Fremantle are eyeing a Lachie Neale clone in next month’s national draft to bolster their midfield stocks for 2019.

Hard-working Sturt midfielder Tom Lewis, who shares plenty of traits with dual Doig medallist Neale, is attracting interest from several AFL clubs including the Dockers.

Just like Neale, Lewis is from country South Australia and attended St Peter’s College in Adelaide.

Both players are a similar size, natural leaders and know how to win the footy.

WATCH HIS HIGHLIGHTS IN THE PLAYER ABOVE

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Only Lewis is rated higher than the 135-game former Docker at the same age.

“Lachie is a good comparison in terms of size, but his hands are what sets him apart,” Sturt reserves coach Chris Trapp told The West Australian.

Camera Icon Tom Lewis celebrates a goal during this year’s national under-18s championships. Credit: AFL Media

“His inside work on the hands to win the contested ball and get it out to outside runners is some of the best in the national under-18s competition.”

Neale, who was a draft steal in 2011 at pick 58, has left a massive hole in Fremantle’s engine room after getting traded to Brisbane on a lucrative five-year deal.

Trapp said he had “no doubt” Lewis could provide similar value if given an opportunity at AFL level.

“I think he’s a guy who will do everything to get the most out of himself,” he said.

“He’s probably projected as a bit of a later pick, but he’s certainly a guy who could have a really good AFL career.

“His leadership and general character in terms of his football preparation is without a doubt some of the best I’ve come across in my time in footy.

Play Video Fremantle club champion Lachie Neale denies a rift with Ross Lyon is part of the reason he is now a Brisbane Lion. The West Australian Video Fremantle club champion Lachie Neale denies a rift with Ross Lyon is part of the reason he is now a Brisbane Lion.

“He’s just a great lad, leads on and off the field and he’s done everything he can in terms of trying to get on an AFL list in terms of preparing himself physically and mentally.”

Lewis, who’s best mates with Dockers youngster Mitch Crowden, won Sturt’s reserves best-and-fairest this season, despite playing just 11 games due to national under-18s championship duties with South Australia.

The 18-year-old was also a part of the Croweaters’ leadership group and was a regular in their best players, helping the state win the national title.

The 178cm, 80kg midfielder averaged elite numbers in pressure points (60.6) and tackles (9.5) to go with above average stats in contested possessions (9.3), clearances (four) and inside-50s (3.3) in the carnival.

He also put his best foot forward at this month’s South Australian state combine, finishing in the top-three in the yo-yo (level 21.4) and agility (8.15 seconds) tests.

Fremantle have picks 14, 31, 43, 65 and 81 in the national draft.