The “Pendlebury-like” draft prospect with top-five talent who could slip to a pick in the teens

Sandringham Dragons prospect Murphy Reid could end up being the steal of the 2024 AFL Draft according to his Coates League coach Rob Harding.

While Reid didn’t test at the Draft Combine due to an injured ankle, he still ranks sixth in Cal Twomey’s Phantom Form Guide on AFL.com.au.

Harding agrees with Twomey’s take that he’s among the top handful of players in this draft class, but according to reports, the midfielder could slip to a selection in the mid-to-late teens once father-son and academy bids come into the equation.

The Dragons coach thinks that the on-baller would be taken inside the top five picks in most other drafts and even compared him to an all-time great for his awareness in the contest.

“Murphy Reid is an exceptional talent, and I think in most drafts he would go in the top five,” Harding said on SEN SA Breakfast.

“He’s certainly a top-five pick in my mind (this year), he’s very smooth, very calm and hits the scoreboard as a midfielder that pushes forward.

“I think he'll start his career as a high half forward and I'm always reticent to make player comparisons too much, but he does have a Pendlebury-like awareness around the contest – he’s got eyes in the back of his head.

“If he falls to that Port Adelaide pick (at number 13), and they'd be absolutely thrilled with him.”

Another player with top-10 talent that could slide somewhat is Dragons forward Harry Armstrong – a player who many consider to be the best tall prospect in the class.

Harding expects Armstrong’s athletics traits to impress at the top level with his speed unique for a player that stands at 195cm.

“Harry Armstrong's a great story,” Harding said.

“He didn't play any Coates League footy as a bottom-ager last year, he suffered a hip graze that got infected late in the year, and he was unavailable for selection with us.

“He then came in this year in his first year at Coates League level and performed really well. He kicked five goals in the championship-deciding game against Vic Country.

“He’s strong overhead and at ground level … the one of the markers that clubs use for speed is being below three seconds across 20 metres and Harry at 195 centimetres ticks that box.

“That also allows him to get out on the lead really well and he’s a beautiful kick for goal.”

The first round of the 2024 AFL Draft will be read out on Wednesday night at Marvel Stadium.