Jasper Scaife has come from obscurity to be one of the most highly-touted prospects in next week’s AFL mid-season rookie draft.
And while his rise has been remarkable, the West Perth forward says he’s confident he has all the attributes to play at the highest level this year.
Scaife, 19, is considered a near certainty to be picked up in the rookie draft next Wednesday, after bursting onto the WAFL scene with eight goals in his first three league appearances for the Falcons.
It comes after a tough 18 months, where Scaife had to move on from the disappointment of missing out on being drafted in 2022 as part of Fremantle’s Next Generation Academy and toiling way in the reserves last year.
“The initial decision (of not being drafted) was a shock to the system. Regardless of how well prepared you are, it’s always an emotional rollercoaster and a hard pill to swallow,” Scaife told The West Australian.
“The only way forward is through action, I learnt that quickly. And understanding that if you allow your emotions and feelings to dictate your actions, you’ll never get anything done or achieve on a monumentally successful level which is what I’m driving towards.
“There were a few months where I was shattered about it and wouldn’t say I was consumed by it, but there was a lot of learning and growth that came from it. The polarity between to where I am now from then is a testament to the work and the people around me.”
Scaife has transformed himself into a formidable footballer, with a booming kick and the ability to take a strong contested mark – key aspects recruiter are looking for in a 197cm, 85kg forward.
“It’s about working on your craft, being able to play my role well is something that has helped me become a regular,” he said.
“Adding strings to your bow and developing all areas of your craft, not just what you’re good at.
“I’ve always been someone who has been able to take a good grab but it’s about building on that and having confidence to translate that into games which I’ve had improvement in.”
All that work has Scaife backing himself to be able to stand tall if called into an AFL side before the year is out.
“I feel like I’ve got all the attributes to succeed at the highest level for a long period of time,” he said.
“I understand it’s going to be a different transition and a different environment, but I am excited for the opportunity when it does arise.”
Scaife doesn’t have a shortage of mentors around him to help guide his journey into the AFL.
The youngster has become part of a formidable one-two punch for the Falcons alongside triple Bernie Naylor medallist Tyler Keitel, who he described as a “brother”.
“Tyler has been massive for me on and off the field,” Scaife said.
“Helping me understand my role, he’s been that big brother figure who has helped me transition into league football. It’s great to learn from the best.
“He’s been doing it for so long now and he’s got a wealth of experience and knowledge, so it’s been awesome to pick his brain and have a good relationship with him.”
The interest in Scaife has been vast with at least nine clubs including North Melbourne and Waalitj Marawar (West Coast) meeting with him ahead of the draft.
Scaife said he wasn’t getting too far ahead of himself by thinking he’s a certainty to be selected.
“Having interest is one thing but if you don’t get called out it’s another,” Scaife said.
“Healthy scepticism is the way I’ve approached it.
“It’s good that there’s interest but at the same time I’ve still got a job to do. I’m task focused and processed driven, so I’m keeping things simple.”
Source Agencies
