Essendon boasts one of the best tall defensive combinations in the game, but if it wants to bolster that department Kieran Collins could be its man.

The Dandenong Stingrays player was named in the All-Australian side after two years in the AFL Academy. 

Collins is 194 centimetres tall, so can cover the big key forwards that prowl the goal square. 

As is becoming common among modern day defenders, Collins has shown an ability to go forward.

Why pick him:

Essendon has lost three defensive options from its list, with Dustin Fletcher, Jake Carlisle and Ariel Steinberg no longer at the Club.

Tayte Pears and James Gwilt provide extra defensive cover, but the Bombers may look to start developing another backline option.

Similar to:

The AFL’s draft expert Callum Twomey has likened Collins to Essendon’s Cale Hooker because of his strong presence in the air.

Draft range:

Twomey expects Collins to be selected between picks 12 and 25.