AFL Draft: Swan Districts forward Leon Kickett one of three West Aussies to get State combine invitation

Swan Districts small forward Leon Kickett has emerged as a draft bolter after becoming one of three West Australians to get a late call-up for the State draft combine later this year. Kickett, Swans teammate Blake Kelly and Perth defender Dale Sutherland will join six others to be tested at the State combine in Perth on October 12. The 19-year-old was on the verge of playing as a top-ager in Western Australia’s Under-18 National Championships this year on the back of a strong start to his colts season. A South Bunbury product, Kickett is averaging 15 disposals and five tackles from 15 games and is coming off a 21-disposal outing against Claremont, putting him in the frame for a league game before the end of the season. WA Football talent boss Adam Jones said the invitation was great reward for form for the talented forward. “He was very close to State selection as a 19-year-old and has shown some good signs throughout the year with his ability to tackle and put pressure on as well as his ability in front of goals,” Jones said. “Originally a South West kid, he’s moved up to Perth this year and his football has gone to another level.” Sutherland, 18, has emerged as a draft option after a big few months. Playing down back for WA in their loss to the Allies at Marvel Stadium, the Demon caught the eye when he had 20 touches and eight intercept possessions. Since returning to the WAFL, the 183cm defender has been racking up the touches and is coming off 35 disposals and seven marks against Peel Thunder at the weekend. Kelly is also in strong form, averaging 28 touches and eight tackles in his past four games since returning to Swan Districts’ colts program. “Dale was disappointed not to get an initial invite but his last couple of games have been the best footy he’s played all year,” Jones said. “He’s a player we feel has a fair bit of talent, so it was great to see him get a reward of a combine invite. “Kelly was similar to Sutherland not to get an initial invite. He had a delayed pre-season so his form has been solid but like Dale he’s had a solid couple of weeks and finished the carnival quite well.” The trio join West Coast father-son prospect Charlie Banfield (Claremont), Tom Phillips, Cooper Ramsay (East Fremantle), Fremantle Next Generation Academy members Ryda Luke and Toby Whan (South Fremantle), as well as Hudson Walker (Subiaco) as invitees to the State combine. Meanwhile, seven West Australians — under-18 captain Fred Rodriguez (South Fremantle), Cody Curtin (Claremont), Eagles NGA prospects Koby Evans (Perth) Wes Walley (Subiaco) and Tylah Williams (Swan Districts) as well as Jacob Farrow and Sam Swadling (West Perth) — have been invited to the national draft combine in Melbourne from October 3-5.