AustraliaGayfer Breaks AFL Combine Record
Sam Gayfer, nephew of a premiership Magpie, smashes long-standing AFL combine record with 114cm running vertical jump. His top-10 draft chances have been bolstered, with St Kilda and Collingwood showing interest.
Global Newsflix 2 min read
Sam Gayfer has broken the AFL combine record for the running vertical jump, achieving a height of 114cm. This surpasses the previous record of 107cm set by Leek Aleer in 2021.
Gayfer's record-breaking jump has bolstered his top-10 draft chances. St Kilda and Collingwood, who hold the eighth and ninth picks in this year's draft, are among the clubs interested in him.
The 18-year-old key forward prospect had already established himself as this year's top key forward prospect before the combine. He had targeted Aleer's record after jumping 103cm in pre-season testing.
Gayfer's athleticism has been noted by his coaches, with Natalie Grindal, Knights talent lead, saying his mark in the under-18 Talent League in May was 'one of the most impressive things I've seen at this level'.
The AFL has announced the top 10 results from athletic testing conducted at the 2026 Telstra AFL Draft Combine. Other notable performances include Mason McGroder's equaling of the previous running vertical jump record and Eliza Roche's new record in the agility test at the Telstra AFLW Draft Combine.
Maddison Meagher produced the second fastest 20m sprint of all-time, with a time of 3.059 seconds. All testing at the Telstra AFL Draft Combine and Telstra AFLW Draft Combine was conducted by Rookie Me, the official Athletic Testing Partner of the AFL's Talent Pathways.
Results from the 2026 Telstra AFL State Draft Combines and Telstra AFLW State Draft Combines will be announced following the completion of next weekend's events in Adelaide and Perth.
Key facts
- Sam Gayfer broke the AFL combine record for running vertical jump with 114cm
- Gayfer's record surpasses Leek Aleer's 2021 record by 7cm
- St Kilda and Collingwood are interested in drafting Gayfer
- Maddison Meagher achieved the second fastest 20m sprint of all-time
Three perspectives
Neutral
The AFL draft combine has provided valuable insights into the athletic abilities of prospective players. The results will be closely watched by clubs and fans alike as the draft approaches. The next events in Adelaide and Perth will provide further opportunities for players to showcase their skills.
Positive
Sam Gayfer's record-breaking performance has significantly improved his draft chances. His athleticism and impressive mark in the under-18 Talent League make him an exciting prospect for clubs. The AFL combine has once again demonstrated its value in identifying top talent.
Negative
The intense scrutiny of the AFL combine can be overwhelming for young players. The pressure to perform can be significant, and some players may struggle to cope with the expectations. The draft process can be unpredictable, and there are no guarantees of success.
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