In the lead-up to next week’s 2021 national draft, we rewind to this time nine years ago for some assessments of then young, versatile, West Australian player Kamdyn McIntosh’s AFL prospects. McIntosh, who had broken into senior ranks at WAFL club Peel Thunder during the latter stages of the 2012 season, subsequently was drafted by Richmond with its second pick (No. 31 overall) in that year’s draft. He has gone on to become a valuable member of two Tiger premiership teams.

His pre-draft bio

“McIntosh is a versatile, running half-back/wingman, who came to notice with strong performances as a key defender for the WA under-18 side in the 2012 national championships.

A strong carnival gave him great confidence on his return to WAFL football and he quickly graduated to senior level at his club Peel Thunder.

There he settled quickly in the last four games of the season with a high of 23 possessions at half-back against eventual premier Claremont.

He then went to the AFL draft combine, displaying his super running capabilities, ranking in the 97^th  percentile in the endurance-based beep test with a14.08 score, followed up with a 10-minute, 14-second, three-kilometre time trial, ranking in the 97^th percentile.

McIntosh is a great competitor one-on-one and, combined with his size and running ability, is ideally suited to the modern AFL football.”

ESPN.com.au AFL draft expert Chris Doerre’s evaluation of McIntosh

“McIntosh is a close-checking, disciplined defender who can play on all sizes, whether it be tall, medium or small forwards, to a high level.

He finished the season really strongly and showed strong progress in his offensive game in the second half of the season with an increased willingness to shift off his man and generate some drive.

Ball use out of the back half is a highlight. For a tall, uses it really well by both hand and foot.

Also has really impressive closing speed and above-average athleticism, allowing him to stick with his man.

Has excellent endurance and can go all day.

Just one of those guys you can give a role to, and he will complete it, no fuss, and get the job done. Sometimes with defenders that’s all you need.

Also, late in the season, showed some ability to push up onto a wing and play some good footy, indicating that he has a few different strings to his bow.”

‘The Drop Punt’ 2012 phantom draft prediction – McIntosh to Fremantle at pick 37

“Local Perth boy Kamdyn McIntosh is a key defender with a good endurance base and closing speed.

Able to take on a key position in the backline, or the third tall, McIntosh is also able to stream out of defence and use the ball to effect.

McIntosh had the opportunity to play four senior games with Peel Thunder in which he held his own, averaging 17 disposals, five marks and three tackles across his four games.”

‘The Footy Almanac’ 2012 phantom draft prediction – McIntosh to Adelaide at pick 20

“With Ben Rutten nearing retirement, the Crows should seek to draft a key defender.

Out of Aidan Corr and McIntosh, the Peel Thunder boy has more chance of becoming a quality stopper that Adelaide are after.

Can play on talls, smalls and everything in between.

Shows plenty of discipline, and just tries his hardest to restrict his opponent.

Started to show late this season that he can play offensively, with his ball use by hand and foot a pleasure to watch.

A no-fuss defender, McIntosh will be worth the money at the Crows . . .”