In less than a year, exciting AFL draft prospect Brady Hough has gone from playing country football to competing in the WAFL system.

And now AFL clubs are calling him.

The versatile and composed Harvey-based footballer tested in the NAB AFL Draft Combine earlier this month after an outstanding season on the footy field.

As well as making his WAFL league debut for Peel Thunder in the last round of 2021, the 18-year-old midfielder-forward proved to be an impressive force for the Peel Thunder colts team in his first season with the club.

His performance saw him named the recipient of Peel Thunder’s colts fairest and best player award – the Dave Cameron Medal.

In a stellar year, a highlight was being selected into the WA under-19s, which led to him getting the chance to shine on the national stage in the NAB AFL Under-19 Championships.

“When I found out it just seemed unreal, and it was everything that I had worked for,” Hough said.

“Also travelling to South Australia was an awesome experience and just the knowledge I gained about the game from such experienced coaches in the State Academy has been amazing.”

Comfortable with playing any position on the ground, Hough bases his game on being composed under pressure, using the ball well and disposing to his teammates.

His top form has been noticed and he now has next month’s NAB AFL Draft in his sights.

In what the Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault Football Club player describes as a “hectic” time, he is trying to relax ahead of the all-important selection period.

“It’s still a month away. Just taking it day-by-day and trying to relax. But obviously it’s hard not to think about it,” Hough said.

Hough, who works part-time at Harvey Fresh while studying at Edith Cowan University, said the South West Academy of Sport and its football head coach Jamie Douse had helped him to develop as a footballer.

“It’s helped me a lot. Obviously, Jamie Douse has been massive for me. Doing a lot of individual training with him. He’s been getting me ready for the combine and I think it helped me,” Hough said.