Colin Wiseby 2001-2002-2003-2004-2005

[LukeHodge15]

makes for some interesting reading :D

love reading wisebys profiles, any man that watches close to 100 games of junior under 18 footy has to be respected :thumbsu:

cheers and enjoy the read

2001

Predictions for “U18” 2001 AFL draftees.

I judge them to have “made AFL” if they become a regular member of their team on merit/form (i.e. not merely when their club's list is decimated by injuries).

The categories reflect players about whom I feel most confident in making predictions.
-------------------------------------------------

"Definitely" succeed (in draft order):

*Hodge (1) tough, exciting matchwinner.

*Ball (2) ultra reliable ball magnet.

*Judd (3) Professional on baller. I'm glad we couldn't take him because of shoulder injuries but will be a gun.

*Polak (4) Reputation much greater than his form but will make it. I see him as a CHB rather than CHF though.

*Bartel (8) courageous in 'n under

*Cole (11) fast, exciting, silky, long kicker

*Seaby (22) athletic high marking very young ruck / FP

*Campbell Brown (32) Captain Courageous, smart small tagger / backman. Could be a great tagger.

*Rodan (33) Prince of silky smalls. Will be exciting and a cult figure

*Ablett (40#) Clever excitement machine. Does the impossible but needs to get more of it

*McGough (43)
-------------------------------------------

Probables (in draft order):

*X Clarke (5) hugely skilled but burst player rather than consistent

*Sampi (6) hugely skilled but flashy and in bursts and needs to get more of it and do the bread and butter stuff too.

*Molan (9) high marking, versatile, determined

*Kelly (17) quickish classy clearance specialist who is very versatile <- (I rated him Adefinite@ personally. My only concern was he may not get enough opportunity at Geelong)

*Elstone (20) tough, clever in 'n under ball magnet who doesn't stray far from centre circle

*Maguire (21) very young versatile athletic key

*Gardiner (23) oozes class but goes missing a bit

*Armstrong (25) courageous ball magnet

*Roberts Thompson (29#) if he is fair dinkum about AFL (instead of rugby).

*Crowe (30) athlete 1st, footballer 2nd but he is not just an athlete. Best as AFL CHB or FB?

*Finnin (44) skinny, clever, athletic mark not ready in 2002
-----------------------------------------

Queries Good chance of making it but I have concerns whereas everyone else would call them "definite":

*Power (10) Very cool outside player with absolutely superb left foot. My concern is that he is one sided and a receiver only.

*Brooks (15) ultra reliable pack mark with great stamina. I'm not convinced about his ruck work so I'm not sure where he is suited.

*Dal Santo Clever wing/hbf/onballer best suited to a tagger or defence role on a not over quick opponent. Excellent finisher but I've rated him probably lower than most because he lacks pace, is one sided, and is neither a physically strong in and under type or a ball magnet, and is not especially strong overhead. When you are just under 6', I think you need more going for you.

Also
*Davidson could be a 100+ gamer because he has all the skills and athleticism and incredible versatility but needs to a 100 minute, 22 week player instead of just a burst player who disappears in between). Could be a Saddington or a Mark Kinnear but it's up to him.
----------------------------------------

Doubtful picks < 60:

*Rogers (26) plays smaller than his 6'4" and unreliable kick. Clever team man good at ground level though.

*Waite (46) just a battler? Big mark, big kick but lacks poise, balance, smarts and is a turnover merchant.

*Playfair (41) An oversized athlete more than a footballer but gives his best. Cats are
impressed though.
-----------------------------------

"Won't" make it picks < 60:

*Hale (7) Very athletic but very skinny tall. 1st round pick so I am really going out on a limb but I see him as awkward with poor balance and hard hands. Very young age in his favour.

*Hansen (38) capable of a mark and a nice move but has hard hands, poor balance.

*Schuback (59) Dashing with thumping left foot but no poise or footy smarts.

*Hunt (53) Underweight athlete who doesn't get the ball rather than footballer at this stage.
-----------------------------

Late picks i.e. >40 who could bely their draft position:

*McGough (43) Will succeed.

*Jamar (Rookie draft 6) Will definitely make it if given the chance, IMHO. Seriously underrated.

*Brad Miller (Melb) (55) No certainty but a good outsider bet. 2 grab marking tall inclined to occasional turnovers so has a bit of work to do. Natural leader and determined, athletic tall. I see him as a potential A Dunkley but he must improve his disposal.

*Schneider (60) Tiny but skilled ball magnet.
----------------------------------

Rookies who I think will make AFL (in order):

NB: I realise these are big calls because they need the opportunity as well as the ability. I would normally only go for 1 or 2 but .....

*Jamar (Rookie draft 6) Will definitely make it if given the chance, IMHO. (Even in 2002). Seriously underrated.

*Rutten (R 40) Not given enough credit. I think he can make it.

*Raines (R 66#) Late developer but definite AFL prospect.

Other Rookie possibilities:

*Seigert (2001 Rookie) No champ but a bread 'n butter team man. Good WAFL form 2001.

*Carrazzo (R 5) Won't fail for lack of work. Cheeky ball magnet who needs to keep working on disposal.

*Webster (R 1) No speedster but courageous and genuine footballer.

*Lynch (R 19) His biggest problem is his temperament.

http://www.voy.com/51976/52455.html

[LukeHodge15]

2002

Predictions for U18 2002 AFL draftees.

I judge them to have “made AFL” if they become a regular member of their team on merit/form (i.e. not merely when their club's list is decimated by injuries).

The categories reflect players about whom I feel most confident in making predictions.
------------------------------------------------
Will be TOP SHELF (i.e. household names) (in draft order):

GODDARD, Brendon (1) [StK] 6'2" midfld/utility, can play tall or small. No obvious fault. Will be best of the draft. Ready immediately and should impact immediately.

WELLS, Daniel (2) [Kang] Silky speedster. Physically not ready but so skilfull he will debut immediately and should impact immediately.

BRENNAN, Jared (3) [Bris] “X” factor. Huge scope. 6'4" jack-in-the box ultra-versatile Daryl White / Kouta freak. Likely cult figure. Physically immature but will play some games 2003.

McVEIGH, Jarrad (5) [Syd] Classy, athletic. Might take time to regain touch but should still debut sometime 2003.

SALOPEK, Steven (6) [Port] Young 6' plug n play class midfielder. Lacks pace but smart, good overhead. Ready and will impact immediately.

LAYCOCK, Jason (10) [Ess] Laconic forward/ruck. Late starter with enormous upside. Physically not ready but should still debut sometime 2003, possibly as CHF/supplementary ruck.

WINDERLICH, Jason (11) [Ess] Frenetic clever athletic skinny 6' utility. An unusual cat. Needs time to bulk up.

SCHAMMER, Byron (13) [Fre] Small quick terrier traditional rover. Ready and should impact immediately.

FERGUSON, Matthew (22) [StK] Versatile athletic marking 6'1" all-rounder. Huge scope for development but needs some time.

GRIMA, Blake (38) [Kang] Classy professional 5'10" long-kicking inside midfielder. Clearance specialist. Will play 2003 despite not being free to train fully until March.

WATSON, Jobe (44F) [Ess] 6’2” mature “ruckrover”. Misiti successor. Not pretty but strong over the ball, smart, brings teammates into game. Ready and will impact immediately.
-------------------------------------

Will be AT LEAST GOOD (in draft order):
(A couple are extremely late picks but I call it as I see it).

BRENNAN, Luke (8) [Haw] Young 6’1” tough, leaping utility. Mini Craig Kelly. Somewhat one-sided, not silky but effective “take no prisoners” type. Well-built but raw. Not 2003.

BELL, Daniel (14) [Mel] 6'1", well built, athletic (pace, leap, agility), strong oh, lovely kick, determined, chases hard, quick reflexes, good vision. Bit one-dimensional, one-sided. Not 18 til 4/03.

SMITH, Nick (15) [Mel] Strong 6’5” key (especially defensive). Cool, leader. Versatile if improves pace, disposal a bit. Maybe late ’03.

GILHAM, Stephen (16) [Port] Skinny 6'3" smart athletic would-be Paul Roos. Physically very immature (and may always be skinny) but might still debut late ’03.

CARTLEDGE, Tristan (28) [Ess] Young project agile ruck/forward. Needs, and is worth, patience.

MERRETT, Daniel (30) [Bris] New to game and just starting to learn but is instinctive. Raw, desperate, strong, agile 6’5”. Big upside. Probably debut ’04.

DEMPSTER, Sean (38F) [Syd] Versatile rapidly improving 6’3” late-starter. Size, skills. May even sneak a few games late ’03, such is his rate of improvement.

CORRIE, Anthony (44) [Bris] Skinny 6'1" goal-kicking HBF excitement machine. Physically immature so probably wait til ’04 – but look out when he does.

EDGCUMBE, Greg (48) [Fre] Improving, straight-line, attacking 6’1” utility. Not classy but opens play and straightens up his team. Could even get some games ’03.

SIPTHORP, Daniel (62) [Rich] Ungainly, unfashionable 6’2” John Blakey type utility. One-sided, has tip-toe running style, jumps “straight up” rather than “into”, and must improve kicking but is instinctive under pressure & deceptively-skilled. A work-in-progress so will take time. Unlikely choice for this category but I have more faith in him than others do.

MOLONEY, Brent (P03) [Geel] Very underrated 5'11" dashing, long-kicking, break the lines, goalkicking, impact midfielder. A 90m player who will benefit from living handier and club regimen. Could debut late ’03.
------------------------------------------

EARLY PICK QUERIES (in draft order) – I wouldn’t be that surprised if they make it but I have concerns whereas many people would label them "definite":

WALSH, Tim (4) [WBD] 6'5" athletic, stylish, versatile, tall. Lacks intensity. Almost universally highly rated and I’d also be really positive about him if I could be sure he would address my concerns re intensity. That’s the “if” though. Won’t be AFL-ready in ’03.

NIXON, Bo (21) [Coll] 6'3, well-built utility. Spots, feeds. Plays shortish. Overrated o/h but good inside traffic. Not intense or clean. NQR? Won’t be AFL-ready in ’03.

JOHNSON, Paul (24) [WCE] Lion-hearted powerful giant. Leading-forward and part-time ruck. Magnificent kick, special small-man skills but NQR tall-man skills, especially poor overhead.
------------------------------------

UP AGAINST IT (in draft order) – I’d like to see almost every draftee succeed but these would surprise me:

MCINTOSH, Hamish (9) [Kang] Flawed but improved pack-marking giant. Forward more than ruck. Query at AFL tempo.

SCHULTZ, Jay (12) [Rich] Versatile but frustrating 6’4” key. Touted on U16 form. Shows some leadership. Looks the part and his best is so classy that he is the most likely in this list to make me eat my words. Very young but his best is all too rare and he goes missing a lot.

SHORE, Kris (18) [Kang] Young raw, skinny 6’2” leaping athlete. Some promise but not clean. Theoretically versatile but maybe NQR for any one role. Will take time regardless.

SHACKLETON, Luke (29) [Coll] Unfashionable shape mini Archer. NQR for any one role and weight management a problem.

JERICHO, Luke (32) 6'3" athlete. [Ade] Great kick. Intensity and footy smarts a worry. Highly-rated but not by me.

MURPHY, Brad (33) [WBD] 6’1 outside goal-kicking utility. Not clean and kicks don’t hurt.

STAKER, Brent (37) [WCE] Big improver late season. Lacks composure & hands not good.

FISHER, Leigh (46) [StK] Clever strong midfielder. Good user but slow, not versatile.

WIGHT, Cameron (49) [WBD] Skinny ruck project. Improving, but poor decision-maker.

THEWLIS, Josh (50) [Syd] Raw 6’1” flashy dasher. Big-grab, plays straight. Poor hands & decision-making.

BOYLE, Tim (51) [Haw] Sudden improver. 6’3” CHB. Relies on excellent overhead ability. A few queries including intensity.

CROWLEY, Ryan (55) [Fre] Running athletic 6’2” utility. Mini Gaspar. Poor disposal is his major obstacle.

CROAD, Cameron (60) [Car] 6’2” pacy U18 FF athlete. Lacks commitment, smarts, reliability. NQR.

DOSWELL, Brett (63) [Fre] 6’ battler. Neither one thing nor the other. Poor decisions.

VEALE, Lochlan (65) [Haw] 6’3” lion-hearted accountable goer. Improving project but NQR.
------------------------------------

BARGAINS (Late picks i.e. >40 who could belie their draft position) (in draft order).
NB: The Rookie ones are particularly big calls as they need opportunity as well as the ability.

CORRIE, Anthony (44) [Bris] (see comments above). A gift at #44.

EDGCUMBE, Greg (48) [Fre] (see comments above).

SIPTHORP, Daniel (62) [Rich] (see comments above).

MALCESKI, Nick (64) [Syd] Eccentric unfashionable 6’1” utility. Tip-toe running style. Very left-field clever. Bit of X factor. Physically immature. Probably debut 2004.

FISHER, Brad (72) [Car] Skinny, athletic, very versatile, marking tall utility. Appealing upside. Physically not ready but, with Carlton’s list, I would still expect him to debut sometime in 2003. A gift at #72.

MOLONEY, Brent (P03) [Geel] (see comments above). A gift at PreSeason #3

MULLINS, Luke (P05) [Coll] 187cm "no fuss" creative outside wing/HFF. Seems casual but is good overhead and smart. Untapped scope for athletic improvement. Physically immature and will need time. A gift at PreSeason #5

JORGENSEN, Travis (R24) [Geel] Smart marking accountable utility. Plays taller than 6’1”. Good worker bee.

JOHNS, Courtney (R28) [Ess] Raw, strong, versatile, athletic tall. Form says no, upside yes. Injury query so won’t be seen until 2004 at the earliest but more likely 2005.

WILSON, Adrian (R44) [Ess] Forward/utility in the Hasleby mould. Skills, smarts. Will be genuinely good AFL player if committed.

BEVAN, Paul (R64) [Syd] 5’11” utility. Disappointing '02. Versatile, smart. May become a defender/negator. I was very surprised he wasn’t drafted in the National Draft.

SHELTON, Paul (R72) [Bris] Classy 5’10 midfield ball magnet. Disposal, smarts. I was extremely surprised he wasn’t picked up in the National Draft.
--------------------------------

ROOKIES WITH A FUTURE (Rookies who I think might make AFL) (in order of my expectation):
NB: I realise these are very big calls because they need the opportunity as well as the ability.

SHELTON, Paul (R72) [Bris] (see comments above).

WILSON, Adrian (R44) [Ess] (see comments above).

JOHNS, Courtney (R28) [Ess] (see comments above).

JORGENSEN, Travis (R24) [Geel] (see comments above).

BEVAN, Paul (R64) 6’ utility. (Syd] (see comments above).

PARKER, Aidan* (R45) [Ade] Well-performed but unspectacular 6'4" WAFL defender. (* Has been out of U18s for a year but I include him as a relatively young new 2003 Rookie).

http://www.voy.com/51976/52452.html

[LukeHodge15]

2003

Predictions for “U18” 2003 AFL draftees.

I judge them to have “made AFL” if they have become a regular member of their team in at least two seasons (i.e. not merely occasional games when their club's list is decimated by injuries).

The categories reflect players about whom I feel most confident in making predictions.
-----------------------------------------------

Will be TOP SHELF i.e. household names (in draft order):

There is no “complete package” gimme this year (eg Goddard, Judd, Hodge, Ball, Riewoldt). All the following have flaws of some kind but I believe all are capable of reaching genuinely top-bracket status in an AFL team.

COONEY, Adam (1) [WBD] 6'1" dynamo match winner. Not flawless but has range of attributes.
WALKER, Andrew (2) [Car] Tall athletic dasher / flyer. A bit raw, outside at this stage but very good upside.
SYLVIA, Colin (3) [Mel] Powerhouse 6' “ruck-rover”/forward. Strong overhead but needs to improve kicking accuracy.
TENACE, Kane (7) [Gee] 182cm genuine footballer. Road Runner. Meep! Meep! ... whoosh! 200 gamer
CLARKE, Raphael (8) [StK] Enigmatic, immature but a special X-factor talent. Athletic 188cm. If some disturbing elements hadn’t crept in in ’03 I’d declare him “the next big thing”. Still a decent chance he will be.
TROTTER, David (9) [Kan] Classy 6'1" utility. Injured '03 but definite AFL
DUNN, Ryley (10) [Fre] 184cm tough utility. Genuine footballer, plays tall, wide range of attributes. I’m assuming he will improve kicking accuracy. (Is otherwise plug ‘n play).
WATERS, Beau (11) [WCE] Bottom-age fearless 6'1" desperado. Kicking is bit iffy but he plays tall, fierce and uncompromising.
BUTLER, Sam (20) [WCE] Classy, smart, versatile 6'1" bottom-age inside midfielder/HFF. Unheralded late starter but a natural. Smooth mover, big upside.
SCHMIDT, Tim (29) [Syd] Vanilla size but skilled. dynamic, long-kicking powerhouse midfielder.
----------------------------------------

Will be AT LEAST GOOD (in draft order):
(A couple are extremely late picks but I call it as I see it).

RAY, Farren (4) [WBD] “Flower Power comes to AFL”. Courageous but unaccountable will of the wisp 6' speedy winger. Despite skinniness, would be in top category if I knew for sure that he could improve his kicking.
STANTON, Brent (13) [Ess] Classy, daring, vanilla-size athletic utility. Borderline top category.
WATTS, Fergus (14) [Ade] 196cm jumping-jack marking forward. Great ethic, intensity. Still raw but big improver. Lacks some pace but potential ability to help out in ruck adds to his value.
WILLOUGHBY, Josh (16) [Syd] Slight and small but slippery and efficient genuine footballer.
JONES, Chad (24) [Kan] 19yo 196cm quick, athletic leading forward. Good ethic. Good mark, reliable long kick. Project due to skinniness and newness but very good upside. Could even turn out in time to be best tall from the draft. (Is not U18 but I include him as he only misses by 6 months and is a newcomer to footy).
SHAW, Brayden (32 F/S) [Col] Traditional rover - combination of his father and uncle. Natural footballer, leader.
ADCOCK, Jed (33) [Bri] Pacy 6' bulldozer utility. Not at all stylish but deceptively quick and effective in a sledge-hammer way.
JOHNSON, Chris (36 F/S) [Mel] Under-developed but classy utility. Moves well, good overhead. Should be versatile. Injury-impeded ’03.
ROACH, Thomas (37 F/S) [Ric] 6’ dasher who takes them on. Strong overhead and clean. I tossed up whether to include him as he has to improve his kicking and his decision-making under pressure but his upside is promising.
DYSON, Ricky (44) [Ess] Pacy but outside long-kicking wingman/flanker. One-sided and needs to lift accountability
and the hurt factor of his possessions but is potential game-breaker.
SHAW, Heath (48 F/S) [Col] Bit unconventional but is versatile, courageous, consistent, left-field smart.
JACKSON, Daniel (53) [Ric] Seriously athletic 6'1" late starter with great potential. Unlikely to start AFL career until ’05 due to school commitment. Bargain.
SURJAN, Jacob (P10) [Por] Athletic, desperate, 180cm dasher. Works as hard when the opposition has it as when his team has it. A coach’s delight. The bargain of the ’03 drafts.
---------------------------------

VERY RAW BUT HUGE UPSIDE / SCOPE FOR IMPROVEMENT (in draft order)

HALL, Brent (35) [Col] 198cm ruck who I see as potential CHB. Shocking draft camp results didn’t do him justice. Strong, quick, athletic, determined. Extremely raw and under-developed footy-wise but enormous upside, especially once he learns to impose himself physically. Good kid but very reserved and will take time to find his feet (regardless of ability).
-------------------------------------

EARLY PICK QUERIES (in draft order) – I wouldn’t be that surprised if they make it but I have concerns whereas many people would label them "definite":

MCLEAN, Brock (5) [Mel] Chunky 6' tireless, courageous, hard-nut. Lacks polish and speed but is footy-smart, indefatigable and gives 110%.
BRADLEY, Kepler (6) [Ess] Gangly athletic giant. Despite reputation, is not quick. Huge heart and motor. Runs hard, far and relentlessly. Very poor natural balance. Iffy kick - Awkward, unbalanced kicking style. What AFL role suits?
MOODY, Matthew (23) [Bri] Ill '03. 187cm, leaps, marks, goals. Creative. Looks classy but doesn’t stamp himself on a game enough.
---------------------------------

UP AGAINST IT (from National draft, in draft order) – I’d like to see every committed draftee succeed but these would surprise me:

MURPHY, Ryan (12) [Fre] Lightly-built 6’4” utility. Reads well but is very inconsistent - is very much a confidence player and that confidence can be fragile. Giant gap between his good games and his bad.
SPAANDERMAN, Llane (18) [Bri] Bottom-age 198cm. Big unit, athletic, big leap but fails to deliver.
MILLER, Harry (25) [Haw] Slippery small “charge past” goal-sneak with some aboriginal flair. Even at AFL level will be capable of turning an occasional game in 20 minutes. It’s what he does in the other 80 minutes and other games that concerns me.
CAMPBELL, Adam (27) [Fre] 192cm very top-age latecomer KPP from NZ who tantalises but is very skinny and doesn’t impact enough. Good kid, improving, has promise but I’m dubious.
PEEL, Luke (34) [Por] 187cm very young outside defender. Balanced mover and looks the goods in the run but I’m concerned about overhead, intensity. I started out as a fan but have dropped off.
SPENCER, Matthew (42) [Gee] 195/89 mobile tall. Great CV but flawed. Hard worker, big heart but slowish, not good enough overhead.
PETTIGREW, Michael (46) [Por] Pacy versatile tall. Great athletically but skinny and not a natural footballer.
ARCHIBALD, Kyle (81) [Ric] 6’3” bottom-age forward / utility. Accountable. shows on-field leadership. tries but doesn't look at all AFL. Known as a leading forward but best role may even be in defence.
---------------------------------------

BARGAINS (Late picks i.e. >40 who could belie their draft position) (in draft order).

DYSON, Ricky (44) [Ess] See above. There are some legitimate concerns but, other than one-sidedness, Ricky can address them all by “simply” choosing to change his mindset.
JACKSON, Daniel (53) [Ric] See above. The bargain of the draft, along with Surjan. Definite AFL.
ROWE, Julian (60) [Col] Slim, somewhat outside, 187cm wingman/flanker. Good user.
SURJAN, Jacob (P10) [Por] See above. The bargain of the ’03 drafts. Definite AFL.
------------------------------------

ROOKIES WITH A FUTURE (Rookies who I think might make AFL) (in draft order):
NB: I realise these are very big calls because they need the opportunity as well as the ability.

FOLEY, Nathan (R 4) [Ric] 178cm quick, creative, courageous inside midfielder/HFF ball magnet. Needs to strengthen and will take time.
DUFFIELD, Paul (R10) [Fre] Smooth 6'1" HBF/ link man who works hard. Not quick, no certainty but smart, smooth mover.
COSGRIFF, Ben (R11) [Ess] Strong 6’1” U18 FF suited to AFL HBF but could play forward also. Hamill-like strength and attack on man & ball.
ALLAN, James (R21) [Gee] Very small traditional rover. Injured all '03. Clubman, team player, coachable, great ethic on/off field. Not naturally gifted but a genuine footballer. I rate him despite size.
BERGIN, Shaun (R53) [Haw] Very top-age but late bloomer. Ultra-skinny but courageous 6’ dasher. Pace, daring, leap, raking left foot. I tossed up whether to include him as he has had difficulty adding weight and is a confidence player. If I could be confident he could add enough weight, I’d “declare” him AFL - but that’s a very big “if”.
POTTER, Nick (R66) [Syd] Underrated 6' strong, quick on-baller. Hard, good at stop plays. Must improve kicking.

http://www.voy.com/51976/52447.html

[LukeHodge15]

2004

Predictions for “U18” 2004 AFL draftees.

I judge them to have “made AFL” if they have become a regular member of their team in at least two seasons (i.e. not merely occasional games when their club's list is decimated by injuries or due to just their size or pace). Players I did not see enough of (eg Ablett, Rusling) are excluded.

The categories reflect players about whom I feel most confident in making predictions.

This was a flaky draft, not unlike 2000 but with a greater number of identified quality players at the top end. I think there were a number of serious bargains and wouldn't be surprised if more good AFL players emerge from picks 42-55 than from picks 20-41.

Popular opinion would dictate that the following predictions should include
WILLIAMS, Tom (6) [WBD]. Tom is a virtually untested newcomer whose '04 was disrupted by injury. Promises to be special. May be. Went much earlier than the sort of drafting risk I'd be prepared to take. I have excluded Tom from my lists as anyone's assessment of him is based on only about 20 possessions. He has done literally a handful of very special things and is a conscientious, quick learner but I need to see more than a tiny number of cameo flashes before I could feel confident enough to categorise him.
---------------------------------

Will be TOP SHELF i.e. household names (in order or my level of confidence):

I rate Griffen and Junior Smith as complete packages, although Deledio and Tambling are almost complete. There was no “complete package” gimme last year. At this stage at least, Griffen's kicking is more reliable than Deledio or Tambling but I rate my top 4 in virtually the same bracket. I believe all are capable of reaching genuinely top-bracket status in the AFL.

GRIFFEN, Ryan (3) [WBD] Complete footballer. My top pick - in a heartbeat.
DELEDIO, Brett (1) [Ric] Dynamic 6/2" onballer / utility. Great range of attributes. Exciting, versatile.
SMITH, Jesse.W (42 F/S) [Kan] Neville Stibbard should feel embarrassed getting such quality with pick 42. Completely fearless, athletic, smart, dashing, versatile.
TAMBLING, Richard (4) [Ric] Vanilla-size excitement machine.
THOMSON, Adam (11) [Por] Generally under-rated 6' creative, super-efficient inside maestro.
ROUGHEAD, Jarryd (2) [Haw] Versatile improving marking KPP with good intensity.
FRANKLIN, Lance (5) [Haw] Enigmatic X-factor. May be hard work but worth it. Game-breaker.
WOOD, Cameron (18) [Bri] Bottom-age smart ruck. How did he get through to pick 18?
---------------------------------------

Will be AT LEAST GOOD (in very roughly the order of my level of confidence):
(A couple are extremely late picks but I call it as I see it).

MCQUALTER, Andrew (17) [Stk] Skilled predator midfielder. Inconspicuous ball magnet. Smart, adaptable, superior user. I was very tempted to put him in the top group. Has been mainly predator and is capable of a higher hurt factor. I think he'll adapt to AFL requirements like a duck to water.
EGAN, Chris (10) [Col] Somewhat enigmatic special talent. Has X-factor.
MORTON, Mitch (44 F/S) [WCE] Classy, smart, self-confident, dual-sided 6' midfielder with broad range of attributes.
BETTS, Eddie (Pre-season) [Car] Unwanted size but freakishly talented FP/rover. If he can stay focussed, is definite AFL despite size. I rated him at 12 in my rankings. THE bargain of the draft.
MEESEN, John (8) [Ade] Gets my nod as currently the best all-round ruck due to around the ground ability. Wood probably has more upside.
BATE, Matthew (13) [Mel] Rapidly emerging bottom-age physical athlete. Versatile but raw. I see him primarily as a potential FB.
RUSSELL, Jordan (9) [Car] Athletic 6'2" utility. Flawed kicking and light but a versatile quick dasher.
IACOBUCCI, Adam (55) [Col] Injury-prone vanilla-size quick utility. Accountable quiet achiever. I rated him at 16 in my rankings. Bargain.
ECKERMANN, Ben (51) [Por] Compulsive run-the-lines smallish dasher. Underrated. I rated him at 17 in my rankings. Bargain.
CLOKE, Travis (39 F/S) [Col] Bullish, marking bottom-age KPP. Hasn't yet shown the form most of my other nominations have, but I'm confident he will.
DELUCA, Fabian (35) [Por] Improving 17yo ruck. Height, mobility. Promising but, at this stage at least, is a fair way behind Wood and Meesen.
NEWTON, Michael (43) [Mel] Athletic marking KPP. Inconsistent and I'm not sure if he is a team player but attractive package and upside. Bargain.
PERKINS, Justin (R36) [Kan] '22" athletic, hard-running HBF who can play tallish. Is only a Rookie and is already 22yo (barely) so he may perhaps seem lucky to make this list but I've always felt he was under-rated. Won't be a star but is a very cheap pickup and well worth it. Bargain.
GIBSON, Chad (28) [Ade] Raw but quick, athletic bam-bam potential CHB. Great height / great build bottom-age combination of serious athleticism and intensity. And a team player. Groin injury for many months leading up to '04 Champs so underdone.

Popular opinion would dictate that I should include
MONFRIES, Angus (14) [Ess] Slowish but smart midfielder. Angus is well-credentialed and will definitely play AFL and be consistent but he isn't quick and, although a regular high possession gatherer, doesn't hurt enough for my money.
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VERY SKINNY BUT genuine AFL potential .... if (!) they can bulk up sufficiently. (in draft order):

LITTLE, Matt (26) [Haw] Under-height and very skinny leading, clean-marking deadly forward with exceptional ability to read the play and the flight. Maybe only one trick but it's a good one.
LIMBACH, Dean (52) [Ric] Versatile marking tall. Shown great promise but only in cameo. Officially has a 6cm reach disadvantage but, if he wasn't so damn skinny or I could be sure he could bulk up enough, he'd definitely be in the group above.
BATCHELOR, Nick (R29) [Gee] Tenacious road-runner. Ultra skinny but great ethic on/off-field.
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EARLY PICK QUERIES (in draft order) – I wouldn’t be that surprised if they make it but I have concerns whereas many people would label them "definite" or nearly so:

LEWIS, Jordan (7) [Haw] (see below)
POLO, Dean (20) [Ric] Fearless, 187cm determined goer who plays tallish. Skinny but he's someone who can probably get away with not being as bulky as other players. I greatly admire his style of play (aggressive at both man and ball) and he is clean but, although he is genuinely dual-sided, his kicking action and flailing running style really need a lot of work.
VAN BERLO, Nathan (24) [Ade] Top-age link-man who plays a predator role off the pack. Too off the pack. This assessment will seem a tough call on someone who looks a million dollars, has an attractive range of skills and athleticism and has WAFL Seniors form. I think he could perhaps be even top-shelf at WAFL standard. He just hasn't convinced me re his potential at AFL tempo. Reads the play quite well, moves very well, is super fit even by any AFL criteria. Doesn't get enough of his own pill though. Quality kid, great all-round athletic ability and commitment and doesn't get ahead of himself. A balanced mover who receives or gathers the (usually loose) ball then feeds off efficiently or does an attractive-style, balanced (although not reliably accurate) kick. Can pick up a lot of fairly cheap stats without having much impact. Gets knocked off the ball at this stage but I am not concerned about that as he looks able to bulk up. However, he is vanilla-size, doesn't have special pace or carry the ball much, seems unaccountable, is not reliable overhead, has poor tackling technique on a moving target (although that can be improved) and is quite clean but not special at ground level.
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These players caused me MUCH ANGST IN ASSESSING (in draft order) –

WILLIAMS, Tom (6) [WBD] (see above)
LEWIS, Jordan (7) [Haw] Slow, powerful "ruckrover". Like Moore, great U18 form but will it translate? I have doubts. Jordan was on my draft-day rankings but down at 41. I seriously doubt he will prove to have been worth a first round pick, let alone pick 7, but nor am I particularly confident he won't make it either.
MONFRIES, Angus (14) [Ess] (see above)
DUNN, Lynden (15) [Mel] Improving key forward. Been unconvincing except in patches but is very bottom-age. I eventually ranked him at 28 in a flaky draft but I wouldn't be surprised if he makes it or doesn't.
PATTISON, Adam (16) [Ric] Rapidly-improving 198cm utility. At U18 level, I really admire Adam. My problem in assessing his AFL potential lies in determining a specific AFL role for him and I kept dropping him down in my rankings accordingly, settling at 42. Is he a jack of all trades etc? I'm not sure he has the class for CHF and he was starved of sufficient opportunities in the ruck at U18 level to get a confident handle on his AFL rucking potential. I suspect he will make AFL, I find heaps of attributes to like in him, but I wouldn't be altogether surprised one way or the other.
LEE, Andrew (30) [Ess] Talented serial under-performer. The chocolates smell nice but the box is hard to open. Definitely has the natural talent re skill and athleticism and can play either end (although I think he is best suited to full-back). Not a great reader of the play but, on balance, I suspect he can make it and won't be surprised if it suddenly clicks for him and he goes on to be very good even. Time to start producing for more than 15 minutes every few games though, Andrew.
MOORE, Jarred (31) [Syd] Smallish chunky, mainly predator, onballer. Natural sportsman and, like Lewis, great U18 form. Will it translate? Will he have weight-management problems? Running style needs work (eg Regularly splays his left foot badly. Helps his take-off but costs him speed over ground. Might be genetic?). I'm not writing him off but I have serious doubts about him sustaining an AFL career.
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UP AGAINST IT (from National draft, in draft order) – I’d like to see every committed draftee succeed but these would surprise me:

MURPHY, Thomas (21) [Haw] Honest and disciplined but, at 189cm and lacking pace, is too small for KP and too slow for a flanker. Hawks paid a very high price for him IMHO.
HARTLETT, Adam (25) [Car] Top-age inconsistent tall. Appears to be too flaky for mine. Best is impressive but too spasmodic.
ROSA, Matt (29) [WCE] 189cm skinny outside ball magnet. Good U18 form, big stats, but not special enough for AFL and doesn't hurt enough (especially those floater kicks).
EZARD, James (34) [Por] Can be slippery and is a determined tackler but I think he lacks the class, cleanness and consistent ball-winning ability needed at his size for AFL.
LECRAS, Mark (37) [WCE] Hard runner, works hard off-field and accumulates stats but routinely wastes / turns over his kicks. Doesn't hurt nearly enough for AFL. Reads play well but has poor vision and awareness.
MARIC, Ivan (40) [Ade] Lion-hearted athletic trier who is a late starter and has bulked up a lot recently but lacks the class for AFL. Not a great reader of the play or the flight. Can take a speccy but is not routinely a good judge of a mark. Dicey kick. Very mobile but pace is only so-so.
SHERMAN, Justin (45) [Bri] Has always promised but is a chronic disappointer.
KNIGHTS, Chris (56) [Ade] Injury-impaired '04. Reads ball well and is good in-close but kicking is not reliable enough and his hurt factor needs to improve. Lacks pace (although his poor floppy running style could be improved).
COPPING, Benet (59) [Fre] Skinny mobile, athletic marking tall but I can't identify an AFL role. A couple of years ago he looked likely to be the "next big thing" but he seems to have stagnated since. Lacks strength and, most importantly, intensity.
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BARGAINS (Late picks i.e. >40, excluding F/S, who could belie their draft position) (in draft order).

NEWTON, Michael (43) [Mel] (see above)
SLATTERY, Henry (46) [Ess] 6' reliable handyman and cleans up after. Won't be special but will be solid.
ECKERMANN, Ben (51) [Por] (see above)
LIMBACH, Dean (52) [Ric] (see above)
IACOBUCCI, Adam (55) [Col] (see above)
BETTS, Eddie (Pre-season) [Car]. (see above). THE bargain of the draft (assuming he is committed). Never mind the quantity, feel the quality. Routinely does the impossible and will possibly win more games off his own boot than all but about 10 players in this entire draft.
PERKINS, Justin (R36) [Kan] (see above). (Yes, I know he is a 22yo rookie).
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ROOKIES WITH A FUTURE (Rookies who I think might make AFL) (in draft order):
NB: I realise these are very big calls because they need the opportunity as well as the ability.

NYE, Ryan (R 5) [Ade] Strong 6' defender/utility. Pace is the concern and little exposed form but is a cool, intelligent, genuine footballer and excellent user.
JUNIPER, Jack (R24) [Fre] Very raw, enigmatic athlete with much untapped potential. Decent chance if 100% committed ... but is he???
BATCHELOR, Nick (R29) [Gee] Tenacious road-runner. Ultra skinny but great ethic on/off-field.
PERKINS, Justin (R36) [Kan] (see above). The Rookie in whom I have the most confidence.
MCMAHON, Scott (R38) [Kan] Vanilla size, slowish quarterback/midfielder. Generally pays opponents little respect (backs his judgement at all times) but reliable, smart.
GRUNDY, Heath (R42) [Syd] Tough blue-collar KPP. May be best as FB or 3rd tall defender. Deserved to be picked up in National draft IMHO. Underrated.
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MISSED OUT on being drafted but I rate them

TAYLOR, Craig. Was always most unlikely to be taken due to lack of pace (although ordinary running style can be improved) but I actually rate him highly. Tough, clean, smart, strong, and excellent user. His type often dramatically drop their aspirations and commitment when they miss out. I hope he doesn't and that an AFL club looking for a skilled, Burns-like inside user will give him a chance next year.
REDDEN, Thomas. Very bottom-age 191cm, wiry midfielder. Unproven but smart and works hard, albeit skinny and raw. Plays very much in the style of Michael Tuck. Surprised he was overlooked and I suspect he will cost a club a first round pick (perhaps top 10) next year when he could have been taken with an 80s pick this year. I rated him at 26 in my rankings.
SWALLOW, Andrew. Lightning-quick very bottom-age young goer. I'm not surprised he wasn't drafted as he is a shocking kick. However, IMHO a fundamental flaw in his kicking style is the root of his problem and I am confident it can be improved sufficiently.
CORRIE, Marty. Clever, classy indigenous top-age vanilla-size cool user with a commitment query. If I KNEW he'd adapt to city life and commit himself, I'd rate him genuine AFL. If I KNEW not, no pick. That's my only issue with him.
---------------------------------
I also believe Shannon Cox and Lukas Teague deserved to be rookied ahead of many who were.

http://www.voy.com/51976/52442.html

[LukeHodge15]

2005 been done in another thread, but i thought i would add it anyways:D

Predictions for “U18” 2005 AFL draftees

I judge them to have “made AFL” when they have played a decent number of good AFL games over a sustained period (i.e. not merely getting games when their club's list is decimated by injuries, or due to just their size or pace presenting them with premature opportunities).
The categories generally reflect players about whom I feel most confident in making predictions.

This was another flaky draft, very much like 2000 but without a single standout (2000 had Riewoldt, Koschitzke and Didak as clear top 3 picks). In terms of "sure fire" outstanding CVs for very early picks, this was an unlucky year for a club to have picks anywhere in the first 6 or so. Nevertheless I suspect as many '05 draftees will sustain AFL careers as in most previous years, although I suspect as many will come from after about pick 20 as before. I think there are a few serious bargains.
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Will be TOP SHELF (in order of how good I think they might become):

HURN, Shannon (13) [WCE] "Big stage" player who gives the impression he has been biding time. Was my #1 for the 2005 draft for almost 2 years but it's now time to unwrap the pressy. O.P. (and corresponding ability to get and keep himself in top condition) a real concern so may need to be handled delicately for some time (at less than optimum conditioning, as has been the case for some years). We made need to be patient in this respect as he probably won't hit the ground running but he is a definite talent. Balanced, smart, knows how to find the pill and regularly pin-points 50-60m passes.
MUSTON, Beau (22) [Haw] A more prolific Jarred Brennan with big "X" and hurt factors. Very much in the mould of a young Kouta. Hard-running acrobat, albeit more athlete than natural footballer and, as such, my prediction for him assumes complete recovery from his knee injury (else all bets are off).
CLARK, Mitchell (9) [Bri] Enigmatic talent who has almost everything ability-wise when in the right frame of mind. Definite AFL position if (!) he wants to apply. I spent more time analysing him than any other player and I still feel uncomfortable re the risk of him being high maintenance. Still has a lot to learn about footy and application but, when switched on, his skills are breath-taking. Upside versus risk but, like Hurn (and Franklin last year), I think he is a "big stage" player who has been in need of the challenge of AFL.
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Will be AT LEAST GOOD (I didn't bother too much about the order but its very(!) roughly in the order of their upside with some allowance for my level of confidence in them achieving it):
(A couple are extremely late picks but I call it as I see it).

DEMPSEY, Courtenay (19) [Ess] Slippery, smooth, daring. Bit of magic. Raw, skinny but potential game-breaker.
OAKLEY-NICHOLLS, Jarrad (8) [Ric] Silky tallish speedster. More Porsche than 4WD but has X-factor. Big upside.
MCKINLEY, Ben (29) [WCE] 6' purposeful type known for big grab on lead but his work-rate, ethic and smarts are equally impressive. So-so pace - so so what? Value in other ways and will prove more versatile than commonly perceived.
HOOPER, Rhan (41) [Bri] Skinny dashing free-wheeling ball-carrier with a few tricks. Needs to treat opponents with more respect but seems a centre-stage performer and is likely to embrace AFL. There's not much of him but he is another potential game-breaker.
MCENTEE, Luke (R 3) [Haw] This is a huge call for a rookie but I believe this kid is severely underrated. Athletic newby ruck with wingman pace. Vision and quick hands in close, and inside ethic. Great upside but will have to bide his time.
THOMAS, Dale (2) [Col] Not routinely special at anything and kicking is mixed bag but a quickish terrier dasher with a bit of everything. Works hard both ways, is consistent game by game, and has game-breaking flair.
MURPHY, Marc (1) [Car] Creative predator and linker. Not outside per se and gets his share of good clearances but is more smart predator than hard-nut. Not lightning quick but quickish and provides run, has smarts and vision, reads play and ball well. Kicking over short distance can be very good, albeit not routinely, but struggles for depth and does his share of floaters. I felt Murphy would be best suited to a team that already had quality First Dibs onballers and/or quality rucks (eg Hawthorn). Carlton does not fit that description. I disagree with the popular perception of him as a traditional in 'n under rover. I see him as more a footy-smart swoop-through creator and linker. He will be a good AFL player but not of the class or impact of a Riewoldt, Koschitzke, Hodge, Judd, Ball, Cooney or Griffen.
JONES, Nathan (12) [Mel] When only a ute will do. Clean. Very powerful motor, low km. Extra bull-bar. Current RWC.
ANTHONY, John (37) [Col] Versatile, pacy, athletic, hard-running physical tall.
DOUGLAS, Richard (16) [Ade] 68kg as very top-age. Ability to bulk up is my only query. Quality user, speed, smarts, hands, overhead. Tick all boxes ... except size.
BAILEY, Max (18) [Haw] Raw mobile giant with good ethic and smarts. Will need time but great upside.
DRUM, Marcus (10) [Fre] Quality person and good TAC form in 2005 but didn't impress me quite as much upside-wise as he did in 2004 (didn't show opponents as much respect, zoning off too often, and kicking was dicey). Good reader and ultra cool. Loves to carry the ball and links very well, albeit lacking a little zip (although pace has improved). Courageous and strong overhead but may struggle to bulk up enough for KP. Will make AFL but must make more of his kicks hurt.
MILLS, Wayde (25) [Bri] Reliable young plumber. No job too big. Work 24/7. Blue-collar but no-one is more dedicated. Never say die. Raw but will succeed through sheer persistence and focus.
VARCOE, Travis (15) [Gee] Electrifying bottom-age skinny flashy dasher with exciting upside but inconsistent kick.
RYDER, Patrick (7) [Ess] Athletic short ruck. Cruises too much instead of pushing himself but undoubted skills and athleticism. Would be in the top group if there was a guarantee that he will lift his intensity / work rate. That's the query though, even allowing for him being bottom-age.
HUGHES, Cleve (24) [Ric] Fast-lead marking forward. Reliable kick for goal. Very top-age but intensity and ethic are on the up and his potency with it
HOCKING, Heath (R20) [Ess] Disappointing '05 (excuses) after looking real AFL in 2004. I'm keeping faith as he is a genuine footballer, albeit of so-so pace.
SWALLOW, Andrew (43) [Kan] Quick, dashing goer. Courageous accountable ball carrier with vision in close but must eliminate tunnel vision when on the run. Makes this group despite dodgy kicking because I believe his main technique fault (transference of COM) should be fixable.
THORNTON, Kristin (54) [Syd] Smart bottom-age HBF/wing. Good user (hand or foot). Dual-sided. Vision and quick hands, especially clever in close. Can accumulate, or shut opponent down. Skinny but versatile.
LOWER, Nick (30) [Por] Quality user. Very slick inside. Strong overhead. Unaccountable but creative, cool, balanced. Needs to push himself more and make more use of his pace.
SIMPKIN, Jonathan (R16) [Syd] Skilled improver. Quick, clever. Good traffic management and stop-play / traffic clearances (incl centre bounce). Lights up a game for 20min. When/if he starts showing up for 100 minutes, will be AFL and probably still will be even if he doesn't.
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THE FOLLOWING WILL PLAY PLENTY OF AFL AND QUITE LIKELY BE GOOD BUT I DOUBT WILL BE AS GOOD AS TOUTED (in draft order):-

ELLIS, Xavier (3) [Haw] Very smart, ultra confident, outside finisher who plays his own game and treats opponents with no respect. I admire his skills but can he lift intensity enough and bulk up enough to reached the heights others have predicted?
KENNEDY, Josh (4) [Car] Physical KPP. Not silky but adept, reliable. Blue overalls, rock-solid goer. Excellent work and team ethic, can think quickly but lacks zip off the mark, is not especially reliable overhead and is an iffy kick.
DOWLER, Beau (6) [Haw] Slim leading forward, fairly reliant on marking. Excellent timer of leads, reliable overhead and usually a very good kick for goal. A bit one-trick but it's a good trick. Query below the knee and pace / agility (although has improved a lot) and I suspect he might always be slimmish.
PFEIFFER, Darren (17) [Ade] Fearless 6' dasher and high-flyer but kicking, decision-making and accountability a worry. Will play AFL but his hurt factors worry me.
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EARLY PICK QUERIES (in draft order) – I wouldn’t be that surprised if they make it but I have concerns whereas many people would label them "definite" or nearly so:

STANLEY, Daniel (21) [Col] All-round strong goer who plays tall. Gives 110%, good reader, good defensively but disposal decision-making and especially kicking bother me, as does balance. Will play AFL but is perhaps too NQR for any sustainable specific AFL role.
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These players caused me MUCH ANGST in assessing their AFL potential (in draft order) –

PENDLEBURY, Scott (5) [Col] Switched back to footy from basketball only recently. Improving. Good work rate, especially hard running and 2nd and 3rd efforts. Lacks physicality but is ultra confident and has a touch of class and an attractive range of attributes. Some of his best work (especially evasion, vision and feeds) is from inside traffic, despite him being essentially an outside type, albeit good overhead. Tempting. Not the "certainty" one would expect of a #5 pick but, forced to call, I think he will be a handy player who will play some good AFL games. Could even be much better than handy but I have some concerns I'd need to see him address before I'd predict that with great confidence.
HIGGINS, Shaun (11) [WBD] "Read well, get own ball, dispose quickly and usually reliably with good vision". That's good but is it enough? Bottom-age, very highly rated and will certainly play AFL but is not blessed with pace, plays a mainly short game, and is unaccountable. Forced to call, I think he will be a handy player who will play some very good AFL quarters.
IBBOTSON, Garrick (26) [Fre] Reactive bottom-age pacy late starter. Moves well but is intensity query. Didn't play footy until about 14 and sometimes it shows. Predator (maybe too predator?) whose best role might be sweeper across half-back. Forced to call, I expect him to play some AFL games but I'm sceptical about AFL longevity.
OBST, Alan (48) [Ade] A "take them on, give you run from the backline/wing" slim tall who is a bit quicker than his DC times suggest but not quick per se. I see him as a tall HBF, perhaps even wing. Will furnish into a nice athletic build but I don't see him as AFL KP due to unlikely strength. (Struggles body on body even at U18 level). Trademarks are (a) Contest the mark, gather the spill then run the ball downfield. Finish off with a dubious kick. (b) Run, contest, 2nd effort, 3rd effort, run. Rapid improver in last year or so. Works hard off the ball. Runs hard both ways. Can be relied upon for quick recovery and 2nd and 3rd efforts. Very good evasion and agility on the run but he is not a quick thinker or reliable decision-maker. Elements of Brent Staker. Forced to call, I think he will play AFL games and will suit Adelaide's style but I'm sceptical about AFL longevity.
LONERGAN, Sam (50) [Ess] Clearance specialist who gives his all. Dedicated (and has had to face some logistical obstacles in his U18 time) but class query, lacks zip off the mark, and kicking is unreliable. Strong overhead but 6cm reach disadvantage won't help at AFL level. Forced to call, I think he will play some AFL games but I'm sceptical about AFL longevity. Much will depend on his ability to address his kicking reliability.
LAIDLAW, Matthew (51) [Syd] Very top-age but an improver. Intensity query (doesn't seem to push himself enough) but has balance, poise, and quite good pace when he cares to use it. Forced to call, I think he will play some AFL games but I'm sceptical about AFL longevity.
LOOBY, Tim (R40) [Por] Josh Hunt comparisons but with more dash and not as routinely footy-smart. Big improver in 2005. Query re how much upside left. Forced to call, I'm sceptical about AFL longevity.
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UP AGAINST IT (from National & Preseason drafts, in draft order) – I’d like to see every committed draftee succeed but these would surprise me: (Almost every draftee gets AFL games these days. I'm talking about sustained AFL careers)

BIRCHALL, Grant (14) [Haw] Somewhat outside linker. Good pace but waste of height. Small man trapped in a big man's body. Has a bit but frustrates me. Plays too cheap for mine and I'm not convinced he is special enough in any one aspect.
BOWER, Paul (20) [Car] Agile bottom-age tall defender. NQR. Bigger on zoning off and creating ball movement than on body to body accountability. Struggles on the gorillas but provides very good run out of defence. What do you do with a tall? He roves the spill and creates space extremely well with excellent reflexes, evasion and timing and he likes to free-wheel through space and set up play downfield. What do you do with a tall defender who plays that style but lacks some pace and who doesn't play body on body enough (although improving) and is not a strong contested mark? What AFL role?
COOK, Ryan (23) [Col] Unusual type - like Pendlebury, is an outsider who nevertheless gets plenty of hardball inside "stationery" traffic and also works hard at harassing any nearby opponent who has the ball. Good endurance, covers ground and is team-orientated with god intentions. Bottom-age improver but too many flaws - positioning / smarts, hands, disposal, hurt factors. Can look quick over a few metres but I'm dubious of his pace beyond that.
ADDISON, Dylan (27) [WBD] Nice size, moves quite well but doesn't impact enough.
RIGGIO, Matt (28) [Kan] Nice-size, hard-running mop-up utility and linker. Too mop-up / reactive. Not special in any single attribute. Keeps himself in good fitness nick and works hard but seems immature off-field compared to most of his peers. Bit too NQR is various aspects.
SPANGHER, Matthew (34) [WCE] Disciplined, hard-working, hard-running tall defender but probably NQR for AFL re pace, kicking, and overhead judgement / positioning.
OWEN, Stephen (35) [Gee] Nice size, quick off the mark but doesn't impact enough.
EDWARDS, Jake (36) [Car] Quick, tall improver who will get the most out of himself but suffers significant reach disadvantage and kicking can be dodgy.
WARNOCK, Robert (42) [Fre] Dedicated 205cm mobile ruck with nice skills but at only 80kg as extremely top age is likely to always be too skinny for AFL. To put his weight into context, he is 5cm taller than Guy Richards who has a similar frame. When Richards was drafted he was a bottom-aged 78kg, 3kg heavier than Robbie was at the same age and Robbie is 5cm taller. Richards 5 years into his AFL time has increased his weight by an impressive 20% but is still skinny.
CARLILE, Alipate (44) [Por] Top-age disciplined last-line negating defender a la Prestigiacomo but doesn't mind a little dash either. Fined down since '04 and has continually improved over the past 2 years (with still plenty of scope through further chiselling / conditioning) but I suspect lacks enough tricks for AFL.
GAMBLE, Ryan (47) [Gee] Too enigmatic. Many attractive tricks but gets caught in no-mans land too often (runs around as if he were an umpire or a club runner) and doesn't push himself. Rose from U19s to Seniors in the one year but was nevertheless inconsistent. Allowances have to be made as he missed virtually 2 months with a broken jaw and had also moved from rural SA to Adelaide for '05 but I suspect he will always be inconsistent. Best kicks are excellent but he is also capable of the odd mongrel. Not genuinely reliable overhead but big leap, can take a screamer and attacks his marks. Speed on the run is acceptable, although not flash, but he is slow off the mark. Poor running style, a la an Olympic walker.
NEAGLE, Jay (39) [Ess] Much potential improvement once chiselled down (a la Ling) but significant class query.
BUCKLEY, Simon (53) [Mel] 189cm athlete rather than footballer. Long kick but lacks smarts.
BRABAZON, Ryan (59) [Syd] Trademark is "fairly clean hands to get at edge of traffic, then cool sidestep out of trouble, then accurate feed or kick, showing good vision, then run on immediately to link up through space. Run, run, run." Slightly older than top-age, outsidish midfield ball-magnet who has improved enormously this year in poise, hurt factors, intensity, positioning, and pace (from a low base in all cases). What we have now is a kid with borderline acceptable pace who gets a fair share of his own ball, routinely looks for options (regardless of pressure), gets much greater value from his disposals, and thinks his way out of trouble. In short, he now earns most of his possessions and he makes the opposition pay for a good proportion of them. Team man, leader. Big engine. Indefatigable. Runs hard and routinely supplies a linking option. Plays smallish but also mainly outsidish - not a combination I strongly like in a player who does not have at least "very good" pace and is not a ball-carrier. He's still a bit too NQR for AFL in some key areas for his type - pace (especially off the mark), versatility, depth, build / strength, ground level, is not a ball-carrier, 5cm reach disadvantage. For what specific AFL role is he well suited? He isn't quite quick enough for an outside mid and not quite clean enough, strong enough and maybe inside enough for inside mid.
BARTRAM, Clinton (60) [Mel] Hard-running goer but lacks class, has a 6cm reach disadvantage and kicking lets him down. Handy, but not special, pace. If he were to make AFL, it would probably have to be as a run-with. He probably doesn't have enough tricks or silk for other roles. That would play to his major attribute viz endurance.
NEVILLE, Heath (68) [Mel] Athletic 6' HBF. Gets own ball but query disposal, accountability & play-reading.
ILES, Sam (P 2) [Col] Very top-age hard-running trier but really lacks smarts and poise. Plays too much in the style of a trier in an under 12 game. Runs "non-stop" from contest to contest but doesn't participate enough when he gets there. Quality person, very committed off-field, and has great endurance but is too reactive, is not clean and gets poor hurt factors from his possessions (He is quite a good kick when under no pressure but otherwise does too many turnovers, dinky "nothing" kicks, unnecessarily rushed disposals, some poor decision-making).
WHITE, Matthew (P 5) [Ric] Predator hard-running compulsive quick dasher. Ankle problems throughout '05. Hard worker on and off field. Fierce tackler. Will break the play open and carry the ball but is not clean or quick-thinking enough and disposal / hurt factor a worry.
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BARGAINS (Late picks i.e. >40, excluding F/S, who could belie their draft position) (in draft order).

HOOPER, Rhan (41) [Bri] (See above)
SWALLOW, Andrew (43) [Kan] (See above)
THORNTON, Kristin (54) [Syd] (See above)
MCENTEE, Luke (R 3) [Haw] (See above)
LOWER, Ed (R10) [Kan] Looks genuine AFL at times but needs to lift work-rate and make better use of speed. Tends to play big quarters rather than solid games at this stage.
SIMPKIN, Jonathan (R16) [Syd] (See above)
HOCKING, Heath (R20) [Ess] (see above)
ELLIOTT, Sam (R53) [Ade] Natural "First Dibs" onballer, also dangerous up forward. 2005 marred by injury. Is better than that. Question is, how much better? I like. I would have had him in the "Will be at least good" category except that Adelaide already has a welter of his type so opportunities won't come easily.
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ROOKIES WITH A FUTURE (Rookies who I think might make AFL) (in draft order):
NB: I realise these are very big calls because they need the opportunity as well as the ability.

MCENTEE, Luke (R 3) [Haw] (See above)
LOWER, Ed (R10) [Kan] (See above)
CORR, Cathal (R14) [StK] The coalminer's coalminer. Iffy kicking and not at all silky but plays tall (excellent overhead, handy reach advantage) and with uncompromising ferocity and has quick hands. Unfashionable, rough around the edges, volatile and needs to improve kicking reliability (and technique) but I'd like him in the trenches with me. Improving all the time.
SIMPKIN, Jonathan (R16) [Syd] (See above).
HOCKING, Heath (R20) [Ess] (See above)
COX, Shannon (R33) [Col] Very poor early '05 but improved heaps (form, focus, application) in 2nd half of the year. Query ability to maintain focus and application but he has some special attributes and shows promise as a work in progress.
ELLIOTT, Sam (R53) [Ade] (See above)

I considered including
REDDEN, Thomas (R29) [Ade]. However in recent times he seems to have more of the stereotype muso persona than that of a fully-committed AFL aspirant and he might also struggle for opportunities due to Adelaide's list. Lacks pace over a distance and awareness is only so-so but is otherwise a genuine footballer. Poor-man's version of Michael Tuck (even his on-field demeanour) - good overhead, tireless, never gives in, covers heaps of ground, often looks to be in cruise mode but always manages to be where the action is. Has a footy brain, albeit a "bit junkyard dog"ish and currently inclined to try to do too much. Always looks tired but never stops running. Despite lack of pace, I think he can make AFL if he adheres to the off-field dedication expected of an AFL player ... but that's the query.
------------------------------------------

MISSED OUT on being drafted but I rate them

ARMFIELD, Dennis - Is raw but a quick-thinking, hard-working, courageous dasher who is strong overhead, physical, and mentally tough. Ex rugby kid with plenty of upside. No-one else in AFL recruiting is on the same page as me re this kid but I see definite AFL potential. I hope he doesn't think his AFL chances are gone. He owes it to himself to aspire to play AFL. I believe he is THE kid who snuck under the radar and I expect him to have a big year in WAFL Seniors in 2006.
EBERT, Ricky - Not pacy but is a quality user with vision and balance. Genuine footballer.
ADAMS, Leigh - Compact but versatile, smart, dangerous. Bottom-age natural footballer who I expect will get drafted in 2006.
GRANT, Grae - Enigmatic and doesn't push himself enough on-field but has range of silky skills when switched on. Will get drafted in 2006 if he lifts his mental toughness. It's in his own hands.
KELLEHER, Brad - In-between height but good kick, pace, hands, versatility and smarts. Needs to push himself more though.
------------------------------
I also believe Andrew Banjanin, Sam Gosbell and Andrew Fairchild deserved to be rookied ahead of many who were. Banjanin is a weight query but an ideal developing ruck Rookie whose 2005 was ruined by injury (mainly O.P.). Gosbell is a quick, hard-running, smart, balanced, accountable, strong 186cm defender who is very good overhead and copped a couple of injuries. Fairchild has had his last 2 seasons disrupted by O.P. and hamstring injury. Not super quick and I don't know much about his character but is very strong overhead, especially on a lead, and a goer on his day. Was highly unlikely to get rookied but I think he is underrated. Another rapidly improving smokey was Andrew Crosby. 188cm dual-sided utility who has gained in confidence very recently. Quick brain and genuine smarts. Nice height and broad range of attributes (incl overhead, vision, athleticism, ethic) for a utility, albeit still a somewhat outside one. Scott Bricknell's kicking in 2005 was very disappointing and probably cost him his draft chances but he is a balanced, assured, natural "ruck-rover". David Marcius, who has worked hard on his game and pace for good U18 results, and Nick Lynch, a strong overhead, quick forward with dicey kicking, could also consider themselves unlucky but may not have the scope for further improvement that some others have.

http://www.voy.com/51976/52438.html

[Unwritten_Law]

He has been pretty much spot on with all the Geelong players.

Tenace and "genuine footballer" might be a bit of a stretch but from all reports he had good disposal skills in the u-18s it just hasn't transferred over into AFL, yet. Hopefully 06 is the year!

[TheGeneral]

SYLVIA, Colin (3) [Mel] Powerhouse 6' “ruck-rover”/forward. Strong overhead but needs to improve kicking accuracy.
:thumbsd: :)

What a dud if he needs to improve his kicking!

[macca69]

exceptional work by the Wiz, agree with practically everything he has said about all those players. Only one thing he got majorly wrong IMO is Staker, he has got a pair of the stickiest hands I have seen. Hard to really assess how he has done, especially on the '03/'04/'05 picks. Has anyone got any of his earlier work?

[Lynch drops a mark]

exceptional work by the Wiz, agree with practically everything he has said about all those players. Only one thing he got majorly wrong IMO is Staker, he has got a pair of the stickiest hands I have seen. Hard to really assess how he has done, especially on the '03/'04/'05 picks. Has anyone got any of his earlier work?

thought the same thing

its one of his best points (along with pace/tank/kick/ground skills and his ability to stand up while being tackled)

another is rosa, he looks to be the best of the 04 draft so far for us and might get into the best midfield in the afl in his second year

[oporto]

I have been reading Colin's reports (when available) for about 4 yrs now and find his thoroughness and attention to detail, far superior to anything that either the afl recruiters produce or what the afl draft system has on individual players.

Love him or hate him, Colin's work is first class and rather than being judged on whether he has corrected predicted a future star, can and should be used as a training & development tool by players/clubs to work on correcting/improving deficiencies.

Colin is also able to express an opinion on player personality traits and therefore player suitability for afl which is a major part of any recruiting program. This hopefully offers club recruiters another "impartial" opinion which may confirm the clubs own thoughts about a player.

Invaluable tool (which I have used) but dont know how widely the afl system uses independent player research.

[FIGJAM]

:thumbsd: :)

What a dud if he needs to improve his kicking!
He can only aspire to be as "silky" as Walker!

[TheGeneral]

He can only aspire to be as "silky" as Walker!
Or Dale Thomas.

THOMAS, Dale (2) [Col] Not routinely special at anything and kicking is mixed bag but a quickish terrier dasher with a bit of everything. Works hard both ways, is consistent game by game, and has game-breaking flair.

Fresh spark for Pies (http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,18559723%255E19763,00.html)

Thomas, 18, can take hangers and goal like his idol Gary Ablett. But he has been told to work on his kicking.

"We're encouraged to play with a bit of flair so, as long as it's at the right time and doesn't end in disaster, it's OK," Thomas said.

"Mick hasn't had a go at me yet, touch wood. He's been on me about my kicking, that's been a bit of a strain of late. He's had a few quiet words to me here and there but nothing too major.

"I've been working on it throughout the week at training. It's something major to play league footy, you've got to take your kicking to the next level."

[FIGJAM]

Hmmm...a coach coaching a player...I wonder if Pagan has ever thought about doing that to your mob!

Thomas is a good kick. Walker has always been seriously iffy and probably always will be.

[TheGeneral]

Walker is a deserved number 2 pick going on the talent, potential and ability he possesses. The clean one grab below his knees and handpass to Waite for the matchwinner against the Pies in 2004 showed how good he is.

The Hawks and Pies may have opted for Thomas early because it was considered an "evenly weak draft" and they lack quick ball carriers. Possibly the reason the Pies took a basketballer at 5 ahead of a Hurn or Clark who have more football talent. ;) :cool:

[F/D]

Haha Sylvia cant kick, what hope does Walker aka the next Kouta :rolleyes: have?

[mediumsizered]

Haha Sylvia cant kick, what hope does Walker aka the next Kouta :rolleyes: have?
Actually Kouta was an ordinary kick, in the early stages of his career as well. Somehow he managed to improve along the way. Stewie Loewe managed to improve his kicking during his career as well. I don't think anyone is tearing their hair out just yet, in relation to AW's kicking.

[TheGeneral]

Haha Sylvia cant kick, what hope does Walker aka the next Kouta :rolleyes: have?
It wasn't my comment imbecile. :rolleyes:

What hope do Trotter and Sylvia have if they keep getting injured?

The argument could also be made that the Dees and the Gold Coast Kangaroos should have taken Bradley and Stanton given their superior form.

[Main Man]

Luke Hodge 15 this is directed at you, you seem to know where to get your hands on all of Wisebys profiles, have you got access to his full profile of Luke Hodge if there is such a thing?

Thank you

[mattyc2422]

*Hodge (1) tough, exciting matchwinner.
Obviously spot on.

Campbell Brown (32) Captain Courageous, smart small tagger / backman. Could be a great tagger.
Correct weight on his toughness and position. Unrelentless small defender that can push up the ground. Great get at #32.

*Elstone (20) tough, clever in 'n under ball magnet who doesn't stray far from centre circle
Absolute ******** of a pick considering McGuire went at 21. He wasn't that tough (probably looked it at U18 level) or that clever. Had a footy body, but no footy attributes. Zero confidence in his ability. Didn't stray far from centre circle because he was slooooow. I can see how he would have been rated at U18 level though.


BRENNAN, Luke (8) [Haw] Young 6’1” tough, leaping utility. Mini Craig Kelly. Somewhat one-sided, not silky but effective “take no prisoners” type. Well-built but raw. Not 2003.
Someone generous on the Craig Kelly comparision but he's right in the sense that Brenno doesn't really have a position. Very raw indeed. Looked lost first 2 years.


GILHAM, Stephen (16) [Port] Skinny 6'3" smart athletic would-be Paul Roos. Physically very immature (and may always be skinny) but might still debut late ’03
He's matured physically somewhat since joining Hawthorn and has a great sense of reading the play and has great hands. Needs to learn how to prevent forwards from leading though.

NIXON, Bo (21) [Coll] 6'3, well-built utility. Spots, feeds. Plays shortish. Overrated o/h but good inside traffic. Not intense or clean. NQR? Won’t be AFL-ready in ’03.
Spot on there. Shame really, he had some talent there but not the AFL nous.

BOYLE, Tim (51) [Haw] Sudden improver. 6’3” CHB. Relies on excellent overhead ability. A few queries including intensity
Correct weight there. His talent is definitely based on aerial ability as a CHF. His intensity has been solved - he was kinda lazy in 2003 but he's improved it to be one of his strengths. He never stops running.

VEALE, Lochlan (65) [Haw] 6’3” lion-hearted accountable goer. Improving project but NQR
Wasn't accountable in his time in the BH ressies. He really didn't look comfortable in any position. Very raw kid. Where is he now? He used to be at Werribee?

SHELTON, Paul (R72) [Bris] Classy 5’10 midfield ball magnet. Disposal, smarts. I was extremely surprised he wasn’t picked up in the National Draft

Great kid. Problem was that there are a lot of footballers exactly like him.

MILLER, Harry (25) [Haw] Slippery small “charge past” goal-sneak with some aboriginal flair. Even at AFL level will be capable of turning an occasional game in 20 minutes. It’s what he does in the other 80 minutes and other games that concerns me.
Probably on the money. Loves running past the taller players for the dish. His game was often let down by his defensive work and positioning when not near the footy but he's gradually getting there.

BERGIN, Shaun (R53) [Haw] Very top-age but late bloomer. Ultra-skinny but courageous 6’ dasher. Pace, daring, leap, raking left foot. I tossed up whether to include him as he has had difficulty adding weight and is a confidence player. If I could be confident he could add enough weight, I’d “declare” him AFL - but that’s a very big “if”.
Didn't pan out at all. Didn't gain any weight, no body strength or AFL brain.

ROUGHEAD, Jarryd (2) [Haw] Versatile improving marking KPP with good intensity.
Improving daily.

FRANKLIN, Lance (5) [Haw] Enigmatic X-factor. May be hard work but worth it. Game-breaker.
Will be frustrating at times, but will win more games than he loses.

LITTLE, Matt (26) [Haw] Under-height and very skinny leading, clean-marking deadly forward with exceptional ability to read the play and the flight. Maybe only one trick but it's a good one.
A kid that Buckenara pushed hard for. Spot on about his ability to read the play and flight of the ball coming in. Very good above his head and a deadly kick.

LEWIS, Jordan (7) [Haw] Slow, powerful "ruckrover". Like Moore, great U18 form but will it translate? I have doubts. Jordan was on my draft-day rankings but down at 41. I seriously doubt he will prove to have been worth a first round pick, let alone pick 7, but nor am I particularly confident he won't make it either.
He's not that slow. I think he's proven himself to an extent already. Will gradually get more time in the midfield.

MURPHY, Thomas (21) [Haw] Honest and disciplined but, at 189cm and lacking pace, is too small for KP and too slow for a flanker. Hawks paid a very high price for him IMHO.
Good points there. Bit of a tweener but I think he's got the potential to fill a role similar to a Kris Barlow.

MUSTON, Beau (22) [Haw] A more prolific Jarred Brennan with big "X" and hurt factors. Very much in the mould of a young Kouta. Hard-running acrobat, albeit more athlete than natural footballer and, as such, my prediction for him assumes complete recovery from his knee injury (else all bets are off).
Bring it on.

MCENTEE, Luke (R 3) [Haw] This is a huge call for a rookie but I believe this kid is severely underrated. Athletic newby ruck with wingman pace. Vision and quick hands in close, and inside ethic. Great upside but will have to bide his time.
Hasn't featured in any praccy games to date, and will be interesting to see how his 197cm impacts on being a ruckman.

BAILEY, Max (18) [Haw] Raw mobile giant with good ethic and smarts. Will need time but great upside.
A very good pick up if pre-season means anything. Beat Everitt in an intraclub and took a mark in a body contest against the AA FB. Moves smoothly.

ELLIS, Xavier (3) [Haw] Very smart, ultra confident, outside finisher who plays his own game and treats opponents with no respect. I admire his skills but can he lift intensity enough and bulk up enough to reached the heights others have predicted?
The point about treating his opponent with no respect was evident when Harry Miller kicked a few on him, but X should play further up the ground. His injury will probably force him into the gym.

DOWLER, Beau (6) [Haw] Slim leading forward, fairly reliant on marking. Excellent timer of leads, reliable overhead and usually a very good kick for goal. A bit one-trick but it's a good trick. Query below the knee and pace / agility (although has improved a lot) and I suspect he might always be slimmish.
His limitations are probably what we need in a forward. Lead-Mark-Goal.

BIRCHALL, Grant (14) [Haw] Somewhat outside linker. Good pace but waste of height. Small man trapped in a big man's body. Has a bit but frustrates me. Plays too cheap for mine and I'm not convinced he is special enough in any one aspect.
Fair call. He will definitely need to be trained into a position rather than be let to run free like he was for Tassie.

KELLEHER, Brad - In-between height but good kick, pace, hands, versatility and smarts. Needs to push himself more though.
Didn't get drafted by is down at Box Hill and his intensity definitely needs to be worked on. Think he might make it one day.

[Hodge_is_God]

Great posts there LH and MattyC

FWIW, Wisbey also rated Ladson pretty highly (see below) Taken a while, but Laddo seems to be coming good too...


Rick Ladson (Bendigo). 181/71 low-age. Left footer good with right.

Style like early Peter Matera, maybe.

Dashing 5'11\" utility with superior foot skills and magical goal-sense. Worth late 1st round 2 pick.

Has the potential to be \"win a match off his own boot\". Highly-skilled. Importantly, most of what he does well, he can do at top pace. That's a big factor in assessing his worth. And he never plays a shocker, despite being so young.

-\"Daicos\"-type skills near goals, even at top pace and under pressure and inconvenienced.
- Magnificent kick - can kick 60m. Nice kicking style with either foot and uses the ball well. Can kick accurately and long off just one or two steps, which is a huge advantage. Can regularly kick 50m around his body.
- Very quick. Crosses the lines well either by dash or long kick or both.
- Gets plenty of ball. Avg 24 possessions per TAC game, mainly as an onballer. Was quieter in the U18 Champs (mainly on the wing) but still played very well against SA and WA, and almost everything he did showed class. 50 possessions in one TAC game (Tas). Good spread of receives and gets.
- Never plays a shocker - always does some good things, even on a quieter day.
- Is very accountable (eg wore Burgoyne like a glove). Good one percenters incl 2nd efforts and running on after a play. Keen chaser and tackler.
- Good evasion, even at top pace.
- Good recovery.
- Generally shows good poise, awareness, decision-making..
- Very versatile. Primarily a game \"winner\" rather than \"saver\" but adapts well to whatever role he is given and seems very coachable. You'd want to take advantage of his exquisite goal-sense but he is capable of playing literally any non big-man role.
- Very young.

Query:
- Needs weight. (181/71 - is only 17 though).
- Disgraceful hot-head tantrum (against Montagna at 3/4 time) in U18 Champs, but he is usually OK. It's not




Main Man - here you go;


U18 profiles:-
----------------------------------------
Luke HODGE (Geel) Low-age 184/82. Left footer.

On-field he is a 184cm version of Darren Millane - same style, skills and attitude. Worth 1st pick in the entire draft.

Off-field is super-focussed also. (already studies tapes of upcoming opponents etc).

Regardless of what a team needs, if I had pick No.1 I'd use it, absolutely without the slightest hesitation, on Hodge. The consummate footballer. My only concern is whether he is still prone to suffering osteitis pubis.

- Runs fast.
- Kicks like a mule, and finds his targets. Goalkicker.
- Tough as nails. Physically strong and aggressive towards both man and ball.
- Plays tall or short - very strong overhead for his height (184CM), even in packs. Excellent ground skills and clean hands. Big leap. Crunches packs.
- Mentally tough
- Great stamina.
- Reads the play and the ball extra well.
- Great in traffic.
- Excellent balance
- Extremely professional in his preparation
- Very versatile - can play any non-key role.
- Physically mature match-winner with poise and an abundance of footy smarts.

Query:
- !!! Is he still prone to suffering osteitis pubis? Still looked unfit or hampered even at the end of the season. Regardless, his style suggests that his body is always going to take a buffeting, so his career may be more injury-affected than most players'.
- Gives away 2.0 frees per game (6th worst in the TAC comp).
- Sometimes plays too much like a millionaire and needs to be reminded to play within the team plan.
- Kicking seems to be one-sided (left). Pace, strength and balance are so good it doesn't get him into trouble though.
--------------------------------------------

[understudy]

Geez wisbey really does seem to get a hell of a lot wrong, make a number of clangers and err in some of his assesments looking at that.

Really have to question what attributes and abilities he rates as necessary for AFL players.

Player assesment is obviously very subjective, just not sure Wisbey has a good eye for what is required at AFL level.

[cschreuder61]

Geez wisbey really does seem to get a hell of a lot wrong, make a number of clangers and err in some of his assesments looking at that.

Really have to question what attributes and abilities he rates as necessary for AFL players.

Player assesment is obviously very subjective, just not sure Wisbey has a good eye for what is required at AFL level.
What do people expect... a 100% record?

Some of his assesments were 100% on without seeing them play a single game of AFL footy. I was impressed with his assesment of X. Clarke. Hodge Ball etc J. Kelly, all seemed bang on the money.

And at least he shifts away from common oppinion and comes up with his own.

To say he rated McEntee as a first rounder, even though he was passed by all clubs until the rookie draft, and then also says X. Ellis is barely a first rounder even though most had him top 2 or 3... took some guts to come out and say that, its a big call.

I prefer that than to hear the exactly same stuff from everyone before draft day, who obviously don't come up with their own opinions of players.

[understudy]

What do people expect... a 100% record?

Where did I say that?

Some of the players he rates leave me scratching my head and also some of the players he doesn't rate.

Thats my opinion, if you cant handle it, tough titties.

[cschreuder61]

Yeah I just don't understand why he cops so much critism though. Not just from what you said.

People always cry out for player ratings, especially around draft day, and Wisbey does extensive ones, and seems to cop a heap of flack for having an opinion that differs from a lot, or offends club supporters of the player concerned.

He gets some a 100% right, even right down through to the third rounders, and he also get some of his highly rated ones wrong. But isn't that exactly the same as every recruiter in the country?

[understudy]

Yeah I just don't understand why he cops so much critism though. Not just from what you said.

People always cry out for player ratings, especially around draft day, and Wisbey does extensive ones, and seems to cop a heap of flack for having an opinion that differs from a lot, or offends club supporters of the player concerned.

He gets some a 100% right, even right down through to the third rounders, and he also get some of his highly rated ones wrong. But isn't that exactly the same as every recruiter in the country?

That you Colin?

Agree re some of the rubbish posted, but you got to expect that on the internet.

Didnt think my comments fell into that sort of category.

[OneEyedHawk]

Great posts by the Hawk boys: LukeHodge15, mattyc, and cschreuder:thumbsu:

[FIGJAM]

Geez wisbey really does seem to get a hell of a lot wrong, make a number of clangers and err in some of his assesments looking at that.

Really have to question what attributes and abilities he rates as necessary for AFL players.

Player assesment is obviously very subjective, just not sure Wisbey has a good eye for what is required at AFL level.
And you have compared his opinions against the opinions of AFL recruiters???

His hit to miss rate I reckon is comfortably AFL standard. In fact, given that he is paid for his opinions by several clubs, it clearly is good enough.

[understudy]

And you have compared his opinions against the opinions of AFL recruiters???

His hit to miss rate I reckon is comfortably AFL standard.

Just my assesment as you have made yours in your comment.

Stand by my comment in backing Hine over Wisbey.

Each to their own.

[dasler]

Geez wisbey really does seem to get a hell of a lot wrong, make a number of clangers and err in some of his assesments looking at that.

Really have to question what attributes and abilities he rates as necessary for AFL players.

Player assesment is obviously very subjective, just not sure Wisbey has a good eye for what is required at AFL level.
If only the AFL recruiters were all this thorough

[LukeHodge15]

If only the AFL recruiters were all this thorough

that just about sums it up i reckon

[dazzledavey36]

Walker is a deserved number 2 pick going on the talent, potential and ability he possesses. The clean one grab below his knees and handpass to Waite for the matchwinner against the Pies in 2004 showed how good he is.

The Hawks and Pies may have opted for Thomas early because it was considered an "evenly weak draft" and they lack quick ball carriers. Possibly the reason the Pies took a basketballer at 5 ahead of a Hurn or Clark who have more football talent. ;) :cool:

that was way back in 2004 mate.. we are in 2006! walker needs to really lift this year! i reckon he is under the pumped

[mediumsizered]

that was way back in 2004 mate.. we are in 2006! walker needs to really lift this year! i reckon he is under the pumped
How long has it taken the #1 draft pick from 1997 to live up to his potential? A bit more than 2 seasons.

[TheGeneral]

that was way back in 2004 mate.. we are in 2006! walker needs to really lift this year! i reckon he is under the pumped
Under the pump at just 19 and after only 33 games! :rolleyes:

It's a shame that Aaron Davey was a SANFL player at 19 and Russell Robertson was delisted at 19 after being drafted at 68. A shame players don't all develop at the same rate and come into the game as a readymade player. :cool:

[understudy]

Wisbey's under rated Thomas imo.

[LukeHodge15]

Wisbey's under rated Thomas imo.
wizeby
THOMAS, Dale (2) [Col] Not routinely special at anything and kicking is mixed bag but a quickish terrier dasher with a bit of everything. Works hard both ways, is consistent game by game, and has game-breaking flair.

pretty much spot on 4 mine. kicking still needs improving. (as shown monday night)

[Bentleigh]

*Raines (R 66#) Late developer but definite AFL prospect.


Top call.


Will be AT LEAST GOOD (in draft order):
(A couple are extremely late picks but I call it as I see it).

ROACH, Thomas (37 F/S) [Ric] 6’ dasher who takes them on. Strong overhead and clean. I tossed up whether to include him as he has to improve his kicking and his decision-making under pressure but his upside is promising.
JACKSON, Daniel (53) [Ric] Seriously athletic 6'1" late starter with great potential. Unlikely to start AFL career until ’05 due to school commitment. Bargain.

---

ROOKIES WITH A FUTURE (Rookies who I think might make AFL) (in draft order):
NB: I realise these are very big calls because they need the opportunity as well as the ability.

FOLEY, Nathan (R 4) [Ric] 178cm quick, creative, courageous inside midfielder/HFF ball magnet. Needs to strengthen and will take time.

Roach & Jackson have abit to do.

Spot on call will Foley.


Will be TOP SHELF i.e. household names (in order or my level of confidence):

TAMBLING, Richard (4) [Ric] Vanilla-size excitement machine.

---

VERY SKINNY BUT genuine AFL potential .... if (!) they can bulk up sufficiently. (in draft order):
LIMBACH, Dean (52) [Ric] Versatile marking tall. Shown great promise but only in cameo. Officially has a 6cm reach disadvantage but, if he wasn't so damn skinny or I could be sure he could bulk up enough, he'd definitely be in the group above.

---

EARLY PICK QUERIES (in draft order) – I wouldn’t be that surprised if they make it but I have concerns whereas many people would label them "definite" or nearly so:

POLO, Dean (20) [Ric] Fearless, 187cm determined goer who plays tallish. Skinny but he's someone who can probably get away with not being as bulky as other players. I greatly admire his style of play (aggressive at both man and ball) and he is clean but, although he is genuinely dual-sided, his kicking action and flailing running style really need a lot of work.

---

These players caused me MUCH ANGST IN ASSESSING (in draft order) –

PATTISON, Adam (16) [Ric] Rapidly-improving 198cm utility. At U18 level, I really admire Adam. My problem in assessing his AFL potential lies in determining a specific AFL role for him and I kept dropping him down in my rankings accordingly, settling at 42. Is he a jack of all trades etc? I'm not sure he has the class for CHF and he was starved of sufficient opportunities in the ruck at U18 level to get a confident handle on his AFL rucking potential. I suspect he will make AFL, I find heaps of attributes to like in him, but I wouldn't be altogether surprised one way or the other.

---

BARGAINS (Late picks i.e. >40, excluding F/S, who could belie their draft position) (in draft order).
LIMBACH, Dean (52) [Ric] (see above)

---


Glad to see Wiz rates Tambling. Quite start to his carrer but he has been good the last two.

I like his comments on Limbach, pretty much spot on. I like the kid alot - we did well with him.

Intersting comments on Pattison. Seems to be ear marked a ruck/resting forward large forward.

Polo, again he seems to be on the ball. The kid has a huge heart but there are question marks. Played BOG CHB today against Franklin in the VFL.


Overall Wiz seem like a very switched on feller. Respect.

[Bentleigh]

Will be AT LEAST GOOD (I didn't bother too much about the order but its very(!) roughly in the order of their upside with some allowance for my level of confidence in them achieving it):
(A couple are extremely late picks but I call it as I see it).

OAKLEY-NICHOLLS, Jarrad (8) [Ric] Silky tallish speedster. More Porsche than 4WD but has X-factor. Big upside.
HUGHES, Cleve (24) [Ric] Fast-lead marking forward. Reliable kick for goal. Very top-age but intensity and ethic are on the up and his potency with it

:)

UP AGAINST IT (from National & Preseason drafts, in draft order) – I’d like to see every committed draftee succeed but these would surprise me: (Almost every draftee gets AFL games these days. I'm talking about sustained AFL careers)

WHITE, Matthew (P 5) [Ric] Predator hard-running compulsive quick dasher. Ankle problems throughout '05. Hard worker on and off field. Fierce tackler. Will break the play open and carry the ball but is not clean or quick-thinking enough and disposal / hurt factor a worry.

I like Whity.

Bit of a goer. :thumbsu:

[FIGJAM]

wizeby
THOMAS, Dale (2) [Col] Not routinely special at anything and kicking is mixed bag but a quickish terrier dasher with a bit of everything. Works hard both ways, is consistent game by game, and has game-breaking flair.

pretty much spot on 4 mine. kicking still needs improving. (as shown monday night)
I disagree with Wiz on this. Just what is "routinely special"?? His "game breaking flair" is regular enough to be called routine. Marks and goals of the day...is that not special? If not, then Daicos wasn't "routinely special" either.

We know he doesn't kick like Buckley or Hodge, but to state that this is the only noteworthy attribute which must be "routinely special" is riddiculous.

Plus it's interesting to note an interview with Daisy, where he's said from day one they've been getting him to work on his kicking, so we drafted him knowing that this was a weakness of his. And if we can get Ben Johnson to be a very good kick, we can get this young fella to be a gun kick!

[theorangeapple]

I disagree with Wiz on this. Just what is "routinely special"?? His "game breaking flair" is regular enough to be called routine. Marks and goals of the day...is that not special? If not, then Daicos wasn't "routinely special" either.

We know he doesn't kick like Buckley or Hodge, but to state that this is the only noteworthy attribute which must be "routinely special" is riddiculous.




I noticed that aswell.

Perhaps by 'routinely special' he wasnt refering to flair but special in his range of attributes i.e. not a great kick, not consistant throughout a game, doesnt find alot of the ball etc. Someone like Hodge/Judd you would class as special across a range of attributes. Thomas isnt special like that...he is more even.

[Sanguinarius]

harsh on Van Berlo.

this kid is the one always at the bottom of the back throwing his body around.

[SimonH]

Stumbling across this thread, many of the predictions were so eerily correct that I found myself wondering 'when were the 2001-2004 summaries written?' (The cross-reference links appear not to work.)

If they were written more or less contemporaneously with the draft, then the guy is close to a genius. Of course he gets the odd one wrong (anyone short of God would), but to take Sydney as an example let's go through 'em.

2001
Lewis Roberts-Thomson: Tick. CW rated as a probable to make it "if he is fair dinkum about AFL (instead of rugby)". Up until mid-2005, most Sydney supporters thought that he wasn't a probable at all b/c he had natural athletic ability but absolutely nothing else, especially no footy smarts. He kept getting picked (to continuing groans), learned fast, was excellent in the GF and is now well-entrenched in the team.
Daniel Hunt: Tick. Listed in CW's "won't make it" list. Never in the hunt (sorry) and delisted.
Adam Schneider: Tick. CW put in the "players who could belie their draft position" list (other listees McGough, Jamar and Brad Miller) describing him as "a tiny but skilled ball magnet". In real life, had a blistering debut season in 2003 and has come back from subsequent problems to re-assert himself as a regular pick and long-term player.

2002
Jarrad McVeigh. Jury still out.He is indeed "classy, athletic" as CW said, but still struggling for regular selection (taking a looooong time to bulk up to AFL level). Will almost certainly eventually become a 100+ gamer, but you wouldn't back him to make it to the "household names" category that CW put him in.
Sean Dempster. Tick. CW said "versatile rapidly improving late starter" with size and skills, and put him in the "will be at least good" category. Has been in and out of grace with the selection panel this year, but was a regular selection in the 2005 premiership side, and carried himself with amazing poise for one so young. He will be good at the very least.
Josh Thewlis. Tick. In CW's "up against it" list. Cited some good features but said "poor hands and decisionmaking". Since delisted by 2 clubs: Sydney and North Melbourne.
Nick Malceski. Huge tick. In CW's "bargains" list (he was drafted at 64). CW had this to say: "Eccentric unfashionable 6’1” utility. Tip-toe running style. Very left-field clever. Bit of X factor. Physically immature." In reality, the biggest bargain 'round these parts since Sydney picked up Adam Goodes circa late 30s. Only played relatively few games, but people (justly) cannot rave enough about this kid, cannot believe he went so late, and some have commented that he has the attributes of a future captain. CW's only flaw was that he didn't hype him harder.
Paul Bevan. Again, huge tick. CW said: "Versatile, smart. May become a defender/negator. I was very surprised he wasn’t drafted in the National Draft." There are still some at Sydney who question his long-term future, but he was picked at rookie pick 64 for gawsakes: in terms of success down there, you might as well yell names at random. He has become a defender/negator, and has 30-odd games so far and a premiership medal for his trouble. Enough said.

2003
Tim Schmidt. Jury out, but still on track.CW had him in the top-shelf "household names" category (well and truly the lowest pick in that category at #29). In reality, yet to debut (it could be this week), but scorching reserves form has even the coach namechecking him as someone who really deserves a chance in the seniors. Will be the most eagerly observed Swans debut since Nick Malceski when it happens. (For many Vic teams, I know that not having debuted a 2003 draft pick would mean they're a big dud; well, we do things very differently up here.)
Josh Willoughby. Jury out, but doesn't look so great.In CW's "at least good" category (the 2nd from the top). On form to 2006, CW was right to rank him below Schmidt even though he was drafted first (#16). Consistently making 'best player' lists in the 2nds, but not one of the top 3 or 4 being seriously put forward for league selection, and observers of the ressies doubt if the improvement rate has been sufficient to make an AFL career.
Nick Potter. Cross. In CW's "rookies with a future" category (with appropriate disclaimers and the warning "must improve kicking"). Showed something, but not enough, and now delisted.

2004
Jarred Moore. Tick for description, but jury still out on conclusion. In CW's "much angst in assessing" category. CW said: "Smallish chunky, mainly predator, onballer. Natural sportsman and... great U18 form. Will it translate? Will he have weight-management problems? Running style needs work... I'm not writing him off but I have serious doubts about him sustaining an AFL career." CW was absolutely right describing his style, and identifying that he has a naturally heavier frame than most AFL footballers of his height. One of very few Swans to debut the year after drafting, and went okay. Again knocking on selection's door now. Still no-one has any idea if he'll sustain a career long-term, but cautious optimism is warranted.
Heath Grundy. Tick. In CW's "rookies with a future" category. CW described him as an underrated player who should have gone in the main draft. Promoted from rookie list at end 2005. Yet to debut, but club management clearly planning for him to have a long-term future with the club.

Meaningless to venture a comment on CW's observations of any of Sydney's 2005 draftees at this stage.

All in all, that is an excellent success rate, when you consider:
a) the success rates of the clubs themselves, and
b) Wiseby is (presumably) working at a natural disadvantage compared with the clubs, having to rely on information in the public domain plus his own observations.

I'd like him on our side when drawing up our 2006 wishlist, thanks very much.

[Cats!!]

*Gardiner (23) oozes class


Classic call. We wish.

[LukeHodge15]

Stumbling across this thread, many of the predictions were so eerily correct that I found myself wondering 'when were the 2001-2004 summaries written?' (The cross-reference links appear not to work.)

If they were written more or less contemporaneously with the draft, then the guy is close to a genius. Of course he gets the odd one wrong (anyone short of God would), but to take Sydney as an example let's go through 'em.

2001
Lewis Roberts-Thomson: Tick. CW rated as a probable to make it "if he is fair dinkum about AFL (instead of rugby)". Up until mid-2005, most Sydney supporters thought that he wasn't a probable at all b/c he had natural athletic ability but absolutely nothing else, especially no footy smarts. He kept getting picked (to continuing groans), learned fast, was excellent in the GF and is now well-entrenched in the team.
Daniel Hunt: Tick. Listed in CW's "won't make it" list. Never in the hunt (sorry) and delisted.
Adam Schneider: Tick. CW put in the "players who could belie their draft position" list (other listees McGough, Jamar and Brad Miller) describing him as "a tiny but skilled ball magnet". In real life, had a blistering debut season in 2003 and has come back from subsequent problems to re-assert himself as a regular pick and long-term player.

2002
Jarrad McVeigh. Jury still out.He is indeed "classy, athletic" as CW said, but still struggling for regular selection (taking a looooong time to bulk up to AFL level). Will almost certainly eventually become a 100+ gamer, but you wouldn't back him to make it to the "household names" category that CW put him in.
Sean Dempster. Tick. CW said "versatile rapidly improving late starter" with size and skills, and put him in the "will be at least good" category. Has been in and out of grace with the selection panel this year, but was a regular selection in the 2005 premiership side, and carried himself with amazing poise for one so young. He will be good at the very least.
Josh Thewlis. Tick. In CW's "up against it" list. Cited some good features but said "poor hands and decisionmaking". Since delisted by 2 clubs: Sydney and North Melbourne.
Nick Malceski. Huge tick. In CW's "bargains" list (he was drafted at 64). CW had this to say: "Eccentric unfashionable 6’1” utility. Tip-toe running style. Very left-field clever. Bit of X factor. Physically immature." In reality, the biggest bargain 'round these parts since Sydney picked up Adam Goodes circa late 30s. Only played relatively few games, but people (justly) cannot rave enough about this kid, cannot believe he went so late, and some have commented that he has the attributes of a future captain. CW's only flaw was that he didn't hype him harder.
Paul Bevan. Again, huge tick. CW said: "Versatile, smart. May become a defender/negator. I was very surprised he wasn’t drafted in the National Draft." There are still some at Sydney who question his long-term future, but he was picked at rookie pick 64 for gawsakes: in terms of success down there, you might as well yell names at random. He has become a defender/negator, and has 30-odd games so far and a premiership medal for his trouble. Enough said.

2003
Tim Schmidt. Jury out, but still on track.CW had him in the top-shelf "household names" category (well and truly the lowest pick in that category at #29). In reality, yet to debut (it could be this week), but scorching reserves form has even the coach namechecking him as someone who really deserves a chance in the seniors. Will be the most eagerly observed Swans debut since Nick Malceski when it happens. (For many Vic teams, I know that not having debuted a 2003 draft pick would mean they're a big dud; well, we do things very differently up here.)
Josh Willoughby. Jury out, but doesn't look so great.In CW's "at least good" category (the 2nd from the top). On form to 2006, CW was right to rank him below Schmidt even though he was drafted first (#16). Consistently making 'best player' lists in the 2nds, but not one of the top 3 or 4 being seriously put forward for league selection, and observers of the ressies doubt if the improvement rate has been sufficient to make an AFL career.
Nick Potter. Cross. In CW's "rookies with a future" category (with appropriate disclaimers and the warning "must improve kicking"). Showed something, but not enough, and now delisted.

2004
Jarred Moore. Tick for description, but jury still out on conclusion. In CW's "much angst in assessing" category. CW said: "Smallish chunky, mainly predator, onballer. Natural sportsman and... great U18 form. Will it translate? Will he have weight-management problems? Running style needs work... I'm not writing him off but I have serious doubts about him sustaining an AFL career." CW was absolutely right describing his style, and identifying that he has a naturally heavier frame than most AFL footballers of his height. One of very few Swans to debut the year after drafting, and went okay. Again knocking on selection's door now. Still no-one has any idea if he'll sustain a career long-term, but cautious optimism is warranted.
Heath Grundy. Tick. In CW's "rookies with a future" category. CW described him as an underrated player who should have gone in the main draft. Promoted from rookie list at end 2005. Yet to debut, but club management clearly planning for him to have a long-term future with the club.

Meaningless to venture a comment on CW's observations of any of Sydney's 2005 draftees at this stage.

All in all, that is an excellent success rate, when you consider:
a) the success rates of the clubs themselves, and
b) Wiseby is (presumably) working at a natural disadvantage compared with the clubs, having to rely on information in the public domain plus his own observations.

I'd like him on our side when drawing up our 2006 wishlist, thanks very much.

be very very intreresting to see wiz's club by club record.

some of his profiles are so exact its scarey :thumbsu:

drafting will never be an exact science, so many variables that cannot be controlled. just hope we get to see a glimpse of a few of his profiles this year. :thumbsu:

will write up the hawks guys today after watching the championships on bigpond

[sinepari]

Colin is simply fantastic.

Sure he is wrong sometimes, but who isn't?

I think we'd be honoured to have him post later this year, and I just hope that the morons who are keen to make life hard for him, stay away!

[Crow-mo]

Stumbling across this thread, many of the predictions were so eerily correct that I found myself wondering 'when were the 2001-2004 summaries written?' (The cross-reference links appear not to work.)


I guess it's all in the eye of the beholder. Myself, I saw just as many fubars as anything else. But they are a good read.

[Ysaye]

I was watching Dennis Armfield earlier this season. Given also how well he has done for Swan Districts this season, I reckon Freo recruiter Phil Smart should listen to Colin a bit more.

Better still, get rid of Smart and get the Wiz!

[London-Tavern-Is-Filth]

-------------------------------------------------


*Dal Santo Clever wing/hbf/onballer best suited to a tagger or defence role on a not over quick opponent. Excellent finisher but I've rated him probably lower than most because he lacks pace, is one sided, and is neither a physically strong in and under type or a ball magnet, and is not especially strong overhead. When you are just under 6', I think you need more going for you.






Stopped Reading There

[sinepari]

I was watching Dennis Armfield earlier this season. Given also how well he has done for Swan Districts this season, I reckon Freo recruiter Phil Smart should listen to Colin a bit more.

Better still, get rid of Smart and get the Wiz!

I found his assessment of Armfield very interesting too, and I think he is a good chance for a rookie spot this year.

[irel]

Stopped Reading There

Love to read your assessment of Del Santo. preferably done about the same time as Wisbey's.

Look at the strike-rate dip****. Getting one wrong is not such a bad thing. Name me one recruiter with better results?

[oporto]

I was watching Dennis Armfield earlier this season. Given also how well he has done for Swan Districts this season, I reckon Freo recruiter Phil Smart should listen to Colin a bit more.

Better still, get rid of Smart and get the Wiz!

Please dont sack him... gave us the opportunity to get surjan (Wisbey rated this guy whereas Smart didn't, even though in his back yard for 4 years- South freo player)

Surj is proving handy now and is probably what freo needed down there instead of all those soft****s Smart recruited.

[understudy]

Name me one recruiter with better results?

Definitely Derek Hine from Collingwood and Scott Clayton from the Western Bulldogs I suspect, as well as quite a few others.

[rick James]

:thumbsd: :)

What a dud if he needs to improve his kicking!

Colin Wiseby is the same guy who said Brock McLean should have gone in the second round of hte draft. Get's everything wrong in regards to Melbourne's picks, yet we are one of the best drafting clubs in the AFL, if not the best, I'm happy if he pays out on Sylvia. Means he's good.

[Palmer Stoat]

Definitely Derek Hine from Collingwood and Scott Clayton from the Western Bulldogs I suspect, as well as quite a few others.

Apples and oranges. Hine and Clayton head up entire recruiting teams. Wiseby is doing his scouting solo.

From the outside looking in it's difficult to judge who's the best recruiter. Collingwood and Adelaide have much bigger recruiting budgets. Probably they have many more scouts. Some recruiters are left to run their own race; some coaches seem to have more input than others. Some clubs have best-fit recruiting strategies; others seem to have best available.

It's not as simple as drawing a straight comparison between one club's recruiting manager and another. Or between a recruiting manager and a freelancer/enthusiast like Wiseby. The circumstances they're operating under are probably very, very different. Any fair-minded assessment of their performance would need to take account of this.

The disappointing thing is that some people see Wiseby's assessment of, say, Dal Santo and immediately dismiss everything else he has to say. That's just absurd. Full-time recruiting managers with far more resources than Wiseby would have made far worse blunders than that. Recruiting is not, and never will be, a science. It's a futures market. Unless someone develops a crystal ball mistakes will be made. Simple as that, really.

[understudy]

Fair enough Stoat just my assesment that Hine seems to have made better calls in his time at Collingwood than Wisbey has in relation to Collingwood's recruits.

[Richo83]

Definitely Derek Hine from Collingwood and Scott Clayton from the Western Bulldogs I suspect, as well as quite a few others.

Yes, Hine went well picking te Cloakes didn't he?

[Palmer Stoat]

Yes, Hine went well picking te Cloakes didn't he?

Hine's only been head of recruiting for the last couple of years -- only C3 has been taken in that time, and he seems well worth a third-round draft pick.

[Benno_900]

2001

*Hale (7) Very athletic but very skinny tall. 1st round pick so I am really going out on a limb but I see him as awkward with poor balance and hard hands. Very young age in his favour.


Was drafted young and was very raw so he was hard to assess. Has developed sensationally and has made it.


2002

WELLS, Daniel (2) [Kang] Silky speedster. Physically not ready but so skilfull he will debut immediately and should impact immediately.

GRIMA, Blake (38) [Kang] Classy professional 5'10" long-kicking inside midfielder. Clearance specialist. Will play 2003 despite not being free to train fully until March.

MCINTOSH, Hamish (9) [Kang] Flawed but improved pack-marking giant. Forward more than ruck. Query at AFL tempo.

SHORE, Kris (18) [Kang] Young raw, skinny 6’2” leaping athlete. Some promise but not clean. Theoretically versatile but maybe NQR for any one role. Will take time regardless.


Spot on for Wells, still young and will keep improving and become a superstar. Grima would've already been in our side by now, but injuries have destroyed his career. IF he can get over them, he'll definitely make it. One more long term injury and it may be over for him. McIntosh will make it but I think he will be playing FF in a few years rather than ruck, a great kick for a big man. Kris Shore is spot on, has been delisted, a huge disappointment.


2003

TROTTER, David (9) [Kan] Classy 6'1" utility. Injured '03 but definite AFL

JONES, Chad (24) [Kan] 19yo 196cm quick, athletic leading forward. Good ethic. Good mark, reliable long kick. Project due to skinniness and newness but very good upside. Could even turn out in time to be best tall from the draft. (Is not U18 but I include him as he only misses by 6 months and is a newcomer to footy).


Trotter's skill and talent is up to AFL standard but he has been dissapointing and is way behind where he should be. Have my doubts, but is one of a the few beautiful kicks we have and I have faith in him to make it. Jonesy has been OK this year, but the amount of talls we've got may work against him. Is battling Hamish to keep his spot in the side, along with Sav and J.Rawlings. Up to him if he keeps it.


2004

SMITH, Jesse.W (42 F/S) [Kan] Neville Stibbard should feel embarrassed getting such quality with pick 42. Completely fearless, athletic, smart, dashing, versatile.

PERKINS, Justin (R36) [Kan] '22" athletic, hard-running HBF who can play tallish. Is only a Rookie and is already 22yo (barely) so he may perhaps seem lucky to make this list but I've always felt he was under-rated. Won't be a star but is a very cheap pickup and well worth it. Bargain.

MCMAHON, Scott (R