Adam Cerra celebrates a goal for Vic Metro at the under 18 championships. The classy midfielder has a calm head on his shoulders. Picture: GETTY IMAGES
Footyology’s draft rankings – No. 4: Adam Cerra
No. 4 – ADAM CERRA
Victoria (Eastern Ranges)
Midfielder
Born: 07/10/1999
Height: 186cm
Weight: 85kg
TAC CUP STATS
Disposals: 26.3
Kicks: 19
Handballs: 7.3
Kicking efficiency: 50%
Handball efficiency: 66%
Tackles: 3.8
Mark: 6.8
Goals: 1.3
One elite attribute: Kicking. Slightly frail but extremely classy all-rounder with a calm head on his shoulders.
Best-case comparison: Dyson Heppell.
WHAT HE’S GOT
Precision kicking: Similar action to Marcus Bontempelli and he doesn’t just hit a target – he leads you to all of the right spots.
Decision-making: Never seems to be under duress. He’s also creative when he needs to be and knows when to play it conservatively.
Fantastic engine: Can run all day at a steady pace.
Consistency: Averaged 26 touches in the TAC Cup. Will produce regardless of pace of the game. Knows where to run to get some easy disposals or one-twos that allows him to get into the game.
Great vision: Occasionally played a loose half-back role as a junior and would relish it at AFL level. Always looks to set up play through the middle.
WHAT HE LACKS
Burst and quickness: He’s a fluid mover, but faster, stronger players are going to be too much for him in contested situations. He’s going to need every ounce of that high football IQ and awareness with which he’s been gifted.
Injury-prone: Missed most of 2016 with a bad right knee (meniscus) and had season-ending shoulder surgery this year.
