STANDING out in a crowd has never been a difficulty for Oakleigh Chargers ruckman Angus Milham.

At 210cm, the 19-year-old is the tallest player in the TAC Cup.

If you put a 20 cent piece on his head he'd match Fremantle giant Aaron Sandilands, who is 211cm tall, for height.

Those who have seen Milham play say he has good skills and speed for a big man, and his character is solid.

Click here to read Angus Milham's draft profile

His coach at the Chargers, Justin Wenke, has been impressed with his progress, overcoming a late entry to football and a few back problems to play TAC Cup, represent Vic Metro and play for Port Melbourne's seconds in the VFL.

"One thing he does really well is follow up around the contest … use his body after the contest and shepherd and get on to the next ball," Wenke said.

"He is very team-oriented."

Despite these attributes nobody is quite certain whether he will get a chance with an AFL club this season.

At 86 kilograms, he's 34 kilograms lighter than the AFL's most dominant big man in Sandilands and although he has improved his strength, plenty of work remains.

"I found in my first year [with Oakleigh] – even though I only played three games – I was getting pushed around quite a lot," Milham told AFL.com.au.

"The next year I was focusing on my core strength and I found that helped quite a lot. I've been able to hold my own since then."

With a player such as Milham, clubs face a dilemma - strike now and carry the risk of trying to develop him in their image, or wait until a clearer picture emerges.

Milham knows the score, understanding that most young ruckmen are considered long-term projects.

Given he began playing seriously just three years ago when at Trinity Grammar, after spending the early part of secondary school playing rugby union (he says he used to sit out on the wing then run in for the line-outs), he knows he has plenty to learn.

He keeps a football nearby while focusing on the engineering degree he is undertaking at Swinburne University.  

And remains hungry for knowledge whenever he can get it.

That became obvious when Fremantle ruck coach Simon Eastaugh wandered into the city bar where Milham works at a few weeks ago.

The tall youngster recognised him and was quick to pick his brains.

"He gave me a few tips," Milham said.

He's also learned off Darren Flanigan, 'Crackers' Keenan and Justin Madden, with their different takes on the essentials of rucking adding to the mix.

He's had his wins – like his excellent game for Vic Metro againstQueensland – and his lessons – when he struggled representing Vic Metroagainst South Australia.

But he's honest with himself and sees every game as an opportunity to learn.

"I was a bit slow to adapt to the pace and the skill level," Milham said.

"It was a step above anything I have ever played before. By the end of the game I was getting into it."

Whether he can get into the AFL remains to be seen but one thing can be guaranteed.

He won't go unnoticed.

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