Six south-west footballers to watch in the AFL in 2020

Fifteen footballers who honed their skills on south-west grounds will feature at the elite level in 2020, including newcomer Jay Rantall.

The number is down one on last season following the retirement of four-time Hawthorn premiership player and Melbourne leader Jordan Lewis.

Jamaine Jones was delisted by Geelong after three seasons at the Cattery but was given a life-line at West Coast via the Supplemental Selection Period (SSP) on Tuesday.

With the first round just over two weeks away, The Standard looks at six south-west players who have plenty to play for and prove in 2020.

Hasn't put a foot wrong since arriving at Collingwood via pick 40 in last year's draft. Made the most of a late call-up for the Magpies' first pre-season hit-out against Richmond in Wangaratta on Sunday, looking composed and picking up nine disposals in limited game time. The Pies boast a star-studded midfield but Rantall looks poised to become the latest South Warrnambool export to make his AFL debut. Will be in contention early.

Fremantle's number one ruckman following the retirement of Aaron Sandilands. Looks fit ahead of his fourth AFL season but the Cobden export has battled injury concerns, first hurting his shoulder in an intra-club match before sending a send through the Dockers' camp when he came from the ground in their first practice match on Saturday night with a calf complaint. Expected to carry a heavy load in 2020. His ability to shoulder the ruck load will enable Rory Lobb to play in his preferred position in attack.

One of the competition's best young talents will relish playing in one of its emerging teams in 2020. Brisbane soared last season and is determined to maintain an upwards trajectory. What makes McCluggage dangerous is his ability to hit the scoreboard playing from the midfield. The South Warrnambool export kicked 23 goals a game last season - a stat he'll look to maintain or improve.

Got a taste of the top-level in 2019 with 10 senior games and ready to consolidate his spot in Port Adelaide's midfield. Plays a similar style to Rantall - in and under and poised with ball in hand, doing the hard work to set up his teammates on the outside. The three-time Koroit premiership player - a feat he achieved by the time he was 18 - looked comfortable at the elite level last season, highlighted by his mark-of-the-week nomination when he courageously went back with the flight of the football. Ready to entrench himself in the Power's best 22.

Mortlake product eager to to make the most of his second chance in Sydney after falling out of favour at Brisbane last year. The Swans are in a rebuilding phase and boast some exciting young prospects. Taylor, himself only 25 and with 112 games to his credit, fits the ideal age demographic. A former rising star winner whose precise kicking and goal nous will be an asset at the small SCG.

A fan favourite at St Kilda after just 33 games. Plays with passion and excitement which is infectious. The Portland export was among the competition's most improved players in 2019. A force in the ruck and boasts an accurate kick. Will spend time forward and could prove part of a handy one-two punch when the highly-touted Max King debuts.

Jay Rantall (Collingwood, South Warrnambool), Sean Darcy (Fremantle, Cobden), Lewis Taylor (Sydney, Terang Mortlake), Willem Drew (Port Adelaide, Koroit), Hugh McCluggage (Brisbane, South Warrnambool), Cedric Cox (Brisbane, Camperdown), Josh Corbett (Gold Coast, North Warrnambool Eagles), Gary Rohan (Geelong, Cobden), Ben Cunnington (North Melbourne, Cobden), Martin Gleeson (Essendon, Koroit), Zach Merrett (Essendon, Cobden), Rowan Marshall (St Kilda, Portland), Sam Walsh (Carlton, Cobden), Easton Wood (Western Bulldogs, Camperdown).

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