Lightning-quick WA forward is this year's most unpredictable prospect
The West Australian is one of this year's most compelling draft prospects. He can do things like nobody else: pick up the ball at top speed, accelerate and then kick a goal from 55 metres. But he is also inconsistent, and without the footy nous of a few other prospects.
Marsh had played most of his junior footy through the wing and midfield before this season, when he took on a key-position role up forward. His best game of the championships came against Vic Metro at Patersons Stadium, when he almost singlehandedly turned the game Western Australia's way with three goals and a blistering final term. He is not quite a modern-day key-position height (192cm), but is probably too big to play as a full-time midfielder.
STRENGTHS Marsh's speed is central to everything he does. At last month's NAB AFL Draft Combine, he ran 2.78 seconds for the 20-metre sprint, narrowly missing the all-time record of 2.75. It was the fastest of any player this year. Then in the repeat sprints he tested third quickest (24.18 seconds). It was evidence of what is seen on the field: when Marsh gets going, nobody can catch him. He can mark and jump (he was 10th in the standing vertical leap), and he has a thumping kick on him when he connects.
WEAKNESSES Because everything is go, go, go with Marsh, he can do a lot of things in a rush and lack some composure. His kicking is also very hit-or-miss, as seen in his goalkicking numbers for East Fremantle, where he kicked 20 goals and 37 behinds in 13 games.
PLAYS LIKE
Nobody else, really, and that's the attraction or the put-off. His electrifying pace as a taller forward is his point of difference. Maybe there's a bit of West Coast forward Jack Darling in him, in terms of being slightly undersized but too athletic and nippy for key backs to handle.
DRAFT RANGE Very hard to read. Most likely in the 20-40 bracket.
BOTTOM LINE With a highlights package like no other, Marsh might be the most unpredictable player in the draft. His good is sensational, his bad makes you look away. Harness his talent, though, and there are the makings of a unique player.
A look back at a special few days in Adelaide for our 2026 Gather Round Getaway Tour.
01:27
Round 6 Team Selection
Hear from Swans Director of Coaching and Performance Simon Goodwin as he goes over the one change for Sydney Derby XXXII. Team Selection, presented by QBE
14:21
"He deserves to be spoken about" - Cox
Hear from Swans senior coach Dean Cox as he addresses the media ahead of Sydney Derby XXXII
07:32
The Heroes of Horsham
Local footy clubs are so important to small communities around the country, so we paid a special visit to those who had an impact on Bloods legend Adam Goodes, and club stalwart, Jake Lloyd
Ahead of Friday night’s Derby at the SCG, Peter Blucher takes a closer look at the stats behind the battle of the Sydney teams.
Sydney Swans race to 70,000 members in club-record time
The club’s official membership tally of 70,361 is the earliest we have ever reached the milestone in any one season.
One change for Derby XXXII
Sydney Swans senior coach Dean Cox has made one change to his side, ahead of the huge Friday night Sydney Derby against the Giants.
Callan Ward joins Brett Kirk as namesake of Sydney Derby Best on Ground Medal
The medal awarded to the Best on Ground player during the AFL Sydney Derby will now be known as the Kirk-Ward Medal, bearing the names of GWS GIANTS great Callan Ward and Sydney Swans legend Brett Kirk to honour both clubs’ icons of the game.