Melbourne Hub: PICK ME: Nathan Freeman could be the midfielder to ignite Melbourne

Melbourne has its sights set on speedster Nathan Freeman.

Melbourne has its sights set on speedster Nathan Freeman. Source: Supplied

WHEN Paul Roos took over Melbourne his immediate list assessment identified a gaping hole in midfield stocks.

Roos quickly added grunt in the form of slow but contested warriors Dom Tyson, Daniel Cross and Bernie Vince.

Now the Demons, who hold No. 9 in this month's draft, are desperate to ignite their onball brigade and speed machine Nathan Freeman is firming as their man in a pick that will make or break the dicey Tyson trade.

PICK ME: WATCH EXCLUSIVE HIGHLIGHTS AND ANALYSIS OF FREEMAN IN THE VIDEO PLAYER BELOW

Sandringham Dragons midfielder Nathan Freeman is known for his explosive speed and intelligence in the clearances and appears a tantalising prospect for clubs at the 2013 AFL Draft.

The Dees parted with No. 2 and 22 for Tyson and No. 9, likely giving up the rights to Josh Kelly - a man tipped by some in recruiting circles as a potential Brownlow Medallist.

"(We're) really confident we can get a quality midfielder at pick nine,'' Roos said this week.

"From the vision I've seen, I think that's right, which is terrific.''

The damaging midfielder shot up the draft order this year and underlined his dynamic standing at the combine, where he beat Stephen Hill's 20m time and won the repeated sprints.

"It's not just his acceleration, but the combination with endurance, too,'' one recruiter noted.

"That's more the X-factor. He was top-10 in the 3km and the beep test, so he can run out quarters and now has the base to work defensively. He's a powerful burst player and super character.

"He's a definite top-10 pick. If it was me, I'd take him at five.''

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Freeman has modelled his game on explosive Eagle Luke Shuey and clubs have been quick to compare their speed, clearance work and frames.

And if the Dees, who were the only club to twice pass on Shuey, can't get their hands on Freeman it's likely because he's been snapped up by Collingwood or Brisbane Lions, who also hold strong interest.

Freeman would give the one-paced Dees midfield the shoeshine it desires, with his speed at the stoppages and strength similar to Patrick Dangerfield.

Nathan Freeman sizzles in the 20m sprint at draft camp. Picture: Colleen Petch

Nathan Freeman sizzles in the 20m sprint at draft camp. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: News Limited

"I've been blessed with a bit of pace. I try to exploit it as much as I can because it's something that I do have, but in saying that I don't try to rely on it too much because you need other weapons,'' Freeman said.

"I've always been naturally pretty quick, but I've seen it a bit now and it's starting to impact my footy.''

As for the Shuey comparison?

"Shuey's one of my favourite players. I see similar attributes in his game to mine, so if I can get close to the player he is that'd be good.''

Freeman, who has the physique to make a quick impact next season, said his focus this year was on improving his defensive game.

"I'm all attack and go, go, go, but running backwards was a bit lacking, so I tried to get more two-way work going this year.''

Freeman is a favourite with recruiters off the field with his outgoing and friendly personality impressing at interviews, with every club bar Adelaide speaking to him.

NATHAN FREEMAN

AGE: 18

HEIGHT: 182cm

WEIGHT: 85kg

POSITION: Midfielder

SUPERCOACH AVG: 111pts (TAC Cup)

DRAFT RANGE: 7-13

IN THE MIX: Lions (7), Dees (9), Pies (10)

PLAYS LIKE: Luke Shuey

TOMORROW

The next Patrick Dangerfield

Nathan Freeman.