Hyundai Brisbane Lions Academy teenagers Archie Smith and Jonathan Freeman are among the 98 players invited to attend the 2013 NAB AFL Draft Combine held at Etihad Stadium in October.

The NAB AFL Draft Combine is designed to put the country’s top prospects under the microscope in the lead-up to the National Draft.

In order to attend the NAB AFL Draft Combine, players must be nominated by at least five AFL clubs, meaning both Smith and Freeman have obviously attracted interest from opposition scouts.

Smith, who has a strong basketball background, has been on a steep learning curve since joined the Academy’s Rookie Search program in November last year.

Academy snares Archie

He represented Queensland at the 2013 U18 Championships, and has even had a brief taste of playing against mature bodies with the Lions Reserves in the NEAFL.

Hyundai Lion Academy Manager, Luke Curran, said Smith was a raw talent who has come a long way since he started trained with an oval ball for the first time just nine months ago.

“Archie has struggled at times with confidence and wanting to do more in games, but we’ve been really happy with his performances in all games to date,” Curran told lions.com.au.

“His competitive nature and want to learn and improve has helped with his development in all areas.

“He has a real thirst for knowledge and just loves watching AFL games live at the Gabba and on TV, so he can learn from the AFL ruckmen.”

Freeman is a 199cm key position prospect who has grown four centimetres since undergoing the Academy’s U18 summer program last year.

He is a key forward who has shown considerable improvement over the past 12 months, but like developing big men, is still a work in progress.

“Jono was pretty raw last year, but worked hard over summer to develop his fitness and strength, along with his marking and goal-kicking,” Curran said.

“He’s very coachable, and is always looking for feedback on how he can improve further.”

A further 100 players will be tested at State Combines held in Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth.