Review 2025 National Draft Thread | Dovaston #16 / Thredgold #26 / Mikunda #48

[roos_fanatic08]

Went with Kondogiannis for North’s next pick in the BF Phantom. Plenty of others considered like some of my favourites in Dahlitz and Rory Wright, but ultimately went with the half back with more flexibility, proven intercept ability and long kicking. Could have also taken Ah-Mu, Heatherton or Fred Rodrieguez.


Pick 45 - North Melbourne - Max Kondogiannis Oakleigh Charges - 190cm

North indicated during the trade period that they were targeting “hybrid” defenders. Flexible types of who can intercept, play on smalls and talls, while also providing some run and carry. With Kondogiannis you get all that and more.

At times this year he was often pitted against genuine talls, and despite giving away 6-10cm he often still competed well, especially on the lead where he’d utilise his speed to compete. When he got the opportunity to play as a genuine 3rd tall, that’s where his game really game to the fore, providing genuine intercept marking, composure and line breaking ability off half back.

He is one of the more composed defenders in this years draft class and rarely makes bad decisions by hand or foot. When his confidence is up he is a 70-80m player who can break a line with run and attacking flair.

Needs to work on his strength over the ball and his ability to compete in contested standing situations, but that’s not unexpected for a kid his size. He had the frame to put on mass so I don’t think that will be a long term problem in an AFL environment.

 

[andana]

Went with Kondogiannis for North’s next pick in the BF Phantom. Plenty of others considered like some of my favourites in Dahlitz and Rory Wright, but ultimately went with the half back with more flexibility, proven intercept ability and long kicking. Could have also taken Ah-Mu, Heatherton or Fred Rodrieguez.


Pick 45 - North Melbourne - Max Kondogiannis Oakleigh Charges - 190cm

North indicated during the trade period that they were targeting “hybrid” defenders. Flexible types of who can intercept, play on smalls and talls, while also providing some run and carry. With Kondogiannis you get all that and more.

At times this year he was often pitted against genuine talls, and despite giving away 6-10cm he often still competed well, especially on the lead where he’d utilise his speed to compete. When he got the opportunity to play as a genuine 3rd tall, that’s where his game really game to the fore, providing genuine intercept marking, composure and line breaking ability off half back.

He is one of the more composed defenders in this years draft class and rarely makes bad decisions by hand or foot. When his confidence is up he is a 70-80m player who can break a line with run and attacking flair.

Needs to work on his strength over the ball and his ability to compete in contested standing situations, but that’s not unexpected for a kid his size. He had the frame to put on mass so I don’t think that will be a long term problem in an AFL environment.

Reads a bit like Spud

 

[SunnyBoner]

Reads a bit like Spud

I thought the same thing

 

[roos_fanatic08]

Reads a bit like Spud

Probably not as physical as Spud at this earlier stage, but he doesn’t lack courage especially when flying for marks.

Have watched more of his highlights in recent weeks and I reckon he has a lot of traits that will transfer well to AFL. Particularly his composure, marking and long kicking.

Has a good athletic base too with a strong 2k-we and sub 3s 20m sprint.

 

[zoomba23]

Probably not as physical as Spud at this earlier stage, but he doesn’t lack courage especially when flying for marks.

Have watched more of his highlights in recent weeks and I reckon he has a lot of traits that will transfer well to AFL. Particularly his composure, marking and long kicking.

Has a good athletic base too with a strong 2k-we and sub 3s 20m sprint.

How's his accumulation

 

[billnats]

Went with Kondogiannis for North’s next pick in the BF Phantom. Plenty of others considered like some of my favourites in Dahlitz and Rory Wright, but ultimately went with the half back with more flexibility, proven intercept ability and long kicking. Could have also taken Ah-Mu, Heatherton or Fred Rodrieguez.


Pick 45 - North Melbourne - Max Kondogiannis Oakleigh Charges - 190cm

North indicated during the trade period that they were targeting “hybrid” defenders. Flexible types of who can intercept, play on smalls and talls, while also providing some run and carry. With Kondogiannis you get all that and more.

At times this year he was often pitted against genuine talls, and despite giving away 6-10cm he often still competed well, especially on the lead where he’d utilise his speed to compete. When he got the opportunity to play as a genuine 3rd tall, that’s where his game really game to the fore, providing genuine intercept marking, composure and line breaking ability off half back.

He is one of the more composed defenders in this years draft class and rarely makes bad decisions by hand or foot. When his confidence is up he is a 70-80m player who can break a line with run and attacking flair.

Needs to work on his strength over the ball and his ability to compete in contested standing situations, but that’s not unexpected for a kid his size. He had the frame to put on mass so I don’t think that will be a long term problem in an AFL environment.

Souva would love to have a Greek friend

 

[roos_fanatic08]

How's his accumulation

Pretty solid.

Just over 18.5 disposals and 3.5 marks per game in the Coates league.

18.8 disposals and 5 marks per game at the champs for Metro.

 

[chubbspeterson]

Went with Kondogiannis for North’s next pick in the BF Phantom. Plenty of others considered like some of my favourites in Dahlitz and Rory Wright, but ultimately went with the half back with more flexibility, proven intercept ability and long kicking. Could have also taken Ah-Mu, Heatherton or Fred Rodrieguez.


Pick 45 - North Melbourne - Max Kondogiannis Oakleigh Charges - 190cm

North indicated during the trade period that they were targeting “hybrid” defenders. Flexible types of who can intercept, play on smalls and talls, while also providing some run and carry. With Kondogiannis you get all that and more.

At times this year he was often pitted against genuine talls, and despite giving away 6-10cm he often still competed well, especially on the lead where he’d utilise his speed to compete. When he got the opportunity to play as a genuine 3rd tall, that’s where his game really game to the fore, providing genuine intercept marking, composure and line breaking ability off half back.

He is one of the more composed defenders in this years draft class and rarely makes bad decisions by hand or foot. When his confidence is up he is a 70-80m player who can break a line with run and attacking flair.

Needs to work on his strength over the ball and his ability to compete in contested standing situations, but that’s not unexpected for a kid his size. He had the frame to put on mass so I don’t think that will be a long term problem in an AFL environment.

Love it. That's some pretty good options still around at 45 by the looks of it.
Would be thrilled to get any of Kondo, Wright, Dahlitz or Davis at 45.
You'd think a few teams in the 30-40 range would be keen on them as well, but how many have picks with bids.
Any idea how many picks disappeared between our 26 and 46 picks in the BF mock draft?
I roughly count 16 picks that could potentially go between 26 to 46 with bids on players.
GC 24/28/29/36, * 21/27/30, Swans 31/32/42, WCE 34/41, Blues 43, Pies 39/45, Lions 44.

 

[Harris 10]

https://www.afl.com.au/news/1452082

 

[RooInNorthLondon]

If Twomey is somewhat accurate I can see us possibly making a bid on Harry Kyle if he is still there when we pick and forcing Sydney to match. That run/transition from HB is a need (we do have a fair few!).

 

[GS WARRIORS]

Recruiters saw the best of Barker during the under-18 carnival, when the wingman starred for South Australia to be a key member of his side on the way to its title win. He averaged 16 disposals but also flew for his grabs and kicked some goals. After that he went back to Sturt and unfortunately tore his ACL in his knee and underwent a reconstruction, but he is still viewed as a high-end talent.

Where does he go? The Sturt prospect has plenty of interest despite the knee. He is around the mark for the Giants' top pick, while Hawthorn also has interest. If he got through to North Melbourne's pair of picks in the 20s he would be right in contention.

Thredgold rose up the ranks in the second half of the season after missing early in the year with a hand injury. The tight-checking key defender enjoys the defensive part of his role, and not just the attacking elements. He closed down some quality opponents in Sturt's run to the SANFL under-18 premiership and was best afield in the Grand Final when he took 12 marks. Is versatile on who he plays on and competitive all the way through.

Where does he go? It seems very unlikely Thredgold would get past North Melbourne's pair of picks in the 20s, should he last to that point. Hawthorn is in the mix at its second pick, while Adelaide, Fremantle and Geelong are also among the clubs who like the key defender.

 

[Shinboner1]

2 picks in the 20s is a really nice position to be in. Some good talent still there.
Hope we can nail the picks.
Bit weird not watching day 1 of drafts, hasn't happened for a while haha

 

[Hojuman]

No more ACL history's please.
Harley Barker ✖

 

[Passmore]

Recruiters saw the best of Barker during the under-18 carnival, when the wingman starred for South Australia to be a key member of his side on the way to its title win. He averaged 16 disposals but also flew for his grabs and kicked some goals. After that he went back to Sturt and unfortunately tore his ACL in his knee and underwent a reconstruction, but he is still viewed as a high-end talent.

Where does he go? The Sturt prospect has plenty of interest despite the knee. He is around the mark for the Giants' top pick, while Hawthorn also has interest. If he got through to North Melbourne's pair of picks in the 20s he would be right in contention.

Thredgold rose up the ranks in the second half of the season after missing early in the year with a hand injury. The tight-checking key defender enjoys the defensive part of his role, and not just the attacking elements. He closed down some quality opponents in Sturt's run to the SANFL under-18 premiership and was best afield in the Grand Final when he took 12 marks. Is versatile on who he plays on and competitive all the way through.

Where does he go? It seems very unlikely Thredgold would get past North Melbourne's pair of picks in the 20s, should he last to that point. Hawthorn is in the mix at its second pick, while Adelaide, Fremantle and Geelong are also among the clubs who like the key defender.

Get the two Sturt lads over together.

 

[Heaps of fun]

2 picks in the 20s is a really nice position to be in. Some good talent still there.
Hope we can nail the picks.
Bit weird not watching day 1 of drafts, hasn't happened for a while haha

I would watch anyway, you can't count out Brady trading out next two F1s for pick 29.

 

[giantroo]

 

[Bowski]

Barker and Thredgold would be a sensational result, we're past the point of forcing draftees to immediately be playing seniors.

 

[GS WARRIORS]

Get the two Sturt lads over together.

Make it 3 with Dahlitz with our 3rd pick.

Though a key forward with our 3rd pick would be good too.

 

[Newbie Real Talk]

Make it 3 with Dahlitz with our 3rd pick.

Though a key forward with our 3rd pick would be good too.

Hetherton could potentially be there at our 3rd as a key forward slider with potential.

 

[The Dingrel]

Sorry to let you down…went with:

Pick 25 - North Melbourne - Louis Emmett Oakleigh Charges - 199cm

In an ideal world north will be selecting at least one developing KP with their two picks in their twenties.

Emmett makes so much sense from a list balance perspective for North as he can play as a genuine key forward or a pinch hitter in the ruck. While his form didn’t hit the heights expected of him this year, he has still managed to show glimpses of his potential with his contested marking, physicality and work rate. He has a solid athletic base which he showcased at the combine with an elite 2km effort and excellent agility for a kid his height.

His one on one game is very raw and at times needs to work on his game sense, but with raw athleticism and competitiveness to boot he rates as solid long term option beyond pick 12 or 13.

Pick 26 - North Melbourne - Ollie Greeves Eastern Ranges - 191cm

Just too good of a player to pass up at this stage of the draft, Greeves is simply the best available at this pick. Despite investing heavily in midfield through the draft, North could still do with some developing midfield depth, especially one with some genuine height and elite stoppage craft.

Greeves rarely played a bad game throughout the year and was a big reason Eastern had such a dominant finals campaign. His stoppage craft is powerful with strong hands and the ability to shrug tackles. He is a clean player by hand but is also capable of long penetrating kicking. He also is more than capable of swinging forward and getting on the scoreboard.

While the above reads like a top 5 pick, his defensive efforts, transition running, athleticism and accountability really needs some work. He lets himself down regularly with poor efforts in this space often walking to contests or completely losing interest on the turnover. In an AFL environment though you’d expect all these deficiencies to improve considerable and at this stage of the draft his upside is too hard to ignore.

Was actually a bit harder than I thought, there was still plenty of solid talent available. Which gives me a bit hope for draft night.

Others that came into my thinking were:

Threadgold
Ludowyke
Sumner-Pickett
Oskar Taylor
Hibbins-Hargraves
LeRay

We drafted a bloke at #1 who earned the moniker "no chasin' jason" with the same deficiencies. Sounds a bargain at 26!

 

[The Nostradamus]

still no obvious suitor for blues pick 9

Which player needs to be on the board for us to consider trading 25 and 26

 

[chubbspeterson]

Hetherton could potentially be there at our 3rd as a key forward slider with potential.

Yep. Ah-Mu or Curtin might be there as well.

 

[Twangler]

still no obvious suitor for blues pick 9

Which player needs to be on the board for us to consider trading 25 and 26

Essendon have 21 and 27 which is a bit better than our hand. Other clubs could also trade futures.

I think we’d definitely trade up given the opportunity but it won’t be an easy pick to get.

 

[The Nostradamus]

Essendon have 21 and 27 which is a bit better than our hand. Other clubs could also trade futures.

I think we’d definitely trade up given the opportunity but it won’t be an easy pick to get.

There is also blues pick 11

 

[chubbspeterson]

still no obvious suitor for blues pick 9

Which player needs to be on the board for us to consider trading 25 and 26

WCE, Crows or * seem the most likely suitors for 9 or 11.
Blues might just match and get an equivalent pick back inside 20 to take another kid inside 25 before an Ison bid.
25, 26 & 46 would only just get us Blues pick 11, only gives the Blues a small points gain, so not really worth it to them.
They'd get more points from WCE 13 & 34 for 11. So I think we're out of the race as the price will cost too much.

I don't think Farrow, Dovaston or Lindsay get to 15. Maybe Schubert falls or one of Thredgold, Barker or Ludowyke.
Problem with trading 25 & 26 for 15, 17 or 18 is you don't know for sure what player you will get because you will have to pull the trigger at the start of the draft with the GC and Lions bids if you wanted 15, 18 or 17.
Not sure it's really worth giving up two in the 20's unless you know you will will get Thredgold, Barker or Ludowyke.
I'd probably just sit with what we have.