Brad Ebert - Gibbs Mark II

Massive expectations are each year placed on the shoulders of the anointed one; the player tipped to be selected number one in the AFL National Draft.

So who will be the bolter this year?

Well, debate has ignited as usual around this time of year, and this year it is under the backside of young South Australian Brad Ebert. The nephew of former South Australian superstar Russell and cousin to the dangerous Port Adelaide forward Brett has already marked his name as one to watch in this year’s draft.

Brad Ebert recently turned 17, the 187cm midfielder is ready to take the next step having already represented the Port Adelaide Magpies at senior level after arriving from Henley.

The youngster starred in the under-16 championships in 2006 and has made the step up to this year’s under-18 carnival effortlessly – appearing on the best players list as captain of the South Australia side that demolished Vic Country by 50 points.

With midfielders capable of taking a strong overhead mark always in high demand the young ball magnet will be hard to overlook come draft day.

Having also starred for the national team on its tour to South Africa earlier in the year where he established himself as a natural leader – Brad Ebert is considered the complete package.

Other South Australians considered likely challengers for the top draft pick include Levi Greenwood and Sam Fairclough along with Trent Cotchin (Vic Metro), Matt Kruezer (Vic Metro), Chris Masten (WA) and Rhys Palmer (WA) who collected 32 possessions and 5 goals against Vic Metro on the weekend.