5 Josh Bench
Onballer/small forward
171cm, 64kg
Albion
Kretiuk says: “Sometimes the recruiters try to find a reason not to draft players. If he was another three inches taller, he would certainly get drafted.
“This kid has pretty much done everything against all the top-line midfielders in the competition and matched them or beaten them, and if you can compete against taller players and beat them on game day, why not give him a chance?
“Someone of his attributes, his speed, his agility — and he won our best and fairest — I think there’s a place for those sort of players in the AFL now.
“Most teams have one of these small forwards-cum-midfielders who put on all the pressure in the forward line and generate scoring opportunities for their side, and he’s one who can easily do that. I just hope someone gives him the chance because this kid can play.”
