ACCORDING to AFL development manager Michael Ablett, who was commentating on Fox Footy’s coverage on Tuesday evening, Matthew Hayball was the smokey of the 2015 NAB AFL Draft.

He was so far off the radar prior to the draft that after his name was called out AFL.com.au had no information on him other than his name, age and club.

The 18-year-old South Australian, who was the Cats’ final selection (pick No. 70), is very much a project player who will be given time to mature.

“His body is wiry and will take time to develop and he is a versatile player that can slot into a number of positions,” Geelong’s recruiting and list manager, Stephen Wells, said.

A versatile midfielder, Hayball spent most of the 2015 season playing in West Adelaide’s under-18 team.

He broke through late in the year to play the final two games at reserves level.

He was named in the best in eight of his 18 games at under-18 level and booted 24 goals.