CONNOR Rozee wasn't happy with his NAB AFL Under-18 Championships for South Australia.
He averaged 13 disposals across the carnival, showed some flashes and his state claimed the title, but it wasn't the standout period he was hoping for.
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But he made sure the best was still to come. After the national series, Rozee went back to North Adelaide and performed brilliantly, including picking up 24 disposals and 10 marks in a semi-final win for the club.
The teenager went on to feature in the club's SANFL premiership win, with his improved form at the back end of the season against senior players showing why he is in the elite group of prospects at the top end of the draft.
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He's flexible – both positionally and the way he plays. His move to the half-back line towards the end of the season showed he could rebound, float in front of opponents and create, as well as be strong defensively.
But he started the year as a creative half-forward, where his high marking, skills around goal and long kicking makes him a dangerous threat. He is 186cm, but he can play taller than that because of his leap, and he averaged nearly five marks a game at senior level.
Rozee's raw traits all shone through in his testing at the NAB AFL Draft Combine. He finished in the top 10 for the standing vertical jump and running vertical jump tests, agility test and was second overall in the 20m sprint (2.91 seconds).
His athletic profile, adaptability and genuine X-factor makes him an appealing player who provides exciting moments regularly.
Rozee probably hasn't proven himself as a midfielder in the past two years since starring there as an under-16s, so clubs may have a little question about whether he's better suited as a flanker than a ball-winner in the middle.
His versatility has in some ways been a slight disadvantage as he has been moved around the ground and been unable to find consistency in any one role.
It's hard to find a comparison for Rozee given his unique skill set. But someone who has the same marking ability overhead is Brett Deledio. Like Deledio, Rozee can play all over the ground and has real spring and zip.
Rozee could go anywhere from pick No.2 to No.8. It's very difficult to see how he's not a top-10 selection, with Gold Coast, St Kilda, Port Adelaide and the Western Bulldogs all interested in him.
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Rozee is in demand for a reason. He brings bounce to the draft – he pops up when games are in the balance and can provide a spark in any area of the ground. He'd add to any club's list in a big way.
