Barrels
Often Imitated, Never Bettered.
- Apr 25, 2013
- 20,686
- 56,898
- AFL Club
- St Kilda
- Other Teams
- Cleveland Guardians, Cleveland Cavs
Having spent years debating the ins and outs and relative merits of the labours of others, I decided it’s high time I put myself to the test, so here, in a mighty lengthy debut for this blog, is my effort at taming the mighty beast that is the AFL National Draft.
Other rounds will be available soon at http://musingsfromtheouter.wordpress.com.
Pick 1 – St Kilda: Christian PETRACCA, Eastern Ranges (186cm 92kg) dominant mid/fwd.
Plays like: Dustin Martin
Quite simply, the best player in the draft pool. Petracca was impressive enough last year – and arguably the Ranges’ most dangerous player behind Tom Boyd – as a mobile third forward. He either knew or was told that he would need to add versatility to be a force at AFL level, and boy did he! Petracca hired a running coach over the summer and threw himself into becoming the most dominant midfield force at TAC Cup level. Blessed with pace, strength, skill and a wicked sidestep, the former basketballer will find the step up to league level very little trouble.
Why: The Saints have holes across the board, but you don’t pass up on the best in the year.
Pick 2 – Melbourne: Angus BRAYSHAW, Sandringham Dragons (187cm 87kg) classy inside mid.
Plays like: Sam Mitchell (taller)
As has been widely reported, Brayshaw is the son of former North Melbourne utility Mark, and nephew of giddy Footy Show host James. A coalface workhorse, to pigeonhole Brayshaw as a no-frills footballer due to his predominant inside game is woefully inaccurate and belies the significant talent the Dragons skipper possesses. Whilst Brayshaw excels in the clinches and doesnt possess elite speed, he moves smoothly and his class on the outside cannot be underestimated. An inspiring young man, his leadership abilities are something that Paul Roos would be salivating over.
Why: Melbourne need class and leadership. Brayshaw has both in spades.
Pick 3 – Melbourne: Paddy McCARTIN, Geelong Falcons (193cm 95kg) old-fashioned full forward.
Plays like: Taylor Walker
To watch Paddy McCartin play football is to be transported back to the days of full strength beer, moustachioed ruckmen and fearful key defenders. McCartin is an old-fashioned full forward in the Lockett and Dunstall mode, with a simple approach to the game; see ball, get ball, kick goal, and if anyone gets in your way, put them in traction. Aggressive at the man and the ball, he will put bums on seats and instantly lay claim to crowd favouritism. Like Brayshaw, to class McCartin as a simple footballer is a long way from the truth. His workrate and leading patterns point to a young man with significant ‘footy smarts’. Whilst he will most likely never be a particularly wide-roaming player, his inspirational attack and infectious personality will bring his teammates into the game.
Why: Dawes isn’t aggressive enough and isn’t getting it done. Far from being too similar to Jesse Hogan, I think Paddy will compliment him beautifully.
Pick 4 – GWS: Peter WRIGHT, Calder Cannons (203cm 102kg) athletic fwd/ruck.
Plays like: Drew Petrie
‘Two-metre Peter’ is a beautifully skilled, athletic man mountain. He is also inconsistent. He showed against the Knights just how could he could be as a forward with a super 29 touches, 14 marks and 4 goals. For Vic Metro, he showed how effective he can be as a ruckman, not only winning taps effortlessly, but using his athleticism to make himself an extra midfielder when the ball hid the deck. IF, he manages to put it all together on a regular basis, he could well be an absolute bargain, even this early in the draft.
Why: With Tom Boyd jumping ship to the Dogs, Wright will slip in fairly seamlessly as a genuine marking target down forward who spend short stints in the ruck to assist Mumford.
Pick 5 – Collingwood: Jayden LAVERDE, Western Jets (190cm 82kg) athletic tall utility.
Plays like: Marcus Bontempelli
An athletic and slick utility, Laverde projects long-term as a tall wingman who swings into the middle on occasion, although he will probably start at half back. With some significant similarities to Scott Pendlebury, not the least of which is his lethal kicking, along with elite agility and speed, Laverde will make the difficult look easy on regular occasions and his dashing runs from the backline and down the wings will cut many opposition sides to ribbons.
Why: With the super season of Bontempelli still very fresh in everyone’s mind, and their midfield being a little small, the Pies may be inclined to take the plunge.
Pick 6 – GWS: Lachie WELLER, Broadbeach (181cm 77kg) skilled outside mid.
Plays like: Ryan Griffen
Sublimely skilled with an eye for goal, Weller is a beautiful mover and a genuinely classy classic centreman. He is always willing to try something with the ball in hand, and although still lightly framed, will fight as hard as anyone in contested situations. His teammates will always look to get the ball in his hand, trusting in Weller turning on the afterburners and delivering the ball to forward targets lace-out every time.
Why: Having lost Jono O’Rourke and Dom Tyson in recent years, Coniglio having injury issues, and facing a potential mass exodus next season, the Giants will want to add further class.
Pick 7 – GWS: Paul AHERN, Calder Cannons (181cm 77kg) skilled mid/fwd.
Plays like: Luke Dahlhaus
Ahern just has more time than the bloke trying to tackle him. In fact, he has more time than just about everyone, with his serious agility, awareness and pace a highlight. Possessed of fabulous skill and a dangerous threat around goal, Ahern will slice an opposition team to ribbons if given a little space. Had a super TAC Cup GF in a losing side.
Why: Ahern gives GWS another mid/small forward option to take some of the pressure off Devon Smith and with an eye to Rhys Palmer’s eventual replacement.
Pick 8 – GCS: Sam DURDIN, West Adelaide (197cm, 89kg) classy KPP/ruck.
Plays like: Lachie Hansen (classier)
Talked about as a potential number 1 pick earlier in the year, an indifferent season for West Adelaide and a Carnival for South Australia that didn’t reach the lofty heights expected may see him slide a little further than first thought. At his best Durdin is a force in the air, amazing below his kness and a magnificent mover for a young man standing nearly 6’6. Though he has played all season against men in the SANFL, and not been disgraced, Durdin will need to find another 5-10kgs in a hurry if he is to play AFL early, although he shows the body shape to fill out well enough.
Why: GC is fairly light on for KPD, where Durdin seems to play his best football, with Rory Thompson and an undersized Stephen May the only genuine options down back. Sam Day has disappointed so far, and while Durdin is a classy forward, long term he projects as a star CHB.
Pick 9 – Collingwood (F/S): Darcy MOORE, Oakleigh Chargers (199cm 93kg) athletic KPP.
Plays like: Ben Reid
Along with Isaac Heeney, probably the steal of the draft. Moore would arguably go top 3 if he wasn’t his father’s son, but by God aren’t Pies supporters glad he is. A dead-ringer for his father both in looks and his amazing athletic prowess for a big man, Moore shows great leadership skills in addition to his precocious talent, and his hanger for Oakleigh in the TAC Cup preliminary final against Sandringham underlined his ability.
Why: Father/Son romance aside, you don’t pass up a ‘free’ swing at a seriously talented key position prospect such as Moore. Initially likely to be a defender, Moore is equally dangerous at both ends.
Pick 10 – Geelong: Jake LEVER, Calder Cannons (194cm 85kg) damaging athletic KPD.
Plays like: Sam Fisher
Seldom has a prospect engendered so much talk amongst football watchers without playing a single game. Lever somewhat famously tore an ACL in January of this year, after dominating as an underaged, and somewhat undersized CHB for Calder and Vic Metro. Possessed of an aggressive nature and a near-obsessive work ethic, Lever is also a dangerous man to stand off as a forward due to his fantastic intercept marking and way above-average footskills for a tall. Spent the entire TAC Cup season training the house down and assisting the coaching staff at Calder, but knee issue may scare clubs off early.
Why: Enright is 33, Lonergan is pushing 31, Mackie is 30 and Harry Taylor is the baby of the Cats backline at 28. They need fresh blood in the tall department and Lever is a classic aggressive and hard-working Geelong defender.
Pick 11 – West Coast: Jarrod PICKETT, South Fremantle (179cm 76kg) electric small midfielder.
Plays like: Bradley Hill
Pickett is a home grown product, and the Eagles have a bias toward picking their own. That being said, with his incredible pace and run-and-carry threat, Pickett is a perfect choice for an Eagles midfield lacking in genuine pace and flair and is surprisingly decent at winning inside ball for a small and skinny footballer. A serious goal threat when resting forward, Pickett will be very dangerous buzzing around the feet of tall forwards.
Why: Having said at the Combine that, whilst he was comfortable being drafted by an interstate club, he would “ultimately want to get back and play at home”, Pickett may be seen as too much of a go-home threat. Adds pace to a slower midfield.
Pick 12 – Richmond: Nakia COCKATOO, NT Thunder (188cm 84kg) classy versatile mid.
Plays like: Patrick Dangerfield
After a magnificent showing at the Combine, Cockatoo is finally being talked about for more than his outstanding surname. A bigger-bodied young mid, who is physically able to crack in and win the ball on the inside, he will be a dangerous prospect as an inside/outside mid with his slashing pace and slick footskills. An explosive footballer, Cockatoo will be a difficult match up, being much beefier than most speedy players and much faster than most inside bull-types. Trained with North Melbourne during 2014.
Why: Teams that fancy themselves finals contenders can afford to take the odd punt, and having made moves for David Armitage (St.K) and Jack Trengove (Melb.) during the trading period, its no secret that the Tigers are looking for some bigger-bodied mids to help out Cotchin and co.
Pick 13 – Fremantle: Hugh GODDARD, Geelong Falcons (195cm 93kg) versatile KPP.
Plays like: Harry Taylor
Another talked about as a potential number 1 pick, Goddard didn’t have quite the season that was expected of him. Though capable at both ends, Goddard has played his best football this year as an aerial threat and classy stopper across half back. His last month of TAC Cup footballer was genuinely impressive after a middling Carnival for Vic Country, taking some big scalps and managing to sneak forward for a couple of goals. Athletically gifted and possessed of a booming left foot, Goddard has all the tools, and whilst the criticism is that he doesn’t dominate or impose on games, his last month gives hope that he is headed in that direction.
Why: McPharlin is nudging retirement, and whilst the Dockers claim to be happy enough with their KPP stocks, a potential genuine number 1 defender is not something they’ll say no to.
Pick 14 – Adelaide: Caleb MARCHBANK, Murray Bushrangers (194cm 85kg) strong-marking stopper KPD.
Plays like: Luke McPharlin
A similar player to the lad taken the pick before him, Marchbank is perhaps a more natural defender and less capable forward, although he has performed more than adequately down there on occasion. Cruelled by injury over the last couple of years, he came rocketing into first round calculations on the back of a fantastic Carnival performance for a disappointing Vic Country side, and a great start to the season for the Bushies, Marchbank is the epitome of the modern tall athletic defensive stopper, who could also spend time on a wing until his body develops.
Why: With the loss of Bock, retirement of Rutten and the lack of development – Talia aside – from the other defensive prospects, Adelaide is crying out for another KPD and Marchbank is a gem.
Pick 15 – GCS: Kyle LANGFORD, Nothern Knights (190cm 73kg) versatile tall forward/mid.
Plays like: Jarrad Grant (MUCH more talented)
It’s a clunky comparison, sure, but Langford is perfectly capable of playing as key forward to a key defender, and everything in between. Just as dangerous for the Knights as his more imposing colleague Reece McKenzie, Langford is an obscenely smooth mover for a tall young man, skillful and much tougher in marking contests than his marathon runner frame would suggest. Long-term probably a tall wingman who is able to float forward or back, Langford will be a valuable player for the Suns, despite his lack of definable role to date. Destroyed Tom Lamb in the opening Championships game.
Why: A point of difference in a somewhat homogeneous Suns midfield, Langford could well be the icing on top of the concession cake that is the Gold Coast. Too classy to ignore.
Pick 16 – North Melbourne: Liam DUGGAN, Western Jets (183cm 76kg) classy mid/half back.
Plays like: Grant Birchall (smaller)
Winner of the AIS/AFL Academy’s Ben Mitchell medal, a peer-awarded prize to the player who best typifies values such as courage, commitment, trust and leadership, Duggan is clearly a well-thought of young man. Though slim, he is adept at winning his own ball on the inside and tackles hard, but it is on the outside that he is more dangerous, with his raking left foot a weapon off a wing or half back. With good pace and an attacking midset, Duggan is a prototype modern wingman.
Why: Often accused of being workmanlike and lacking polish, the Roos addressed this criticism with the addition of Dal Santo, and Duggan is a similar player. Will be a handful alongside last year’s prized father/son star Luke McDonald.
Pick 17 – Essendon: Jordan DE GOEY, Oakleigh Chargers (187cm 82kg) physical fwd/mid.
Plays like: Jack Billings (more physical)
Dangerous as a forward, aggressive and physical as a midfielder, De Goey had a great season for the Chargers. Like Billings he is a major threat in the air, with extremely strong hands for a ‘small’, and has classy disposal with his kicking a highlight. With his aggressive attack on the ball and man, and his capability as a genuine forward target, De Goey reminds watchers a little of the great Leigh Matthews.
Why: Paul Chapman is nearly on an Aged pension, and De Goey will be a super replacement for the great man. Chapman aside, the Dons lack that hard edge in the forward half and De Goey will provide it in spades.
Pick 18 – Sydney Swans (A/S): Isaac HEENEY, Cardiff Hawks (186cm 82kg) dominant complete mid.
Plays like: Nathan Jones
THE steal of the draft, were it not for Heeney’s status as an Academy selection, he would rightly be deep in discussions for the first pick in the draft. The most completely dominant player in Division Two, he would have been the same force in Division One and could comfortably play Round 1 for the Swans. His attack on the ball is beyond compare and his skills, whilst not necessarily elite in and of themselves, are neat and incisive. He is a beast already, and a jet of a footballer.
Why: Having been smashed in the clinches by the Hawks on Grand Final day, the Swans will be more than happy to add Heeney to the midfield mix. Will play early.
Pick 19 – Carlton: Jarrod GARLETT, South Fremantle (177cm 72kg) speedy small mid/fwd.
Plays like: Jeff Garlett
One in, one out, Carlton fans will be hoping for more of the good, and less of the off-field from Garlett 2.0, and it seems they’ll get exactly that. Garlett had a superb Combine, showing elite speed and endurance and a his Championships form exhibited his skill and defensive pressure. Likely to start forward and roam higher, at least until he puts some bulk on his small frame, his tackling pressure and speed will cause nightmares for the league’s small defenders. Though small, his explosiveness away from the contest will ultimately see him transition into a small outside midfielder.
Why: With an Daisy Thomas failing to excite, Garlett 1.0 leaving for Melbourne and Judd starting to look his age at the end of a fine career, Carlton need an injection of flash and excitement. Garlett has this with the added bonus of a work ethic.
Pick 20 – Essendon: Connor MENADUE, Western Jets (188cm 69kg) explosive mid.
Plays like: Jordan Murdoch
One of the fastest footballers in the crop, Menadue stamped his claim to genuine bolter status with a top 10 finish in the 3km time trial, 20mtr sprint and repeat sprint categories at the Combine. Menadue is a lot more than a simple ‘running man’ however, with an appetite for the contest that belies his waif-like frame. One of the Jets best over the course of the TAC Cup season, his dashing runs through the middle and wings were a sight to behold, as was his willingness to take the game on.
Happy to do the hard work as well, his performance in the Jets’ elimination final loss justified his presence in first round discussions; Menadue was justifiably named BOG for a mighty 27 disposal game – at a whopping 87% efficiency – with 18 handball receives exhibiting his workrate to go with his two goals. Will need to add weight, but will be a weapon in time.
Why: With a somewhat one-paced midfield, the Bombers would be excited to have Menadue’s elite dash and intent lob at Tullamarine.
Pick 21 – St Kilda: Corey Ellis, Western Jets (185cm 76kg) slick hardworking mid.
Plays like: Nick Dal Santo
Another Jet, who has perhaps escaped the notability of his more-fancied teammates due to his less flashy approach to the game, Ellis is a lovely mix of inside and outside capability. With magnificent vision and an almost uncanny ability to slip an opponent’s tackle, Ellis is a master at playing the conduit between the in-and-under mids and the purely outside runners (although he too is effective at both roles). Like Dal Santo, Ellis is adept on both sides of his body and in time will settle into the oh-so-fashionable ‘quarterback’ role in midfield.
Why: Adding Acres and Billings to the squad addressed the Saints’ need for class in the middle, but Ellis will add more to a burgeoning midfield group. His mix of inside and outside play will allow for the more outside types to stick to that role.
EDIT: Round 2 available at http://musingsfromtheouter.wordpres...-by-the-toe-a-2014-afl-phantom-draft-round-2/
Other rounds will be available soon at http://musingsfromtheouter.wordpress.com.
Pick 1 – St Kilda: Christian PETRACCA, Eastern Ranges (186cm 92kg) dominant mid/fwd.
Plays like: Dustin Martin
Quite simply, the best player in the draft pool. Petracca was impressive enough last year – and arguably the Ranges’ most dangerous player behind Tom Boyd – as a mobile third forward. He either knew or was told that he would need to add versatility to be a force at AFL level, and boy did he! Petracca hired a running coach over the summer and threw himself into becoming the most dominant midfield force at TAC Cup level. Blessed with pace, strength, skill and a wicked sidestep, the former basketballer will find the step up to league level very little trouble.
Why: The Saints have holes across the board, but you don’t pass up on the best in the year.
Pick 2 – Melbourne: Angus BRAYSHAW, Sandringham Dragons (187cm 87kg) classy inside mid.
Plays like: Sam Mitchell (taller)
As has been widely reported, Brayshaw is the son of former North Melbourne utility Mark, and nephew of giddy Footy Show host James. A coalface workhorse, to pigeonhole Brayshaw as a no-frills footballer due to his predominant inside game is woefully inaccurate and belies the significant talent the Dragons skipper possesses. Whilst Brayshaw excels in the clinches and doesnt possess elite speed, he moves smoothly and his class on the outside cannot be underestimated. An inspiring young man, his leadership abilities are something that Paul Roos would be salivating over.
Why: Melbourne need class and leadership. Brayshaw has both in spades.
Pick 3 – Melbourne: Paddy McCARTIN, Geelong Falcons (193cm 95kg) old-fashioned full forward.
Plays like: Taylor Walker
To watch Paddy McCartin play football is to be transported back to the days of full strength beer, moustachioed ruckmen and fearful key defenders. McCartin is an old-fashioned full forward in the Lockett and Dunstall mode, with a simple approach to the game; see ball, get ball, kick goal, and if anyone gets in your way, put them in traction. Aggressive at the man and the ball, he will put bums on seats and instantly lay claim to crowd favouritism. Like Brayshaw, to class McCartin as a simple footballer is a long way from the truth. His workrate and leading patterns point to a young man with significant ‘footy smarts’. Whilst he will most likely never be a particularly wide-roaming player, his inspirational attack and infectious personality will bring his teammates into the game.
Why: Dawes isn’t aggressive enough and isn’t getting it done. Far from being too similar to Jesse Hogan, I think Paddy will compliment him beautifully.
Pick 4 – GWS: Peter WRIGHT, Calder Cannons (203cm 102kg) athletic fwd/ruck.
Plays like: Drew Petrie
‘Two-metre Peter’ is a beautifully skilled, athletic man mountain. He is also inconsistent. He showed against the Knights just how could he could be as a forward with a super 29 touches, 14 marks and 4 goals. For Vic Metro, he showed how effective he can be as a ruckman, not only winning taps effortlessly, but using his athleticism to make himself an extra midfielder when the ball hid the deck. IF, he manages to put it all together on a regular basis, he could well be an absolute bargain, even this early in the draft.
Why: With Tom Boyd jumping ship to the Dogs, Wright will slip in fairly seamlessly as a genuine marking target down forward who spend short stints in the ruck to assist Mumford.
Pick 5 – Collingwood: Jayden LAVERDE, Western Jets (190cm 82kg) athletic tall utility.
Plays like: Marcus Bontempelli
An athletic and slick utility, Laverde projects long-term as a tall wingman who swings into the middle on occasion, although he will probably start at half back. With some significant similarities to Scott Pendlebury, not the least of which is his lethal kicking, along with elite agility and speed, Laverde will make the difficult look easy on regular occasions and his dashing runs from the backline and down the wings will cut many opposition sides to ribbons.
Why: With the super season of Bontempelli still very fresh in everyone’s mind, and their midfield being a little small, the Pies may be inclined to take the plunge.
Pick 6 – GWS: Lachie WELLER, Broadbeach (181cm 77kg) skilled outside mid.
Plays like: Ryan Griffen
Sublimely skilled with an eye for goal, Weller is a beautiful mover and a genuinely classy classic centreman. He is always willing to try something with the ball in hand, and although still lightly framed, will fight as hard as anyone in contested situations. His teammates will always look to get the ball in his hand, trusting in Weller turning on the afterburners and delivering the ball to forward targets lace-out every time.
Why: Having lost Jono O’Rourke and Dom Tyson in recent years, Coniglio having injury issues, and facing a potential mass exodus next season, the Giants will want to add further class.
Pick 7 – GWS: Paul AHERN, Calder Cannons (181cm 77kg) skilled mid/fwd.
Plays like: Luke Dahlhaus
Ahern just has more time than the bloke trying to tackle him. In fact, he has more time than just about everyone, with his serious agility, awareness and pace a highlight. Possessed of fabulous skill and a dangerous threat around goal, Ahern will slice an opposition team to ribbons if given a little space. Had a super TAC Cup GF in a losing side.
Why: Ahern gives GWS another mid/small forward option to take some of the pressure off Devon Smith and with an eye to Rhys Palmer’s eventual replacement.
Pick 8 – GCS: Sam DURDIN, West Adelaide (197cm, 89kg) classy KPP/ruck.
Plays like: Lachie Hansen (classier)
Talked about as a potential number 1 pick earlier in the year, an indifferent season for West Adelaide and a Carnival for South Australia that didn’t reach the lofty heights expected may see him slide a little further than first thought. At his best Durdin is a force in the air, amazing below his kness and a magnificent mover for a young man standing nearly 6’6. Though he has played all season against men in the SANFL, and not been disgraced, Durdin will need to find another 5-10kgs in a hurry if he is to play AFL early, although he shows the body shape to fill out well enough.
Why: GC is fairly light on for KPD, where Durdin seems to play his best football, with Rory Thompson and an undersized Stephen May the only genuine options down back. Sam Day has disappointed so far, and while Durdin is a classy forward, long term he projects as a star CHB.
Pick 9 – Collingwood (F/S): Darcy MOORE, Oakleigh Chargers (199cm 93kg) athletic KPP.
Plays like: Ben Reid
Along with Isaac Heeney, probably the steal of the draft. Moore would arguably go top 3 if he wasn’t his father’s son, but by God aren’t Pies supporters glad he is. A dead-ringer for his father both in looks and his amazing athletic prowess for a big man, Moore shows great leadership skills in addition to his precocious talent, and his hanger for Oakleigh in the TAC Cup preliminary final against Sandringham underlined his ability.
Why: Father/Son romance aside, you don’t pass up a ‘free’ swing at a seriously talented key position prospect such as Moore. Initially likely to be a defender, Moore is equally dangerous at both ends.
Pick 10 – Geelong: Jake LEVER, Calder Cannons (194cm 85kg) damaging athletic KPD.
Plays like: Sam Fisher
Seldom has a prospect engendered so much talk amongst football watchers without playing a single game. Lever somewhat famously tore an ACL in January of this year, after dominating as an underaged, and somewhat undersized CHB for Calder and Vic Metro. Possessed of an aggressive nature and a near-obsessive work ethic, Lever is also a dangerous man to stand off as a forward due to his fantastic intercept marking and way above-average footskills for a tall. Spent the entire TAC Cup season training the house down and assisting the coaching staff at Calder, but knee issue may scare clubs off early.
Why: Enright is 33, Lonergan is pushing 31, Mackie is 30 and Harry Taylor is the baby of the Cats backline at 28. They need fresh blood in the tall department and Lever is a classic aggressive and hard-working Geelong defender.
Pick 11 – West Coast: Jarrod PICKETT, South Fremantle (179cm 76kg) electric small midfielder.
Plays like: Bradley Hill
Pickett is a home grown product, and the Eagles have a bias toward picking their own. That being said, with his incredible pace and run-and-carry threat, Pickett is a perfect choice for an Eagles midfield lacking in genuine pace and flair and is surprisingly decent at winning inside ball for a small and skinny footballer. A serious goal threat when resting forward, Pickett will be very dangerous buzzing around the feet of tall forwards.
Why: Having said at the Combine that, whilst he was comfortable being drafted by an interstate club, he would “ultimately want to get back and play at home”, Pickett may be seen as too much of a go-home threat. Adds pace to a slower midfield.
Pick 12 – Richmond: Nakia COCKATOO, NT Thunder (188cm 84kg) classy versatile mid.
Plays like: Patrick Dangerfield
After a magnificent showing at the Combine, Cockatoo is finally being talked about for more than his outstanding surname. A bigger-bodied young mid, who is physically able to crack in and win the ball on the inside, he will be a dangerous prospect as an inside/outside mid with his slashing pace and slick footskills. An explosive footballer, Cockatoo will be a difficult match up, being much beefier than most speedy players and much faster than most inside bull-types. Trained with North Melbourne during 2014.
Why: Teams that fancy themselves finals contenders can afford to take the odd punt, and having made moves for David Armitage (St.K) and Jack Trengove (Melb.) during the trading period, its no secret that the Tigers are looking for some bigger-bodied mids to help out Cotchin and co.
Pick 13 – Fremantle: Hugh GODDARD, Geelong Falcons (195cm 93kg) versatile KPP.
Plays like: Harry Taylor
Another talked about as a potential number 1 pick, Goddard didn’t have quite the season that was expected of him. Though capable at both ends, Goddard has played his best football this year as an aerial threat and classy stopper across half back. His last month of TAC Cup footballer was genuinely impressive after a middling Carnival for Vic Country, taking some big scalps and managing to sneak forward for a couple of goals. Athletically gifted and possessed of a booming left foot, Goddard has all the tools, and whilst the criticism is that he doesn’t dominate or impose on games, his last month gives hope that he is headed in that direction.
Why: McPharlin is nudging retirement, and whilst the Dockers claim to be happy enough with their KPP stocks, a potential genuine number 1 defender is not something they’ll say no to.
Pick 14 – Adelaide: Caleb MARCHBANK, Murray Bushrangers (194cm 85kg) strong-marking stopper KPD.
Plays like: Luke McPharlin
A similar player to the lad taken the pick before him, Marchbank is perhaps a more natural defender and less capable forward, although he has performed more than adequately down there on occasion. Cruelled by injury over the last couple of years, he came rocketing into first round calculations on the back of a fantastic Carnival performance for a disappointing Vic Country side, and a great start to the season for the Bushies, Marchbank is the epitome of the modern tall athletic defensive stopper, who could also spend time on a wing until his body develops.
Why: With the loss of Bock, retirement of Rutten and the lack of development – Talia aside – from the other defensive prospects, Adelaide is crying out for another KPD and Marchbank is a gem.
Pick 15 – GCS: Kyle LANGFORD, Nothern Knights (190cm 73kg) versatile tall forward/mid.
Plays like: Jarrad Grant (MUCH more talented)
It’s a clunky comparison, sure, but Langford is perfectly capable of playing as key forward to a key defender, and everything in between. Just as dangerous for the Knights as his more imposing colleague Reece McKenzie, Langford is an obscenely smooth mover for a tall young man, skillful and much tougher in marking contests than his marathon runner frame would suggest. Long-term probably a tall wingman who is able to float forward or back, Langford will be a valuable player for the Suns, despite his lack of definable role to date. Destroyed Tom Lamb in the opening Championships game.
Why: A point of difference in a somewhat homogeneous Suns midfield, Langford could well be the icing on top of the concession cake that is the Gold Coast. Too classy to ignore.
Pick 16 – North Melbourne: Liam DUGGAN, Western Jets (183cm 76kg) classy mid/half back.
Plays like: Grant Birchall (smaller)
Winner of the AIS/AFL Academy’s Ben Mitchell medal, a peer-awarded prize to the player who best typifies values such as courage, commitment, trust and leadership, Duggan is clearly a well-thought of young man. Though slim, he is adept at winning his own ball on the inside and tackles hard, but it is on the outside that he is more dangerous, with his raking left foot a weapon off a wing or half back. With good pace and an attacking midset, Duggan is a prototype modern wingman.
Why: Often accused of being workmanlike and lacking polish, the Roos addressed this criticism with the addition of Dal Santo, and Duggan is a similar player. Will be a handful alongside last year’s prized father/son star Luke McDonald.
Pick 17 – Essendon: Jordan DE GOEY, Oakleigh Chargers (187cm 82kg) physical fwd/mid.
Plays like: Jack Billings (more physical)
Dangerous as a forward, aggressive and physical as a midfielder, De Goey had a great season for the Chargers. Like Billings he is a major threat in the air, with extremely strong hands for a ‘small’, and has classy disposal with his kicking a highlight. With his aggressive attack on the ball and man, and his capability as a genuine forward target, De Goey reminds watchers a little of the great Leigh Matthews.
Why: Paul Chapman is nearly on an Aged pension, and De Goey will be a super replacement for the great man. Chapman aside, the Dons lack that hard edge in the forward half and De Goey will provide it in spades.
Pick 18 – Sydney Swans (A/S): Isaac HEENEY, Cardiff Hawks (186cm 82kg) dominant complete mid.
Plays like: Nathan Jones
THE steal of the draft, were it not for Heeney’s status as an Academy selection, he would rightly be deep in discussions for the first pick in the draft. The most completely dominant player in Division Two, he would have been the same force in Division One and could comfortably play Round 1 for the Swans. His attack on the ball is beyond compare and his skills, whilst not necessarily elite in and of themselves, are neat and incisive. He is a beast already, and a jet of a footballer.
Why: Having been smashed in the clinches by the Hawks on Grand Final day, the Swans will be more than happy to add Heeney to the midfield mix. Will play early.
Pick 19 – Carlton: Jarrod GARLETT, South Fremantle (177cm 72kg) speedy small mid/fwd.
Plays like: Jeff Garlett
One in, one out, Carlton fans will be hoping for more of the good, and less of the off-field from Garlett 2.0, and it seems they’ll get exactly that. Garlett had a superb Combine, showing elite speed and endurance and a his Championships form exhibited his skill and defensive pressure. Likely to start forward and roam higher, at least until he puts some bulk on his small frame, his tackling pressure and speed will cause nightmares for the league’s small defenders. Though small, his explosiveness away from the contest will ultimately see him transition into a small outside midfielder.
Why: With an Daisy Thomas failing to excite, Garlett 1.0 leaving for Melbourne and Judd starting to look his age at the end of a fine career, Carlton need an injection of flash and excitement. Garlett has this with the added bonus of a work ethic.
Pick 20 – Essendon: Connor MENADUE, Western Jets (188cm 69kg) explosive mid.
Plays like: Jordan Murdoch
One of the fastest footballers in the crop, Menadue stamped his claim to genuine bolter status with a top 10 finish in the 3km time trial, 20mtr sprint and repeat sprint categories at the Combine. Menadue is a lot more than a simple ‘running man’ however, with an appetite for the contest that belies his waif-like frame. One of the Jets best over the course of the TAC Cup season, his dashing runs through the middle and wings were a sight to behold, as was his willingness to take the game on.
Happy to do the hard work as well, his performance in the Jets’ elimination final loss justified his presence in first round discussions; Menadue was justifiably named BOG for a mighty 27 disposal game – at a whopping 87% efficiency – with 18 handball receives exhibiting his workrate to go with his two goals. Will need to add weight, but will be a weapon in time.
Why: With a somewhat one-paced midfield, the Bombers would be excited to have Menadue’s elite dash and intent lob at Tullamarine.
Pick 21 – St Kilda: Corey Ellis, Western Jets (185cm 76kg) slick hardworking mid.
Plays like: Nick Dal Santo
Another Jet, who has perhaps escaped the notability of his more-fancied teammates due to his less flashy approach to the game, Ellis is a lovely mix of inside and outside capability. With magnificent vision and an almost uncanny ability to slip an opponent’s tackle, Ellis is a master at playing the conduit between the in-and-under mids and the purely outside runners (although he too is effective at both roles). Like Dal Santo, Ellis is adept on both sides of his body and in time will settle into the oh-so-fashionable ‘quarterback’ role in midfield.
Why: Adding Acres and Billings to the squad addressed the Saints’ need for class in the middle, but Ellis will add more to a burgeoning midfield group. His mix of inside and outside play will allow for the more outside types to stick to that role.
EDIT: Round 2 available at http://musingsfromtheouter.wordpres...-by-the-toe-a-2014-afl-phantom-draft-round-2/
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