THE AFL draft hype surrounding Cobden teenagers Ben Cunnington and Gary Rohan was heightened yesterday by Geelong Falcons regional manager Michael Turner.
Turner stopped short of describing the pair as the best he had seen but rated Rohan the most exciting player and Cunnington the most professional player to come through the club.
"I've got no doubt they will be first-round draft picks," he said.
Turner said Rohan and Cunnington featured in potentially the best group of draft prospects to emerge from the Geelong Falcons.
Considering the Falcons nurtured the talents of existing AFL stars Gary Ablett, Jonathan Brown, Luke Hodge, Jimmy Bartel, Matthew Scarlett and Jordan Lewis, it is a bold prediction.
Turner also identified Allan Christensen, of Lara, Jasper McMilan-Pittard, of Torquay, Zac Ledin, of North Warrnambool Eagles, Luke Thompson, of Timboon Demons, and Tom MacKenzie, of Anglesea, as AFL prospects at November's national draft.
Cunnington and Rohan have contrasting backgrounds in the Falcons' under-age program.
Cunnington was identified at under 15 and 16 level, then played in the TAC Cup as a 17-year-old in 2008.
Rohan was overlooked at younger age levels but when given his opportunity as a top-age player, rapidly established himself as a top-level TAC Cup performer.
Both players earned Victoria Country selection, followed by All-Australian Under 18 Team selection based on their performances during the national championships.
AFL national talent manager Kevin Sheehan was impressed with the attributes of Cunnington and Rohan in Victoria Country's five matches.
He said both were certain draftees, offering a "conservative" top 20 assessment for the November national draft.
"They've had great years for the Geelong Falcons and outstanding championships," Sheehan said.
"It's (under 18 titles) the most level playing field you have available and they stood up in every respect."
Sheehan described Rohan as a potential "electric" mid-sized forward, with potential to play in the midfield and Cunnington as an inside, midfield player.
He said Rohan's pace and marking ability were illustrated during the championships, coupled with a willingness to use his speed defensively.
Cunnington's ability to win contested possessions in the air or at ground level impressed Sheehan.
Both players have been used in defence, midfield and attack for the Geelong Falcons, highlighting their versatility to AFL scouts.
Turner said Cunnington was a readymade AFL player, highlighting his approach to training and preparation for games.
"He is the most professional kid I've ever come across," he said.
"He just plays really hard, tough football . . . a bit like a Jimmy Bartel.
"He's inside (midfield) but can also go back and read the play well or go to the goal square and kick three quick goals."
Rohan's potential for further development excites Turner.
"He's only been in our program for five months," he said.
"He has massive scope for improvement and he has that X-factor. I've been doing this job for 15 years and I'd say he's the most exciting player I've seen."
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