Game Day 2022 AFL National Draft Thread (North's current picks - Sheezel, Wardlaw, #23, #63)

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2022 REPLAYS

Metro v Young Guns: Colgate Young Guns v Victoria Metro - Round 1
Country v Young Guns: Colgate Young Guns v Vic Country - Round 2
Fitzroy Cubs v Carlton VFL: AFL Diversity Talent Programs
Match Replay: NAB AFL Academy v Collingwood
Match Replay: 2022 SA v Allies: 2022 NAB AFL National Championships - U18

AFL DRAFT COMBINE RESULTS 2022

Vertical Jump

75cm – Darcy Jones (WA)
75cm – James Van Es (VIC C)
72cm – Jack O’Sullivan (VIC M)
70cm – Olli Hotton (VIC M)
70cm – Reuben Ginbey (WA)
70cm – Elijah Hewett (WA)
69cm – Jacob Konstanty (VIC C)
68cm – Blake Drury (VIC M)
68cm – Tyrell Dewar (WA)
68cm – Josh Weddle (VIC M)
68cm – Edward Allan (WA)

Running Vertical Jump

98cm – James Van Es (VIC C)
90cm – Josh Weddle (VIC M)
90cm – Will Verrall (SA)
89cm – Jack O’Sullivan (VIC M)
87cm – Darcy Jones (WA)
87cm – Mattaes Phillipou (SA)
84cm – Toby McMullin (VIC M)
83cm – Mitch Szybkowski (VIC C)
83cm – Reuben Ginbey (WA)
83cm – Anthony Munkara (ALLIES)
83cm – Lachlan Cowan (ALLIES)

Agility

7.072sec – Darcy Jones (WA)
8.182sec – Jaxon Binns (VIC C)
8.217sec – Elijah Hewett (WA)
8.247sec – Steely Green (WA)
8.255sec – Edward Allan (WA)
8.267sec – Luke Teal (VIC M)
8.285sec – Toby McMullin (VIC M)
8.292sec – Jacob Konstanty (VIC C)
8.325sec – Harry Rowston (ALLIES)
8.343sec – Noah Long (VIC C)

20m Sprint

2.814sec – Edward Allan (WA)
2.880sec – Toby McMullin (VIC M)
2.883sec – Coby Burgiel (VIC C)
2.910sec – James Van Es (VIC C)
2.912sec – Darcy Jones (WA)
2.924sec – Olli Hotton (VIC M)
2.928sec – Reuben Ginbey (WA)
2.929sec – Cooper Vickery (VIC C)
2.937sec – Josh Weddle (VIC M)
2.951sec – Lloyd Johnston (ALLIES)

2km Time Trial

5min 54sec – Ollie Hollands (VIC C)
5min 54sec – Jason Gillbee (ALLIES)
6min 00sec – Jaxon Binns (VIC C)
6min 03sec – Josh Weddle (VIC M)
6min 15sec – Reuben Ginbey (WA)
6min 16sec – Jakob Ryan (SA)
6min 17sec – Steely Green (WA)
6min 21sec – Will Dowling (SA)
6min 25sec – Blake Drury (VIC M)
6min 25sec – Seth Campbell (ALLIES)
6min 25sec – Mattaes Phillipou (SA)
Player Profiles and Updated Top 50 - Post Championships & Combine.

Comment -
Not much changed in the top 5,but a fair bit has changed beyond that. Also added in half a dozen more profiles which mostly feature at the end.

1. Will Ashcroft 06/05/04 - Sandringham Dragons - 183cm Midfielder - Professional and balanced midfielder who accumulates the footy at will. Consistency at all levels has been seriously impressive. Has nominated Brisbane to be a F/S selection. Will no doubt be taken inside the top 2 picks. Unfortunately didn't test at the combine.

2. George Wardlaw 18/07/04 - Oakleigh Chargers - 182cm Midfielder - Tough, fast and explosive inside midfielder. Has the ability to take first possession and explode from the contest making him very damaging. Had a tough run over the past 3 months with re-occurring hamstring injuries. Has excellent defensive intent and pressure. Didn't test at the combine as a precaution.

3. Harry Sheezel 13/10/04 - Sandringham Dragons - 183cm Forward/Mid - Classy half forward/mid who can find space in a phone booth. Sums up situations quickly and can hit the hardest of kicks. Duel sided, smart, and excellent over head. Composure and overhead marking a real feature in his game. Question marks on his speed and ability to transition to the midfield at AFL level, but I think he has the footy IQ to overcome those deficiencies.

4. Aaron Cadman 03/03/04 – GWV Rebels – 194cm Forward - High work rate and elite leading CHF. Works up and down the ground and get involved in possession chains. Has dynamic movement for a big man and is a decent grab, particularly on the lead. Needs to improve his set shot goal kicking. Cadman is no doubt the premier key forward in this years draft class, but I still have concerns about his height and game style and whether that will translate to being a 50+ goal key forward at AFL level.

5. Elijah Tsatas 18/10/04 - Oakleigh Chargers - 184cm Midfielder - Powerful running midfielder who can play inside and outside. He is a true line breaker, with a combination of long running gait and long kicking. High footy IQ with positioning around the ground allowing him to always stay involved. Kicking can sometimes be a little bit hit and miss. Missed a big portion of the year due to a foot fracture.

6. Oliver Hollands 16/01/04Murray Bushrangers – 182cm Midfielder/Defender - Versatile midfielder who can play inside/outside, wing or across half back. Has an elite tank, and is arguable one of the best disposer in the draft. A long kick who can also provide some run and carry. Won the 2km time trial at the combine to highlight his elite running capacity. Have him ranked far higher than others mainly due to his kicking.

7. Bailey Humphrey 11/09/04 – Gippsland Power – 184cm Forward - A tough and a powerful athlete who loves the physical side of the game. A real game breaker with his overhead contested marking, goal kicking, physicality and ability to step up in pressure situations. Large scope of development due to his power and general footy IQ.

8. Mattaes Phillipou 27/12/04 – Woodville-West Torrens – 192cm Midfielder/Forward - Powerful left footer who can break the game open either in the midfield or across half forward. Strong overhead and has goal kicking ability when playing forward. Huge amount of upside, but no obvious best position at AFL level at this stage.

9. Jedd Busslinger 11/03/04 - East Perth - 195cm – Defender - Elite intercept defender who is good overhead but also has an excellent kick for a big man. Isn't afraid to take the game on, but also can lock down on the big tall forwards. Equally at home to playing that third tall interceptor role. Has a slight frame at this stage so will take some time to mature before playing AFL footy. While I think he is an elite intercept defender I do have concerns as to whether he will be big enough (physically) to play as a genuine KP at AFL level.

10. Cam Mackenzie 21/01/04 – Sandringham Dragons – 187cm Forward/Mid - Rarely plays a bad game and has benefitted from playing alongside Ashcroft. Can win the footy at the coal face but can also provide some run on the outside. Is crafty around goal when resting forward.

11. Jhye Clark 23/07/04 - Geelong Falcons - 180cm Midfielder - Consummate professional who rarely has a bad game. Fantastic balance between inside and outside game. Balanced, clean and always stays involved. Lacks an athletic point of difference to those rated above him, but in my opinion he is a sure bet to be a 200 gamer. Slips down the rankings due to a poor combine.

12. Elijah Hewett 27/05/04 - Swan Districts – 27/05/04 - 186cm Midfielder - Powerful, tough and physical goal kicking midfielder. Has a good turn of speed and is explosive off his first 3-4 steps allowing him to get separation from the contest.

13. Reuben Ginbey 10/10/04 – East Perth - 189cm Midfielder/Defender - A shift from half back to inside mid seen him thrive at the championships. Has a mature body, and is at home in the contest. Ball use by hand is really solid, but decision making and execution by foot is a big area of his game that needs to improve. Showed a lot of form in the WAFL playing as an intercept half back with his marking a real feature. Tested really well at the draft combine.

14. Lachlan Cowan 01/12/04 - Tasmania Devils - 187cm Defender - Arguably the best half back in the draft, Cowan provides a tonne of drive with his ability to intercept and kick long. Provides good run and carry but also has good balance between his offensive and defensive game. Sees the game well and has a damaging footskills that make him a serious weapon across half back. Rarely has a bad game.

15. Lewis Hayes 17/12/04 – Eastern Ranges – 195cm Key Defender - Rangy intercepting key defender who I rate a lot higher than most. Has all the attributes you could want in a defender; closing speed, long limbs, positioning and ability to intercept. Can accumulate the footy as well if allowed to play a loose role. Impressive decision making and has the foot skills to be damaging when exiting D50. Will take some time to mature physically.

16. Isaac Keeler 23/04/04 - North Adelaide - 197cm Ruck/Forward - Freakishly gifted tall forward, who has impressive movement below his knees and goal kicking ability. A special athlete, who has a good leap and speed. Bucket loads of potential but still very raw.

17. Oli Hotton 06/09/04 – Sandringham Dragons – 181cm Midfielder - Skillful midfielder who is at home both on the inside and out on a wing. Works hard both ways and is an attacking threat inside forward 50. Has a touch of class and his decision making is excellent.

18. Matthew Jefferson 08/03/04 – Oakleigh Chargers – 194cm Forward - Strong marking athletic key forward who kicked 7 goals against WA in the champs. Is slight, and will take some time. Doesn't seem to accumulate much footy around the ground at this stage and does his best work closer to goal.

19. Alwyn Davey Jr 26/02/04 – Oakleigh Chargers – 180cm Forward - Slick & quick is the best way to describe Davey. Slices through traffic with speed and agility. Has beautiful finishing skills and loves getting forward of centre to impact the scoreboard. F/S to Essendon.

20. Henry Hustwaite 20/07/04 – Dandenong Stingrays – 193cm Midfielder/Defender - Tall mid/key defender who has been consistent in the NAB League. Equally at home across half back or as an inside mid, he shows composure where ever he plays. When playing midfield he is a clearance machine who takes first posession and always manages to get his hands free. Across half back he sets up play with his good decision making and skill. Hard to see where his best position is at AFL level, too small to be a key back, and probably doesn't have much point of difference to be a mid. I think he ends up being a 3rd tall defender who can setup behind the play.

22. Billy Dowling 01/07/04 – North Adelaide – 187cm Midfielder - Putting up stupid numbers in the SANFL U 18's, averaging nearly 32 disposals and 1.5 goals per game. Also had a consistent champs where he was arguably SA's most consistent mid. Hard worker who impacts the contest with physicality. Has a mature body and isn't afraid to put it on the line. Works hard both ways and is often seen in D50 while playing in the midfield. His ability to accumulate is up there with the best in the draft and I feel he is underrated because he lacks a point of difference athletically. His ability to find the footy highlights his high footy IQ.

22. Charlie Clark 04/01/04 – Sandringham Dragons – 182cm Forward - Had him ranked far lower in previous rankings, but after watching a few of his previous games he has surged up my rankings. He is crafty, has a mean streak and has an appetite for the goals. Has an impressive side step and loves to carry the ball with aggression. He is the type of player that doesn't need a lot of the footy to generate scoring opportunities. Has kicked 23.15 in 12 games this year including a bag of 7.

23. Mitch Szybkowski 09/01/04 – Dandenong Stingrays – 186cm Midfielder - Big bodied inside mid who thrives at the coal face. He is strong, and uses his big frame to advantage when extracting the footy. Displays excellent hands and vision to release players on the outside. Most have him inside the top 15 but he is a little bit one paced and doesn't have much versatility, which is why I rank him lower than others.

24. Jaspa Fletcher 24/02/04 – Brisbane Academy – 184cm Midfielder - Hard running winger who has shown he can also play inside. Has a bit of pace that he likes to use to break the lines. Has good skills and already has a good tank. Brisbane will do all they can to ensure he is a F/S.

25. Harry Barnett 22/01/04 – West Adelaide – 202cm Ruck - Best tap ruckman in the draft. Not to dissimilar to our very own Todd Goldstein, with his ruck craft and follow up work. Good below his knees and a good kick for a big man. Decent mark, and already covers the ground well.

26. Jed Hagan 15/10/04 – East Fremantle – 175cm Midfielder/Defender - Tenacious, physical and well rounded footballer. Arguably one of my favourite players in the draft, simple because he always shows up to play. Despite his height, he can play as an inside mid, winger, lock down defender or as a small forward. Has recently kicked multiple goals in the seniors for East Freo in the WAFL. Has very neat skills, a bit of toe and absolutely thrives in the contest. I think whoever picks him up will get a gem.

27. Harry Lemmey 30/01/04 - West Adelaide - 199cm Forward - Was a sure bet to be a top 5 pick after his impressive under age year. Hasn't quite come in as well as many expected this year. At his best, he is a strong contested mark and smart footballer who has really good skills for a guy his size. His inconsistency and failure to really dominant any games this year is concerning.

28. Tom Scully 02/11/04 – West Adelaide – 204cm Forward - Tall forward who burst on to the scene earlier this year with bag after bag of goals in the SANFL under 18's. Tall, long and mobile for a guy his size, Scully has good lead up play and positioning. He has good agility and ground level game for a kid his size. Form has dropped away a bit over the last couple of months and he failed to have an impact in his one champs game.

29. Darcy Jones 03/04/04 Swan Districts – 173cm Wing - Small, zippy midfielder who has a number of attributes well suited to AFL. Quick, agile, evasive and courageous. Jones loves taking the game on using his speed and creativity. Has neat skills and composure in space. Had an excellent draft combine by breaking the agility record.

30. Brayden George 13/01/04 – Murray Bushrangers – 185cm Forward - Medium powerful forward who has a real dynamic presence when inside 50. The type of player who just makes things happen either at ground level or in the air. One of the better contested marks in this years draft class. Recently done his ACL, which is why he has fallen down my draft rankings. In all reality, due to his talent he will most likely go far earlier than this pick.

31. Jacob Konstanty 09/11/04 - Gippsland Power - 176cm Forward - Clever goal sneak who has a real evasiveness in his game. Is arguably the most consistent small forward in this years draft class, he plays the game with a real physical edge. Run down tackles and defensive intent are a real feature of his game. Can push up into the midfield and get involved too. Has a good centre of balance, and rarely goes to ground in the contest. In order to be a real premium small he just needs to sharpen up his goal kicking and skill level around the ground.

32. Adam D'Aloia 09/04/04 - Woodville-West Torrens - 184cm Midfielder - SA skipper, who is a grunt midfielder who loves the physical stuff. High footy IQ who runs to the right areas to be damaging. Loves a goal, but is also very accountable. One of the best tacklers and two way runners in this draft pool.

33. Jakob Ryan 20/09/2004 – Glenelg – 188cm Defender - Athletic defender who sees the game well. Long kicking half back who likes to take the game on, he has a nice leap and solid contested mark. Can play up the ground on a wing or even across half forward.

34. Jaxon Binns 29/10/04 - Dandenong Stingrays - 182cm Wing - Hard running wingman who has the ability to accumulate the footy at will. Doesn't have much of an inside game, but uses his elite tank to find space and break the game open. Despite his ability to find the football, his disposal is sometimes questionable. Due to his athleticism and ability to play as an outside runner, there is still plenty of scope for development. Tested really well at the draft combine for most athletic traits, which is why he has moved up my draft order.

35. Max Gruzewski 21/07/2004 - Oakleigh Chargers - 193cm Forward/Defender - Athletic key position player who is happy playing at either end of the ground. Has strong hands and good lateral movement for his size. Some draft watchers believe he is now shaping as a top 30 pick, while I like him as a prospect I'm still unsure as to his best position at AFL level.

36. Anthony Munkara 3/10/04 - West Adelaide – 190cm – Forward - Mercurial and freakishly talented, Munkara has an eye for goals and has the ability to win games off his own boot. Has beautiful vision in traffic and the skills to match. Was touted as potential top 10 pick at the start of the year but has only played one championship game and a couple of games at SANFL. Unsure if he is injured or simply not playing footy. On talent alone he deserves to be placed much higher.

37. Sam Gilbey 14/05/04 - Claremont - 185cm Defender - Another classy half back, who has strong rebounding ability. Reads the play well and uses his elite vision and kicking to setup across half back. Reads the play well and is solid in the air. He has slipped down my rankings due to a broken leg a few weeks ago.

38. James Van Es 07/08/04 – GWV Rebels – 196cm Defender - Dour and tough key defender who locks down on the oppositions best key forwards. Has decent closing speed and is an aerial threat with his intercept marking. The type of footballer you can just rely on to do the basics right all of the time. Surprised a fair few at the combine with the way he tested.

39. Kobe Ryan 17/02/04 – West Adelaide – 183cm Midfielder - Quick midfielder who is at home either inside or outside the contest. Has a long kick and clean hands inside the contest. Works hard both ways, but also likes to impact the scoreboard. Has played some league footy at SANFL level which highlights his potential, average 30+ disposals per game at under 18's level.

40. Josh Weddle 25/05/04 – Oakleigh Chargers – 191cm Defender - Intercepting defender who often made to play as genuine key position player. Has strong hands and is excellent one v one. He provides good skill off half back but also has a bit of run in his game. Has excellent closing speed. He is now a couple of cm's taller, but still not quite tall enough to be a genuine key defender, which is why I have him lower than most.

41. Cooper Harvey 12/07/04 – Northern Knights – 180cm Midfielder - Nuggety and tough midfielder who has come back two consecutive fractured arms to play a big role in the Knights resurgence. Has a real defensive edge in his game which results in him providing multiple efforts in the contest. His tank and foot skills need some work, but there is plenty to work with. F/S to North this year, it is a bit of an unknown as to where a bid will come.

42. Jonti Schuback 18/03/04 - Gippsland Power - 183cm Wing - Dashing half back/wingman who isn't afraid to take the game on. Has a bit of toe and good evasiveness. One of my favourites from this years draft, has he has good footy IQ and rarely plays a bad game. Has good balance between his offensive and defensive game.

43. Coby Burgiel 09/09/04 - Gippsland Power - 183cm Midfielder - Hard running, consistent midfielder who can play on every line. Has really neat skills and is very capable around goals. At home either inside or outside the contest. Has an excellent agility which allows him to find space in and around the contest.

44. Callum Verrell 22/04/04 – Eastern Rangers – 187cm Defender - Reliable defender who rarely gets beaten. Verrell has good balance between his offensive and defensive game. Can lock down on opponents, but also provide some run and carry. His composure and balance in the contest really stands out. Is capable of going with both talls and smalls.

45. Nick Sadler 08/01/04 – Sturt – 180cm Midfielder/Defender - Capable of playing on every line, Sadler is a reliable footballer who does all the team things. Tackling and defensive effort are features of his game. Has very neat skills and decision making and is capable both inside and outside the contest. Biggest question mark is to what role best suits him at AFL level.

46. Max Michalanney 26/02/04 – Norwood – 191cm Defender - Half back who can play a variety of roles and is suited to playing on both talls and smalls. Offers some rebound but can also lock down on his direct opposition. F/S to Adelaide.

47. Luke Teal 20/05/04 – Oakleigh Chargers – 188cm Wing - Attacking half back/wing who can win the footy in the air and on the ground. He is smart, balanced and composed. Was looking as a likely top 25 pick before the start of the season but has played less than 10 games due to a number of niggly injuries.

48. Blake Drury 11/01/04 – Oakleigh Chargers – 177cm Wing - Zippy half forward/mid who loves kicking a goal. Drury has leadership qualities, effort and competitiveness in spades. Works up and down the ground and can get involved in the inside and on the outside as a link up player. Probably ends up being a half forward at AFL level, but there are concerns as to whether he has enough tools to overcome his stature.

49. Lloyd Johnston 10/08/04 – NT Thunder - 184cm Defender - Dashing and evasive half back who loves the take the game on either by foot or by using his speed. Has excellent intercept marking for his size due to his athleticism and leap.

50. Jaiden Magor 16/02/04 - South Adelaide - 185cm Forward/midfielder - Talented midfielder forward who has some serious assets. Has natural forward craft, and can kick goals from anywhere. Is both an aerial threat and a threat at ground level. Very capable in the midfield as well where he uses his ball use and evasiveness to good affect.


Next 10 in no particular order:

Jason Gillbee
15/04/04 – Bendigo Pioneers – 190cm Midfielder - Tall, lean and hard running midfielder who can also play as a running half back. Likes to take the game on with his run. Has no worries finding the footy, but his disposal often lets him down.

Kane Bevan 25/4/2004 - West Perth - 192cm Midfielder - Big bodied, strong inside mid who can get forward and provide a marking target. Bevan is a clearance/contested machine who uses his clean hands around the contest. Loves the physical side of the game, but lacks in the outside game department.

Noah Long 23/08/04 – Bendigo Pioneers – 178cm Forward/Midfielder - Creative small mid/forward who uses his zip in and around the contest to create separation. Played more forward in the championships and had an impact on the scoreboard. Has natural goal sense and the skills/creativity to finish. Has had an injury interrupted year.

Harry Rowston 12/08/04 – GWS Academy – 181cm Midfielder - The Allies MVP, a hard two way midfielder who thrives in the contest. Covers the ground well and uses the ball well particularly by hands. He is really good overhead and isn't afraid to go back with the flight of the ball when pushing back into defence. Lacks a little of a point of difference which is why he is down my order. GWS will no doubt match a bid for him which could come as early as the top 30.

Tom McCallum 15/05/2004 - Tasmania Devils - 192cm Defender - Undersized key defender who uses his body and positioning to beat bigger opponents. Is slight, but has good core strength that allows him to compete. Has some speed that allows him to break the lines. He is let down by an awkward kicking style that sometimes results in poor kicks particularly when he is on the move. His intercept game is really impressive which will translate well to AFL level. However, he will take some time to get a mature body.

Finn Emile-Brennan 07/05/04 – Dandenong Stingrays – 181cm Defender - Skinny, slight but classy half back who has composure and a nice turn of foot. Uses his speed and agility to break the lines, and despite his smaller stature he is a long, powerful kick of the football. Linked to the Demons academy, but I wouldn't imagine he will receive a bid inside the top 40. Looks a long term prospect and will take time considering his weight.

Hugh Bond 25/09/04 – GWV Rebels – 184cm Midfielder - Physical and tough inside mid that likes to heap the pressure on his opponents when they don't have the footy. Tackling and defensive intent, along with his inside work are real features of his game. Has an elite tank which allows him to get from contest to contest. His hands in close are excellent, but can sometimes seem rushed when using the ball by foot. Lacks a bit of composure and can sometimes be slow to dispose of the ball.

Rye Penny 03/01/04 – Calder Cannons – 185cm Defender - Elite athlete who has a good leap, some speed and agility. Suited to playing across half back or on a wing where he can put his running capacity and speed to good use. Can break the lines with run and carry but is equally at home flying for marks and intercepting. His decision making particularly when under pressure is what lets him down, but there are plenty of athletic traits to work with.

Edward Allen 26/05/2004 - Claremont - 194cm Midfielder - Rangy outside midfielder who has come onto the scene late in the piece, after avg close to 25 disposals per game late in the season at WAFL colts level. Despite testing incredibly well for both speed and agility, he is one of those players that doesn't seem to use it during the game. Clubs would see a huge scope for potential considering his athleticism and height.

Harvey Gallagher 26/09/2003 - Bendigo Pioneers - 179cm Defender - Overage defender, who was incredible consistent this year for the pioneers. Provides run and carry off half back, but is equally at home defending one on one.

Late Draft or Rookie List Options:

Paul Pascu
20/08/2004 - Calder Cannons - 183cm Midfielder - Balanced midfielder who can also play across half back. Has a beautiful kicking action and can kick well on both sides of his body. Is equally at home inside or outside the contest. Attacks the contest with vigour, but has finishing skills outside the contest as well. Has had an injury interrupted which has impacted his consistency and draft standing. Earlier this year he was considered a top 30 prospect. Players like him don't lose their talent so it wouldn't surprise me if he was taken in the top 40.

Toby McMullin 06/0/2004 - Sandringham Dragons - 182cm Forward/Mid - Solid midfielder/forward who has some AFL capable qualities. Tested well for the 20m sprint with a 2.88, but also has good game sense and finishing. Some clubs may see some potential in him, despite only avergaing 11 disposals per game at NAB league level.

Jack O'Sullivan 22/10/2004 - Oakleigh Chargers - 177cm Midfielder - Physical small midfielder who has good balance between his inside and outside game. Has excellent vision and kicking to match often opening up the play with neat kicking. Has had some injury concerns this year. Question marks has to whether he has enough tools to overcome his height at AFL level.

Shadeau Brain 13/02/2004 - Brisbane Academy - 185cm Forward - Physical half forward who has some impressive athletic tools. Has a defensive edge to his game, often applying high amounts of pressure inside forward 50. Not only is he defensive, but he has some flair with his speed, leap and agility. Needs to work on his production and finishing skill, but does have some AFL qualities.

Darcy Edmends 28/04/2004 - Northern Knights - 183cm Midfielder - Classy ball user who doesn't need a heap of possessions to have an impact. Makes good decisions with ball in hand, and is particularly damaging when kicking inside forward 50. Avg'd 18.6 disposals and close 7 marks per game at NAB league level which highlights his work rate.

Oscar Murdoch 24/09/2004 - Geelong Falcons - 190cm Defender - No fuss defender who toils away doing his job. Only avg'd 11 disposals across 11 games for the Falcons, but will come under consideration to be drafted after he featured in the final championship game where he was one of VC's best players. Provided excellent intercepting marking and disposal while playing on the dangerous Harry Sheezel.

Archie Lovelock 19/12/2001 - Glenelg - 178cm Midfielder - Classy midfielder who seems to be somewhat underrated. Has played good footy at every level he has played at this year. Featured in the bests for SA for 2 out of his 3 games. Was also best afield in the SANFL u 18's grand final where he outshone much more fancied draftees in Will Dowling and Jakob Ryan. Avg'd 26.3 disposals per game in under 18's as well as 6 tackles and 3 clearances. Is a strong runner with good defensive application.

Angus Anderson 31/12/2003 - Sydney Academy - 189cm Midfielder - Overage midfielder from Northern NSW. Anderson had 2 covid impacted years during his development as a 17 and 18 year old. Tough inside mid, who thrives at the coal face. Wins the ball and distributes well by hand. Has a good tank so gets from contest to contest well. Has a mature body which he loves to throw around. Has played AFL most of his life, but has played some rubgy as well which results in him having an exceptional tackling technique. Biggest knock on him is that he struggles to have an impact when not playing as a clearance midfielder.

Seth Campbell 29/12/04 – Tasmania Devils – 182cm Forward - Zippy half forward/wing who loves getting on the scoreboard. Pushes up the ground to provide an option through the midfield, and then works back hard into inside 50. Plays with real flair and creativity. This is matched with good vision and a skillset that allows him to hit some lower % kicks. Defensive intent is solid too. Still very raw but plenty to work with.

Oliver Northam 28/07/2004 - Geelong Falcons - 195cm Forward/Ruck - Athletic player who has been playing as a genuine ruckman for the Falcons. Has a solid leap that allows him to ruck against opposition far taller than him. Has good follow up work and is solid below his knees. Can go forward and kick a goal. Will be more suited to playing as a key forward at AFL level. Still very raw.

Jack Cleaver 22/05/04 – East Fremantle – 188cm Defender - Tough and courageous half back who can also push into the midfield. Has good balance between his defensive and offensive work. Can lock down on an opponent, but can also provide some run and carry when playing a more loose role. Kicking can be a little bit hit and miss. Has played a couple of senior games in the WAFL.

Noah Bradshaw 01/01/2003 - Murray Bushrangers - 183cm Midfielder - Son of Brisbane champion Daniel Bradshaw, he is a uncompromising and tough overage inside midfielder who thrives in the contest. Likes to release teammates by hand but also works well around the ground to provide an option. Has good defensive application, averaging nearly 6 tackles per game. Lacks a bit of speed, but makes up for it with Footy IQ. Potential F/S to Brisbane.

Jackson Broadbent 2/12/2004 - Peel - 201cm Ruck - Excellent tap ruckman who provides some follow up at ground level. Was rated as an early first round choice prior to this year but he hasn't had much of a consistent impact at WAFL level or in the championships. He covers the ground well and has neat skills for a ruckman, but he isn't much of a threat aerially at this stage.

Phoenix Foster 12/9/2004 - Norwood - 196cm Forward - Key Forward who has kicked 26 goals from 11 games in the SANFL under 18's. He is an aerial threat with strong contested marking and a good leap. He attacks the footy with vigour and can provide an option up the ground. Also can pinch hit in the ruck. Plenty to work with if taken later in the draft or as a rookie.

Nick Madden 17/5/2004 - GWS Academy - 204cm Ruck - Monster lumbering ruckman in the Braydon Pruess mould. Physical type who isn't afraid to throw his weight around. Because of his huge frame he has solid contested marking and can be a threat up forward. Endurance and overall athleticism is below average which means he is a rookie at best. In the GWS academy.

Will Verrall 11/03/2004 – South Adelaide – 200cm Ruck - Mobile ruckman who works hard once the footy hits the deck. Wins clearances and finds the footy around the ground. Has good skills for a ruck and can be a threat in the forward line. Biggest question mark is is he tall enough to be a genuine ruck at AFL level?

Max Knobel 27/06/2004 - Gippsland Power - 204cm Ruck - Son of Trent Knobel. Raw, but has plenty of upside. Looks to have a good tank and has a nice deft touch when palming the ball. Has improved out of sight in the last two months, getting more involved around the ground and with clearances. Will be a slow burn as it will take him a fair while to fill out.

Tyrell Dewar 27/03/2004 - Subiaco - 185cm Forward - General forward who is a threat both aerially and at ground level. Has excellent lateral movement which allows him to get separation. When in range he has excellent goal sense. Lacks a bit of consistency and is still quite raw.

Taj Campbell-Farrell 29/06/04 – Dandenong Stingrays – 185cm Midfielder - Morrish Medal winner, who is the epitome of consistency. Tough inside mid, who uses his physicality on the inside to win the footy, Has clean hands around the contest, and he knows his limits with his kicking. At this stage he lacks a bit of versatility in his game and there are questions marks as to how much upside he has.

Cooper Vickery 16/12/04 - Gippsland Power - 180cm Defender - Neat small defender who does all the team things, while also providing some run and carry. His skills combined with his good decision making means he is always makes the most of is possessions. Lacks a little bit of a point of difference compared to other defenders in the draft pool.

Ted Clohesy 09/06/04 – Geelong Falcons – 184cm Midfielder - Prolific inside mid who does his best work at the coal face. Avg 24 disposals and 7 tackles per game for the Falcons this year, which highlights the balance between his ball winning and defensive application. Releases the ball well by hands, but is also a good option when kicking the ball inside 50. Has a neat short field (30m) particularly to leading targets. At this stage lacks some versatility in his game.

Steely Green 09/01/2004 - East Fremantle - 178cm Midfielder/Defender - No fuss footballer who does all the basics right. A real footballer's footballer who can play a variety of roles inside and outside the contest or in the back pocket. he has defensive intent, neat skills and composure with ball in hand. Has played WAFL seniors this year in a strong side, which highlights his footy IQ and ability to step up to any level.

Kelsey Rypstra 02/05/2004 - North Adelaide -172cm Forward - Zippy small forward who has a real energy about his game. Provides excellent pressure and defensive intent, but is also crafty around goals. He is tough, and has a low centre of gravity which makes him hard to tackle. Played more midfield at U 18's level but will be suited to a small forward role at AFL level. Unfortunately done his ACL just after mid year, which may impact his draft chances.

Jovan Petric 17/4/2004 - Western Jets - 196cm forward - Athletic key forward who works hard around the ground. Has good speed off the mark which allows him to get separation on his opponents. Decent at ground level and can also rotate through the ruck. Was consistent at Nab League level but didn't have much of an impact at championship level.

Will Splann 25/10/2003 - Tasmania Devils - 195cm Forward - Overage key forward who has a mature body. Very much a lead, mark and kick Full Forward. Doesn't offer a heap around the ground, but does the basics well. Leading patterns and multiple efforts repeat leads highlight his forward craft. Lacks a bit at ground level and overall athleticism which is why he is a rookie option.

Casey Voss 14/9/2000 - Sturt - 182cm Defender - Mature age intercepting half back who's game has gone from strength to strength over the last 2 years. He was looked at as a mature age option for the MSD but was overlooked. His pure weight of numbers in the SANFL is hard to ignore. Averaging 24 disposals, 9 marks, 6 rebound 50's. Voss is strong in the air, composed and very neat by foot. His overall athleticism is probably the only thing holding him back.

Mutaz El Nour 14/8/2001 - Northern Bullants - 192cm Defender - Athletic defender who has impressive skills, overhead marking and closing speed. After a solid first half of the year, El Nour was unlucky not to be drafted in the MSD. Unfortunately didn't play much in the 2nd half of this year due to a number of niggling injuries. In a draft that is lacking a bit of depth after the top 40. Development players like El Nour who have high potential may appeal in the rookie draft.

Ethan Phillips 17/7/1999 - Port Melbourne - 196cm Defender - The premier key defender in the VFL won the Fothergill medal for most talented player under 24 years old. Phillips has strong hands, and has elite positioning that allows him to cut off attacks. He has excellent one on one but lacks a little bit of top end speed which means he can be exposed on the lead against quicker opponents. With a lack of key position players in this draft he will appeal as a ready made option.

Another extended write up for a lesser known prospect who I really like:

Jaiden Magor 16/02/04 - South Adelaide - 185cm Forward/midfielder - Talented midfielder forward who has some serious AFL qualities. Prior to this year it was looking as though he could be a first round prospect, but he probably didn't come on as much as expected, especially as a genuine mid. He also didn't have as much impact as he would've been hoping for at the championships. Nonetheless, he still has stacks of natural potential. He has natural forward craft, and can kick goals from anywhere. It doesn't matter if they are snaps, on the run or from a set shot. Magor, is also both an aerial threat and a threat at ground level. Outside of Sheezel, he is probably the cleanest and most balanced ground level player in this draft. He has also shown that he is very capable in the midfield as well where he uses his ball use and evasiveness to good affect. For a 185cm player, his marking is impressive. The reason why his marking is so impressive is his ability to time the ball while also protecting the ball drop. He has natural footy IQ and goal sense but also has defensive tenacity, with solid tackling and pressure. He has performed consistently in the SANFL under 18's over the past two years and represented SA at both under 17 and under 18 level.

At championship level he played 2 of 4 games. He got squeezed out of the midfield due to the likes of Ryan, D'Aloia and Dowling dominating the centre square. Played mainly across half forward and showed small flashes of brilliance and vision. Featured in the bests against the Allies where he had 20+ disposals and kicked 2 goals.

At SANFL U18's level he played 10 games, avg'd 22.4 disposals, 6 marks and 3 tackles, 4 clearances and 2.3 goals per game. He only went goalless once, splitting his time between deep forward and the midfield. His best game came in round 8 against Glenelg where he was a level above the opposition. He stuffed the stat sheet with 41 disposals, 9 marks, kicked 2.1 and 4 tackles. Also kicked a bag of 6 and another bag of 5 in the last two games on the season. Was surprising he didn't get a chance in the reserves or seniors considering his consistent form.

 
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Draft prospects: The SA teenagers in first-round mix​


Andrew Capel, Jordan Pinto





West Adelaide’s Harry Lemmey is a top-five pick contender in this year’s AFL Draft. But there are a number of other SANFL juniors rising fast. See SA’s top 30 prospects.
It is the year of the South Australian giant.
While midfielders were the order of the day from SA at last year’s AFL national draft, with 10 of the 12 Croweaters selected being on-ballers, including South Adelaide sensation Jason Horne-Francis at Pick 1 and Glenelg’s Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera at No. 11, this year's standout crop is headlined by talls.
Led by 199cm West Adelaide key forward Harry Lemmey, who is widely considered a top five selection, the “land of the giants’’ group includes his Bloods teammates Tom Scully and Harry Barnett, who both measure 202cm, while Crows father-son prospect Max Michalanney (192cm) and Woodville-West Torrens’ Mattaes Phillipou (191cm) - son of former Western Bulldog Sam Phillipou - are among 17 members of the 40-member SA under-18 squad who stand above 190cm.
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North Adelaide’s 198cm Isaac Keeler - a Crows Next Generation Academy prospect - is another exciting tall coming through but he hasn’t had the start to the season he would have liked and questions have been raised about his work ethic.
“It’s an exciting group of talls that we have coming through,’’ said SANFL academy manager and under-18 men’s coach Tony Bamford, whose side will begin its quest for this year’s AFL national championship against the Allies at Thebarton Oval on June 19.
While the form of players in the junior championships will go a long way towards deciding the national draft order, there are some mature-age players who have lit up the SANFL in the first seven rounds - and played in SA’s four-point state game win against the WAFL in Perth - who are attracting the attention of AFL clubs as mid or end-of-season draftees.
Here’s a look at The Advertiser's early top 30 prospects and Bamford’s take on the teenage standouts.

THE TOP KIDS

1. Harry Lemmey​

(West Adelaide)
Key forward, 18, 199cm, 94kg
2022 Champion Data ranking points average:40 (League)

Has been labelled “Riley Thilthorpe Mark II’’ by West league captain Tom Keough and it’s not hard to see why.
Lemmey possesses similar attributes to the player Adelaide selected at pick 2 at the 2020 national draft. He's very tall, has excellent hands, is quick on the lead and is an elite kick.
“I find myself blinking twice,’’ Keough said of the similarities between Lemmey and Thilthorpe.
“Their football is not identical because I think Harry is what you would describe as a more traditional key forward with his ability to lead up while Riley is probably a little more dynamic in his movement, which gives him the option of spending time in the midfield.
“But in terms of their size, athleticism, ability at ground level, potential to break games open, work ethic, character and attitude there’s so many similarities. Harry has star material written all over him with a bit of Ben King (star Gold Coast forward) lankiness about him.’’
Covid health and safety protocols have cost Lemmey two games and weeks of training this season, stalling his development, but a strong league performance against Central District in round two, when he kicked two long-range goals and hauled in five marks, was a tantalising glimpse into his enormous talent.
Tony Bamford says: “A mobile, tall forward who’s had a taste of league football. He’s an elite runner for a tall player.’’

2. Tom Scully

(West Adelaide)
Key forward/ruck, 17, 202cm, 89kg
RP: 133 (Under-18)

After a blistering start to the under-18 season, Scully is rising up draft boards quickly. The mobile 204cm forward, who spent time in the ruck during his bottom-age season, has booted a remarkable 37 goals in the opening seven rounds – 14 more than any other player. With his height and reach, Scully has been unstoppable in the air, taking 27 contested marks in six matches. The next-best player has 16. The 17-year-old’s running patterns make him equally as hard to stop on the lead, too, with Scully recording a total of 44 marks inside-50. And his ability to win the ball at ground level for a player of his standing has also impressed onlookers so far in 2022.
Bamford says: “Has probably been our biggest improver over the past nine months. Is now a proven key forward who can mark the ball both on the lead and in a contest one-on-one. He's our leading goalkicker in the under-18 competition.’’

3. Harry Barnett​

(West Adelaide)
Ruck/key forward, 18, 202cm, 92kg
RP: 111 (Under-18)

The strong-marking 202cm talent gives his midfielders first use in the ruck and has a strong presence as a forward, but it’s Barnett’s follow-up work at stoppages and hands at ground level that have really caught the eye. His development as a ball-winning offensive weapon was on full show in Round 7 of the under-18s, with the 18-year-old tallying 29 disposals, 12 contested possessions, 12 marks, 12 hitouts-to-advantage, two goals and 190 ranking points.
Bamford says: “Harry’s the in-form ruck in our competition for his age group. He’s a big, strong boy who is able to give his midfielders first look at the ball. He’s now also marking the ball around the ground in general play and able to impact offence more.’’

4. Adam D’Aloia​

(Woodville-West Torrens)
Midfielder, 18, 186cm, 86kg
RP: 144 (Under-18)

Last year’s top pick Horne-Francis aside, D’Aloia was just about the best-performed junior midfielder in South Australia in 2021. The teenager, who is strong, clean around the ball and boasts exceptional leadership qualities, was best-on-ground in the Eagles’ under-18 grand final win and exploded onto the national scene, finishing with ranking-point tallies of 135 and 177 in his first two under-19 carnival games for SA as a bottom-ager. And he’s hit the ground running this year, leading the under-18 competition for contested possessions (16.5) and clearances (8.5) and ranking second for disposals (30.8).
Bamford says: “A strongly-built, inside mid who has elite, clean hands and is elite at the stoppages. He’s a first possession stoppage player whose game impact comes from restart stoppage, clearances. Also has great leadership skills.’’

5. Mattaes Phillipou​

(Woodville-West Torrens)
Midfielder/forward, 190cm, 83kg
RP: 133 (Under-18)

The son of former Eagles SANFL star and three-game Western Bulldogs forward Sam Phillipou, Mattaes has further enhanced his standing as one of the state’s most-promising midfield prospects. His hands are great at the contest, but they’re even better in the air, with the 18-year-old switching between tough, clean on-baller to high-marking, goalkicking forward with damaging effect. Phillipou tallied 23 disposals and three goals in Round 2 against the Roosters, before following it up a week later with 26 and three against West Adelaide. The left-footer was dominant at times as a bottom-ager last year and recruiters are excited about his scope for further improvement.
Bamford says: “Tall midfielder who can go forward and play as a marking target ahead of the ball. Has an exceptional ability to be able to release the ball while being tackled around stoppage.’’

6. Kobe Ryan​

(West Adelaide)
Midfielder/half-back, 18, 182cm, 72kg
RP: 156 (Under-18)

Made his league debut, and had an immediate impact, against an AFL-stacked Adelaide team in Round 6, finishing with 21 disposals and two goals. The classy midfielder, who averaged 156 Champion Data ranking points in the opening six under-18 matches for the year, looms as early-round contender in this year’s national draft after a consistent 18 months. As a bottom-ager, the 18-year-old ranked third Champion Data ranking points (129) and fifth for disposals (27.9) at under-18 level. A genuine all-round midfielder, Ryan is clean and tough at the contest, while also damaging when he finds space forward of centre and has also shown he can play behind the ball. West league coach Brad Gotch described his league debut as “special’’.
Bamford says: “A hard-working, bash-and-crash inside mid who can also play across half-back.’’

7. Jakob Ryan​

(Glenelg)
Defender, 17, 189cm, 77kg
RP: 148 (Under-18)

He can play forward, as he proved as bottom-ager, but the rapidly-developing teenager has been a standout in defence at under-18 level this season. Ryan leads the competition for intercept marks and averages 27.8 disposals, 7.8 intercept possessions, six score involvements and 148 ranking points – the fourth-most in the league – per game. The athletic playmaker attacks with flare and is decisive with ball in hand.
Bamford says: “Along with Scully has been the biggest improver of this age group in the past six months. He’s a high defender who is able to set up offence really well off an opposition turnover. Also has an elite ability to intercept the ball in the air across half-back.’’

8. Billy Dowling​

(North Adelaide)
Midfielder, 17, 187cm, 79kg
RP: 168 (Under-18)

The big-bodied on-baller has dominated the SANFL under-18 competition this season, averaging 32.7 disposals, 10.2 score involvements and 168 ranking points – all league highs – in the opening six rounds. Dowling, a terrific leader, who co-captains his school side St Peter’s, is a balanced midfielder with an impressive ability to find space forward of centre and hit the scoreboard. He’s booted nine goals of his own and played a direct hand in 11 other Roosters’ scores in 2022. The 187cm teenager is one who could further enhance his draft standing on the national stage.

9. Max Michalanney​

(Norwood)
Crows father-son prospect

Defender/midfielder, 18, 192cm, 78kg
RP: 144 (Under-18)

Michalanney qualifies as Crows father-son prospect after his dad, Norwood great Jim, played 211 SANFL games for the Redlegs between 1974 and 1986. Thee versatile, mid-sized defender, with a nice turn of speed, reads the play well and is very composed. Michalanney, who has impressed in three reserves games for Norwood in 2022, can play taller than his height suggests and was the sixth-ranked player for intercept possessions at SANFL under-18 level in his bottom-age season last year.
Bamford says: “He’s a medium-tall defender who has an elite ability to be able to read the opposition ball movement and intercept the ball and set up attacking moves from the back half. Has excellent leadership skills.’’

10. Isaac Keeler​

(North Adelaide)
Crows NGA prospect

Key forward/ruck, 18, 198cm, 88kg
RP: 114 (Under-18)

The athletic teenager is rated by some as the most-talented player in this year’s South Australian crop, but questions still remain over his work ethic and application. At his best, Keeler is an unstoppable forward – in the air and at ground level – with a brilliant eye for goal. His ability as a mobile ruckman has also been compared to St Kilda’s Paddy Ryder. Keeler’s performance at the upcoming national carnival should tell us more about where he sits in the bigger draft picture.

11. Nick Sadler​

(Sturt)
Midfielder, 18, 178cm, 83kg
RP: 132 (Under-18)

It’s been an impressive start to 2022 for Sadler with the balanced, goalkicking midfielder earning a place in Sturt’s senior side for Round 1 after 22 disposals and 122 ranking points in the under-18 season-opener. Sadler didn’t get his hands on the ball as often but he was still clean and efficient with his hands at ground level. The 18-year-old then stormed back into under-18 action with a 23-disposal, three-goal performance, which, again, highlighted his array of elite traits.
Bamford says: “An inside-outside midfielder who also plays high half-forward. He has more speed than D’Aloia and is able to carry the ball away from congestion.’’

NEXT IN LINE

Archie Lovelock​

(Glenelg)
Midfielder/forward, 17, 178cm, 72kg
RP: 135 (Under-18)
Tough teenager with brilliant hands, who wins the ball in traffic and can find a teammate under pressure. Lovelock is averaging 23 disposals and six tackles and has booted seven goals in six under-18 matches this season, featuring in the middle and inside-50 for Glenelg. But he might attract some interest as a pure half-forward.

Adam Deakin​

(Central District)
Defender, 17, 191cm, 87kg
RP: 49 (League)

The composed, reliable defender featured for Central in the first three League matches for 2022, with his 55m long-bomb goal against Sturt the highlight. A well-built 17-year-old, Deakin is strong in the air and can get involved going back the other way.

Jaiden Magor​

(South Adelaide)
Forward/midfielder, 18, 185cm, 79kg
RP: 124 (Under-18)

The South Adelaide product impressed as a forward last year, sending an early message to recruiters with a four-goal semi-final performance against West Adelaide. Magor has continued his goalkicking ways in 2022, booting 10 in the opening six games, but he’s also been given more opportunity to showcase his ability as a tough ball-winner through the midfield. In Round 7, the 185cm teenager finished with 28 disposals, six clearances and three goals.

Will Verrall​

(South Adelaide)
Ruckman/key-forward, 18, 199cm, 92kg
RP: 106 (Under-18)

Another talented tall on the draft radar, Verrall hasn’t quite hit the heights of his bottom-age season, which saw him average 15 disposals, eight hitouts-to-advantage and 118 ranking points, but he’s booted seven goals in attack and started to show his ability as marking target inside-50.

Blake Hansen​

(Eagles)
Defender/midfielder, 18, 178cm, 71kg
RP: 136 (Under-18)

A classy ball-user who delivers with precision from the back-half, Ryan leads the under-18 competition for kicks (21.3) at an impressive 81.2 per cent efficiency. Hansen is an attacking weapon on the outside, but can he win enough of his own ball? The under-18 championships might tell us more.

Kyle Marshall​

(South Adelaide)
Defender/forward, 18, 198cm, 79kg
RP: 71 (Under-18)

Marshall is a raw, rangy defender, who is good below his knees and has done a little bit of ruck work. But, while the talent and athleticism is there, the 18-year-old is still developing and is yet to really take hold of a position. One to watch if he gets his chance for South Australia in the national carnival opener.

THE MATURE-AGERS

Casey Voss​

(Sturt)
Medium defender, 21, 182cm, 80kg
RP: 107 (League)

What more can you do to get drafted? The son of Brisbane triple premiership captain, Brownlow Medallist and current Carlton coach Michael Voss has dominated the SANFL at half-back for two seasons and won the prestigious Fos Williams Medal as SA’s best player against WA in the state game in Perth. The playmaking defender had 29 disposals and took 15 marks against the Sandgropers in a stunning AFL audition for the mid-season rookie draft and leads the SANFL in marks this year with 62 in six games. “It was nice that my form was able to carry over into a big game like this,’’ Voss said. “As far as the timing (mid-season draft) is concerned, I’m not really thinking about that. If it (being drafted) comes, it comes, but I’m just really enjoying my footy at the moment.’’ Voss made last season’s The Advertiser SANFL Team of the Year and won Sturt’s best and fairest award. Dad Michael says Casey deserves to be on an AFL list but ruled out taking him at the Blues because of the family connection.

Jye Menzie​

(South Adelaide)
Small forward, 19, 180cm, 81kg
RP: 71 (League)

Electrifying small forward has made an immediate impact since joining the Panthers from Tasmanian club North Hobart this season. Took the SANFL by storm by kicking 10 goals in his first two league games against Central and Port Adelaide after being overlooked by AFL clubs at two drafts because of his inconsistency. Has booted 15 goals in six matches and made the State team, where he struggled to make an impact against WA, going goalless and having only six disposals. But he desperately wants to play AFL and is working hard on his game to become the complete package. “That’s the main thing I’m trying to work on,’’ excitement machine Menzie said. “I need to string four good quarters together more regularly, become the complete package, instead of just having these little glimpses here and there. I definitely think I’ve got it in me to play AFL.’’ In an era where damaging small forwards are worth their weight in gold, Menzie is a human highlight reel with top-level traits. He is quick, elusive, has great goal sense, X-factor and good footy IQ.

Josh Carmichael​

(West Adelaide)
Midfielder, 22, 189cm, 89kg
RP: 129 (League)

New to the SANFL after plying his trade in Mildura, Carmichael has been a revelation in his first year with the Bloods. The multi-talented sportsman, who has played high level junior table tennis, basketball, cricket and football, has caught the eye of AFL clubs looking to take a pick in the mid-season draft by averaging 24 disposals, six clearances and five tackles while kicking seven goals in six games in a struggling team that has yet to win a game. Coming off his first full football pre-season, Carmichael made the SANFL state team, performing well with 17 disposals and a goal. Well built at 189cm and 89kg, it is no surprise he models his powerhouse game on explosive Richmond superstar Dustin Martin. “I’ve loved my time at West and feel that every challenge, every step up that I’ve had in my footy career, I’ve been able to rise to,’’ Carmichael said.

Jacob Bauer​

(North Adelaide)
Medium forward, 19, 191cm, 80kg
RP: 68 (League)

The high-flyer started the year in the reserves, after a last-minute move to SA, but he put his name in front of AFL recruiters with a commanding five-goal performance on debut against the Crows in Round 2. In his first appearance at SANFL League level, Bauer took three marks inside-50 opposed to AFL-listed Crow James Borlase, who lined up in a strong Adelaide defence. He followed it up a week later with another five majors and three outstanding contested marks, to further highlight his aerial prowess and confirm what North Adelaide is thinking about his future. “I’m not sure how much longer we’re going to see him at SANFL level,” Roosters reserves and development coach Darren Reeves told The Advertiser after Bauer’s second five-goal haul against Central. “He has great hands, takes marks at the highest point, is an excellent kick and is such an exciting talent that I’m sure AFL clubs are starting to sniff around.” Bauer, who joined the Roosters from the Swans Academy after being overlooked in last year’s draft, has kicked 13 goals in four games.

Mitch O’Neill​

(South Adelaide)
Midfielder, 21, 178cm, 76kg
RP: 129 (League)

Former West Coast rookie has backed up last year’s standout finals campaign with a sizzling start to 2022. The speedster has averaged 31 disposals in five games, missing one match through Covid health and safety protocols, to earn selection in the SANFL state team. He was one of the Croweaters’ better midfielders in Perth, finishing with 19 disposals and kicking a goal, and appears ready for a second crack at the AFL.

Connor Ballenden​

(Woodville-West Torrens)
Ruck/key forward, 23, 200cm, 100kg
RP: 124 (League)

Former Brisbane Lions big man has made a strong start to his SANFL career for reigning premier Woodville-West Torrens, alternating between key forward and the ruck in the absence of injured tap ruckman Jarrad Redden. Has averaged 18 disposals, seven marks and a goal to earn a spot in the SA state side, where he had 12 disposals, four marks and a goal. Possesses a booming right-foot kick and could boost any AFL sides big man stocks.

Billy McCormack​

(Central District)
Ruck/key utility, 21, 199cm, 94kg
RP: 116 (League)

Former Frankston VFL player had thrust his name before AFL recruiters with a series of standout performances in the ruck for the Dogs in the opening four rounds before injuring his knee in the opening quarter of the round five clash against the Eagles. McCormack, who had been chosen in the SANFL State squad before his injury, suffered a subluxed patella and will be sidelined until at least round 10, most likely ruling him out of mid-season draft calculations. The athletic big man, whose dad Brendan played 44 games for Fitzroy and 12 for the Brisbane Bears from 1989-94, was averaging a competition-high 171 Champion Data ranking points prior to his injury, illustrating his all-round effectiveness. “I don’t consider myself just a hitout and marking player, I can win my own footy on the ground and lead up pretty well,’’ McCormack said of his unique playing style, where he virtually acts as a fourth midfielder. “My agility and the way I cover the ground are strengths of mine.’’

Frank Szekely​

(North Adelaide)
Defender/forward, 22, 170cm, 70lg
RP: 91 (League)

The younger brother of former Power midfielder-forward Wade Thompson moved across from Port August to Adelaide in 2015, when he started his North career as a skilful small forward and a member of Port Adelaide’s Aboriginal AFL Academy. But in 2022, his elite speed and foot skills have been used on a wing and across half-back for the Roosters, catching the eye of AFL clubs. He has enjoyed a career-best season for high-flying North.

Hugh Stagg​

(Glenelg)
Midfielder/forward, 19, 180cm, 84kg
RP: 75 (League)

The strongly-built 19-year-old was overlooked in last year’s draft, despite averaging 24 disposals and 24 goals to win the McCallum Tomkins Medal as the best player in the SANFL under-18 competition. But Stagg, who recorded the fifth-fastest 20m sprint at the national draft combine last year, has had an instant impact at SANFL League this year, booting nine goals in the opening six rounds, including a career-best four in round six against North, to show of his power and smarts around goal. His forward pressure has been elite.

Brett Turner​

(Glenelg)
Midfielder, 25, 185cm, 88kg
RP: 119 (League)

Midfield powerhouse enjoyed a stunning start to the season before hurting his foot against the Eagles in round four and not playing since. Was averaging 24 disposals and five clearances until his injury. The former Blood caught the eye of Adelaide recruiters with a scintillating performance against the Crows SANFL team in round two, when he dominated with 38 disposals, four goals, seven marks and six clearances. On Tuesday, Turner was one of another eight players from around the country to be granted a mid-season draft exemption, after not initially being eligible, given he didn’t nominate for last year’s national draft.

Harrison Magor​

(North Adelaide)
Defender, 21, 184cm, 83kg
RP: 76 (League)

Has enjoyed a breakout year for North at league level, standing out with his strong intercept marking across half-back. Has averaged 18 disposals, five marks and three rebound 50s with an elite disposal efficiency of 92 per cent, highlighting his excellent ball use. Has only played 11 league games but is an athletic type who should appeal to AFL clubs.

Kim Kantilla​

(South Adelaide)
Small forward, 23, 179cm
RP: 76 (League)

The famous Kantilla surname made a return to SANFL league ranks in round five when Kim Kantilla made his debut against the Crows at Noarlunga Oval. Fifty-eight years after the legendary David Kantilla starred in South’s last men’s league grand final win against Port, his great grandson Kim thrilled Panthers supporters just weeks after joining the club from the Tiwi Bombers. He didn’t disappoint, starring with 18 disposals, 11 marks and three goals.
“It’s a great story for our football club,’’ South general manager football and former Crow Brent Reilly said of the small, high-pressure forward. Kantilla, who was another to be granted a late mid-season draft exemption, has x-factor qualities and a big upside which makes him an intriguing AFL prospect

Lachlan Grubb​

(North Adelaide)
Medium forward, 19, 178cm, 76kg
RP: 60 (League)

Speed machine has taken his game to the next level since moving from Central to North this year. Considered unlucky not to have been drafted previously largely because of his blistering speed, Grubb has blossomed in league ranks at Prospect this season. He has averaged a modest 11 disposals, four marks, three tackles and a goal but is so fast that he makes defenders nervous when he is around the ball and splits backlines open when he takes possession and decides to run.
 

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1. Harry Lemmey​

(West Adelaide)
Key forward, 18, 199cm, 94kg
2022 Champion Data ranking points average:40 (League)

Has been labelled “Riley Thilthorpe Mark II’’ by West league captain Tom Keough and it’s not hard to see why.
Lemmey possesses similar attributes to the player Adelaide selected at pick 2 at the 2020 national draft. He's very tall, has excellent hands, is quick on the lead and is an elite kick.
“I find myself blinking twice,’’ Keough said of the similarities between Lemmey and Thilthorpe.
“Their football is not identical because I think Harry is what you would describe as a more traditional key forward with his ability to lead up while Riley is probably a little more dynamic in his movement, which gives him the option of spending time in the midfield.
“But in terms of their size, athleticism, ability at ground level, potential to break games open, work ethic, character and attitude there’s so many similarities. Harry has star material written all over him with a bit of Ben King (star Gold Coast forward) lankiness about him.’’
Covid health and safety protocols have cost Lemmey two games and weeks of training this season, stalling his development, but a strong league performance against Central District in round two, when he kicked two long-range goals and hauled in five marks, was a tantalising glimpse into his enormous talent.
Tony Bamford says: “A mobile, tall forward who’s had a taste of league football. He’s an elite runner for a tall player.’’


The Motörhead
 
The Motörhead
Oh boy. It would be living the dream if we could somehow get regular Airheads quotes into our meme's. I almost think we have to select this kid.
 
Rough Top 50 Rankings update w/ Tiers:

Tier 1

1. George Wardlaw 18/07/04 - Oakleigh Chargers - 181cm Balanced Mid
2. Jedd Busslinger 11/03/04 - East Perth - 195cm - Key Defender
3. Tom Scully 02/11/04 – West Adelaide – 204cm Key Forward
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Tier 2
4. Isaac Keeler 23/04/04 - North Adelaide - 197cm Ruck/Forward
5. Anthony Munkara - West Adelaide – 190cm – Medium Forward
6. Will Ashcroft 06/05/04 - Sandringham Dragons - 183cm Midfielder
7. Harry Lemmey 30/01/04 - West Adelaide - 199cm Key Forward
8. Lachlan Cowan 01/12/04 - Tasmania Devils - 187cm - Rebound defender
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Tier 3
9. Mattaes Phillipou 27/12/04 – WWT – 192cm Midfielder
10. Elijah Tsatas 18/10/04 - Oakleigh Chargers - 184cm Balanced Mid
11. Mitch Szybkowski 09/01/04 – Dandenong Stingrays – 186cm Midfielder
12. Elijah Hewett 27/05/04 - Swan Districts – 27/05/04 - 186cm Midfielder
13. Bailey Humphrey 11/09/04 – Gippsland Power – 184cm Mid/Forward
14. Jhye Clark 23/07/04 - Geelong Falcons - 180cm Midfielder
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Tier 4
15. Jakob Ryan 20/09/2004 – Glenelg – 188cm
16. Brayden George 13/01/04 – Murray Bushrangers – 185cm Forward
17. Harry Sheezel 13/10/04 - Sandringham Dragons - 183cm Forward/Mid
18. Oliver Hollands 16/01/04 – Murray Bushrangers – 182cm Midfielder
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Tier 5
19. Harry Barnett 22/01/04 – West Adelaide – 202cm Ruck
20. Jason Gillbee 15/04/04 – Bendigo Pioneers – 190cm Midfielder
21. Cam Mackenzie 21/01/04 – Sandringham Dragons – 187cm Forward/Mid
22. Henry Hustwaite 20/07/04 – Dandenong Stingrays – 193cm Midfielder/Defender
23. Jackson Broadbent 02/12/04 - Peel Thunder - 202cm Ruck
24. Kobe Ryan 17/02/04 – West Adelaide – 183cm Midfielder
25. Nick Sadler 08/01/04 – Sturt – 180cm Half back
26. Lloyd Johnston 10/08/04 – NT Thunder - ???cm Rebound defender
27. Jed Hagan 15/10/04 – East Fremantle – 175cm Midfielder
28. Seth Campbell 29/12/04 – Tasmania Devils – 182cm Forward
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Tier 6
29. Jaiden Magor 16/02/04 - South Adelaide - 185cm Forward/midfielder
30. Darcy Jones 03/04/04 Swan Districts – 173cm Wing
31. Callum Verrell 22/04/04 – Eastern Ranges – 187cm Defender
32. Sam Gilbey 14/05/04 - Claremont - 185cm Rebounding/3rd tall defender
33. Adam D'Aloia 09/04/04 - Woodville-West Torrens 184cm Midfielder
34. Aaron Cadman 03/03/04 – GWV Rebels – 194cm Forward
35. Kane Bevan 25/04/04 – West Perth – 192cm Midfielder
36. Matthew Jefferson 08/03/04 – Oakleigh Chargers – 194cm Key forward
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Tier 7
37. Jayden Davis ????????? – Glenelg – 182cm Forward
38. Alwyn Davey Jr – 26/02/04 – Oakleigh Chargers – 180cm Forward
39. Rye Penny 03/01/04 – Calder Cannons – 185cm Defender
40. Charlie Clarke 04/01/04 – Sandringham Dragons – 182cm Small Forward
41. Cooper Harvey 12/07/04 – Northern Knights – 180cm Midfielder
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Tier 8
42. Lewis Hayes 17/12/04 – Eastern Ranges – 195cm Key Defender
43. Jaxon Binns 29/10/04 – Dandenong Stingrays – 182cm Forward
44. Billy Dowling 01/07/04 – North Adelaide – 187cm Midfielder
45. Taj Campbell-Farrell 29/06/04 – Dandenong Stingrays – 185cm Midfielder
46. Matthew Payne – Western Jets – 174cm Forward
47. James Van Es 07/08/04 – GWV Rebels – 196cm Key Defender
48. Hudson O’Keefe 16/12/04 – Oakleigh Chargers 201cm Ruck
49. Blake Hansen 08/04/04 – WWT – 178cm Wing
50. Luke Teal 20/05/04 – Oakleigh Chargers – 188cm Wing

Any questions and I can try get around to answering.

Souup which tier would you place Mass, El Nour and Culley if they were in the ND.
 
Hi Souup I went to the caufield game not long ago and there was a ripper kid but I don’t know his name, they were calling him “boffa”.

Do you have an idea who this could be? I thought his skills were clean and has good leg speed
Welcome back... where did you go?

Fess up, who paid your ban? :p
 

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El Nour is particularly tough to rate due to being a couple of years older than the other 2. If I had to place him in a tier when considering all things, I'd have him middle-back of Tier 6.

Massimo and Culley back end of Tier 5.
So pretty low national draft picks but high on the mid year draft table?
 
Oh boy. It would be living the dream if we could somehow get regular Airheads quotes into our meme's. I almost think we have to select this kid.
I've been driving the Lemmy tour bus for weeks!
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