Born: 19/8/1995
Height: 182cm
Weight: 75kg
Club: Burnie Dockers
Position: Midfielder

ELI Templeton has been selected by St Kilda with pick No.3 in Wednesday’s Rookie Draft.

The Tasmanian midfielder, with a mop of blond hair akin to Dyson Heppell, was one of the dominant players throughout the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships in 2013.

Templeton is never afraid to take the game on, whether it be via an ambitious kick at goal or a daring run through the midfield. At 75kg, he’s lightly framed and uses this to his advantage, with excellent evasive skills and spatial awareness in congestion.

Although the 18-year-old spends most of his time in the engine room, he is also capable of playing off a back flank and did so with aplomb in the National Championships.

The fact he uses the ball so well makes Templeton a versatile player who will only improve as he continues to build his body.

Tasmania high performance manager Matthew Armstrong had this to say:

"Eli is a different type of player. He is a nice user of the ball and excellent decision maker. He is an elite athlete with his running ability and has a great understanding of the game."

Templeton's running prowess was on show at the Draft Combine, when he came seventh in the 3km time trial and fourth in the beep test with 15.3.

You can follow Tom Morris on Twitter: @tommorris32