Northern Knights captain Nick Coffield eludes two Eastern Ranges opponents during the TAC Cup this year. Photo: AFL MEDIA
Footyology’s draft rankings – No. 6: Nick Coffield
No. 6 – NICK COFFIELD
Victoria (Northern Knights)
Running defender/midfielder
Born: 19/3/1999
Height: 190cm
Weight: 83kg
TAC CUP STATS
Disposals: 20.9
Kicks: 13.7
Handballs: 7.3
Handball efficiency: 81%
Kicking efficiency: 72%
Marks: 4.7
Tackles: 2
Goals: 0.8
One elite attribute: Kicking. A versatile running defender who almost seems genetically engineered for the modern game – in other words, a “metres gained” specialist.
Best-case comparison: Dylan Roberton
WHAT HE’S GOT
Kicking: One of, if not the best kick in this year’s draft. Has a piercing right boot and always looks to use it. Trusted with kick-in duties in the TAC Cup and under 18 championships.
Leadership: With his consistent attack on the ball and footy smarts, the Northern Knights captain showed glimpses of a future Luke Hodge.
Work ethic: Coffield was hardly a first-round selection going into 2017 and now sees himself firmly entrenched in the top 10. Loves footy and will do everything required to succeed.
Pace: You can’t give Coffield open space because he will use his long legs and loping strides to burn you through the middle. Takes the game on at every opportunity.
WHAT HE LACKS
Aggression: Coffield is aggressive, but only in space. His contested work needs a lot of time put into it if he is to be trusted with key defensive assignments and be trusted as a full-time midfielder.
