Date of Birth: 31/05/05
Height: 176cm
Weight: 65kg
Position: Small Forward
State: Victoria Country
State League Club: Geelong Falcons
Community Club: Newtown & Chilwell
Port Adelaide has claimed crafty small forward Tom Anastasopoulos with its first pick in the 2023 AFL National Draft on Tuesday night.
Anastasopoulos’ name was called with pick 48 after Port Adelaide completed a trade with North Melbourne, acquiring the selection for a future fourth tied to Essendon. It unlocked Port to finally deploy its draft hand, having traded its 2023 first rounder away as part of last year’s swoop for Jason Horne-Francis.
The 18-year-old Victorian enjoyed an impressive top age season inside 50, both offensively and defensively, showing he was capable of hitting the scoreboard accurately as well as applying intense forward tackle pressure.
He was also a member of Victoria Country’s National Championship squad.
Port Adelaide National Recruiting Manager Geoff Parker says:
Tom is a small forward with a good mix of speed and endurance. He has the ability to work up and back from forward 50 to defensive 50 and when he gets the opportunity he’s a very good finisher in front of goals.
AFL Talent Ambassador Kevin Sheehan says:
Small forward who brings real intensity and tackling pressure as well as speed with his work inside 50. Came to notice early in the Coates Talent League season with a five-goal haul against the Oakleigh Chargers in Round 2 and earned a place in Victoria Country’s squad for the National Championships where he played three matches. Was extremely accurate kicking at goal and finished with 21.2 across 11 games for the Falcons. His time of 6:11 on the 2km time trial was ranked second among state Draft Combine participants.
