Midfielder for the future?

[year of the cat]

It appears that the cats are going to take a midfielder with their first pick in the upcoming draft. The names that have been mentioned as possible pick-ups include Selwood, Jetta, Proud, Collard and Connors. They all appear to have different types of games. I would be interested to hear who you all think would be the most suitable for us.

Selwood - highly decorated junior, leadership qualities, in and under player, clearance specialist, not overly quick, has been hampered by a knee injury this season

Jetta - lightening quick, goal-kicker, smallish, wins a fair bit of the footy

Proud - solid aggressive player who can win the hard ball, kicks long and with precision

Collard - beautifully balanced and skilled on both sides, goal kicker, played more HFF than on-ball of late, "bigger version of Jetta"

Connors - great U18 carnival, good size, quick, can take contested mark

Let me know your thoughts....

[cats2rise]

I think we need a clearance specialist.

Selwood or Proud for me.

[Soupy]

pace

[costanza23]

Clearence for sure - Proud, not Selwood. Selwood has been injured, I don't want to draft another recently injured player like Varcoe was.

[DanA]

If Selwood was still aroung at pick 8 I think we would be mad not to take him. He is a top 5 pick from all accounts


In saying that I think Connors and Collard are what we need. Highly skilled players who are going to deliver the ball to our forward line with prcision.

Jetta is a poor fit with all our good small forwards

[Cats!!]

I think we will take Proud. Like i have stated in other threads exactly what we need in our mid-field. Has pace, clearance ability and has a great kick. I think we have to many Selwood like players already.

[Turbocat]

Before excluding Selwood on Speed , I really think we need to see how he goes at the Draft Camp. Imagine if he is similar to Prismall but better , a guy with awarness, goal sense and a player who can bring others into the game. I'd hate see us exclude him on percieved slowness when he may not be slow at all , just not lightning. If his 20M sprint is reasonable and his Beep is excellent , he could be the player to raise the level of our mids.

The other point : Why have you exculuded Leuenberger? The way the game is played now a ruckman has to be a mid, a very tall mid but a mid all the same. I think we should think very carefully about going past this kid IF he is as good as some say. Our ruck stocks are questionable and its rare to be able to get a chance to get a kid this tall , with this rep.

With better service form our ruck division , guys like Bartel and Corey could back themselves more and their pace would be less expossed. Ottens is good , while the guy has his fittness but I doubt he will ever be able to do more than he has this year. Jury is out with Blake , just too early to call and Im not sure if King has anything left.We setup to copy Brisbane yet when have we ever had a bloke that leap up and could bash the ball forward and allow our guys to run on to it. Please consider !

[Cats!!]

The other point : Why have you exculuded Leuenberger? The way the game is played now a ruckman has to be a mid, a very tall mid but a mid all the same. I think we should think very carefully about going past this kid IF he is as good as some say. Our ruck stocks are questionable and its rare to be able to get a chance to get a kid this tall , with this rep.

With better service form our ruck division , guys like Bartel and Corey could back themselves more and their pace would be less expossed. Ottens is good , while the guy has his fittness but I doubt he will ever be able to do more than he has this year. Jury is out with Blake , just too early to call and Im not sure if King has anything left.We setup to copy Brisbane yet when have we ever had a bloke that leap up and could bash the ball forward and allow our guys to run on to it. Please consider !

I don't think we really need a ruckman at the moment. We need to fix our weakness with a class midfielder. If we draft another ruckman what will it say about the drafting of West. Does this mean it is doubtful he will become any good.

[year of the cat]

The other point : Why have you exculuded Leuenberger? The way the game is played now a ruckman has to be a mid, a very tall mid but a mid all the same. I think we should think very carefully about going past this kid IF he is as good as some say. Our ruck stocks are questionable and its rare to be able to get a chance to get a kid this tall , with this rep.

With better service form our ruck division , guys like Bartel and Corey could back themselves more and their pace would be less expossed. Ottens is good , while the guy has his fittness but I doubt he will ever be able to do more than he has this year. Jury is out with Blake , just too early to call and Im not sure if King has anything left.We setup to copy Brisbane yet when have we ever had a bloke that leap up and could bash the ball forward and allow our guys to run on to it. Please consider !

Certainly haven't excluded Leuenberger but Bomber stated recently that the priority was to recruit fast skilled midfielders. Interestingly I bumped into B.Cook a few weeks ago going for a swim and had a good chat with him. He even stated that our midfield was too one-paced as well. Saw Leuenberger in two U18 champ matches and he will definitely be a gun - great skills and mobility for a guy his size. I reckon Ottens will be our no.1 ruckman next year supported by King/Blake. Don't know whether Blake has the quality, shows some good signs and then the next minute has a brain fade.

I suppose it comes down to priorities and also if we think we can challenge for the flag in the next 2-3 years what will give us the best chance. Personally I think we need that gun midfielder first. Also we may just trade for Meeson (rumours are strong as he still hasn't re-signed). I reckon that would be a good idea - don't know what we would have to give up to get him though? Mackie? Kingsley plus a pick?

Anyway regarding the first pick I would be happy with either Proud or Sellwood - if Selwood's knee is ok and he tests reasonably well at draft camp he might be the one just - may have a bit more quality and class than Proud. Talk is that he was considered the equal of Gibbs as a under 16.

[DBAH0]

Certainly haven't excluded Leuenberger but Bomber stated recently that the priority was to recruit fast skilled midfielders. Interestingly I bumped into B.Cook a few weeks ago going for a swim and had a good chat with him. He even stated that our midfield was too one-paced as well. Saw Leuenberger in two U18 champ matches and he will definitely be a gun - great skills and mobility for a guy his size. I reckon Ottens will be our no.1 ruckman next year supported by King/Blake. Don't know whether Blake has the quality, shows some good signs and then the next minute has a brain fade.

I suppose it comes down to priorities and also if we think we can challenge for the flag in the next 2-3 years what will give us the best chance. Personally I think we need that gun midfielder first. Also we may just trade for Meeson (rumours are strong as he still hasn't re-signed). I reckon that would be a good idea - don't know what we would have to give up to get him though? Mackie? Kingsley plus a pick?

Anyway regarding the first pick I would be happy with either Proud or Sellwood - if Selwood's knee is ok and he tests reasonably well at draft camp he might be the one just - may have a bit more quality and class than Proud. Talk is that he was considered the equal of Gibbs as a under 16.
The way Mackie has played in the past month, I don't think there's much chance of him changing club next season.

Meeson I would love to get, but I don't know if we could offer anything more than a 2nd round pick and a fringe player, and Adelaide could probably get a better deal than that.

Draft wise my first priority is to get one of the stud KPP's if they fall to us, Hansen, Gumbleton, Thorp or Sellar which is unlikely.

If not then we can either take Leuenberger, or one of the midfielders in Selwood, Proud, Collard or Jetta or another KPP like Jack Riewoldt.

Out of the midfielders, Proud would probably be the one I would go for, but I have no problem with taking Leuenberger, and then concentrating on quick midfielders with vast majority of the rest of our picks.

[scottydeewah]

Dont get a small player. Someone with some size about them and good skills.

[Rosso]

The big advantage we have this year is that Hawkins is already locked in. Apart from Gibbs, popular opinion has all the other clubs racking themselves up for KPP talent. That means that we should get the second or third best midfielder in the draft. It also means that with our second pick there should also be a few quality mids left hopefully guys like Hurley, Moss ect. Bomber did state that he was after ball carriers and that's why Leuneberger has been left out. They stated that West was clearly no. 2 behind Bailey last year in the rucking department so I can't see them taking Leuneberger. Perhaps a ruckman on the rookie list, therefore giving him two years of development time, may be more the way that they go.

[year of the cat]

The big advantage we have this year is that Hawkins is already locked in. Apart from Gibbs, popular opinion has all the other clubs racking themselves up for KPP talent. That means that we should get the second or third best midfielder in the draft. It also means that with our second pick there should also be a few quality mids left hopefully guys like Hurley, Moss ect. Bomber did state that he was after ball carriers and that's why Leuneberger has been left out. They stated that West was clearly no. 2 behind Bailey last year in the rucking department so I can't see them taking Leuneberger. Perhaps a ruckman on the rookie list, therefore giving him two years of development time, may be more the way that they go.

Would love to get Moss too. I reckon our second pick should come from Moss, Schmidt or Brock O'Brien, assuming Daniel Connors is gone.

[Jack-Packenham]

Houlli with our second pick would be a bonus. Skilled running player that can finish. Richmond could hurt us by finishing 1 spot lower as Terry Wallace loves picking running players.

[year of the cat]

Houlli with our second pick would be a bonus. Skilled running player that can finish. Richmond could hurt us by finishing 1 spot lower as Terry Wallace loves picking running players.

Houli's skills are terrific, beautiful left foot kick - just don't know whether he has the motor to run around in the midfield for long. Has got good pace off the mark though and a very good "football brain".

I reckon you are right with Richmond - I can see them trumping us with both our first and second picks. I am hoping they may decide to go for Riewoldt with their first pick.

[Jack-Packenham]

Houli's skills are terrific, beautiful left foot kick - just don't know whether he has the motor to run around in the midfield for long. Has got good pace off the mark though and a very good "football brain".

I reckon you are right with Richmond - I can see them trumping us with both our first and second picks. I am hoping they may decide to go for Riewoldt with their first pick.

Unless we can lose to the dees and they win there last 2 games against Essendon and West Coast, which is possible.

[My5t3r10u5]

I'm sick of reading about pace... I think it is overrated. Look at the likes of Byrnes, Tenace and Wojinski - in and out of the team all the time cause their skills are suspect. Then look at the some of the big names - Voss, Hird, Buckley. Not renowned for their speed. Even the faster big names such as Judd are great players primarily because of their skill. Speed is just an added bonus. By all means pick the faster player if their skills and footy brains are the same, but for me it is at the bottom of the list.

I want a player from the draft who can hit someone on the chest or drill a goal from the 50m line 9 times out of 10!

Skill, skill, skill... (Then maybe we can live up to the name of our stadium!)

[GeeCat]

They stated that West was clearly no. 2 behind Bailey last year in the rucking department so I can't see them taking Leuneberger.

Not to knock the youngster, but that doesn't say much when it was equally recognised that last year's ruck stocks were poor in comparison to previous years. To be considered the best or second best ruck prospect last year meant very little in the greater scheme of things. Very much a case of filling in needs rather than looking at the best available.

[Turbocat]

.. Perhaps a ruckman on the rookie list, therefore giving him two years of development time, may be more the way that they go...

Good call. We should have a Ruckman Rookie at all times.For a position that takes so long more often than not it makes sence to give a bloke more time to develop.1 out 6 position is not that much to ask. Id be happy if we could get a Cox out of a Rookie pick like WCoast has. The thing to remember is most Rookies would be a guy like Street , he has taken years to be ready to contribute and so it would be for most rookie ruckmen

So , if a player with the potential of Leuneberger is available Id still consider him very carefully.We have had too many project big guys the last 6 years. Adding him and Hawkins would give us a big lift in the class of our big guys and it would also give us some insurance against King and Ottens falling over totally.

Meesen could change the situation , get him for a R2 pick plus a player and we could really have our cake and eat it too

[year of the cat]

Good call. We should have a Ruckman Rookie at all times.For a position that takes so long more often than not it makes sence to give a bloke more time to develop.1 out 6 position is not that much to ask. Id be happy if we could get a Cox out of a Rookie pick like WCoast has. The thing to remember is most Rookies would be a guy like Street , he has taken years to be ready to contribute and so it would be for most rookie ruckmen

So , if a player with the potential of Leuneberger is available Id still consider him very carefully.We have had too many project big guys the last 6 years. Adding him and Hawkins would give us a big lift in the class of our big guys and it would also give us some insurance against King and Ottens falling over totally.

Meesen could change the situation , get him for a R2 pick plus a player and we could really have our cake and eat it too

Good thing about getting Meeson is that he has two years development ahead of Leuenberger. I reckon Leuenberger may end up the better player but for us to get a ready made player plus a midfielder this would appear to be the better option. Imagine if we came away with Meeson, Hawkins, Proud/Selwood and Moss from the trade/draft.

[cat in sydney]

I'm sick of reading about pace... I think it is overrated. Look at the likes of Byrnes, Tenace and Wojinski - in and out of the team all the time cause their skills are suspect. Then look at the some of the big names - Voss, Hird, Buckley. Not renowned for their speed. Even the faster big names such as Judd are great players primarily because of their skill. Speed is just an added bonus. By all means pick the faster player if their skills and footy brains are the same, but for me it is at the bottom of the list.

I want a player from the draft who can hit someone on the chest or drill a goal from the 50m line 9 times out of 10!

Skill, skill, skill... (Then maybe we can live up to the name of our stadium!)

I agree wholeheartedly. What makes Judd so impacting is not just his pace, but that he can deliver the ball to EXACTLY the point he wants on EITHER foot at full pace!
20 years ago, it was common to see midfielders able to kick either foot... now, players either do crap kicks off their non-preferred foot and cause a turnover, or turn so they can kick on their preferred foot but end up running themselves back into a group of tacklers.
Part of what was so brilliant about G Ablett snr was the ability to kick equally well off either foot. THAT is what I believe we need to focus on, someone with top notch skills.

[tommahawk_07]

Good thing about getting Meeson is that he has two years development ahead of Leuenberger. I reckon Leuenberger may end up the better player but for us to get a ready made player plus a midfielder this would appear to be the better option. Imagine if we came away with Meeson, Hawkins, Proud/Selwood and Moss from the trade/draft.

i wouldnt have thought proud and selwood would be around by the time we get our first pick so i'd go with jetta or collard. pretty much twins these two but i'd go with jetta as he is more of a ball winner and loves to play in midfield where collard is more suited to a half forward flank.

there are some quality midlfielders to consider locally aswell the likes of jackson sheringham (brother of rookie tim), travis boak and ryan williams will be ones to watch come draft day and all from local clubs. just look what happened with clint bartram, we dont want to let another local gem slip through the net...

[year of the cat]

i wouldnt have thought proud and selwood would be around by the time we get our first pick so i'd go with jetta or collard. pretty much twins these two but i'd go with jetta as he is more of a ball winner and loves to play in midfield where collard is more suited to a half forward flank.

there are some quality midlfielders to consider locally aswell the likes of jackson sheringham (brother of rookie tim), travis boak and ryan williams will be ones to watch come draft day and all from local clubs. just look what happened with clint bartram, we dont want to let another local gem slip through the net...

I reckon one of Proud or Selwood will be around for our first pick. I didn't quite understand what you meant by going with Jetta or Collard. Do you mean you would take them in preference to Proud/Selwood?

I agree that we should look at Sheringham and Boak but perhaps later down as maybe a third round pick if we are to get one via a trade.

[tommahawk_07]

I reckon one of Proud or Selwood will be around for our first pick. I didn't quite understand what you meant by going with Jetta or Collard. Do you mean you would take them in preference to Proud/Selwood?

I agree that we should look at Sheringham and Boak but perhaps later down as maybe a third round pick if we are to get one via a trade.

i dont know too much about proud and selwood but from all reports and phantom drafts etc. they wont be around by the time we get our first pick. jetta and collard were both really impressive at the 18's carnival so i think either would be very handy players but would take jetta first. have never seen selwood or proud play but the mail i'm getting is they wont be around after the top 10...

[year of the cat]

i dont know too much about proud and selwood but from all reports and phantom drafts etc. they wont be around by the time we get our first pick. jetta and collard were both really impressive at the 18's carnival so i think either would be very handy players but would take jetta first. have never seen selwood or proud play but the mail i'm getting is they wont be around after the top 10...

We are likely to finish 9th at best and will therefore get the 8th pick in the draft - one of Proud or Selwood should still be available

[cat in sydney]

We are likely to finish 9th at best and will therefore get the 8th pick in the draft - one of Proud or Selwood should still be available

Unless he's thinking we'll still make the finals! Ahh, the hope of the young remains strong...;)

[tommahawk_07]

We are likely to finish 9th at best and will therefore get the 8th pick in the draft - one of Proud or Selwood should still be available

good point. i still dont reckon they'll be available. we'll see. i want jetta tho, has potential to become a cult hero in geelong like a ronnie burns of days gone by...

[Budda 230]

good point. i still dont reckon they'll be available. we'll see. i want jetta tho, has potential to become a cult hero in geelong like a ronnie burns of days gone by...

I would be very disappointed if Geelong went with Jetta with their first pick. He reminds me too much of David Rodan.

If we are going to choose a midfielder, we must go with a pure midfielder.
We have Ablett, Chapman, Stokes and to a lesser extent, Byrnes and Varcoe who play very similar roles to Jetta.

Selwood and Proud are the 2 that we will consider. At least one of those 2 will be available at Geelong's first pick. Selwood probably has the more talent, but Proud probably suits Geelong better. Who knows who they'll pick at this stage! Draft camp will give us a better indication.

If one of Thorp, Hansen and Sellar slip to Geelong's pick (unlikely, I know) , we would be crazy to pass up such an opportunity. This is the BEST KPP draft ever! Lets not forget that. Every premiership team has great KPP players. We could have 2 potentially great ones. We'd still be able to get a quality speedy midfielder with our second pick. I know Bomber has said he is going to recruit speedy midfielders. Doesn't mean we have to use our first pick.

[year of the cat]

I would be very disappointed if Geelong went with Jetta with their first pick. He reminds me too much of David Rodan.

If we are going to choose a midfielder, we must go with a pure midfielder.
We have Ablett, Chapman, Stokes and to a lesser extent, Byrnes and Varcoe who play very similar roles to Jetta.

Selwood and Proud are the 2 that we will consider. At least one of those 2 will be available at Geelong's first pick. Selwood probably has the more talent, but Proud probably suits Geelong better. Who knows who they'll pick at this stage! Draft camp will give us a better indication.

If one of Thorp, Hansen and Sellar slip to Geelong's pick (unlikely, I know) , we would be crazy to pass up such an opportunity. This is the BEST KPP draft ever! Lets not forget that. Every premiership team has great KPP players. We could have 2 potentially great ones. We'd still be able to get a quality speedy midfielder with our second pick. I know Bomber has said he is going to recruit speedy midfielders. Doesn't mean we have to use our first pick.


Have to agree with pretty much everthing you say. Thorp and Sellar are the only two that have any remote chance of slipping through but its pretty unlikely. Thorp I would take as he can play both ends and could fill a position down back if Harley's career is cut short. Sellar I find harder to assess - looked ordinary in the U18 champs but apparently was unwell.

We still are lacking a champion midfielder that all the other top 4 clubs have so Selwood may fill that gap down the track.

[Budda 230]

We still are lacking a champion midfielder that all the other top 4 clubs have so Selwood may fill that gap down the track.

I would be happy with Selwood. Definately could be a champion. Hopefully his injuries won't be long term.