A SLOW start to the season for Jayden Laverde was quicklyforgotten with a standout NAB AFL Under-18 Championships for Vic Metro.
Laverdeelevated himself as one of the most unique prospects in this year's NABAFL Draft during the national carnival, playing a number of key roles.
Hesaved his best game for last, kicking three goals from 11 disposals forMetro against South Australia and being rewarded with All Australianhonours.
The 18-year-old continued at the samelevel for the Western Jets, producing an excellent 28-disposal,eight-mark and one-goal game against the Dandenong Stingrays.
For a start, Laverde is versatile. He can be used in almost any role given his size (189cm, 82kg) and athleticism.
Attimes through the season he was played off half-back, on the wing, as ahalf-forward or true midfielder, but Laverde's strength is being ableto do all of that within a single game.
Being abig-bodied midfielder seems to be his go at the next level given he hasthe pace, agility and strength around the ball and the breakawayqualities to find space.
Around the groundLaverde has shown his ability to cut off the play from half-back and hereads the play well to take overhead, intercept marks and then getmoving.
Powerful, quick and with excellentlateral movement, Laverde has some genuine game-turning traits to hisgame. He kicked 15 goals from 10 games for the Jets, showing hisattacking mindset.
Thereisn't a whole lot to be concerned about with Laverde. He hasn't doneheaps of long-distance testing for his endurance, but it hasn't struckas a weakness during games.
A badly corked quad saw him miss the Jets' final game of the year and testing at the recent NAB AFL Draft Combine.
Inhis ability to play all over the ground and as a big and strongmidfielder, Laverde has some similarities with Brendon Goddard. Laverdehas more natural speed than Goddard, but they both have greatversatility and flexibility.
Laverde is right at the top end of the draft. Likely to fit in between pick 4 and 10.
Oneof the most exciting and captivating players in the draft pool. He canjump, turn, twist, run, evade and do it anywhere around the ground.There are lots of reasons why he'll be an early draft pick.
