Yes it's that time of the year.
Below are my opinions of what I believe will happen. Happy reading/comenting/bagging.
Draft Priority Pick No 1 Carlton
Best Available IMO: Matt Kreuzer is arguably the best player in the draft
Best Club Fit: Carlton need to inject class all over the ground but Matt Kreuzer would compliment Judd, Murphy, Gibbs, Hampson, etc. giving them a formidable midfield in the future
Possible Options: Cale Morton or Trent Crotchin, both have the class bet they don't really fill Carlton's immediate needs
Outside Chances: Centre Half Forward is generally considered the most important position on the ground. With the departure of Kennedy, Ratten could decide that Lachlan Henderson or Ben McEvoy could be worth a punt
Hope to Slide: Nil
Selection: Matt Kreuzer (Ruck / Fwd) - 13 May 1989, 199cm 91kg. Vic Metro/Northern/Bundoora
Reasons For: IMO he is the best players available and the best fit for Carlton. Some may say that Hampson and Kreuzer in the same team is a waste as one will be on the bench while the other is in the ruck. However Kreuzer has shown that he can play forward and that his greatest asset as a ruck is his around the ground work so it is not inconceivable that he could play a Goodes type role if Hampson is in the ruck. If Kreuzer, Hampson and O'hAilpin/s all make it at AFL level then opposition ruckmen will be run off their feet trying to compete with three/four approx 200cm players in the one team. Additionally Kreuzer has shown leadership abilities which will be valuable at Carlton due to the senior leaders leaving the club
Reasons Against: 199cm for a ruckman isn't the tallest so can he cut it in the AFL at that height and Ruckman tend to be a hit and miss draft option
Stats: Vic Metro's Most Valuable Player Award, All-Australian selection, 3.11 in 20m sprint, 14.2 Beep Test, 10.51 3km Time Trial
TAC Stats: 15 Games, 31 goals, 15 behinds, goal accuracy 67%, average possessions 19.1, kicking efficiency 78%, handball efficiency 70%, tackles per match 3.9, 79 marks with 47% contested and an average of 24.9 hit outs per match.
Draft Pick No 2 Richmond
Best Available IMO: Trent Crotchin
Best Club Fit: Richmond need height, weight and aggression into the team. Cale Morton gives them the height and a frame to build on. Could be the next Bowden switching play across the backline for Richmond, but which Bowden would he be?
Possible Options: With Richo not getting any younger and Schultz apparently being shopped around during trade week a forward option like Lachlan Henderson or Ben McEvoy could be worth a punt
Outside Chances: Brad Ebert could also add height and bulk to Richmond's midfield/team
Hope to Slide: Matt Kreuzer, Richmond also need a ruckman to work with Symonds. Patterson could be that player but Kreuzer would be too good to pass up on
Selection: Cale Morton (Wing / HBF) - 18 January 1990, 192cm 75kg. WA/Claremont
Reasons For: Height, run, uses the ball well and can kick long goals. Can play all over the ground and plug trouble spots.
Reasons Against: An outside receiver, does Richmond need a ball winner or an outside player?
Stats: Larke Medal for the best and fairest division-one player, 15.2 Beep Test, 10.32 3km Time Trial
Draft Pick No 3 West Coast
Best Available IMO: Trent Crotchin
Best Club Fit: West Coast need to fill the void left following Judd's departure, Cousin's issues (he may yet go back to the club however) and Fletcher's age. While they still have Kerr and Selwood and have young guys like Priddis, Rosa, Hurn, etc. Crotchin is too good to pass up on and if he continues to develop would force his way into any line-up.
Possible Options: Chris Masten, while he doesn't quiet have the class of Crotchin at this stage he could still have it in the future and it does eliminate the go home factor. (Note: the go home factor is over rated but it does make a small influence.)
Outside Chances: David Gourdis, West Coast were apparently extremely keen on Chris Dawes last year. David is a local and has plenty to like up forward like Dawes.
Hope to Slide: West Coast would be hoping that Crotchin was the one to slide.
Selection: Trent Cotchin (Mid / HFF / HBF / FP) - 7 April 1990, 184cm 81kg. Vic Metro/Northern/PEGS
Reasons For: IMO the only real contender to Kreuzer for best in the draft.
Reasons Against: Had a bad day when heavily tagged by McGinnity so may take some time to learn to overcome the taggers. Currently injured which saw him miss the Draft Camp physical tests. Only 38% accuracy in shots for goal in the TAC games.
Stats: Missed Draft Camp physical tests due to injury
TAC Stats: 5 Games, 8 goals, 13 behinds, goal accuracy 38%, average possessions 27.4, kicking efficiency 68%, handball efficiency 70%, tackles per match 2.6 and 34 marks with 28% contested.
Draft Pick No 4 Melbourne
Best Available IMO: Chris Masten
Best Club Fit: With McLean, Jones, Moloney, Petterd, Bruce and McDonald do they really need to pick up a midfielder at 4 when they have pick 14 as well? Therefore Henderson to fix future forward line problems
Possible Options: IMO there is no clear best forward as Henderson has had injury concerns which leaves McEvoy and Gourdis as options. I'm a big fan of Gourdis and would like to see him picked up here
Outside Chances: Alex Rance, Melbourne may decide to build from the back rather than the forward line
Hope to Slide: Kreuzer would add to the midfield and forward line as he and Jeff white can both play forward
Selection: Lachie Henderson (Key Fwd / Ruck) - 18 December 1989, 196cm 90kg. Vic Country/Geelong/Geelong College
Reasons For: Tall, mobile, strong, good in the air, in short everything you want from a CHF player
Reasons Against: Injury concerns and question in my mind as to wether he is the best forward available
TAC Stats: 5 Games, 10 goals, 2 behinds, goal accuracy 83%, average possessions 13.8, kicking efficiency 71%, handball efficiency 92%, tackles per match 3.6 and 24 marks with 25% contested.
Draft Pick No 5 Western Bulldogs
Best Available IMO: Chris Masten
Best Club Fit: Need a tall forward, MacDougall couldn't do it and is now playing VFL CHB, Everitt is in the back line and their young tall's just seem like they wont make it up front. With Henderson gone and Gourdis more a FF, McEvoy would compliment Johnstone better
Possible Options: Dave Gourdis or Chris Masten to replace Scott West who surely can't keep on going? Yet to slow down though
Outside Chances: Alex Rance, is he the best available tall?
Hope to Slide: Lachie Henderson
Selection: Chris Masten (Rover) - 2 May 1989, 179cm 78kg. WA/East Fremantle
Reasons For: Does his job but also brings team mates into the game making them look better. Has vision and the skills to pull the options off, also appears to have a good head on his shoulders
Reasons Against: Not overly fast, relies more on endurance and isn't the longest kick, doesn't fill the clubs needs but to good to pass on
Stats: Captained WA,
Draft Pick No 6 Essendon
Best Available IMO: Rhys Palmer
Best Club Fit: Need to develop the midfield, Hislop will hopefully be the inside player with Houli and Rhys Palmer running outside.
Possible Options: Brett Ebert or Alex Rance
Outside Chances: Cyril Rioli for club history but with Sheedy gone I think there will be less focus on romanticism in favour of wins on the board
Hope to Slide: Trent Crotchin
Selection: Rhys Palmer (Centre / Wing) - 13 February 1989, 180cm 76kg. WA/East Fremantle
Reasons For: Midfield pace and endurance, pushes forward for goals, good left foot and enjoys playing well and lets his team mates know about it
Reasons Against: Right foot and questions about amount of improvement left in him
Draft Pick No 7 Fremantle
Best Available IMO: Alex Rance
Best Club Fit: Need to add to the midfield so Brad Ebert is the best of the rest following Masten and Palmer being taken
Possible Options: Cyril Rioli or David Myers
Outside Chances: Addam Maric, Jeff Farmer replacement
Hope to Slide: Chris Masten
Selection: Brad Ebert (Centre) - 2 April 1990, 187cm 86kg. SA/Port Magpies/Henley
Reasons For: Genetics, courage, good aerial skills, disposal and can play in multiple positions
Reasons Against: Was quiet at champs when tagged hard in a poor overall team
Stats: Captained SA,
Draft Pick No 8 Brisbane
Best Available IMO: Alex Rance
Best Club Fit: Brisbane need midfield help and Leigh has stated he wants bigger bodied midfielders. With Cyril Rioli as the next best midfielder would Leigh go for him?
Possible Options: Tom Collier, can he be turned into a legitimate midfielder
Outside Chances: Scott Selwood, Levi Greenwood or Jack Grimes
Hope to Slide: Brett Ebert or Chris Masten
Selection: Alex Rance (Key Def) - 9 October 1989, 194cm 87kg. WA/Swan Districts FC
Reasons For: Brisbane went for the best available with Luenberger and Rance is the best available IMO and the best Defender available. Future spine of J Brown, Luenberger and Rance is a scary thought
Reasons Against: Doesn't address midfield issues
Draft Pick No 9 StKilda
Best Available IMO: Dave Gourdis (I did mention I was a fan of his)
Best Club Fit: StKilda have a few needs, a tall to replace Gehrig - McEvoy, Gourdis or Grant, Midfield help - Rioli, or a back to replace Houghton - Myers or Collier
Possible Options: Refer Best Club Fit
Outside Chances: Dave Gourdis and Jarred Grant would have to be considered outside chances by most at this stage
Hope to Slide: Brad Ebert, plays in the midfield and up forward
Selection: Ben McEvoy (Ruck / Fwd) - 11 July 1989, 199cm 90kg. Vic Country/Murray/Dederang-Mt Beauty
Reasons For: While StKilda do take more chances than most clubs I don't think that they take a 191cm full forward and they may believe Gourdis isn't quite worth the pick and therefore play it safe. Great hands on him
Reasons Against: Midfield has to get the ball up to the forwards first so may need to shore it up first. Lacks pace as a forward,
TAC Stats: 15 Games, 21 goals, 9 behinds, goal accuracy 70%, average possessions 15.9, kicking efficiency 79%, handball efficiency 87%, tackles per match 1.5 and 120 marks with 30% contested.
Draft Pick No 10 Adelaide
Best Available IMO: Dave Gourdis (I did mention I was a fan of his)
Best Club Fit: Adelaide are in need of a few types, bigger bodied midfielders and FP/midfield pace which is why Cyril Rioli is a good fit
Possible Options: Tom Collier would have to be one of the biggest potential midfielders and Addam Maric is another FP option
Outside Chances: Patrick Veszpremi as a bigger bodied midfielder
Hope to Slide: Brad Ebert
Selection: Cyril 'Junior' Rioli (Rover / Wing / Small Fwd) - 14 July 1989, 178cm 74kg. NT/St Mary's
Reasons For: Fills the needs, has the genetics through being the nephew of the Maurice Rioli and Michael Long and performed at the champs despite being injured and great tackling pressure
Reasons Against: Shoulder and Ankle injuries and isn't the tallest but it's nitpicking really
Stats: 24.01 repeat sprint and 11.4 Beep Test
Sorry everyone, I have formatting issues that need to be reolved.
Below are my opinions of what I believe will happen. Happy reading/comenting/bagging.
Draft Priority Pick No 1 Carlton
Best Available IMO: Matt Kreuzer is arguably the best player in the draft
Best Club Fit: Carlton need to inject class all over the ground but Matt Kreuzer would compliment Judd, Murphy, Gibbs, Hampson, etc. giving them a formidable midfield in the future
Possible Options: Cale Morton or Trent Crotchin, both have the class bet they don't really fill Carlton's immediate needs
Outside Chances: Centre Half Forward is generally considered the most important position on the ground. With the departure of Kennedy, Ratten could decide that Lachlan Henderson or Ben McEvoy could be worth a punt
Hope to Slide: Nil
Selection: Matt Kreuzer (Ruck / Fwd) - 13 May 1989, 199cm 91kg. Vic Metro/Northern/Bundoora
Reasons For: IMO he is the best players available and the best fit for Carlton. Some may say that Hampson and Kreuzer in the same team is a waste as one will be on the bench while the other is in the ruck. However Kreuzer has shown that he can play forward and that his greatest asset as a ruck is his around the ground work so it is not inconceivable that he could play a Goodes type role if Hampson is in the ruck. If Kreuzer, Hampson and O'hAilpin/s all make it at AFL level then opposition ruckmen will be run off their feet trying to compete with three/four approx 200cm players in the one team. Additionally Kreuzer has shown leadership abilities which will be valuable at Carlton due to the senior leaders leaving the club
Reasons Against: 199cm for a ruckman isn't the tallest so can he cut it in the AFL at that height and Ruckman tend to be a hit and miss draft option
Stats: Vic Metro's Most Valuable Player Award, All-Australian selection, 3.11 in 20m sprint, 14.2 Beep Test, 10.51 3km Time Trial
TAC Stats: 15 Games, 31 goals, 15 behinds, goal accuracy 67%, average possessions 19.1, kicking efficiency 78%, handball efficiency 70%, tackles per match 3.9, 79 marks with 47% contested and an average of 24.9 hit outs per match.
Draft Pick No 2 Richmond
Best Available IMO: Trent Crotchin
Best Club Fit: Richmond need height, weight and aggression into the team. Cale Morton gives them the height and a frame to build on. Could be the next Bowden switching play across the backline for Richmond, but which Bowden would he be?
Possible Options: With Richo not getting any younger and Schultz apparently being shopped around during trade week a forward option like Lachlan Henderson or Ben McEvoy could be worth a punt
Outside Chances: Brad Ebert could also add height and bulk to Richmond's midfield/team
Hope to Slide: Matt Kreuzer, Richmond also need a ruckman to work with Symonds. Patterson could be that player but Kreuzer would be too good to pass up on
Selection: Cale Morton (Wing / HBF) - 18 January 1990, 192cm 75kg. WA/Claremont
Reasons For: Height, run, uses the ball well and can kick long goals. Can play all over the ground and plug trouble spots.
Reasons Against: An outside receiver, does Richmond need a ball winner or an outside player?
Stats: Larke Medal for the best and fairest division-one player, 15.2 Beep Test, 10.32 3km Time Trial
Draft Pick No 3 West Coast
Best Available IMO: Trent Crotchin
Best Club Fit: West Coast need to fill the void left following Judd's departure, Cousin's issues (he may yet go back to the club however) and Fletcher's age. While they still have Kerr and Selwood and have young guys like Priddis, Rosa, Hurn, etc. Crotchin is too good to pass up on and if he continues to develop would force his way into any line-up.
Possible Options: Chris Masten, while he doesn't quiet have the class of Crotchin at this stage he could still have it in the future and it does eliminate the go home factor. (Note: the go home factor is over rated but it does make a small influence.)
Outside Chances: David Gourdis, West Coast were apparently extremely keen on Chris Dawes last year. David is a local and has plenty to like up forward like Dawes.
Hope to Slide: West Coast would be hoping that Crotchin was the one to slide.
Selection: Trent Cotchin (Mid / HFF / HBF / FP) - 7 April 1990, 184cm 81kg. Vic Metro/Northern/PEGS
Reasons For: IMO the only real contender to Kreuzer for best in the draft.
Reasons Against: Had a bad day when heavily tagged by McGinnity so may take some time to learn to overcome the taggers. Currently injured which saw him miss the Draft Camp physical tests. Only 38% accuracy in shots for goal in the TAC games.
Stats: Missed Draft Camp physical tests due to injury
TAC Stats: 5 Games, 8 goals, 13 behinds, goal accuracy 38%, average possessions 27.4, kicking efficiency 68%, handball efficiency 70%, tackles per match 2.6 and 34 marks with 28% contested.
Draft Pick No 4 Melbourne
Best Available IMO: Chris Masten
Best Club Fit: With McLean, Jones, Moloney, Petterd, Bruce and McDonald do they really need to pick up a midfielder at 4 when they have pick 14 as well? Therefore Henderson to fix future forward line problems
Possible Options: IMO there is no clear best forward as Henderson has had injury concerns which leaves McEvoy and Gourdis as options. I'm a big fan of Gourdis and would like to see him picked up here
Outside Chances: Alex Rance, Melbourne may decide to build from the back rather than the forward line
Hope to Slide: Kreuzer would add to the midfield and forward line as he and Jeff white can both play forward
Selection: Lachie Henderson (Key Fwd / Ruck) - 18 December 1989, 196cm 90kg. Vic Country/Geelong/Geelong College
Reasons For: Tall, mobile, strong, good in the air, in short everything you want from a CHF player
Reasons Against: Injury concerns and question in my mind as to wether he is the best forward available
TAC Stats: 5 Games, 10 goals, 2 behinds, goal accuracy 83%, average possessions 13.8, kicking efficiency 71%, handball efficiency 92%, tackles per match 3.6 and 24 marks with 25% contested.
Draft Pick No 5 Western Bulldogs
Best Available IMO: Chris Masten
Best Club Fit: Need a tall forward, MacDougall couldn't do it and is now playing VFL CHB, Everitt is in the back line and their young tall's just seem like they wont make it up front. With Henderson gone and Gourdis more a FF, McEvoy would compliment Johnstone better
Possible Options: Dave Gourdis or Chris Masten to replace Scott West who surely can't keep on going? Yet to slow down though
Outside Chances: Alex Rance, is he the best available tall?
Hope to Slide: Lachie Henderson
Selection: Chris Masten (Rover) - 2 May 1989, 179cm 78kg. WA/East Fremantle
Reasons For: Does his job but also brings team mates into the game making them look better. Has vision and the skills to pull the options off, also appears to have a good head on his shoulders
Reasons Against: Not overly fast, relies more on endurance and isn't the longest kick, doesn't fill the clubs needs but to good to pass on
Stats: Captained WA,
Draft Pick No 6 Essendon
Best Available IMO: Rhys Palmer
Best Club Fit: Need to develop the midfield, Hislop will hopefully be the inside player with Houli and Rhys Palmer running outside.
Possible Options: Brett Ebert or Alex Rance
Outside Chances: Cyril Rioli for club history but with Sheedy gone I think there will be less focus on romanticism in favour of wins on the board
Hope to Slide: Trent Crotchin
Selection: Rhys Palmer (Centre / Wing) - 13 February 1989, 180cm 76kg. WA/East Fremantle
Reasons For: Midfield pace and endurance, pushes forward for goals, good left foot and enjoys playing well and lets his team mates know about it
Reasons Against: Right foot and questions about amount of improvement left in him
Draft Pick No 7 Fremantle
Best Available IMO: Alex Rance
Best Club Fit: Need to add to the midfield so Brad Ebert is the best of the rest following Masten and Palmer being taken
Possible Options: Cyril Rioli or David Myers
Outside Chances: Addam Maric, Jeff Farmer replacement
Hope to Slide: Chris Masten
Selection: Brad Ebert (Centre) - 2 April 1990, 187cm 86kg. SA/Port Magpies/Henley
Reasons For: Genetics, courage, good aerial skills, disposal and can play in multiple positions
Reasons Against: Was quiet at champs when tagged hard in a poor overall team
Stats: Captained SA,
Draft Pick No 8 Brisbane
Best Available IMO: Alex Rance
Best Club Fit: Brisbane need midfield help and Leigh has stated he wants bigger bodied midfielders. With Cyril Rioli as the next best midfielder would Leigh go for him?
Possible Options: Tom Collier, can he be turned into a legitimate midfielder
Outside Chances: Scott Selwood, Levi Greenwood or Jack Grimes
Hope to Slide: Brett Ebert or Chris Masten
Selection: Alex Rance (Key Def) - 9 October 1989, 194cm 87kg. WA/Swan Districts FC
Reasons For: Brisbane went for the best available with Luenberger and Rance is the best available IMO and the best Defender available. Future spine of J Brown, Luenberger and Rance is a scary thought
Reasons Against: Doesn't address midfield issues
Draft Pick No 9 StKilda
Best Available IMO: Dave Gourdis (I did mention I was a fan of his)
Best Club Fit: StKilda have a few needs, a tall to replace Gehrig - McEvoy, Gourdis or Grant, Midfield help - Rioli, or a back to replace Houghton - Myers or Collier
Possible Options: Refer Best Club Fit
Outside Chances: Dave Gourdis and Jarred Grant would have to be considered outside chances by most at this stage
Hope to Slide: Brad Ebert, plays in the midfield and up forward
Selection: Ben McEvoy (Ruck / Fwd) - 11 July 1989, 199cm 90kg. Vic Country/Murray/Dederang-Mt Beauty
Reasons For: While StKilda do take more chances than most clubs I don't think that they take a 191cm full forward and they may believe Gourdis isn't quite worth the pick and therefore play it safe. Great hands on him
Reasons Against: Midfield has to get the ball up to the forwards first so may need to shore it up first. Lacks pace as a forward,
TAC Stats: 15 Games, 21 goals, 9 behinds, goal accuracy 70%, average possessions 15.9, kicking efficiency 79%, handball efficiency 87%, tackles per match 1.5 and 120 marks with 30% contested.
Draft Pick No 10 Adelaide
Best Available IMO: Dave Gourdis (I did mention I was a fan of his)
Best Club Fit: Adelaide are in need of a few types, bigger bodied midfielders and FP/midfield pace which is why Cyril Rioli is a good fit
Possible Options: Tom Collier would have to be one of the biggest potential midfielders and Addam Maric is another FP option
Outside Chances: Patrick Veszpremi as a bigger bodied midfielder
Hope to Slide: Brad Ebert
Selection: Cyril 'Junior' Rioli (Rover / Wing / Small Fwd) - 14 July 1989, 178cm 74kg. NT/St Mary's
Reasons For: Fills the needs, has the genetics through being the nephew of the Maurice Rioli and Michael Long and performed at the champs despite being injured and great tackling pressure
Reasons Against: Shoulder and Ankle injuries and isn't the tallest but it's nitpicking really
Stats: 24.01 repeat sprint and 11.4 Beep Test
Sorry everyone, I have formatting issues that need to be reolved.
The drafts that annoy me are the ones that have us selecting Rance while passing on other quality options because of the "Brisbane needs defence" theory.
