James Mulligan – Southport/Queensland
Ht: 201 cm Wt: 96 kg
Junior position – FF / ruck
AFL position – FF / ruck
Mulligan is a 201cm athletic freak who is going to get drafted on that basis alone. Quite simply a guy that size should not be able to run and jump like he does and if he ever learns to use his gifts effectively he will be virtually impossible to match up on. Think a bigger and quicker Justin Westoff. Unfortunately he looks a long way from being ready to contribute at AFL level. He seems to rely on his natural athleticism too much and does not work hard enough. For a full forward he also does not kick enough goals and regularly leads to areas where he is not going to be dangerous. He is not very strong at the moment and is a non-factor as a ruck even at junior level. Apparently he doesn’t like playing as a ruckman and he puts in minimal effort when he is move there. If ever the lights go on and he starts to work at his game he could be anything. His skills are generally okay but given he has been around the game for a while you would expect better. He doesn’t like the physical stuff which will be a problem at AFL level.
Strengths: Fantastic key position height, athleticism and mobility
Weaknesses: Is lazy on the field and does not appear to work at his game off it. Does not appear to have a good football brain. Will fade if challenged.
Question marks: Will he ever be able to take advantage of the natural gifts that he has been given? Does he want it enough and is he prepared to do the work needed to improve his game?
Draft Prediction: 35-50
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