Clayton Oliver's Rival for 'Recruit of the Year' Award Takes Centre Stage

Clayton Oliver's Rival for 'Recruit of the Year' Award Takes Centre Stage

Clayton Oliver is in a tight contest for the 'Recruit of the Year' award, with Sam Draper emerging as a strong contender. Draper, who joined the Brisbane Lions in the off-season, has made a significant impact at his new club, helping the team dominate centre clearances and scoring differential.

What happened?

Sam Draper, the Brisbane Lions' new recruit, has taken the competition by storm, complementing the team's star-studded midfield with his athleticism and pogo-like jump. Despite coming off a ruptured Achilles tendon, Draper has not only complemented the midfield but has added a layer that makes Brisbane more dynamic and potent than ever before.

Why it matters for Clayton Oliver

Clayton Oliver's chances of winning the 'Recruit of the Year' award are being threatened by Draper's impressive performance. With Draper's impact on the team's centre clearances and scoring differential, he is now in a tight contest with Oliver for the award.

What comes next?

As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how Draper's performance continues to impact the Brisbane Lions' chances of making a finals appearance. With his unique skill set and ability to run with the ball, Draper is a valuable asset to the team.

Through 17 matches, the Lions have the best clearance differential in the competition and are ranked second for scoring differential from clearances. Even more telling, though, is the improvement at centre ball-ups. Last year, Brisbane was ranked ninth for centre clearance differential and a lowly 16th for scoring differential from that source. Now, they are second and first respectively, scoring eight more points than their opponents each match from the centre square.

Champion Data has Draper ranked second for hitouts to advantage. He is also ranked the third most effective player in the competition at centre ball-ups. Brisbane wins clearances 50 per cent of the time he is there and loses them just 38 per cent of the time.

Speaking after the Lions' 90-point demolition of Essendon on Sunday, coach Chris Fagan was glowing in his praise of the former Bomber. "Darcy and Oscar are honest competitors that give you a good look with their tap work and get around the ground and help out," Fagan said. "Drapes, with no disrespect to the other two, has X-factor. He can run with the ball, he can do things you don't see other ruckmen do. He's got a skill set that's quite unique."

Draper and two-time Brownlow Medal winner Lachie Neale trail only Sydney pair Brodie Grundy and Isaac Heeney as the most prolific hitout-to-gather duo in the competition. And that's just Draper's rucking. He has now kicked 11 goals and is a regular helping out in the defensive 50 with timely marks or spoils.

Over the past six rounds, Draper is the third-rated ruck in the AFL behind Luke Jackson and Max Gawn and the 20th-rated player in the AFL. Throw it all in together and if there was a 'Recruit of the Year' award, Draper would have a case alongside Clayton Oliver and Jack Silvagni.

However, you cut it, the popular Lion is having a major impact at his new club and should have a big say as he charges towards a first finals appearance in September.

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