (25 possessions and 2 goals).

NOTABLE VFL/AFL FOOTBALLERS WHO WERE DRAFTED FROM PERTH