Preview 2020 AFL National Draft thread

[King Corey]

Spoiler: Lore's 2020 Draft Order

 

[Psicosis]

Have you seen this one?





Just to note, there were 4 other WAFL games that I couldn't source footage from where he kicked a few bags as well.

GR proves again that he is a king

 

[FootySmartSimpson]

I am not going to pretend to know enough about the potential draftees, but I just want the player at each of our picks that has the best combo of hunger/skills/smarts, preferably 1 mid and 1 KPF.

For those in the know, who definitively would be the best realistic selections at our picks?

 

[ChoppyGun]

It's interesting as all these kids being hyped up, about half wont be in the AFL in 5 years time (or really struggling like a Scully or Watts before delisted) as complete busts.

Knowing the future would be handy - luckily I do.

McDonald and Perkins. Lock it in Eddie

 

[Thewlis Dish]

Have you seen this one?

How's that kick at 20 seconds?!

 

[Passmore]

I am not going to pretend to know enough about the potential draftees, but I just want the player at each of our picks that has the best combo of hunger/skills/smarts, preferably 1 mid and 1 KPF.

For those in the know, who definitively would be the best realistic selections at our picks?

Why be any different to anyone else here....

 

[Shinboner1]

Out:
Brown - commodity trade
Higgins -33 years old
Durdin - Gash
Wood - looks like a footballer, plays like a netballer
Macmillan - Finished
Pittard - Finished
Williams - Finished
Daw - Cooked
Vickers-Willis - Body let him down
Jacobs - Career ended 2 years ago
Ahern - Fat
Crocker - Rookie and not AFL standard
Hosie - Not AFL standard
Murphy - Not AFL standard

In:
Corr - best 22
Stephenson - best 22
Young - rated young prospect
Bosenavulagi - punt
Pick 2
Pick 11
Pick 30
Pick 39
Pick 71

14 out, 12 of whom will not play AFL again, one has 2 years left and the other is a trade for currency.
9 in, 2 best 22, 2 good prospects in areas of need, 2 1st round picks, 2 2nd round picks and a late hail Mary in a draft where quality will slip.

Space then for 2 mid year draft prospects as well.

I don't think people realise how much rubbish we had on our list. That we can cut 14 and quite feasibly state that we are better off for it is quite a poor reflection on the 2020 list and the team that built it.

In a weeks time we could very well say that the list is in far better shape than it was during the 2020 season.

Still have the likes of tyson, campbell and others to go in 2021 too.

 

[ChoppyGun]

Still have the likes of tyson, campbell and others to go in 2021 too.

Atley too.

 

[shinboner magic]

No to thrilly

 

[El Triggso]

One thought re Logan McDonald (who is still my preferred pick) - does he ever score from general play?

I can't recall any footage of him doing anything but kick from marks. No runs at goal from 70 out or snaps from general play.

In the highlights reels he clunks so many marks that we may never know...

I do like his field kicking though. Seems to have a knack for kicking long and to advantage.

 

[king of the road]

The media love the bolters.

Probs cos they have no idea who is actually rated to begin with and make ill informed stuff up and that becomes what posters and media fixate on.

Then, closer to the draft, the actual opinions of people that matter begin to circulate a little.

 

[New_Roo]

Have you seen this one?





Just to note, there were 4 other WAFL games that I couldn't source footage from where he kicked a few bags as well.

No I hadn't thanks GR that certainly showcases him better.... would def be a great contrast to larks and comben... I'm really looking fwd to seeing if they we need to add to our what some might say looked tall resources in the fwd line... I'm honestly not too fussed with lmac Hollands philips or Campbell to be honest... similar with 11 think happy with any of the spruiked 5 or so


On iPhone using BigFooty.com mobile app

 

[Nutjob]

Have you seen this one?





Just to note, there were 4 other WAFL games that I couldn't source footage from where he kicked a few bags as well.

For those judging these players purely off highlights (myself included), I can’t see how anyone could fault his game.

Passing on Hollands could hurt us down the track, but I think skipping on McDonald could really hurt us.


On iPhone using BigFooty.com mobile app

 

[Pykie]

One thought re Logan McDonald (who is still my preferred pick) - does he ever score from general play?

I can't recall any footage of him doing anything but kick from marks. No runs at goal from 70 out or snaps from general play.

I've been chopping and changing for the last few months and decided to watch a fair bit of vision of what was available around the traps in the last few weeks leading into the draft.

I was in that camp, but his lead up play and getting involved in possession chains and ground balls is absolutely next level. It's swayed me.

I'm talking comparable to a big midfielder/forward like Pavlich.

He really is one of the best key forward prospects I've seen in the last 10 years with regards to ground balls.

The way the game is moving towards a more mobile forward line, he projects as a modern medium forward in a 6"5 power forwards body.

I don't think he will ever be Tom Hawkins

26

Tom Hawkins

Age

37

Ht

197cm

Wt

105kg

Pos.

Fwd

Career

Season

Last 5

D

12.2

3star

K

7.9

3star

HB

4.4

3star

M

5.5

5star

T

1.9

4star

G

2.1

5star

D

12.7

3star

K

8.6

3star

HB

4.1

3star

M

5.1

5star

T

2.1

3star

G

1.6

5star

D

7.8

2star

K

5.6

3star

HB

2.2

2star

M

4.2

4star

T

1.0

3star

G

2.2

5star

, i.e absolutely dominate overhead. But he's stronger than someone like Jeremy Cameron

5

Jeremy Cameron

Age

32

Ht

196cm

Wt

94kg

Pos.

Fwd

Career

Season

Last 5

D

12.5

3star

K

9.0

3star

HB

3.4

3star

M

5.4

5star

T

1.6

4star

G

2.6

5star

D

10.0

3star

K

7.1

3star

HB

2.9

2star

M

4.6

4star

T

2.0

3star

G

1.9

5star

D

8.2

2star

K

5.0

2star

HB

3.2

3star

M

4.6

5star

T

2.4

4star

G

2.0

5star

and Franklin were overhead at the same age and probably has as much ability on the ground as both of them.

 

[giantroo]

No to thrilly

You'd say no to these moments?

1.21
1.49
3.20
4.35
4.48
4.55
5.11

 

[Themanbun]

For those judging these players purely off highlights (myself included), I can’t see how anyone could fault his game.

Passing on Hollands could hurt us down the track, but I think skipping on McDonald could really hurt us.


On iPhone using BigFooty.com mobile app

I watched him a bit in the WAFL and wasn't rapt with him but damn those highlights vid show he moves well and his field kicking is sublime.

 

[giantroo]

draftcentral.com.au

This domain may be for sale!

afl.draftcentral.com.au

2020 AFL Draft Preview: North Melbourne


WITH the 2020 trade period done and dusted, it is now time for clubs and fans alike to turn their attention to the draft. Between now and draft day (December 9), clubs will have the opportunity to exchange picks until the final order is formed a couple of days out. While the chaos ensues, Draft Central takes a look at how each club may approach the upcoming intake opportunities with the hand they formed at the close of trade period. Obviously they are still subject to heavy change, so perhaps we can predict some of that movement here.

Next under the microscope is North Melbourne, a side which got busy during trade period amid great overall change at the club. After finishing 17th, the Roos gained access to pick two and have plenty of options to consider in their efforts to maximise this year’s draft haul. As it stands, North lays claim to the fourth-highest total draft points value heading into this year’s intake and has a great opportunity to form the base of what looms as a long rebuild under incoming coach, David Noble – though, those at Arden Street have different ideas. As was hardly the case on-field in 2020, North Melbourne will be an important player in what goes down during the draft period.


CURRENT PICKS*: 2, 11, 30, 39, 71, 81

2021 PICKS*: NM Rd 1 | NM Rd 2 | NM Rd 3 | BRI Rd 4
* – denotes as of November 30

LIKELY ACADEMY/FATHER-SON PICKS:
Nil.

LIST NEEDS:
Key forward
Midfield depth

FIRST PICK OPTIONS:
(Pick 2)
It seems North Melbourne’s options have been whittled down to three or four avenues at the top end, including the chance that the Roos part with pick two altogether. Should the draft order remain as is, Elijah Hollands seems the most likely to land at Arden Street. The dynamic midfielder/forward would add some spark to North’s engine room while also potentially developing as a forward early on. He is coming off an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear suffered during preseason, but North showed little hesitation in selecting Jy Simpkin with its first pick in 2016 when he missed his top-age year off a badly broken leg. Will Phillips is another midfielder in contention, but North may look to favour Hollands’ upside and versatility.

There is a chance that Adelaide opts to select local key forward/ruck Riley Thilthorpe with pick one, leaving Logan McDonald to be snapped up by the Roos. The West Australian key forward would suit North’s needs perfectly with Ben Brown fresh out the door, looming as a readymade option after thriving at senior WAFL level in 2020. The Roos also have Nick Larkey and are high on Charlie Comben, but the chance to snare this level of key position player does not come around often. Speaking of key forwards, the Kangaroos may well be the ones to bid on Western Bulldogs NGA talent Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, who is the consensus best player in the draft pool. A bid would inevitably be matched, but they may as well get it out of the way before snapping up their own player.

LIVE TRADE OPTIONS:
A lot of the above discussion could be washed by North Melbourne’s potential to split pick two into a couple of top 10 picks. It is well known that Essendon is a club looking to move right up the order with eyes on McDonald and Hollands, making North a prime candidate to deal with. The Roos should be looking to maximise their hand at the top end given the state of their squad, so obtaining two of Essendon’s three-consecutive top-10’ers would be ideal. The Roos may have to give something back, perhaps pick 30 to make it a fair trade, but could extract some great value with a total of three first round selections. Should they opt against that play, the Roos might also look to package picks 30 and 39 to move up the order, or even to bolster their hand for next year’s intake.

THE KEY QUESTIONS:
Will North Melbourne part with pick two?
Will North Melbourne target key position stocks at the top end?
Will North Melbourne make the most selections of any club?

 

[Nutjob]

Probs cos they have no idea who is actually rated to begin with and make ill informed stuff up and that becomes what posters and media fixate on.

Then, closer to the draft, the actual opinions of people that matter begin to circulate a little.

Exactly right, we’re basing the supposed bolters off opinions that are irrelevant. The irrelevant opinions tend to bounce off each other to get a common ranking.

Perkins might have been in most clubs top 6 from the start of the year for example.


On iPhone using BigFooty.com mobile app

 

[Thewlis Dish]

Interesting that Adelaide's recruiting manager has said they likely won't tell the player they intend to pick before draft night.

 

[The Dingrel]

Out of interest, how many good sides have spent early draft picks on key defenders?

Depends what you refer to as a good side and an early pick. Typically good sides don't get early picks unless your GWS continually losing a star for early picks. Weitering the only early defender I can remember, and to your point not a good side........Perhaps us with durdin (not super early)....enough said.

 

[Shinboner1]

You'd say no to these moments?

1.21
1.49
3.20
4.35
4.48
4.55
5.11

Has he won a lot against similar sized opponents or is it more the smaller guys?
A lot of bigger sized players at low leagues dominate and then when they join the AFL they're aren't that special and struggle against guys there own size.

 

[Pykie]

I am not going to pretend to know enough about the potential draftees, but I just want the player at each of our picks that has the best combo of hunger/skills/smarts, preferably 1 mid and 1 KPF.

For those in the know, who definitively would be the best realistic selections at our picks?

It's looking less likely we might be able to get one of the quality KPP at #11.

Chapman might be the only one that is available there and he's more of a Jake Lever

8

Jake Lever

Age

29

Ht

194cm

Wt

94kg

Pos.

Def

Career

Season

Last 5

D

14.6

4star

K

9.7

4star

HB

4.9

4star

M

5.4

5star

T

1.3

3star

MG

242.0

4star

D

9.6

2star

K

6.5

3star

HB

3.1

2star

M

3.9

4star

T

1.3

2star

MG

145.4

3star

D

16.0

4star

K

11.0

4star

HB

5.0

4star

M

6.6

5star

T

1.6

4star

MG

189.8

4star

style intercepting 3rd tall defender. (He'd be a good get though)


I think the safest result at the moment is McDonald or Thilthorpe at #2 rather than Hollands from a list balance perspective.

 

[Pykie]

Has he won a lot against similar sized opponents or is it more the smaller guys?
A lot of bigger sized players at low leagues dominate and then when they join the AFL they're aren't that special and struggle against guys there own size.

Not many of those highlight had much do to with his size. It was all agility and athleticism.

It wasn't exactly Tom Boyd punching up on some 17/18 year olds going mark->goal in 10 consecutive highlights.


Thilthorpe is fascinating, if he genuinely struggled with his groins this year and it effected him athletically, he's probably just about the best player in the draft then when he gets fit.

 

[the big lebowski]

For those judging these players purely off highlights (myself included), I can’t see how anyone could fault his game.

Passing on Hollands could hurt us down the track, but I think skipping on McDonald could really hurt us.


On iPhone using BigFooty.com mobile app

I’m really certain in my view that McDonald doesn’t turn out to be any more than a handy forward. Maybe even a complete bust.

Double grabs, I don’t think he offers much at ground level, and his all round agility is poor imo.

I’m teally sceptical about taking Hollands with his knee, but would much prefer him to McDonald.

 

[Harris 10]

The closer we get to the draft the more it is pi$$ing me off that * got a compo pick for the Giraffe.

 

[Pykie]

I’m really certain in my view that McDonald doesn’t turn out to be any more than a handy forward. Maybe even a complete bust.

Double grabs, I don’t think he offers much at ground level, and his all round agility is poor imo.

I’m teally sceptical about taking Hollands with his knee, but would much prefer him to McDonald.

- Agree with you regarding the double grabs. It's one of the biggest red flags with key forwards. Hence why I said I don't think he's ever going to be a monster contested mark and was one of my biggest queries on him for the last 6 months.

- Can't agree with you on the ground level ability and the agility. Whilst he isn't a freak, jump on peoples shoulders type. He bustles around at ground level and through traffic like a midfielder. Almost like a shorter Brody Grundy. He can turn on a dime, turning circle is really non-existent. He's an elite ground ball player for a 196cm 90kg KPF.

-You can't discount his kicking either. Given his ability to get up and down the ground, he's going to be a genuine goal threat from 60m and closer to the goal. Not everyone has that sort of penetration in their kicking, Ben Brown

50

Ben Brown

Age

33

Ht

200cm

Wt

100kg

Pos.

Fwd

Career

Season

Last 5

D

10.7

3star

K

7.7

3star

HB

3.0

3star

M

4.8

5star

T

1.2

3star

G

2.2

5star

D

7.9

2star

K

6.3

3star

HB

1.6

1star

M

3.7

4star

T

0.9

2star

G

1.0

4star

D

8.0

2star

K

4.6

2star

HB

3.4

3star

M

4.4

4star

T

1.4

4star

G

1.2

4star

was an example of someone who didn't. Fevola a great example of one who did and used it regularly.