- Aug 25, 2012
- 8,098
- 9,629
- AFL Club
- St Kilda
This mock draft is based on both what a team needs and the players who I see as the best available.
How I would draft the players
PICK 1: GWS
Tom Boyd, Eastern Rangers
200cm, 103kgs
Comparison: Jon Patton
Tom Boyd is by far the best key position prospect in this year’s draft. At 199cm and over 100kgs, he’s already bigger than Geelong Tom Hawkins. Boyd has dominated almost every opponent in the 2013 season and has managed to kick bags in almost every match. His size has played a part in that, but Boyd’s ability to take the ball at the highest point has also helped him. At AFL level, Boyd will still be bigger than most defenders so I see no reason why his physical dominance cannot continue. Boyd’s kicking, both from the field and during a set shot is superb. The biggest thing that will drive teams towards drafting Boyd is what he can provide structurally. Boyd has the ability and size to be the power forward that teams structure their forward line around (Cloke and Collingwood, Hawkins and Geelong). Another thing that you don’t immediately notice about Boyd is his acceleration and speed. For a big man, Boyd possesses an unnatural ability to get out onto a lead quickly (under 3 second 20m sprint time). This allows Boyd to take easy marks on the lead inside 50. Furthermore, Boyd’s work ethic is faultless. He is willing to work up the ground to get involved in the game and he has a satisfactory endurance level.
PICK 2: GWS
Josh Kelly, Sandringham Dragons
184cm 75 kg
Comparison: Andrew Gaff
Kelly’s ability to amass disposals through his running ability has many drawing comparisons to Eagles winger Andrew Gaff. Like Gaff, Kelly is an outstanding runner (finished 1st in the 3km time trial as an underage player) and accumulator (averaged 27 disposals in the U18 Championship). With the greater importance placed on run and spread by AFL clubs, Kelly should fit in perfectly. Kelly is a very efficient user of the football by foot, his kicking on his left foot is damaging and accurate. Another attribute of Kelly’s that often flies under the radar is his work ethic. On top of having an elite running capability, Kelly is an extremely hard worker and his work ethic and running enables him to get to and impact an enormous amount of contests. He is also a very smart footballer, Kelly’s running patterns are terrific and his ability to read the play as a midfielder With this combination of athleticism and ball use, Kelly is the ideal outside player. Weaknesses in Kelly’s game include his strength disadvantage and lack of contested ball winning. I believe the strength disadvantage will be eradicated in a few hard pre-seasons. The contested ball aspect should also improve as Kelly adds more weight to his frame.
PICK 3: St Kilda
Jack Billings, Oakleigh Chargers
185cm 76kg
Comparison: Steve Johnson
Jack Billings is a very clever half forward who represented Vic Metro at the Under 18 Championship. The Oakleigh Charger earned a spot in the All Australian team for the second year running (once as an underage player). His ability to think his way through situations in the forward half of the ground is a major asset for any team he represents. Billings is great at assisting in scores and this was shown in the last two games at the Champs. Another brilliant trait of Billings’ is his strong marking, for a player his size (184cm), Billings is an insanely strong mark – especially on the lead and in one on one situations. Like most of the top draft prospects, Billings is also a magnificent user of the football. Billings usually operates at a high efficiency level and he does not allow his possessions to go to waste, much like Geelong half-forward Stevie Johnson. Another thing Billings does like the Geelong whiz is kick goals. Jack Billings is generally a reliable shot for goal on his preferred left foot, both from set shots and free flowing play. All this being said, Billings greatest asset may well be his weakness. Jack easily recognises things he can and cannot do and thinks before making plays. Billings is rarely seen blazing away for a nearly impossible goal when team-mates offer a higher percentage option. Jack Billings could improve his play in the midfield, as a team that has a high draft pick is unlikely to select a pure half forward.
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PICK 4: Western Bulldogs
Marcus Bontempelli, Northern Knights
191cm, 83kg
Comparison:
Bontempelli is a terrific athlete and under the right system he could become an A-Grade AFL footballer. Bontempelli is already a great size for a midfielder, however he is also capable of playing on a flank. He clearly has a greater muscle strength and mass than most of the under 18 TAC Cup players. Bontempelli also has a terrific burst of speed for a player of his height. He is capable of going with an opponent for a long time before firing away and gaining about 10 metres through his acceleration. This has helped Bontempelli’s outside play, as he is hard to match up on with his combination of height and speed. His ability to run and carry is a key component for the Knights in the TAC Cup campaign. Bontempelli also possesses a damaging left foot, he is capable of hitting targets to a serviceable degree. The biggest question mark over Bontempelli is his ability to do the hard work at the highest level of the game; he can certainly kick and mark well, but his clearance work will need large improvements if he is to be a great AFL player. Another component of his game that needs work is his defensive pressure. Bontempelli tackles do not seem to stick and his pressure is variable throughout games.
PICK 5: Gold Coast Suns
Kade Kolodjashnij, Launceston
191cm 79kg
Player Comparison: Grant Birchall (more athletic)
Kade Kolodjashnij was a standout for Tasmania off the half-back flank during the Under 18 carnival. Kade was an AIS-AFL attendee and won All-Australian honours at the U18 championship to go with an MVP for Tasmania. He is a very offensive-minded player whose football mind and ability to read the play is outstanding. He is capable of successfully moving off his man and taking marks in defence. He is quite strong overhead and has an above average marking ability. In general play, his pace and acceleration stand out. Kade has a superb burst of speed, he has the ability to sprint away from his man and create some distance between him and his opponent in 20 metres. To go with this speed, Kolodjashnij is a terrific user of the football. His decision making is excellent and he rarely fails to set his team up for scoring opportunities. His accuracy with his kicks is also commendable, he is seldom seen wasting possessions with sloppy kicks. To become a high level AFL player, Kade will have to continue his development in his endurance and develop his defensive game; Kade is often beaten in one on one situations in the defensive 50.
PICK 6: Collingwood
James Aish, Norwood
183 cm 74kg
Comparison: Trent Cotchin
Norwood player James Aish is by far the best midfielder available in this year’s draft and arguably the most talented overall player. Aish is an incredibly composed outside midfielder and he has a first-class ability to hit targets under pressure. He seems to have the power to be able to freeze time and think, while players around him are hopeless in their attempts to tackle him and apply pressure. Aish has the dexterity to understand the exact amount of time he has to dispose of the ball without the quality of the possession being neglected. Another awe-inspiring trait of Aish’s is his ability to work hard and impact the game even when he receives a tag. In spite of receiving close attention from many teams throughout the under 18 carnival, Aish finished with one of the highest kicking efficiency’s of any Division 1 player. This kicking allows him to be an effective player on the back flank and as a receiving midfielder. Up forward, his disposal is penetrating and he sets up goals beautifully. This is a testament to his work ethic and amazing football nous. His use of the football is immaculate; Aish has wonderful hands to go with elite kicking on either foot. His ability to work in tight with effective handballs is yet another quality that will entice clubs to draft the other worldly talent. Aish has the competence to handball to teammates in space and his clean hands almost never fumble. Just like Richmond star Trent Cotchin, Aish is a pure footballer who should have no issues adapting at AFL level. A talented player with a great football pedigree, Aish has all the makings of a future club captain and star. Although he has an ever-expanding skill set, Aish’s contested ball winning ability has a way to go. With the talent he has, I doubt this will hold him back.
PICK 7: Brisbane Lions
Matthew Scharenburg, Glenelg
191cm 88kg
Comparison: Brendon Goddard
Matthew Scharenburg is a tall utility very much in the mould of Essendon player Brendon Goddard. He represented South Australia at the U18 Champs and won the SA MVP to go with a place in the All Australian team. Scharenburg, like Goddard, can play in a number of positions. The South Australian has represented his teams in the midfield, up forward and as a half-back. His kicking is definitely a strong point, Scharenburg can hit his targets on the chest on either foot. This kicking has allowed Scharenburg to set up the attack from half-back quite easily. Scharenburg has the potential to be the ultimate jack-of-all trades for the Dogs and this is an attractive attribute for every club. If there happens to be a hole in any third of the ground, Scharenburg can fix it. My biggest worry about him is that he could become a master of none and any team investing a high pick into Scharenburg will expect him to eventually gain a definitive position.
PICK 8: North Melbourne
Luke McDonald, Oakleigh Chargers
190cm, 85kg
Comparison: Trent McKenzie
McDonald is a father/son selection for North Melbourne. The Charger captained Vic Metro at the Under 18 National Championship and despite not making the All-Australian team, he was quite important to his team. His leadership on field was fantastic and I expect him to eventually become a part of the North Melbourne leadership group. McDonald has also represented Werribee at VFL level and he has performed strongly in that competition. His laser-like kicking is easily the standout of his game. McDonald can hit team-mates on the chest from 50-60m away. His penetration with his left foot can tear a team to shreds and he his ability to set up play from half-back cannot be ignored. Towards the end of the season, McDonald showed ability in the midfield. McDonald would be a top 5 pick if he was not eligible for the father son draft process.
PICK 9: Melbourne
Christian Salem, Sandringham Dragons
183cm, 82kg
Comparison: Simon Black
Salem is yet another calm and collected midfielder. The Dragon represented Vic Metro at the Under 18 Championship and while he put in an average performance, his draft stocks should not plummet. Firstly, he is a super kick of the football. Salem is a terrific ball user, he is able to link up from the midfield without much trouble. He is easily a 9/10 kick, he has first-rate efficiency. Furthermore, Salem’s decision making and vision are faultless. Like many high quality AFL midfielders, Salem manages to slow down those around him when looking for options. He is composed with ball in hand and the vision he has is exemplary. Salem has fantastic vision, if there is an open man, he will find him and spot him up. To add to this, Salem is a strong tackler. His defensive pressure is helpful for his team and it often forces opposition players into bad kicks. Also, Salem has great agility. He has a competent sidestep which he can use to get around players. The biggest thing that will hold Salem back is his athleticism. Salem is not overly quick and he does not possess a large endurance. That said, the intangible and tangible qualities that Salem possesses should see him selected in the first round of the draft.
PICK 10: Collingwood
Nathan Freeman, Sandringham Dragons
184cm, 85kg
Comparison: Patrick Dangerfield
Freeman is an athletic midfielder who has an ability to play both in the midfield and up forward. An extremely strong player, Freeman’s core strength is unquestionable. He also has an insane burst of acceleration for a player with his strength and his agility is above average. This was all proven with Freeman’s exception running times at the AFL Combine. Freeman’s kicking and decision making is an area for improvement for the youngster however I don’t think it should be a major issue at AFL level, especially if he plays in the midfield. His ability to go forward and kick a goal is also handy for the team that selects him. Moreover, Freeman has a tenacious attack on the football. He is a fierce competitor and his ability to hunt the ball and/or the man with the ball is a testament to his toughness and love of winning.
PICK 11: West Coast
Dom Sheed, Subiaco
187cm 83kg
Comparison: Scott Pendlebury
Sheed is yet another inside midfielder with commendable poise and a great preferred foot. He starred for Western Australia at the U18 carnival, winning the Larke medal for the best player in Division 1 despite missing a game. Sheed has a sound kicking technique and while he is not one of the best users of the football in this year’s draft, he can certainly link up well. His left foot has proven to be damaging at WAFL and U18 level. Sheed, like Pendlebury, is not an very quick, however he acknowledges his boundaries and uses the speed he does possess to the best of his abilities. Despite his lack of explosiveness, Sheed is rarely run down as he has a great awareness of his surroundings and like Pendlebury, he seems to be able to slow time down when he has the football. Concerns around his running ability, while warranted, should not drive recruiters off this talented youngster.
PICK 12: Richmond
Ben Lennon, Northern Knights
188cm 79kg
Comparison:
Lennon is a utility who represented Vic Metro at the U18 Championship and won All-Australian honours. The Northern Knight is a very unique prospect who is capable in filling in a third tall role in both the defensive and attacking 50s. The standout of Lennon’s game is his elite marking. Not only does he have a pair of astonishingly sticky hands (he marks everything coming his way), he is surprisingly strong for his size. Lennon use this strength to position himself well in a number of contests. He had an outstanding carnival up forward for Metro, his strength and marking were vital when big forward Tom Boyd went down with an injury. Lennon also has an solid football mind and he is capable of assisting and setting up scores. This has a lot to do with his raking kicks. Lennon can kick the ball well over 60 metres and still hit targets, a trait that has made him extremely dangerous as a half-forward. Lennon also has extraordinary core strength for a utility to go with a developing endurance. Although his elite kicking makes him dangerous primarily as a forward, towards the end of the Knights TAC Cup campaign Lennon successfully moved into the midfield.
PICK 13: Carlton
Luke Dunstan, Woodville-West Torrens
184cm 83kg
Player Comparison: Jobe Watson
Dunstan is an elite clearance player who prides himself on winning tough, contested football. Dunstan already has a big frame and he uses this to his advantage at under 18 level. At over 180cm and 80kg, Dunstan still has to do some weight work to reach the ideal size for a big bodied inside midfielder. Dunstan represented the successful South Australian side, captaining the winner’s of the division 1 title. Although his kicking on his non-preferred side is questionable, Dunstan is an above average decision maker and can hit targets to a greater than satisfactory level on his preferred side. Dunstan also uses his body size to his advantage in marking contests, he is a strong mark in one on one situations. Although there are plenty of reasons for clubs to select him, Dunstan’s running ability is not up to AFL standard. It will be a few full pre-seasons before the South Australian can make an impact at the big league.
PICK 14: GWS
Rory Lobb, Swan Districts
205cm,
Player Comparison: Myke Pyke
Rory Lobb comes from a basketball background and has recently impressed several recruiters. Lobb has fantastic endurance and nice speed for a big man, he is mobile and moves smoothly. Lobb is also an outstanding contested mark, he uses his imposing height and notable leap to pluck marks with ease.
PICK 15: Sydney
Lewis Taylor, Geelong Falcons
175cm, 75kg
Comparison: Brent Harvey
Taylor is an extremely skilled small midfielder from the Geelong Falcons. The first thing that gets your attention with Taylor is his ability to explode out of a contest with his elite acceleration and speed. Taylor is extremely quick and his pace burns off any opponent that is responsible for him defensively. He is also quite agile and Taylor is also ridiculously skilled on either side of the body, so much so that at one point I couldn’t tell which side was his preferred. Taylor can easily hit targets using both feet on the run and from a standing start. Skills wise, Taylor is the full package. His size might keep him from being drafted in the Top 10.
PICK 16: Geelong
Zak Jones, Dandenong Stingrays
181cm, 74kg
Player Comparison: Nathan Wright
Zak Jones, the brother of star Demon Nathan, is a half-back flanker who put up good numbers for Vic Country. The Stingray is capable of playing a lock-down role and the role of a rebounding, offensive-minded flanker. The one ability that allows Jones to play this role is his marking. Jones is an outstanding overhead mark and has an above average ability to read the play. This makes Zak a dangerous player as he can come off his man and affect the outcome of other contests, turning a thrust from one side into possession for his own. Jones is also a fierce competitor and like his brother Nathan, Zak is a strong tackler who does not mind getting his hands dirty. In the TAC Cup Finals series, Zak proved to be incredibly influential as an inside midfielder. His competitiveness and tenacity made him a hard man to beat at a contest, in the midfield his contested work was often second to none. This hunger to win and ferocity at the contest will hold Zak in good stead come draft day.
PICK 17: Fremantle
Cameron McCarthy, South Fremantle
194cm, 83kg
Player Comparison: Jack Riewoldt
Cameron McCarthy is a raw product from South Fremantle who represented WA at the Under 18 carnival and earned All-Australian honours. Cameron has seemingly bolted from nowhere into first round consideration this year and this is a testament to his hard work and output at the Championship. Whenever McCarthy is targeted up forward, he looks dangerous and likely to take a mark. McCarthy has a strong pair of hands and has brilliant aerial ability; he is capable of outmarking his opponent with his reach. This is easily the standout in his game, McCarthy’s ability to continually present an option to his team-mates effectively lifts the efficiency of the entire forward line. He is also a fantastic reader of the ball and he can out-judge his defender when his side goes inside 50. McCarthy also has a unique and reliable kicking routine which works well for him, as evident in his game-winner against Vic Country. One aspect of his game that sets McCarthy apart from other key forwards is his mobility and agility. McCarthy is capable of crumbing and he is clean when the ball hits the ground. McCarthy has tremendous upside and has a higher ceiling than any key forward in this draft bar Boyd when his background is put into perspective; he only recently decided to pursue football over cricket.
PICK 18: St Kilda
Trent Dumont, Norwood
186cm 85kg
Comparison: Ollie Wines
I see Trent Dumont as a terrific inside player. He uses his 186cm frame well and is competent on the inside, even when playing against mature players for Norwood. He is capable of playing the role of an extractor, something that he will have to do at AFL level. Dumont is a genuine contested ball winner, he is tough and tenacious in his pursuit of the football on the inside and is often successful. He has great ability in the center square but I see him as a better player in the contests and contested situations around the ground.
In the modern game, it is very difficult to be successful in the AFL without being versatile. It is beyond doubt that Dumont has the potential to play in several positions on the ground, he clearly showed ability in many areas on the footy field throughout the year. The most obvious one away from the “engine room” is on the half-back flank. He combines a balanced skill set and a nice size to make an effect on the game on the back flank and I see Dumont playing on this flank often in his first year or so. Trent Dumont can also go forward well and can also play on the outside in the midfield.
Foot skills have always been of the utmost importance in football, and it is clear that Dumont understands this. It is likely that he will never be a damaging footballer. I don’t see him developing an uber-penetrating kick. That being said, he is anything but a poor user of the footy and is actually quite strong on his preferred side. His kicks, both from a standing start and on the run, hit their intended target much more often that not. He can spot up teammates when put under pressure and does not waste disposals. His kicking on that side is both sound.
I don’t think Trent’s defensive game is a liability at all, his tackling is serviceable and he does what he needs to, to win. He utilizes his size well when tackling and even though he isn’t quick enough to defend some of the smaller players, he tries his best.
Dumont is both a good and bad runner. Good in that he has above average endurance and can run out games well. He runs well around the ground and is more than capable of getting from contest to contest. Now to the bad, he is a bit one-paced. Dumont does not have the pace to evade and breakaway from players. He does not have enough speed and he isn’t explosive enough to really do damage with his running.
Non-preferred side kicking is definitely an area of improvement for Trent. He seems rushed on his non-preferred side and he misses too many targets for my liking. His intangibles aren’t too high, I don’t think his composure and decision making are elite by any stretch of the imagination, however he works hard and has looks for teammates instead of blazing away enough to satisfy a coach.
How I would draft the players
- Boyd
- Kelly
- Billings
- Aish
- Luke McDonald
- Scharenburg
- Kolodjashnij
- Lennon
- Dumont
- Sheed
- Crouch
- Acres
- Dunstan
- Bontempelli
- McCarthy
- Freeman
- Salem
- Taylor
- Jones
- Cripps
- Hewett
- Kennedy-Harris
- Hartung
- Marsh
- Templeton
- Battersby
- Gardiner
- Miller
- Honeychurch
- Tsitas
PICK 1: GWS
Tom Boyd, Eastern Rangers
200cm, 103kgs
Comparison: Jon Patton
Tom Boyd is by far the best key position prospect in this year’s draft. At 199cm and over 100kgs, he’s already bigger than Geelong Tom Hawkins. Boyd has dominated almost every opponent in the 2013 season and has managed to kick bags in almost every match. His size has played a part in that, but Boyd’s ability to take the ball at the highest point has also helped him. At AFL level, Boyd will still be bigger than most defenders so I see no reason why his physical dominance cannot continue. Boyd’s kicking, both from the field and during a set shot is superb. The biggest thing that will drive teams towards drafting Boyd is what he can provide structurally. Boyd has the ability and size to be the power forward that teams structure their forward line around (Cloke and Collingwood, Hawkins and Geelong). Another thing that you don’t immediately notice about Boyd is his acceleration and speed. For a big man, Boyd possesses an unnatural ability to get out onto a lead quickly (under 3 second 20m sprint time). This allows Boyd to take easy marks on the lead inside 50. Furthermore, Boyd’s work ethic is faultless. He is willing to work up the ground to get involved in the game and he has a satisfactory endurance level.
PICK 2: GWS
Josh Kelly, Sandringham Dragons
184cm 75 kg
Comparison: Andrew Gaff
Kelly’s ability to amass disposals through his running ability has many drawing comparisons to Eagles winger Andrew Gaff. Like Gaff, Kelly is an outstanding runner (finished 1st in the 3km time trial as an underage player) and accumulator (averaged 27 disposals in the U18 Championship). With the greater importance placed on run and spread by AFL clubs, Kelly should fit in perfectly. Kelly is a very efficient user of the football by foot, his kicking on his left foot is damaging and accurate. Another attribute of Kelly’s that often flies under the radar is his work ethic. On top of having an elite running capability, Kelly is an extremely hard worker and his work ethic and running enables him to get to and impact an enormous amount of contests. He is also a very smart footballer, Kelly’s running patterns are terrific and his ability to read the play as a midfielder With this combination of athleticism and ball use, Kelly is the ideal outside player. Weaknesses in Kelly’s game include his strength disadvantage and lack of contested ball winning. I believe the strength disadvantage will be eradicated in a few hard pre-seasons. The contested ball aspect should also improve as Kelly adds more weight to his frame.
PICK 3: St Kilda
Jack Billings, Oakleigh Chargers
185cm 76kg
Comparison: Steve Johnson
Jack Billings is a very clever half forward who represented Vic Metro at the Under 18 Championship. The Oakleigh Charger earned a spot in the All Australian team for the second year running (once as an underage player). His ability to think his way through situations in the forward half of the ground is a major asset for any team he represents. Billings is great at assisting in scores and this was shown in the last two games at the Champs. Another brilliant trait of Billings’ is his strong marking, for a player his size (184cm), Billings is an insanely strong mark – especially on the lead and in one on one situations. Like most of the top draft prospects, Billings is also a magnificent user of the football. Billings usually operates at a high efficiency level and he does not allow his possessions to go to waste, much like Geelong half-forward Stevie Johnson. Another thing Billings does like the Geelong whiz is kick goals. Jack Billings is generally a reliable shot for goal on his preferred left foot, both from set shots and free flowing play. All this being said, Billings greatest asset may well be his weakness. Jack easily recognises things he can and cannot do and thinks before making plays. Billings is rarely seen blazing away for a nearly impossible goal when team-mates offer a higher percentage option. Jack Billings could improve his play in the midfield, as a team that has a high draft pick is unlikely to select a pure half forward.
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PICK 4: Western Bulldogs
Marcus Bontempelli, Northern Knights
191cm, 83kg
Comparison:
Bontempelli is a terrific athlete and under the right system he could become an A-Grade AFL footballer. Bontempelli is already a great size for a midfielder, however he is also capable of playing on a flank. He clearly has a greater muscle strength and mass than most of the under 18 TAC Cup players. Bontempelli also has a terrific burst of speed for a player of his height. He is capable of going with an opponent for a long time before firing away and gaining about 10 metres through his acceleration. This has helped Bontempelli’s outside play, as he is hard to match up on with his combination of height and speed. His ability to run and carry is a key component for the Knights in the TAC Cup campaign. Bontempelli also possesses a damaging left foot, he is capable of hitting targets to a serviceable degree. The biggest question mark over Bontempelli is his ability to do the hard work at the highest level of the game; he can certainly kick and mark well, but his clearance work will need large improvements if he is to be a great AFL player. Another component of his game that needs work is his defensive pressure. Bontempelli tackles do not seem to stick and his pressure is variable throughout games.
PICK 5: Gold Coast Suns
Kade Kolodjashnij, Launceston
191cm 79kg
Player Comparison: Grant Birchall (more athletic)
Kade Kolodjashnij was a standout for Tasmania off the half-back flank during the Under 18 carnival. Kade was an AIS-AFL attendee and won All-Australian honours at the U18 championship to go with an MVP for Tasmania. He is a very offensive-minded player whose football mind and ability to read the play is outstanding. He is capable of successfully moving off his man and taking marks in defence. He is quite strong overhead and has an above average marking ability. In general play, his pace and acceleration stand out. Kade has a superb burst of speed, he has the ability to sprint away from his man and create some distance between him and his opponent in 20 metres. To go with this speed, Kolodjashnij is a terrific user of the football. His decision making is excellent and he rarely fails to set his team up for scoring opportunities. His accuracy with his kicks is also commendable, he is seldom seen wasting possessions with sloppy kicks. To become a high level AFL player, Kade will have to continue his development in his endurance and develop his defensive game; Kade is often beaten in one on one situations in the defensive 50.
PICK 6: Collingwood
James Aish, Norwood
183 cm 74kg
Comparison: Trent Cotchin
Norwood player James Aish is by far the best midfielder available in this year’s draft and arguably the most talented overall player. Aish is an incredibly composed outside midfielder and he has a first-class ability to hit targets under pressure. He seems to have the power to be able to freeze time and think, while players around him are hopeless in their attempts to tackle him and apply pressure. Aish has the dexterity to understand the exact amount of time he has to dispose of the ball without the quality of the possession being neglected. Another awe-inspiring trait of Aish’s is his ability to work hard and impact the game even when he receives a tag. In spite of receiving close attention from many teams throughout the under 18 carnival, Aish finished with one of the highest kicking efficiency’s of any Division 1 player. This kicking allows him to be an effective player on the back flank and as a receiving midfielder. Up forward, his disposal is penetrating and he sets up goals beautifully. This is a testament to his work ethic and amazing football nous. His use of the football is immaculate; Aish has wonderful hands to go with elite kicking on either foot. His ability to work in tight with effective handballs is yet another quality that will entice clubs to draft the other worldly talent. Aish has the competence to handball to teammates in space and his clean hands almost never fumble. Just like Richmond star Trent Cotchin, Aish is a pure footballer who should have no issues adapting at AFL level. A talented player with a great football pedigree, Aish has all the makings of a future club captain and star. Although he has an ever-expanding skill set, Aish’s contested ball winning ability has a way to go. With the talent he has, I doubt this will hold him back.
PICK 7: Brisbane Lions
Matthew Scharenburg, Glenelg
191cm 88kg
Comparison: Brendon Goddard
Matthew Scharenburg is a tall utility very much in the mould of Essendon player Brendon Goddard. He represented South Australia at the U18 Champs and won the SA MVP to go with a place in the All Australian team. Scharenburg, like Goddard, can play in a number of positions. The South Australian has represented his teams in the midfield, up forward and as a half-back. His kicking is definitely a strong point, Scharenburg can hit his targets on the chest on either foot. This kicking has allowed Scharenburg to set up the attack from half-back quite easily. Scharenburg has the potential to be the ultimate jack-of-all trades for the Dogs and this is an attractive attribute for every club. If there happens to be a hole in any third of the ground, Scharenburg can fix it. My biggest worry about him is that he could become a master of none and any team investing a high pick into Scharenburg will expect him to eventually gain a definitive position.
PICK 8: North Melbourne
Luke McDonald, Oakleigh Chargers
190cm, 85kg
Comparison: Trent McKenzie
McDonald is a father/son selection for North Melbourne. The Charger captained Vic Metro at the Under 18 National Championship and despite not making the All-Australian team, he was quite important to his team. His leadership on field was fantastic and I expect him to eventually become a part of the North Melbourne leadership group. McDonald has also represented Werribee at VFL level and he has performed strongly in that competition. His laser-like kicking is easily the standout of his game. McDonald can hit team-mates on the chest from 50-60m away. His penetration with his left foot can tear a team to shreds and he his ability to set up play from half-back cannot be ignored. Towards the end of the season, McDonald showed ability in the midfield. McDonald would be a top 5 pick if he was not eligible for the father son draft process.
PICK 9: Melbourne
Christian Salem, Sandringham Dragons
183cm, 82kg
Comparison: Simon Black
Salem is yet another calm and collected midfielder. The Dragon represented Vic Metro at the Under 18 Championship and while he put in an average performance, his draft stocks should not plummet. Firstly, he is a super kick of the football. Salem is a terrific ball user, he is able to link up from the midfield without much trouble. He is easily a 9/10 kick, he has first-rate efficiency. Furthermore, Salem’s decision making and vision are faultless. Like many high quality AFL midfielders, Salem manages to slow down those around him when looking for options. He is composed with ball in hand and the vision he has is exemplary. Salem has fantastic vision, if there is an open man, he will find him and spot him up. To add to this, Salem is a strong tackler. His defensive pressure is helpful for his team and it often forces opposition players into bad kicks. Also, Salem has great agility. He has a competent sidestep which he can use to get around players. The biggest thing that will hold Salem back is his athleticism. Salem is not overly quick and he does not possess a large endurance. That said, the intangible and tangible qualities that Salem possesses should see him selected in the first round of the draft.
PICK 10: Collingwood
Nathan Freeman, Sandringham Dragons
184cm, 85kg
Comparison: Patrick Dangerfield
Freeman is an athletic midfielder who has an ability to play both in the midfield and up forward. An extremely strong player, Freeman’s core strength is unquestionable. He also has an insane burst of acceleration for a player with his strength and his agility is above average. This was all proven with Freeman’s exception running times at the AFL Combine. Freeman’s kicking and decision making is an area for improvement for the youngster however I don’t think it should be a major issue at AFL level, especially if he plays in the midfield. His ability to go forward and kick a goal is also handy for the team that selects him. Moreover, Freeman has a tenacious attack on the football. He is a fierce competitor and his ability to hunt the ball and/or the man with the ball is a testament to his toughness and love of winning.
PICK 11: West Coast
Dom Sheed, Subiaco
187cm 83kg
Comparison: Scott Pendlebury
Sheed is yet another inside midfielder with commendable poise and a great preferred foot. He starred for Western Australia at the U18 carnival, winning the Larke medal for the best player in Division 1 despite missing a game. Sheed has a sound kicking technique and while he is not one of the best users of the football in this year’s draft, he can certainly link up well. His left foot has proven to be damaging at WAFL and U18 level. Sheed, like Pendlebury, is not an very quick, however he acknowledges his boundaries and uses the speed he does possess to the best of his abilities. Despite his lack of explosiveness, Sheed is rarely run down as he has a great awareness of his surroundings and like Pendlebury, he seems to be able to slow time down when he has the football. Concerns around his running ability, while warranted, should not drive recruiters off this talented youngster.
PICK 12: Richmond
Ben Lennon, Northern Knights
188cm 79kg
Comparison:
Lennon is a utility who represented Vic Metro at the U18 Championship and won All-Australian honours. The Northern Knight is a very unique prospect who is capable in filling in a third tall role in both the defensive and attacking 50s. The standout of Lennon’s game is his elite marking. Not only does he have a pair of astonishingly sticky hands (he marks everything coming his way), he is surprisingly strong for his size. Lennon use this strength to position himself well in a number of contests. He had an outstanding carnival up forward for Metro, his strength and marking were vital when big forward Tom Boyd went down with an injury. Lennon also has an solid football mind and he is capable of assisting and setting up scores. This has a lot to do with his raking kicks. Lennon can kick the ball well over 60 metres and still hit targets, a trait that has made him extremely dangerous as a half-forward. Lennon also has extraordinary core strength for a utility to go with a developing endurance. Although his elite kicking makes him dangerous primarily as a forward, towards the end of the Knights TAC Cup campaign Lennon successfully moved into the midfield.
PICK 13: Carlton
Luke Dunstan, Woodville-West Torrens
184cm 83kg
Player Comparison: Jobe Watson
Dunstan is an elite clearance player who prides himself on winning tough, contested football. Dunstan already has a big frame and he uses this to his advantage at under 18 level. At over 180cm and 80kg, Dunstan still has to do some weight work to reach the ideal size for a big bodied inside midfielder. Dunstan represented the successful South Australian side, captaining the winner’s of the division 1 title. Although his kicking on his non-preferred side is questionable, Dunstan is an above average decision maker and can hit targets to a greater than satisfactory level on his preferred side. Dunstan also uses his body size to his advantage in marking contests, he is a strong mark in one on one situations. Although there are plenty of reasons for clubs to select him, Dunstan’s running ability is not up to AFL standard. It will be a few full pre-seasons before the South Australian can make an impact at the big league.
PICK 14: GWS
Rory Lobb, Swan Districts
205cm,
Player Comparison: Myke Pyke
Rory Lobb comes from a basketball background and has recently impressed several recruiters. Lobb has fantastic endurance and nice speed for a big man, he is mobile and moves smoothly. Lobb is also an outstanding contested mark, he uses his imposing height and notable leap to pluck marks with ease.
PICK 15: Sydney
Lewis Taylor, Geelong Falcons
175cm, 75kg
Comparison: Brent Harvey
Taylor is an extremely skilled small midfielder from the Geelong Falcons. The first thing that gets your attention with Taylor is his ability to explode out of a contest with his elite acceleration and speed. Taylor is extremely quick and his pace burns off any opponent that is responsible for him defensively. He is also quite agile and Taylor is also ridiculously skilled on either side of the body, so much so that at one point I couldn’t tell which side was his preferred. Taylor can easily hit targets using both feet on the run and from a standing start. Skills wise, Taylor is the full package. His size might keep him from being drafted in the Top 10.
PICK 16: Geelong
Zak Jones, Dandenong Stingrays
181cm, 74kg
Player Comparison: Nathan Wright
Zak Jones, the brother of star Demon Nathan, is a half-back flanker who put up good numbers for Vic Country. The Stingray is capable of playing a lock-down role and the role of a rebounding, offensive-minded flanker. The one ability that allows Jones to play this role is his marking. Jones is an outstanding overhead mark and has an above average ability to read the play. This makes Zak a dangerous player as he can come off his man and affect the outcome of other contests, turning a thrust from one side into possession for his own. Jones is also a fierce competitor and like his brother Nathan, Zak is a strong tackler who does not mind getting his hands dirty. In the TAC Cup Finals series, Zak proved to be incredibly influential as an inside midfielder. His competitiveness and tenacity made him a hard man to beat at a contest, in the midfield his contested work was often second to none. This hunger to win and ferocity at the contest will hold Zak in good stead come draft day.
PICK 17: Fremantle
Cameron McCarthy, South Fremantle
194cm, 83kg
Player Comparison: Jack Riewoldt
Cameron McCarthy is a raw product from South Fremantle who represented WA at the Under 18 carnival and earned All-Australian honours. Cameron has seemingly bolted from nowhere into first round consideration this year and this is a testament to his hard work and output at the Championship. Whenever McCarthy is targeted up forward, he looks dangerous and likely to take a mark. McCarthy has a strong pair of hands and has brilliant aerial ability; he is capable of outmarking his opponent with his reach. This is easily the standout in his game, McCarthy’s ability to continually present an option to his team-mates effectively lifts the efficiency of the entire forward line. He is also a fantastic reader of the ball and he can out-judge his defender when his side goes inside 50. McCarthy also has a unique and reliable kicking routine which works well for him, as evident in his game-winner against Vic Country. One aspect of his game that sets McCarthy apart from other key forwards is his mobility and agility. McCarthy is capable of crumbing and he is clean when the ball hits the ground. McCarthy has tremendous upside and has a higher ceiling than any key forward in this draft bar Boyd when his background is put into perspective; he only recently decided to pursue football over cricket.
PICK 18: St Kilda
Trent Dumont, Norwood
186cm 85kg
Comparison: Ollie Wines
I see Trent Dumont as a terrific inside player. He uses his 186cm frame well and is competent on the inside, even when playing against mature players for Norwood. He is capable of playing the role of an extractor, something that he will have to do at AFL level. Dumont is a genuine contested ball winner, he is tough and tenacious in his pursuit of the football on the inside and is often successful. He has great ability in the center square but I see him as a better player in the contests and contested situations around the ground.
In the modern game, it is very difficult to be successful in the AFL without being versatile. It is beyond doubt that Dumont has the potential to play in several positions on the ground, he clearly showed ability in many areas on the footy field throughout the year. The most obvious one away from the “engine room” is on the half-back flank. He combines a balanced skill set and a nice size to make an effect on the game on the back flank and I see Dumont playing on this flank often in his first year or so. Trent Dumont can also go forward well and can also play on the outside in the midfield.
Foot skills have always been of the utmost importance in football, and it is clear that Dumont understands this. It is likely that he will never be a damaging footballer. I don’t see him developing an uber-penetrating kick. That being said, he is anything but a poor user of the footy and is actually quite strong on his preferred side. His kicks, both from a standing start and on the run, hit their intended target much more often that not. He can spot up teammates when put under pressure and does not waste disposals. His kicking on that side is both sound.
I don’t think Trent’s defensive game is a liability at all, his tackling is serviceable and he does what he needs to, to win. He utilizes his size well when tackling and even though he isn’t quick enough to defend some of the smaller players, he tries his best.
Dumont is both a good and bad runner. Good in that he has above average endurance and can run out games well. He runs well around the ground and is more than capable of getting from contest to contest. Now to the bad, he is a bit one-paced. Dumont does not have the pace to evade and breakaway from players. He does not have enough speed and he isn’t explosive enough to really do damage with his running.
Non-preferred side kicking is definitely an area of improvement for Trent. He seems rushed on his non-preferred side and he misses too many targets for my liking. His intangibles aren’t too high, I don’t think his composure and decision making are elite by any stretch of the imagination, however he works hard and has looks for teammates instead of blazing away enough to satisfy a coach.
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