BigFooty Official 2012 Big Footy Phantom Draft

[LemmingMaster]

Marsh is by the strong contested footballer, i also think his kicking is more consistent and he's as strong overhead. Simply the better prospect for mine.

Wilkens looked a little lost against the bigger boys up from Colts, not sure he likes the tough stuff, so I can understand Marsh being a better prospect.

 

[TJ1996]

Marsh is by the strong contested footballer, i also think his kicking is more consistent and he's as strong overhead. Simply the better prospect for mine.

Yeah I wanted to say that but I thought my EF bias would show through. I've only seen Wilkins play once though

 

[ROYAL EAGLE]

Wilkins ahead of Marsh? Howson ahead of Rodda? Would never happen. Football is a contact sport.

Hi EH

Just thought Harrison Marsh would go through to the rookie draft, so I left him out on purpose.

As for Howson he is a genuine swingman and thought he offers something we dont really have as a kp at the moment apart from McInnes.

Rodda is a one position player, so toss of the coin there between him and Howson, Howson is a little more athletic as well.

 

[foj1]

Thanks for that foj1. I guess he might be in the mix for us then, if we look to get someone that's ready to at FB. Has he been close to getting drafted before, or did kicking and hands below knees issues hold him back?

Kicking clean hands and injury have all hurt. I think he would be a real chance at least for a rookie spot.

 

[Tazwegian]

You've made a Tazwegian very happy.

I've been waiting for that moment! It was getting tense there for awhile

 

[swannies]

swannies

Apologies all too busy being cranky at work.

I took McIntosh at 39.

I'll pick him again though!

 

[swannies]

Hi EH

Just thought Harrison Marsh would go through to the rookie draft, so I left him out on purpose.

As for Howson he is a genuine swingman and thought he offers something we dont really have as a kp at the moment apart from McInnes.

Rodda is a one position player, so toss of the coin there between him and Howson, Howson is a little more athletic as well.

Not with me around RE

 

[tigs2010]

Pick #66 - Sydney - Mason Middleton (KPF)
Height: 191cm
Weight: 95kg
Club: West Adelaide

Mason is an interesting one and a kid who haven't seen much of but what I have seen I rate highly. Really big bodied kid from Barmera in country SA. Suffered a few injuries this year I believe which has affected a) his continuity & production and b) his chances of being drafted main draft. Missed out on the SA National squad which was a little bit of a surprise for me (though he could have been injured - Chris may have an idea of this) Middleton is a really good athlete who has a tremendous leap and great strength as evidenced by his ability to play as a 2nd ruck. However, at AFL level he will be purely a forward. His contested marking and accurate kicking for goal are the highlights of his game.

In his 7 H&A games at under 18 level he averaged 17 possessions, 5 marks and kicked 19.6. He backed this up on his return in the finals with a 16 disposal 11 mark (6 contested) 4.2 game.

For Sydney, I would hope he would develop into a big strong full-forward who would compliment Sam Reid perfectly heading into the future. Pre-injury I would have had been happy to snap him up around 40 with the attributes he brings to the table (strong, athletic, contested marking and accuracy in front of goal) so was happy to get him here even though he's a fair chance to go rookie draft if at all in the real thing.

 

[tigs2010]

Pick #67 - Sam Siggins (KPD)
Height: 195cm
Weight: 82kg
Club: Lauderdale

Had Siggins lined up for one of my picks in the 40's until Corr slid through and he was too hard to pass up. To get this kid in the 60's. Was hoping one of 3 KPD's were going to be available here and as it turns out they all were so Siggins it is. Tall, lanky KPD from Tasmania who looks like filling out into a really nice size. Has a good mix between his defensive game as well as his attacking/rebounding game. His first priority seems to be to stop his man and then he will look to rebound once his main job is done. Doesn't get a heap of the ball but when he does his skills are very good for a tall defender. He reminds me of a young Richmond player in Dylan Grimes with his strong shutdown game but also surprisingly good skills when rebounding. Will fit in Sydney's no dickhead's policy with his strong leadership attributes. IMO Siggins is a great long-term replacement for Teddy Richards at full back and along with Sam Reid who is already at the club I feel like I've drafted a future spine for the club with Middleton, Reid, Lonergan, Corr, Siggins.

 

[Snoop Dog]

# 69 Melbourne - Dan Nicholson

# 70 Carlton - Anthony Tipungwuti (Beowulf sent)

# 71 Hawthorn - Andrew Boston (Swannies sent)

# 72 Melbourne - Michael Evans (RU)

# 73 Essendon - Mark Baguley (RU)

# 74 Carlton - Ed Curnow (RU)

# 75 St Kilda - Jack Frost (Williamstown)

The cheek in me says to take Ben Jacobs but I think we should leave him out as he wasn't in for the whole process so lets assume he can't be taken.

Have gone for Jack Frost albeit I probably rate Leigh Osborne more highly and I think they equally have the need for him. Frost has been plying his trade in the VFL for 3 years after coming perilously close to being drafted out of the TAC ( i had him in my mock that year and was pretty sure he would go so was staggered he didn't even make the rookie cut....all that says given I have had in every mock since I might be biased!). Whilst he tested incredibly well (2.8s for 20m) unfortunately he had some hip issues which have plagued him for a while but he was again at the forefront of recruiters minds at end of last year I think it was when he was an outstanding player for Willy in their finals series. Unfortunately injuries got the better of him again at the start of this year but he forced his way back into the senior side just in time for finals and made the most of his chance by absolutely belting some of the best VFL forwards going around. I am led to believe his injury issues are behind him and he along with Joel Tippett would be the best ready made defenders going around. Stands your 194cm, has long arms and terrific speed. His kicking is good enough but it isn't elite. What makes up for it though is he positions himself well and he makes good quick decisions. He could work straight into that Saints side. Tippett and Hartigan are other options and Tippett must be very close but I will stick with this kid as been on his shoulders for 3 years and now might be the time.

 

[Monocle]

# 78 Geelong. Josh Saunders. 182 cm 75 kg. 31.08.94. Geelong Falcons.

Always a bit of a crap shoot when you get this far down the draft. However I have decided to take a punt on Saunders because he brings a lot of the skills that are required in todays game. Saunders has versatility that could appeal. He is mainly an outside player but he can play inside and the players who can do both are sought after. Saunders has a good endurance and more importantly he has very good pace which he uses well as a run and carry player. I see him as a player who can be part of a midfield rotation and a side looking for genuine pace will be attracted to Saunders. His pace enables him to get seperation from opponents and he does this all day. He didnt play all season with the Falcons as he had school commitments with Geelong College so that makes it a little harder to guage his true value.

Others that I considered were Ben Saunders the South Fremantle medium forward who kicked 66 goals in the WAFL last season, Sean Lynch another South Fremantle player who has merit at this point in the draft and I also strongly considered East Perth's Jackson Ramsay who if he had not been injured in the middle of the season I suspect would also be already off the board.

In the end it was a toss up between Josh Saunders and Jackson Ramsay and I have gone the local lad.

 

[Hank93]

Doesn't Adelaide have pick 64? Snoop Dog Chris25 Thunderstruck

 

[Chris25]

It may be incorrect, but I believe we were working under the assumption that Adelaide only had two live picks?

Graham, Crouch and Callinan all come onto the senior list. Meanwhile Knights, Doughty, Symes and Tippett (or whoever gets delisted because of him) are all gone, plus you only had 39 on your list last year - which gives an extra spot.

So, 5 out and 3 in gives two live picks? For some reason though, Adelaide's rookie upgrades aren't in the OP.

 

[swansfan51]

Jason Ashby? AFL.com.au listed him in their top 30 prospects and while I think that is a bit generous he looks like going undrafted here. Could he have similar impact to someone like Jacob Townsend?

 

[Humble Minion]

Jason Ashby? AFL.com.au listed him in their top 30 prospects and while I think that is a bit generous he looks like going undrafted here. Could he have similar impact to someone like Jacob Townsend?

Top 30 is pushing it imho. He's a good player and will certainly be either or drafted or rookied, but I think his problem is that he's just a bit vanilla. Not standout in pace, doesn't pull out 30-possession games every week, not a huge goalkicker, doesn't have a pinpoint 65m flat pass, not a clearance machine. He just does a job through the middle and across the hb line, he's reliable, professional, and rarely makes mistakes. There's a lot of blokes like that (given the increasing professionalism of the various u18 comps), and in fact he's one I considered seriously for my last pick before taking a very similar type in Temay.

 

[Knightmare]

Some good players still left! Disappointed Snoop Dog allocated Louis Herbert to Swannies, was hoping for either he or Mason Wood to slide but sadly no such luck. Strongly considered Harley Montgomery but I think he could be had as a rookie so instead I went a guy who not only fills the clubs most pressing need (back flanker who can use it well and add some pace) but is also someone I have in my top 40 and see as a 2nd or 3rd rounder on draft day.

#79 Collingwood - Cameron Banfield (VIC - Util)

Always seems to have plenty of time and space. Has played mostly down back this season but also has the versatility to also play through the midfield or up forward. Down back Banfield this year has shown the ability to set up play and generate meaningful forward movements by foot. Banfield is one of those players with more time than the next player and finds his targets by foot every time. Reads it well and can take those intercept marks. Can win his own ball but has more of an outside game. Tackling game strong. Also has some really nice pace with a nice sidestep and the ability to really break away. 1v1 ability not bad either and later in the season showed some ability to play shutdown roles demonstrating that he has the ability to be more than an instant offense player which is encouraging and suggests he has the ability to play a variety of roles in a variety of positions at the next level.

 

[Toadvine]

I'm with you Knightmare. I think he'll go a lot earlier on draft day. Banfield was a big part of the Dragons offense in the TAC.

 

[tigs2010]

Knightmare was going to post before there is a perfect player for the Pies still left. Banfield is a great fit.

 

[Knightmare]

Thanks fellas. Was very pleased Banfield made it through this late.

Still a couple I others I see also potentially going in that 2nd - 3rd round area on draft day so will be interesting to know whether they get selected with any of these final selections.

Gives me real optimism that Collingwood have a strong chance to add some ok backmen in the rookie draft with Langdon, Ballard and Montgomery also still available and perhaps sliding through as others I rate highly.

Some serious value left with James Stewart and Darcy Fort both of whom I have going as early as 2nd round. Brad Hartman could be an interesting late selction along with Tullio Dematteis. Also a little surprised Irra and Heavyside are still available. Will be interesting to see whether any of these get selected with the final selections in this draft or whether some more smokies get pulled out.

 

[LemmingMaster]

Top 30 is pushing it imho. He's a good player and will certainly be either or drafted or rookied, but I think his problem is that he's just a bit vanilla. Not standout in pace, doesn't pull out 30-possession games every week, not a huge goalkicker, doesn't have a pinpoint 65m flat pass, not a clearance machine. He just does a job through the middle and across the hb line, he's reliable, professional, and rarely makes mistakes. There's a lot of blokes like that (given the increasing professionalism of the various u18 comps), and in fact he's one I considered seriously for my last pick before taking a very similar type in Temay.

Before I edited my post, I had Ashby going to North instead of Paparone. I just thought Paparone provided more upside and was worth taking instead. It is interesting that people I've talked to have also explained Ashby exactly like you've said here.

 

[LemmingMaster]

# 78 Geelong. Josh Saunders. 182 cm 75 kg. 31.08.94. Geelong Falcons.

A
In the end it was a toss up between Josh Saunders and Jackson Ramsay and I have gone the local lad.

Ramsay was already taken, he would have been picked up by me last round anyway.

 

[swansfan51]

Top 30 is pushing it imho. He's a good player and will certainly be either or drafted or rookied, but I think his problem is that he's just a bit vanilla. Not standout in pace, doesn't pull out 30-possession games every week, not a huge goalkicker, doesn't have a pinpoint 65m flat pass, not a clearance machine. He just does a job through the middle and across the hb line, he's reliable, professional, and rarely makes mistakes. There's a lot of blokes like that (given the increasing professionalism of the various u18 comps), and in fact he's one I considered seriously for my last pick before taking a very similar type in Temay.

What standout attributes did Nick Smith have? Probably why he went as a rookie. If Ashby can do the bolded similarly I'd take him any day. Most of these players with 'an elite attribute' we are talking up in the 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s won't even play 50 AFL matches.

 

[Snoop Dog]

I suspect GWS will probably take a mature age type around here and would think a bloke like Bate would make sense for them as they could throw him a few different roles. Lonergan would be another given Clifton and Macca have moved on. But in the end have gone for

# 82 GWS - Max Duffy (East Fremantle)

I dont have all my notes with me but Max is a super talented 19yo medium fwd who has struggled with a few off field issues. Was rated highly enough as a junior to be taken to the AIS and didnt end up getting drafted last year but hit back by having a terrific season at East Freo. His first half of the year was very good and I was really surprised he didnt make the state side. Had the pleasure of seeing him on a number of occasions this year and would be terrible if this kid wasnt put on the national stage. He is a great height, needs to fill out a bit, but has genuine x factor and could walk into senior footy next year. His testing results are good so there are no issues there. He might go rookie in the real thing but I am pretty confident of him.

This draft is genuinely open isn't it? I have Max rated in the 50's and there were 3 or 4 others would love to have taken. Nick Hayes from SA is one who I rate pretty highly along with Brad Hartman. Jack JOhnstone from Gippy am a big fan of but think he will be a rookie selection, Appleton from WWT is a player have seen a bit of and rate, Sean Gregory I dont think has gone and I was very tempted to slot him in here, Joe Redfern should go as a zone selection but if he is in the pool he would have to have some admirers late, Ben Kearns, Marks-Logan and Morrison I like and I would be genuinely surprised if Osborne and Ross didnt go from the VFL.

 

[Rowie6]

Pick 29 Tim Broomhead

 

[beowulf]

Carlton: Jackson Thurlow
Write up coming this evening.

Jackson Thurlow
Launceston (TAS)
18
190 cm
79 kg

I had a lot of worrying about this pick. When Ratten was coach I was fairly certain we'd try to pick up Marcon and / or Lambert from the Northern Blues. They have been standouts and probably deserve a chance.
However, with a change of coach, I have no idea just how well regarded either Marcon or Lambert may be. In the end I didn't go with them, but went for untried talent.
The same reasoning with Andy Collins. He MAY be selected with our last live pick, or he may be selected with our only pick in the rookie draft. I really don't know how we will just on this one. Talk of Reimers filled me with dread. I wouldn't pick him in a month of Sundays, but he had to be a rookie chance as well.

So, with my policy of going for untried talent, I decided on Thurlow, a Carlton selection in the Practice Draft a few months back.
Thurlow seems to have dropped off the radar somewhat. I haven't seen his Draft Camp data, but it couldn't have been as spectacular as some of his competitors. Such is life. I don't know just how badly that will effect his prospects, but we will find out very soon.
I may be making the same error that Carlton recruiters made a decade ago in the selection of Wiggins and co, seeing not what they are but trying to predict what they may become. However, as Lemmingmaster, someone whose opinions I respect, made the same thoughts, maybe I was not as silly as I thought. Anyway, I see Thurlow down the track as filling in a midfield role as much as anything. At the moment he has played mostly as a defender. His style of play, however, is pretty attacking. He isn't the tightest defender going around, but he reads the play very well and makes a huge number of interceptions. At the Champs he averaged more than 6 marks per game and about 25 possessions per game. Not bad for a defender in the team that did not perform as well as was hoped. He offers a lot of run: teams already play defensive forwards to curb his effects. As a larger bodied player, he does fit into Malthouse's dictum if having larger mids. He has the strength and ability to read to play that could make him into a Tom Bell type mid.