Taken with Port Adelaide’s first pick in the 2022 NAB AFL Draft (36 overall(, Tom McCallum is a versatile defender that has impressive speed for his size. Originally hailing from Tasmania, McCallum displayed strong intercept marking from the backline playing for the Allies in the under 18 National Championship, where he averaged 17 disposals and was named the side’s best player against Vic Metro.
AFL Talent Ambassador Kevin Sheehan likened McCallum to Sydney backman Tom McMartin, but the young defender has also drawn comparisons to Collingwood’s Isaac Quaynor. His bursts of speed and ability to play on both tall and small defenders make him an exciting prospect with the potential to be a solid rebounding threat in Port Adelaide’s backline.
