With this year's draft not as strong as last year's, the door has opened up for Jared Dakin and Matt McGuinness according to AFL Tasmania talent manager Mathew Armstrong.
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The former Lion and Kangaroo who later became coach of the Tasmanian Devils' VFL side said clubs are doing their homework more than ever this season.
"Matty McGuinness had an outstanding year for a 19-year-old and he played the way a 19-year-old should in the under-18 competition, which has held him in good stead," he said.
"Jared is a bit different, he's been injured all year and played that wildcard game where he had 30-odd touches, but his 17th year, his first year in the program, was exceptional.
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"Missing the whole year, I don't reckon clubs will be as confident just yet [to take him in the main draft] but he may be taken as a rookie."
While Dakin and McGuinness might need to wait until the rookie draft selections to find their name on AFL lists, North Hobart's Mitch O'Neill is well and truly in the mix for a full contract, with Armstrong predicting him to fall in the second round.
"That'll be fantastic for him and fantastic for him because he is a two-time All-Australian player. I even think Mitch is still progressing, still has a lot of development in him as a player, he probably doesn't actually know where he is yet as a player until he gets to AFL.
"He's a talented young footballer. He's very accomplished in most fields that are needed for AFL football - he's got speed, he's got courage, he's got endurance and very good skill level. He ticks all of the boxes."
A member of O'Neill's footballing family since under-13s, Armstrong says the 18-year-old would love to join best mate Fraser Turner at Richmond but ultimately, just wants to join the big leagues.
"A lot of Tasmanians take notice of the AFL draft and wish our boys all the best. If he gets there, I don't think he will let them down in the long run."
Playing 175 games at the highest level, inducted as a legend of Tasmanian football and now within his current role, Armstrong certainly knows what is required to succeed in the sport and gave a glowing endorsement of the three draft hopefuls.
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"You've got to be able to sustain an AFL career for 10 years so that's a big thing. You've got to have a great character to survive at that level.
"As great as it looks on TV, it's a tough business and you've got to have the right character and I believe those three boys [Dakin, McGuinness and O'Neill] have that."
Former North Melbourne defender Mitch Hibberd has also attracted attention after an impressive season for Williamstown in the VFL.
As great as it looks on TV, it's a tough business and you've got to have the right character and I believe those three boys [Dakin, McGuinness and O'Neill] have that.
- Mathew Armstrong