Appetite for starving opponents

A key defender with good closing speed and whose ability to spoil is Dustin Fletcher-esque.

TANNER Smith gets a buzz starving his man of the ball.

The North Ballarat Rebels defender has routinely frustrated some of the country's top key forwards in the past two years, using his long reach, closing speed and expert aerial judgment to help safeguard the goalmouth.

EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Watch highlights of Smith and get our expert analysis in the video player above

Likened to a young Dustin Fletcher, Smith is one of the most selfless shut-down defenders in the draft pool, and will probably find a home in the first 40 selections on Thursday week.

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From the Horsham area, the 194cm stopper gets a thrill out of suffocating his opponents in the marking battles and helping set up play for his teammates.

"I definitely love the one-on-one contests. It's such a big part of my game as a key defender," he said.

"When you are playing well and on top of your man, and getting a few kicks as well, you do get a buzz."

The 18-year-old was sent into attack later in the season, showing potential.

He showcased his elite endurance at the draft camp, posting a top-10 result in the 3km time-trial.

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Rebels regional manager Phil Partington said the backman was versatile enough to play both ends at AFL level.

"He is very much a team man and a lot of the things he does can go unnoticed, so we sent him forward to try to develop his game and expose him a little bit more," Partington said.

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