Rockliff, 18, models his game on Essendon champion James Hird and the early indications are he has the “X-factor” which has become so crucial at the highest level.

Despite coming off a badly broken leg, the Benalla youngster was one of the best-performed Bushies last season as they stormed into the grand final.

This season the solidly built Rockliff has spent more time through the midfield and has again played a leading role for the top-of-the-table Bushies.

In 11 games Rockliff has 34 goals, is averaging 23 possessions and importantly completes almost five tackles a game.

“I’ve been playing generally full-forward and then swapping on the ball,” Rockliff said.

“We have two at centre half-forward sometimes, so I sometimes push up there a bit as well.”

Rockliff’s hyped teammates Jack Ziebell, Steele Sidebottom and Kade Klemke appear destined to play at the highest level.

While Rockliff, Taylor Duryea, Will Martiniello and a few others will come under strong consideration.

“I’d love to get picked up,” Rockliff said.

“You don’t know what the recruiters see, so I’m just trying to do the right thing.”

Rockliff says his pace is his one obvious limitation to his game, but he hopes recruiters see past that and judge him as an overall package.

“I don’t really model myself on anyone, but I suppose I try and play a bit like James Hird and read the play,” Rocklilff said.

“I’m not super quick and he’s not super quick but he was smart enough to find space, so I try and do a bit of that.”

Rockliff returned for a rare game for Benalla a fortnight ago and kicked five goals as it upset Mansfield by 65 points in the high point of the Saints’ season.

“It was good, Willy Martiniello and me only had one chance to get back and play for Benalla this year,” he said.

“It was good to get back and play with my brother (James).”

The Bushies tomorrow clash with their ailing grand final opponent of last year, Calder, and should be able to stitch up the minor premiership at Princess Park Shepparton.