AFL Talent Manager Kevin "Shifter" Sheehan - Friday October 23

The upcoming AFL draft generates excitement and anxiety among young prospects, with many players hoping to secure a spot on a team. Draft expert Kevin Shifter-Sheehan highlights the advancements in player assessment, particularly the use of GPS tracking technology that monitors athletes' performance metrics during games. This data, combined with skill analysis and psychological evaluations, helps clubs make informed decisions about potential draftees.

Shifter-Sheehan discusses the evolving dynamics of key forward and ruck positions, noting a trend toward selecting more mobile players who can adapt to various roles on the field. He identifies several standout prospects, including Harry Van Hattem, a promising ruckman, and Will Maladdy, a versatile forward who has demonstrated impressive performance in high-stakes matches. The conversation also touches on the competition for talent from other sports, emphasizing the need for AFL to attract and retain elite athletes.

As the draft approaches, clubs face critical decisions regarding their picks, with players like Dougie Corcoran and Sam Gafer emerging as top contenders. The ongoing dialogue about player development and the changing landscape of the game underscores the importance of strategic planning in building successful teams for the future.

AFL talent manager and draft expert Kevin "Shifter" Sheehan joined Dwayne to speak about how draft intel and recruiting has changed in recent years, and the best key forwards and rucks in this year's crop. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices