2003 Draft Re-visited

[Longy413]

Last nights game gave us all a chance to reflect on the decision we made at the 2003 draft.

At the time we were critisised heavily, even by our own for taking Bradley ahead of Tenace when we desperately needed pace.

I rated Tenace highly at the time, infact I thought he was better than Walker, Sylvia, McLean etc. Would have taken him in the top 3. However, as it seems he has improved little and is struggling at both AFL and VFL level. Tenace actually looks fat, but I could be the only one thinking that.

We went for Bradley and last season many had written it off as a huge mistake. There were even some suggesting we made a mistake in not taking Dyson with our first pick (you know who you are ).

At the end of the day we walked away from that draft with Bradley, Stanton, Dyson and Nash and as it stands the latter three are out performing Tenace and he doesn't look like catching them. Given, there is a long time to go in all of these guys respective careers.

Thoughts?

 

[Darealrath]

I gave Tenace a bit of a spray when he kicked straight (well not exactly straight) to Bradley in the last quarter in another of their wasted F50 entries. I enjoyed that.

I think he'll probably make it as a good player but he has a bit of Spriggs about him, gets a bit of the ball, has great pace, but what does he do with it ? I'd definately rather Stanton and Dyson. I wouldn't trade Nash for him either. No need to even mention Kepler.

Very happy with our drafting in 2003.

 

[marcuz]

We went for Bradley and last season many had written it off as a huge mistake. There were even some suggesting we made a mistake in not taking Dyson with our first pick (you know who you are ).

Dyson > Bradley

At the end of the day we walked away from that draft with Bradley, Stanton, Dyson and Nash and as it stands the latter three are out performing Tenace and he doesn't look like catching them.

Speaking of catching people Tenace exposed Stants for speed last night. Stants has a good explosive burst but lacks the gears to keep up with Tenace. Dyson was moved onto him and had no problem keeping up.

Thoughts?

I’m happy with Stanton as he runs as hard as anybody on our list and was running as fast at the end of the game as he was at the start. I had to laugh at him calling for the ball off Winderlich out of the centre last night. Stick to your strengths Stants and let blokes who can finish, finish. He will be a good ruck rover for us for 10 years.

Kepler is an intriguing footballer. I thought he could be a good centre half back but he seems more comfortable freed up and on the ball. Maybe a roaming HF role may be his go from now on. I think he'll be a good honest footballer for us. At least you know with Keps that he'll put in 100% every time he puts on the red and black guernsey.

Jay Nash has quality written all over him and has a half back spot in the seniors with his name on it. Just a beautiful kick of the football he will gain some confidence out of making his debut this year and I have no doubt in 2 or three years time he'll have us saying getting him late in the second round was highway robbery.

People know my thoughts on Ricky. Having watched him since he was a 16 year old I was impressed from day one. His second year of TAC cup didn’t come on as well as I thought he would but there were mitigating circumstances behind that with groin and shoulder problems. He was projected as being a top 10 player after his first year of TAC cup. We got a ********ing bargain at 44 and not many people know it, they will soon though.

It will go down as our best draft since 94 and could even surpass it. Actually i'm pretty confident it will.

 

[Longy413]

Probably should have also mentioned we drafted Lovett and Lovett-Murray in the rookie draft that year.

And if McVeigh goes this week we might even see Wilson next week as well. Although he was originally drafted in 2002 and re-drafted in 2003.

 

[ant555]

The key with Stants is he keeps running . Outrite speed is good but continual run is far more dangerous , you only had to notice the space Stanton found in the back end of the game to realise it is a dangerous weapon to be able to run 13k plus in a game. Joe Misiti in his prime was a good example, no real pace but able to run to space throughout the game until age and injury got him in the last few seasons.
Tenace exposed a few of our guys early but wasnt really sighted when the game was on the line.
Brisbane have been the classic example of run , they have simply broken sides with 4 or 5 mid fielders who run all day . Injury and age have made them less effective now but they where the masters at it.

 

[windyhill]

Bradley has work ethic, tenace has a nice haircut.

 

[Nandoz]

By the way: The Kepler, Stanton, Dyson etc. draft was the 2004 National AFL Draft

The 2003 National Draft was where we got Laycock, Winderlich etc.

 

[marcuz]

The Kepler, Stanton, Dyson etc. draft was the 2004 National AFL Draft

The 2003 National Draft was where we got Laycock, Winderlich etc.

A big night on the turps last night mate?

The 2002 draft is where we got Laycock and winderlich. 2003 we got Keps, Stants etc. And last year which last time i checked was 2004 we got Monfries, Lee, Slattery and Thomas

 

[Nandoz]

A big night on the turps last night mate?

The 2002 draft is where we got Laycock and winderlich. 2003 we got Keps, Stants etc. And last year which last time i checked was 2004 we got Monfries, Lee, Slattery and Thomas

?

Theres a card hidden away somewhere that clearly says Stanton - 2004 AFL National Draft. I dont think its based on the year the draft was actually in, but for the upcoming year. Could be wrong, just basing it on a Select card.

 

[marcuz]

?

Theres a card hidden away somewhere that clearly says Stanton - 2004 AFL National Draft

Last year was the 2004 national draft. And stants wasnt drafted last year as he played for us last year. Monfries was drafted last year and last year was 2004.

 

[marcuz]

24 Brent Stanton

Height: 181cm
Weight: 76kg
Date of birth: 1/5/1986
AFL debut: 2004
Essendon debut: 2004
Total AFL Games: 30
Total EFC Games: 30
Total Goals: 14
Previous Club(s): Northern U18
Recruited From: 2003 Draft, selection 13


http://www.essendonfc.com.au/team/player.asp?id=85

 

[Nandoz]

Last year was the 2004 national draft. And stants wasnt drafted last year as he played for us last year. Monfries was drafted last year and last year was 2004.

I could find you a picture of the card I had?

Edit: found one. See the top right hand corner....

I'm just confused.