Jack Leys has bolstered his AFL draft prospects following a strong showing at the South Australian state draft combine, where he won the 2km time trial despite a recent quad injury. The 18-year-old wingman from Woodville-West Torrens, a club competing in the SANFL, took part in only one event at the combine after sustaining the injury during his team’s reserves finals campaign.

Leys is the son of former Richmond defender Brian Leys, who played 110 games for the Tigers between 1988 and 1994 before enjoying a successful SANFL career at Port Adelaide. Known for his competitive edge and outspoken nature on the field, Brian Leys won four SANFL premierships and was respected for his tough defensive style. Jack Leys said he shares his father’s physical approach to the game, valuing the intense contact and team camaraderie that come with the sport.

“I like the physical side of the game, feeling body on body or copping a big hit then just getting up and going again, or getting a big bump from your teammates to get you riled up,” Leys said. “Like my dad, I’m pretty proud on the field. You’ll probably be able to hear me if you come and watch me.”

Standing at 183cm, Leys has developed a reputation for his willingness to take on the game, drawing comparisons to Hawthorn’s Massimo D’Ambrosio. He was limited by injuries throughout the year, having previously torn a quadriceps muscle and suffered a hamstring injury during South Australia’s national under-18 championships matches. Despite these setbacks, Leys managed to play 10 under-18 games for Woodville-West Torrens and earned promotion to the reserves late in the season.

Leys, a committed Richmond supporter who attended the Tigers’ 2019 AFL Grand Final victory, remains uncertain about the club’s level of interest in drafting him. Richmond has not confirmed any intentions, and Leys said club communication has been minimal. Nevertheless, several recruiters from rival clubs have reportedly expressed the opinion that Leys is a promising prospect, some suggesting he could be rated higher than 2025 Richmond father-son hopeful Louis Kellaway, who was overlooked.

To date, Leys has spoken with representatives from Geelong and Melbourne, with no formal commitments made. He acknowledged the ongoing support of his father throughout his football development and said that joining Richmond would be a deeply meaningful outcome, though he remains open to opportunities with any club.

“If somehow it does work out for me to get to Richmond, it’d mean the world to me,” Leys said. “But I’m happy to go anywhere.”