Draft Watcher Knightmare's 2018 AFL Draft Almanac

[Knightmare]

Phantom Drafts:
5/10/2018: Pre trade period AFL Draft first round phantom draft: http://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/id/24885902/afl-draft-first-round-phantom-goes-where

25/10/2018 2 round post trade period phantom draft: http://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/...ntom-************-knightmare-first-two-rounds

12/11/2018 3 round phantom draft: http://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/...om-************-knightmare-first-three-rounds

22/11/2018 final phantom draft, every pick, every bid: http://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/...*********-knightmare-final-full-phantom-draft

AFL Draft Power Rankings:
April: 2/4/2018: http://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/...-power-rankings-key-position-players-dominate

May: 6/5/2018 : http://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/...re-power-rankings-midfielders-make-their-move

June 8/6/2018: http://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/...jack-lukosius-reigns-supreme-new-faces-emerge

July 8/7/2018: http://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/...tmare-power-rankings-changes-18-championships

August 7/8/2018: http://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/...nkings-jack-lukosius-no-1-other-forwards-rise

September 2/9/2018: http://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/...e-power-rankings-unheralded-trio-break-top-20

October 9/10/2018: http://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/...-knightmare-power-rankings-sa-jet-surges-no-2

November 20/11/2018: http://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/...ower-rankings-caldwell-collier-dawkins-top-10

Weekly AFL Draft Wrap:
28/3/2018 - Focus on Xavier Duursma: http://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/...ightmare-wrap-xavier-duursma-shines-gippsland

5/4/2018 - Focus on Max King: http://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/...ightmare-wrap-max-king-next-great-key-forward

11/4/2018 - Focus on Tarryn Thomas: http://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/...mber-tarryn-thomas-shines-north-melbourne-vfl

20/4/2018 - Focus on Mark Baker/Vic Metro v Vic Country trials: http://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/...unheralded-talent-mark-baker-shines-vic-metro

25/4/2018 - Focus on Sam Walsh: http://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/...-knightmare-sam-walsh-stars-max-king-does-acl

2/5/2018 - Focus on Collingwood Academy prospect Atu Bosenavualagi: http://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/...ood-academy-prospect-atu-bosenavualagi-shines

16/5/2018 - Focus on Ely Smith: http://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/...*******-knightmare-contested-midfielders-rise

23/05/2018 - Focus on Curtis Taylor: http://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/...ghtmare-calder-mid-showing-robbie-gray-traits

30/05/2018 - Focus on Riley Collier-Dawkins: http://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/...******-knightmare-discovered-next-bontempelli

6/6/2018- Focus on the best prospect Jack Lukosius (the best I've seen in my 10 years of watching the u18s): http://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/...mare-jack-lukosius-best-draft-prospect-decade

13/6/2018 - Focus on Chayce Jones - Round 1 Under-18 Championships: http://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/...edy-tasmanian-chayce-jones-impresses-midfield

20/6/2018 - Focus on Xavier O'Halloran - Round 2 Under-18 Championships: http://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/...e-knightmare-xavier-ohalloran-stars-vic-metro

27/6/2018 - Focus on Bailey Smith - Round 3 Under-18 Championships: http://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/id/23918862/afl-draft-wrap-************-knightmare-bailey-smith

4/7/2018 - Focus on Izak Rankine - Round 4 Under-18 Championships: http://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/id/23992221/afl-draft-wrap-************-knightmare-izak-rankine

11/7/2018 - Focus on Nick Blakey - Round 5 Under-18 Championships:
http://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/id/24061726/afl-draft-wrap-************-knightmare-nick-blakey

18/7/2018 - Focus on Collingwood father-son prospect Will Kelly:
http://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/...lingwood-magpies-set-land-rising-key-defender

25/7/2018 - Focus on Bailey Williams: http://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/...wrap-bailey-williams-first-round-calculations

1/8/2018 - Focus on Kyle Reid: http://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/id/24248541/afl-draft-wrap-kyle-reid-all-round-key-defender

8/8/2018 - Focus on Stefan Radovanovic: http://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/...g-stefan-radovanovic-jumps-draft-calculations

15/8/2018 - Focus on Jack Ross (APS v AGSV and U17 Futures): http://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/...akleigh-jack-ross-stakes-late-claim-draft-day

22/8/2018 - Focus on Noah Gown: http://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/...gown-purple-patch-caught-recruiters-attention

29/8/2018 - Focus on Sam Sturt: http://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/id/24506831/afl-draft-wrap-hayward-clone-sam-sturt-rising-rapidly

5/9/2018 - Focus on Connor Thar: http://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/...onnor-thar-inspires-western-stunning-comeback

12/9/2018 - Focus on Ben King: http://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/...-confirms-top-10-prospects-formidable-display

19/9/2018 - Focus on Melbourne NGA prospect Toby Bedford: http://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/id/24719704/afl-draft-wrap-toby-bedford-stands-sandringham

26/9/2018 - Focus on Mitch Grigg: http://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/...de-crows-player-mitch-grigg-set-walk-back-afl

AFL Draft Previews/Reviews:
27/11/2017 - 2018 AFL Draft preview: http://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/id/21565075/knightmare-top-20-afl-draft-prospects-2018

12/03/2018 - JLT Wrap/Supercoach/AFLFantasy notes - rookies/breakout/returning 2018: http://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/id/22717282/afl-jlt-series-christoper-doerre-draftee-wrap

9/5/2018 - AFL father-son and academy prospects: http://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/...******-knightmare-father-son-academy-analysis

17/8/2018 - My take on what Carlton should do with pick 1: http://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/id/24360324/afl-draft-carlton-blues-do-pick-number-1

12/10/2018 - AFL Draft Combine Review: http://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/id/24952197/afl-draft-combine-wrap-sam-sturt-izak-rankine-shine

31/10/2018 - AFL Draft Club by Club List Needs Analysis: http://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/...-************-knightmare-club-club-list-needs

5/11/2018 - The best state leaguers outside the AFL: http://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/id/25177491/afl-draft-best-state-league-options

8/11/2018 - 3 AFL draft trends: http://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/id/25200247/afl-draft-key-trends-recent-drafts

14/11/2018 - Big Blue? Walsh at No.1 would be a mistake: http://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/...carlton-blues-mistake-sam-walsh-jack-lukosius

18/11/2018 - 10 underrated prospects under 20: http://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/id/25306097/afl-draft-underrated-bargains-2018-draft

21/11/2018 - Live chat: http://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/id/25219507/afl-draft-live-qa-blog-************

23/11/2018 - First Round AFL Draft Review: http://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/...-************-knightmare-first-round-analysis

24/11/2018 - AFL Draft Winners and Losers: http://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/id/25356894/afl-draft-2018-************-winners-losers

26/11/2018 - 2019 draft top 20: http://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/id/25376887/afl-draft-************-top-20-prospects-2019

AFL Trade/Free Agency content:
21/06/2018 - AFL Moneyball - best five trades and free agents from past five years and how to find them: http://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/...*****-knightmare-best-trades-free-agent-deals

18/10/2018 - AFL Trade/Free Agency Review: http://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/id/25000696/afl-trade-period-************-club-club-gradings

 

[Knightmare]

AFL Draft Power Rankings

November 20/11/2018:
http://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/...-knightmare-power-rankings-sa-jet-surges-no-2

1. Jack Lukosius (SA)
Best position: Key forward
Height, weight: 194cm, 85kg
Recruited from: Woodville West Torrens
Projected draft range: 1-3
Plays like: Nick Riewoldt
October Ranking: 1
Rationale: A Swiss Army knife of winning and the best draft prospect for the past 10 years. The next prototype key forward, Lukosius covers the ground like Nick Riewoldt and is one of the rare few who can break open games with his kicking. He finds and hits targets no one else would recognise are open.
Strengths:
Endurance
Work rate
Speed
Agility
Creates separation on the lead
Leading patterns
Football smarts
Impact per possession
Precise long kick
Kicking penetration
Field kicks placed out in front of targets to lead onto
Lowers eyes
Vision to find targets others overlook
Sees plays unfold before they happen
Early reading of the ball in flight
Reliable overhead mark
Clean at ground level
Scoreboard impact
Instincts around goal
Dominant key forward and key defender with the versatility to play wing or half-forward
Production at SANFL League level
Success in the biggest games including four goals on SANFL League debut in a final
Weaknesses:
Crashing packs
One-on-one marking

2. Izak Rankine (SA)
Best position: General forward/inside midfield
Height, weight: 180cm, 77kg
Recruited from: West Adelaide
Projected draft range: 1-5
Plays like: Andrew McLeod (forward version)
Rationale: No one influences outcomes of games quite like Rankine with his impact per possession the greatest in the draft. A rare talent who runs around opponents like they are traffic cones, hurts opponents by foot, hits the scoreboard but critically is an elite ground ball user with the production on the board and an established contested side to his game.
October Ranking: 2
Strengths:
Loose ball winning
First to react to ground balls
One-touch ground ball pickups at full pace
Evasiveness
Agility
Change of direction
Acceleration
Skills under pressure
Impact per possession
Scoreboard impact
Instincts for where the goals are
Performances on the board at SANFL League level
Contested ball-winning
Leap
Aerial marking
Contested mark
Damaging as a forward and midfielder
Weaknesses:
Can get caught with the ball when he tries to do too much
Sometimes inconsistent production
Endurance
Inconsistent kick on his left foot

3. Bailey Smith (VIC)
Best position: Inside midfield
Height, weight: 185cm, 82kg
Recruited from: Sandringham
Projected draft range: 4-12
Plays like: Jaeger O'Meara
Rationale: Arguably the best and most complete midfielder in the draft. Smith places ahead of the more highly touted Sam Walsh with his contested ball-winning, kicking and acceleration of a higher standard. Sat out the latter portion of the year with Achilles bursitis which he was playing through since the start of the season.
October Ranking: 3
Strengths:
Production
Work ethic
Contested ball-winning
Stoppage work
Kicking precision and placement
Vision
Endurance
Work rate
Tackling technique
Acceleration away from the contest
Versatility to play midfield or defence
Reading of the ball in flight
Intercept marking
Professionalism
Work ethic
Weaknesses:
Defensive focus outside of contested situations
Unclear scope to play forward

4. Sam Walsh (VIC)
Best position: Inside/outside midfield
Height, weight: 183cm, 74kg
Recruited from: Geelong Falcons
Projected draft range: 1-2
Plays like: Josh Kelly
Rationale: The most highly touted midfielder in the draft class. His play is as advanced as any in an inside or outside role.
October Ranking: 4
Strengths:
Production
Endurance
Work rate
Run and carry
Agility
Leap
Contested ball-winning
Ground ball winner
Outside accumulation
Short kicking
Tackling
Pressure on the ball carrier
Works hard both ways
Weaknesses:
Consistency of kick placement
Lacks acceleration to create separation on the move
Unclear scope to play forward

5. Max King (VIC)
Best position: Key forward
Height, weight: 202cm, 85kg
Recruited from: Sandringham Dragons
Projected draft range: 1-5
Plays like: Joe Daniher
Rationale: Out for the season with a torn ACL after an eight goal, nine mark (six contested) Round 1 effort. As difficult to defend inside 50m as any junior key forward in recent years.
October Ranking: 5
Strengths:
Height
Long arms
Takes front position in marking contests
Draws free kicks inside 50m
Jumps towards the ball when taking marks and takes it at the highest point
Contested marking
One-on-one marking
Reads the drop of the ball
Protects the drop zone on marks
Leap
Agility
Coordination below knees
Leading patterns
Weaknesses:
Endurance
Work rate
Rarely pushes up outside the forward 50m arc
Conversion in front of goal
No established second position

6. Nick Blakey (NSW - Sydney Academy)
Best position: Utility
Height, weight: 195cm, 80kg
Recruited from: University of New South Wales
Projected draft range: 3-12
Plays like: Jarryd Roughead
Rationale: Has missed much of the season with a stress reaction in his ankle after missing much of 2017 with a stress fracture in his back. Physically developing tall with mix of attributes to suggest he'll emerge. Able to impact games in any position.
October Ranking: 6
Strengths:
Versatility to play all 18 positions
Mobility
Leap
Marking at the highest point
Leading patterns
Wins first possession at stoppages while on the move
Toughness
Clean at ground level
Production
Reliable kick
Quick hands
Weaknesses:
Size
Strength in the contest
Consistency
Unclear best position
Durability

7. Jye Caldwell (VIC)
Best position: Inside midfield
Height, weight: 184cm, 78kg
Recruited from: Bendigo Pioneers
Projected draft range: 5-15
Similar to: Luke Shuey
Rationale: Caldwell has had limited exposure with just three TAC Cup matches this year due to hamstring troubles. A powerful ball-winner with breakaway speed. Moves up power rankings on the back of review of match tape as a prospect who has been out of sight/out of mind for much of the season.
October Ranking: 14
Strengths:
Stoppage work
Contested ball-winning
First possession winner
Distribution by hand
Acceleration from the contest
Competitiveness
Tackling
Dual sided kick
Weaknesses:
Consistency by foot
Little exposed form due to injury

8. Ben King (VIC)
Best position: Key defence/key forward
Height, weight: 202cm, 85kg
Recruited from: Sandringham Dragons
Projected draft range: 5-13
Plays like: Harris Andrews
Rationale: More versatile and effective up the ground than his twin Max, but less dominant close to goal. Capable at both ends but has played a more consistent brand of football as a key defender.
October Ranking: 7
Strengths:
Height
Contested marking
One-on-one work in the contest
Takes marks out in front
Marking on the lead
Intercept marking
Reading of the ball in flight
Capability to play either end
Protects the drop zone on marks
Lockdown defence
Skills
Agility
Coordination below knees
Versatility to play key defence or key forward
Weaknesses:
Endurance
Work rate
Lacks consistency as a key forward

9. Riley Collier-Dawkins (VIC)
Best position: Inside midfield
Height, weight: 193cm, 88kg
Recruited from: Oakleigh Chargers
Projected draft range: 9-19
Plays like: Marcus Bontempelli
Rationale: First possession winner at stoppages with a burst of speed and clean skills. Rises on the back of re-evaluation of upside and the sense that once he grows into his body, having grown 7cm over the past 12 months.
October Ranking: 16
Strengths:
Impact per possession
Wins first possession at stoppages on the move
Contested ball winning
Clean at ground level
Distribution by hand
Kicking
Vision
Decision making in traffic
Acceleration
Agility
Evasiveness in traffic
Overhead marking
Contested marking
Capable through midfield or up forward
Upside
Weaknesses:
Production
Consistency
Quiet when not around the ball at stoppages

10. Connor McFadyen (QLD - Brisbane Academy)
Best position: Inside midfield/general forward
Height, weight: 190cm, 88kg
Recruited from: Brisbane Lions
Projected draft range: 15-35
Plays like: Nat Fyfe
Rationale: Arguably the Allies' most powerful ball winner and most threatening marking threat forward of centre during the Under-18 Championships. Has backed up that play with promising NEAFL performances, kicking six goals from five matches. Rises one position on review of Under-18 Championships performances.
October Ranking: 11
Strengths:
Equally effective forward as he is through the midfield
Contested ball-winning
First possession winner at stoppages
Distribution by hand
Stoppage work
Loose ball-winning
Marking threat forward of centre
Aerial marking
Overhead marking
Contested marking
Reading of the ball in flight
Protects the drop of the ball
One-on-one strength
Scoreboard impact
Clean at ground level
Football smarts
Mobility
Skills
Vision
Weaknesses:
Outside accumulation
Set shot goalkicking
Consistency

11. Rhylee West (VIC - Western Bulldogs father-son)
Best position: Inside midfield
Height, weight: 180cm, 80kg
Recruited from: Calder Cannons
Projected draft range: 15-35
Plays like: Nathan Jones
Rationale: Ball-winning midfielder with production on the board. A star for Vic Metro during the Under-18 Championships and one of this year's premier stoppage players. Rises one position review of Under-18 Championships play.
October Ranking: 12
Strengths: Strong body
Contested ball-winning
Aggression
Hardness
Tackling
Composure with ball in hand
Vision
Reliable ball user
Midfielder who can push forward
Strength through hips to stand up through tackles
Acceleration
Agility
Overhead marking
One-on-one marking
Weaknesses:
Endurance
Outside accumulation

12. Xavier Duursma (VIC)
Best position: Outside/inside midfield
Height, weight: 185cm, 71kg
Recruited from: Gippsland Power
Projected draft range: 10-25
Similar to: Brendon Goddard
Rationale: A rare midfielder with speed who plays inside and outside to a high standard. Drops as others rise.
October Ranking: 8
Strengths:
Versatility to play through midfield inside or outside roles or as a line breaking defender
Acceleration
Line-breaker
Endurance
High work rate
Agility
Competitiveness
Reliable kick
Clean ground-ball winner
Contested ball winning
Distribution by hand
Tackling
Stoppage work
Leadership
Overhead marking
Intercept marking
Weaknesses:
Light bodied
Unclear scope to play forward

13. Connor Rozee (SA)
Best position: General forward/outside midfield
Height, weight: 185cm, 72kg
Recruited from: North Adelaide
Projected draft range: 3-10
Plays like: Dale Thomas
Rationale: Athletic utility likely to find a role initially as a pressure forward before pushing up through the midfield. Combines clean skills with aerial ability and ground level prowess. Drops as others rise.
October Ranking: 9
Strengths:
Versatility to play a variety of roles forward, midfield or back
Skills
Vision
Kicking inside 50m
Finishing around goal
Sticky hands overhead
Leap
Freakish at ground level
Acceleration
Breaks the lines
Agility
Change of direction
Forward pressure
Tackling
Weaknesses:
Stoppage work
Light bodied

14. Jackson Hately (SA)
Best position: Inside/outside midfield
Height, weight: 190cm, 81kg
Recruited from: Central Districts
Projected draft range: 7-19
Plays like: Brad Ebert
Rationale: Ready-to-go midfielder who is a consistent performer in the SANFL at League level. Balances contested ball-winning with outside accumulation and run. Drops as others rise.
October Ranking: 10
Strengths:
Production
Clean at ground level
Distribution by hand
Contested ball-winning
Stoppage work
Endurance
Work rate
Run and carry
Outside accumulation
Overhead marking
Versatility to play forward, midfield or back
Scoreboard impact
Weaknesses:
Decision making under pressure
Prone to rushing disposals and not lowering his eyes
Lacks hurt-factor

15. Sam Sturt (VIC)
Best position: General forward
Height, weight: 188cm, 79kg
Recruited from: Dandenong Stingrays
Projected draft range: 10-30
Similar to: Daniel Menzel
Rationale: Dangerous medium marking forward who from his first TAC Cup game looked a class above. Possesses arguably the sweetest left foot kick to a target and on goal in this draft.
October Ranking: 15
Strengths:
Overhead marking
Attacks the ball aerially
Reading of the drop of the ball
Speed to create separation on the lead
Agility
Work rate
Leap
Field kicking
Lowers eyes and finds open targets inside 50m
Set shot conversion
Crumbing
Adjusts quickly to new standard of competition
Football smarts
Scope to improve having never had a football preseason having focused on cricket previously
Rate of improvement
Weaknesses:
Unclear midfield capabilities
Capable but not freakish at ground level

16. Luke Valente (SA)
Best position: Inside midfield
Height, weight: 186cm, 80kg
Recruited from: Norwood
Projected draft range: 15-35
Plays like: Jordan Lewis
Rationale: Ready-to-go prolific ball winner with reliable skills. Rises on review of Under-18 Championships play.
October Ranking: 19
Strengths:
Contested ball-winning
Stoppage work
Attack on the ball
Distribution by hand
Competitiveness
Tackling
Kicking
Decision making
Vision
Scoreboard impact
Evasion
Production
Weaknesses:
Pace
X-factor

17. Liam Stocker (VIC)
Best position: Inside midfield
Height, weight: 183cm, 83kg
Recruited from: Sandringham Dragons
Projected draft range: 10-30
Similar to: David Armitage
Rationale: Taking out the Morrish Medal for the TAC Cup's best player, Stocker has played a consistent brand of football for Sandringham and has been one of the stoppage stars of the TAC Cup. Drops as others rise.
October Ranking: 13
Strengths:
Stoppage work
Contested ball-winning
Reacts quickest to 50/50 balls
Tackling
Distribution by hand in heavy traffic
Strength to shrug tackles
Endurance
Work rate
Agility
Acceleration over the first 10m
Clean skills
Kicking to targets inside 50m
Weaknesses:
No clear second position
Outside accumulation
Contested marking

18. Zak Butters (VIC)
Best position: Outside/inside midfield
Height, weight: 181cm, 70kg
Recruited from: Western Jets
Projected draft range: 7-15
Plays like: Zac Merrett
Rationale: Forced out during the Under-18 Championships with a shoulder injury which ended his 2018 campaign. On review of early season form, Butters was damaging with his run and ball use and despite a slight build won the contested ball and his share of clearances.
October Ranking: not ranked
Strengths:
Agility
Speed
Outside linebreaking
Classy ball user
Hurt-factor
Vision
Decision making
Capable contested ball-winner
Capable at stoppages
Weaknesses:
Light build
No exposed form over second half of season
One-on-one strength
Contested marking

19. Jordan Clark (WA)
Best position: General defence
Height, weight: 182cm, 78kg
Recruited from: Claremont
Projected draft range: 5-15
Plays like: Michael Hibberd
Rationale: A proven defender in the WAFL who rises on review of WAFL League game tapes. An all-around defender with a penetrating kick, who intercepts, defends one-on-one and provides drive from defence.
October Ranking: not ranked
Strengths:
Skills
Kicking penetration
Intercept marking
One-on-one defence
Shutdown capabilities
Endurance
Run and carry
Production at WAFL League level
Weaknesses:
Unclear midfield capabilities
No clear second position
Contested ball-winning

20. Chayce Jones (TAS)
Best position: Inside/outside midfield
Height, weight: 180cm, 74kg
Recruited from: Launceston
Projected draft range: 10-25
Plays like: Alex Neal-Bullen
Rationale: Consistent performer who has featured among Launceston's bests in six of his seven senior TSL matches and was the Allies' most consistent ball winner throughout the Under-18 Championships.
October Ranking: 20
Strengths:
Endurance
Work rate
Ground ball-winning
Contested ball-winning
Competitiveness
Clean hands
Dual-sided kick
Scoreboard impact
Production
Standout performances against more experiences opposition in TSL
Capacity to play inside and outside midfield roles effectively
Weaknesses:
Kicking consistency
Decision making and ball use under pressure
Hurt-factor

 

[Knightmare]

November Power Rankings 21-55: (giving 55 instead of 50 because we're missing out on x5 due to GC/Carl concessions)
21. Noah Gown

22. Sydney Stack

23. Jarrod Cameron (WCE Academy)

24. Kieran Briggs (GWS Academy)

25. Bailey Williams

26. Tarryn Thomas (North Melbourne Academy)

27. Curtis Taylor

28. Ned McHenry

29. Tom Joyce

30. Ely Smith

31. Mitch Podhajski

32. Jez McLennan

33. Boyd Woodcock

34. Xavier O’Halloran

35. Thomas Sparrow

36. Jack Ross

37. Jack Bytel

38. Isaac Quaynor (Collingwood Academy)

39. Ian Hill

40. Sam Collins

41. Mitch Grigg

42. Marty Hore

43. Mitch Maguire

44. Jye Bolton

45. Jonathon Marsh

46. Haiden Schloithe

47. Josh Corbett

48. Ben Cavarra

49. Marcus Lentini

50. Nathan Kreuger

51. Jordon Butts

52. Marlion Pickett

53. Michael Gibbons

54. Callum Wilkie

55. Chris Burgess

 

[Knightmare]

Final phantom draft. Every pick. Every bid.

http://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/...*********-knightmare-final-full-phantom-draft

1. Carlton
Sam Walsh (VIC)
Height, Weight: 183cm, 74kg
Summary Profile: The most highly touted midfielder in the draft class. His play is as advanced as any in an inside or outside role.

2. Gold Coast
Jack Lukosius (SA)
Height, Weight: 194cm, 85kg
Summary Profile: The next prototype key forward who covers the ground like Nick Riewoldt, sees the game unfold before it happens and hits impossible targets by foot like no key forward we have seen. A potential generational player.

3. Gold Coast
Izak Rankine (SA)
Height, Weight: 180cm, 76kg
Summary Profile: Possessing comparable talent to Andrew McLeod and Shaun Burgoyne, Rankine has the capacity to turn games like no one else in this draft. A season one-ready forward and midfielder with speed, skill, goal sense and ball-winning capabilities.

4. St Kilda
Max King (VIC)
Height, Weight: 202cm, 86kg
Summary Profile: As difficult to defend inside 50m as any junior key forward in recent years. Kicked eight goals and took nine marks (six contested) in his only game before tearing his ACL.

5. Sydney *matching Port Adelaide's bid
Nick Blakey (NSW - Sydney Academy)
Height, Weight: 195cm, 80kg
Summary Profile: Has missed a lot of time with a stress reaction in his ankle and a stress fracture in his back in 2017 and 2018 respectively. A rare talent with his athleticism, skills and ground level capabilities, Blakey can play any position.

6. Port Adelaide
Connor Rozee (SA)
Height, Weight: 185cm, 71kg
Summary Profile: Athletic utility who is likely begin his career as a pressure forward before pushing up through the midfield. Combines clean skills with aerial ability and ground level prowess.

7. Gold Coast
Ben King (VIC)
Height, Weight: 202cm, 85kg
Summary Profile: Versatile key position player capable as a marking forward or a key defender who stops his opponent, intercepts and rebounds. He is more versatile and effective up the ground than his twin Max, but the less dominant close to goal.

8. Western Bulldogs
Bailey Smith (VIC)
Height, Weight: 185cm, 82kg
Summary Profile: Arguably the best and most complete midfielder in the draft. Smith is not only a high production midfielder but also offers the best combination of contested ball-winning, reliable kicking and acceleration of this year's midfielders.

9. Adelaide
Jye Caldwell (VIC)
Height, Weight: 184cm, 78kg
Summary Profile: Caldwell has had limited exposure with just three TAC Cup matches due to hamstring troubles. He's a powerful ball-winning midfielder with a burst of speed.

10. Greater Western Sydney
Jordan Clark (WA)
Height, Weight: 182cm, 78kg
Summary Profile: Precise kicking half-back flanker who reads the ball in flight and takes intercept marks. Averaged better than 15 disposals and five marks in his five WAFL League performances.

11. Port Adelaide
Jackson Hately (SA)
Height, Weight: 190cm, 81kg
Summary Profile: Ready-to-go midfielder who is a consistent performer in the SANFL at League level. Balances contested ball-winning with outside accumulation and run.

12. Greater Western Sydney
Zak Butters (VIC)
Height, Weight: 181cm, 70kg
Summary Profile: Shoulder surgery has seen Butters miss the second half of the season. Possessing speed, agility and clean skills, Butters is a high-impact-per-possession midfielder who can push forward.

13. Geelong
Riley Collier-Dawkins (VIC)
Height, Weight: 193cm, 88kg
Summary Profile: First possession winner who gathers the ball on the move and bursts out of stoppages. Possesses rare speed, agility, skills and clean hands for someone his height.

14. North Melbourne *matching Adelaide's bid
Tarryn Thomas (TAS - North Melbourne Next Generation Academy)
Height, Weight: 189cm, 73kg
Summary Profile: Exceptional defensively with his tackling and smothering as impressive as any in this draft. A ball winner who hits the scoreboard and uses the ball efficiently.

15: Collingwood *matching Adelaide's bid
Isaac Quaynor (VIC - Collingwood Next Generation Academy)
Height, Weight: 182cm, 82kg
Summary Profile: Strongly built, ready-made lockdown defender. A powerful ground ball-winner who may in time push up through the midfield.

16. Adelaide
Chayce Jones (TAS)
Height, Weight: 180cm, 74kg
Summary Profile: A tireless ball winner and accumulator who runs all day. Has been one of Launceston's best players in six of his seven State League appearances.

17. Fremantle
Ian Hill (WA)
Height, Weight: 175cm, 76kg
Summary Profile: Explosive and damaging line-breaker. One of this year's most exciting with ball in hand.

18. Port Adelaide
Xavier Duursma (VIC)
Height, Weight: 185cm, 71kg
Summary Profile: One of the rare midfielders who plays an inside or outside midfield role to a high standard. A speedy, smooth moving midfielder with clean skills and ball-winning capabilities.

19. Adelaide
Ned McHenry (VIC)
Height, Weight: 176cm, 71kg
Summary Profile: McHenry is this year's premier forward pressure specialist, leading the Under-18 Championships in tackles and pressure acts as a small forward. An elite endurance athlete who can also push up the wings.

20. Richmond
Liam Stocker (VIC)
Height, Weight: 183cm, 83kg
Summary Profile: Prolific contested ball-winner with clean skills who runs all day. Awarded the Morrish Medal for the TAC Cup's best and fairest.

21. Brisbane
Ely Smith (VIC)
Height, Weight: 188cm, 86kg
Summary Profile: Prolific inside extractor who wins first possession and dishes out by hand. Strong tackler and a surprise draft combine star.

22. Greater Western Sydney
Luke Valente (SA)
Height, Weight: 186cm, 80kg
Summary Profile: Prolific ball-winning midfielder with clean skills. South Australian captain and MVP during the Under-18 Championships.

23. West Coast
Curtis Taylor (VIC)
Height, Weight: 186cm, 79kg
Summary Profile: Powerful marking forward with clean skills. Just as capable pushing through the midfield and winning his own ball.

24. Greater Western Sydney *matching Adelaide's bid
Kieran Briggs (NSW - GWS Academy)
Height, Weight: 200cm, 98kg
Summary Profile: Competitive and powerful ruckman who tackles aggressively and is a powerful overhead mark. This year's most promising ruck prospect.

25. Collingwood *matching Adelaide's bid
Will Kelly (VIC - Collingwood father-son)
Height, Weight: 193cm, 83kg
Summary Profile: Athletic key defender who shuts down his opponents. The son of Craig provides run from defence and possesses clean skills.

26. Adelaide
Sam Sturt (VIC)
Height, Weight: 188cm, 79kg
Summary Profile: Dangerous medium marking forward who from his first TAC Cup game looked a class above. Possesses arguably the sweetest left foot kick to a target and on goal in this draft.

27. Western Bulldogs *matching West Coast's bid
Rhylee West (VIC - Western Bulldogs father-son)
Height, Weight: 180cm, 80kg
Summary Profile: Ball-winning midfielder with production on the board. Son of Scott, Rhylee starred for Vic Metro during the Under-18 Championships.

28. West Coast
Xavier O'Halloran (VIC)
Height, Weight: 187cm, 83kg
Summary Profile: High-impact-per-possession, athletic midfielder. Bursts away from stoppages and possesses clean skills.

29. Melbourne
Tom McKenzie (VIC)
Height, Weight: 184cm, 76kg
Summary Profile: Skilful midfielder and winner of the 20m sprint at the AFL Draft Combine. An improved ball-winner who is versatile enough to push into defence.

30. Brisbane *matching Gold Coast's bid
Connor McFadyen (QLD - Brisbane Academy)
Height, Weight: 190cm, 88kg
Summary Profile: The Allies' most dangerous marking forward and best ball-winning midfielder during the Under-18 Championships. Strong performances on the board during the second half of the season.

31: Gold Coast
Jez McLennan (SA)
Height, Weight: 183cm, 81kg
Summary Profile: A clean-kicking defender and effective intercept mark. Made the under-18 All-Australian team and played five SANFL League matches.

32. North Melbourne *matching Melbourne's bid
Bailey Scott (QLD - North Melbourne father-son)
Height, Weight: 186cm, 74kg
Summary Profile: Hard working midfield accumulator. An elite endurance athlete, the son of Robert is clean at ground level and an effective ball user.

33. Melbourne
Jacob Kennerley (SA)
Height, Weight: 184cm, 76kg
Summary Profile: Outside accumulator who runs all day. Strong speed and endurance athlete who set a record at this year's AFL Draft Combine in the 2km time trial.

34. Gold Coast
Luke Foley (WA)
Height, Weight: 187cm, 75kg
Summary Profile: High production overager known for his speed and endurance. An improved contested ball-winner sees his desirability increase.

35. Fremantle
Tom Joyce (WA)
Height, Weight: 180cm, 68kg
Summary Profile: Made a name for himself on the national stage during the 2017 Under-18 Championships as one of Western Australia's better ball winners. Has missed most of 2018 due to hip issues.

36. Melbourne *matching Western Bulldogs bid
Toby Bedford (VIC - Melbourne Next Generation Academy)
Height, Weight: 176cm, 65kg
Summary Profile: Line breaker who often runs the ball 30m at speed before disposing of the ball. Prolific tackler with his application of forward pressure among the best in the draft.

37. Western Bulldogs
Fraser Turner (TAS)
Height, Weight: 186cm, 75kg
Summary Profile: Outside accumulator who runs all day. A sound decision maker with clean skills who was a consistent performer for the Allies during the Under-18 Championships.

38. Essendon
Jack Bytel (VIC)
Height, Weight: 188cm, 82kg
Summary Profile: Powerful ball-winner who has struggled for much of 2018 with back complaints. One of the most prolific stoppage players in the draft pool.

39. Brisbane
Thomas Berry (VIC)
Height, Weight: 185cm, 76kg
Summary Profile: Explosive ball-winning midfielder who plays with a hard edge. Younger brother of Brisbane's Jarrod.

40. Geelong *matching St Kilda's bid
Oscar Brownless (Geelong - father-son)
Height, Weight: 186cm, 76kg
Summary Profile: Son of Bill, Oscar is a well-rounded midfielder. Brownless balances winning the ball with evasion in traffic and impressive endurance.

41. St Kilda
Jacob Koschitzke (NSW)
Height, Weight: 196cm, 94kg
Summary Profile: Strong one-on-one key defender who takes powerful marks in defence. Cousin of ex-Saint Justin Koschitzke.

42. Richmond
James Rowbottom (VIC)
Height, Weight: 185cm, 78kg
Summary Profile: Proficient stoppage player. Strong tackler who wins his own ball and has a burst of speed.

43. Sydney
Damon Greaves (WA)
Height, Weight: 186cm, 77kg
Summary Profile: Exciting running backman and capable ball user. A consistent performer in the WAFL Colts averaging 23 disposals and only once dropping below 20 disposals from 12 matches.

44. Sydney
Will Hamill (VIC)
Height, Weight: 185cm, 70kg
Summary Profile: Line breaking and prolific marking defender. Starred at the draft combine in the speed, agility, endurance and leaping tests.

45. West Coast *matching Fremantle's bid
Jarrod Cameron (WA - West Coast Next Generation Academy)
Height, Weight: 180cm, 69kg
Summary Profile: Lively, forward with speed who applies heavy forward pressure and is dangerous around goal. Younger brother of Brisbane's Charlie.

46. Fremantle
Boyd Woodcock (SA)
Height, Weight: 174cm, 68kg
Summary Profile: A standout for North Adelaide during the SANFL League finals, kicking eight goals during the finals including three in the Grand Final. Equally capable through the midfield.

47. Western Bulldogs
Will Hayes (VIC)
Height, Weight: 181cm, 79kg
Summary Profile: Hard running 23-year-old VFL player who is suited to playing wing or half-back. Has the strength to win his own ball and has clean skills.

48: St Kilda
Tom Sparrow (SA)
Height, Weight: 182cm, 81kg
Summary Profile: Explosive, aggressive ball-winning midfielder. A courageous tackler and relentless attacker of the ball.

49. Western Bulldogs *matching Geelong's bid
Buku Khamis (Western Bulldogs - Next Generation Academy)
Height, Weight: 190cm, 81kg
Summary Profile: Springy defender who reads the ball in flight effectively and intercepts across half-back. Khamis is a very reliable kick, maintaining an 81 percent kicking efficiency in the TAC Cup.

50. Geelong
Charlie Sprague (VIC)
Height, Weight: 187cm, 79kg
Summary Profile: Medium marking forward who is most dangerous close to goal. Displays a high work rate and football smarts.

51. Sydney
Riley Grundy (SA)
Height, Weight: 195cm, 79kg
Summary Profile: Athletic key defender who is best utilised as a stopper. Younger brother of Collingwood's Brodie.

52. Greater Western Sydney
Bailey Williams (VIC)
Height, Weight: 198cm, 95kg
Summary Profile: Ultra athletic key forward who is difficult to stop when he can jump and fully extend his arms up towards the ball. Through the ruck he leaps so high his torso is often higher than the other ruckman's shoulders.

53. Hawthorn
Zane Barzen (VIC)
Height, Weight: 193cm, 77kg
Summary Profile: Athletic utility who can play forward or back. One of this year's most powerful marks.

54. Brisbane
Jack Ross (VIC)
Height, Weight: 186cm, 85kg
Summary Profile: First-possession winner at stoppages with the strength and power to burst through tackles. Effective distributor who is clean by hand and foot, displaying a solid work rate.

55. North Melbourne
Xavier O'Neil (VIC)
Height, Weight: 183cm, 78kg
Summary Profile: Hard working midfielder who is always on the move. O'Neil wins the ball at stoppages and possesses clean skills.

56. North Melbourne
Joel Crocker (VIC - North Melbourne - father-son)
Height, Weight: 191cm, 73kg
Summary Profile: Son of Darren, Joel has missed his draft year with an ankle injury. A strong marking leadup forward who showed promise as an underager in 2017.

57. Richmond
Sydney Stack (WA)
Height, Weight: 177cm, 72kg
Summary Profile: One of this draft's most exciting and impactful players. A prolific ball-winner and tackler who hits the ball at speed and accelerates away.

58. Hawthorn
Irving Mosquito (VIC - Hawthorn - Next Generation Academy)
Height, Weight: 175cm, 69kg
Summary Profile: Lively small forward and forward pressure specialist. Quick and does his best work at ground level.

59. Fremantle
Lachlan Sholl (VIC)
Height, Weight: 185cm, 77kg
Summary Profile: Skilful defender who intercepts and provides run and carry. Has the scope to push up the wing with his endurance a standout feature.

60. Essendon
Darcy Fort (SA)
Height, Weight: 205cm, 99kg
Summary Profile: Mature age ruckman who moved to South Australia in 2016 from Victoria after failing to receive draft interest from the VFL. A mobile, ready-made ruckman.

61. Melbourne
Harry Reynolds (VIC)
Height, Weight: 190cm, 73kg
Summary Profile: Midfielder who has spent much of the year playing school footy for Brighton Grammar. In four TAC Cup games for Sandringham showed he could win the ball and intercept.

62. St Kilda
Marlion Pickett (WA)
Height, Weight: 183cm, 85kg
Summary Profile: A plug and play mature-age prospect who can play midfield, back or forward. One of the most damaging players outside the AFL with damaging skills and athleticism.

63. Richmond
Will Golds (VIC)
Height, Weight: 181cm, 68kg
Summary Profile: Hard working outside runner who links up effectively. Stood out at the draft combine in the endurance testing.

64. Carlton
Ben Cavarra (VIC)
Height, Weight: 175cm, 72kg
Summary Profile: A mature-age pressure forward from the VFL who hits the scoreboard and can push up through the midfield. An impressive athlete who combines speed, agility and endurance.

65. Geelong
Connor Idun (VIC)
Height, Weight: 190cm, 89kg
Summary Profile: Powerfully built forward and defender. Does his best work one-on-one in marking contests.

66. Carlton
Ben Silvagni (VIC - Carlton - father-son)
Height, Weight: 194cm, 84kg
Summary Profile: A powerful marking forward who does his best work on the lead. The second son of Stephen.

67. West Coast
Laitham Vandermeer (VIC)
Height, Weight: 180cm, 76kg
Summary Profile: One of this year's most explosive and fastest line breakers with ball in hand. An overager who averaged 21 disposals per game for Murray.

68. Collingwood
Kyle Reid (VIC)
Height, Weight: 193cm, 85kg
Summary Profile: Athletic key defender who competes well one-on-one. Takes intercept marks and negates his opponent's influence.

69. Brisbane
Tom Lewis (SA)
Height, Weight: 179cm, 80kg
Summary Profile: A genuine first-possession winner at stoppages who distributes effectively by hand and tackles with intent. Winner of Sturt's Reserves best and fairest.

70. St Kilda
Thomas Jok (VIC)
Height, Weight: 192cm, 83kg
Summary Profile: Mature ager with speed and athleticism from Collingwood's VFL side. A possible role-playing defender.

71. Gold Coast
Dillon O'Reilly (WA)
Height, Weight: 194cm, 89kg
Summary Profile: Powerful, aggressive, contested marking key forward. A long kick who slots goals from 55m.

72. Essendon
Nick Hind (VIC)
Height, Weight: 180cm, 75kg
Summary Profile: Line-breaking 24-year-old who can inject run on a wing or half-back flank. One of the fastest with ball in hand outside the AFL and was one of the VFL's standout performers.

73. Melbourne
Noah Gown (VIC)
Height, Weight: 193cm, 91kg
Summary Profile: Among Gippsland's bests in each of their last 10 matches, managing TAC Cup highs of 21 goals and 19 contested marks in his last seven matches. An expert reader of the ball in flight and user of the body in marking contests.

 

[Knightmare]

AFL Draft Power Rankings part 4

 

[Knightmare]

Extended Power Rankings

 

[Knightmare]

Phantom Draft

 

[Knightmare]

Phantom Draft part 2

 

[Knightmare]

Phantom draft part 3

 

[Knightmare]

Phantom draft part 4

 

[Knightmare]

Phantom draft part 5

 

[Knightmare]

Phantom draft part 6

 

[Knightmare]

Phantom draft part 7

 

[Knightmare]

Phantom draft part 8

 

[Knightmare]

Phantom draft part 9

 

[Knightmare]

Phantom draft part 10

 

[Knightmare]

Phantom draft part 11

 

[Knightmare]

Phantom draft part 12

 

[Knightmare]

Phantom draft part 13

 

[Knightmare]

*Mods please note. Each of these posts will be used. Please do not delete!

 

[unplugged]

Oh lordy, here we go again. Thanks in advance!

 

[bmaurizio]

Great work Knightmare as usual, just exciting and exhilarating is this year's draft. We're spoilt for choice.
Hope Baggers can snare Lukosius , Max King or Ben King and if Talls are not there, Hill, Rozee , Taylor , or Walsh any one of these lads would be just an amazing addition to our young team.

 

[Knightmare]

Great work Knightmare as usual, just exciting and exhilarating is this year's draft. We're spoilt for choice.
Hope Baggers can snare Lukosius , Max King or Ben King and if Talls are not there, Hill, Rozee , Taylor , or Walsh any one of these lads would be just an amazing addition to our young team.

Insane draft this year. Best I've covered and at least the best since 2008, if not with the potential to reach super-draft territory. Great for KPPs. Great for outside types - including forwards and backs. Strong for inside mids also. There are ruck options.

Even with all the Academy and Father Son prospects this year. It's still a very strong draft.

Lukosius is the best junior I've seen. Rankine is as exciting as any mid/fwd I've seen. It's exciting.

The Kings are both good but probably getting overhyped when considering some of the others in this draft. And that is less getting down on them as much as realising there are a lot of other incredible prospects this year.

The key this year that makes this draft so great is all the interstate players. It's not just Victoria this year that can produce top end talent. The quality is incredible in SA/WA/QLD/NSW this year and even Tasmania is looking better.

A year it would not be at all suprising to see clubs offering up established talent to get into the first round.

 

[Knightmare]

I should also give my first piece for the year a plug: http://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/id/22717282/afl-jlt-series-christoper-doerre-draftee-wrap

Going through team-by-team, looking at the best draftee, breakout players and rebound player for 2018 at each club. Handy for some ideas for those Supercoach and AFL Fantasy players.

While we're waiting for the 2018 draft prospects to get playing the real stuff, I'm happy to entertain questions about chances of those from last years draft or recent drafts or whatnot to get games and score decently, score/games predictions etc. #Readyfortheseason

Or if anyone has questions about the 2018 prospects, fire away.

 

[RedmanWasHere]

SUBBED!

Hopefully all familiar names dominate the drafts.

#Operation41.