Fremantle has used each of its eight selections in the 2008 NAB AFL Draft to secure three West Australians, four Victorians and one South Australian.

The club used its prized first round selection (No. 3 overall) to recruit highly rated West Perth midfielder Stephen Hill.

Stephen played for West Perth in both colts and league this year. He represented WA in the U18 National Championships and was rewarded with All-Australian honours for his performances. He showed huge improvement throughout the course of 2008 playing largely on a wing or across the back line. He also had some tagging roles, including against Port Adelaide draftee Hamish Hartlett, and executed the roles with aplomb.

A competitive, quick and AIS/AFL record holder for agility, Stephen has a damaging left foot kick and is capable of hitting targets at both short and long range.

Click here to view Stephen’s profile or click here to watch Stephen in action.

Fremantle used its first of two second round selections (No. 21 overall) to draft 2008 Sandover Medallist Hayden Ballantyne from Peel Thunder.

Much like Stephen, Hayden had a breakout 2008 WAFL season and stamped himself as a genuine draft prospect playing as a small forward and kicking 75 goals. He played in a struggling team but still managed to have an impact in most games and was rewarded for his outstanding performances with selection in the WA State team this year. He was named the WAFL’s best and fairest player in September when he claimed the coveted 2008 Sandover Medal.

At 173cm Hayden is an ideal small forward prospect as he can present as a marking target or be used as a crumbing option. A reliable performer at ground level and in contested situations, Hayden displays good pace and commitment to locking the ball in the forward line when not in possession.

Click here to view Hayden’s profile or click here to watch Hayden in action.

The club used its other second round selection (No. 24 overall) to recruit North Ballarat left footer Nick Suban.

Nick has represented Vic Country for the last three years; in 2006 at the U16 National Championships and in 2007 and 2008 at the U18 National Championships where he received All-Australian honours both years and an AIS-AFL Academy Scholarship in 2007 for his impressive season as a 17-year-old.

He is a very smart footballer with very good skills and has played mostly as a small defender and in the midfield. He is good in contested situations and displays sound ball handling.

Click here to view Nick’s profile or click here to watch Nick in action.

Fremantle bolstered its ruck stocks with its fourth overall selection in the third round (No. 37 overall) by drafting 204cm Oakleigh Chargers ruckman Zach Clarke.

Zach represented Vic Metro in this year’s U18 National Championships and is very athletic for his size. His endurance and competitiveness impressed many during the TAC Cup season, as did his preparedness to follow up his ruck work. He is also a very good tackler for his size.

Click here to view Zach’s profile or click here to watch Zach in action.

Fremantle’s fifth selection (No. 53 overall) saw the club recruit its third WA bred product in Swan Districts half forward Michael Walters.

Michael represented WA last year in the U16 National Championship and this year in the U18 National Championships. He was also a part of the Swan Districts 2008 colts premiership side.

Michael played most of his football this season on the half forward line with stints in the midfield. He is a smart and courageous player with uncanny awareness and brilliant foot skills.

Click here to view Michael’s profile or click here to watch Michael in action.

The club’s sixth pick (No. 56 overall) brought Geelong Falcons utility Ben Bucovaz to Fremantle.

Ben represented Vic Country in 2006 in the U16 National Championships and in 2008 in the U18 National Championships.

A genuine utility, Ben is capable of playing midfield, forward and back. He reads the game well, makes good decisions and is a beautiful kick of the football. When in the contests he fights to win the ball and applies good pressure.

Click here to view Ben’s profile or click here to watch Ben in action.

North Ballarat small forward Tim Ruffles joined Fremantle when the club used its seventh pick (No. 68 overall) to draft him west.

Tim is originally from Narrandera in NSW and represented NSW in the U16 National Championships in 2006 and in the U18 National Championships in 2008. Tim’s early form in the TAC Cup was outstanding and he finished off the year with a five goal haul in North Ballarat’s last game of the year in the finals.

Tim is super quick, agile and was second, only behind Nicholas Naitanui, in the vertical jump at this year’s draft camp. He is a capable leading target but is as reliable in a crumbing role

Click here to view Tim’s profile  or click here to watch Tim in action. 

Fremantle used its final pick in the 2008 NAB AFL Draft to recruit its solitary South Australian product, Woodville-West Torrens wingman Chris Hall.

Chris had a solid year playing for the Eagles in the SANFL, progressing from U19 to Reserves to League in 2008. He also represented South Australia at the U18 National Championships where he was excellent, exemplifying his dramatic improvement over the course of the 2008 season.

Chris spent most of his time playing on a wing with small periods spent on the ball or as a small forward. He can find space extremely well, likes to carry the ball and is not afraid to take his opponents on. His skills are clean and he will hit targets inside 50 as well as run forward and kick goals. He is a quick decision maker so he is very good in tight or under pressure.

Click here to view Chris’ profile or click here to watch Chris in action.