Consolidated Draft Profiles

[Couch Coach]

Jake Cox - (OM) 28 September 1989, 184cm 71kg. Tas/Glenorchy

"Jason McCartney: Jake Cox – He was very good in the first half, but he fell away in the second half. Still, his start on the wing was very impressive. He has very good speed, is a left-footer and he was very attacking, taking the game on. He had 13 disposals – including 12 first-half touches – and four hard-ball gets."

"Quigley: Cox – another tall running wingman but without the vision and class disposal of Robinson. He runs hard and gets himself open pretty easily. He tackles well and can take a good mark. His kicking needs work."

 

[Couch Coach]

Taylor Duryea - (IM / OM) 24 April 1991, 179cm 80kg. NSW/ACT RAMS/Murry Bushrangers

"Jason McCartney: Taylor Duryea – He's a left-footer and is a really good disposer of the ball. He's got great composure and because he uses the ball so well, he's got that ability to really influence the game. He's got some really nice poise and balance and he can also win the footy as well. He gave his side great drive, winning 17 disposals, six hard-ball gets and five inside 50s, so it was a very good game from Taylor."

"ant555: Taylor Duryea – 179cm, 80kg – NSW/ACT Rams/Murray Bushrangers.
Bottom aged midfielder with a pretty solid body. Has pretty good pace and can be used in a few different roles from defence to forward and on ball. Skills are pretty good and his run out of the back half is good.
Another who will be looked at late in the draft."

 

[Couch Coach]

John Bennell - (SF) 1 February 1990, 174cm 68kg. WA/Peel Thunder

"Jason McCartney: John Bennell - John was another player I hadn't seen much of. He's an indigenous boy and he kicked four goals and showed great agility, pace and forward pressure. He's typical of the indigenous boys coming through and is exciting with the footy in his hands. It was a really good, consistent first up game from him."

 

[Couch Coach]

Jacob Hislop - (IM) 23 June 1990, 183cm 70kg. Tas/Burnie

"Jason McCartney: Jacob Hislop - He is the younger brother of Tom, who plays at Essendon. Jacob is really hard at it and he kicked a great goal in the third quarter; a snap from the boundary line. He led the way and had 17 disposals, four clearances and six tackles, so he could really hold his head high."

"Quigley: Hislop – solid guy with good height for a midfielder. He has an innate ability to position himself to receive the ball from ruck contests and accordingly he gets first hands on the ball more often than not. The problem though is that he does not seem to have very fast hands and he rarely seems to get the ball away and is caught with the ball entirely too much and turns the ball over a lot. Disposal is only average. Someone might like him and give him a chance but I would be reluctant to take him."

 

[Couch Coach]

Michael Still - (KPF) 24 March 1991, 192cm 81kg. Northern Knights/Eltham

"foj1:: 27. Michael Still 192cm 81kg Northern Knights
Bottom age tall who has more than a touch of class. Has very good hands and is athletic. Has a bigger upside than most and is one who’s stocks may rise as the TAC season continues."

"HFF 07: MICHAEL STILL 192cm 81kg KP Northern Knights
Bottom aged tall, is a very classy mover and has strong hands, is also very athletic for a KPP
PROS: - Classy, Marking,
CONS: - none to note/unkown
PREDICTION 50 - 80"

"VIC CROW: Michael Still has a ridiculously strong set of hands, but at this stage he doesn't seem to have a lot of other weapons. A pretty good leap actually. His kicking for goal is very suspect and he's not too quick or agile. I would be surprised if he got drafted this year as a bottom ager (though I just checked his DOB and he is eligible) but with improvement he's a chance to go in 2009. He was one of the key forward options I was talking about that Northern have an abundance of."(Vic Crow has PM'd me that his opinions have changed therefore take this into account.)

 

[Couch Coach]

Luke Tapscott - (SF) 28 June 1991, 178cm 82kg. SA/North Adelaide/Orroroo

"Jason McCartney: Luke Tapscott – Luke came in to play a defensive role on young Andrew Hooper, who has provided Vic Country with a lot of run and rebound and has been really solid in the backline. Not only did Luke put a stop on Hooper, he also booted five goals and looked as if he really loved the contest. He kept his feet really well, loved the contested situations and to finish with five goals from just nine possessions was a great result for him and South Australia."

"rizzo: Luke Tapscott - 82kg - 178cm - 28.06.1991
To young to be drafted, but is gearing himself up to be a top 20 pick next year. Nice size, nice natural football ability. I like how strong he is through the body. Think Chapman in that regard. Is a genuine goal kicker, that wins his own ball. I think he needs to work a little more defensively however. Seems at times to just watch what is happening around him.
Skills - Strength, Goal sense, Goal kicking ability"

PLEASE NOTE THAT LUKE IS TOO YOUNG TO BE DRAFTED (Thanks to Vic Crow for pointing out)

 

[Couch Coach]

Ben Speight - (OM) 2 May 1990, 177cm 71kg. SA/Norwood/Hope Valley

"HFF 07: BEN SPEIGHT 177cm 71kg FP/HFF/MID Norwood
Nice skills and a touch of class about him the way he goes about it, has a good engine and continued to present and make an option,
PROS: - Engine, Presents well, Tough, Work Rate,
CONS: - Size, Skills (let him down a couple of times),
PREDICTION: 35 - 50"

"ant555: Ben Speight – 177cm, 71kg – Norwood.
Not a name that has been mentioned a lot but is one player who I was impressed with in both the games I saw him play. Small midfielder/forward who has good skills on both sides of the body most of the time (he did kick a couple of ordinary balls in the game against NSW). Reads the play well and is good in close with his hands. Terrific work rate and ran hard all day to make an option or to receive. Played a little bit of time at half back and gave good run out of defence.
May not be taken in the second round but I feel he is a really good third or fourth round prospect."

"rizzo: Ben Speight - 71kg - 177cm - 02.05.1990
A bit smaller then some but really really powerful through the hips. He creates a lot of running going forward and has the disposal to back it up. Many times throughout the games ive seen him in, he has been able to shake of tackles. Sometimes he just needs to lower his eyes a little.
Skills - Running, Endurance, Disposal"

 

[Couch Coach]

Patrick Hayes - (D) 11 March 1989, 190cm 80kg. Calder Cannons/Aberfeldie

"foj1:: 49. Patrick Hayes 190cm 80kg Calder
Extremely quick and athletic former representative hockey player. A few clubs had more than a nibble at him last year and his rate of improvement this year has been pleasing and has the scope to improve significantly more. The queries on Hayes are his kicking which has improved as the season has progressed and his decision making which is a little scratchy. However, Hayes shows speed from half back which doesn’t break lines it destroys them. A touch of Tadgh Kennelly about him.Been a rare exciting rookie for Calder."

"HFF 07: PATRICK HAYES 190cm 80kg UTILITY Calder Cannons
Former state hockey player, couple of AFL clubs were keen on him last year, has pace to burn and has improved out of sight this year, has plenty of room to improve and could prove to be a handy late draft pick up.
PROS: - Size, Improvement, Line breaker (a.k.a Tadgh Kennely),
CONS: - Decision making, Kicking, Marking
PREDICTION: 50 - 70"

"ant555: Patrick Hayes – 190cm, 80kg – Calder Cannons.
Running half back with good defensive skills and reasonably good pace. He is unusual in the fact that he is an over age kid in his first full year at TAC Cup level. Loves to run from half back and he reads the ball coming into defence well, allowing him to get to a lot of contests. Is good around the defensive stoppages. Has a bit of a question mark on his kicking.
He is a bit of a chance for later in the draft or a rookie spot"

 

[Couch Coach]

Daniel Spiteri - (IM) 8 April 1991, 173cm 71kg. NSW/ACT RAMS/East Coast

"Jason McCartney: Daniel Spiteri – Wearing the helmet, Daniel is only 173cm. But for a little fella, the left-footer has got tremendous heart and courage. He's an in-and-under player and won the ball 17 times. He gets his fair share of contested football and rebounds and is a penetrating kick. He plays as a high half-forward/midfielder. You've just got to commend the way he goes about it, because he's one of the smallest players in the carnival, but he sets such a standard"

"rizzo: Daniel Spiteri - 71kg - 173cm - 08.04.1991
The little helmet boy has really impressed me. The helmet puts recruiters off but he overall is a pretty good package. Very short, but is nice as solid. I like his ability to lead up the ground and run back with the ball. Is a nice set shot and has an engine.
Skills - Endurance, Forward smarts, Set shots"

 

[Couch Coach]

Jeremy Kirkwood - (OM) 4 February 1991, 175cm 73kg. SA/Port Adelaide/Pooraka

"Jason McCartney: Jeremy Kirkwood – Without getting high stats, Jeremy has been very consistent throughout the championships. He has predominantly played as a run-with player on the wing. He's pretty athletic; he's worked on his kicking – although it is still marginal – but he's a quality kid and it was really pleasing to see him win 15 touches with a mix of contested and uncontested footy. He's very, very disciplined, having kept Daniel Rich quiet earlier in the championships."

"rizzo: Jeremy Kirkwood - 75kg - 184cm - 07.05.1991
Very similar to Klemke, except better. A little bit taller which helps and also younger. Won’t be taken this year, but next year he will really come of age.
Skills - Versitile, Ball getting"

 

[Couch Coach]

Jake Walsh - (KPF) 30 March 1991, 196cm 96kg. VicM/Northern Knights/Ivanhoe

"foj1:: 35. Jake Walsh 196cm 96kg Vic Metro
Bottom age powerhouse who is capable of taking a very strong mark. Will need to work on being more agile and being cleaner below his knees however you cant teach his size. Will need to refine his body to ensure that he doesn’t get too big but could be a hard to handle key forward at AFL level. Unfortunately he could also be Ryan Willits who just couldn’t acquire the athleticism to make it."

"ant555: Jake Walsh -196cm, 96kg –Northern Knights.
Bottom aged tall who has played at both ends of the ground and in the ruck this year. Has struggled a bit to put together consistent footy this year but has shown some good glimpses of form so far. On his best days he has taken some very good contested marks and kicked a few goals. His pace is ok for a big bloke.
At seventeen years old I think he will be very attractive as a project tall. Should go fourth round or so."

 

[Couch Coach]

Johnny Rayner - (F) 25 March 1991, 184cm 66kg. Western Jest/Taylors Lakes

"foj1:: 44. Johnny Rayner 184cm 66kg Western Jets
A left field bottom aged selection however a bit of method in my madness. Rayner had a string of 3/4 games which were very promising before a back injury has put him on the shelf for possibly the rest of the season. Rayner is a national quality 400m to 3km runner and this is a fair qualification to have on your resume in today’s football. Rayner obviously needs to bulk up considerably but he might be one of those selections that pay handsome dividends into the future."

 

[Couch Coach]

Luke McDonald - (KPF) 29 April 1990, 195cm 84kg. VicM/Eastern Rangers/Scoresby

"foj1:: 50. Luke McDonald 195cm 84kg Vic Metro
McDonald has a very strong pair of hands. Marking is his forte right now however McDonald needs to continue to work on his allround game. In a draft full of promising talls he may come up short however he reminds me a little of Scott Simpson from last year and clubs might see that this big guy could develop into a potent key position player."

"HFF 07: LUKE MCDONALD 195cm 84kg KPP Eastern Rangers
Strong set of hands and does that extremely well. Seems to get lost at times in the thick of TAC footy, needs to work on his all round game,
PROS: - Marking, Contested marking, Size,
CONS: - Contesting, Athleticism,
PREDICTION: 70 - 100"

 

[Couch Coach]

Leigh Kitchin - (IM) 8 January 1990, 180cm 80kg. Eastern Rangers/Wantirna South

"ant555: Leigh Kitchen – 180cm, 73kg – Eastern Rangers.
Has bounced back pretty well after missing all of last season. Good midfielder or small forward who reads the hit outs well and has good crumbing skills up forward. His work rate is very good and he tackles well. Finds a heap of the ball and he handballs a lot but it is generally creative. The down side is his kicking. He is not a great user of the ball by foot.
Possible rookie chance."

"Schmoo: Leigh Kitchin - 180cm, 80kg - Eastern Rangers
Absolute ball magnet this kid has been slipping under the radar of some of the scouts, but the rumour is that a couple of clubs are interested. He's the type of player you'd want in your team if you're life depended on it, just goes in and gets the ball (a lot). Currently averaging 14 kicks, 14 handballs, 5 tackles and 4 marks a game for the Eastern Ranges. I'd be surprised if he slips through to round two of the draft, but if he does could be a great find for a club without an engine room."

 

[Couch Coach]

Alex Wilson - (IM / OM) 4 January 1991, 178cm 70kg. SA/Sturt/Mitcham Hawks

"ant555: Alex Wilson – 178cm, 70kg – Sturt.
Bottom age small midfielder with pretty good skills on both sides. Smart player who reads the game well and can find a bit of the ball. Pace is reasonably good. Is rather small so he would be a longer term proposition.
Maybe a later pick in the draft."

 

[Couch Coach]

Max Wilson - (R) 7 March 1990, 197cm 105kg. NSW/ACT RAMS/North Shore (Fremantle NSW Scholarship)

"HFF 07: MAX WILSON 197cm 105kg RUCK North Shore (NSW/ACT)
A big strong agressive ruckmen,dont have much info on him, but is a big lump of a lad, is really hard at the contest and doesnt mind throwing his body around.
PROS: - Physical, Aressive,
CONS: - none i can recod
PREDICTION: Rookie Pick"

"Jason McCartney: Max Wilson - A strong, big aggressive ruckman, he adds so much to this team. He really leads the way with his physicality."

"rizzo: Max Wilson - 105kg - 197cm - 07.03.1990
Absolutely brutal this kid. Had massive wraps on him last year, and I still do. Has a very controlled agression on both the player and the man. Disposal seems to let him down a bit, and is pretty heavy for a bloke his size. Wouldn’t call him fat though. Likes to use his body which is a good sign. Ruckwork is pretty good and seemed to handle the job of drifting back very well.
Skills - Size, Attack on the ball and man, Play an extra man down back"

 

[Couch Coach]

Jordan Foster - (F) 5 April 1990, 190cm 85kg. NSW/ACT RAMS/Mangoplah-Cue

"Jason McCartney: Jordan Foster - His contested marking - he took three in the first five minutes of game one - is fantastic. He's also a good finisher in front of goal and although he didn't get a lot of the ball in game two, he marked everything that came his way. He's one player who has really jumped up, so that's a real positive."

"rizzo: Jordan Foster - 85kg - 190cm - 05.04.1990
Was very very solid down back all carnival. He is very athletic for his height and can run a bit. Probably needs to be taught more on how to position himself when the ball was coming down. At 190 i think we will see him get to about 194cm which will make him a tall defender. His determination is also a stand out. Never gives up on a contest and is always there and abouts.
Skills - Determination, Athletic, Endurance"

"Quigley: Foster – was the NSW FF. He is a good mark and reads the ball well coming in. He took 5 or 6 very nice contested marks inside 50 against the Qlders. His kicking for goal could be better. He has reasonable height and has a good jump."

 

[Couch Coach]

Patrick Heenan - (SD) 25 August 1990, 178cm 75kg. NT/Palmerston

"Jason McCartney: Patrick Heenan - I've liked what I've seen of him in the last two games - I haven't seen him much since he was in under 16s - and he's now at Melbourne Grammar. He played a loose role in the back-pocket and he's got a license to free up and attack, but he makes good decisions. What I like about him is that he's got great balance and takes the game on. He's been good."

"ant555: Patrick Heenan -168cm, 63kg – Palmerston.
Not much of him but he is quick. Loves to run with the ball and is very elusive. Given his size as you would expect he plays an outside role but he is very effective running the ball out of the back half. His skills are good on both sides and he can kick the ball a long way. Very smart player. Has been playing school footy in Melbourne.
Unlike a lot of other very small blokes Patrick has speed and skill which will see him looked at more favourably. Should go somewhere later in the draft.'

"Quigley: Heenan – very elusive small who has great pace. Disposal can be a little hit and miss but when he gets the ball he is good to watch. Height may count against him."

 

[Couch Coach]

Scott Blessing - (SD) 11 February 1990, 184cm 80kg. SA/West Adelaide/Edwardstown

"ant555: Scott Blessing -184cm, 80kg –West Adelaide.
Played mainly defence in the champ games I saw him play. His run from half back was good. Pace and skills where good. Read the play well and knew where to go to get involved. Kicked mainly on the right side in the few games I saw him in.
Like a lot of the small defenders/midfielders he will be in the mix somewhere late in the draft or the rookie draft if he gets picked."

"rizzo: Scott Blessing - 80kg - 184cm - 11.02.1990
Smaller version of Broadbent. Plays the exact same role, with a touch more outsideness. He is very good defensively and will always follow up. A couple times he has had the chance to be front and center but decided to go up which was a bit disappointing.
Skills - Run and carry, Agility, A real play setter off half back"

"Anonymous: Scott Blesing: About 184-186 cms, 78-80kgs? Midfielder come backman. Scott possess fantastic all round skills especially by foot. His leadership potential was recognised and rewarded when he was named captain of the S.A. U/16 and U/18 teams respectively. Not overly quick or agile but certainly doesnt lack in these catagories either. A very solid, well rounded football player. Scott was also the captain of Westminster 1st XVIII last year."

 

[Couch Coach]

Matt Thomson - (IM) 25 September 1990, 175cm 65kg. QLD/Redlands

"Jason McCartney: Matt Thomson - A ball-winner, he's not the biggest kid going around, but he finds the footy and he uses it well - he's now had a couple of solid games. He got 28 touches against NSW/ACT."

"ant555: Matt Thomson – 175kcm, 65kg – Queensland / Redlands.
Small rover who found a heap of the ball for Queensland during their champ and TAC Cup games. Pretty good user of the ball on both sides of the body. His clearance work is very good and his handball in close is very good. Gets in and under but is a smart player and he runs to areas where he can receive the ball as well. His pace is only average. For a kid his size he tackles really well. Will do the one percenters. He leads his side on the field.
The fact that he is rather small and not super quick counts against him being drafted but he is a natural player who someone should take a chance with late in the draft.'

"Quigley: Thomson – the best of the Qlders by a fair margin. He racked up a mass of possession over the three games averaging almost 28 a game. He played through the middle and won a lot of clearance ball but also ran hard and made himself available as a link man. He has quick hands, good vision and excellent endurance. He also tackles well and will put his body on the line. He is quicker than he looks although he is not a burner (I would expect him to go around 3 for the 20). The one big issue as far as being a draft prospect goes is his height. I think he is likely at this stage to come in under 180 and we all know how hard it is to get picked if you are under 180 and are not an absolute burner. I think though that he is not eligible for this year’s draft so we might get to see more of him next year. He is definitely one to watch."

 

[Couch Coach]

Justin Myers - (OM) 16 April 1990, 179cm 83kg. QLD/Wide Bay/Redlands

"Jason McCartney: Justin Myers - He came under my attention - I haven't seen a lot of him - and he looks a really neat player. He won the ball 22 times and his finishing was really good too. He followed up, kicked a couple of goals and was good in the corridor."

"ant555: Justin Myers – 179cm, 83kg – Redlands.
Hard at it half back /midfielder. Has reasonable skills and reads the play well. Has a good defensive game and can find the ball off half back. Pace is reasonable but not overly quick. Loves to hit the contest hard and tackles well.
Possible late pick or rookie draft chance."

"Quigley: Myers – solid midfielder who was one of the better players for the Scorpions. He is a hard at it player who attacks the ball pretty well and seems to revel in the physical side of the contest. Again though I don’t think he did enough running and might have been better played off the HBF or HFF in a better balanced team. He picked up a couple of nice goals when matched up on Ediriwikrama and also did a pretty good job on Williams when he was given the job."

 

[Couch Coach]

Ben Power - (R) 23 Februaray 1990, 199cm 84kg. VicM/Northern Knights/Warrandyte

"VIC CROW: Ben Power showed signs in the ruck too and took a very good contested mark in the first quarter running back with the flight."

"Bombers pacers07: I play club footy with Vic metro's Backup Ruckman Ben Power. About 194cm and 75-80kg. Doesnt really dominate that much around the ground and is weak whenever he gets tackled, but dominates the ruck each and every game."

"???: ...while ruckman Ben Power had one of his most dominant games with great tap work, while chiming in with three goals of his own.(08 Against NT)"

 

[Couch Coach]

Cambell Heath - (D / OM) 1 April 1991, 187cm 85kg. Gippsland Power/Maffra

"ant555: Campbell Heath – 187cm, 75kg – Gippsland Power.
Tallish bottom age kid who has good pace. Has had some good games playing either wing or half back this year. He is a pretty good over head mark and his skills are pretty good although he could use a bit more work on his kicking.
An outside chance who may be left until next year."

 

[Couch Coach]

Matt Suckling - (IM) 11 January 1989, 183cm 84kg. Sandringham Dragons/East Burwood

"ant555: Matt Suckling – 183cm, 84kg – Sandringham Dragons.
He has had a pretty good year this year for Sandy as an overage player. Has come back well after missing a lot of footy last year and has been consistently in Sandringham’s best players. Strong bodied midfielder with reasonable pace. Reads the game well and his skills are generally pretty good. Generally finds a lot of the ball and uses it pretty well.
I think there would be worse selections than this bloke for a rookie spot."

 

[Couch Coach]

Matt Kilpin - (SD) 24 January 1990, 186cm 84kg. VicM/Oakleigh Chargers/Old Trinity

"ant555: Matt Kilpin -186cm, 84kg Oakleigh Chargers / Old Trinity.
Mid sized utility that did well during the Champs as a defender. Has only average pace but is prepared to rebound from defence and work hard. Puts in all day and does all the one percenters to help out his team mates. His kicking is ok but not outstanding. His roles in the TAC Cup have varied having played games at half back, in the midfield and resting forward. He has racked up some good numbers in some games and can kick a goal when he is played forward.
Late in the draft or rookie draft."