Draft pick #8 – Caleb Serong

DOB: 09/02/2001
POSITION: Midfielder/forward
HEIGHT: 178cm
WEIGHT: 88kg
DRAFTED FROM: Gippsland Power

Caleb Serong had an outstanding 2019 season co-captaining Vic Country at the NAB AFL U18 Championships, winning Vic Country's most valuable player award and being selected in both the Under 18 All Australian side and NAB League Team of the Year.

He was the second ranked player overall at the U18 Championships (behind Matthew Rowell), averaging 24 disposals, five marks and five clearances a game.

He laid the second most tackles overall at the U18 Champs and was the top ranked midfielder for metres gained.

He had a strong year for Gippsland in the NAB League and for Geelong Grammar School, winning over 20 disposals in all five of his NAB League games and consistently hitting the scoreboard, kicking multiple goals in two of those games.

He ranked fifth overall for average contested possessions and clearances at NAB League level, highlighting his ability to win his own ball and his smarts in close.

He's clean at ground level, a strong competitor, a gut runner, a very good mark overhead and can be influential both on the ball and as a permanent forward.