IN the build up to football eventually returning, Draft Central takes a look at some of this year’s brightest names who have already represented their state in some capacity leading into 2020. While plenty can change between now and then, we will provide a bit of an insight into players, how they performed at pre-season testing, and some of our scouting notes on them from last year.

Next under the microscope in our AFL Draft watch is Murray Bushrangers prospect Charlie Byrne, a classy half-back or outside midfielder who is looking to follow in the footsteps of GWS draftee, Lachie Ash. Byrne was part of the Giants’ Academy before his transition to the Bushrangers program, but is set to run out for GWS as part of this year’s Academy Series.

In 2019, Byrne impressed throughout his 16 NAB League outings as an efficient forward runner from defence, who could also push up onto a wing or into the forwardline. His form was good enough to warrant a spot in the Allies squad, despite not cracking through for a berth in the Under 18 championships. As somewhat of a leader in his top-age campaign, Byrne had his sights set on making half-back his own at all levels, while also striving to shift into midfield.

—

PLAYER PAGE:

Charlie Byrne
Murray Bushrangers/Allies

DOB: October 26, 2002

Height: 183cm
Weight: 79kg

Position: Half-back/outside midfielder

Strengths: Kicking efficiency, outside run, rebounding, versatility
Improvements: Consistency, defensive game

2019 NAB League averages: 16 games | 15.1 disposals | 2.8 marks | 1.7 tackles | 2.1 inside 50s | 2.8 rebound 50s | 0.3 goals (5)

>> Q&A: Charlie Byrne

—

PRESEASON TESTING RESULTS:

Standing Vertical Jump: 55cm
Running Vertical Jump (R/L): 71cm/59cm
Speed (20m): 3.17 seconds
Agility: 8.71 seconds
Endurance (Yo-yo): 20.8

>> Full Testing Results:
Jumps
20m Sprint
Agility
Yo-yo

—

2019 SCOUTING NOTES:

NAB League Round 15 vs. Western

By: Peter Williams

Liked the look of the bottom-ager off half-back, playing the Lachie Ash role to allow Ash to play midfield and forward. He is so clean with his ball use, and positions himself well behind the play. He took a number of great intercept marks, and his left foot was a treat to watch. Whilst he did spend the majority of his time in defence, Byrne kicked a nice goal on the run in the opening term.

NAB League Round 12 vs. Bendigo

By: Michael Alvaro

The bottom-ager’s cool finishing in front of goal proved a game-winner as he calmly slotted two crucial majors. Both came on the back of his work rate from the wing – running well both ways to find the ball in either half of the ground. Byrne’s first goal was also his side’s opener, converting calmly on the wrong side for a left-footer to get the Bushies going in the third. His second came in the final quarter, slotting well on the run as he streamed into 50. That forward drive is what proved most damaging as Byrne worked best in space, receiving on the outside and putting the ball into good areas.

—

>> MORE MURRAY BUSHRANGERS CONTENT

>> 2020 Allies U18s Squad Prediction
>> August 2020 Power Rankings
>> July 2020 Power Rankings

>> CATCH UP ON OUR DRAFT WATCH SERIES

Allies:
Tahj Abberley
Jackson Callow
Blake Coleman
Braeden Campbell
Alex Davies
Oliver Davis
Errol Gulden

South Australia:
Kaine Baldwin
Bailey Chamberlain
Zac Dumesny
Corey Durdin
Luke Edwards
Lachlan Jones
Caleb Poulter
Tom Powell
Taj Schofield
Riley Thilthorpe

Vic Country:
Sam Berry
Tanner Bruhn
Jack Ginnivan
Elijah Hollands
Zach Reid
Nick Stevens
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan

Vic Metro:
Jackson Cardillo
Nikolas Cox
Connor Downie
Eddie Ford
Bailey Laurie
Finlay Macrae
Reef McInnes
Archie Perkins
Will Phillips

Western Australia:
Heath Chapman
Denver Grainger-Barras
Logan McDonald
Nathan O’Driscoll
Brandon Walker
Joel Western
Isiah Winder