Rhett Montgomerie was already an established and reliable figure in Central District's defence, but produced a breakout season in 2022 to make AFL clubs stand up and take notice of his talent. The intercept defender offers terrific range at 190cm and also fares well with ball in hand, proving a sound decision maker coming out of the defensive half.
Marking is where Montgomerie earns his keep, playing a style which suits the third tall role which is so in vogue at the moment. He averaged 7.9 grabs per his 17 SANFL games this year, notching a high of 12 on three seperate occasions - including against Port Adelaide in Round 10.
His work in the air was complimented by neat disposal by foot, with Montgomerie going at a terrific 80 per cent kick efficiency rate. Rounding out his game, the 22-year-old is a handy athlete who topped the time sheet over 20m at the recent South Australian draft combine.
A mature-ager among a raft of 18 or 19-year-old prospects, Montgomerie's rise in a SANFL side which finished second-bottom has been impressive. He offers that intercept value to a club in need of relatively readymade cover, having four years of senior football under his belt.
