Welcome.
Tried to get a few unheard of names out there and a few player I think have/will slip under the radar of others. Tried to be a bit different to some of the others. The point of this is not to predict where a player will go(although I try give you some sort of range by where I have placed them), It's just to try and give you all some information about potential draftees.
I would have done a better job, but I've been flat out with work this year. So things didn't really go as well as I planned.
Eventually, the Phantom Draft will contain 3 rounds for the national draft, and a Rookie/PSD draft.
Enjoy.
1. GWS: Thomas Boyd - KPF - (199cm/100kg)
Boyd in the consensus pick 1 and rightly so. Easily the best KPF in this year’s draft and is very similar to Patton. Very good contested mark and has a significant presence about him. He has a massive frame and certainly knows how to use it. Reliable on-field and goal kick. Was dominating in his last game of the champs before he picked up that dreadful injury. Really showed what he is capable of. The size of Boyd no doubt helps him dominate against some of his opponents, but he doesn’t really need to rely on it at the next level. Whilst he does have a big body don’t expect him to come in and take the competition by storm straight away. It’s no secret that the taller players take more time to develop their game. Missed 3 or so months with that injury but came back and play the in TAC Cup grand final and kicked 4 goals in a good display. I wish everyone the best of luck in a few years time when they’re trying to combat a forward line the contains Patton, Boyd and Cameron.
2. GWS : Josh Kelly - Midfielder - (181cm/71kg)
This kid is going to be talked about a lot this year. In fact, he was talked about a fair bit last year when the mini draft came around. Kelly is now starting to get talked up as a potential top 2 pick in this years draft. He may not be your contested ball winning mid(he will develop more in that aspect with time) but he racks up the ball and is very damaging with it. You’d love to be a tall forward and have Kelly hitting you up week in week out. Kelly also has a fantastic endurance base. Meaning he can just keep on going for the whole four quarters. I personally wouldn’t take him at pick 2 myself but GWS do need some outside run to compliment there other midfielders. Classy player and has a good footballing career ahead of him.
3. St Kilda: Jack Billings – Forward/Midfielder – (182cm/73kg)
He had a very good year in the U18 championships last year and you can count on him to back it up. Others seem to have doubts about his transition to the midfield, but I have no doubt that he will end up playing in the midfield. Billings is a lovely kick of the ball and can really do some damage on the scoreboard. I think Billings is a strong chance to get picked up by the Saints with pick 3. Some of the stuff he is capable of doing makes him look like a seasoned player, at times. Billings has everything needed to become an elite player at the next level. Reminds me a bit of Sam Mayes in the way he plays. He can have an impact anywhere on the field. Probably won’t play many games in his first year but he’d be a chance to play a few in a lower ranked side like St Kilda.
4. Western Bulldogs: James Aish - Midfielder - (183cm/75kg)
At this stage, Aish is regarded as one of the elite talents in this years draft pool. People have seemed to lower his ranking a bit. But there is still every chance he goes top 2. Very silky player with good speed and is a very neat user of the footy. Very much and outside player at the moment and will need to continue to work on his inside game, which will certainly improve. It’s not like he isn’t willing to go in and try to win his own ball, but he just needs to learn a few things first. A bit like our own Sam Mayes when it comes to composure. Played for Norwood in the SANFL Seniors this year and he whilst he wasn’t spectacular, he did alright. As it has been mentioned already, he has been copping some tags this year. But he’ll continue learning to break them. He is a lovely kick, has some pace about him and is just a very classy player. I’m personally hoping he does a Rich/Wingard and slips through to us at pick 7!
5. Gold Coast: Kade Kolodjashnij –Midfielder/Defender – (188cm/77kg)
AIS-AFL academy squad member who has really shooted up the rankings, I’ve had him pegged first round for some time now but he is shaping up to be a top 5 chance. Attacking half back flanker with neat skills and good pace. His evasive ability is very sharp and he makes good decisions under pressure. Had an absolute ripper championship carnival for Tasmania and really showed his ability. He does struggle often in 1v1 situations. Mind you, his thin frame doesn’t exactly help a great deal. I tend to see him becoming a wing man at the next level. And with his tools, he should make a fine one at that. He is good with his hands and has decent endurance. One thing that can make him stand out is his leap. Is quite creative and can set up the play off a half back flank.
6. Collingwood: Marcus Bontempelli - Defender/Midfielder - (190cm/82kg)
Superb left footy kick with real penetration. He is a line breaking defender/midfielder, he can play on tall's and smalls and is a very good read of the play, takes intercept marks, keeps on running and can get on the scoreboard. I rate him as an 'elite' prospect and think he will go top 10. At this stage, my favourite of the draft. His inside game has come a long way this year but he probably still needs to work on it some more before he is capable of playing senior footy. Every chance he will get taken by Collingwood at pick 6. He can play anywhere. He may not have played to well in this years nation carnival but he really showed some stuff in the last few games in this years TAC Cup. Can take marks and kick goals up forward, take intercept marks and provide rebound from defence or get the ball, break lines and kick goals from the midfield. Really rate his potential.
7. Brisbane Lions: Matt Scharenberg - Defender/Midfielder - (189cm/88kg)
Down back he is very good at locking down his opponent, and also provides a fair bit in terms of rebound. Just reads the play so well. Can push up and make an impact with his big body. Feel his future lies in defence with his ability to shut down tall's and smalls and hurt the opposition coming out of defence. He really play anywhere. Has some good speed and composure out of contests and uses the ball very well. Had a good championship carnival and went up considerably in a few peoples rankings. You can really tell he has a basketball background with some of the things he does on the field. He could really be anything at the next level. Probably start off down back and makes the transition to the midfield the following year. Ran into him and he seems like a smart kid who is willing to make the most of his opportunity. I’ll be watching him with a close eye no matter where he ends up at.
8. North Melbourne: Luke Macdonald(F/S) – Midfielder – (188cm/71kg)
North are extremely lucky to be able to pick him up through the father/son rule. He’d be a good chance to be on his way to play for the Gold Coast if it wasn’t for that. His kicking generally very good but can have the rare shocker, just like any other player. His inside game has improved a bit too. He had an ‘ok’ national carnival this year but didn’t really play as well as I would have liked. But he did have a very good finals campaign in the VFL this year, being arguably their best player.
9. Melbourne: Nathan Freeman – Midfielder/Forward – (182cm/85kg)
Big bodied midfielder who is ferocious in the contests and is a very good tackler. Uses his body extremely well in contests and take plenty of marks. Gets plenty of free kicks due to attacking the ball harder than most. Decent overhead mark and can push forward and have an impact. Sure Freeman has the explosive pass out of the packs which could very well see him become elite at the next level but it’s what he does with the ball in hand that concerns me. His kicking is awful at times and his decision making is no better. Mind you his kicking probably comes down to his decision making. He just tries to do too much. I’ve watched him back himself in to try and weave his way through packs but he ends up having to retreat and run backwards. Which is fine in some cases but instead of giving the ball off to a teammate in a better position he’ll try it again. Most have him going top 10 but personally I’d pass on him if I was a recruiter with a top 10 pick. Don’t get me wrong he has the talent to develop into something special. I’ve probably made him sound like a third round prospect at best and contradicted myself a bit too. Which is probably just because I’m sick of some people of some people making him sound like the second coming. My thoughts on him do change a fair bit though. I’ve got him at #9 in my mock simply because I think it is where he will go, not because I rate him that high.
10. Collingwood: Cameron McCarthy – Forward – (195cm/89kg)
A big tall forward who really came in and took everyone by surprise with his performances in the champs. McCarthy is a very determined young footballer who really wants to succeed, he comes across as someone who is very coachable and is prepared to do whatever it takes to make it. Considering he hasn’t even completed a full pre season or trained as much as most of the other potential draftees, to come into the champs and do what he did suggests he has a lot of talent and will only get better. If he had have taken up football seriously a couple of years ago he would have learnt more about what he needs to work on with his game and how to go about it, there’s every chance we’d be talking about him as a top 5 pick. His contested marking and his ability at ground level is eye catching. I did previously say I thought he could very well go top 15, but gee I’m still surprised there is some talk of him going as early as pick 6.
11. West Coast: Blake Acres – Utility – (188cm/83kg)
One who could bolt as we get closer to the draft. He can play down back, forward or in the midfield. He has very good skills and a big body to come in from day one. He played in this years Champs but I certainly don’t recall him having much of an impact with is certainly reasonable as he has had some problems with his shoulder this year. Then he went back to WA and played a very good brand of football over in WA this year when he wasn’t injured. He is strong overhead and posses a good mix of football smart and skill. He is capable of winning his own football and capable of playing in a variety of roles. He really does have some class about him. There’s every chance that Acres could go top 10 this year. I’d be up for selecting him at pick 7 personally.
12. Richmond: Christian Salem – Midfielder – (183cm/82kg)
Again, a player who will need to increase his inside output. A very brave and Courageous footballer who will go head first into any contest, it’s just a matter of getting to the contests first. Salem just seems to find time and space better than the next guy, effectively making some of the stuff he does look effortlessly. He is capable of playing up forward but it’s the midfield where he really stand out. Salem can weave his way out of tackles and is actually a good aggressive tackler himself. He is a nice accurate kick and makes good decisions under pressure. I’m actually having a hard time placing this guy. In my opinion he could probably push top 5 or end up being taken at around the pick 15 mark. Will be looking out for his name come draft day.
13. Carlton: Luke Dunstan - Midfielder/Forward - (184cm/82kg)
Averaged 27 disposals and 5 clearances a game in the colts last year. His speed looked fairly good for an inside midfielder and is superb by foot. He leads by example and could end up a future captain at whatever club is lucky enough to pick him up. Had a good run in the u18 championships this year and averaged 23 disposals. His work in close is very good. Has superb hands and has a good sense or awareness. Proven he can tough it out against the bigger bodies and recruiters will take note of that. He is also strong overhead and uses his body well in 1v1 contests. Which allows him to go forward and cause the opposition coaches some headaches. Depending on where he ends up he should be able to come in from day one and play some senior footy. Probably doesn’t have the potential that some of the others do but he should still go fair early. Gets the job done and good leadership .
14. GWS: Alex Spina – Midfielder – (180cm-77kg)
Wins plenty of the ball and is a really talented player. He is a very classy player and will get plenty of the ball. Many consider him a forward at this stage with the potential to move into the midfield. But that’s just not the case. He has already shown in a couple of games he is more than ready of stepping into the midfield when given the chance. He regularly gets on the scoreboard and will cause plenty of headaches for the opposition. Some have him reasonably high and other have him fairly low. He may not have had the best champs but I heard his knee was giving him a bit of trouble. He is very damaging player who whilst not only possessing good speed, he also has the ability to consistently hit his targets. Once he can work on his inside game just a bit more, he could prove to not only be a bargain pick but a top 50 player at the next level. Won’t go this early in the real thing. But I rate him very highly
15. Sydney: Tom Cutler – Defender – (190cm/86kg)
Tom Cutler is probably somewhat underrated. He is listed at 190cm, making him an awkward size for a key defender at the next level. He is similar to Joel Patfull in terms of his ability to read the play really well, play on smalls and has the ability to player taller than what he is. Cutler possesses good athleticism and has a good balance with his defensive and offensive mindset. His elite kicking skills and speed for his size allows him to have a strong rebound game and often cause his opponent some headaches. He can swing up forward but he is better down back.
16. Geelong: Ben Lennon – Forward/Midfielder – (187cm/81kg)
As others have said, Lennon is certainly a top 10 chance.At this stage, just couldn’t seem to squeeze him in my top 10 as of yet. Lennon did some good things when playing for Vic Metro this year. He did apparently have an injury issue though. He is a very good overhead mark and is also a superb kick. Lennon as shown the ability to crash packs and extract the ball as a midfielder. Uses his body well in 1v1 contests. He will need to keep building up his tank. Some of his test results weren’t exactly great either. Others have him in the top 10 but I just can’t see it happening myself. One thing that recruiters are into is a player with some versatility. And Lennon fits that mould. So he probably will go earlier than I have him. Lennon needs to continue working on his midfield game in general if that is the position he wishes to play in.
17. Fremantle: Cameron Giles
had a very good U18 Championships this year. If you had watched him in the SANFL you would have noticed him playing CHB winning a fair bit of the ball and seen his strong rebound game. Not 100% sure but I think he played in the midfield at times too. Considering how well he went in the Champs, the lack of tall talent in this years draft and plenty of clubs needing a young developing tall defender who will be ready to replace one of their older ones in a couple years time, He shoots up the pecking order a fair bit for mine. He played more of a lock down role in the champs and he adapted reasonably well. However, he will still need to further develop that at the next level. Ideally I’d like him to find that important balance between his offensive and defensive game. He has already shown some signs that he will be able to do it. Giles really has the tools to become something better than any of the other key defenders in this years draft pool. His decision making, ball winning ability, ability to hit targets, rebound, speed, agility, versatility and his willingness to back himself in could be the makings of a very good defender. He just has everything a big defender would need, and then more.
I'd probably have him slightly ahead of Gardiner as he just has more potential and shown just as much from what I've seen. He is also better equipped to take on the highly rated younger tall forwards who are coming through. You've got blokes like Patton, Daniher, Boyd, McCarthy, Wright and Goddard. Most of whom will be 199cm plus(when they finish growing) if they aren't already. And are decent athletes too.
18. St Kilda: Dominic Sheed – Midfielder – (184cm/79kg)
I’ve probably underrated him here, could very well push for top 10. Has bucket loads of class and potential. Very good at finding space and reading the play. Sheed is an all round classy player and people often compare him with Simon Black. He is reasonably good up forward without being spectacular. Some people say Sheed is ‘one paced’ which is reasonable, but don’t make the mistake of thinking he is by any means super slow. Slow and one paced are different things. It’s a pity he got injured this year but he certainly showed everyone what he is capable of. Sheed has a very good balance between his inside and outside game. He will go hard for the ball in the contests but he is more than capable of running with it and linking up with his teammates. Although he missed a game in this years champs he still managed to win the larke medal for the best division one player. He just does all the basics right.
19. St Kilda: Lewis Taylor – Midfielder/Forward – (173cm/72kg)
Resembles Boomer Harvey. Whilst Taylor is clearly on the short side, he should not be underestimated. Lack of height can certainly put the recruiters off but as long as said player has something that makes him stand out from the rest, I think they’d be okay with it. The type of player who can impact the game and lift his teammates. You could liken him to Dayne Zorko in the way that he isn’t super fast, but he sure as hell looks it with the way he plays. In my opinion Taylor could go as high as top 10 or he could slide down in the 20’s. If he had that extra height, he’d be well and truly up the order. My reason for having him a touch later than most is not because of his height. It’s just where I think he could end up getting to. Taylor is not an elite kick by any means. But he will generally hit his target. He’ll probably start his career up forward with some short bursts in the middle of the ground. I think Taylor could seriously become one of the better players in the competition. With that said, I do find him hard to place.
20. Gold Coast: Zac Jones - Defender – (183cm/77kg)
Last year Zac hadn’t really done much to suggest he could be a high pick or even a potential draft prospect at all. But that doesn’t matter now. He has come on in leaps and bound and could go as high as pick 13 in this years draft. So I’ve got him a bit lower than he will probably go. As mentioned a thousand times by other poster he is the brother of Nathan Jones from Melbourne. He is more of a defender at this stage who has a neat kick and enough speed to go with just about anyone. He can provide a bit of rebound but is better known for his ability to keep his opponent very quiet. He showcased his ability to go and have an impact in the midfield this year where he dominated the clearances and ball count in general. He probably won’t ever become a star but he’ll become a good player who can play down back or in the middle.
Tried to get a few unheard of names out there and a few player I think have/will slip under the radar of others. Tried to be a bit different to some of the others. The point of this is not to predict where a player will go(although I try give you some sort of range by where I have placed them), It's just to try and give you all some information about potential draftees.
I would have done a better job, but I've been flat out with work this year. So things didn't really go as well as I planned.
Eventually, the Phantom Draft will contain 3 rounds for the national draft, and a Rookie/PSD draft.
Enjoy.
1. GWS: Thomas Boyd - KPF - (199cm/100kg)
Boyd in the consensus pick 1 and rightly so. Easily the best KPF in this year’s draft and is very similar to Patton. Very good contested mark and has a significant presence about him. He has a massive frame and certainly knows how to use it. Reliable on-field and goal kick. Was dominating in his last game of the champs before he picked up that dreadful injury. Really showed what he is capable of. The size of Boyd no doubt helps him dominate against some of his opponents, but he doesn’t really need to rely on it at the next level. Whilst he does have a big body don’t expect him to come in and take the competition by storm straight away. It’s no secret that the taller players take more time to develop their game. Missed 3 or so months with that injury but came back and play the in TAC Cup grand final and kicked 4 goals in a good display. I wish everyone the best of luck in a few years time when they’re trying to combat a forward line the contains Patton, Boyd and Cameron.
2. GWS : Josh Kelly - Midfielder - (181cm/71kg)
This kid is going to be talked about a lot this year. In fact, he was talked about a fair bit last year when the mini draft came around. Kelly is now starting to get talked up as a potential top 2 pick in this years draft. He may not be your contested ball winning mid(he will develop more in that aspect with time) but he racks up the ball and is very damaging with it. You’d love to be a tall forward and have Kelly hitting you up week in week out. Kelly also has a fantastic endurance base. Meaning he can just keep on going for the whole four quarters. I personally wouldn’t take him at pick 2 myself but GWS do need some outside run to compliment there other midfielders. Classy player and has a good footballing career ahead of him.
3. St Kilda: Jack Billings – Forward/Midfielder – (182cm/73kg)
He had a very good year in the U18 championships last year and you can count on him to back it up. Others seem to have doubts about his transition to the midfield, but I have no doubt that he will end up playing in the midfield. Billings is a lovely kick of the ball and can really do some damage on the scoreboard. I think Billings is a strong chance to get picked up by the Saints with pick 3. Some of the stuff he is capable of doing makes him look like a seasoned player, at times. Billings has everything needed to become an elite player at the next level. Reminds me a bit of Sam Mayes in the way he plays. He can have an impact anywhere on the field. Probably won’t play many games in his first year but he’d be a chance to play a few in a lower ranked side like St Kilda.
4. Western Bulldogs: James Aish - Midfielder - (183cm/75kg)
At this stage, Aish is regarded as one of the elite talents in this years draft pool. People have seemed to lower his ranking a bit. But there is still every chance he goes top 2. Very silky player with good speed and is a very neat user of the footy. Very much and outside player at the moment and will need to continue to work on his inside game, which will certainly improve. It’s not like he isn’t willing to go in and try to win his own ball, but he just needs to learn a few things first. A bit like our own Sam Mayes when it comes to composure. Played for Norwood in the SANFL Seniors this year and he whilst he wasn’t spectacular, he did alright. As it has been mentioned already, he has been copping some tags this year. But he’ll continue learning to break them. He is a lovely kick, has some pace about him and is just a very classy player. I’m personally hoping he does a Rich/Wingard and slips through to us at pick 7!
5. Gold Coast: Kade Kolodjashnij –Midfielder/Defender – (188cm/77kg)
AIS-AFL academy squad member who has really shooted up the rankings, I’ve had him pegged first round for some time now but he is shaping up to be a top 5 chance. Attacking half back flanker with neat skills and good pace. His evasive ability is very sharp and he makes good decisions under pressure. Had an absolute ripper championship carnival for Tasmania and really showed his ability. He does struggle often in 1v1 situations. Mind you, his thin frame doesn’t exactly help a great deal. I tend to see him becoming a wing man at the next level. And with his tools, he should make a fine one at that. He is good with his hands and has decent endurance. One thing that can make him stand out is his leap. Is quite creative and can set up the play off a half back flank.
6. Collingwood: Marcus Bontempelli - Defender/Midfielder - (190cm/82kg)
Superb left footy kick with real penetration. He is a line breaking defender/midfielder, he can play on tall's and smalls and is a very good read of the play, takes intercept marks, keeps on running and can get on the scoreboard. I rate him as an 'elite' prospect and think he will go top 10. At this stage, my favourite of the draft. His inside game has come a long way this year but he probably still needs to work on it some more before he is capable of playing senior footy. Every chance he will get taken by Collingwood at pick 6. He can play anywhere. He may not have played to well in this years nation carnival but he really showed some stuff in the last few games in this years TAC Cup. Can take marks and kick goals up forward, take intercept marks and provide rebound from defence or get the ball, break lines and kick goals from the midfield. Really rate his potential.
7. Brisbane Lions: Matt Scharenberg - Defender/Midfielder - (189cm/88kg)
Down back he is very good at locking down his opponent, and also provides a fair bit in terms of rebound. Just reads the play so well. Can push up and make an impact with his big body. Feel his future lies in defence with his ability to shut down tall's and smalls and hurt the opposition coming out of defence. He really play anywhere. Has some good speed and composure out of contests and uses the ball very well. Had a good championship carnival and went up considerably in a few peoples rankings. You can really tell he has a basketball background with some of the things he does on the field. He could really be anything at the next level. Probably start off down back and makes the transition to the midfield the following year. Ran into him and he seems like a smart kid who is willing to make the most of his opportunity. I’ll be watching him with a close eye no matter where he ends up at.
8. North Melbourne: Luke Macdonald(F/S) – Midfielder – (188cm/71kg)
North are extremely lucky to be able to pick him up through the father/son rule. He’d be a good chance to be on his way to play for the Gold Coast if it wasn’t for that. His kicking generally very good but can have the rare shocker, just like any other player. His inside game has improved a bit too. He had an ‘ok’ national carnival this year but didn’t really play as well as I would have liked. But he did have a very good finals campaign in the VFL this year, being arguably their best player.
9. Melbourne: Nathan Freeman – Midfielder/Forward – (182cm/85kg)
Big bodied midfielder who is ferocious in the contests and is a very good tackler. Uses his body extremely well in contests and take plenty of marks. Gets plenty of free kicks due to attacking the ball harder than most. Decent overhead mark and can push forward and have an impact. Sure Freeman has the explosive pass out of the packs which could very well see him become elite at the next level but it’s what he does with the ball in hand that concerns me. His kicking is awful at times and his decision making is no better. Mind you his kicking probably comes down to his decision making. He just tries to do too much. I’ve watched him back himself in to try and weave his way through packs but he ends up having to retreat and run backwards. Which is fine in some cases but instead of giving the ball off to a teammate in a better position he’ll try it again. Most have him going top 10 but personally I’d pass on him if I was a recruiter with a top 10 pick. Don’t get me wrong he has the talent to develop into something special. I’ve probably made him sound like a third round prospect at best and contradicted myself a bit too. Which is probably just because I’m sick of some people of some people making him sound like the second coming. My thoughts on him do change a fair bit though. I’ve got him at #9 in my mock simply because I think it is where he will go, not because I rate him that high.
10. Collingwood: Cameron McCarthy – Forward – (195cm/89kg)
A big tall forward who really came in and took everyone by surprise with his performances in the champs. McCarthy is a very determined young footballer who really wants to succeed, he comes across as someone who is very coachable and is prepared to do whatever it takes to make it. Considering he hasn’t even completed a full pre season or trained as much as most of the other potential draftees, to come into the champs and do what he did suggests he has a lot of talent and will only get better. If he had have taken up football seriously a couple of years ago he would have learnt more about what he needs to work on with his game and how to go about it, there’s every chance we’d be talking about him as a top 5 pick. His contested marking and his ability at ground level is eye catching. I did previously say I thought he could very well go top 15, but gee I’m still surprised there is some talk of him going as early as pick 6.
11. West Coast: Blake Acres – Utility – (188cm/83kg)
One who could bolt as we get closer to the draft. He can play down back, forward or in the midfield. He has very good skills and a big body to come in from day one. He played in this years Champs but I certainly don’t recall him having much of an impact with is certainly reasonable as he has had some problems with his shoulder this year. Then he went back to WA and played a very good brand of football over in WA this year when he wasn’t injured. He is strong overhead and posses a good mix of football smart and skill. He is capable of winning his own football and capable of playing in a variety of roles. He really does have some class about him. There’s every chance that Acres could go top 10 this year. I’d be up for selecting him at pick 7 personally.
12. Richmond: Christian Salem – Midfielder – (183cm/82kg)
Again, a player who will need to increase his inside output. A very brave and Courageous footballer who will go head first into any contest, it’s just a matter of getting to the contests first. Salem just seems to find time and space better than the next guy, effectively making some of the stuff he does look effortlessly. He is capable of playing up forward but it’s the midfield where he really stand out. Salem can weave his way out of tackles and is actually a good aggressive tackler himself. He is a nice accurate kick and makes good decisions under pressure. I’m actually having a hard time placing this guy. In my opinion he could probably push top 5 or end up being taken at around the pick 15 mark. Will be looking out for his name come draft day.
13. Carlton: Luke Dunstan - Midfielder/Forward - (184cm/82kg)
Averaged 27 disposals and 5 clearances a game in the colts last year. His speed looked fairly good for an inside midfielder and is superb by foot. He leads by example and could end up a future captain at whatever club is lucky enough to pick him up. Had a good run in the u18 championships this year and averaged 23 disposals. His work in close is very good. Has superb hands and has a good sense or awareness. Proven he can tough it out against the bigger bodies and recruiters will take note of that. He is also strong overhead and uses his body well in 1v1 contests. Which allows him to go forward and cause the opposition coaches some headaches. Depending on where he ends up he should be able to come in from day one and play some senior footy. Probably doesn’t have the potential that some of the others do but he should still go fair early. Gets the job done and good leadership .
14. GWS: Alex Spina – Midfielder – (180cm-77kg)
Wins plenty of the ball and is a really talented player. He is a very classy player and will get plenty of the ball. Many consider him a forward at this stage with the potential to move into the midfield. But that’s just not the case. He has already shown in a couple of games he is more than ready of stepping into the midfield when given the chance. He regularly gets on the scoreboard and will cause plenty of headaches for the opposition. Some have him reasonably high and other have him fairly low. He may not have had the best champs but I heard his knee was giving him a bit of trouble. He is very damaging player who whilst not only possessing good speed, he also has the ability to consistently hit his targets. Once he can work on his inside game just a bit more, he could prove to not only be a bargain pick but a top 50 player at the next level. Won’t go this early in the real thing. But I rate him very highly
15. Sydney: Tom Cutler – Defender – (190cm/86kg)
Tom Cutler is probably somewhat underrated. He is listed at 190cm, making him an awkward size for a key defender at the next level. He is similar to Joel Patfull in terms of his ability to read the play really well, play on smalls and has the ability to player taller than what he is. Cutler possesses good athleticism and has a good balance with his defensive and offensive mindset. His elite kicking skills and speed for his size allows him to have a strong rebound game and often cause his opponent some headaches. He can swing up forward but he is better down back.
16. Geelong: Ben Lennon – Forward/Midfielder – (187cm/81kg)
As others have said, Lennon is certainly a top 10 chance.At this stage, just couldn’t seem to squeeze him in my top 10 as of yet. Lennon did some good things when playing for Vic Metro this year. He did apparently have an injury issue though. He is a very good overhead mark and is also a superb kick. Lennon as shown the ability to crash packs and extract the ball as a midfielder. Uses his body well in 1v1 contests. He will need to keep building up his tank. Some of his test results weren’t exactly great either. Others have him in the top 10 but I just can’t see it happening myself. One thing that recruiters are into is a player with some versatility. And Lennon fits that mould. So he probably will go earlier than I have him. Lennon needs to continue working on his midfield game in general if that is the position he wishes to play in.
17. Fremantle: Cameron Giles
had a very good U18 Championships this year. If you had watched him in the SANFL you would have noticed him playing CHB winning a fair bit of the ball and seen his strong rebound game. Not 100% sure but I think he played in the midfield at times too. Considering how well he went in the Champs, the lack of tall talent in this years draft and plenty of clubs needing a young developing tall defender who will be ready to replace one of their older ones in a couple years time, He shoots up the pecking order a fair bit for mine. He played more of a lock down role in the champs and he adapted reasonably well. However, he will still need to further develop that at the next level. Ideally I’d like him to find that important balance between his offensive and defensive game. He has already shown some signs that he will be able to do it. Giles really has the tools to become something better than any of the other key defenders in this years draft pool. His decision making, ball winning ability, ability to hit targets, rebound, speed, agility, versatility and his willingness to back himself in could be the makings of a very good defender. He just has everything a big defender would need, and then more.
I'd probably have him slightly ahead of Gardiner as he just has more potential and shown just as much from what I've seen. He is also better equipped to take on the highly rated younger tall forwards who are coming through. You've got blokes like Patton, Daniher, Boyd, McCarthy, Wright and Goddard. Most of whom will be 199cm plus(when they finish growing) if they aren't already. And are decent athletes too.
18. St Kilda: Dominic Sheed – Midfielder – (184cm/79kg)
I’ve probably underrated him here, could very well push for top 10. Has bucket loads of class and potential. Very good at finding space and reading the play. Sheed is an all round classy player and people often compare him with Simon Black. He is reasonably good up forward without being spectacular. Some people say Sheed is ‘one paced’ which is reasonable, but don’t make the mistake of thinking he is by any means super slow. Slow and one paced are different things. It’s a pity he got injured this year but he certainly showed everyone what he is capable of. Sheed has a very good balance between his inside and outside game. He will go hard for the ball in the contests but he is more than capable of running with it and linking up with his teammates. Although he missed a game in this years champs he still managed to win the larke medal for the best division one player. He just does all the basics right.
19. St Kilda: Lewis Taylor – Midfielder/Forward – (173cm/72kg)
Resembles Boomer Harvey. Whilst Taylor is clearly on the short side, he should not be underestimated. Lack of height can certainly put the recruiters off but as long as said player has something that makes him stand out from the rest, I think they’d be okay with it. The type of player who can impact the game and lift his teammates. You could liken him to Dayne Zorko in the way that he isn’t super fast, but he sure as hell looks it with the way he plays. In my opinion Taylor could go as high as top 10 or he could slide down in the 20’s. If he had that extra height, he’d be well and truly up the order. My reason for having him a touch later than most is not because of his height. It’s just where I think he could end up getting to. Taylor is not an elite kick by any means. But he will generally hit his target. He’ll probably start his career up forward with some short bursts in the middle of the ground. I think Taylor could seriously become one of the better players in the competition. With that said, I do find him hard to place.
20. Gold Coast: Zac Jones - Defender – (183cm/77kg)
Last year Zac hadn’t really done much to suggest he could be a high pick or even a potential draft prospect at all. But that doesn’t matter now. He has come on in leaps and bound and could go as high as pick 13 in this years draft. So I’ve got him a bit lower than he will probably go. As mentioned a thousand times by other poster he is the brother of Nathan Jones from Melbourne. He is more of a defender at this stage who has a neat kick and enough speed to go with just about anyone. He can provide a bit of rebound but is better known for his ability to keep his opponent very quiet. He showcased his ability to go and have an impact in the midfield this year where he dominated the clearances and ball count in general. He probably won’t ever become a star but he’ll become a good player who can play down back or in the middle.
Think GWS will take him without batting an eyelid though to be honest. At this point I'm (realistically) favouring something along the lines of Aish + Hourigan/Lennon. A lot will change from now 'til draft time though.
