I havent been around here this year people but I threw together my phantom draft last night from various notes taken through the year. Thought I would share it with you all.
I do have some 'inside knowledge' if you will, on some of the early picks but that could all fall to pieces if the draft doesnt pan out like expected.
ROUND 1
Pick 1 – CARL – Bryce GIBBS (15/03/89) – 188cm/89kgs
Bottom-age pure silk midfielder. Incredible footy smarts enables him to find a lot of the ball, loves a goal as well. Certainly not the complete player; he needs to improve his accountability and isn’t a ‘first dibbs’ type preferring to play off the pack. In time when clubs crave quick midfielders, Gibbs’ pace is the query. He did 3.01 for the 20m at the DC but 3.07at other testing earlier in the year. Those small weaknesses aside, Gibbs should be the first player taken in 2006 NAB draft. The only other player in contention for pick 1 is ruckman Leuenberger, but has too many risks in comparision to Gibbs.
Pick 2 – ESS – Lachlan HANSEN (17/09/88) – 195cm/92kgs
Hansen is a courageous tall who is suited to CHB where he can zone off his opponent and read the play to perfection. Very strong in the air. Has very good endurance especially for his size. His kicking is one area that might need minor work, can be prone to banging the ball on the boot too often. There have been reports that Dodoro rates him at #1 in this years group and there is little doubt the bombers are desperate for a key defender for the future. Others that might come into Essendon’s calculations are Gumbleton, Selwood to sure up their midfield and Leuenberger after Sheedy said that tall athletic rucks are very important in the modern game. Dodoro recently stated on radio that these were the 4 players he was considering at 2. Hansen is a good chance to go to the Roos at the next pick if he gets past the Bombers.
Pick 3 – KAN – Scott GUMBLETON (3/08/88) – 195cm/92kgs
A key forward who is a very strong contested mark, Gumbleton will be interesting to monitor come draft day because he could go anywhere from 2 to 6. Most encouraging for recruiters will be his intensity and work ethic in the forward line providing both offensive and defensive pressure on the opposition. His draft camp was OK, his endurance testing was very good for a player of his size (14.5 beep) but his speed off the mark wasn’t that impressive (20m: 000)). Essendon, Hawthorn, Carlton and Brisbane spoke to him during the draft camp, with the Lions seeking a second discussion that time headed by coach Leigh Matthews. Might be considered by the bombers at pick 2 but could be overlooked because they have more pressing needs than key forwards. The Roos will probably look to take the best available at this selection. They have been linked with Sellar, showing a lot of interest at the DC so he must be a chance. But his form this especially after the championships could see him fall. I have a feeling they would prefer Hansen if he gets this far. You cant rule out Leuenberger entirely but the Roos do seem to have the ruck position covered for the next 10 years.
Pick 4 – BRIS – Matthew LEUENBURGER (7/06/88) – 202cm/92kgs
Bottom-age athletic ruck who has really firmed in his standing this year after being rated roughly as a first rounder this time last year. Compared to Dean Cox because of his combination of height and athleticism, he is a rare bread of player. His ability to find the ball around the ground like a midfielder as Cox does is unproven but he has that potential. Impressive 20m sprint at the DC (3.02) and 12.8beep. Was interviewed by Carl, Ess, Brisbane, Geelong and St Kilda at the DC. Believed the Blues were tossing up between he and Gibbs at #1, and the Bombers are reportedly keen as well. The Roos probably won’t be in the market for a young ruckman (with Hale, McIntosh, Moran) which will leave the talented Leuenberger for the Lions are 4. If not taken now, he will be probably be taken by Port and almost certainly taken by Hawthorn if he gets that far. Brisbane has also shown an interest in Mitch Thorp and Gumbleton with Leigh Matthews having one-on-one interviews with both during and since the DC. Don’t rule out David Armitage who has been linked to the Lions at this selection.
Pick 5 – PORT – Leroy JETTA (6/07/88) – 177cm/ 73kgs
The kid with the ‘dancing feet’, Jetta has been teasing recruiters for 3 years. Not only is he quick, he has a side-step which makes Chris Judd look like he is on railroads. Another who hasn’t kicked on as much as hoped this year but he has all the tools to make it. Duel AA at u18 Championships. Finds a lot of the ball for a HFF (av 25ppg at champs) and shows an ability to play in the midfield in the future. His kicking is better than his championship form suggested. His DC results had some questioning whether he was trying to slip down the order, his skin folds were very disappointing and his 20m time wasn’t as good as expected. He is a quiet kid so there might be some worries about him adapting to a city like Melbourne. Should be a similar player to Danyle Pearce/ Aaron Davey. 11 clubs spoken to him at the DC. Port are believed to be very keen on Jetta and if Hansen, Sellar or Leuenberger are not available, he will be right high up in their considerations.
Pick 6 – HAW – James SELLAR (24/03/89) - 195cm/92kgs
Very bottom-age ruck/KP prospect who hasn’t kicked on this year as many had hoped. Main issue with James is that he lacks a good 5cm to ruck at AFL level. Is he good enough to play key position at AFL? No reason why not. He has the athleticism and smarts to pull it off. His DC result of 000 for the 20m was not representative of his athletic ability (has best time of 2.96), but his agility fell just outside the top10 (8.45) which is impressive for someone of his size. Despite playing with significant sickness, still managed 21 possessions in game one once again impressive for a player of his size. Needs to improve his intensity and endurance. Was rated a strong #1 chance coming into this season, and still has the potential to be the best player out of this draft. Hawthorn have said they want to take another tall early and coach Clarkson has already voiced his admiration of Sellar on radio. They have also shown interest in Mitch Thorp and guys like Houli or Conners might be wildcards given the Hawks open requirement that all draftees be good kicks.
Pick 7 – GEE – Travis BOAK (1/8/88) – 182cm/75kgs
Boak is an inside midfielder who showed good pace at the DC (20m: 2.96). Very clean off the ground and moves like an AFL player. Good skills and very versatile with the ability to play through the middle, HFF and as a small defender. Saints are rumoured to be keen on him at #9 but the Cats may trump them at 7 as they reportedly very keen on the young midfielder. The Cats probably prefer a midfielder here but someone like Thorp is not to be discounted. However, having taken Hawkins already, they would be better advised getting a quality midfielder here to really sure up a questionable area for them. Selwood is a chance but he is a type that the Geelong midfield already have plenty of.
Pick 8 – COLL – Joel SELWOOD (26/05/88) – 184cm/80kgs
Selwood is an interesting midfielder. He isn’t first dibbs or an outside receiver. Extremely footy smart, natural footballer but kicking is scrappy and isn’t quick by any means. His 20m DC result (000) was very disappointing but his agility and jumping was very encouraging. Clubs will be asking; is he over his knee issues? His brothers Adam and Troy also had knee problems as juniors but that hasn’t hindered their rise to AFL ranks. Interestingly, West Coast flew him over to Perth to see the club doctors upon Adam’s request. He was rated higher than Marc Murphy throughout their junior careers. He is considered by many as one of the top few picks, and that may well turn out to be the case. However, modern footy requires midfielders to be quick and skilful or at very least possess one of those characteristics. Selwood does not, hence he may slide because clubs like Geelong don’t need any more one paced midfielders. While the Pies don’t need any more slow midfielders themselves, Selwood will probably be too good to refuse. He will complement recent ‘outside’ acquisitions like Pendlebury, Thomas and Egan. Other midfielders like Conners, Jetta and O’Keefe may also be in their thinking.
Pick 9 – STK – Mitch THORP (25/12/88) – 195cm/85kgs
Nearly bottom-age classy tall who is very athletic with a punishing kick. Probably fair to say he hasn’t kicked on in the VFL as he would have liked but there is a lot to work with. Plays best roaming around the ground as opposed to being stuck with a man following him all day. Also been playing injured for most of the year with OP. Thorp will be in the mix for the Lions and Hawks first selections with him being a very real chance of going to the Hawks at 6. However, he could be one of the ‘sliders’ that every draft has and while its not a big fall, some may be surprised to see him last this long. Question marks on his body, his ability to play key position and his scope for improvement are possible reasons for the slide if it does occur. St Kilda have openly admitted their need for midfielders with Conners the obvious option along with players like Houli and Proud. However, their interest in Thorp is strong and if he makes it to pick 9, he is a real chance of being taken here.
Pick 10 – COLL – Eric MCKENSZIE (28/07/88) – 195cm/91kgs
McKenszie is a physically strong KPP who plays mainly in defence. Booming kick (55m+), plays tight and is rarely beaten on-one-on due to his superior body positioning. Probably more suited to CHB than FB where he can use his anticipation and endurance to good use. He impressed scouts at the DC when he ran until he was physically sick reaching 12.11 in the beep test. It turns out he was unwell at the camp was granted permission to participate in the in the WA state screening where he reached a very impressive 14.7. Pace off the mark isn’t bad for a player of his size but certainly not in the class of someone like Brown (20m: 000). Collingwood’s second pick is very hard to predict. Having taken an inside midfielder already at 8 (Selwood) and taking both Thomas and Pendlebury with their first 2 picks last year, they might be smart going tall here when you look at their tall stocks especially after Tarrant’s departure. CHB could be an issue for them down the track and McKenszie offers very good cover for the future. Having taken Selwood, they would not be best advised to go for another midfielder with questionable pace. Meaning someone like Armitage could be ruled out. Although they are apparently keen on him and could take him, just not in a combo with Selwood. Clint Benjamin suits their new found love for taller athletic midfielders but pick 10 is probably a little early to take him. Having said that, as the Pies showed last year, they are not afraid to back themselves with their early selections. They have also shown good interest in Riewoldt.
Pick 11 – WBS – Daniel CONNERS (22/09/88) – 182cm/77kgs
Conners is a cool midfielder, who is intelligent, good user but also wins the hardball; a nice mix for a player to have. Not lightening quick but has sufficient pace for AFL. Can lift a cog during a game, both in terms of acceleration and tempo. One of the most complete players in the draft, no box left un-ticked. Has ability to play in defence and in the midfield. While some might say the Dogs need talls, it hasn’t stopped them taking midfielders before talls in the past. Conners really suits the Dogs style of play. He can play anywhere, has good pace and skill. He will add to their band of midfielders who can play anywhere on the ground and run opponents off their legs. Armitage and Proud could also be in their thoughts as well as talls like Nathan Brown and McKenszie.
Pick 12 – MELB – Clayton COLLARD (4/12/88) – 177cm/80kgs
Collard is not only flashy and skilful, he has the capacity to move from the HFF to the midfield in the future which will make him an attractive proposition considering his speed. Has more poise and skill than team-mate Jetta. Mal Brown said he was the best indigenous talent to come out of South Freo a big call considering past talent (Maurice Rioli, Matera’s etc). Could go anywhere from pick 6 to 16 with plenty of sides looking for quick midfielders. Melbourne will be using the best available approach to this draft with strong emphasis on pace. Collard fits these requirements to a tee. They might go tall looking at McKenszie and Brown who could be viewed as replacements for the departing Ferguson and Nicholson. Proud, Armitage and Houli are midfielders they might look at.
Pick 13 – RICH – Albert PROUD (8/09/88) – 179cm/80kgs
Proud is a physical, brutal midfielder who wins the hardball but can also hurt the opposition with his skills. Was touted as a top 5 selection throughout last year but has been playing with OP all year and his ranking has dropped slightly. His speed is right on average (000 for 20m) and his skin folds were disappointing. Richmond will take a midfielder at this selection barring someone like Thorp sliding down the order. Although Proud doesn’t fit the Richmond stereotype of tall athletic midfielders, his presence and skills will be greatly appreciated at Tigerland. Daniel O’Keefe is a likely selection here, and the Tigers will probably consider players like Hislop, Boak and Armitage. Hawksley and Jarryd Morton are speculative chances due to their size and athleticism, Richmond has also stated their appreciation of WA based players believing the large WA grounds promote pace and skill.
Pick 14 – ADE – Jack RIEWOLDT (31/09/88) – 193cm/84kgs
Riewoldt is a courageous tall with strong hands and a very good contested mark. His kicking is pretty good for his size and has shown an ability to play down back aswell as up forward. There a two points of question on Riewoldt; 1. His acceleration off the mark, 000 is borderline slow, 2. Does he have the ability to play pure key position role? I’d say he is more of a flanker. Due to these ‘question marks’, Riewoldt might slide into the early 2nd round but has potential to go as high as #10, with the Pies said to be interested having spoken to him at least twice. Adelaide have stated publicly that they will look to draft key position players but will probably go with the best available when using their first pick. It is arguable that Riewoldt is the best available and best tall available at this selection. It would not surprise if they went for players like Hislop or Proud to take over their aging midfield. Adelaide’s pick is very hard to predict, they could go either way.
Pick 15 – SYD – Kurt TIPPETT (8/05/87) – 201cm/98kgs
Over-age ruck/forward who came out of no-where at the championships having only transferred to footy recently. Very strong contested mark and very accurate kick on goal, he is an attractive type of player especially with the lack of quality of ruckman in the league at the moment. Despite being physically developed and old for this draft, he has a lot of improvement left in his game. Tippett has been linked to the Swans at #15 and he would provide a long term ruck partner for Everitt after he has completed his 3 years at the club. His ability to play up forward will allow him to work in tandem with Jolly in the future. Sydney have also been linked to tall defender Mark Austin. If they decide not to go tall, Sydney will probably look to add an outside midfielder with pace; putting Benjamin and Krakouer (whom they have shown interest) into the frame.
Pick 16 – WCE – Daniel O’KEEFE – 182cm/77kgs
O’Keefe’s standing in this draft really improved after the championships when his form kicked into another gear. Very nice left foot, loves to find space and find a lot of the ball. Captained Geelong Falcons this year showing fine leadership ability, his coach comparing him to Luke Hodge in this regard. West Coast love this sort of midfielder, one who finds space and hurts teams on the rebound. They have been linked to O’Keefe at 16. West Coast have also shown interest in Houli, with Worsfold due to have a meeting with him next week. If available Collard and Jetta could be their preference given Trevor Woodhouse’s open admiration of these players in the press.
Pick 17 – CARL – Brock O’BRIEN (30/05/88) – 180cm/78kgs
O’Brien is a hard and uncompromising defender come midfielder. Punishing kick, very strong attack on the footy, plays direct footy and been playing WAFL for two seasons. Shares similarities with Shannon Hurn in body shape and kicking ability except Brock is very quick (20m: 2.92) and agile (2nd overall). Almost the exact times as Deledio 2yrs ago. O’Brien is a hard player to put a finger on, on the one hand a guy this quick, hard and skilled could conceivably go earlier but on the other he has played primarily as a defender which wont really excite clubs with earlier picks in this strong draft who will be after pure midfielders or key position types. Blues will probably go best available at 17 and 19, O’Brien should be in the mix along with players like Armitage, Houli and Hislop.
Pick 18 – ESS – David ARMITAGE (16/06/88) – 183cm/79kgs
Armitage is a tough, physical midfielder who wins the hardball and uses it well when he gets it. Loves the one percenters; blocking, tackling etc Nice build and height showing an ability above his head if needed. Impressed with Qld at the carnival, rumours that the Lions are considering him at #4. Armitage was impressive at the DC, making top 10 in the beep and 3km and topping the agility run. He has been linked to the Lions at pick 4 but that is probably a stretch and he is a good chance to make it to the Pies picks at 8 and 10. If the Pies overlook him, he is a chance to slide down into the teens. Dodoro stated in a recent interview Armitage is his target at 18, he could have been bluffing but who are we to second guess? He certainly seems like a value pick at this stage with many placing him inside their top 10 including Kevin Sheehan.
I do have some 'inside knowledge' if you will, on some of the early picks but that could all fall to pieces if the draft doesnt pan out like expected.
ROUND 1
Pick 1 – CARL – Bryce GIBBS (15/03/89) – 188cm/89kgs
Bottom-age pure silk midfielder. Incredible footy smarts enables him to find a lot of the ball, loves a goal as well. Certainly not the complete player; he needs to improve his accountability and isn’t a ‘first dibbs’ type preferring to play off the pack. In time when clubs crave quick midfielders, Gibbs’ pace is the query. He did 3.01 for the 20m at the DC but 3.07at other testing earlier in the year. Those small weaknesses aside, Gibbs should be the first player taken in 2006 NAB draft. The only other player in contention for pick 1 is ruckman Leuenberger, but has too many risks in comparision to Gibbs.
Pick 2 – ESS – Lachlan HANSEN (17/09/88) – 195cm/92kgs
Hansen is a courageous tall who is suited to CHB where he can zone off his opponent and read the play to perfection. Very strong in the air. Has very good endurance especially for his size. His kicking is one area that might need minor work, can be prone to banging the ball on the boot too often. There have been reports that Dodoro rates him at #1 in this years group and there is little doubt the bombers are desperate for a key defender for the future. Others that might come into Essendon’s calculations are Gumbleton, Selwood to sure up their midfield and Leuenberger after Sheedy said that tall athletic rucks are very important in the modern game. Dodoro recently stated on radio that these were the 4 players he was considering at 2. Hansen is a good chance to go to the Roos at the next pick if he gets past the Bombers.
Pick 3 – KAN – Scott GUMBLETON (3/08/88) – 195cm/92kgs
A key forward who is a very strong contested mark, Gumbleton will be interesting to monitor come draft day because he could go anywhere from 2 to 6. Most encouraging for recruiters will be his intensity and work ethic in the forward line providing both offensive and defensive pressure on the opposition. His draft camp was OK, his endurance testing was very good for a player of his size (14.5 beep) but his speed off the mark wasn’t that impressive (20m: 000)). Essendon, Hawthorn, Carlton and Brisbane spoke to him during the draft camp, with the Lions seeking a second discussion that time headed by coach Leigh Matthews. Might be considered by the bombers at pick 2 but could be overlooked because they have more pressing needs than key forwards. The Roos will probably look to take the best available at this selection. They have been linked with Sellar, showing a lot of interest at the DC so he must be a chance. But his form this especially after the championships could see him fall. I have a feeling they would prefer Hansen if he gets this far. You cant rule out Leuenberger entirely but the Roos do seem to have the ruck position covered for the next 10 years.
Pick 4 – BRIS – Matthew LEUENBURGER (7/06/88) – 202cm/92kgs
Bottom-age athletic ruck who has really firmed in his standing this year after being rated roughly as a first rounder this time last year. Compared to Dean Cox because of his combination of height and athleticism, he is a rare bread of player. His ability to find the ball around the ground like a midfielder as Cox does is unproven but he has that potential. Impressive 20m sprint at the DC (3.02) and 12.8beep. Was interviewed by Carl, Ess, Brisbane, Geelong and St Kilda at the DC. Believed the Blues were tossing up between he and Gibbs at #1, and the Bombers are reportedly keen as well. The Roos probably won’t be in the market for a young ruckman (with Hale, McIntosh, Moran) which will leave the talented Leuenberger for the Lions are 4. If not taken now, he will be probably be taken by Port and almost certainly taken by Hawthorn if he gets that far. Brisbane has also shown an interest in Mitch Thorp and Gumbleton with Leigh Matthews having one-on-one interviews with both during and since the DC. Don’t rule out David Armitage who has been linked to the Lions at this selection.
Pick 5 – PORT – Leroy JETTA (6/07/88) – 177cm/ 73kgs
The kid with the ‘dancing feet’, Jetta has been teasing recruiters for 3 years. Not only is he quick, he has a side-step which makes Chris Judd look like he is on railroads. Another who hasn’t kicked on as much as hoped this year but he has all the tools to make it. Duel AA at u18 Championships. Finds a lot of the ball for a HFF (av 25ppg at champs) and shows an ability to play in the midfield in the future. His kicking is better than his championship form suggested. His DC results had some questioning whether he was trying to slip down the order, his skin folds were very disappointing and his 20m time wasn’t as good as expected. He is a quiet kid so there might be some worries about him adapting to a city like Melbourne. Should be a similar player to Danyle Pearce/ Aaron Davey. 11 clubs spoken to him at the DC. Port are believed to be very keen on Jetta and if Hansen, Sellar or Leuenberger are not available, he will be right high up in their considerations.
Pick 6 – HAW – James SELLAR (24/03/89) - 195cm/92kgs
Very bottom-age ruck/KP prospect who hasn’t kicked on this year as many had hoped. Main issue with James is that he lacks a good 5cm to ruck at AFL level. Is he good enough to play key position at AFL? No reason why not. He has the athleticism and smarts to pull it off. His DC result of 000 for the 20m was not representative of his athletic ability (has best time of 2.96), but his agility fell just outside the top10 (8.45) which is impressive for someone of his size. Despite playing with significant sickness, still managed 21 possessions in game one once again impressive for a player of his size. Needs to improve his intensity and endurance. Was rated a strong #1 chance coming into this season, and still has the potential to be the best player out of this draft. Hawthorn have said they want to take another tall early and coach Clarkson has already voiced his admiration of Sellar on radio. They have also shown interest in Mitch Thorp and guys like Houli or Conners might be wildcards given the Hawks open requirement that all draftees be good kicks.
Pick 7 – GEE – Travis BOAK (1/8/88) – 182cm/75kgs
Boak is an inside midfielder who showed good pace at the DC (20m: 2.96). Very clean off the ground and moves like an AFL player. Good skills and very versatile with the ability to play through the middle, HFF and as a small defender. Saints are rumoured to be keen on him at #9 but the Cats may trump them at 7 as they reportedly very keen on the young midfielder. The Cats probably prefer a midfielder here but someone like Thorp is not to be discounted. However, having taken Hawkins already, they would be better advised getting a quality midfielder here to really sure up a questionable area for them. Selwood is a chance but he is a type that the Geelong midfield already have plenty of.
Pick 8 – COLL – Joel SELWOOD (26/05/88) – 184cm/80kgs
Selwood is an interesting midfielder. He isn’t first dibbs or an outside receiver. Extremely footy smart, natural footballer but kicking is scrappy and isn’t quick by any means. His 20m DC result (000) was very disappointing but his agility and jumping was very encouraging. Clubs will be asking; is he over his knee issues? His brothers Adam and Troy also had knee problems as juniors but that hasn’t hindered their rise to AFL ranks. Interestingly, West Coast flew him over to Perth to see the club doctors upon Adam’s request. He was rated higher than Marc Murphy throughout their junior careers. He is considered by many as one of the top few picks, and that may well turn out to be the case. However, modern footy requires midfielders to be quick and skilful or at very least possess one of those characteristics. Selwood does not, hence he may slide because clubs like Geelong don’t need any more one paced midfielders. While the Pies don’t need any more slow midfielders themselves, Selwood will probably be too good to refuse. He will complement recent ‘outside’ acquisitions like Pendlebury, Thomas and Egan. Other midfielders like Conners, Jetta and O’Keefe may also be in their thinking.
Pick 9 – STK – Mitch THORP (25/12/88) – 195cm/85kgs
Nearly bottom-age classy tall who is very athletic with a punishing kick. Probably fair to say he hasn’t kicked on in the VFL as he would have liked but there is a lot to work with. Plays best roaming around the ground as opposed to being stuck with a man following him all day. Also been playing injured for most of the year with OP. Thorp will be in the mix for the Lions and Hawks first selections with him being a very real chance of going to the Hawks at 6. However, he could be one of the ‘sliders’ that every draft has and while its not a big fall, some may be surprised to see him last this long. Question marks on his body, his ability to play key position and his scope for improvement are possible reasons for the slide if it does occur. St Kilda have openly admitted their need for midfielders with Conners the obvious option along with players like Houli and Proud. However, their interest in Thorp is strong and if he makes it to pick 9, he is a real chance of being taken here.
Pick 10 – COLL – Eric MCKENSZIE (28/07/88) – 195cm/91kgs
McKenszie is a physically strong KPP who plays mainly in defence. Booming kick (55m+), plays tight and is rarely beaten on-one-on due to his superior body positioning. Probably more suited to CHB than FB where he can use his anticipation and endurance to good use. He impressed scouts at the DC when he ran until he was physically sick reaching 12.11 in the beep test. It turns out he was unwell at the camp was granted permission to participate in the in the WA state screening where he reached a very impressive 14.7. Pace off the mark isn’t bad for a player of his size but certainly not in the class of someone like Brown (20m: 000). Collingwood’s second pick is very hard to predict. Having taken an inside midfielder already at 8 (Selwood) and taking both Thomas and Pendlebury with their first 2 picks last year, they might be smart going tall here when you look at their tall stocks especially after Tarrant’s departure. CHB could be an issue for them down the track and McKenszie offers very good cover for the future. Having taken Selwood, they would not be best advised to go for another midfielder with questionable pace. Meaning someone like Armitage could be ruled out. Although they are apparently keen on him and could take him, just not in a combo with Selwood. Clint Benjamin suits their new found love for taller athletic midfielders but pick 10 is probably a little early to take him. Having said that, as the Pies showed last year, they are not afraid to back themselves with their early selections. They have also shown good interest in Riewoldt.
Pick 11 – WBS – Daniel CONNERS (22/09/88) – 182cm/77kgs
Conners is a cool midfielder, who is intelligent, good user but also wins the hardball; a nice mix for a player to have. Not lightening quick but has sufficient pace for AFL. Can lift a cog during a game, both in terms of acceleration and tempo. One of the most complete players in the draft, no box left un-ticked. Has ability to play in defence and in the midfield. While some might say the Dogs need talls, it hasn’t stopped them taking midfielders before talls in the past. Conners really suits the Dogs style of play. He can play anywhere, has good pace and skill. He will add to their band of midfielders who can play anywhere on the ground and run opponents off their legs. Armitage and Proud could also be in their thoughts as well as talls like Nathan Brown and McKenszie.
Pick 12 – MELB – Clayton COLLARD (4/12/88) – 177cm/80kgs
Collard is not only flashy and skilful, he has the capacity to move from the HFF to the midfield in the future which will make him an attractive proposition considering his speed. Has more poise and skill than team-mate Jetta. Mal Brown said he was the best indigenous talent to come out of South Freo a big call considering past talent (Maurice Rioli, Matera’s etc). Could go anywhere from pick 6 to 16 with plenty of sides looking for quick midfielders. Melbourne will be using the best available approach to this draft with strong emphasis on pace. Collard fits these requirements to a tee. They might go tall looking at McKenszie and Brown who could be viewed as replacements for the departing Ferguson and Nicholson. Proud, Armitage and Houli are midfielders they might look at.
Pick 13 – RICH – Albert PROUD (8/09/88) – 179cm/80kgs
Proud is a physical, brutal midfielder who wins the hardball but can also hurt the opposition with his skills. Was touted as a top 5 selection throughout last year but has been playing with OP all year and his ranking has dropped slightly. His speed is right on average (000 for 20m) and his skin folds were disappointing. Richmond will take a midfielder at this selection barring someone like Thorp sliding down the order. Although Proud doesn’t fit the Richmond stereotype of tall athletic midfielders, his presence and skills will be greatly appreciated at Tigerland. Daniel O’Keefe is a likely selection here, and the Tigers will probably consider players like Hislop, Boak and Armitage. Hawksley and Jarryd Morton are speculative chances due to their size and athleticism, Richmond has also stated their appreciation of WA based players believing the large WA grounds promote pace and skill.
Pick 14 – ADE – Jack RIEWOLDT (31/09/88) – 193cm/84kgs
Riewoldt is a courageous tall with strong hands and a very good contested mark. His kicking is pretty good for his size and has shown an ability to play down back aswell as up forward. There a two points of question on Riewoldt; 1. His acceleration off the mark, 000 is borderline slow, 2. Does he have the ability to play pure key position role? I’d say he is more of a flanker. Due to these ‘question marks’, Riewoldt might slide into the early 2nd round but has potential to go as high as #10, with the Pies said to be interested having spoken to him at least twice. Adelaide have stated publicly that they will look to draft key position players but will probably go with the best available when using their first pick. It is arguable that Riewoldt is the best available and best tall available at this selection. It would not surprise if they went for players like Hislop or Proud to take over their aging midfield. Adelaide’s pick is very hard to predict, they could go either way.
Pick 15 – SYD – Kurt TIPPETT (8/05/87) – 201cm/98kgs
Over-age ruck/forward who came out of no-where at the championships having only transferred to footy recently. Very strong contested mark and very accurate kick on goal, he is an attractive type of player especially with the lack of quality of ruckman in the league at the moment. Despite being physically developed and old for this draft, he has a lot of improvement left in his game. Tippett has been linked to the Swans at #15 and he would provide a long term ruck partner for Everitt after he has completed his 3 years at the club. His ability to play up forward will allow him to work in tandem with Jolly in the future. Sydney have also been linked to tall defender Mark Austin. If they decide not to go tall, Sydney will probably look to add an outside midfielder with pace; putting Benjamin and Krakouer (whom they have shown interest) into the frame.
Pick 16 – WCE – Daniel O’KEEFE – 182cm/77kgs
O’Keefe’s standing in this draft really improved after the championships when his form kicked into another gear. Very nice left foot, loves to find space and find a lot of the ball. Captained Geelong Falcons this year showing fine leadership ability, his coach comparing him to Luke Hodge in this regard. West Coast love this sort of midfielder, one who finds space and hurts teams on the rebound. They have been linked to O’Keefe at 16. West Coast have also shown interest in Houli, with Worsfold due to have a meeting with him next week. If available Collard and Jetta could be their preference given Trevor Woodhouse’s open admiration of these players in the press.
Pick 17 – CARL – Brock O’BRIEN (30/05/88) – 180cm/78kgs
O’Brien is a hard and uncompromising defender come midfielder. Punishing kick, very strong attack on the footy, plays direct footy and been playing WAFL for two seasons. Shares similarities with Shannon Hurn in body shape and kicking ability except Brock is very quick (20m: 2.92) and agile (2nd overall). Almost the exact times as Deledio 2yrs ago. O’Brien is a hard player to put a finger on, on the one hand a guy this quick, hard and skilled could conceivably go earlier but on the other he has played primarily as a defender which wont really excite clubs with earlier picks in this strong draft who will be after pure midfielders or key position types. Blues will probably go best available at 17 and 19, O’Brien should be in the mix along with players like Armitage, Houli and Hislop.
Pick 18 – ESS – David ARMITAGE (16/06/88) – 183cm/79kgs
Armitage is a tough, physical midfielder who wins the hardball and uses it well when he gets it. Loves the one percenters; blocking, tackling etc Nice build and height showing an ability above his head if needed. Impressed with Qld at the carnival, rumours that the Lions are considering him at #4. Armitage was impressive at the DC, making top 10 in the beep and 3km and topping the agility run. He has been linked to the Lions at pick 4 but that is probably a stretch and he is a good chance to make it to the Pies picks at 8 and 10. If the Pies overlook him, he is a chance to slide down into the teens. Dodoro stated in a recent interview Armitage is his target at 18, he could have been bluffing but who are we to second guess? He certainly seems like a value pick at this stage with many placing him inside their top 10 including Kevin Sheehan.
