Port Adelaide has claimed versatile tall Xavier Walsh with pick 13 at today’s 2023 AFL Rookie Draft.
Walsh, a product from East Perth, will join small forwards Tom Anastasopoulos and Lachlan Charleson, as well as midfielder Will Lorenz who made their their way to Alberton at last night’s NAB AFL National Draft.
Walsh has represented Western Australia at both under 16 and under 18 level and has shown that his abilities can translate to the next level.
An elite aerial presence that plucks contested marks, Walsh is a powerful tall that attacks the ball hard and creates contests.
Walsh is starting to build a strong frame and has shown impressive athletic attributes this season.
Port Adelaide national recruiting manager Geoff Parker said Walsh provides invaluable flexibility as a tall.
“While Xavier has performed well as a forward he’s also shown he can play in a variety of other positions around the ground,” Parker said.
“He’s big and powerful and his versatility will provide our coaching group options as he develops through our program.
“Last night we recruited two small forwards in Tom and Lachie and an outside runner in Will at the National Draft, so we were keen to add some extra height to our list today providing us with good balance across the entire draft process.”
AFL Talent Ambassador Kevin Sheehan says:
Left-footed tall forward who had an interrupted year with injury and suspension but left a positive impression with his strong contested marking. Has shown he is capable of performing at both ends of the ground. Played eight games at under 18 level for East Perth averaging 10.3 disposals and 3.6 marks as well as kicking 13 goals. Represented his state against the Allies at the National Championships, where he took four marks and kicked a goal from his eight disposals. His natural leap was impressive at the national Draft Combine with a running vertical jump of 87cm.
Xavier Walsh
Date of birth: 06/09/2005
Height: 195cm
Weight: 90kgs
Position: Key forward
State League Club: East Perth
Community Club: Mt Lawley Inglewood
