Steed’s Deeds Attracting AFL Draft Interest

Swan Districts young gun Leo Steed would love nothing more than to play alongside one of his idols next year, Fremantle Dockers champion Caleb Serong.

Steed grew up barracking for the Dockers and is one of WA’s best Draft prospects, but like every teenager trying to get onto an AFL list he’ll be content just to hear his name called out.

“I’m happy to go anywhere,” he told 6pr’s Sports Today.

“But growing up supporting the Dockers and having been a member for 15 years it would be cool to pull on that jumper.”

Steed led the way for Western Australia’s AFL draft hopefuls in the AFL National Draft Combine 2km time trial in Melbourne.

State 18s Boys co-captain Steed, coming off a brilliant year which included AFL Under-18s All-Australian honours and a strong season for Swan Districts seniors, was the quickest of the WA contingent with a blistering time of 6:09.

The prolific midfielder-forward’s time ranked him fifth overall.

“As a kid you dream of going to the Combine,” he said.

“I am a competitor and to do that against the best in Australia was terrific.

“it’s been a real goal of mine to go around six minutes for the 2km, so to produce a personal best was satisfying.”

Steed played 12 League games with Swans this year, averaging 14 disposals a game and kicking six goals.

“Definitely a lot different playing against men and one thing I noticed is that they are a lot more disciplined on defence and your mistakes are more costly,” Steed said.

As he prepares for life in the AFL system, Steed revealed three leading players he admires.

“Dylan Moore from the Hawks plays that half forward role so well,” he said.

“Zac Butters because of his competitive nature, and Caleb Serong with his clean hands and leadership.”

Steed is still waiting to find out if he’ll be asked to attend Draft night in Melbourne next month, but failing a trip east, he knows where he will be.

“If I don’t get invited to Melbourne, I’ll be in my hometown of Bunbury with my family and mates.”