STRENGTHS: Accumulation, speed, leap, agility, endurance
IMPROVEMENTS: Strength, tackling, contested work

SUMMARY: Balanced midfielder Isaac Saywell spent the year representing Norwood in the SANFL's Torrens University Under-18 Cup and at Reserves level. Albeit at a lower level, Saywell was a productive accumulator of the Sherrin, regularly managing in excess of 25 disposals. Selected, but failing to play a game for his state during the mid-year National Under 18 Championships, Saywell instead put his head down and was a consistent contributor for the Redlegs each week. In round four he made the move up to the clubs Reserves side where he was able to maintain his spot. Saywell is a very athletic player and it was no surprise to see him test extremely well at the State Combine, finishing first in the country for running vertical leap right leg (94cm) and third for left leg (93cm) whilst also ranking second for standing leap (80cm) and equal-eighth in the yo-yo test. He also clocked a 2.97-second 20m sprint time. Importantly, Saywell uses a combination of these impressive traits in-game, with his strong endurance/speed and leap seeing him take a large number of marks. During the season Saywell proved he can also hit the scoreboard from general play. The talent is certainly there - he won the Norwood Under 16 Best And Fairest in 2016, ahead of highly fancied duo Luke Valente and Jacob Kennerley - although Saywell will need to build up strength in his 187cm frame in order to play at the highest level. He could also improve his tackling numbers, laying just 10 tackles in seven* games at SANFL Reserves level. However his ball-winning ability and athletic supremacy will certainly attract the attention of AFL recruiters.

*Round 4 not included in statistics below due to quarter by quarter stats instead of game stats, uploaded to SANFL website