CALLUM Jamieson is the prototype for the modern age ruck/forward. In short, he manages to fill every column of the stat sheet. While some big men understandably struggle below their knees, Jamieson’s mobility around the ground is a main strength, as is his ability to take a big mark in the forward arc.

Every young prospect keeps their fingers crossed hoping for a clean run at things in their draft year, and the 19 year-old could not have asked for better. Jamieson was a member of the WA Under 18s winning squad in the National Championships, and also won a premiership with Claremont in the WAFL Colts. The number of big games that the youngster has played in 2019 will be worth their weight in gold when recruiters assess the credentials of draft prospects.

STRENGTHS

Mobility
Work rate
Athleticism
Adaptability
Big game experience

IMPROVEMENTS

Strength
Physicality

The North Beach youngster comes in at 200cm and will likely grow some more in the years ahead. He tips the scales at just over 80kg and with the position he plays, he will need to add some size to compete with the big rucks and defenders in the AFL. Despite his tall frame, Jamieson’s ability to outrun his opponents at the Colts level has been eye-catching and led to him winning the Tigers’ MVP award and being named in the WAFL Colts team of the year.

Jamieson had a excellent lead-in to his finals campaign where he had 20 disposals, 24 hit-outs and nine marks in the final round fixture against Swan Districts. That led to his standout game a week later in first semi final against West Perth where in slippery conditions Jamieson was in a class of his own. The big man amassed 28 disposals, six marks, six tackles 15 hitouts and three tackles. It was a performance that not only earned the Tigers a double chance, it put the big man well and truly on the map for the recruiters.

He followed that up in a losing performance against Peel in the second semi-final with 18 disposals, six marks and 26 hit-outs. Two weeks later in the Grand Final against the same opposition, he gave his midfielders silver service with 34 hitouts and his courage was on full show as he bounced back from a heavy hit to his shoulder in the last quarter to play a key role in the final stages of the match.

His stats during the National Under 18s was more modest mostly due to the fact that he was playing second fiddle to Luke Jackson in the ruck department. But his all-round capabilities were on show especially in the clash against Vic Country where he finished with 10 disposals, six hit-outs, four marks, three tackles and a goal.

Having a dual position player in your ranks has never been more valuable in modern day footy and Jamieson ticks plenty of boxes. Just like any tall prospect, he will be a work in progress, but fellow WA product Tim English has shown that you don’t have be built like Nic Naitanui or Shane Mumford to have a impact in the middle of the ground.

DRAFT RANGE: Third round onwards

*Picture credit: Michael Farnell - Sports Imagery Australia