ROWAN Marshall tested at the AFL draft combine two years ago as a raw-yet-promising teenage ruckman.
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The Portland export is now preparing for his second chance to impress recruiters at the state combine after developing into a versatile utility for VFL club North Ballarat Roosters.
Marshall, 20, has played every game for the Marc Greig-coached outfit in 2016, starting as the number one ruckman before honing his skills in key forward and defensive posts.
Greig said the 202-centimetre former North Ballarat Rebel even played as a midfielder, such was his ability to adapt to new positions.
The first-year mentor said Marshall had benefitted from a season at Ballarat league club Sebastopol.
“That was probably the best thing for his development, looking back,” Greig said.
“It was the best way for him to learn, against wiser heads in country football.”
Greig said Marshall’s willingness to establish himself in different roles garnered interest from AFL clubs.
“He is averaging 16 disposals a game at 75 per cent efficiency,” he said.
“Efficiency-wise, he is in our top three. He’s averaging five marks and five tackles a game as well.”
Marshall, who has added seven kilograms to his frame since arriving at the Roosters 18 months ago, said he jumped at the chance to play.
“I had a really good pre-season. I hit the gym and put on more size and built my aerobic capacity,” he said.
He is eager to make the most of another state combine chance, particularly in the 20-metre sprint.
“I don’t think I had the right technique back then. I ran one early in the year and improved my time,” Marshall said.