Winner of the prestigious Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal this year, Charlie Dean is one of the top mature-age prospects available. In his debut VFL season, the Sandringham Dragons graduate impressed down back for Williamstown with his work rate, astute reading of the play, and intercept marking ability. Having shown promise but ultimately been overlooked in his top-age season, Dean now seems primed for a crack at the top level with a couple more years under his belt.

While he found a home down back in 2021, the breakout performer is capable of playing at both ends of the ground and is the type of hard-working prospect who is always keen to improve his game. Character is an intangible the 20-year-old prides himself on and in essentially his second full tilt at being drafted, Dean has shown plenty of it. With key position prospects somewhat at a premium and intercept defenders in vogue, he may well attract suitors in the latter stages of the draft.

STRENGTHS:

+ Marking
+ Reading the play
+ Versatility
+ Work rate

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Agility
- Consistency