Draft Watcher Young Talent Time - A 2012 Mock Draft

[tigs2010]

Hey Chris,

Much prefer your selection of Membrey than Howson for us. In regards to comparisons with Darling how does he go in terms of athletecism and defensive pressure as I see them being 2 major strengths of Darling that allow him to play more as a 4th tall.

Atkins lack of production would have to see him slide a bit but IMO could be a real bargain long term to whoever picks him up.

Finally, can you give me some info on Pongracic? Obviously can win the ball but what is his speed and kicking skills like?

 

[Chris25]

Love the look of Ollie Wines. Exactly the type that the Suns need I think! Another youngster who can win some contested ball. Hope the Suns can wrangle him up somehow.

I definitely agree. I don't think the Suns will benefit from having the #1 pick. Yes, Whitfield is going to be a great player but he might not be exactly what they need. If I were in charge at the Gold Coast, I'd look to offload a kid (Caddy, Toy, Matera) and whatever else for a pick around the 8-12 range. That way they could get a shot at a Vlastuin or Wines, who in my opinion are the best fits for the Suns.

In fact, I'd probably trade GWS the #1 pick for a pick in the mini draft. Jesse Hogan would be more valuable to the Suns than Whitfield in my opinion.

Whitfield + Caddy or Vlastuin/Wines + Hogan? Considering their list, I'd take the second option.

 

[Chris25]

chris, can you tell me a bit about Tom Clurey?

I've been impressed with Clurey this year. It's a really strong group of key defenders, so there are bound to be a few who fall. But Clurey has established himself in the best 22 at Vic Country so far in the Championships. And he has been really solid, playing on both the taller WA boys and Stringer too. Has a really nice size to him, and he moves well too.

About the only thing he hasn't done for Country, is push up on the rebound. Which he was doing for the Bushrangers in the TAC Cup. But it's good to see him showing his ability as a stopper, rather than a jack of all trades defender.

 

[Chris25]

Nathan Hrovat - ready-to-go hard-at it midfielder with excellent foot skills on both sides all his playing career ( which gives him disposal options ) . Can raise intensity ( strong tackling and fending off when ball hunting ) and deliver consistantly. Described as 'diminuative' - basically derogatory - I would rate him as a bargain ( in the Beams / Elliot / Zorko mode ) and would snap him up if available.

Jacob Ballard - very athletic well-sized hard-at-it utility who can maintain intensity by getting to contests consistantly.

No doubting Hrovat has been a standout in the Championships so far. I definitely agree that he'll be a bargain. He just seems like the type of player who teams will overlook but will perform straight away, maybe recruiters have changed their philosophies with recent success stories. But history says, he might slide. I pretty much agree with what you've said though, I don't think he is too unlike Nathan Foley from Richmond.

Ballard I have been impressed with. Works hard and tackles really well, has good hands too. He's pretty much been in the bests in every game he has played in the TAC Cup this year. Really good size for a midfielder too, he looks to be developing along the same lines as Tom Sheridan did last season.

 

[Godogs247]

I'm not so sure tanking (or just losing) would be the best thing for the Bulldogs.

Your pick is already probably too early for Shaw, and dropping below Brisbane and Port Adelaide could take Plowman out of the equation too. It might well prove too early for Stringer too. Although I tend to think that if you have two first rounders (as Melbourne and the Bulldogs do) then you could take the chance on him.

But otherwise you'd be looking at midfielders. Which mght not be what you wanted to do with both first round picks.

I watch stingrays every week and can't believe Jake Calvert isn't on everyone's lips he would kill shaw -we don't need plowman we need this kick plays like one j.Brown -my nephew just said he is playing for vic country sat -bet he dominates

 

[ThePuppetMaster]

I definitely agree. I don't think the Suns will benefit from having the #1 pick. Yes, Whitfield is going to be a great player but he might not be exactly what they need. If I were in charge at the Gold Coast, I'd look to offload a kid (Caddy, Toy, Matera) and whatever else for a pick around the 8-12 range. That way they could get a shot at a Vlastuin or Wines, who in my opinion are the best fits for the Suns.

In fact, I'd probably trade GWS the #1 pick for a pick in the mini draft. Jesse Hogan would be more valuable to the Suns than Whitfield in my opinion.

Whitfield + Caddy or Vlastuin/Wines + Hogan? Considering their list, I'd take the second option.

Why should they take Whitfield at number one? Surely the whole point would be to take the player that best suits them - especially considering their talent isn't exactly lacking.

 

[matty p]

Why should they take Whitfield at number one? Surely the whole point would be to take the player that best suits them - especially considering their talent isn't exactly lacking.

Any recruiter that doesn't take the "Best Player Available", regardless of position, should be fired immediately.

 

[ThePuppetMaster]

I'm not sure Whitfield's the best available prospect.

 

[Sunny_]

From what I've seen of him, I am.

It would be hard to go past Whitfield to be honest. I wouldn't be surprised to see them get him at #1 if we finish last, and then get a mid-late first round pick from Caddy/Toy/whatever else deal and use that on an more split-packs inside player. There will still be a few quality ones in the 15-22 range.

 

[smashbox gill]

after his championships what do u expect menzel to go?

 

[borderbarry]

Any other ruckmen that might be considered for a late draft pick, or a rookie spot Chris?

 

[Chris25]

From what I've seen of him, I am.

It would be hard to go past Whitfield to be honest. I wouldn't be surprised to see them get him at #1 if we finish last, and then get a mid-late first round pick from Caddy/Toy/whatever else deal and use that on an more split-packs inside player. There will still be a few quality ones in the 15-22 range.

I agree that Whitfield is #1. As we get closer to the draft, people will start throwing up other names. But he has always been the top player in this draft class.

While he isn't the perfect fit for the Suns (like a Wines), I do think Gold Coast could use someone of his skill level on their list, who couldn't? A midfield of Ablett, O'Meara, Bennell and Whitfield would be scary. But you still need some players capable of getting it out to them. Which is where trade week will come into it, and the likes of Caddy and Toy could prove useful.

 

[Chris25]

Hey Chris,

Much prefer your selection of Membrey than Howson for us. In regards to comparisons with Darling how does he go in terms of athletecism and defensive pressure as I see them being 2 major strengths of Darling that allow him to play more as a 4th tall.

Atkins lack of production would have to see him slide a bit but IMO could be a real bargain long term to whoever picks him up.

Finally, can you give me some info on Pongracic? Obviously can win the ball but what is his speed and kicking skills like?

Glad Membrey was more to your liking. Like I said, I think Membrey compares quite well to Darling. He is a real big body, but does move well. He has been getting up the ground a bit more this year, after playing a bit deeper last season. And he tackles well too. It's worth noting that defensive pressure was hardly a strength of Darling's prior to getting drafted because he was the focal point up forward. With a change of role, he had to become more defensive. I imagine the same thing will happen with Membrey.

Atkins started a little slowly, but is starting to really find some touch now. Unfortunately I didn't get to see it, but a couple of weeks ago he had a BOG performance in the TAC Cup where it was suggested he may have got 50 disposals. I still like him as a player, so I'm hoping he gets another game for Metro.

And as for Pongracic, I still look at him as being similar to a Brent Moloney. He doesn't have amazing pace, but he isn't a liability. And he wont ever be considered an elite kick, but he isn't someone you try to avoid giving the ball to. That's not what you'd be drafting him for though.

 

[Chris25]

I watch stingrays every week and can't believe Jake Calvert isn't on everyone's lips he would kill shaw -we don't need plowman we need this kick plays like one j.Brown -my nephew just said he is playing for vic country sat -bet he dominates

Well, saying he would 'kill Shaw' or that you 'don't need Plowman' is maybe going a bit far.

He has had some nice performances this year in the TAC Cup, much better than what he showed last season at least. Which is good to see, since it's the whole point of the overage rule - being that year older and having a mature body compared to his opponents no doubt helps his game. More time up forward would probably help, because I daresay he wont be doing much ruck work if he was to make it in the AFL. And that's an issue I have with all the different leagues across the country, anyone over 190cm is made to play in the ruck despite it not really helping their draft chances that much.

With Pierce and Patolo though, hopefully Calvert can stay up forward for entire games. He is a nice strong mark, and a decent although slightly inconsistent kick. I still wouldn't have him as anything more than a late pick or rookie chance though.

 

[tigs2010]

Glad Membrey was more to your liking. Like I said, I think Membrey compares quite well to Darling. He is a real big body, but does move well. He has been getting up the ground a bit more this year, after playing a bit deeper last season. And he tackles well too. It's worth noting that defensive pressure was hardly a strength of Darling's prior to getting drafted because he was the focal point up forward. With a change of role, he had to become more defensive. I imagine the same thing will happen with Membrey.

Atkins started a little slowly, but is starting to really find some touch now. Unfortunately I didn't get to see it, but a couple of weeks ago he had a BOG performance in the TAC Cup where it was suggested he may have got 50 disposals. I still like him as a player, so I'm hoping he gets another game for Metro.

And as for Pongracic, I still look at him as being similar to a Brent Moloney. He doesn't have amazing pace, but he isn't a liability. And he wont ever be considered an elite kick, but he isn't someone you try to avoid giving the ball to. That's not what you'd be drafting him for though.

Thanks very much for the reply Chris. I think Membrey would be the ideal type we lack provided he's still there by our 2nd rounder. We desperately need a marking medium forward hence Connors is getting a game again but he is hardly a pack-buster by any means. Any info on how your boy Middleton is going?

 

[free at last]

Do you think Paparone would be too much of reach for freo's first pick Chris?

After watching Martin now, I agree with you on if we had the choice of Martin or hogan,Martin for sure,scarey amount of upside.

 

[Chris25]

Do you think Paparone would be too much of reach for freo's first pick Chris?

Definitely.

I'd have him as a second/third round prospect. He'll probably get talked up as a top 10 pick like Jackson Paine was last year, but ultimately he'll 'drop down' the order. I think Paparone is better than Paine, so he shouldn't have to wait as long but I wouldn't have him as an early pick.

I could see him struggling to find a position at AFL level - a bit like Jarrad Grant. He moves well, but doesn't really have that size or strength to dominate at CHF. He'll no doubt dominate up forward and through the midfield at WAFL level, but it could be a while before he truly becomes the forward he needs to be.

 

[jjami15]

Colqhuin (sorry if I miss spelt) was very impressive today out of the back. Very good foot skills. Certain first rounder in my opinion (remember it goes to about 20 something). Chris do you think that he could move into the middle later down the track or would he be like a Drummond? and also what's his spead like?

 

[Membling]

I rather like you having the swans taking jaksch as first, can he play ff as we desperately need one. Make it a great draft snaring Rodda would be ideal. But good to see you have us going for KPP. Hopefully pans out that way

 

[jjami15]

Definitely.

I'd have him as a second/third round prospect. He'll probably get talked up as a top 10 pick like Jackson Paine was last year, but ultimately he'll 'drop down' the order. I think Paparone is better than Paine, so he shouldn't have to wait as long but I wouldn't have him as an early pick.

I could see him struggling to find a position at AFL level - a bit like Jarrad Grant. He moves well, but doesn't really have that size or strength to dominate at CHF. He'll no doubt dominate up forward and through the midfield at WAFL level, but it could be a while before he truly becomes the forward he needs to be.

I see a future in the backline like Jake Carlile for the Bombers.

 

[Chris25]

after his championships what do u expect menzel to go?

Probably hasn't really changed all that much. I'd still have him around the 10-15 mark. Everyone keeps saying 'but what if his knee goes again?'. Well, what if it doesn't? Some teams are in a better position than others to take him - those with more than one first round pick for example. But I'd happily pick him.

Any other ruckmen that might be considered for a late draft pick, or a rookie spot Chris?

There is only one ruckman in this draft - Grundy.

Gilmore, Prowse and Pierce might be rookie chances. I don't mind Kaiden Brand, and I've seen some nice things from Karl Muller. But both would probably want to grow a couple more centimetres, otherwise they'll be branded as pinch hitters.

Most of the ruckmen taken will be projects though.

 

[year of the cat]

Chris, when are you next planning on updating your mock? I, along with others, will be interested to view a post championship version.

 

[Imformant]

Hey chris, curious to know your thoughts on Anthony bonaddio , afew had him earlier going pick 30 onwards and see knightmare saying rookie now , he made metro but not final cut due too form as far as l can see but recently seen him be the best for northern knights 2 weeks in a row and 2nd best in most recent game win also kicking 2-3 goals per game , interested in your thoughts on him at this present time and if he was to keep up with this form thanks n good to see you guys really putting in the time n effort on all players. Ps good luck to all players

 

[Chris25]

Chris, when are you next planning on updating your mock? I, along with others, will be interested to view a post championship version.

Guess I'll update it post Championships then.

Hey chris, curious to know your thoughts on Anthony bonaddio , afew had him earlier going pick 30 onwards and see knightmare saying rookie now , he made metro but not final cut due too form as far as l can see but recently seen him be the best for northern knights 2 weeks in a row and 2nd best in most recent game win also kicking 2-3 goals per game , interested in your thoughts on him at this present time and if he was to keep up with this form thanks n good to see you guys really putting in the time n effort on all players. Ps good luck to all players

Bonaddio has never featured in my top 30, I've always tended to have him as a late pick or even in the rookie draft. I've seen him play live a few times, and he has actually been reasonably impressive. But he perhaps doesn't have any real standout features to his game - which is necessary to be picked early, especially for someone his size. He has good speed, good skills, good agility. Just maybe nothing great.

 

[year of the cat]

Guess I'll update it post Championships then.

Great. Thanks.