Draft Watcher Knightmare's 2011 Mock Draft

[Knightmare]

My top 80 power rankings (Excluded those who have been or are likely to be zoned to GC or GWS as well as those prelisted):
------------------Potential A-Graders--------------------
1. Chad Wingard
2. Stephen Coniglio
3. Jonathan Patton
4. Dom Tyson
5. Elliot Kavanagh
------------------Potentially high level AFL players--------------------
6. Tom Mitchell (Syd – F/S)
7. Matthew Buntine
8. Will Hoskin-Elliot
9. Jarrod Witts (Coll – NSW/ACT)
10. Zyrus Manson
11. Taylor Adams
12. Brandon Ellis
13. Billy Longer
14. Josh Waldhuter
15. Hayden Crozier
16. Myles Bolger
17. Sebastian Ross
18. Sam Docherty
19. Daniel Markworth
20. Liam Sumner
----------------Potential AFL Quality-----------------
21. Toby Greene
22. Brad McKenzie
23. Fraser McInness
24. Jackson Paine
25. Todd Elton
26. Sam Frost
27. Haiden Schlothe
28. Michael Talia
29. Shane Kersten
30. Mitchell Grigg
31. Andrew Boseley
32. Jordan Lockyer
33. Murray Newman
34. Devon Smith
35. Shane Nelson
36. Alex Forster
37. Nic Haynes
38. Adam Tomlinson
39. Julian Dobosz
40. Ben Brown
41. Jackson Merrett
42. Tom Downie
43. Nic Murphy
44. Cameron Valentine
45. Brett O’Hanlon
46. Mitch Brewer
47. Caolan Mooney (Coll – Ire)
48. Thomas Sheridan
49. Jack Charleston
50. Jimmy Webster
-----------------Others with AFL Potential----------------
51. Brody Mihocek
52. Clay Smith
53. Josh Tynan
54. Marley Williams
55. Matthew Jacquier
56. Sam Kerridge
57. Jordan Kelly
58. Cam Eardley
59. Dylan Buckley (Carl – F/S)
60. Lee Spurr
61. Sam Dwyer
62. Michael Hartley (Coll – NSW/ACT)
63. Sam Gordon
64. Justin Clarke
65. Nathan Blee
-----------------Others worth a shot----------------
66. Chad Sandilands
67. Daniel Currie
68. Brett Eddy
69. Fletcher Roberts
70. Ben Ross
71. Jed Bews (Gee - F/S)
72. Henry Schade
73. Cameron Ellis-Yolmen
74. Jack Crisp
75. Steven Verrier
76. Nic O’Brien
77. Bradley Hill
78. Tom Curran
79. Aseri Raikiwasa
80. Steve Rusca

Zone selections:
Gold Coast: (2/3 QLD)
Alex Sexton (QLD)
Jackson Allen (QLD)

GWS: (3/5 NSW. 2/3 NT)
Sam Milne (NSW/ACT)
Harry Cunningham (NSW/ACT)
Marcus Crook (NSW/ACT)
Kevlin Williams (NT)
Louis Eggar (NT)


Minidraft:
#1 Gold Coast - Jaeger O’Meara (WA - Mid)
Height: 183cm, Weight: 78kg, DOB: 23/02/1994
Recruited from: Perth Football Club
Style: Gary Ablett
Player comparison:
Range (2012): 1-2
Profile: Has absolutely elite speed – 2.80 of 20m. Endurance is incredibly high – 14+ beep test. Really looks like a sensational athlete already and has huge AFL potential. He makes good use of his speed and can take players on like few others and reminds you so much of a Judd or Ablett with the way he can go. Has that rare vision and awareness to go with it. Big time clearance player. Probably more outside than inside at this stage. Overhead marking good. Gets high tackling numbers. Decision making can be iffy at times, but improving. Can kick both feet incredibly well but could certainly work on consistent by foot and hit targets and finish more consistently, certainly not as polished as Whitfield yet but is well on his way but when his kicking is on can hit at will and kicks it like homing missiles which gives me confidence that this aspect of his game will improve and develop that consistency. Also would like to see him hit the scoreboard more. But everything he can do and already does suggests that he will go on to be a special player.
Why:

#2 Brad Crouch (VIC - Mid)
Height: 184cm, Weight: 83kg, DOB: 12/01/1994
Recruited from: North Ballarat Rebels
Style:
Player comparison: Luke Ball
Range (2012): 3-5
Profile: Really strong inside player. Could play AFL footy now. Very ready to go. Physically is ready. Has a complete game. Really hard worker and will never die wondering. Future captain material. Ball use very good and is good by both hand and foot. Speed good.
Why:



2011 Phantom Draft:
#1 GWS - Jonathon Patton (VIC - KPF)
Height: 197cm, Weight: 95kg, DOB: 20/05/1993
Recruited from: Eastern Ranges
Style: Jonathan Brown
Player comparison: Travis Cloke
Range: 1-2
Profile: Dominant KPF. Doesn’t dominate because of size like a Tom Hawkins did at this level but because he marks so much stronger than everyone else which is why he stands out. Marks at the highest point which is what is important. Great contested mark and big enough to beat his man physically. Reads it well in the air. Strong on the lead. Doesn’t fumble. Can crash packs. Even at his size is a very solid athlete. Kicks goals. Has a nice long kick. Real competitor. One issue is consistency, has big games and other games doesn’t have the same impact, but that will come. The other issue that was worth noting from the champs was how he gets so close to the man on the mark when going for set shot goals, it’s not like he doesn’t have the penetration. Should get fixed without any difficulty. Can play from season ne, but like all forwards will need those 3-4 years in the system to become dominant at the next level. No reason why his ability won’t transfer over to AFL level. Has the potential to be a real powerhouse up forward.
Why: Best key position forward in the draft. GWS have a loaded midfield already so expect them to add the key forward before all else.

#2 GWS - Stephen Coniglio (WA - Mid)
Height: 183cm, Weight: 79kg, DOB: 15/12/1993
Recruited from: Swan Districts Football Club
Style: Marc Murphy
Player comparison:
Range: 1-2
Profile: Big clearance winner. Has good pace. Can go for those burst runs but also has great endurance regularly making those 2nd and 3rd efforts. Has a very high skill level. Good both inside and outside as a mid. Can either be the ball winner or the receiver outside of packs bursting away. Can hit the scoreboard which is a big plus whether that be when playing up forward or through the midfield. Can play in big games as he showed this in the 2010 WAFL grand final where he dominated alongside Andrew Krakouer which is another big tick. Has shown that he can lift his game when it is on the line to be won which is a great sign. Very good cricketer.
Why: Is considered by many as the best mid in the draft or close to and is the only realistic rival to Patton for that no.1 spot, not that, that matters. Along with Patton lock him in as a certainty for GWS.

#3 GWS - Dom Tyson (VIC - Mid)
Height: 186cm, Weight: 82kg, DOB: 08/06/1993
Recruited from: Oakleigh Chargers
Style: Simon Black
Player comparison:
Range: 3-5
Profile: Real standout throughout the champs and has really risen up the rankings in a hurry. Really good genuine footballer who doesn’t stand out athletically, but can do it all. Left footer, but can use his right, and use it well when he needs to. Has a really high work rate and has great endurance. Has great vision. Skill level is exceptional for an inside player and has all the footy smarts and decision making ability you could hope for. Big time ball accumulator who should have a fairly immediate impact at the next level through the midfield.
Why: It is Tyson v Wingard for this selection. I think Wingard is the better talent, but I do think with the way Tyson performed throughout the U18 champs and the way he closed out the season that he might just go that one selection higher.

#4 GWS - Chad Wingard (SA – Mid/Fwd)
Height: 181cm, Weight: 73kg, DOB: 29/07/1993
Recruited from: Sturt
Style: Scott Pendlebury
Player comparison:
Range: 3-6
Profile: Probably my favourite in this draft. Elite left foot kicking. Incredibly clean. An all class midfielder who can also have a big impact on the scoreboard. Big time x-factor. Has positional flexibility where he can impact the game through the midfield or up forward. Has good pace. Has a really nice leap on him and can take a specie. Not soft and has shown he is willing to put his body on the line despite his still slender frame. Really a very good inside player and big winner of the contested footy. Likely will start out playing as an outside mid who goes forward because he is still light but expect long term for him to develop into an excellent inside player. Great leader and captained SA at the u18 champs. Wouldn’t be surprised if he ends up being the best of the lot.
Why: Best player available – and that’s what these early selections are all about. Midfielder who long term is probably more inside, but can also play for periods on the outside but also be good enough to push forward for an impact which will suit Gold Coast perfectly.

#5 GWS - Billy Longer (VIC - Ruck)
Height: 202cm, Weight: 95kg, DOB: 12/05/1993
Recruited from: Northern Knights
Style: Paul Salmon
Player comparison:
Range: 3-10
Profile: Ruckman who can also have an impact as a forward. Looks like a really solid prospect and is the standout ruckman in this draft. Has great size and should grow out solidly. Strong overhead and can take a strong contested grab. Every time you hear about him you hear about his curious left handed tap work for a right footer. For a big has good pace. Gives solid effort and gives those 2nd and 3rd efforts and is very good at ground level. One thing that stood out to me with Longer at the champs is that during the quarter breaks he would always be giving his team mates a rev up and on field would always encourage his team mates consistently which is a good sign. Like most ruckman at a similar age needs to work on endurance and can still get better at pushing forward and being a dangerous marking target, but it should come. Kicking while he has good penetration already he still needs a fair bit of work in on it, doesn’t find the intended target nearly consistently enough. As a forward though is a really strong target and can provide a serious option, so doesn’t have to be a pure ruckman although at his height you’d think eventually that’s the role he plays primarily.
Why: The highest rated ruckman in this year’s draft. GWS’s ruck stocks are pretty slim so a potentially high level ruckman is high on their list of priorities.

#6 Port Adelaide - Will Hoskin-Elliot (VIC – Mid/Fwd)
Height: 182cm, Weight: 73kg, DOB: 02/09/1993
Recruited from: Western Jets
Style:
Player comparison: Isaac Smith
Range: 4-15
Profile: Will is a super high hurt factor type outside mid who can also play forward. Real favourite of mine. Excitement machine. Can just take off, has great pace and will zoom past most players. Has a fantastic 55-60m kick on him and kicks well on both feet. Just always when he has ball in hand feels really dangerous. Very clean no matter the conditions, very one touch. Real x-factor who hurts you with every touch he gets. Can win some hard ball and isn’t a soft outside player. Lively tackler. Not bad overhead and good reader of the play. Has a great leap on him! Fantastic talent with allot to work with! Also worth mentioning is his endurance, broke the draft combine beep test record which is a terrific achievement showing that he has that endurance to go with his high level pace making him an even more attractive prospect!
Why:

#7 GWS - Liam Sumner (VIC - Mid)
Height: 182cm, Weight: 70kg, DOB: 16/08/1993
Recruited from: Sandringham Dragons
Style: Isaac Smith
Player comparison:
Range: 5-15
Profile: Hasn’t to this stage shown any inside ability but as an outside mid he is very, very good. Has really explosive pace and can break lines easily and carry the ball great distances. Incredibly agile and can dance around opponents and spin through tackles easily. Very high skill level and finds targets by foot consistently. Can influence the game with limited touches, but still probably doesn’t get enough of it for my liking. Tackles well for someone still fairly light and shows some potential there.
Why:

#8 Brisbane - Matthew Buntine (VIC – Def/Mid)
Height: 188cm, Weight: 83kg, DOB: 19/10/1993
Recruited from: Dandenong Stingrays
Style: Bryce Gibbs
Player comparison:
Range: 4-15
Profile: Real standout in this year’s draft who had a surprisingly poor u18 championships but was struggling with injury at the time, so that is forgivable. None the less is an absolute standout talent in this year’s draft. Can play down back or through the midfield well and has that really high skill level and ability to read the play. Reads the ball very well. Very good user of the footy. Can play against players of all sizes and can shut down opposition dangermen. Can play off his man and provide super rebound. Has no problem winning the hard ball. Not a high level athlete but his smarts more than compensate for this. Has that flexibility to play the role you need him to play.
Why:

#9 GWS - Adam Tomlinson (VIC – KPF/KPD)
Height: 194cm, Weight: 90kg, DOB: 10/08/1993
Recruited from: Oakleigh Chargers
Style: Matthew Pavlich
Player comparison:
Range: 5-35
Profile: Versatile KPP who can play well down either end and even a bit through the midfield. Didn’t stand out as much as I’d hoped he might and wasn’t super consistent during the champs. Against lesser opposition can provide good rebound from defence but can struggle against better opposition which would be my question on him. Also isn’t super quick for a KPP. Is capable when down back of doing some good shut down roles against some very good forwards and keeping their impact down. Up forward doesn’t look out of place either. Strong mark overhead. Ball use good for a taller type. So there is that potential to play either end depending on needs.
Why:

#10 GWS - Taylor Adams (VIC – Mid/Fwd)
Height: 181cm, Weight: 80kg, DOB: 20/09/1993
Recruited from: Geelong Falcons
Style: Nathan Foley
Player comparison:
Range: 5-20
Profile: Really impressive inside midfielder. Has really good pace and agility. Has great burst speed and moves really well. Don’t think he would look out of place at AFL level now to be honest. Seems that class above. Good tackling ability. Stands up strongly in tackles and has the strength to break away. Strong mark and can use his body well in marking contests to beat his man which gives him so forward potential as well as midfield potential. Has a great work ethic and is a future leader at whichever club he lands at. His handball ability even under pressure is very good. Looks like an immediate fit who can play at the next level sooner rather than later.
Why:

#11 GWS - Myles Bolger (WA - Ruck)
Height: 201cm, Weight: 90kg, DOB: 25/03/1993
Recruited from: South Fremantle Football Club
Style: Darren Jolly
Player comparison:
Range: 10-35
Profile: Fantastic tap ruckman, gives mids first use consistently and taps to advantage. Around the ground also very good. Strong mark overhead. Skill level very good for a ruckman. My main concerns are that he doesn’t really jump in the ruck and against bigger or more athletic opponents he might struggle. Not a super athlete and given current lack of size will need to bulk up all. Also has had injury concerns - foot. But 1st round quality ruckman. Give him time because he has essentially missed 2 years of footy.
Why:

#12 Brisbane - Jackson Paine (VIC – KPF/Mid)
Height: 194cm, Weight: 87kg, DOB: 21/06/1993
Recruited from: Sandringham Dragons
Style: Matthew Pavlich
Player comparison:
Range: 10-35
Profile: Really like Paine as a forward. Particularly strong mark on the lead but also marks strongly overhead. Marks at the highest point which is what you look for in all good forwards. Really hard working type who seems to enjoy the contest. Good work rate. Can push into the midfield and play really well in there as well as up forward. Good field kick for someone his size.
Why: Possibly a little early for Paine, but GWS need some more key position players and Paine would be a good choice. Liked Paine’s work throughout the U18 champs playing as the no.2 marking target alongside Patton so I think he could be a nice fit for GWS.

#13 GWS - Shane Kersten (WA – Fwd/KPF)
Height: 190cm, Weight: 88kg, DOB: 15/03/1993
Recruited from: South Fremantle
Style: Brendan Fevola
Player comparison:
Range: 10-rookie
Profile: Undersized key position forward. Was a standout in the 2010 U18 champs but has had injury difficulties this year. Has a great goal sense. Really strong mark on the lead and is that leading type forward. Has a nice long right foot kick and can use his left around the goal without any difficulty. Doesn’t have a whole lot of positional flexibility and probably will play as a leading full forward at the next level even though at his size I’d rather he be more of a 3rd tall. Form has been there and has finished off the season incredibly strongly with some massive hauls. Very ready to go for a key forward but at his height upside possibly limited so you draft him on what he can produce now.
Why:

#14 GWS - Hayden Crozier (VIC – Fwd/Mid)
Height: 184cm, Weight: 68kg, DOB: 24/12/1993
Recruited from: Eastern Ranges
Style: Dale Thomas
Player comparison:
Range: 5-35
Profile: Still inconsistent and doesn’t impact games as consistently as you would want, but none the less a special talent who can do the team lifting things whether it be taking a specie or kicking a team lifting goal. Already famous for his sensational specie he took during the champs. Absolute highlight machine who can do the special and make it look easy. Still light but has standout speed and really has that young Dale Thomas feel to his play with that tremendous upside. Skill level very high and has a nice long left foot kick. Has great goal sense. Needs to work on endurance, but with work that should come and with it should come consistency. Will also need to add weight, but still very young so that also should come. Really vocal player. Will be one of the youngest players drafted this year and will likely has a fair bit of growth left.
Why:

#15 Richmond - Elliot Kavanagh (VIC - Mid)
Height: 187cm, Weight: 78kg, DOB: 19/05/1993
Recruited from: Western Jets
Style: David Mundy
Player comparison:
Range: 5-25
Profile: Missed the champs with injury but still a standout talent in this years draft and could still be high draft choice. Good all rounder. Quick mid who is also a very good ball user and has those footy smarts and cleanness. Solid ball winner. Past performances suggest that he should be a top 10 selection. Has put his injury concerns past him and is ready to go for season 2012 on an AFL list. He might slide because of his injury concerns, but personally I’d take him early, just another of those players who will go into the draft with injury concerns and come out the other end as one of the best players.
Why:

#16 Fremantle – Toby Greene (VIC - Mid)
Height: 180cm, Weight: 78kg, DOB: 15/09/1993
Recruited from: Oakleigh Chargers
Style: Matthew Boyd
Player comparison:
Range: 10-35
Profile: Like Tyson, Green has really improved his draft stocks with a very strong champs with some big games and has continued that form on nicely. Big time ball magnet. Wins allot of clearances and wins his fair share of contested ball. Shows strong attack on the ball. Particularly good by hand and makes good decisions more often than not. Not a super high level athlete but has a solid endurance base and very good agility.
Why:

#17 Western Bulldogs - Alex Forster (SA – Def/Util)
Height: 189cm, Weight: 81kg, DOB: 14/07/1993
Recruited from: Norwood
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: 10-35
Profile: Versatile medium size player. Have seen him mainly down back but can play through the midfield or up forward well. Have seen him do some really nice defensive jobs down back. Has a high skill level and is very duel sided. Strong overhead. Shows some good run and carry with the ball in hand. Was great throughout the U18 champs and form in the later part of the season will likely move him up the rankings further than expected.
Why:

#18 North Melbourne – Brandon Ellis (VIC – Def)
Height: 181cm, Weight: 83kg, DOB: 03/08/1993
Recruited from: Calder Cannons
Style: Heath Shaw
Player comparison:
Range: 10-35
Profile: Good user of the ball. Has a bit of a weapon of a kick down back. Provides great rebound from defence. Wins the hard ball and really attacks it. Good reader of the play. Tackles hard. Shrugs tackles with ease. Has a stocky type build but interestingly tested very well in the sprints. Has been a big performer both throughout the year for Calder Cannons as throughout the U18 champs so should be a fairly immediate player based on production this year and body type + size. Interestingly had a very good draft combine and tested incredibly well in all categories.
Why:

#19 Essendon - Daniel Markworth (VIC – Mid/Fwd)
Height: 189cm, Weight: 78kg, DOB: 03/04/1992
Recruited from: Calder Cannons
Style:
Player comparison: Nat Fyfe
Range: 10-35
Profile: Overager with nice positional flexibility. High character. Very intelligent kid. Comes from a tennis and basketball background. Has played as leadup forward as well as a midfielder and brings really nice versatility. Very high level athlete with a super burst of speed. Not bad by foot and has a good 55m kick on him. Good ball user by both hand and foot. New to AFL but showing some big progress! Looks very draftable. Still learning the game. Project. But has made big progress in a very short space of time! Just keeps getting better with every game he plays and there seems to be allot of upside!
Why:

#20 Fremantle - Fraser McInnes (WA – KPF/KPD)
Height: 194cm, Weight: 91kg, DOB: 19/07/1993
Recruited from: Perth Football Club
Style: Dustin Fletcher
Player comparison:
Range: 10-35
Profile: Key position player with great potential at his size. Strong mark overhead. Very mobile and should grow out well. Has had some injury difficulties but looks good. Versatility is there for him to play a range of positions, but possibly like him more as a key forward. 1st round quality talent who despite not playing throughout the U18 champs is slowly rising up the standings.
Why:

#21 Sydney - Tom Mitchell (WA – Mid) F/S
Height: 181cm, Weight: 79kg, DOB: 31/05/1993
Recruited from: Claremont Football Club
Style: Simon Black
Player comparison:
Range: 1st round
Profile: Would be a clear top 10 selection if not for F/S, so Sydney will do well to get this kid in the 20s. Fantastic inside mid and one of the standouts in this year’s draft. Has a really strong attack on the footy. Wins allot of contested ball on the inside but also links up very well in general play. Has really good hands and has a good awareness of those around him and who to handball to. Has a really high skill level and showed that he can kick goals from 50-55m out in general play. Elite endurance. Has the strength to stand up in tackles. Ready to go and could play from round one. Why:

#22 Carlton - Zyrus Manson (WA – KPF)
Height: 195cm, Weight: 84kg, DOB: 24/04/1993
Recruited from: Claremont
Style:
Player comparison: Zephaniah Skinner/Lance Franklin
Range: 10-rookie
Profile: The talent is there as is the production which makes Manson a deserving 1st round prospect. Has a massive running vertical jump as his draft combine score would indicate. Ability to take over games like probably no other talent in this draft outside of maybe Patton. But doesn’t yet understand team structures, and hasn’t played much serious team football so it is a big time high risk, high reward selection because he could be anything if he can apply himself, but could also become nothing very quickly. Also there is the go home factor.
Why: In that one key forward in this draft with the talent to take Carlton to a premiership. It will no doubt take him a couple of years as it takes all key forwards to develop, but once he has had those few years in the AFL system he could be as good as any key forward around the league. Carlton have the resources and players around him (Betts, Garlett and Yarran to support) to make Manson work. In a fairly average draft why not take a shot?

#23 West Coast – Devon Smith (VIC – Mid/Fwd)
Height: 175cm, Weight: 73kg, DOB: 20/05/1993
Recruited from: Geelong Falcons
Style: Brent Harvey
Player comparison:
Range: 5-25
Profile: Not tall, but a big ball winner who works hard around the ground. If you play him up forward he will give you the tackling effort you look for in a small forward. Dominant at U18 level. Leader. Has as good burst of speed and he has great endurance allowing him to pick up big numbers regularly. Strong overhead for size. Hard to see him having the same impact at the next level against bigger, more disciplined opposition because at U18 level he seems to get by because he works harder than everyone else. But still has the opportunity to have a solid AFL career whether that be as a forward or later on through the midfield.
Why:

#24 Gold Coast – Nic Haynes (VIC – Mid/Fwd)
Height: 191cm, Weight: 70kg, DOB: 18/05/1992
Recruited from: Dandenong Stingrays
Style:
Player comparison: Sam Gilbert (Fwd version)
Range: 10-45
Profile: Tall wingman who can play forward. Is that year older. Very thin build still. Late bloomer and has grown significantly over past 2 years suggesting more improvement. Very strong overhead and consistently marks at the highest point. Very agile and has nice running ability.
Why:

#25 St Kilda - Thomas Sheridan (VIC – Mid/Util)
Height: 185cm, Weight: 76kg, DOB: 28/10/1993
Recruited from: Calder Cannons
Style:
Player comparison: Jake Melksham
Range: 15-45
Profile: Versatile type who can play mid, forward, back all pretty comfortably. Has put together some pretty reasonable form this season and continues to get good numbers. Skill level is good and has that really solid endurance base already. Doesn’t have that top level pace or those real standout qualities but is a really nice all rounder. Draft combine showed that his endurance is right up there with the best in the business. What the draft combine also confirmed in my mind is that Sheridan is a clown off the field. This doesn’t necessarily mean he doesn’t work hard on and off the field, more so that he enjoys the practical joking sides of things and likely would be one of the less serious personalities around the club, so a professional and successful environment might be the best thing for him.
Why:

#26 Richmond - Sam Docherty (VIC - Def)
Height: 183cm, Weight: 83kg, DOB:
Recruited from: Gippsland Power
Style: Heath Shaw
Player comparison:
Range: 10-35
Profile: Really impressive when he got injected into the champs. Wasn’t part of the original Vic Country side. Back flanker who provides serious dash from defence and looks like a real weapon in the making with that explosive speed of his. Kicking is exceptional and under pressure looks very composed which is a great sign. Man on man is solid and is an absolute rebounding machine from defence. Allot to like and is a 1st round talent.
Why:

#27 Adelaide – Shane Nelson (WA - Mid)
Height: 179cm, Weight: 73kg, DOB: 11/05/1993
Recruited from: West Perth Football Club
Style: Leigh Montagna
Player comparison:
Range: 15-45
Profile: Big time midfield ball winner. Has standout endurance. Speed very good. Wins the hard ball on the inside but also has an impact running on the outside. Has a solid skill level and links up well finding targets by foot consistently. Marking overhead strong for size. Doesn’t really have the standout qualities of some of those I have a little higher, but very good all rounder.
Why:

#28 West Coast – Murray Newman (WA – Mid/Fwd)
Height: 179cm, Weight: 67kg, DOB: 18/11/1993
Recruited from: Swan Districts Football Club
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: 20-rookie
Profile: Really nice midfielder/forward who is really dangerous whenever he gets the ball in hand. Really good user of the footy and something just seems to happen every time he gets near it. Has pace. Has really good vision and is really good at finding space. Looks like a really nice talent even though he is on the small side. Physically a fair bit of development to come.
Why:

#29 Fremantle - Todd Elton (Dandenong – KPF/Ruck/KPD)
Height: 197cm, Weight: 90kg, DOB: 29/04/1993
Recruited from: Dandenong Stingrays
Style: Drew Petrie
Player comparison:
Range: 5-35
Profile: Athletic leading forward/ruckman. Very agile and moves really well for someone of his size. Has great speed for his size. Has a big leap on him as his running vertical jump score as his result at the draft combine shows. Good tackler for size. Very competitive at ground level. Has a very long kick on him. Strong mark overhead. Probably needs to influence more games more consistently because some games he can be among the better players and in other games can do very little. Didn’t really stand out during the champs as much as I would have liked and has had a very inconsistent season, but still is one of the better tall prospects because he still has all the pieces to develop into a serious player at the next level. Potential is there but just hasn’t put it together yet.
Why:

#30 Brisbane - Brad McKenzie (SA – Mid/Def)
Height: 188cm, Weight: 75kg, DOB: 29/05/1993
Recruited from: Sturt
Style: Dyson Heppell/ Trent McKenzie
Player comparison:
Range: 10-35
Profile: The thing that stands out with McKenzie is his skills by foot, is the absolute feature of his game. Has a great penetrating left foot kick on him and can consistently find targets or kick long goals from 60m out without any difficulty. Even under pressure executes by foot without any difficulty. Not a sensational athlete but makes up for it with his skill level. Seems to have a really good understanding of the game and reads the play well. Inside work is also very good. Was one of SA’s best midfielders in the u18 champs and had a couple of big games. A bit of a flanker but can play midfield. Quality ball user.
Why:

#31 Essendon – Sebastian Ross (VIC – Mid/Fwd)
Height: 187cm, Weight: 82kg, DOB: 07/05/1993
Recruited from: North Ballarat Rebels
Style: Nick Dal Santo
Player comparison:
Range: 15-45
Profile: Medium midfielder/forward who feels really draftable. Really lively. Has a high work rate. Footskills are the standout feature of his game. Just one of those perfect left footers. Under pressure has no difficulty executing. Really like his tackling pressure and for someone with his footskills it’s a rare combination to have. Can play some midfield either inside or outside comfortably. But really like what i’ve seen of him as a forward most. Hard worker and has been a real improver over the past year.
Why:

#32 Geelong – Andrew Boseley (VIC - KPD)
Height: 194cm, Weight: 80kg, DOB: 04/09/1992
Recruited from: Geelong Falcons
Style: Matthew Scarlett/ Sam Fisher
Player comparison:
Range: 15-50
Profile: Athletic type full back. Still skinny. Lots of development left though. Looks allot like Dustin Fletcher with his skinny build and long arms. Has had some really promising games down back and has become a really good rebounder from defence with his ability to mark off opposition kicks because he reads it so well in the air. Skills need work and probably needs to clean up to maximise his game and become a better attacking defender – which stylistically he very much is.
Why:

#33 Hawthorn – Sam Frost (VIC – KPD/KPF)
Height: 194cm, Weight: 87kg, DOB: 28/08/1993
Recruited from: Sandringham Dragons
Style: Jarrad Waite
Player comparison:
Range: 10-45
Profile: Athletic KPP from a volleyball background. Has absolutely crazy dash for someone his size! Not afraid to take on his man which is a good sign considering his athletic attributes. Has shown bits both up forward and down back, so could be effective at either end depending on needs. Like him most at centre half back with his pace providing that dash. Can tell he has played a number of other sports with some of the things he can do. Really started on fire at the U18 Champs. Allot to work with. Great potential. Need to develop consistency. Needs to develop more consistency in kicking because it is all over the place.
Why:

#34 Geelong - Mitchell Grigg (SA - Mid)
Height: 183cm, Weight: 85kg, DOB: 02/01/1993
Recruited from: Norwood
Style: Daniel Rich
Player comparison:
Range: 10-45
Profile: Doesn’t have great pace or athleticism as shown by some of his draft combine results but is a real footballer who was a standout at the u18 champs. Has a super long 60m left foot kick which hits it’s targets consistently and is a real feature of his game. Really good decision maker whether by hand or foot just seems to always find the right target. Very high skill level for an inside player which along with his long kick is what makes him stand out. Good decision maker. Big ball winner. Endurance good. Ready to play now and have an impact. Could to improve further win more of the hard contested footy, is improving in this area but need to become better in this area to make it at the next level.
Why:

#35 St Kilda – Michael Talia (VIC - KPD)
Height: 191cm, Weight: 86kg, DOB: 02/11/1993
Recruited from: Calder Cannons
Style: Brian Lake
Player comparison:
Range: 10-45
Profile: Probably the best key position defender in this draft. Big contested mark. Has a very good endurance base. Has a strong work rate and really has great strength for his age and really seems to enjoy wrestling with his opposing big men often out marking his direct opponent in a contest. Speed is fairly average. Needs to keep working on his kicking and build more consistency by foot.
Why:

#36 Melbourne – Julian Dobosz (TAS - KPF)
Height: 193cm, Weight: 85kg, DOB: 17/11/1992
Recruited from: North Hobart
Style: Jack Riewoldt
Player comparison:
Range: 15-45
Profile: Sensational talent and has that full forward ability few have. Is very new to the game which makes him incredibly interesting. The thing that stands out to me with Dobosz is his ability to read the ball better than his opponent which seems to allow him to get to the right positions more often than not. Very high level athlete and is incredibly quick. Showed that he is a big time goal kicker throughout the year while also putting in some very strong performances during the u18 championships. Would like for him to work a bit harder defensively. Tackling still doesn’t look completely natural to him and needs allot of work. But for someone so new to the game, looking very promising.
Why:

#37 St Kilda – Tom Downie (VIC – Ruck)
Height: 205cm, Weight: 95kg, DOB: 04/27/1993
Recruited from: North Ballarat Rebels
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: 30-rookie
Profile: Super tall ruckman from a basketball background. Has only players the two matches this year, but gee has he stood out in the games he has played! Tap work is good. Can take a mark around the ground. Has a very long way to go. Endurance very much a work in progress. Project. Will take time.
Why:

#38 Hawthorn – Josh Waldhuter (SA - Mid)
Height: 184cm, Weight: 83kg, DOB: 15/03/1993
Recruited from: Central District
Style: Patrick Dangerfield
Player comparison:
Range: 15-50
Profile: Has been good over the past two or three years at U18 level for SA. This year seemed to get overshadowed by the efforts of Grigg. Probably didn’t quite get the numbers I was hoping he would get but still is among the better midfielders in this year’s draft. Physically very mature and ready to play now. Strong tackler and gives those multiple efforts. Attack on the ball is absolute insanity and is really unrivalled in this regard. Has nice penetrating kick. Speed good also very good for an inside player. The criticism with Waldhuter is that he probably doesn’t get enough of it for my liking, but with greater inside minutes this should change. Also would like to see him improve by hand because sometimes he possibly isn’t as precise as I’d like.
Why:

#39 Western Bull Dogs – Jordan Lockyer (WA – KPD/KPF)
Height: 191cm, Weight: 85kg, DOB: 15/06/1993
Recruited from: West Perth Football Club
Style:
Player comparison: Jack Anthony
Range: 25-55
Profile: Really aggressive, physical player. You can tell he grew up in a footballing family. Undersized KPP who proved during the U18 Champs that he can play well down either end. Has a fierce attack on the footy. Can do a job defensively but also can take big grabs. Has the strength to stand up in tackles and even take on tacklers. Skill level is very good for someone of his size and type. Versatile and should settle into a position as a 3rd tall down either end at AFL level.
Why:

#40 North Melbourne – Michael Bussey (VIC – KPF/KPD)
Height: 196cm, Weight: 81kg, DOB: 05/07/1993
Recruited from: Eastern Ranges
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: 25-60
Profile: Athletic key position forward who probably isn’t having the season I had hoped so far, was really hoping he would take that next step this season. While he has played most of his footy as a forward he could play minor ruck minutes or even be swung back and do reasonably well. Will need to fill out but as a young KPP that will come with time. Has good pace. Reasonable strong mark both on the lead and overhead. Some questions on how much he wants to play at the next level which is why I see him sliding.
Why:

#41 Adelaide- Clay Smith (VIC – Mid/Fwd)
Height: 180cm, Weight: 78kg, DOB: 11/05/1993
Recruited from: Gippsland Power
Style: Kieran Jack
Player comparison: Mitch Banner
Range: 20-60
Profile: Hard inside player. Loves the contested footy. Real competitor. Great endurance. Great accumulator. Really solid clearance player. Midfielder who can play forward and get among the goals. Has the strength to break through tackles and can stand up in them. Really attacks the ball at pace. Always shows great tackling effort and tackles hard. Strong overhead mark for someone his size and marks at the highest point. Left footer, but wouldn’t describe his kicking as a feature of his game which is the main thing that will likely see him slide down the order a little.
Why:

#42 St Kilda – Jackson Merrett (VIC – Mid/Util)
Height: 187cm, Weight: 70kg, DOB: 27/02/1993
Recruited from: Geelong Falcons
Style:
Player comparison: Jasper Pittard
Range: 20-60
Profile: Versatile type midfielder who doesn’t really stand out which might by why there has been limited talk about him to this point. Still skinny. But is quality. Has pace and a really nice skill set. More of an outside player but can take his turn inside. Has great leadership potential and seems to be really motivated and looks like a good find.
Why:

#43 Sydney – Brett O’Hanlon (VIC - Fwd)
Height: 189cm, Weight: 82kg, DOB: 17/07/1993
Recruited from: Dandenong Stingrays
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: 35-rookie
Profile: Forward who probably is one of if not the strongest mark going around in this years draft. On the lead incredibly strong and as well as overhead. Reads the ball in the air. Marks consistently at the highest point and always marks out in front. Just keeps his eyes on the ball and that’s all there is to it. Even while jumping in the air or leaping forward always seems to come down with the strong grab. Left footer with a 55m kick on him. Can kick bags of goals. Might need to become more versatile and add a few more strings to his bow at the next level but there is allot to like.
Why:

#44 Carlton – Jack Crisp (VIC – Def/Util)
Height: 189cm, Weight: 81kg, DOB: 02/10/1993
Recruited from: Murray Bushrangers
Style:
Player comparison: Tyson Goldsack
Range: 35-rookie
Profile: Another of these really nice medium size types. Gives super tackling efforts and consistantly gives those 2nd and 3rd efforts. Has nice pace. Really good reader of the play. Has a strong 55m kick on him. Could probably work on his marking and take those grabs more consistently but isn’t a bad prospect. Also can sometimes look pressured with the ball and I do have questions over his decision making, but with a bit of luck that develops.
Why:

#45 Port Adelaide – Cam Eardley (WA – Mid/Def)
Height: 182cm, Weight: 74kg, DOB: 24/06/1993
Recruited from: East Fremantle Football Club
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: 35-rookie
Profile: Really hard player who really contests very hard any time he gets near the footy. Very physical and enjoys all the hard stuff. Wins plenty of his own ball. Really liked what he did down back when Lockyer got injured for WA. Held really strong down back and really has that defensive side to his game down which was encouraging.
Why:

#46 Adelaide – Sam Kerridge (VIC - Mid)
Height: 188cm, Weight: 84kg, DOB: 26/04/1993
Recruited from: Bendigo Pioneers
Style: Chris Judd
Player comparison:
Range: 30-rookie
Profile: Really powerful midfielder. Racks up big numbers through the midfield. Has a nice burst of speed and was very unlucky not to get games for Vic Country. Always looks dangerous when he gets near it and gets big clearance numbers. Strong mark overhead. Really great size and can get among the goals. Has been very consistent throughout the year. Didn’t look out of place when he got games at VFL level for Bendigo.
Why:

#47 Brisbane – Brody Mihocek (TAS – Def/Util)
Height: 191cm, Weight: 86kg, DOB: 04/02/1993
Recruited from: Burnie
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: 25-55
Profile: Tall player with the versatility to play anywhere. Was one of if not the best player for Tasmania at the u18 championships. Physically quite mature already and is a really solid athlete. Has a nice leap on him. Very strong overhead and can take a contested grab. Has versatility to play both ends as well as against different sizes which is a bonus. Skill set good. Could probably learn to better keep his feet, just doesn’t always seem balanced and goes to ground a little too easily.
Why:

#48 Geelong – Jordan Kelly (VIC - Def)
Height: 191cm, Weight: 81kg, DOB: 27/06/1993
Recruited from: Dandenong Stingrays
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: 30-65
Profile: Bit undersized to be a key position defender so might have to develop into more of a back flanker who can shut down some dangerous medium forwards. Really good player defensively but provides really nice rebound from defence. Has really nice speed and skill level is very good. One of those who has performed really well in the past but might slide a little lower than he probably should because he hasn’t quite played up to the level many of us thought he might this year.
Why:

#49 Western Bull Dogs – Josh Tynan (VIC – Mid/Def)
Height: 185cm, Weight: 76kg, DOB: 06/11/1993
Recruited from: Gippsland Power
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: 20-50
Profile: Really good reader of the play. Strong overhead. Gives great effort around the ground and works really hard. Speedy. Very good 1v1. Good ball user. Quality outside type player who can play down back just as well.
Why:

#50 Collingwood – Cameron Valentine (VIC – Fwd)
Height: 191cm, Weight: 83kg, DOB: 02/11/1993
Recruited from: Bendigo Pioneers
Style:
Player comparison: Jeremy Howe
Range: 35-rookie
Profile: Young forward who has missed some time through illness. Has even played some ruck and competed well but won’t at next level. Strong marking forward with an incredibly good leap and can take some absolute hangers. Has a high work rate which allows him to make those multiple leads. Also a really nice contested mark. Takes it at the highest point which is what you look for in any forward. Skill level very good. Very draftable.
Why:

#51 Port Adelaide- Cameron Ellis-Yolmen (SA – Mid)
Height: 191cm, Weight: 88kg, DOB: 28/01/1993
Recruited from: Woodville West Torrens
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: 30-rookie
Profile: Big, strong inside player. Already physically pretty ready to go and should have a fairly immediate impact. Nice height. Potential is there. Recent form has been very good. Has been a big ball winner throughout the year. I do think he has dominated stoppages on size more than anything which he won’t be able to do at the next level, so I don’t think he will necessarily go as high as some of his bigger fans might lead you to believe.
Why:

#52 Melbourne – Henry Schade (TAS - KPD)
Height: 194cm, Weight: 81kg, DOB: 08/10/1993
Recruited from: North Hobart
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: 35-rookie
Profile: Really solid full back. Good reader of the play. Has a neat left foot kick. Very good user of the ball by both hand and foot. Good leap. Has nice pace. Agile. One of the best for Tasmania during the champs and looks like a good chance to get drafted. Needs to get a little stronger, but that will come.
Why:

#53 Hawthorn – Nic Murphy (VIC – KPF)
Height: 193cm, Weight: 81kg, DOB: 22/03/1993
Recruited from: Oakleigh Chargers
Style: Jack Riewoldt
Player comparison:
Range: 30-rookie
Profile: Strong marking full forward who marks at the highest point. Has been great at TAC Cup level over the past two seasons. Accurate set shot on goal and in general play has a real radar for where the goals are. Comes from a basketball background.
Why:

#54 Melbourne – Tom Curran (VIC – KPF/KPD)
Height: 195cm, Weight: 85kg, DOB: 18/09/1993
Recruited from: Oakleigh Chargers
Style: Sam Fisher
Player comparison:
Range: 35-rookie
Profile: Can play both key position forward or back well. The thing that stands out with Tom is his marking ability, very strong mark overhead and on the lead. Good size. Lacks a yard of pace. Was ok during the U18 championships but didn’t stand out as much as I’d hoped. Has since really built his form up and played some really good football to close out the season as a key defender.
Why:

#55 Richmond – Jimmy Webster (TAS - Mid)
Height: 186cm, Weight: 71kg, DOB: 28/06/1993
Recruited from: Glenorchy
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: 35-rookie
Profile: Really nice left footer. Has nice penetration on his kick. Great user of the footy. Good pace. Didn’t stand out as much as I had hoped during the champs and because of it has gone down my rankings. But looks like a really solid prospect none the less. Really talented outside mid who can go forward and have an impact.
Why:

#56 GWS – Marley Williams (WA – Mid/Fwd)
Height: 181cm, Weight: 85kg, DOB: 22/07/1993
Recruited from: Claremont Football Club
Style: Paul Chapman
Player comparison: Alex Fasolo
Range: 30-rookie
Profile: Real angry ant. The thing that stands out with Williams is his super long kicking. Final game of the champs off one foot showed his penetration with a huge 55m bomb off one step for the goal. Looked routine. Has a really strong build and seems like that Alex Fasolo type where he could play in from season one. Has really nice speed for someone with such a solid build. Really like some of the hard bumps and team things he does off the ball. Enjoys chasing and harassing. Endurance needs some work but with time in the AFL system that will come. Can Paul Chapman style lose his temper and be undisciplined but hopefully that energy can be harnessed over his career and put to better use.
Why:

#57 Western Bull Dogs – Haiden Schloithe (WA - Fwd)
Height: 179cm, Weight: 72kg, DOB: 16/06/1993
Recruited from: South Fremantle Football Club
Style: Mark LeCras
Player comparison:
Range: 40-undrafted
Profile: Really good user of the footy. Looks dangerous whenever he gets near it. Good reader of the play. Has that radar where he just knows exactly where the goals are. Tackling good. Looks incredibly draftable. Has really impressed me and stood out in the couple of games I’ve seen of him. Can play up the field but just love what I’ve seen of him as a forward!
Why:

#58 Fremantle – Steven Verrier (WA – Mid/Fwd)
Height: 185cm, Weight: 80kg, DOB: 24/06/1993
Recruited from: South Fremantle Football Club
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: 35-late
Profile: Probably didn’t see the level of production I was expecting from him during the U18 championships but still I like the look of him. Still showed some bits I liked. Looks good through the midfield, down back and even looks dangerous at times when he pushes forward. Is a nice user of the ball by foot. Has line breaking ability. Seems to read the ball really well. Nice tackling ability.
Why:

#59 Essendon – Jack Newnes (VIC – Mid/Util)
Height: 184cm, Weight: 74kg, DOB: 24/02/1993
Recruited from: Northern Knights
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: 35-rookie
Profile: Good linkup player who can play along the wings, forward or back without any trouble. Kicking is very good and consistently finds targets. Duel sided. Has good footy smarts. Good decision maker. Has reasonable but not great speed. Can do shut down jobs. Needs to build an inside game and needs to win more contested footy.
Why:

#60 St Kilda – Fletcher Roberts (VIC – KPF/Ruck)
Height: 197cm, Weight: 84kg, DOB: 03/06/1993
Recruited from: Sandringham Dragons
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: 30-rookie
Profile: Athletic key forward who can play in the ruck. Will be best known for his outstanding effort in TAC Cup grand final kicking 5 goals, 3 of which in the final quarter to win the game. Players are made on the big stage and Roberts will get big consideration because we now know that he can lift for the moment in the big games when he has to. Is at a great high and the potential is there for him to develop.
Why:

#61 Sydney – Alex Woodward (VIC – Mid/Fwd)
Height: 179cm, Weight: 79kg, DOB: 11/06/1993
Recruited from: Sandringham Dragons
Style:
Player comparison: Andrew Krakouer
Range: 30-rookie
Profile: Midfielder who by his standards had an average U18 champs. Big inside ball winner and a ferocious tackler. Doesn’t really stand out in that he doesn’t have a super flashy skill set or super pace. Is really composed in traffic and can create time + space with his inside smarts and agility. Could be used at the next level as more of a pressure forward who can play minor minutes in the midfield. Usually good but can fade in and out of games.
Why:

#62 Carlton – Dylan Buckley (VIC – Mid/Fwd) F/S
Height: 183cm, Weight: 69kg, DOB:
Recruited from: Northern Knights
Style: Andrew Walker
Player comparison:
Range:
Profile: Carlton have already committed to Buckley. Has missed time through injury. Had allot of hype coming into the season but when playing hasn’t really impressed and has struggled a bit. We have seen him perform well in the past so he should rebound for this year. Pretty light midfielder at this stage. Good skill level. Duel sided. Has good pace. Will take time to develop but if he puts injury behind him, which I think he will no problem he could develop into a very good midfielder/flanker.
Why:

#63 West Coast – Aaron Hall (TAS – Mid/Util)
Height: 186cm, Weight: 82kg, DOB:
Recruited from:
Style:
Player comparison: Lewis Jetta
Range: 35-rookie
Profile: Very, very quick mature ager. Tasmanian speedster. Absolutely standout acceleration and just goes. Can make you look silly with the way he routinely runs around opposition players like cones on a training track. Strong mark overhead. Tackling ability very good and gives those 2nd and 3rd efforts. Skills neat without being outstanding. Brings good versatility.
Why:

#64 Adelaide – Matthew Jacquier (SA - Fwd)
Height: 188cm, Weight: 80kg, DOB: 29/03/1993
Recruited from: Woodville West Torrens
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: 35-rookie
Profile: Medium forward with a fantastic skill set. Really good user of the footy and finds targets by foot consistently with either foot. Really smart user of the ball in general play and can fake one way and go the other effectively despite not being a super athlete. Really good finisher around the goal. Strong mark overhead and on the lead. Has a sound set shot goal kicking routine. Has the ability to turn his man inside out. Was very surprised to not see him feature in any games during the champs because he is a quality talent.
Why:

#65 Collingwood – Jack Charleston (VIC – Mid/Util)
Height: 177cm, Weight: 83kg, DOB: 09/01/1993
Recruited from: Western Jets
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: 35-rookie
Profile: Had a really nice season for the Western Jets though the midfield. Big ball winner. Has great footy smarts. Was probably pretty unlucky not to make the Metro squad. Really tough player with good pace. Not afraid to take on opposition players. Has grown strongly as the season has gone and is one to watch, has made the transition from back pocket to midfielder really quickly and can even go forward and have an impact.
Why:

#66 Geelong - Jed Bews (VIC – Def/Mid) F/S (Geelong option)
Height: 186cm, Weight: 78kg, DOB: 14/12/1993
Recruited from: Geelong Falcons
Style:
Player comparison:
Range:
Profile: Defender/Midfielder for the Geelong Falcons. Didn’t make the Vic Country squad but is had a solid season. Good athlete. Good ball user and decision maker.
Why:

#67 Collingwood – Daniel Currie (VIC – Ruck)
Height: 200cm, Weight: 97kg, DOB: 15/02/1989
Recruited from: Sydney
Style:
Player comparison: Trent West
Range: late-undrafted
Profile: Ruckman who has been on Sydney’s list for a couple of years. In early years suffered with injuries but in 2010+2011 just wasn’t able to break into the Sydney senior side and never received that opportunity. Good tap ruckman. Very good around the ground. Can take a strong grab, very much one grab. Good below the knees. Can also shift forward and have an impact which makes him a solid no.2 ruck option. Still young enough to make an impact in this league and have a long career, is at that nice age where he has had a couple of years in the system and is pretty ready to go which makes him an appealing option for a club looking for that immediate ruck choice.
Why:

#68 St Kilda – Nic O’Brien (VIC - Fwd)
Height: 189cm, Weight: 89kg, DOB: 26/06/1993
Recruited from: North Ballarat Rebels
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: 35-rookie
Profile: Good size for a medium forward. Strong mark overhead and on the lead. Presents really well. Good tackling ability and gives those 2nd and 3rd efforts. Performances throughout the year have been very good. Has good vision but kicking can at times let him down at times, really needs to work hard on it.
Why:

#69 Brisbane – Mitch Brewer (QLD – Ruck)
Height: 204cm, Weight: 119kg, DOB:
Recruited from: Broadbeach
Style: Ben Hudson/Damian Monkhorst
Player comparison:
Range: 45-undrafted
Profile: Very strong ruckman. New to the game and from rugby background. Has shown allot of improvement in a short space of time which is nice to see. Ruckwork good. Really physical type and a big presence around the ground. Surprisingly good by foot and is reasonably co-ordinated for someone of his size. Skill level ok. Probably more of a rookie pick but well worth a shot!
Why:

#70 Western Bull Dogs – Steve Rusca (SA – Def/Mid)
Height: 182cm, Weight: 75kg, DOB: 24/06/1993
Recruited from: Central District
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: 35-rookie
Profile: Is that smaller type. But can play down back and rotate into the midfield. Work rate good. Skill level very good. Always composed and makes good decisions. Big accumulator. Good run and carry play who gives good drive from the back half.
Why:

#71 Fremantle – Jordan Murdoch (SA – Fwd/KPF)
Height: 188cm, Weight: 81kg, DOB: 23/03/1992
Recruited from: Glenelg
Style: 45-rookie
Player comparison:
Range:
Profile: Undersized key position forward. Bit of a leading forward, but has some attributes which indicate he could be a draft chance even though he is that year older. Has great speed for someone of his size. Nice left foot on him. Tackling ability good.
Why:

#72 Melbourne – Nathan Blee (WA – KPD/Def)
Height: 192cm, Weight: 91kg, DOB: 07/09/1990
Recruited from: East Perth
Style:
Player comparison: Ben Stratton
Range: 35-rookie
Profile: Mature ager. Probably a little short to play key defence but can play and has a draft combine invite so it on the radar of a number of clubs. Can do a bit of everything. Is strong enough 1v1 to hold his man. Rarely beaten. Speed good and can go with most similarly size forwards. Can also provide some drive from the back half.
Why:

#73 Richmond – Ben Brown (TAS – KPF/Ruck)
Height: 199cm, Weight: 90kg, DOB: 20/11/1992
Recruited from: Devonport
Style: Kurt Tippett
Player comparison:
Range: 50-undrafted
Profile: Really interesting footballer from Tasmania. Comes from a strong basketball background. Brown is a really interesting key position forward who has everything I look for in a young forward. Very talented and can do things others his size simply cannot do. Below the knees is unbelievably coordinated for someone his size. Incredibly talented and had it not been for a knee injury during the U18 championships in 2010 he would surely have gone in last year’s draft. Ben is very much a project player but one I would take without hesitation based on talent and knowing that this kid has it. Just needs to stay healthy and be given time. Is improving with every match. Gets involved in the play around the ground when playing in the ruck.
Why:

#74 Fremantle – Lee Spurr (SA – Util)
Height: 183cm, Weight: 80kg, DOB: 27/07/1987
Recruited from: Central District
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: 35-rookie
Profile: Versatile type and can play back, forward or midfield easily. Strong overhead. High work rate. Has had a really good season and is ready to play now. As I understand it was a bit of a late bloomer and has now really come into his own with some serious totals in the SANFL.
Why:

#75 Western Bull Dogs – Aseri Raikiwasa (SA – Def/Util)
Height: 191cm, Weight: 91kg, DOB: 18/04/1993
Recruited from: Port Adelaide Magpies
Style: Harry O’Brien
Player comparison:
Range: 35-rookie
Profile: Undersized key position defender who is probably more of a 3rd tall at AFL level. Reasonably high level athlete and a great size already! Has a really nice leap on him. Work ethic is there and has leadership potential having been South Australia’s U18 Vice Captain at the champs. Has in the past even had runs in the ruck and been quite effective but won’t have to do this at the next level.
Why:

#76 North Melbourne – Dylan Orval (VIC - KPF)
Height: 192cm, Weight: 81kg, DOB: 23/03/1992
Recruited from: Oakleigh Chargers
Style: 45-rookie
Player comparison:
Range:
Profile: Has had some injury troubles over the past two years. Has a nice long kick on him. Has a good leap and is very good overhead.
Why:

#77 Essendon – Jason Williams (VIC – Mid)
Height: 188cm, Weight: 78kg, DOB:
Recruited from: Calder Cannons
Style:
Player comparison: Clinton Young
Range: 35-rookie
Profile: Having a disappointing year by his standard. Coming into the season was regarded one of the better talents in this year’s draft but has really fallen down the rankings fast. Tall wingman type. Very agile and has nice pace. Has been very inconsistent and needs to give effort more consistently because when he is on he can play some high level football. Strong mark overhead. Tackling can be good when effort is there. Skill level good, but poor decision maker.
Why:

#78 St Kilda – Michael Mascoulis (VIC – Def/Mid)
Height: 187cm, Weight: 76kg, DOB:
Recruited from: Northern Knights
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: 35-rookie
Profile: Left footer who can play on a back flank or on a wing well. Lacks consistency, but the talent is there. Really great attacking player with that great line breaking pace and ability to make you look silly. Can kick well on either foot and has some hurt factor.
Why:

#79 Richmond – Sam Dwyer (VIC – Mid/Fwd)
Height: 179cm, Weight: 78kg, DOB: 29/08/1986
Recruited from: Port Melbourne
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: late-rookie
Profile: Has at VFL level been essentially the best player on the best team. Not young but is that immediate player to who can make a team better right away. Hard worker. Has a high skill level and has really nice pace. Very agile and can dance around players. What I really like in his game is his delivery to his leading forwards, just weights it perfectly and knows where his forwards want it. Is that clear class above VFL level.
Why:

#80 Carlton – Lachlan Danglish (VIC – Mid)
Height: 185cm, Weight: 77kg, DOB:
Recruited from: North Ballarat Rebels
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: 35-rookie
Profile: Outside type. Has some versatility. What stands out with Danglish is his speed, would be one of the fastest in this year’s draft. Also has a 60m kick at his disposal which is another more than handy weapon to have at his disposal.
Why:

#81 West Coast – Bradley Hill (WA - Mid)
Height: 180cm, Weight: 60kg, DOB: 09/07/1993
Recruited from: West Perth
Style: Stephen Hill
Player comparison:
Range: 35-rookie
Profile: Brother of Stephen, not the same level talent but can do many of the same types of things. Very light and physically needs to develop allot. Has that same type of super speed that Stephen possesses which gives him that special potential which will surely see him drafted. Real project player who will need time, but since he is a similar type player of similar size to what Stephen was we might see a similar development pattern, albeit won’t turn out nearly the same level talent. Also worth noting is his incredible endurance, managed a 16.1 beep test result which is phenomenal! Put this together with his incredible speed and maybe we have something! Draft combine showed that he can be more than just the brother of Stephen and that he can be something special in his own right which is what the recruiters were looking for.
Why:

#82 Hawthorn – Ben Ross (VIC - Mid)
Height: 179cm, Weight: 79kg, DOB: 21/09/1988
Recruited from: North Melbourne
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Late-undrafted
Profile: Really surprise delisting for mine. Can play. But has in the past had injury troubles and considering age got delisted. Have seen a number of his games this year at VFL level and have been very impressed. Has really nice pace. Excellent by foot. Weights kicks perfectly and knows where to put them. Decision making good. Too good not to be on an AFL list!
Why:

#83 Collingwood – Jarrod Witts (NSW - Ruck)
Height: 209cm, Weight: 113kg, DOB: 13/09/1992
Recruited from: Sydney Uni
Style: Aaron Sandilands/Leigh Brown
Player comparison:
Range: Late/Rookie via NSW/ACT Scholarship selection
Profile: Big ruckman who Collingwood can add through the NSW/ACT scholarship program. Fairly new to footy. Competed well during the U18 champs and has shown some really good signs this year. Has developed rapidly over the past 12 months and is an exciting prospect for Collingwood. Since joining the Collingwood VFL side has looked at home and in his most notable game managed a super impressive 3 goal effort. Uses his size well whether it be in crashing packs, tackling or taking strong contested grabs. It’s all about the signs which indicate that he could have a serious future at the next level. In an open draft would likely go 1st round which is a big win for Collingwood!
Why:

#84 Geelong – Alex Greenwood (VIC – Def/Mid)
Height: 178cm, Weight: 71kg, DOB: 24/10/1993
Recruited from: Eastern Ranges
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: 40-rookie
Profile: Really nice left footer. Highly rated coming into the season. Really good clearance player and does some nice work in close. Really clean player and good decision maker.
Why:

 

[cotter101]

Brisbane have chosen to use a compo pick and can you give the link for draftcentral

 

[SydneyPhilly]

Thought Haydn Hector was contracted to GWS?

Also, SYdney have two scholarships boys: Lynch and Guthrie who we might pick up. Lynch probably, Guthrie less likely

 

[ben_cats_fan]

Great effort as always Knight!

Interested to know what you make of the Tassie boys you haven't listed? I'd've thought there'd be more than just Webster. Julian Dobosz & John McKenzie I'd've thought would definitely have come into consideration late?

 

[Buddy Guy]

Can we have the draftcentral link please knightmare?
Cheers mate

Edit: Found it

 

[Knightmare]

Great effort as always Knight!

Interested to know what you make of the Tassie boys you haven't listed? I'd've thought there'd be more than just Webster. Julian Dobosz & John McKenzie I'd've thought would definitely have come into consideration late?

McKenzie I have very much in the mix. Could go as high as the 2nd round. Has been very impressive and has continued to get better as the champs have gone. Likely to go on draft day.

Dobosz has been a really nice surprise. Kicked that fantastic bag of 7 in game one and has continued to put in solid performances. One of the dominant forwards at the champs so far. I currently view him as more of a rookie selection because he is that little bit older, but not by a whole lot. Also would have liked to have seen him play against another div 1 team other than Vic Country to see if he could back up his round 1 performance. Well and truely in the mix and recruiters are watching closely with not a whole lot of other KPFs in this draft of like quality.

Thought Haydn Hector was contracted to GWS?

Also, SYdney have two scholarships boys: Lynch and Guthrie who we might pick up. Lynch probably, Guthrie less likely

Not as far as I know.

Played the first two games of the champs and is not on the GWS list: http://www.gwsgiants.com.au/player-profiles/

But was in the mix last year to go to GWS.


Scholarship boys usually go in rookie draft with final selections. Lists can contain two NSW/ACT rookies outside of the rookie list which is the benefit there.
Otherwise can be used as final pick in national draft.

Collingwood also have a few good ones coming through with Witts and Hartley who have been very good for NSW.

For the purposes of this draft and just getting some of the names we might see on draft day out i've decided to leave these types out for now anyway.

 

[Chris25]

Nice job. Hard to fault much at this stage, given it is still pretty early. Nelson would be pushing the likes of Hoskin-Elliot and Grigg out of the top 10 for me, Bolger and especially Hender have a pretty big range on them too. And although he is undersized, Wright is still one of the best defenders on offer.

Interesting thing for me is in regards to the KPPs. I think a few of the ones you have named are much earlier than what they deserve, but with a thin group that could happen. Also speaking of height, a fair few sub-180cm players in there too.

And Haydn Hector was invited to the draft camp last year, but GWS passed on him. After he smashed the beep test record, I think it was assumed he would get picked but it didn't happen.

 

[Yoda_]

Far out, need midfielders and looks like this draft is slim pickings in regards to midfielders, especially those rare inside/outside types.

Would also love Jaime Elliot, tated him last year and would love him at Essendon ahead of the Crows (Walle - E ),

as for Duffy, havent heard to much of him, will probably look at more midfielders throughout.

 

[Knightmare]

Far out, need midfielders and looks like this draft is slim pickings in regards to midfielders, especially those rare inside/outside types.

Would also love Jaime Elliot, tated him last year and would love him at Essendon ahead of the Crows (Walle - E ),

as for Duffy, havent heard to much of him, will probably look at more midfielders throughout.

I usually don't like including those who have been skipped on the previous year, but I do see Essendon liking Elliot.

Outside of Elliot I agree for Essendon it will be a midfield focused draft.

Taylor Adams if you can get him is a ripper. In the first round there will be plenty of mids around your selection. After that though the quality will likely start to slide off a little which is why I settled on the quality of Duffy as more of a best available.

Nice job. Hard to fault much at this stage, given it is still pretty early. Nelson would be pushing the likes of Hoskin-Elliot and Grigg out of the top 10 for me, Bolger and especially Hender have a pretty big range on them too. And although he is undersized, Wright is still one of the best defenders on offer.

Interesting thing for me is in regards to the KPPs. I think a few of the ones you have named are much earlier than what they deserve, but with a thin group that could happen. Also speaking of height, a fair few sub-180cm players in there too.

And Haydn Hector was invited to the draft camp last year, but GWS passed on him. After he smashed the beep test record, I think it was assumed he would get picked but it didn't happen.

I'm with you on Nelson. Was fantastic first game back! Had to move him up from the teens. If he closes out the year strongly I see him as a very likely top 10 selection because he is one of those few very high quality players. Certainly knocks Devon Smith out of my top 10 anyway. Certainly as an immediate player Nelson will be right up there with the best of them.

Bolger I quite like, if he can grow just a couple more cm he might with a bit of luck go higher than lower. Hender at his size is very hard to gauge, I had similar difficulty with Seb Tape last year. Obviously Hender is a fairly established and mature kid physically, but at his height it's not so easy to find a team who will necessarily want him.

The KPPs are a frustrating lot this year. So many undersized ones. Really difficult at this early stage to seperate the group. Probably half of those I listed will end up in the rookie draft because of questions as to whether at AFL level they will be able to play KPP. You are right in saying many of them are too high up my rankings. I'm just hoping a couple can add 2cm by draft combine, but I must concede it is wishful thinking and likely many will drop right out of my draft calculations by the time the draft comes around.

It is interesting how there are so many shorter types this year who look likely to go early. Both low 180s and under is where the quality seems to be annoyingly. Will be interesting how clubs view these types because many will be solid immediate players without necessarily great upside.

 

[ben_cats_fan]

Dobosz is a very interesting one. He was a soccer player previously, has been playing footy for only 1 year. Project player definitely!

 

[kayliesharks]

Far out, need midfielders and looks like this draft is slim pickings in regards to midfielders, especially those rare inside/outside types.

Would also love Jaime Elliot, tated him last year and would love him at Essendon ahead of the Crows (Walle - E ),

as for Duffy, havent heard to much of him, will probably look at more midfielders throughout.

Duffy can play more through the forward line, and did we skip Elliot Yeo and Cam Eardley? I didn't see their names in there. Also, Steven Verrier from South Fremantle should be in there, and does Bolger deserve to go so high?

 

[Danair]

Great effort Knightmare!

Two questions, how do you rate the top 3 compared to other years in quality? Where do you think Tom Mitchell would be picked if he wasn't F/S? I know he has only had one game back since injury but picked up 28 disposals and he was very good in the u/16 championships a couple years ago.

I think Carlton will have to use their 1st round pick for Dylan Buckley, I don't think other clubs will let them get away with 2nd round.

 

[kayliesharks]

how do you rate the top 3 compared to other years in quality?

I think that this year's top 3 is better than last year's, as what we have seen from Swallow, Bennell and Day has been minimal.

 

[Chris25]

The KPPs are a frustrating lot this year. So many undersized ones. Really difficult at this early stage to seperate the group.

It's not just that many are undersized, but that a lot of the taller ones are rotating through the ruck too. Hard to get consistency when you can't focus on one spot, and it makes it harder for recruiters to judge them. Take Hamling for example, he pretty much plays in the ruck at Colts level but for WA he is given more time up forward. The same can be said for Levicki and Raikiwasa for SA, although Raikiwasa is probably getting more ruck time in the Championships than back home.

I think that will see a lot of teams rating players very differently, depending on where they see their position as being or how much scope for improvement they have. Guys like Gordon, Frost and Bussey probably fit in that group.

Maybe this will be the year for Hartigan and Monaco.

 

[ben_cats_fan]

I think that this year's top 3 is better than last year's, as what we have seen from Swallow, Bennell and Day has been minimal.

That's a massive call. Considering Swallow was one of the best juniors to come through the system and Day has an enormous amount of upside, I wouldn't be writing them off just yet!

The fact they are playing for GC doesn't help. If they had walked into an established team, they would be playing much better footy IMO.

 

[Knightmare]

Duffy can play more through the forward line, and did we skip Elliot Yeo and Cam Eardley? I didn't see their names in there. Also, Steven Verrier from South Fremantle should be in there, and does Bolger deserve to go so high?

As a VIC don't have such a strong gauge on where they are likely to fall, but all well in the mix. Have Yeo + Eardley in that 3rd to 4th round area at this stage, Verrier late-rookie.

Bolger is one who many view differently. Has a really good ruck technique but being a slightly undersized ruckman it is concerning that he doesn't really jump. The general feeling I get from those I talk to about him is that he will be a first rounder, but most seen to favour later 1st round. I'd still like to see a little more of him before I mark him down because I think he is one of the better talents in this years draft.

Great effort Knightmare!

Two questions, how do you rate the top 3 compared to other years in quality? Where do you think Tom Mitchell would be picked if he wasn't F/S? I know he has only had one game back since injury but picked up 28 disposals and he was very good in the u/16 championships a couple years ago.

I think Carlton will have to use their 1st round pick for Dylan Buckley, I don't think other clubs will let them get away with 2nd round.

The top few reminds me allot of the 2005 draft with Marc Murphy, Dale Thomas, Scott Pendlebury and Josh Kennedy the early selections. Think Coniglio, Crozier, Wingard and Patton will be similar, but likely not quite up to the same level.

Tom Mitchell I think would be a top 15-20 prospect. So I don't see Sydney getting out of using that first rounder.

Carlton will probably need to use that 1st rounder on Buckley with another club able to force it. For now I'm placing him in the 2nd round because he hasn't shown that he is worthy of being considered a 1st rounder talent. In an open draft would be an early 2nd rounder which makes the forcing the 1st rounder a likely possibility.

I think that this year's top 3 is better than last year's, as what we have seen from Swallow, Bennell and Day has been minimal.

Last year was a very interesting year. Certainly much stronger, deeper and had far more quality KPPs. The top 3 last year I actually really like, minus Bennell who I never regarded as a top 5 and more a top 8-12 type.

If the questions were who would I take: Day v Patton. Patton is the better player now by a long shot, but I would take the potential of Day. Exceptional talent.

Swallow v Coniglio. Too close to call. Would favour Swallow, but not by much.

Bennell v Wingard. I'd go Wingard comfortably. Wouldn't be shocked if he ended up the best of this years draft class.

I think that will see a lot of teams rating players very differently, depending on where they see their position as being or how much scope for improvement they have. Guys like Gordon, Frost and Bussey probably fit in that group.

Maybe this will be the year for Hartigan and Monaco.

The positions aren't clear at all. Gordon, Frost and Bussey I have higher because I think clubs will be fairly pleased with their sizes and might consider them to be a little more interchanable and be able to develop into roles they need. But with a Bussey I can see some viewing him as a top 20, and others might not have him in their rop 40s because there is the question of what is his true position.

Hartigan I'm a big rap for. I think Hartigan and Monaco are more rookie types options because clubs have previously overlooked them. But both in a weaker draft deserve looks. No doubt.

 

[Ysaye]

Nice job Knightmare.

Was wondering what you thought of Alex Howard from Swan Districts, and where he might fall into the mix?

 

[Knightmare]

Nice job Knightmare.

Was wondering what you thought of Alex Howard from Swan Districts, and where he might fall into the mix?

Would like to see a little more of him. The little bit of him I have seen I haven't minded. But don't have a strong gauge on all that many of the WA boys having only seen them a couple of times.

I'd like to see some more of him and will take in more footage of him as we come towards the draft. Good size. Would come into draft considerations but wouldn't think he would go earlier than the 3rd round. Have him as a late-rookie possible from the limited games i've seen of him.

 

[Sezzac1]

How would Carlton use Hender? I can't see him adding anything to the list at just 187cm. He's not going to be a 3rd tall nor is he quick enough to play anywhere else.

 

[Yoda_]

Hartigan I'm a big rap for. I think Hartigan and Monaco are more rookie types options because clubs have previously overlooked them. But both in a weaker draft deserve looks. No doubt.

Think that these state league guys may finally get a chance, watch out for last years WA state captain bob up in the early middle rounds.

Kieran Butcher has been sensational for Peel this season, leading from the front despite being a 'first year' senior player.

Others to watch out for, Amad Saad is looking increasingly likely to go in the national draft if someone wants a ready to go small forward, otherwise GWS have him signed sealed and delivered in the early round rookie picks (along with Myles Sewell).

You honestly think Sundberg could go that early? Think that may be a little over the odds, but if, what everyone is saying is true, that the draft is not that strong, then he is every possibility to go in the earlier rounds.

 

[Knightmare]

How would Carlton use Hender? I can't see him adding anything to the list at just 187cm. He's not going to be a 3rd tall nor is he quick enough to play anywhere else.

I think Carlton might value him because of size, ability to play sooner rather than later and the value he respresents at that selection. Would bigger physical presence up forward to go with some of your surplus of crumbing types. Just completes forwardline if you find a quality full forward, maybe a Dobosz with a later pick.

Don't really need more midfielders and could provide something a little different.

Think that these state league guys may finally get a chance, watch out for last years WA state captain bob up in the early middle rounds.

Kieran Butcher has been sensational for Peel this season, leading from the front despite being a 'first year' senior player.

Others to watch out for, Amad Saad is looking increasingly likely to go in the national draft if someone wants a ready to go small forward, otherwise GWS have him signed sealed and delivered in the early round rookie picks (along with Myles Sewell).

You honestly think Sundberg could go that early? Think that may be a little over the odds, but if, what everyone is saying is true, that the draft is not that strong, then he is every possibility to go in the earlier rounds.

Butcher was solid last year and have heard many reports about how successful he has been so far this season. Will be in rookie consideration without a doubt. Would think Essendon might look at him.

Saad I have been a big fan of this year. That round 1 effort was sensational and would have got him on everyones radar. I think he could on in the national draft if he can close the season strongly.

Sewell if he does get picked will good as a rookie since he has been overlooked all this time. But he is ever solid and a worthy selection.

I'm not surprised to receive a reaction for the Sunberg call. Of those on VFL lists I'd rate him the top guy at this stage. I think he will be in that 2nd - 3rd round range assuming in the draft and not traded. This is certainly the top end he could go. But for a Carlton/Hawthorn/St Kilda/Bull Dogs could be a nice option in that range as an immediate guy who can easily fit a system.

The draft quality is certainly hurt by GWS, but it isn't 2004 draft bad. Probably just a touch weaker than 2009.

 

[Yoda_]

Butcher was solid last year and have heard many reports about how successful he has been so far this season. Will be in rookie consideration without a doubt. Would think Essendon might look at him.

Saad I have been a big fan of this year. That round 1 effort was sensational and would have got him on everyones radar. I think he could on in the national draft if he can close the season strongly.

Sewell if he does get picked will good as a rookie since he has been overlooked all this time. But he is ever solid and a worthy selection.

I'm not surprised to receive a reaction for the Sunberg call. Of those on VFL lists I'd rate him the top guy at this stage. I think he will be in that 2nd - 3rd round range assuming in the draft. This is certainly the top end he could go. But for a Carlton/Hawthorn/St Kilda/Bull Dogs could be a nice option in that range as an immediate guy who can easily fit a system.

The draft quality is certainly hurt by GWS, but it isn't 2004 draft bad. Probably just a touch weaker than 2009.

I agree with the Calls on Sundberg

Remember someone saying that alot more state guys may get a look in.

Was looking at some of the guys who were overlooked last year, Monaco looks a likely type, played a lot of senior football this season, Butcher obviously also.

I dont think Essendon will look at Butcher, we already have a few pure 'inside' mids, unless we thinkg Butcher is an upgrade on a Lonergan perhaps?

What would you rate the top 5 - 6 tall forwards in the 18s this year? Think Essendon may go this way. But midfielders that can play inside/outside or just outside will be the way to go.

We really loaded up on defenders last year (Luke Davis, Alex Browne, Michael Hibberd, Dyson Heppell) so think we may focus on the guts more this year.

Any other top quality small forwards to look out for? Really like Elliot, but anyone else to keep an eye out for?

 

[Knightmare]

I agree with the Calls on Sundberg

Remember someone saying that alot more state guys may get a look in.

Was looking at some of the guys who were overlooked last year, Monaco looks a likely type, played a lot of senior football this season, Butcher obviously also.

I dont think Essendon will look at Butcher, we already have a few pure 'inside' mids, unless we thinkg Butcher is an upgrade on a Lonergan perhaps?

What would you rate the top 5 - 6 tall forwards in the 18s this year? Think Essendon may go this way. But midfielders that can play inside/outside or just outside will be the way to go.

We really loaded up on defenders last year (Luke Davis, Alex Browne, Michael Hibberd, Dyson Heppell) so think we may focus on the guts more this year.

Any other top quality small forwards to look out for? Really like Elliot, but anyone else to keep an eye out for?

Of those who can play forward. Wingard + D.Smith are those high draft standouts who can go forward. Smith could still be around and if he is I think Essendon will take a close look as a Fwd/mid.

As tall forwards I'd say Essendon wait the extra year. Joe Danniher is on the way as a F/S and I think he is more of a forward than a ruckman.

Probably looking at good ball users is the way to go this year for Essendon I would have through with the lack of quailty KPPs.

My top 6 forwards (190+cm): Patton, Elton, Frost, Kersten, Bussey, Gordon. After that starts to taper off allot.

 

[Yoda_]

Of those who can play forward. Wingard + D.Smith are those high draft standouts who can go forward. Smith could still be around and if he is I think Essendon will take a close look as a Fwd/mid.

As tall forwards I'd say Essendon wait the extra year. Joe Danniher is on the way as a F/S and I think he is more of a forward than a ruckman.

Probably looking at good ball users is the way to go this year for Essendon I would have through with the lack of quailty KPPs.

My top 6 forwards (190+cm): Patton, Elton, Frost, Kersten, Bussey, Gordon. After that starts to taper off allot.

I was more meaning the other end of the scale (small forwards - under 182cm).

I'm not sure what we will do (RE Daniher). It all really depends on what happens with the development of Carlisle, and the (ongoing) recovery of Gumbleton.

Also, I think Essendon will be looking at 4 National Draft picks (make it 3 with Crameri upgraded), whilst we will probably be looking at 3 rookie picks (with Tweedale looking likely being placed on the Rookie List, whilst David Meli is another option), think young Tom Fields may be over looked as a F/S option, despite being a decent enough player, we already have enough third tall defender types.

How would you rank the top dozen midfielders for this draft bud?

1. Coniglio (Inside/Outside)
2. Wingard (Inside/Outside)
3. Benbow (Outside)
4. ...
5. ...
6. ...

Thanks mate, and great effort again

 

[Hellgood]

Butcher started the season very well, but a couple of weeks back did his knee (I think) and is out for the year? Do you think clubs will take a gamble on a guy playing at state level who has missed the previous year with a serious injury?

Another WAFL player who probably should get another go is Hutchings from West Perth. Like Butcher was captain of WA two years back and got drafted to the Saints in the rookie draft but as they were so strong last year and the Saints tend not to throw their youngsters in the deep end never got a game and was delisted. Hard at it midfielder type player.

Less likely is Luke Blackwell. Gun at WAFL level and dominated the last two state games (should have had two Simpson medals), hard runner who racks up disposals and rarely makes mistakes. Age may be considered to be an issue (around 25 I think). Likewise Josh Smith may be considered for another shot in the big league. Big key forward who showed he's easily good enough for the state leagues, but never really had much impact for North. Would be worth another shot I think.