10 minutes ago, Stiff Arm said:

Is TAM the type who does well in the junior leagues because of his size but could struggle at AFL level against men?

I think so. Tairon is a bit of a gentle giant. Stingrays staff were wanting him to play with much more physicality. Stingrays boys were put through a pretty brutal pre season training campaign. During one of these conditioning sessions at Seaford Tairon as well as another player collapsed both were taken to hospital. I think Tairon would struggle with demands of AFL football. If he slides he may be a rookie or late pick selection.

Unbelievably Ah-mu is potentially unlikely to get drafted this year. He has been strong all through under 16s and under 18s competition as well as in school APS footy. Whilst he’s a tall forward with a great kick and mark, he’s endurance is questioned. Plays like ? Tom Hawkins is the most likely comparison.

One draft bio has this write up …

STRENGTHS:

+ Aggression
+ Leading patterns
+ Physicality
+ Scoreboard impact
+ Size
+ Strength

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Endurance
- Speed

Much of Ah-Mu's game revolves around his physical traits and craft. He has the edge over just about any junior in the country for pure strength and size, and leans on it to dominate with imposing bodywork. Whether up forward in one-on-ones or jostling for position in the ruck, Ah-Mu is incredibly difficult to move off the line of the ball and gets into position early. What's more, his frame and clean hands make him difficult to spoil on the lead.

Ah-Mu's leading patterns are another facet of his craft. He stays active when he can and reads the cues quickly to make his move, finding ways to beat opponents to the punch. That's part of what makes Ah-Mu such a consistent goalkicker. He only needs a few opportunities to score and generally finishes well, possessing a booming kick over the mark. When he can't take a grab, he's strong over the ground ball and can set up others.

With no goalless games in eight Coates Talent League appearances this year, Ah-Mu's consistency was quite strong. He kicked multiples in five of those outings, with his standout haul of four coming in a quarter final loss. He was also among Vic Country's most reliable scorers, finding the goals in three of his four National Championship matches. His record proves he's a difficult player to tie down for long, and that he knows his craft well.

Along with his marking presence up forward, Ah-Mu offers value as a second ruck. He can make any opponent nervous in physical battles and uses that to his advantage. His presence also likely lifts the confidence of those around him. Ah-Mu averaged 11 hitouts per his eight Coates Talent League games this year, showcasing his ability to own the airways and compete hard when the ball enters his area.

On the flip side, Ah-Mu's improvement areas are clearly identifiable. He outlined endurance as one coming into the season, while his overall athleticism can continue to develop. While he is terrific at holding his space close to goal, modern day key forwards are required to move up the ground and that's something Ah-Mu can look to enhance. Continuing to work on his running power will allow his natural attributes to shine even brighter.

APS Profile (10 September 2025)

Tairon Ah-Mu (Haileybury College)

"The Vic Country talent shapes as a promising ruck prospect heading into the draft after a strong APS campaign with the premiers. Ah-Mu’s tapwork in the ruck was strong and he gave Haileybury’s midfield plenty of first use, but he was also impactful around the ground and could take crucial marks either side of the ball."

Scouting Notes 30/10/2025

Tairon Ah-Mu

Forward, Ruck

A contested marking beast in attack, Ah-Mu has monstered more than a few opponents this year

Club Dandenong Stingray / Berwick

State VIC

Height 198cm

DOB 06/06/2007

Overhead Marking / Power / Versatility / Scoreboard Impact

A big and powerful forward who can also rotate through the ruck, Ah-Mu has some impressive traits and has had some eye-catching moments and matches this year. He kicked six goals from 10 disposals and eight marks (five contested) in a trial match for Vic Country’s under-18s in April and went on to have a solid under-18 national championships campaign for the side. Ah-Mu kicked seven goals across Vic Country’s first three games, including two majors from 12 disposals and 10 marks (four contested) in the match against South Australia. Likened to Adelaide’s Riley Thilthorpe, his overhead marking is a clear strength but he also presents strongly on the lead and is a booming kick. When in the ruck, Ah-Mu competes well and can follow up at ground level to win clearances, but there is a knock on his running capacity. He finished the season with a bang for the Stingrays, logging 22 disposals, 12 marks, 13 score involvements, four goals and 199 ranking points in a quarter-final loss to GWV Rebels in the Coates Talent League. Ah-Mu also had some monster matches for Haileybury College in school football this season. Of Samoan decent, Ah-Mu’s father represented the island nation in both athletics and rugby.

2025 Coates League 122 ranking points, 15.3 disposals, 6.3 marks, 2 contested marks, 10.9 hitouts, 1.5 clearances, 2.1 tackles, 7.8 score involvements, 1.9 goals, 1.8 score assists (8 games)

2025 National Champs 74 ranking points, 10 disposals, 4.3 marks, 1.3 contested marks, 7 hitouts, 4.5 score involvements, 1.8 goals, 1.3 tackles (4 games)