Image credit: Nick Hook/SANFL

POSITION: Outside Midfielder/Small Forward

DRAFT ANALYSIS: “Spicer is one of the most exciting prospects in the draft pool, able to break open a game with his elite speed and agility.” – Tom Wyman

South Adelaide wingman Phoenix Spicer has soared into draft contention after a terrific season with the Panthers. Spicer started the season at Under 18s level, where he proved a difficult match-up playing on the outside of South's strong midfield rotation. As the season wore on, he continued to tear open games with devastating runs along the wing, eventually resulting in a call-up to the clubs' Reserves side. There, he spent more time up forward and was able to make an impact on the scoreboard whilst also showing flashes of his elite agility and line-breaking speed. Unfortunately his season was cut short when he sustained a broken arm, but not before exciting recruiters with his high impact per possession style and attacking flair.

STRENGTHS:

• Speed
• Agility
• Run and carry
• Clean hands
• Goal sense

IMPROVEMENTS:

• Strength
• Foot skills consistency

Spicer, who hails from the Morphettville Park Junior Football Club and attended Henley High School to complete his Year 12 studies, not only possesses elite speed, but consistently puts it to good use either on the wing or up forward. He is rarely caught with ball in hand and utilises his incredible agility to elude tacklers. Spicer is a natural athlete who instinctively looks to run and carry whenever he sees a pocket of space ahead. Although he wasn't able to test at the national combine, he would likely have recorded scintillating times in both the 20 metre sprint and agility tests. At the 2019 SANFL Under 18 preseason testing, Spicer completed the agility test in just 7.80 seconds, ranking first among all participants.

Another asset of Spicer's is his one-touch cleanliness at ground level. He rarely fumbles when the ball hits the deck and his teammates evidently look to get it into his hands, knowing the damage he is capable of inflicting upon the opposition. Spicer may not have an abundance of size or strength, but that does not stop him from putting his head over the ball and cracking in hard whenever it's his turn to go. Without the ball, he applies plenty of defensive pressure and tackles hard, showing he is more than just a flashy wingman.

Although Spicer lacks the strength to play an inside role at this stage in his young career, this is an area which could be easily improved with a full strength and conditioning program in a professional environment. At times Spicer can miss his targets by foot, particularly when travelling at high speed. This is not uncommon for quicker players and can be rectified at the next level. Although he can rush his disposal at-times, Spicer is generally a reliable user by foot. In nine Under 18s games this season, Spicer sent the ball inside 50 on 52 occasions (5.7 per game), highlighting his attacking style of play and ability to cover the ground.

DRAFT PROJECTION: 40+

Phoenix Spicer has been a key component of a South Adelaide side which has been a regular finalist throughout the past few under 18 seasons. His ability to run and carry the ball from half-back to half-forward was a vital aspect of the Panthers game plan. After proving his class at Under 18s level, he was rewarded with a reserves berth and showed he can match it with more seasoned bodies.

Spicer combines his high-end speed and agility with one-touch cleanliness at ground level and a handy knack for the goals up forward. AFL clubs seeking an injection of pace and excitement should certainly consider selecting the Panther. Several sides appear interested in the speedster, given he received a national combine invite. Despite his slim frame and inconsistent foot skills, his raw talent could see him selected in the latter stages of the National Draft or as a rookie.