AFL talent expert Kevin Sheehan thinks a Tasmanian could be picked in the first round of this month’s National Draft.
The Apple Isle haven’t had a player taken in the first round since North Melbourne took Tarryn Thomas with No.8 in 2018, but Sheehan thinks medium defender Lachlan Cowan is set to break that trend.
Cowan was this year’s joint Morrish Medal winner for the best player in the NAB League with Tasmania playing a full season in the competition, and Sheehan says clubs may see the 188cm backman as a Tom Stewart-like prospect.
“He was that (joint Morrish Medallist), Tassie is now in the NAB League, they have been the last three years,” Sheehan said on SEN Afternoons.
“They had a full year (in the competition), and he (Cowan) had a great year.
“They play of course week to week in the NAB League and then they get to play for the Allies, the best of them, on the national stage against the boys from Victoria, SA, WA, he made All-Australian at that level as well.
“I suppose there’s a bit of Tom Stewart in him with the way he reads the angles and certainly with the way he kicks the footy.”
Sheehan is certain that Cowan will be Tasmania’s first player picked in the draft after he averaged 22.3 disposals, 492 metres gained and 4.3 tackles a game for the Allies in the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships.
“He’s got some dash about him, he’s a strong, powerfully build youngster that’s prepared to take some risks and hit up those targets through the midfield,” Sheehan said.
“He’s just strung together games at a very, very high level, I’m just wrapped with the way he’s unfolded this youngster from the North-West of Tassie.
“He’s certain to be their first player selected.”
This year’s NAB AFL Draft takes place on Monday, November 28 and Tuesday, November 29.
Cowan will be hoping to be taken on the opening night when the first round is selected.