The Academy ruckman that a rival recruiting manager rates as a top-three prospect

Brownlow Medallist Gerard Healy is hearing good things about Gold Coast Suns Academy draft prospect Ethan Read.

The ruckman has long been considered a first-round pick, and he certainly caught the eyes of recruiters at the draft combine where he ran a 5:56-minute 2km time trial.

Standing at 202cm, Read plays in the ruck but has the skill of a smaller player with his kicking and marking impressive traits.

While he’s tied to the Suns and will end up at the club in the draft, Healy expects a bid to come for his services very early in the piece.

Speaking to a recruiting manager at a rival club, Healy says they had Read rated as the third-best prospect in this year’s draft pool.

“I was talking to a recruiting manager today who had Ethan Read as number three,” Healy said on SEN’s Sportsday.

“He’s a 202-centimetre ruckman who can run.

“He was second (in the 2km time trial), he did a 5:56 time 2k.

“He has ridiculous athleticism. He gets 20 possessions a week and he’s over 200 centimetres.

“He should be pushed at number three. The Gold Coast may need to match (a bid for) him at number three.”

The Suns have struck gold in this year’s draft with key forward Jed Walter also an Academy product. The 194cm key has been touted as a top-two pick.

Gold Coast also have priority access to Jake Rogers, another Academy prospect. The small midfielder is considered a likely first-round pick.

The first round of the 2023 National Draft is set for Monday, November 20.