IT HAS been a year of learning curves for James Rendell.
From being shifted into different on-field roles, to stepping into new leadership positions, the draft hopeful has taken the numerous challenges thrown at him in his stride.
Clubs believe Rendell is one of the most 'no-fuss' and 'old-school' prospects in this year's NAB AFL Draft crop, both in terms of his personality and the way he goes about his football.
That professionalism is an indication of why the 199cm and 90kg ruck-forward improved steadily throughout the year, adapting to the new roles set for him by coaches and the prospect of stepping into the position as stand-in captain of the Sandringham Dragons.
NAB AFL DRAFT HUB Latest news, video and more
Being asked to skipper the Dragons was an unexpected promotion for Rendell, who was charged with filling the role due to the APS commitments of the otherwise regular captain Bailey Smith, as well as an Achilles injury that ended his year early.
But like with most things, Rendell chose to view it as a chance to grow and improve himself.
"I feel like it's really developed me as a person off the field and given me a lot of confidence on the field," Rendell told AFL.com.au.
"We were a pretty reliant team on bottom-agers this year due to a lot of injuries, so I had to fast-track my leadership pretty quickly to ensure we were still getting performances on the field."
PHANTOM FORM GUIDE Cal Twomey's latest update
Rendell's family history puts him in an intriguing position ahead of this month's draft.
His father, Matt, was a two-time best and fairest winner and club captain throughout his 177-game career with Fitzroy and the Brisbane Bears throughout the 1980s and 90s. It makes Rendell eligible to the Brisbane Lions as a father-son prospect later this year.
But his father was also a successful recruiter, spending more than five years as Adelaide's recruitment manager, while he currently occupies a position as a scout at Collingwood.
Matt's knowledge of the draft has enabled him to pass on some handy advice to his son, though Rendell believes it's what his father has left unsaid that is just as important.
BEST OF THE BEST Combine's standout performers
"It's a bit unique, with dad being in the industry and a recruiter as well," Rendell said.
"He's given me a few tips and pointers as to what to say in interviews and stuff. For the most part, I pretty much just learn as I go.
"He doesn't really overload me with too much information, which is a good thing. You get so much feedback from a lot of different coaches, but he just gives me a few tips and some advice – to take it week by week and to not get too fussed about the end result."
While the Lions are yet to commit to taking Rendell as a father-son prospect at the draft, the youngster is willing to go anywhere to fulfil his lifelong ambition of playing in the AFL.
"I've been speaking to Brisbane, but at this stage they've kept their cards close to their chest and haven't really given away too much just yet," Rendell said.
"I'd just be stoked if I got picked up, it doesn't really faze me the prospect of moving interstate. As long as I'm playing footy, I'll be happy."
INDICATIVE DRAFT ORDER Your club's latest picks
A solid season with Sandringham has certainly boosted Rendell's draft hopes, with the teenager demonstrating his ability to play both forward and through the ruck.
He kicked 14 goals in 13 games with the Dragons, but it's as a mobile ruckman where Rendell believes he excels. He averaged 14.4 disposals, 15.4 hit-outs and nearly five tackles per game in the TAC Cup this year, proving he could find the footy and get his hands dirty.
Rendell's history as a midfielder has held him in good stead at ground level. Picture: AFL Photos
"I played in the midfield up until about under 14s," Rendell said.
"I guess that's probably why my main strengths now are my ability to win my own footy on the deck, my follow-up work and my repeat defensive efforts.
"Playing in the midfield as a junior etched those traits into my game from a young age, but I still think I'm growing as well.
"I measured at 198cm at the start of the year and I'm about 199cm now. But I'm still having growing pains, so hopefully I can keep growing. Who knows how tall I'll end up?"
Rendell's season culminated in two impressive TAC Cup finals performances, rounding out a satisfying campaign for the promising big man.
He won 20 disposals, 19 hit-outs and took six marks in an elimination final win over Murray, before gathering another 18 disposals, 23 hit-outs and seven marks in Sandringham's preliminary final loss to Dandenong.
Now, the youngster is hoping it results in him ending up on an AFL list come November 23.
"It's a bit of a nervous time for me, because I'm not really too sure how the cards are going to fall," Rendell said.
"I'm just prepared either way. Hopefully I'll be given an opportunity, because it's been a dream of mine to play in the AFL ever since I was a young kid.
"It's been one of the most important things in my life, so if I'm fortunate enough to get drafted then I'd seize that opportunity."
