Resource 2025 AFL Draft prospects and discussion.

[Danger in Texas]

I think Dawson will spend more time forward next season, especially if Curtin and Draper can have genuine impact through the midfield.

Big ‘if’ on the last part

As it stands, we can’t afford to weaken the midfield more often, yet

 

[Mostyn]

We already have two gun KPFs though and will be adding Ah Chee and also have Curtin floating through. Why do we need another tall forward?

Maley and Murray are fine as developing depth options, so another developing one doesn’t really seem a priority at all.

If we're rotating through 7 forwards, it can't be two talls and five smalls, especially if one of those talls is also the 2nd ruck. That means that maybe 20% of the time, Fogarty is the only marking option, and that's just not his game.

Ah Chee can play a bit taller, but we should be realistic. I don't think a resting mid is the right third tall option in the forward line

 

[1970crow]

Big ‘if’ on the last part

As it stands, we can’t afford to weaken the midfield more often, yet

I think opening up the rotations so that our mids are less gassed will make it more powerful, even if the guns are spending less minutes in there. Not playing 3 key forwards will provide greater opportunity for this. Some mids will rotate through the bench, but guys like Dawson, Rankine and Curtin will be troublesome matchups if we rest them forward.

 

[1970crow]

If we're rotating through 7 forwards, it can't be two talls and five smalls, especially if one of those talls is also the 2nd ruck. That means that maybe 20% of the time, Fogarty is the only marking option, and that's just not his game.

Ah Chee can play a bit taller, but we should be realistic. I don't think a resting mid is the right third tall option in the forward line

Richmond won a flag with 1 tall forward.

 

[Cromulant]

Richmond won a flag with 1 tall forward.

And then they immediately went and got another one.

The exception to the rule

 

[UcantCme]

I think Dawson will spend more time forward next season, especially if Curtin and Draper can have genuine impact through the midfield.

I think we will rotate more numbers through midfield with most of the players having ability to play forward as wel

 

[Betts are off]

Rach. TT. ANB
Keays. Fog. Ah Chee

There’s 6 first choice forwards that are locked in for the next 2 years. Add Pedlar, Taylor and rotating mids, plus potentially rotating Curtin and Dawson through there and Fog is well covered. If we unearth a better forward, great, if not, we’re well covered.

Yeah, I like that forward mix, however my concern is that i'm a long way from sold on the KPF situation after our best 22 players.

Love the concept of using Curtin and Dawson as pinch hit forward options, but personally wouldn't want to see them as full time key forward options at any point in the next 5 years if one of TT or FOG spend time on the sidelines. Could be our most dangerous 2 midfielders as soon as next year.

For me, unearthing a better 'next option' than Welsh, Turray, Finbar is more of a priority then probably to others. I see a reality where none of them are on the list in 2 years time. Not necessarily a 1st round priority. But would very much like to see us address it at some point this draft.

 

[jackster83]

I think we will rotate more numbers through midfield with most of the players having ability to play forward as wel

We've been saying that ever since Dangerfield left. It hasn't happened yet and appears to go against ingrained club philosophy.

 

[Betts are off]

Listening to Cal on gettable, and then reading his phantom draft leads me to believe he is going in fairly blind this draft. And after the first few picks, could have one of his worst ever hit rates.

Nothing against him, its a tough gig, but in years gone by he's seemed way more decisive by now about the order of the top 1-12 players.

I actually think this draft is going to be a fascinating watch, could go any direction.

 

[ET Sloane Home]

Listening to Cal on gettable, and then reading his phantom draft leads me to believe he is going in fairly blind this draft. And after the first few picks, could have one of his worst ever hit rates.

Nothing against him, its a tough gig, but in years gone by he's seemed way more decisive by now about the order of the top 1-12 players.

I actually think this draft is going to be a fascinating watch, could go any direction.

He hasn’t done his phantom draft yet? That’s being released next Monday

 

[Betts are off]

He hasn’t done his phantom draft yet? That’s being released next Monday

Phantom Form Guide, my mistake. He released one yesterday.

 

[Mutineer]

Listening to Cal on gettable, and then reading his phantom draft leads me to believe he is going in fairly blind this draft. And after the first few picks, could have one of his worst ever hit rates.

Nothing against him, its a tough gig, but in years gone by he's seemed way more decisive by now about the order of the top 1-12 players.

I actually think this draft is going to be a fascinating watch, could go any direction.

4 clubs with multiple picks and club Academy aligned draftees and where the bids come it's not hard to see why. Never been a draft top end like this before.

 

[Slim258]

Listening to Cal on gettable, and then reading his phantom draft leads me to believe he is going in fairly blind this draft. And after the first few picks, could have one of his worst ever hit rates.

Nothing against him, its a tough gig, but in years gone by he's seemed way more decisive by now about the order of the top 1-12 players.

I actually think this draft is going to be a fascinating watch, could go any direction.

I feel he has gotten a bit too big for his boots last couple of years, when his sole purpose was the draft he was usually in with a few recruiters and quite a few players to piece together the order.
Now he is chasing stories during the season and not focusing on draftees outside of VIC either has lead to this I reckon.
I haven't wanted to share this but I have also heard an unsubstantiated rumor from someone who could know a thing or two that he gets paid by certain families and clubs to promote certain players over others to boost their draft stocks.

 

[DJ75]

I think Dawson will spend more time forward next season, especially if Curtin and Draper can have genuine impact through the midfield.

I think that would be a dumb move. We need more drive off half back, and he's much more damaging playing that role than playing in the forward line.

 

[Mutineer]

There would be about 10 SA lads I would prefer us to take before Thredgold. Nothing against the lad, he seems like an ok prospect, but a 194cm KPD who is looking like a second rounder is not where we should be spending our Draft capital. Hopefully our interest is for if we trade in on the second day but I'm worried now.

Not if you're going strictly by positional talent, not even close. Thredgold when his athletic profile and projected upside are factored in he's definitely a worthy pick at our current 1st rounder.

 

[Betts are off]

I feel he has gotten a bit too big for his boots last couple of years, when his sole purpose was the draft he was usually in with a few recruiters and quite a few players to piece together the order.
Now he is chasing stories during the season and not focusing on draftees outside of VIC either has lead to this I reckon.
I haven't wanted to share this but I have also heard an unsubstantiated rumor from someone who could know a thing or two that he gets paid by certain families and clubs to promote certain players over others to boost their draft stocks.

That would be a massive story if substantiated.

I kinda hope its not for all sake, but I can't say i'd be all that surprised. He has about as much sway as any media player out there.

 

[DJ75]

I feel he has gotten a bit too big for his boots last couple of years, when his sole purpose was the draft he was usually in with a few recruiters and quite a few players to piece together the order.
Now he is chasing stories during the season and not focusing on draftees outside of VIC either has lead to this I reckon.
I haven't wanted to share this but I have also heard an unsubstantiated rumor from someone who could know a thing or two that he gets paid by certain families and clubs to promote certain players over others to boost their draft stocks.

Surely there isn't a single club in Australia that rates players based on what media talk they get. That would be ridiculous.

 

[fuic08]

Phantom Form Guide, my mistake. He released one yesterday.

That one is where he rates the players rankings.
Hus phantom draft will be where he puts his inside info on who teams will actually select

 

[hugecannon]

Big ‘if’ on the last part

As it stands, we can’t afford to weaken the midfield more often, yet

Yeah probably more of an option in ‘27 when Tex has retired and Curtin/Draper have had another 2 preseasons.

 

[Mutineer]

I haven't wanted to share this but I have also heard an unsubstantiated rumor from someone who could know a thing or two that he gets paid by certain families and clubs to promote certain players over others to boost their draft stocks.

Can't see it bud, it's not the media that decide where players go that's strictly down to the club head recruiters, their scouts and list needs. Recruiters aren't going to be influenced by media talk.

They would currently be busy poring over more footage still and interviewing players and their coaches and families refining what players they're settling on especially those outside of the 1st round.

I will say Cal does seem to favour the Vic "city" lads especially the private school lads in his coverage, often seen at APS games but not so much out in the bush at Coates Talent League games.

 

[hugecannon]

I think that would be a dumb move. We need more drive off half back, and he's much more damaging playing that role than playing in the forward line.

I agree with that as well, but he hasn’t seemed to play across HB at all the past couple of seasons, but he does rest/push forward quite often .

 

[Mutineer]

My gut feel at this point if we stay where we are with our 1st rounder we will take Harley Barker if his ACL recovery is ticked off by our medical team....of course contingent on him being available.
A 2.87 20m and an 8.00 Agility test at preseason testing is quite impressive.

 

[Slim258]

Surely there isn't a single club in Australia that rates players based on what media talk they get. That would be ridiculous.

Not AFL Clubs - CTL & Junior clubs.

 

[Slim258]

Can't see it bud, it's not the media that decide where players go that's strictly down to the club head recruiters, their scouts and list needs. Recruiters aren't going to be influenced by media talk.

They would currently be busy poring over more footage still and interviewing players and their coaches and families refining what players they're settling on especially those outside of the 1st round.

Yeah, not saying I believe it, just been told is all.

 

[Betts are off]

My gut feel at this point if we stay where we are with our 1st rounder we will take Harley Barker if his ACL recovery is ticked off by our medical team....of course contingent on him being available.
A 2.87 20m and an 8.00 Agility test at preseason testing is quite impressive.

You have to wonder where Barker would be sitting right now if he didn't have that injury.

His playing style and body type, you could easily see him playing substantial games as a rookie (pre ACL). Might end up the steal of the draft for who-ever takes him. Day 1 starting winger in 2027.