AFL clubs circle around North Warrnambool Eagles' Josh Corbett after breakout VFL season

That’s the assessment from Eagles coach Graeme Twaddle who has seen the attributes he is displaying in a breakout VFL season first-hand.

Corbett, 22, has kicked 21 goals and is averaging a league-high 3.4 contested marks a game for Werribee.

Twaddle said AFL clubs were circuling around the Hampden league talent.

“There’s no doubts about him taking the next step in footy,” he said.

“He is one of those guys, the harder he pushes and the more challenges in front of him, he embraces it.”

Twaddle said Corbett had shrugged off a bout of glandular fever which restricted his output at Werribee in previous seasons.

“He’s leading a lot of stats in the VFL – most contested marks, mosts kicks inside 50 and he’s the highest goal kicker who is not AFL-listed,” he said.

“I think a lot of clubs are looking at him. He’s a good size at six-foot-three and has a massive tank. He averages 14 kilometres in the forward line.

“He has a tremendous set of hands, a big set of mits on him. The improvement he could have made in country football was his conversion and he’s worked on that.”

Corbett was overlooked at TAC Cup level as a teenager but was considered one the Eagles’ brightest prospects at that time.

“A lot of AFL recruiters talking to Josh at the moment don’t know anything about him because he didn’t come through the system,” Twaddle said.

“The club has been aware for sometime there’s been AFL clubs showing interest because they’re doing their background checks."

Twaddle believes Corbett has the right attitude to thrive in an elite environment, highlighting his humble nature.

“He loves football. He was back at our football club two weeks ago to watch us,” he said.

“His dad Ross is the same. He still helps North Warrnambool at training on Tuesdays and Thursdays and when he is not travelling to watch Josh play, he is helping the club.”

North Warrnambool Eagles are hoping teenage midfielder Sam James can follow Corbett’s footsteps and play in the VFL next season.

Twaddle said the contested ball winner, who is still 19, could step up the next level.