WAFL colts 2023: Top AFL draft prospect Daniel Curtin adds tall midfield role to his kit bag

Staff writerPerthNow
VideoTake a look at the Claremont Colt's highlight reel.

Is this the most versatile AFL draft prospect in Australia?

Daniel Curtin burst onto the radar of scouts with a best-on-ground performance as a key defender in the curtain-raiser on AFL grand final day last year.

He started this season as a full-forward for Claremont’s colts side.

Now, the 195cm Tiger is having a crack at playing as a tall midfielder ... and he’s not too shabby at it either.

Curtin, arguably WA’s top draft prospect this season, started on-ball against East Fremantle at Revo Fitness Stadium at the weekend and impressed with an inside mid role.

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He finished with a game-high 26 possessions - including 18 contested - to go with a staggering 12 clearances and 11 tackles in the undefeated Tigers’ 21-point win

Speaking in the lead-up to last year’s draft, WA Football Commission state talent manager Adam Jones said the fact Curtin missed most of last year with injury meant his ceiling was still largely unknown.

“He’s a big boy and he hasn’t done a great deal in the gym just yet so his size is natural and once he gets the strength to go with his size, he’s frightening,” Jones told the Hard Ball Gets AFL Show.

Curtin kicked three goals from two games as a forward to start the season before the move midfield.

Camera IconDaniel Curtin marks while playing for Scotch College in the PSA competition. Credit: Iain Gillespie/The West Australian

Should his form hold, the tall utility would no doubt be strongly considered by West Coast as the club dives even further into a rebuild next season.

The Eagles are currently in a scrap at the bottom of the ladder and are considered a strong chance to land the No.1 pick - currently linked to boom Victorian youngster Harley Reid.

But should they rise up the ladder the club could yet again look to split their pick - trade their one high pick for two slightly lower down the order in a similar move to the one which saw them draft Reuben Ginbey and Elijah Hewett last year.

Every game of the WAFL colts 2023 season can be watched live, free and on demand on Streamer - the home of community sport.

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