AFL draft 2021: Taj Woewodin profile, video highlights, stats, position, comparison

Who are WA’s top draft prospects? Get to know the state’s brightest talent in our draft profiles series, with highlights, stats and information on 20 of the leading draftee contenders. Here, we look at Taj Woewodin, the son of a Brownlow medallist whose vast improvement this year has thrust him onto recruiters’ radars. Club: East Fremantle From: Booragoon JFC Date of birth: 26/3/2003 (age 18) Height: 182cm Weight: 78kg Position: Midfielder / half-back AFL player comparison: Liam Duggan (West Coast) Strengths: Versatility, leadership, work ethic, ball use Question mark: Will Melbourne father-son link put off other clubs? 2021 averages: 22.7 disposals, 5.1 marks, 4.5 tackles per game (WAFL colts) THE QUOTE THE WEST AUSTRALIAN’S JORDAN McARDLE SAYS: The son of Brownlow medallist Shane Woewodin has made a name for himself at East Fremantle this season to emerge as a serious draft chance. Premiers Melbourne get first crack at the versatile Sharks colts skipper in the draft because his dad played 138 games there, but others have also shown interest. Demons recruiting boss Jason Taylor was full of praise for the 18-year-old earlier in the year, noting “significant improvement” in his game this season. His numbers reflect that, going from averaging 12 disposals, two tackles and two marks across last season to 23, five marks and five tackles to go with nine goals this year. A State 19s berth and draft combine invitation were his rewards, and he made the most of his opportunities on the national stage. From half-back to half-forward and the midfield, Woewodin has shown he can have an impact in a variety of positions. He’s also had regular praise from coaches for his hard work. WAFC STATE TALENT MANAGER ADAM JONES SAYS: “Taj has shown terrific improvement this year and he’s another quality kid, very driven and professional. “He’s worked hard on the contested side of his game and he’s got a very good all-round game in terms of skill level. “Like Brady Hough, he’s been able to play multiple roles and I think they really adds to his prospects that he’ll be able to come into a club and you can develop him into whatever role the team needs. “He’s got the type of character that will take that on, so I think Melbourne have got a very good father-son prospect on their hands. “I have no doubt he’ll end up there, it’s just of matter of where they pick him.” Expected draft range: Later rounds / rookie / undrafted

AFL draft 2021 - Taj Woewodin

AFL draft 2021: Taj Woewodin profile, video highlights, stats, position, comparison

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