Recruiting AFL Draft Watch 2025 - Picks 9, 10, 13, 37

[Lore]

 

[ghostdog]

Already getting two smalls with the NGA.

Kevin Sheehan’s 2025 Telstra AFL Draft top prospects: Smalls

AFL Talent Ambassador Kevin Sheehan has released profiles on the top small prospects ahead of the 2025 Telstra AFL Draft

www.afl.com.au

Any more smalls and you'd think we were on a quest to return a ring.

One of those smalls is no sure thing and we don't have to take him. The other one probably ends up more mid-forward than forward- mid.

Honestly, I'm happy to take him and pay out Gresham.

 

[Duckworth]

One of those smalls is no sure thing and we don't have to take him. The other one probably ends up more mid-forward than forward- mid.

Honestly, I'm happy to take him and pay out Gresham.

Now you're speaking my language (unlikely as it is to happen).

What about Latrelle Pickett as a cheaper option?

 

[Yoda_]

Can you see how dynamic the mid / forward mix then becomes?
I reckon a Robey / Cumming + Dov addition would be super exciting, though I probably lean toward Robey.

Not opposed to any of the other top end players, just think Dov could be brilliant.

as has been mentioned, using so much draft capital on one position would be reckless, especially for the position we are in.

Dovaston + El~Achkar sounds nice in theory but surely a Farrow + El~Achkar is better for where we currently sit?

 

[ghostdog]

Now you're speaking my language (unlikely as it is to happen).

What about Latrelle Pickett as a cheaper option?

I'd be happy with Pickett for sure, and two of Robey / Sharp / Cumming / XTaylor / CDT.

Also have an interest in Grlj, Farrow, OTaylor and Lindsay.

 

[Duckworth]

I'd be happy with Pickett for sure, and two of Robey / Sharp / Cumming / XTaylor / CDT.

Also have an interest in Grlj, Farrow, OTaylor and Lindsay.

I think I'm more inclined to add another project ruck, like Marcus Krasnadamskis. We can select 6 if an NGA slips to become a Cat B.

Robey
Sharp
Pickett
Krasnadamskis
NGAx2.

 

[ghostdog]

as has been mentioned, using so much draft capital on one position would be reckless, especially for the position we are in.

Dovaston + El~Achkar sounds nice in theory but surely a Farrow + El~Achkar is better for where we currently sit?

I'm in the cheap seats, Yoda, so I'm not going in to battle with you.
I'm an interpreter more than a draft watcher, but I know what I want our forwardline to look like.

If you take Farrow, who does he replace?
Not Redman currently. Not Roberts. Zak Johnson was only just drafted and we're still learning about him. Not McGrath, though he may play midfield. Ridley, McKay, Reid, Hayes obviously not.

 

[ghostdog]

I think I'm more inclined to add another project ruck, like Marcus Krasnadamskis. We can select 6 if an NGA slips to become a Cat B.

Robey
Sharp
Pickett
Krasnadamskis
NGAx2.

I don't know Kransky so I'll take your word for it.
Excited for this draft anyway. So many good options I can't see us really bungling it.


Except the Essington rule applies, so there is that.

 

[Duckworth]

I don't know Kransky so I'll take your word for it.
Excited for this draft anyway. So many good options I can't see us really bungling it.


Except the Essington rule applies, so there is that.

No need to take my word, I'm in the cheap seats too. I'm just looking at some possible positional needs.

 

[Keystone agony]

I dont think Sweid, HEA and Kako necessarily rule out another small fwd, but youd probably only be grabbing one if theyve slid through a bit and not over reaching - Still got ADW and Unwin aswell

A guy like Farrow - ZakJ very unproven. ZacM wants out, Parish injury prone, Fiorini is medicore and 3 years left in him (I think i had all in my starting 23 next year)

Id expect just about any pick inside the top 20 to just about be, best available, or certainly weighting alot heavier that way

 

[jctrout]

A fair few of

Blakiston
Mcmahon
Gerryn
A.May
T.Edwards
Cox

Will be gone in 12 months

H.Jones

24 months

Bloody rough ask though to expect these guys to perform at AFL level in broken teams and being shoved out of position. I can only imagine how good some of them will look with another preseason and some support.

 

[Keystone agony]

Bloody rough ask though to expect these guys to perform at AFL level in broken teams and being shoved out of position. I can only imagine how good some of them will look with another preseason and some support.

Well yeh Liam Mcmahon fascinating for me

The bloke in his first 6 AFL games this year, avg 2 goals a game. He played half a game in 2 of the 7, so basically 6 full games and 12 goals

Thats a 40-45 goal year, everyone would look back on that and be astounded if that happened at Essendon next year

I know thats his game and 1 wood, but anyone kicking thay many in todays game is significant

Not all will go though, just a chunk/fair few. Theyre all long shots its why they were overlooked so much and drafted so late

 

[jctrout]

To be fair fuys, ZJohnson made the age cutoff of his draft year by like 7 days. He’s literally a year ahead of his peers on game learning and now he’s just starting to build size.

 

[Yoda_]

I'm in the cheap seats, Yoda, so I'm not going in to battle with you.
I'm an interpreter more than a draft watcher, but I know what I want our forwardline to look like.

If you take Farrow, who does he replace?
Not Redman currently. Not Roberts. Zak Johnson was only just drafted and we're still learning about him. Not McGrath, though he may play midfield. Ridley, McKay, Reid, Hayes obviously not.

we all scream for better kickers from the back half, we find a role for him. Be it Roberts moves up the field, Johnson moves up the field, Prior might not be good enough, McGrath seems to be slated for more midfield minutes (again). Plenty of options.

 

[Keystone agony]

Some clubs will see Farrow as much of an onballer as half back

He will start half back as not many start onball, but they may see his end game onball

 

[Yoda_]

I dont think Sweid, HEA and Kako necessarily rule out another small fwd, but youd probably only be grabbing one if theyve slid through a bit and not over reaching - Still got ADW and Unwin aswell

A guy like Farrow - ZakJ very unproven. ZacM wants out, Parish injury prone, Fiorini is medicore and 3 years left in him (I think i had all in my starting 23 next year)

Id expect just about any pick inside the top 20 to just about be, best available, or certainly weighting alot heavier that way

I think people are forgetting Sweid, and Robey/Cumming, are likely to start there careers as forwards before the hit and hope they become midfield guns.

Having all of Kako, El~Achkar, Sweid, Day~Wicks, Unwin, Robey/Cumming, (Perkins, Gresham, Guelfi)

a lot may not be good enough but a hell of alot of questions unanswered by wanting to pack on more bodies to an already overpopulated position.


I agree though, if a guy like Talor Byrne, slips through to a possible later pick we end up with, go for it,

 

[Yoda_]

Some clubs will see Farrow as much of an onballer as half back

He will start half back as not many start onball, but they may see his end game onball

think this is the appeal to me. We've introduced a lot of mid/fwds in recent years, even this one (Robey or Cumming), a def/mid would be nice as well.

 

[Keystone agony]

I think people are forgetting Sweid, and Robey/Cumming, are likely to start there careers as forwards before the hit and hope they become midfield guns.

Having all of Kako, El~Achkar, Sweid, Day~Wicks, Unwin, Robey/Cumming, (Perkins, Gresham, Guelfi)

a lot may not be good enough but a hell of alot of questions unanswered by wanting to pack on more bodies to an already overpopulated position.


I agree though, if a guy like Talor Byrne, slips through to a possible later pick we end up with, go for it,

I still think for example case if we had pick 11 from blues then Dovaston right in mix

If we still have pick 21 then L.Pickett still an option

They will have the team planned for 3-4 years time and have Cumming in the middle with 3 of Sweid, HEA, Other fwd and Kako fwd..... maybe even have all 4

As for next year it would be hard to fit them all in if fit, but its fine leaving a 1st year player out for most of the year if the small fwds/teams going well. Otherwise easy to rotate on form. 23 players also makes it easier

 

[Red Black and Blue]

Getting farrow at 15 very unlikely. There is a reason that every clubs fan base wants him as a slider. Would be surprised if he makes it past Melbourne, shocked if he makes it past Carlton’s picks.

 

[Keystone agony]

Getting farrow at 15 very unlikely. There is a reason that every clubs fan base wants him as a slider. Would be surprised if he makes it past Melbourne, shocked if he makes it past Carlton’s picks.

Twomey sortve had him as his 8th live player on podcast, battling with maybe Grlj at 9. Then O.Taylor potentially at that range aswell i suspect dees are taking 2 of these 3

Think Adelaide must think Schubert will be there at 9 if interested to get there so much

 

[Red Black and Blue]

Twomey sortve had him as his 8th live player on podcast, battling with maybe Grlj at 9. Then O.Taylor potentially at that range aswell i suspect dees are taking 2 of these 3

Think Adelaide must think Schubert will be there at 9 if interested to get there so much

Would be a crazy tall forward line if that’s the case. Crows need smalls and pace rather than talls. Wouldn’t be messing with the mojo Thilthorpe had this year either, about as functional a forward as there was this year.

 

[Lingsface]

A great hand in the draft.

IMO Essendon should roll the dice on either CDT or Schubert for pick 5 or 6.
The standout big men of the draft and could really make a sides spine in the future with both having enormous versatility to come.

Schubert has the ability to find the footy and given limited runs in the ruck still manages to find 15-20 disposals a game at Championship and Sanfl level. Was close on the magical 20 and 2 numbers which is pretty amazing for a guy just finding how to use his big frame still. Has great hands and seems to still have a lot to learn in terms of leading patterns and how to control certain aerial situations, with alot of his marks coming from pure athleticism and skill along with his work rate without the ball and creating that little bit of space that makes him totally uncontestable.

With pick 6 I would looking at Grilj/Robey and as a bolter NHH.

NHH has that forward creativity and ability to take a mark after drifting forward that I feel lacks in Essendon's side. He has some Stevie J qualities and maybe of the more modern players Harry Sheezel. Grilj very hard to overlook even though alot of similarities between him and Merrett, who wouldn't want two of them.

Pick 21 is more of a lottery of who has slipped but if Marsh is their you have to take him, he would fit in very well as a presenting forward, he is silk as a footballer and has an ability to make it look too easy. I see him as a Gunston 2.0 plays taller when needed but because of his smarts finds the perfect lead and one touch makes him get away with those couple of cms he lacks. I think he is the Logan Morris of this years draft, slips because of his few cms less but ends up one of the best. Another option could be Thredgold he looks like a genuine KDP and has some Sam Taylor

15

Sam Taylor

Age

26

Ht

198cm

Wt

95kg

Pos.

Def

Career

Season

Last 5

D

10.0

3star

K

4.6

2star

HB

5.4

4star

M

3.3

3star

T

2.1

4star

MG

130.5

2star

D

8.0

2star

K

2.5

1star

HB

5.5

3star

M

2.8

3star

T

2.5

3star

MG

60.8

1star

D

8.6

3star

K

3.0

1star

HB

5.6

4star

M

1.2

2star

T

2.8

5star

MG

110.8

2star

qualities, puts defence first and has long limbs that just find the right position. Ludowyke also an option as a KPF.

27 is a pick where you can look at midfielders that have either slipped or are around this range.
Possibility and would be a big slip would be Greeves or Philipou.
More likely picks would be Onley, Dalton, Swadling, Le Ray or Rodriguez.
I would think about definitely putting in a bid on GC academy players throughout with the chance of either snaring Patterson somehow early or just to put the pressure on them that you may bid on Addinsal at pick 21 or 27 and it being too much for them to match> I see him as a very safe pick I would back him to be a 200 game AFL player.

Pick 30
Take a risk on Dan Curtin if he is still here is 100 percent worth the punt, has dominated his year levels and people are scared it won't transfer to Mens footy. But what if it does he is 200cm 100 plus kg averaging about 5 goals a game, has a good motor 6:20-30 2km testing and pre seasons to come.

Anyway just sharing some of my thoughts on this years draft. Thanks and good luck as it could be a real turning point with a good result.

 

[Hazardinho]

bruh

It was Caldwell and Bergman (C grade player at best)

Butters was the next pick after ? So we could have still drafted him and if we didn’t get Shiel (who’s best season with us was his first season) we finish lower on the ladder?

 

[ghostdog]

we all scream for better kickers from the back half, we find a role for him. Be it Roberts moves up the field, Johnson moves up the field, Prior might not be good enough, McGrath seems to be slated for more midfield minutes (again). Plenty of options.

Johnson is a very good kick who hasn't yet had much opportunity.
Prior has proven to be a very good kick.

How have Guelfi, Menzie, Davey and Gresh gone?

 

[ghostdog]

A great hand in the draft.

IMO Essendon should roll the dice on either CDT or Schubert for pick 5 or 6.
The standout big men of the draft and could really make a sides spine in the future with both having enormous versatility to come.

Schubert has the ability to find the footy and given limited runs in the ruck still manages to find 15-20 disposals a game at Championship and Sanfl level. Was close on the magical 20 and 2 numbers which is pretty amazing for a guy just finding how to use his big frame still. Has great hands and seems to still have a lot to learn in terms of leading patterns and how to control certain aerial situations, with alot of his marks coming from pure athleticism and skill along with his work rate without the ball and creating that little bit of space that makes him totally uncontestable.

With pick 6 I would looking at Grilj/Robey and as a bolter NHH.

NHH has that forward creativity and ability to take a mark after drifting forward that I feel lacks in Essendon's side. He has some Stevie J qualities and maybe of the more modern players Harry Sheezel. Grilj very hard to overlook even though alot of similarities between him and Merrett, who wouldn't want two of them.

Pick 21 is more of a lottery of who has slipped but if Marsh is their you have to take him, he would fit in very well as a presenting forward, he is silk as a footballer and has an ability to make it look too easy. I see him as a Gunston 2.0 plays taller when needed but because of his smarts finds the perfect lead and one touch makes him get away with those couple of cms he lacks. I think he is the Logan Morris of this years draft, slips because of his few cms less but ends up one of the best. Another option could be Thredgold he looks like a genuine KDP and has some Sam Taylor qualities, puts defence first and has long limbs that just find the right position. Ludowyke also an option as a KPF.

27 is a pick where you can look at midfielders that have either slipped or are around this range.
Possibility and would be a big slip would be Greeves or Philipou.
More likely picks would be Onley, Dalton, Swadling, Le Ray or Rodriguez.
I would think about definitely putting in a bid on GC academy players throughout with the chance of either snaring Patterson somehow early or just to put the pressure on them that you may bid on Addinsal at pick 21 or 27 and it being too much for them to match> I see him as a very safe pick I would back him to be a 200 game AFL player.

Pick 30
Take a risk on Dan Curtin if he is still here is 100 percent worth the punt, has dominated his year levels and people are scared it won't transfer to Mens footy. But what if it does he is 200cm 100 plus kg averaging about 5 goals a game, has a good motor 6:20-30 2km testing and pre seasons to come.

Anyway just sharing some of my thoughts on this years draft. Thanks and good luck as it could be a real turning point with a good result.

Do you mean Cody Curtin?
Thought he sounded like a gem earlier this year. I wouldn't be unhappy if we took him.

 

[Call Me Cake]

Butters was the next pick after ? So we could have still drafted him and if we didn’t get Shiel (who’s best season with us was his first season) we finish lower on the ladder?

Could have doesn't mean we would have. We could have chosen Caldwell who actually went at our pick and who Cal had at #10 in his phantom draft.



Or knowing Dodo, we could've picked Sam Sturt. To suggest we would've chosen Butters and use that as the preferred example is ultra picking and choosing particularly when Cal had Butters at #16 in his phantom draft so you're acting as if we would've picked the rabbit out of the hat like they did.



Caldwell went at the pick we gave, who we eventually got to the club. Butters wasn't a standout like hindsight suggests and was a gamble by Port which paid off and it's a massive stretch to assume we would've duplicated that when 10 other clubs didn't, that's as cut and dry as any example could get.