Eighteen-year-old Onley, a 195cm midfield enforcer from Shepparton United, is the Goulburn Valley’s likeliest prospect to be picked up in next month’s national draft held on November 19-20.
Onley missed testing at the recent draft combine due to a hamstring injury, but thanks to his size and skill set, he is a prized asset that AFL clubs may have kept an eye on throughout the year.
And his latest, glowing endorsement can only elevate his surging stock.
AFL Talent Ambassador Kevin Sheehan has released profiles on the nation’s top midfield prospects leading into the draft, and among the names is none other than AFL National Academy graduate Onley.
“A tall midfielder, Onley uses his height and reach to excel around stoppages and has a good burst of speed to break the game open,” Sheehan said.
“A powerful player who covers the ground extremely well, he divided his playing time this year between Scotch College, the Murray Bushrangers and Victoria Country.
“Was at his dominant best in the final two games of the National Championships against the Allies and Victoria Metro, with his bursts through the midfield and ball use superb.”
Onley opted to predominantly pursue the school football route in his draft year, representing Scotch College on six occasions and featuring in the best in four of those.
He began the season with two games for Murray Bushrangers, averaging 25.5 disposals, and even managed to squeeze in a game for Shepparton United’s seniors back in May.
However, his star was at its highest during the AFL Under-18 National Championships.
Onley averaged 23 touches (9.8 contested), 4.8 marks and four clearances for Victoria Country to claim All Australian honours, as well as being named in the Coates Talent League Team of the Year.
Modelling his game off his favourite footballer and fellow big-bodied midfielder Marcus Bontompelli, Onley will be hoping he’s put his best case forward to hear his name called out on draft night.
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