30 players to watch in 2015

[grundog49]

We had an NSW scholarship program but cancelled because the only good thing to come out of it was Jarrod Witts

So taylor walker wasn't any good?

 

[Flags_In_The_Bag]

It's not a compliment

Take it as one because they are few and far between.

 

[Kegstar]

Have heard that Mathieson isn't a team player, only interested in himself getting drafted!
Also Parish trains, runs and plays (on field) a lot like Cousins.

 

[nottenthagain]

It's a good point. Having academies for select clubs is basically cheating, legalised cheating, designed to favour those clubs.

So, you're saying you get no benefit from the additional revenue generated (TV deals) from having viable rival clubs in the northern states.... or the additional players in the current draft pool... or the additional growth opportunities for your tin pot club in having new supporters and players brought into the game. And, tell me how fair it is that the Swans are doing all this leg work and expending their resources to make this happen but not get some benefit from it.

Football is tribal, the AFL tried to grow the game up here for 30 years and generated zero interest, by using the Swans brand and resources the AFL is finally getting some traction up here and it's benefitting the whole league.

Stop the whinging, we'll end up paying a far greater cost than you did when you rorted the draft to get Viney and ditched games to get priority picks.

End of rant....

 

[Demonheart]

So, you're saying you get no benefit from the additional revenue generated (TV deals) from having viable rival clubs in the northern states.... or the additional players in the current draft pool... or the additional growth opportunities for your tin pot club in having new supporters and players brought into the game. And, tell me how fair it is that the Swans are doing all this leg work and expending their resources to make this happen but not get some benefit from it.

Football is tribal, the AFL tried to grow the game up here for 30 years and generated zero interest, by using the Swans brand and resources the AFL is finally getting some traction up here and it's benefitting the whole league.

Stop the whinging, we'll end up paying a far greater cost than you did when you rorted the draft to get Viney and ditched games to get priority picks.

End of rant....

Of course it's legalised cheating, the AFL are desperate to have the clubs from the Northern states successful. Everyone knows why and how they do it. The Academy for Sydney is one of those vehicles that the AFL use to keep them in the finals. Melbourne were prepared to use pick 2 on a kid that Sydney were able to get at the end of the first round, many believe he was the best in the draft, if not, definitely top 3. A system that is only available to 4 clubs. And why do they do it?

To appease our major media sponsors.
All in the name of ratings.
More ratings, more money, bigger bonuses for the AFL administrators.

But there are losers, the main one being the integrity of the competition. Mind you, I think the inequality of the fixture is a bigger problem, but it's just another example of the AFL throwing away integrity to artificially boost the success of those who they want successful.

Stop pretending, we all know why they do it and the reality is we can't do anything about it. Just highlight it and smile at the self righteousness of their fans who are now so used to having special treatment they now demand it.

Enjoy your academy, whilst Sydney and Brisbane has it (and all the other benefits not available to other clubs) there will always be an * next to their premierships.

 

[nottenthagain]

I just don't think it should be available for any club. I think if there is academies then that's great but all of the players should still have to enter the draft like any other player hopeful of playing in the AFL. I'm all for the clubs having academies and training young players up and keeping them in aussie rules but that's where it should stop. If they make the decision to play footy then they will play where they are picked to play, whether it be NSW, WA, Vic etc. They should just be grateful to be playing a professional sport.

I agree in the long run but I certainly don't see the academies as rivers of gold or even bedded in as yet. The pathways are awful, there is just about more chance of finding a unicorn in Sydney than an oval with AFL goal posts. Not many south of the border realise but The Swans brand is much bigger than the AFL brand up here. The AFL doesn't have the reach or ability to do it alone up here, football is tribal, you need the northern clubs if you want growth in the north.

Anyway, the Swans aren't run as a charity, we do deserve a return on our efforts, facilities and resources. You can debate how big a benefit but the academies being linked to a club is the only viable way to make it happen up here.

 

[nottenthagain]

The academies are for non-traditional areas. Who is able to put money, time and resource into it and then reap rewards from it is wholly the AFL's choice.

Personally open up the area, NSW and Qld, and let all clubs have an academy in these states. Problem solved

Everyone would want the Wagga region..... that's a s**t fight of whinging waiting to happen. It'll all come down to development and the richer clubs (Collingwood and Hawks) would win that because they can afford it.

They have to be 'AFL' academies but as we know they can't do it without a teams brand involved, they just don't have the reach as yet

 

[Membling]

Everyone would want the Wagga region..... that's a s**t fight of whinging waiting to happen. It'll all come down to development and the richer clubs (Collingwood and Hawks) would win that because they can afford it.

They have to be 'AFL' academies but as we know they can't do it without a teams brand involved, they just don't have the reach as yet

Easy to fix. Provide x amount of dollar to each team to set up academies (say $500-750k) and put in place a cap of additional spending (say up to 500k). Provides anywhere from $9m to $18m in additional investment for NSW/QLD grass roots footy.

Selection of region would be a bit more difficult to divvy up.

 

[geelong_crazy26]

Thought I'd get in early and start previewing in my opinion, 30 players to watch in 2015. This isn't a phantom draft or my predicted 'top 30' players in 2015, more so 30 players from different backgrounds that will really be of interest to draft fans next year. Some are more known than others, which is why coming up with this group was a load of fun.

Rhys Mathieson
Geelong Falcons
Midfielder
Height: 183cm, Weight: 79kg, DOB: 10/1/1997

It’s easy to spot Rhys Mathieson, and that’s not just because of his long mop of hair. The sublime midfield talent from the Falcons is ever bit a volume-accumulator and ball hunter and will do absolutely anything to win possession. There is a certain ferociousness about Mathieson, he attacks the ball and the man with reckless abandon, and inspires his teammates with his courage in congestion and overhead, and his willingness to put his body on the line. He looks like a choir boy, but plays like a junk yard dog. He has breakaway pace from congestion and a neat disposal set to match, and made a big statement winning All Australian honours at the 2014 National Championships as a bottom-age prospect, and taking home the Kevin Sheehan Medal for the U16 Division 1 best and fairest. Looms as a top-five selection, and has a nice blend of his inside and outside game. Averaged 21 disposals at 69 per cent disposal efficiency, including three marks, three tackles and six clearances over five games.

Callum Ah Chee
South Fremantle
Midfielder/Forward
Height: 180cm, Weight: 69kg, DOB: 9/10/1997

The agile yet nimble Callum Ah Chee missed the championships in 2014 for WA due to injury, but looms as one of Western Australia’s biggest and hottest prospects at next year’s draft. The South Fremantle product is lightening quick, and he matches that explosiveness with composure by foot on either side of his body. Ah Chee takes the game on, and is no stranger on going for three-bounce escapades to break open space and send his team into attack. He uses his speed on the defensive side of his game too, chasing down opponents and floating into space to cut off the opposition. Ah Chee’s marking game is quite strong, he averaged almost five marks across his eight Colts games this year, hitting the score board 15 times over the course of that period.

Ryan Burton
North Adelaide
Forward
Height: 190cm, Weight: 79kg, DOB: 31/1/1997

A creative, exciting forward who possess a terrific leap, Ryan Burton’s bottom-age year was soured by a horrific leg break late in the season. As one of 2015’s leading prospects, Burton is an exceptional mark overhead and equally as impressive in front of goal. As a leading forward, he offers pace and electrifying leads, with his efficiency in front of goal rating elite. He’s very much a clutch player, his ability to have a big say in the outcome of the game is unlike many of next year’s draft class. He made a statement in round one of the National Championships bagging five goals for South Australia, and will likely miss a good chunk of 2015 owing to injury. Averaged 12 disposals at 60 per cent disposal efficiency at the National Championships, averaging three goals per game, five marks and three tackles.

Callum Mills
North Shore
Midfielder
Height: 186cm, Weight: 73kg, DOB: 04/02/2997

On the open market Callum Mills would already have one hand on the coveted title as next year’s No.1 prospect, that is how special he is. Eligible to Sydney as a Swans academy player, Mills burnt off all that came near him in 2014 and put in a strong showing at the National Championships and lit up the TAC Cup competition in his several appearances. Mills ticks a lot of boxes, and it’s why some recruiters think he’s a step ahead of Heeney; if that’s possible. He is a prolific accumulator, a strong mark, an elite kick, handy in traffic, sound in front of goal, his defensive work rate is first class, and he brings others into the game. He is every bit a ball-magnet, and has a great blend of his contested and uncontested side, whilst his versatility, pace and leadership are also highly regarded. Arguably the toughest player of next year’s draft class to find a weakness in. Averaged 21 disposals at 67 per cent disposal efficiency, including four marks, five tackles and five clearances over three games.

Josh Dunkley
Gippsland Power
Midfielder
Height: 187cm, Weight: 84kg, DOB: 9/1/1997

The son of club great Andrew Dunkley, Josh Dunkley’s year at the Gippsland Power and for Vic Country had recruiters around the country believing he was capable of being drafted this year rather than waiting until 2015. Dunkley is a man-child, his nous around the stoppages and in front of goal has him presenting almost as a ‘complete package’ midfielder who does everything well. Dunkley’s versatility is his greatest gift, he’s been used all over the ground and has played each position with distinction. He navigates his way through traffic with ease, and is rarely pressured into coughing up the ball. He makes good decisions by hand and foot and is a strong mark overhead, tackles with a ferocity and is regarded by his peers at both Vic Country and Gippsland as a strong leader. Averaged 16 disposals at 65 per cent disposal efficiency, including four marks, four tackles and four clearances over five games.

Darcy Parish
Geelong Falcons
Midfielder
Height: 178cm, Weight: 69kg, DOB: 25/07/1997

Likely to feature at the pointy end of next year’s draft, Darcy Parish plays just like his personality. Bubbly, in your face, unfazed, and with a bit of oomph. The laidback product from the Geelong Falcons had such an impact as a bottom-age player this year in the TAC Cup that his foot injury in the opening quarter of Geelong’s first qualifying final, severely dented Geelong’s finals hopes. Parish is a running-type midfield who likes to tuck the ball under his arm, run and carry and really make things happen. He likes to give and get and then take off again, breaking the lines before lowering his eyes and finding a target by foot. He makes everything look effortless, easy and simple and does it all with a smile on his face. Parish, like his Geelong teammate Mathieson won All Australian honours as a bottom-age prospect for Vic Country this year, showing off his elite disposal efficiency, coupled with an aggressive streak that perhaps his body-shape would imply otherwise. Averaged 16 disposals at 66 per cent disposal efficiency, including three marks, two tackles and three clearances over five games.

Josh Schache
Murray Bushrangers
Key Forward
Height: 196cm, Weight: 89kg, DOB: 21/08/1997

The son of the late Laurence Schache, a former forward for the Brisbane Bears, Josh Schache is set to follow in his father’s footsteps as a big, intimidating key forward who can ruthlessly hit the scoreboard after bagging 27 goals in 2014. Schache strikes an imposing figure and is a presence within Murray’s forward 50. He is quick on the lead, whilst his contested marking is one of the highlights of his game. In front of goal however, it’s another story. His accuracy from all angles and distances matches Peter Wright in terms of the rare depth and precision he gets on the ball. Schache can slot them from everywhere in the forward 50, but he’s got a few more tricks up his sleeve when it comes to his overall player makeup. Below his knees he is clean and competitive, he likes to throw his weight around and strike fear into the minds of defenders, and he’s more than happy to poleax his opponent into the turf with his tackling for a big man very impressive. Averaged nine disposals at 72 per cent disposal efficiency, including two marks and two tackles over two games.

Stephen Tahana
North Adelaide
Defender
Height: 182cm, Weight: 72kg, DOB: 02/02/1997

Hailing originally from New Zealand, Stephen Tahana is an exciting talent with an extensive skillset that’ll appeal to every club in 2015. With pace to burn, Tahana’s marking and ability to read the ball in flight has him outlined as one of the draft’s best rebounding defenders on offer. He controls play at half back, drops into holes to cut off forward 50 entries, and has no fear whatsoever when it comes to backing into a pack knowing very well that he’s going to expect heavy impact. He inspires his teammates with acts of bravery, but for all the bash-and-crash there is about him, he oozes poise and polish with the ball in hand. There’s not a player in the draft that can match him for speed (ran a 2.89 second 20 metre sprint) once he takes off. His acceleration to dash past would-be tacklers and his ability to sustain that top-line pace makes him one of the most entertaining players to watch for next year. Averaged nine disposals at 75 per cent disposal efficiency, including two marks, two tackles and one clearance over four games.

Darcy Tucker
North Ballarat Rebels
Defender/Midfielder
Height: 180cm, Weight: 73kg, DOB: 23/01/1997

North Ballarat product, Darcy Tucker made a big statement as a bottom-age player this year, and it’s scary to think just how far the Rebels could’ve progressed into the finals series had it not been for an ankle injury that wiped out Tucker’s second half of the year. Nonetheless, Tucker’s best is brilliant, eye catching and iced off with his coaches, teammates and onlookers marvelling in the fact of what he is able to pull off. Tucker’s footballing brain is in a league of his own, he takes risks but importantly he times them so incredibly well that he’s able to make the difficult look seamless. The talented half-back-cum-midfielder has a bazooka for a left leg, he hits targets short and deep, whilst his bullocking style means he darts through any opening he can find, and will fend off anyone that dares to stop him. He lays good bumps, tackles strong and mixes his contested game with his outside game, giving him variety in his role. He was also another bottom-age Vic Country boy to win All Australian honours, averaging 21 disposals in a hybrid role between half back and the midfield. Averaged 21 Disposals at 80 per cent disposal efficiency, including five marks, two tackles and one clearance from three games.

Jacob Weitering
Dandenong Stingrays
Key Defender
Height: 190cm, Weight: 81kg, DOB: 23/11/1997

There was a reason Dandenong were the number one defensive side of the TAC Cup competition in 2014, and it’s hard to believe that a lot of that had to do with a then 16-year old, Jacob Weitering. The Stingrays key defender was so versatile and damaging in his position that he was able to juggle a rare combination of a shutdown role, blended with a rebounding one. The aerial specialist was near unbeatable in the air in his bottom age year, reading the ball in flight and dropping off his direct opponent to mark almost uncontested elsewhere. Weitering boasts speed and breakaway pace that enables him to match up well on the athletic forwards, whilst his natural leap means he can play taller than what he is. He’s no stranger to getting up the field, and likes to have the ball in his hands, making good decisions by hand and foot. Whilst he played mostly out of half back, it’s likely a natural progression this year will see him spend more minutes through the midfield and on a wing, such are his athletic attributes and precise kick rating. Averaged eight disposals at 87 per cent disposal efficiency, including four marks, one tackle and one clearance from two games.

Hisham Kerbatieh
Calder Cannons
Forward
Height: 176cms, Weight: 77kgs, DOB: 16/05/1997

Arguably one of the most exciting and naturally attacking players on offer in 2015, Hisham Kerbatieh’s rise to draft calculations hardly needs justifying. The polished small forward can leap like a flea off a wet dog, climbing on top of his opponents shoulders in an attempt to bring down the biggest of grabs. Kerbatieh launches himself at the ball at any opportunity he gets, an attribute that sets him apart from the majority of his counterparts. He is creative, dynamic and possesses an ultra-smooth sidestep that fools the smartest of defenders. He darts around opponents as if they were witches hats with his elite acceleration and agility, finding the ball in tight spaces before bursting out with the ball tucked under his arm. A vital avenue to goal, when Kerbatieh isn’t kicking freaking goals and taking strong marks inside forward 50, he’s setting them up with his team-first attitude. An opportunity to play further afield through the middle and back half of the season netted Kerbatieh another feather in his cap, showcasing his elite link-up work and ball-winning ability, suggesting a permanent move the midfield is on the cards in 2015.

Sam Weideman
Eastern Ranges
Key Forward
Height: 195cms, Weight: 89kg, DOB: 26/06/1997

If the surname sounds familiar, it’s because it is. One of the most famous names held in equally high esteem at the Collingwood Football Club, Sam Weideman is the Grandson of dual premiership player and former premiership captain, Murray Weideman, and son of Mark who also played at the Pies. Unfortunately, Mark didn’t quite reach the lofty heights of his father, failing to play 100 games for the club which is great news for 17 other clubs. Weideman is a contested marking monster, he is unbeatable when he gets in front, and has the strength to push aside defenders to win the ball virtually uncontested. He strikes an daunting figure one-out in the goal square, and will gladly enjoy any opportunity to go one-on-one where he is rarely beaten. He is clinical in front of goal, his leading patterns smart and quick and his competitiveness is innate, something that has been genetically passed down through his bloodlines. His pack marking separates him from all other forwards available in 2015, he throws himself at the ball, and go ten-pin bowling with anyone who stands between him and the sherrin.

Ben Keays
Morningside
Midfielder
Height: 183cm, Weight: 78kg, DOB: 23/02/1997

The talented Brisbane Lions Academy player reaffirmed what draft folk already knew when he was named in the 2014 All Australian side as a bottom-age prospect this year. The hard-running, skilful midfielder plays with a certain pizzazz and oomph, and always has a willingness to get things moving. Keays has a certain confidence and swagger in the way that he plays his football. He’s sure of himself to run the ball, and in doing so he always picks out the right options. He’s the type of player that demands the ball from his teammates, and he takes on responsibility to ignite a match and kick important goals that really turn the tide of momentum into his teams favour. He’s got a natural attacking flair, and a desperation to run hard into space to always be an option. He originally sent tongues wagging after being named Queensland’s best player in the Under-16 championships in 2013, and replicated that form in 2014 with a highlights reel including banana-kick goals, fend-offs, breaking either through or past opponents, courageous marks and of course, he’s not one to conservatively celebrate a goal, either. Averaged 23 disposals at 81 per cent disposal efficiency, including two goals, five marks, five tackles and two clearances from three games.

Tom Cole
Bendigo Pioneers
Defender
Height: 184cm, Weight: 74kg, DOB: 28/08/1997

An uncompromising defender who hates being beaten, there is a reason Tom Cole’s opponents become a little less quiet when Cole is around. He is tough, physical and flat out aggressive, and I’ll still never forget the day I saw him run 100 metres out of his way to push another player over who had dropped his teammate behind play. Cole is a rudder in defence, he likes to control things and usually sets the tone early with his hardness at the ball. Not one to shirk a contest, Cole B-lines the ball and commits with his body, in the air he’s also courageous, and he’s not afraid to drop back into a hole whilst expecting contact. Whilst he’s a little rough around the edges, he’s still got polish in the places he needs it the most. His kicking is tidy, his marking strong, his defensive ability one-on-one sees him often lower the colours of his opponent. Cole is hardly a shirking flower, and I very much doubt his fellow country boys would have him any other way. Averaged 15 disposals at 76 per cent disposal efficiency, including four marks, three tackles and one clearance from three games.

Sam Skinner
Gippsland Power
Key Forward
Height: 195cms, Weight: 87kgs, DOB: 29/05/1997

A gifted key tall, Sam Skinner is explosive, agile and is an athletic beast that teams have struggled to find a match up for at TAC Cup level, particularly when played forward. The rangy key forward however, also found a home at full back in game one of the National Championships, doing a number on the equally athletic Darcy Moore, taking him completely out of the game. From there, it was a string of hot form and a fine balancing act spending time at both ends of the ground, kicking goals at one end and then stopping them at the other. The former Under 16 Vic Country MVP is part of a new-age bread of key tall’s who are equally adept at both ends of the ground. For Skinner, he is ultra-clean below his knees, is a strong overhead mark, has a terrific natural leap and bodies up nicely as a defender, rarely giving away an advantage. Averaged seven disposals at 74 per cent disposal efficiency, including two marks, three tackles over three games.

Kade Stewart
South Fremantle
Midfielder
Height: 180cm, 70kg, DOB: 16/01/1997

The former Under-16 MVP for Western Australia, you could be forgiven for thinking Kade Stewart brings his own ball to his games, such is the way he continuously finds the footy at any level he’s ever played at. Stewart first played senior football at 15 and can more than hold his own as well as beat his more senior counterparts. Stewart has made a habit of finding a home at the bottom of packs, winning the ball in a contest before extracting it out to dish off a handball to a teammate on the outside. His vision and awareness at the coal-face gives the impression of a sixth sense, he has this unbelievable sense of timing and judgement and is super-efficient by hand. A tackling machine, Stewart has a hard-nosed edge when it comes to throwing himself at the ball carrier. He likes to make a statement by burying his opponent into the turf, and butters up to do it all over again. Whilst he’s largely a contested player, he rated AFL-elite for disposal efficiency at the Championships, bagging at least one goal across his four games. Averaged 13 disposals at 74 per cent disposal efficiency, including one goal, three marks, five tackles and three clearances from four games.

Nicholas O'Kearney
Calder Cannons
Midfielder
Height: 180cm, Weight: 69kgs, DOB: 13/02/1997

It’s hard not to do anything but admire the way that Nick O’Kearney goes about his football. He is relentless in his pursuit to find the footy, yet at the same time remains unassuming; that is of course until he’s had it in excess of 30 times in a game. With a knack of finding the footy, O’Kearney is beyond his years when it comes to his maturity on and off the field. He captained Vic Metro’s 16 side in 2013 whilst winning it’s MVP, and even took home Calder’s Robert Hyde Medal after a standout year for the Cannons this season. With a big engine and an equally as big of an appetite to win the ball, O’Kearney is slick, precise and already looms as a future AFL captain; he is just a natural footballer. His skillset is perhaps his greatest weapon, he is balanced off either side of his body and rates elite with his disposal efficiency. He can often see things unfolding before others, and moves quickly into space to either defend or attack and in a nutshell, he’s hard to pick a weakness in. Averaged 15 disposals at 75 per cent disposal efficiency, including five marks, six tackles and two clearances over two games.

Harley Balic
Sandringham Dragons
Forward/Midfielder
Height: 186cm, Weight: 80kg, DOB: 05/01/1997

A word that is perhaps synonymous with Sandringham’s Harley Balic, is ‘smooth’. Balic copped plenty of attention from opposition teams this year, particularly he was highlighted during the TAC Cup Finals, a player that Mark Steiner’s Chargers made a point of trying to keep quiet in the preliminary final. Since making the permanent switch from basketball to football, Balic’s attributes have followed suit. He plays predominately off half forward, where his elite kicking has been used to advantage finding teammates inside 50. He’s often an important link in scoring chains, his pivoting movements as a high half forward to look like he’s heading one way, but go the other sucks in defenders, and he does it all without breaking stride. He has a sense of timing and space in congestion, and can find holes and use them to shoot off a handball or conversely weave through. He is naturally creative; he thinks things through and is rarely pressured into coughing up the ball. His natural leap allows him to play taller than he is, and he’ll be looking to take his skillset to the midfield in 2015. A real early favourite of mine for next season.

Charlie Curnow
Geelong Falcons
Utility
Height: 187cm, Weight: 88kg, DOB: 03/02/1997

Unless you watched a lot of Falcons football in 2013, the name Charlie Curnow wouldn’t be familiar. He didn’t play Under 16’s championships footy, he didn’t feature in the Under 18 carnival this year either. He’s still new to the system, but he’s come on like a bullet and a few key performances in his bottom-age year paved the way for a call up into the AFL Academy squad, with recruiters citing his elite athleticism, strong hands and game sense. Virtually untapped and still raw in facets, Curnow is a footballer whose athletic traits clubs have already fallen in love with. He’s been utilised in number of positions, predominately at either end of the ground with cameo appearances on a wing. He comes from a basketball background, where his speed, agility and elite natural leap have been standout attributes of his game.

you seem to know a little about the draft crop so I will ask you who you think this player is.

was watching the TAC cup show that used to be on tv with shifter Sheehan, and Sheehan started going on and on about this one gun midfielder who was ineligible for the draft but would be vying for the number one spot in 2015, they showed footage of him, he was playing for a TAC cup team, and to be honest the piece of footage was one of the most impressive midfield contested works I have ever seen! the ball was in dispute and he got knocked over a few times and he bounced back up within half a second like a pin ball and went back at it about 3-4 times until he eventually won it, was like watching a bull after a red cloth!

he had blonde hair and looked around 180ish cm, decent build, any idea who he is referring to?

looked an absolute gun!! whoever it was, I already want him down at geelong based on just that clip

 

[RedmanWasHere]

you seem to know a little about the draft crop so I will ask you who you think this player is.

was watching the TAC cup show that used to be on tv with shifter Sheehan, and Sheehan started going on and on about this one gun midfielder who was ineligible for the draft but would be vying for the number one spot in 2015, they showed footage of him, he was playing for a TAC cup team, and to be honest the piece of footage was one of the most impressive midfield contested works I have ever seen! the ball was in dispute and he got knocked over a few times and he bounced back up within half a second like a pin ball and went back at it about 3-4 times until he eventually won it, was like watching a bull after a red cloth!

he had blonde hair and looked around 180ish cm, decent build, any idea who he is referring to?

looked an absolute gun!! whoever it was, I already want him down at geelong based on just that clip

Not Paige but I'd assume you're talking about Darcy Parish.

A Geelong Falcon boy himself.

 

[12Chill]

you seem to know a little about the draft crop so I will ask you who you think this player is.

was watching the TAC cup show that used to be on tv with shifter Sheehan, and Sheehan started going on and on about this one gun midfielder who was ineligible for the draft but would be vying for the number one spot in 2015, they showed footage of him, he was playing for a TAC cup team, and to be honest the piece of footage was one of the most impressive midfield contested works I have ever seen! the ball was in dispute and he got knocked over a few times and he bounced back up within half a second like a pin ball and went back at it about 3-4 times until he eventually won it, was like watching a bull after a red cloth!

he had blonde hair and looked around 180ish cm, decent build, any idea who he is referring to?

looked an absolute gun!! whoever it was, I already want him down at geelong based on just that clip

Probably Darcy Parish.

Look familiar?

 

[sregit]

Academies in the northern states are a must,however, no club should run theses academies. Academies no matter where in the country should be run and financed by the AFL, and all talent to emerge should be subject to standard draft conditions and rules. No equal conditions can be achieved if clubs have priority picks. Father son is the only priority even worth consideration and even then a true value must be applied to the drafting of sons.

 

[LukeParkerno1]

Academies in the northern states are a must,however, no club should run theses academies. Academies no matter where in the country should be run and financed by the AFL, and all talent to emerge should be subject to standard draft conditions and rules. No equal conditions can be achieved if clubs have priority picks. Father son is the only priority even worth consideration and even then a true value must be applied to the drafting of sons.

Thats what we have been saying and frankly if the AFL actually bothered to run them they wouldn't have situations. Blame the AFL, don't blame the clubs though!

 

[yyou]

I can personally vouch for the fine character of Tom Bennett. Top kid from a fantastic family. Awesome big brother as well who would go out of his way 2 look after his much younger, baby brother. 4 boys in the family. Head is definitely screwed on right. Looking forward 2 seeing Tom succeed

 

[dajesmac]

Any opinion on Jordan Matera? At this stage I'm just hoping he gets good enough to be drafted.

 

[TJ Hendricks]

Kade Stewart sounds intriguing. Hopefully I can watch a game when I'm down there in June.

 

[Giant Pete]

Jacob Hopper looks like he'll be a beast

 

[coniglio_number1]

Jacob Hopper looks like he'll be a beast

Let's keep the academy heat on the swans mate.

Jacob who?

 

[Membling]

Let's keep the academy heat on the swans mate.

Jacob who?

Unless you finish top four, it doesn't matter. You're good to go

 

[LukeParkerno1]

Unless you finish top four, it doesn't matter. You're good to go

Well yes...and as long as you don't get Eddie annoyed!