About:
A left-footed, medium midfielder with pace and good skills, Smith represented Western Australia at the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships. Originally from Northam JFC. 

Drafted in 2005 with North Melbourne’s second-round pick (43), Swallow is a tough in-and-under midfielder who can win important clearances for his team.

Swallow had an exceptional start to his career playing 12 games in his first season in 2006 and excelled in 2007 when he played every game of the year including North Melbourne’s Preliminary Final against Port Adelaide. He averaged 15 possessions a game and was the club’s leading tackler.

The talented youngster would have preferred to play more senior football in 2008 but was unable to break back into the talented North Melbourne midfield after playing the first three games of the season.

Swallow was instrumental in the VFL with North Ballarat throughout 2008 and played 17 matches as the side surged to the premiership.

A solid pre-season saw Swallow back in favour with selectors and he made his return in fine style against Melbourne with 21 possessions.

Things only got better for the number nine as the season went on, he finished the year averaging almost 20 possessions a game, and built a reputation as a midfielder who can kick goals after he slotted 17 majors.

His strong 2009 was highlighted by polling seven votes in the Brownlow Medal which was equal second at the club.

Darren Crocker 2009 review:
He had a great year. From a stoppage and ball-winning perspective, we just felt he got better and better and really developed aspects of his game he needed to work on. As a midfielder, he's able to push forward and kick goals as well.

Draft history: 2005 NAB AFL Draft 3rd round selection (North Melbourne) No. 43 overall.
First game for North Melbourne: Round 8, 2006 v Fremantle
Player honours: NAB AFL Rising Star nominee 2006.
Brownlow Medal: 7 career votes

Player sponsors: Martin Crow and Crow Business Services Pty Ltd, Nicole and Greg Nugent

For more information on Andrew of the Kangaroos click here

Bradd Dalziell was traded to the West Coast Eagles during the 2009 AFL Trade week, as part of a three-way exchange which saw tall utility player Brent Staker go to Brisbane and ruckman Mark Seaby join Sydney.

Dalziell was drafted as a mature-age recruit in 2007 and took little time in adapting to senior AFL football. He is a hard-working, high possession-winning midfielder with exceptional endurance who has clean disposal by hand and foot.

Dalziell won the junior Best & Fairest awards with Lynwood/Ferndale (2000 & 2002) and Huntindale (2004) but was initially overlooked by AFL recruiters in the National Draft. He spent time training with both Essendon and Fremantle during separate pre-season stints yet failed to earn a position on their senior lists.

The West Australian midfielder was eventually pounced on by Brisbane with selection No.52 in the 2007 National Draft.

He made a stunning debut against West Coast in round 16, 2008 when he picked up 32 possessions is looking forward to playing his part in the Eagles surge towards finals football in 2010.

“It is a great opportunity to play with a club that is definitely on the rise and I look forward to playing my role in bolstering the team and continuing to push for finals football,” Dalziell said.

Awards:
AFL Rising Star Nomination 2008
Lions Rookie of the Year 2008

The dashing half-back undertook a second season of development at Williamstown in 2008, lining up mostly at senior level. Shows plenty of promise, but the West Australian needs to improve his consistency of effort in order to take the next step.

Draft history: 2006 National AFL Draft 3rd round selection pick 45 overall.

About: 
The son of WA football legend Brian Peake, Brett was the first father-son player taken by the club when he was selected in the 2003 National Draft.

He made his debut in round 13, 2005 against the Kangaroos and played nine of the remaining 10 games in 2005 and played 20 games in 2006 establishing himself as an important member of the midfield. The outstanding progress in 
his second season was rewarded with selection in Australia's International Rules squad for the two-match series in Ireland.

Two unfortunate collarbone injuries restricted the pacy wingman to just 10 games in 2007.

For more information on Brett or the Fremantle Dockers click here

About
Another member of the salubrious midfield unit, Fletcher saved his best for last in 2006 with perhaps his best game for the season coming in the grand final. Something of a ball magnet, the indefatigable left-footer covers enormous ground and through the grand final was at his most damaging, accumulating 25 
telling possessions. In combination with Judd, Cousins, Kerr, Embley and Braun he makes up the most revered running unit in the league. 

Draft history: 1998 rookie elevation (West Coast)

Records
Brownlow Medal: 2006 votes 2; career votes 37

Awards Honours
2nd best and fairest 2004
All Australian 2004
Ross Glendinning medallist (Rnd 1) 2002
4th club champion 2002
3rd club champion 2003
International Rules Series 2003
Ross Glendinning medallist (Rnd 21) 2004
West Coast Eagles premiership player 2006

For more information on Chad or the West Coast Eagles click here

About:
Carried the lingering effects of osteitis pubis into his first season at West Coast and was carefully managed by the club. By round 13, it became apparent the midfielder could not press on and he was sent for surgery. However, he showed in his nine games he is a player of the future.

Draft history: 2007 NAB AFL Draft 1st round selection (West Coast) No. 3 overall.

Profile Download: Chris Masten

About:
Chris had a tremendous debut season, playing 17 games. He racked up 223 possessions and was among Fremantle’s best in several games. 
Chris had already had a taste of senior football playing league with Perth 
before joining the club and looks more than comfortable at AFL level. He takes a good overhead mark and has plenty 
of courage. Despite an interrupted pre-season, Chris will pick up where he left off when he is fully fit.

Debut for Fremantle: 2008

Draft history: 2007 NAB AFL Draft 3rd round selection (Fremantle) No. 40 overall.

About:
The star midfielder looks certain to finish his stellar career at the Eagles after extending his contract late last year. Despite playing just 11 games in 2008 due to injuries and suspension, he averaged 24 possessions and led the club for running bounces (36). He will 
be striving to provide on-field leadership this season and hoping his young teammates can give increased support through the middle.

Draft history
2000 National AFL Draft 2nd round selection (West Coast) No. 18 overall traded by St Kilda for Fraser Gehrig.

Records
Brownlow Medal: 2006 votes 22; career votes 64

Awards Honours
2nd Brownlow Medal 2005
2nd best and fairest 2002
International Rules Series 2002
AFL Rising Star nominee 2001
4th best and fairest 2003
West Coast Eagles premiership player 2006

For more information on Daniel or the West Coast Eagles click here

About:
Mobile defender who had an outstanding NAB AFL U18 Championships, averaging 28 disposals and winning All-Australian honours. Won Barassi Medal for the best player in the AIS/AFL Academy squad in Ireland in 2006.
 

About:
Hard-running and aggressive midfielder who was given tough run-with roles in his first season. Has plenty of pace and tackles hard. Made an impressive debut against Geelong in round 10 and played another three games before surgery on a finger forced him to miss four matches. Returned to play the last five games and looks to have a bright future.

Draft History:
2007 NAB AFL Draft 3rd round selection (Carlton) No. 46 overall.

First Game for Carlton
Rd 10, 2008 v Geelong at Telstra Dome

About:
Hayden is a lively small forward from Peel Thunder who won the 2008 Sandover Medal. Quick and clever, he kicked 75 goals in the WAFL in 2008 
and has the ability to push into the midfield. A good mark for his size and 
is seen as a replacement for Jeff Farmer. Hayden underwent corrective wrist surgery shortly after he was selected at the 2008 NAB AFL National Draft and has missed the pre-season competition. Looks a ready-made prospect and should make his debut in the first half of the season.

Draft history: 2008 NAB AFL Draft 2nd round selection (Fremantle) No. 21 overall.

About:
Creative and versatile player who impressed representing Western Australia at under-18 level last year. Kicks the ball well and shows a good understanding of the game. A medium-size midfielder, who is athletic and hard-running. Can play half-back, half-forward or on the wing.

About
Upgraded to the senior list for the 2006 season, the former East Fremantle junior ruckman managed to play some senior football for Central District in the SANFL. The club's tallest player (202cm) continued to show plenty of promise despite limited game time and is much stronger than when he arrived from Western Australia as a skinny rookie at the end of 2004. He worked hard during the pre-season and made his AFL debut in round one after injuries sidelined two other young candidates in Ivan Maric and John Meesen.

For more information on Jonathon or the Adelaide Crows click here

About
Started his second AFL season with a flourish, winning a NAB AFL Rising Star nomination with 25 disposals in the opening round. Looks best suited to a key defensive position, but can play up forward and even was used in the ruck late in 2005. Has tremendous agility for his size and is set for a long career at the top level.

Player honours
NAB AFL Rising Star nominee 2005.

Draft history
2003 NAB AFL Draft 1st round selection (Essendon) No. 6 overall on-traded by Richmond to the Western Bulldogs for Danny Jacobs.

For more information on Kepler or the Essendon Football Club click here

About: 
Kieran King was drafted as an underage player with the Club’s final selection in the 2008 National Draft. He is an attacking medium-sized midfielder who enjoys taking on the opposition with his carry and run. King is also an exceptional athlete having competed nationally in the 400m event as a junior.

About
The former West Australian youngster spent the 2006 season being groomed 
in the reserves after being drafted from the Claremont Colts. Has good skills 
and is expected to develop into a lively midfielder. Represented WA at 
under-18 level and has good skills on both sides of his body. Will be given time to develop.

Career
Well-balanced midfielder who was a high possession winner at Colts level in WA where he won the premiership with Peel Thunder and named best and fairest. Represented WA in under-18's and was selected in the WA Colts Team of the Year. Registered a 14.6 beep test at Draft Camp placing him in the top 10 per cent before drafted with the Swans second pick - 54 overall - in 2005. He got a taste of senior football in the pre-season and looked comfortable. Completed the season in the reserves and showed natural ability, clean hands and neat skills but the needs to improve his strength and speed to push for senior selection in 2007.

Draft history
2005 NAB AFL Draft 4th round selection (Sydney) No. 54 overall.

For more information on Kristin or the Sydney Swans click here

About:
Has tremendous speed and looked impressive in his 18 games in 2008 
after making his AFL debut the previous season. Troubled early by a hamstring injury, but produced good form to suggest he will be an important player for years to come.

For more information on Leroy or the Essendon Football Club click here

About
Showed his capabilities with a five goal haul against Richmond in round 22 last year, but could not maintain his place in the team through the finals series. Strong overhead for his size, he could prove difficult for the opposition to match up and is also capable of having a run through the midfield. Is developing nicely and will be keen to make strong progress through a year which looms as pivotal in his career. 


Draft history
2004 NAB AFL Draft 3rd round selection (West Coast) No. 37 overall

Records
Brownlow Medal: 2006 votes 1; Career votes 1.

Awards Honours
Natuional Rising Star nomination round 21, 2006

For more information on Mark or the West Coast Eagles click here

About
They say that if you continue to work hard the rewards will come. If that is the case, Nicoski is overdue for a dividend, having worked tirelessly to secure a place in the team, only to fracture an ankle in round 14 last year against Hawthorn. He ran out of time to regain his place in the grand final team, but played in Subiaco’s premiership side in the WAFL. Had a bad start to the 2007 campaign when he dislocated his shoulder in an intra-club practice match, but looks to shine in coming weeks.

Draft history
2003 rookie elevation (West Coast)

Awards Honours
Brownlow Medal: 2006 votes 2; career votes 2

For more information on Mark or the West Coast Eagles click here

About
After being drafted to the club’s rookie list in 2005, he enjoyed an excellent year in 2006. Not only did he play two senior matches, but he was also outstanding for his WAFL club, Subiaco. He won the Sandover Medal by a record margin and also was a key component of the Subiaco premiership. Through those efforts he has now earned a place on the senior list and with solid pre-season form has seen early opportunities in the senior team.

Awards Honours
Simpson Medal WA v Queensland 2005
Sandover Medal 2006

For more information on Matthew or the West Coast Eagles click here

About:
Has been injury plagued in his first two seasons at the Eagles, but is an exciting key-position prospect with good running ability. Showed good form as a key defender in the WAFL with East Fremantle last year, with his best game coming in round 16 against Subiaco when he kept the competition's leading goalkicker Brad Smith to just two goals.

About:
After being overlooked for the first five games of 2008, the tall defender made a great impression in his 17 senior appearances. Was given some big jobs but it appears he will be able to hold down full-back. Had 18 disposals and took six marks in the Demons’ round 20 win over West Coast and finished in the club’s top 10 for hard-ball and 
loose-ball gets. Finished fourth in the best and fairest and will continue to improve.

About:
2007 had a delayed start for Michael due to a suspension earned in the NAB Cup but when he returned to the field the attributes that saw him rank as Fremantle's second best player in 2006 were back on show. He ended the season in the club’s top five for contested marks, hit outs and rebound 50s. Despite being just 23 years of age, his cool head under pressure makes him one of the team's most reliable assets around the ground.

Fremantle used its only selection in the 2004 Pre-Season Draft to select Michael, a key position prospect who had played senior football for Perth the previous year. He made his debut in round four, 2005 against Richmond at the MCG. He played 11 games in his first season, impressing with his athleticism and versatility.

But it was in 2006 when he came of age as a quality defender. He played all 22 home and away games and three finals, showing poise and maturity as a key member of the team. He averaged 17 disposals per game, his 154 marks were the second highest for the club behind Matthew Pavlich, and he finished joint runner-up Doig Medal. He was also selected in WA's State of Origin team for the first time.

About:
Though he didn’t have his best year in 2008, the tall defender was consistent across half-back, playing every game before missing the last two with injury. Can play on tall and small forwards
and, with his pace, is prepared to run off his man and launch attacks – he finished equal first at the club for rebound 50s. A key plank of Port’s backline.

Draft history: 2003 NAB AFL Draft 
3rd round selection (Port Adelaide) No. 46 overall.

About:
Injury plagued key position player Mitch Clark commenced his career with the Lions as a forward where he 
showcased his potential. Despite being sidelined for much of his AFL career, Clark has proven capable of playing a variety of roles in attack, defence and occasionally as a back-up ruckman. 

Awards:
Western Australia U18 representative 2005
AFL Rising Star Nomination 2007 

About:
Van Berlo emerged as one of Adelaide’s most prolific ball winners in 2008 with 225 kicks and 251 handballs, including 
a career high 40 possessions against Carlton in round 18. Used as a tagger 
in his time at the club van Berlo was able to improve the offensive part of his game and his elite fitness allowed him to become a damaging midfielder. He was elected into the leadership group again for a second year. Despite having groin surgery post-season van Berlo returned to pre-season training and set a club record 9.29 for the 3km time trial.

Van Berlo was drafted by the Crows in 2004. That season he had captained the West Perth Colts team, represented Western Australia in the NAB AFL under-18 championships, was named in the WAFL Colts team of the year and starred in testing at the AFL draft camp.

About:
After representing WA in the National Under 18s championships and playing in a colts flag with South Fremantle, Paul was placed on the club’s rookie list at the end of the 2003 season, and then re-drafted at the end of 2005.

He was elevated from the rookie list in 2006 and made his debut in the round 5 "Sirengate" match against St Kilda in Launceston. He went on to play seven matches in his first season, and won the club's Best WAFL Player Award. He was rewarded for his strong form with a permanent place on the primary list for the 2007 season.

Appearing in seven matches for Fremantle in 2007, Paul complimented his AFL appearances with consistent games in the midfield and across half back for South Fremantle in the WAFL. 

About:
A career-best season saw Medhurst win his first All-Australian selection, the only player to receive the honour at the club.  In his second season at Collingwood, the small forward was exceptionally consistent across the season playing in every game.  His game against Essendon on Anzac Day won him the Anzac Medal after booting six majors.  In round 12’s loss against Carlon, Medhurst had 18 kicks, 11 marks and kicked four goals.  He averaged career-best numbers in disposals (16) marks (8) and tackles (2).  He kicked a team-high 50 goals for the season and was first at the club in total marks (179) and third in kicks (309). He finished second in the club’s best and fairest and will have a massive role in Collingwood’s 2009 success. 

Draft history:
2001 AFL Draft 4th round selection (Fremantle) No. 56 overall traded by Adelaide for Daniel Schell; 2006 AFL Draft traded with pick No. 8 overall by Fremantle for Chris Tarrant

About:
Much like Tiger midfielder Matthew Richardson, Lynch was released up the field in 2008, with spectacular results. Playing on a wing, as a ruck-rover and occasionally in the ruck, the fan favourite averaged 18 possessions, leading the club for contested marks (22), inside 50s (112) and goal assists (equal with Dean Cox on nine). The 
26-year-old has not missed a game since round one, 2006, and with his newfound consistency and confidence, 
is seen as a leader.

About
Rhys had a superb debut season to be named the 2008 NAB AFL Rising Star. After being an emergency in the 
opening round, he missed just one 
other match in 2008 after suffering with a knee injury. A prolific ball-winner with more possessions (462) than any 
other Fremantle player, he has plenty 
of courage, good pace and great endurance. The former East Fremantle midfield star was fourth in the club’s best and fairest. A full pre-season should stand him in good stead for the upcoming season as he shapes as a real talent of the future for Fremantle.

Debut for Fremantle: 2008

Draft history
2007 NAB AFL Draft 1st round selection (Fremantle) No. 7 overall.

For more information on Rhys or the Fremantle Dockers click here

About:
Tall ruckman who has joined Carlton after three seasons with Fremantle. Was keen to return home to Victoria 
and grab a No. 1 ruck spot after being understudy to Aaron Sandilands. Played nine matches last year before shoulder surgery finished his season. Excellent kick, strong mark and taps the ball well. Had a pre-season setback with a stress fracture in his foot.  Considered an important long-term player for the Blues.

Previous Club:
Fremantle: 21 games, 4 goals (2007-2008)

Draft History:
2005 NAB AFL Draft 3rd round selection (Fremantle) No. 42 overall.

About:
Roger is one of the club’s unsung heroes. He had an interrupted 2008 season because of a punctured lung 
and a hamstring injury. A tremendous spoiler, he also knows when to give Fremantle run from defence. An invaluable contributor, he played just 
14 games in 2008 but was good enough to be ninth in the best and fairest. Expect a big year from the number 43.

Debut for Fremantle: 2002

Draft History: 2002 rookie elevation (Fremantle).

About:
Cox came into the senior side in round 10 after playing in seven games at the VFL level.  He was involved in consecutive wins before playing back in the VFL side.  Cox reappeared at the AFL level in round 21 and played the next four games including finals.  Two consecutive games of 20 disposal performances showed the 
coaching staff he has what it takes to play at that level. Having been elevated off the rookie list at the end of 2006, Cox debuted in round three against Richmond and finished the season with eight senior appearances to his name, and showed he is certainly not out of his depth at senior level. Capped his year by being one of Williamstown's best in the preliminary final loss, and looks to have a bright future.  In 2008 he played 16 games for the VFL side but also managed six at the senior level taking his career tally to 14. 

Draft history:
2005 AFL Rookie Draft 3rd round selection (Collingwood) No. 33 overall; 2006 rookie elevation (Collingwood)

About:
Following in the footsteps of his cousin Brad, who was elevated from Fremantle's rookie list in 1998, Steven earned an upgrade to the club's primary list after showing strong form for East Fremantle in the WAFL. He made his debut in the wet and windy conditions 
at Skilled Stadium against Geelong in round 20, 2004.

He impressed playing a defensive role 
in the midfield for much of 2005, and backed it up in 2006, with his consistent performances ensuring he lined up in all 22 home and away matches and three finals. He was also selected in WA's State of Origin team.

With his stamina and close checking being a major frustration for opposition forwards, Steven's defensive pressure and endurance has made him one of the club's most reliable and effective shut down players.

About:
West Coast hope the young on-baller can put knee injuries behind him to fulfil the promise he showed when he was one of the most highly rated juniors in the land. Swift excelled in the standing vertical jump, 20m sprint and beep test at the 2008 NAB AFL Draft Camp.

Attacking midfielder with a good turn of speed and tremendous poise in traffic. Strong performer for WA at NAB AFL U18 Championships, winning All-Australian honours. His 2.96sec for 20m and 14.5 beep test at Draft Camp highlighted his speed/endurance combination.

About
In two seasons at the club he has played 
in two grand finals, and it can’t get much better than that. Stenglein is the 
archetypal utility player, able to play in virtually any role within the team. He started his career as a defender, has played successfully on the wing and more recently has been used in a ‘run-with’ role through the midfield. He can also push forward and kick goals, as he did during the amazing come-back game against Geelong last year when he kicked three important majors as the club clawed back from a nine-goal deficit mid-way through the third term.

Draft history
1998 National AFL Draft 2nd round selection (Adelaide) No. 29 overall on-traded by Melbourne to Fremantle for Tony Modra; NAB 2004 AFL Draft traded by Adelaide for No. 12 (Danny Meyer) and No. 28 (Chad Gibson).

Records
Brownlow Medal: 2006 votes 2; career votes 7. Previous club: Adelaide (1999-2004; 106 games, 26 goals).

Draft history
1998 National AFL Draft 2nd round selection (Adelaide) No. 29 overall on-traded by Melbourne to Fremantle for Tony Modra; National Bank's 2004 AFL Draft traded by Adelaide for No. 12 (Danny Meyer) and No. 28 (Chad Gibson).

Awards Honours
3rd Adelaide best-and-fairest 2002 (equal)
Adelaide pre-season premiership side 2003
Adelaide runner-up best-and-fairest 2004
4th West Coast Eagles Club Champion Award 2006
West Coast Eagles premiership player 2006

For more information on Tyson or the West Coast Eagles click here