Talented young Indigenous forward Jack Callinan is a player to keep an eye on for the 2023 AFL Draft.

The 17-year-old is enjoying a solid season for the Tasmania Devils having booted 16 goals from his six games in the Coates Talent League U18 competition.

His performances this year include a seven-goal best-on-ground effort against the Northern Territory and two three-goal games against the Western Jets and the Greater Western Sydney Giants Academy.

Callinan is a skillful and elusive small forward who possesses the ability to run through the midfield.

He has excellent football bloodlines as the son of former Adelaide player Ian Callinan and the grandson of Tasmanian Hall of Fame member and one of the state's greatest ever Indigenous footballers Des James.

The Tasmanian believes that his father and grandfather have been hugely influential in his football journey.

"Growing up I spent all my weekends during the winter either playing footy or at dad's footy and I've always loved it," Callinan told The Mercury newspaper.

"I'm really grateful for what dad has done and the way he treats me with footy, as you hear some stories about other fathers, but he's just been great.

"Dad gives me some feedback after games which I'm grateful for and since we've been living back in Hobart I've had a really good connection to my pop and he's helped me with getting to training and stuff like that.

"He talks to me before or after games, so they've both been really good."

Callinan earned selection for the AFL Academy team for their contest against Port Adelaide's SANFL side in April and is considered one of Tasmania's best draft chances this year.

The Devils vice-captain was one of six Tasmanian players selected to join the Allies squad and he also received an opportunity to train with Collingwood in January.

Callinan kicked 21 goals for Tasmania in the NAB League last season and made his senior debut for Clarence in the Tasmanian State League.

His grandfather Des James – who was shortlisted for the Australian rules football Indigenous Team of the Century – told The Mercury newspaper that his grandson had always possessed talent.

"He was always showing early promise when he was younger as he's a very smart footballer and always had the had the skills," James said.

"His commitment to his training and his love for the game is outstanding and it's been great to watch his development and how he's evolved over the journey."

"It's been a real pleasure for me to watch him play and how he listens to what we're saying and takes it on board."