2006 Draft profiles (mojo31)

[mojo31]

I am going to put up some draft profiles for at least the top 20 and maybe more.
It is based on games I have seen live and various videos from the U16s/U18 Championships for the last 2 years as well as other games and highlights I have had access to.

Some of the players I have seen quite a bit and others not very much. But will put an opinion up at this very very early stage.
It is just an opinion and give some people a brief idea on how deep and talented the upcoming draft is looking.

 

[mojo31]

1) Lachlan Hansen

Key Position player

195cms and 84kgs
17/8/88
Gippsland Power (TAC)

Tall key position player who is a very good mover. Played CHF early in the TAC and moved back to CHB for the 2nd half of last year. Dominated his opponents and marked everything that came his way. Skinny still but wont shirk the issue. Freak at his age and size. Best overall mark I have ever seen for his age. Superb judge of the flight of the ball and has a first class attack on everything in the air. Rarely out bodied even though he is still skinny. Beat stronger opponents in the TAC with superior body positioning and judgement.
Sometimes funny watching him anticipate the kick into the forward line quicker than his opponent when playing as a defender. Would be off and running before his opponent had even moved and take an easy uncontested mark from a opposition kick. Was the “wall” when playing at CHB.

Will likely play forward in 2006 and see how he develops. Shown enough to suggest he can play both ends and become a dominant KPP capable of playing anywhere in the 4 key posts if required.
As he fills out will likely change his style a little and use his body more and more rather than standing off his opponent a few meters and using superior anticipation and leap and body positioning to beat the opponent.
That is not to say he is an outside player at all. He just understand his game and realises that there is no point to getting into a wrestling match against some players who are much heavier and stronger than he was in 2005. Sort of like Dustin Fletchers style. Who does not do well in wrestling contests and gets slaughtered against bigger stronger opponents when caught out in that way (Sav Rocca and J Brown come to mind who seem to beat him to the point where Sheedy won’t play him on them now). The difference is that Hansen is 16 and will be filling out and won’t have to play that way in a few years.

Runs a very high beep test and has very good endurance, speed, and is a freak athletic package for his size. Showed his class at the U18 Championships despite being a year younger and looked up to speed and class at CHB. Should be dominant this year in the TAC and at the U18s and show what he is made of at CHF.

Got better and better as the season went on and was taking a lot of contested marks and getting a lot of the ball in the last few games of the TAC finals. A quite capable ruckman as well who got a number of hit outs and its not inconceivable that he will grow quite a bit more and develop into a ruck in time. He can tap to advantage and has a very big leap. A player who started out last year as an athletic tall who was struggling a bit and ended it as a dominant key backman who got more and more involved in the play and get stronger and more capable of controlling the corridor. Plays the game like Chad Cornes back there peeling off and taking strong marks. But has the added advantage of being able to play tight as well when needed but will still be prepared to back himself in to win the ball. Has all the instincts of a gun forward but needed to round out his development by playing as an attacking defender in 2005 and now is ready for a move forward for the upcoming season.

 

[mojo31]

2) Bryce Gibbs

Utility/wing

187cms and 78kgs
15/3/89
Glenelg (SA)

Has some athletic ability but is more a natural footballer rather than an athlete. Quick over the ground but not lightning. Good build and superb kicking skills and ability to read the play and find space. Playing senior football in the SANFL for Glenelg last year. As well as played the U16 Championships in 2004 and 2005 for South Australia.

Half forward flanker and midfielder who will kick goals and play all over the ground. Better in 1 on 1 contests and in open spaces rather than in congestion in packs. Such a smooth mover he appears to not be quick but is football quick with anticipation. Does everything so easily that appears to not be at 100%. The “Mark Waugh” of next years draft with his grace and nonchalance.
Absolute lock in cant miss selection for anyone who nabs him. Not sure he will become a bona fide pure midfielder but as a creative player who will kick goals and cut teams apart if given space and time.
Been tagged in the SANFL and shown himself to be mentally and physically up to that challenge. Niggling tactics don’t seem to bother him and regardless of the game situation will run and create an option.
Would like to see more tackling from him and a little bit more urgency at times.

Cant really find fault overall with him. For his age he has a complete game. 187cms and of course still growing and might pinch hit as a KPP when finished.
Has some football arrogance and is prepared to back his judgement and ability and take a player on and also attempt a difficult kick. Wont just play the percentages and I like that about him. Not robotic by any means and is a natural sportsmen with outstanding hand eye co-ordination, balance and poise.
Quite physically developed despite his young age and perhaps he does not have as much improvement in him in that regard as others. But he is classy and silky and just keeps getting the ball and doing the right things with it.

The small question I have on him is not how good he is but rather his development. Looking at him in the 2004 U16s he looked amazing but in 2005 he really did not look like he had improved that much. A similar size still and not significantly better. I am a little concerned that he has peaked early and what we might be seeing is a player who is ready at a young age and might get caught later on by other players who are still developing at a rapid rate. I am not sure and its hard to know but have him at 2 still and will watch him this year closely. I see him as a long term wingman who will take a strong mark and look to set up goals with his ability to find space and kick to advantage. Such a good user that he is deadly delivering the ball into the forward line and will be hard to match up on with a player who can run with him and also match his considerable strength in the air.

 

[mojo31]

3) Mitchell Thorp

Key position player

25/12/88
195cms and 84kgs
Northern Bombers, Tasmania

Explosive key position player from Tasmania. Fast and very mobile and has agility and running ability. Played all over the place and shown himself to be versatile and basically up to all the roles he has been given.
That includes being switched from full back to full forward in an U18 Championships game and having the poise and temprement to handle it.

Takes a big mark in pack situations and also in 1 on 1. Good kick for goal and in general play and has fine skills. No real weaknesses in his game and could develop in any of the 4 key positions down the spine. Reads the play well and is not often caught being out of position. An athlete who has football smarts and skill. Therefore is the complete package.

We are talking about Chris Tarrant levels of athleticism when considering Thorp. Add to that a far superior kick and especially for goal and likely extra height, versatility and barely 17 and we have a huge prospect.

Moved him from 4 to 3 on the my latest thoughts. I think he could be the overall best athlete out of the upcoming draft for his size along with the smaller Clinton Benjamin . Has real burst speed to get out on his own on the lead or shut a player down quickly when playing as a defender. Can really take a huge leap and has very good endurance. Basically a Nick Riewoldt type of player with that same speed and endurance and leap that he has. Not proven to be quite in that class yet but should do so this year and stamp himself as a genuine versatile gun tall. Not sure where his best position is and have seen him dominate up forward and take a number of huge pack marks and kick a bag of goals as well as play as a defender. Taking all the kick outs and looking very composed and directing traffic and showing leadership. Then moves around like a wing man and picks the ball up off the ground like a midfielder with clean hands and runs and carries the ball. So really the club who gets him is getting a player who can play anywhere on the ground and develop him how they want. He has everything that is needed to be a quality player with real flair and match winning ability.

 

[mojo31]

4) Scott Gumbleton

Centre half forward

195cms and 87 kgs
3/8/88
Peel Thunder (WA)

Very strong contested mark and would think that he is the best exponent of that out of all the kids available in the next draft.
Skinny but is surprisingly strong and powerful and uses his body so well as a forward. A physical player who plays the corridor and has presence on the field.
Demands the ball and likes to play in front and at his size and possessing a good leap he is hard to stop once he does take front position.
Presents well and seems to have a good tank and a fine work ethic. Very good converter in front of goal and has a sound kicking technique and overall is a very good kick.
Athletic rather than bulky but has a big frame and will not have a problem putting on the size required to become a key position player in the AFL.
Not really seen him play down back and it is as a centre half forward that he will be judged and play most of his career it seems.
Showed his talent at the U18s Champs where he was as good as any big man on the ground even though he was a year younger than most of them. Good enough to keep Josh Kennedy out of the Key forward position for WA in the recent U18 Championships.
Has very good agility and covers a lot of ground but does his best work in contested situations rather than taking easy marks out wide.

Would liken him to Josh Kennedy only more athletic and an even better mark. Same work rate, physicality and competitiveness and around the same size even though he is 1 year younger. Looked superb at the U16 Championships in 2004 and dominated at that level. Disposals, contested marks and won the hard ball on the ground as well. Played very well in the WAFL and kicked a lot of goals and again showed how good a mark he was and his fierce his attack on the ball was. Good second efforts and is good at winning the ball on the ground and does not fumble when doing so.
Anybody who saw him at the 2005 U18 Championships saw him play below his best. He has an injury to his arm and he was not comfortable in his marking or handling of the ball. Presented and worked but his normally sure ball handling was not quite there. He will be better this year when fully fit and show why he is the best key forward available in the draft. Others might be slightly in front as far as overall players but he is the safest best for a key forward out of anyone.


5) James Sellar

Ruck/Key forward

195cms and 86kgs
24/3/89
Glenelg

South Australian player who was named best player at the U16 Championships.
Very smooth and moves like a key position player. Very high work rate and involves himself in the play. Contests well around the ground and is capable of playing a key position up forward. Good skills and does not any of the awkwardness of most ruckmen in dropping the ball from hand to foot.
Plays like a ruck but moves like a key position. Athletic and is in good in contested situations. Has a fine touch by hand in directing the ball down in the ruck and a good awareness of how to use his body and where to deliver to his midfielders.

Wiry frame, not bulky but quite strong and should not have problems putting on weight. Big leap, good speed and a natural athlete. Does not lack aggression and hardness at the ball. Pretty reasonable below his feet. The complete package.
He directs his taps well to his midfielders and you can see he is natural with what he is doing. Capable of doing it with either hand and also something that a lot of ruck cannot do in winning his own ball on the ground. Tapping it down and recovering quickly and roving it and getting a quick handball off.

The worry will be his height. Will he grow the 3 or 4 cms he needs to be a full time ruck at AFL level or stay at that in between size he is now. If he does grow a lot then he moves right up onto number 1 contention. He could make it as a key position forward if he does not as he is athletic enough but prefer him in the ruck roaming around the ground. The new ruck rules seem to be favouring the giants and has to be a question mark on Sellar that will not be resolved until draft camp and official testing.

If he does grow to close to 2 meters then Sellar is looking at a more physical and athletic version of Josh Fraser. Better in contested situations and a more robust body and having more speed. Likely be able to handle the rigours of AFL better than Fraser has so far in his career.
I believe his rating will be determined by the draft camp results on his height and reach. I don’t think he will slip out of the top 5 but whether he goes at 5 or 1 will be determined by how much he grows. As a ruck you could not hope for anyone more athletic who can also play tall and take a big mark and read the play.

 

[bsg7]

4) Mitchell Thorp

Key position player

25/12/88
193cms and 84kgs.
Clarence, Tasmania
.

Hate to be picky but Mitch is 195cm and plays for the Northern Bombers in Tasmania.

 

[Vinnie Vegas]

I'd love Collingwood to get their hands on either Hansen or Thorp, but hopefully we won't be bad enough to get either.

 

[mojo31]

Hate to be picky but Mitch is 195cm and plays for the Northern Bombers in Tasmania.

I think I mist have been thinking of Tom Hislop who is moving down to Clarence this year from up North. I got Thorp's height from the U18s so I cant vouch that he is 195cms. Would not be surprised considering how young he is that he is a few cms taller already.

I will make the change.

 

[bsg7]

I think I mist have been thinking of Tom Hislop who is moving down to Clarence this year from up North. I got Thorp's height from the U18s so I cant vouch that he is 195cms. Would not be surprised considering how young he is that he is a few cms taller already.

I will make the change.

Yeah know wories, both Thorpe and Hislop moved tyo Hobart this year but I think they are both going home to Launceston to play each weekend

 

[FIGJAM]

I'd love Collingwood to get their hands on either Hansen or Thorp, but hopefully we won't be bad enough to get either.

That's what I said last year (regards to Daisy Thomas & Pendles)!

Out of interest, if we bombed, why are you more interested in the talls than BeeGee??

BTW great work mojo! You break the record for the earliest ever comprehensive profiles. If you're keen, I'd like to see 2010's crop of ruckmen.

 

[Vinnie Vegas]

That's what I said last year (regards to Daisy Thomas & Pendles)!

Out of interest, if we bombed, why are you more interested in the talls than BeeGee??

Because this year the talls are the real incredible talents, and either Hansen or Thorp would solve our need for a future CHB.

 

[Talented Player]

mojo31 I agree with everything you wrote about Lachlan Hansen but the only thing that you said was that he was too skinny I will have to disagree with that. He looks really fit and IMO I think he has got taller and has filled out a little bit.

IMO: It's a funny footy world because we knock who has a bit of weight on and comment on who is not big enough (too small or too skinny). It would be boring if we were all the same

 

[mojo31]

mojo31 I agree with everything you wrote about Lachlan Hansen but the only thing that you said was that he was too skinny I will have to disagree with that. He looks really fit and IMO I think he has got taller and has filled out a little bit.

IMO: It's a funny footy world because we knock who has a bit of weight on and comment on who is not big enough (too small or too skinny). It would be boring if we were all the same

Just making a comment on Lachlan based on what I saw last year. He will fill out and I dont see a problem with him bieng to skinny in the future.
I do have him at 1 which might be a small indication of how high I rate him.

The players are ranked in order. I will go to 20 and then see if I keep doing it depending on time. Some of these kids will be taller and bigger now but I cant comment on that. Will get to some TAC games when the season starts and maybe a pre season game if I can. But until official lists are out I dont know.

 

[mojo31]

6) Joel Selwood

Midfielder

181cms and 74kgs
16/5/88
Bendigo Pioneers

Brother of Troy and Adam. Very classy inside midfielder. Got the cleanest hands of any of the midfielders available for the next draft. Does not fumble and is cool and composed under pressure and in traffic.
His strength is in extracting the ball out of a stoppage. Does it with strength, body positioning and awareness and anticipation. Seems to move that little bit quicker to the tap out or spillage and with great reflexes and hand eye co ordination he gathers the ball and feeds it out with a quick handball.
Uses his body so well and has an uncanny knack of getting his arms free and dishing the ball out before some players have managed to pin him.
Very physically tough and hard player who directs his aggression at the ball and will have a superb temprement for AFL.
Makes up for a slight lack in pace with anticipation and his reading of the play.
Kicking needs improvement but is not a problem just not penetrative enough yet and lacks real polish. He prefers to handball and feed runners but opponents will sag off him in the AFL if he does not improve his kicking and not make it easy for him to feed more skilful players. (for example Daniel Cross from WB).

Good at the U18 Championships for Vic Country where he looked in the top 2 or 3 midielders on display. His football has been a high level for 2 years now and it will be interesting to see how much he improves this year. Hopefully he will grow to his brothers heights of 187 and 189 and not have as much problem putting on weight.

Has class, leadership and and football smarts. A can’t miss selection for a club who wants a natural footballer and not an athlete trying to be a footballer.

 

[OldSchool]

mojo, your assessment of Selwood is an excellent one. He is a flat out footballer and really will be a lot more than just a solid contributor when he starts his AFL career. Like his brothers he also has that hard edge about him and can switch from being a pure ball winner to a tagging role.
A real engine room player who is excellent in a contested situation.

 

[mojo31]

7) Jack Riewoldt

Key position player

193cms and 83kgs
31/10/88
Clarence, Tasmania

Very impressive at the U18 Championships and stood out for Tasmania. Played all over the ground and showed he was up standard as a forward or as a back. Looks like his cousin Nick and moves like him. Not as athletic (who is?) but has good pace and endurance and the trademark long searching lead of Nick. Also showed the ability to play as a key defender and looked very comfortable there organising the defenders and using his body. Read the play and was not caught out and was good in the 1 on 1 contests.
Clean handler of the ball and especially above his head. Capable of taking a pack mark and playing on stronger and physical opponents when up forward. Showed his class and maturity by dominating in the finals in Tasmania for Clarence (senior football) where he played as key forward and kicked 4 and 5 goals in successive weeks and took a lot of strong marks and was there best finals player.
Was targeted in those games from his opponents but never shirked the issue and was impressed with that. This is not TAC cup where the slightest indiscretion is picked up but a pretty physical and rough style.
A good kick and fine athlete who is tough, versatile and already a good size. Has a very good leap and is similar in style to his cousin.

 

[mojo31]

mojo, your assessment of Selwood is an excellent one. He is a flat out footballer and really will be a lot more than just a solid contributor when he starts his AFL career. Like his brothers he also has that hard edge about him and can switch from being a pure ball winner to a tagging role.
A real engine room player who is excellent in a contested situation.

Agree with that. A footballer first and enough athletic ability to become a very good AFL player. Just does the simple things well and he has things that can't be taught. Poise, smarts, leadership, toughness and good under pressure.

He just won't win the Stawell Gift or break the beep test record. Wont stop him playing 200 games and becoming a very good AFL player.

 

[mojo31]

8) Matthew Leuenberger

Ruck
7/6/88
201ms and 87 kgs
East Perth

Giant youngster who is a legitimate ruck size. Is a natural ruckman who has a good leap and understands how to play the position very well for his age. Extremely mobile for his height and overall not to skinny for his age. Don’t envisage any problems with putting on weight and taking an eternity to be ready for AFL.
Dominates in the WAFL colts and beats just about everybody there (including Pat Ryder). Had a good U18s Championships but did not dominate. Improved after that in the WAFL and basically improves each game he plays.
Quite a good mark and really does involve himself in the game and has some presence around the ground and really is a commanding figure out on the field. Decent at ground level and is not lost when the ball hits the ground and more importantly has the work rate and desire to actually compete for the ball on the ground.
The reason for the rapid improvement is that he was playing basketball and only just devoted all his time to football in the last year. So I would expect a pretty large improvement in him this year.
Will be interesting to see how he goes up against Sellar in the U18s this year to judge both of them.

Tall, athletic and a big leap. Smart with what he does and wont take 5 years to be AFL ready.

 

[mojo31]

9) Leroy Jetta

Midfielder/forward pocket

176cms and 70kgs
6/7/88
South Fremantle

To say he is quick is an understatement. He is freakishly quick and has some of the best footwork I have ever seen to run around players and make them miss. Makes players look like they are nailed to the ground when he baulks them. Razzle dazzle player who can tend to try and do a bit too much at times. More likely to go for impossible goals rather than pass the ball off. What he does do is take players and break the game open. Very good kick on either side of the body but at his pace he rarely has to kick on the non dominant side.

Very good goal sense and suited to playing in the forward line and getting possessions forward of the centre and making them count.
Hopefully he will round out his game some more this year and develop the defensive side he will need. Learn to be accountable when he is required to be.Would have a question mark on his endurance and whether he will be able to become a full time midfielder in the AFL or a burst player who will do a number of special things but drift in and out of the game.
A wing/rover or a forward pocket. It is hard to know but despite his small size he is able to compete against much bigger players. Shows an ability to run and carry the ball and distribute well and run to all the right places to either win the ball or be an option for someone who does.
You add that to his pace, flair and balance and you have an enticing package. Such a good natural goal kicker who crumbs the ball in the forward line with great instincts and skill.

Played in the U18s Carnival for WA and showed himself to be up to the standard there and was very exciting and stood out. Even though he can be a bit selfish at times it is most likely just trying to impress at the U18s and also in the WAFL under coaches instructions as from all reports he is a very modest and humble player off the field.
He looks like he will have the ball winning abilities to become a midfielder if he can develop the tank needed. The height and size are the concerns in the future along with his endurance ability.

Instinctive player who is very talented and if he continues his development should go inside the top 10.

 

[mojo31]

mojo where do u think dan anthony from the dragons should go? sorry to push ya but im really interested in him makin it

Hard to say on that one. He only played a few games last year for Sandy early on. I would not have him in the top 30 at this stage. He is a good size and quite physically developed and has some talent to work with.
Its just a brief preliminary ranking on a few players before the season starts. Some of the kids will have had growth spurts and others might be recovering from injury. Some will drop away and others will blossom.
I will be going to see a few games featuring Sandy this year to keep an eye on Tommi Johnston as a father/son pick this year (and Sammy Sheldon from Oakleigh as another f/s pick to the Blues) and will let you know how I think he is going.

Just getting something on the draft board for people to read to keep things ticking over before the real stuff gets going.

 

[Turbocat]

Some top write ups there mate esspacially agree with Hanson and Jetta, as their the ones Ive seen.
Question , as you have mentioned Johstone and Sheldon, as always the question of F/S will arise (my and every Geelong suporters interest will be TomHawkins). Are you going to rate them in talent position as if there was no FS or do you hold them back because you pick as you think they will drop?

 

[mojo31]

Hey Mojo, great work as always.

I'd like to know how you'd rate Xavier's Josh Kennedy - as he seems to be coming to us via F/S?

Kennedy from Sandringham looks pretty good to me. Played mainly as a defender last year and a few stints on the ball. Very clean ball handler and outstanding winning the ball in contested situations. Good mark and a fine reader of the play and a physical player.
Not that athletic but has enough. Should play as an inside midfielder this year and develop even more. Physically built already.

When I wrote my list for who to look out for this year in the TAC and to choose what games to try and get to I did not have him down after talking to someone about him. I have been told he will not be in the draft pool and therefore wont be looking out for him. If he is good enough he will be going to the Hawks. He is good enough for a 3rd round pick even in a strong draft at this stage.

Not to say there wont be some trolling going on by some posters here on BF saying he does not want to go to Hawthorn but been told he will if the Hawks want him.

At this stage I would have him at around the 25-30 range for 2006. In a weak draft (like 2005) he would be 15-20.

 

[mojo31]

Some top write ups there mate esspacially agree with Hanson and Jetta, as their the ones Ive seen.
Question , as you have mentioned Johstone and Sheldon, as always the question of F/S will arise (my and every Geelong suporters interest will be TomHawkins). Are you going to rate them in talent position as if there was no FS or do you hold them back because you pick as you think they will drop?

If they are not going to be in the draft pool then I wont rate them.
I am expecting Hawkins and Kennedy to go father/son at this stage.
Both are top 30 players.

 

[mojo31]

10) Albert Proud

Midfielder

179cms and 80kgs.
6/9/88
Mt Gravatt, Queensland

Very impressive at the U18 Champs and to me was the pick of the Queenslanders on show there despite Urquhart being named All Australian. Even more impressive at the carnival games for Division 2 prior to the U18 Championships.

Very hard at the ball and a physical player who seems to relish the contact. Also classy with the ball in hand and has nice footwork and a well rounded game. Is a long kick and carries the ball well and can play as a linkman when needed.
Has good instincts when to go in for the ball and when to hang off the pack. Got the flair of a lot of Aboriginal players but also that physical edge to his game.

So he is a long kicking, skilful, tough on baller. Not a burst player but someone who seems to possess good endurance and the work rate. Prepared to chase and tackle but with the ball he kicks long, carries it and uses it with precision.
Basically has all the tools to become a very good midfielder in the AFL.
He is fairly short and a few cms extra would be great but I can’t see it being a problem in the future. Developed body and maybe not as much physical improvement in him as some others but he is quick and classy and hard as you would like. When delivering the ball into the forward 50 he was silky and composed. Good hands in close and has a fine overall game.
Nothing lacking in his game and is the complete package.

I am prepared to overlook him losing his cool in the game against Tasmania and think it is a bit out of character and will not be an issue in the future with lacking discipline.


11) Bachar Houli

Midfielder

179cms and 83kgs
12/5/88
Western Jets (TAC)

Very clean and composed midfielder. Tremendous skills by foot and given space and time he will be very damaging. Long kick of the ball as well as accurate.
Hard at the ball and man and possesses a natural physical edge to his game that really cannot be taught. Very good in contested situations and is clean with his hands under pressure and is a very smart player. Has vision and awareness and plays the game as if everyone else is in slow motion.
A little to one dimensional in being attacking and wont work hard enough the other way and be defensive. Needs to work on that aspect of his game.

Not quick and is a stocky build already. Worry about possible weight problems, OP and the dreaded “modified program”. 3rd in the Jets best and fairest and only played 7 games. Made the final 25 for Vic Metro in the announced squads. Had ankle problems and missed a couple of games and then developed stress fractures in his back.
Very good around goals and has a natural instinct for them and kicked a number in the TAC last year before the injury.

I am sure of the outlook for Bachar and how he is progressing so I won’t comment on that. Clearly stress fractures are a very serious injury but it is not career ending. I believe he has an achilles tendon injury now and not sure how he is doing with that.

Not an athlete but a true footballer who has qualities that cannot not be taught and if he can overcome injury concerns then could develop into a fine player. Might not quite fit the profile of a skinny athlete that clubs seem to go for but the fact is he can use the ball at a high level and is very clever around goals and gathering possessions around the ground. By all means look hard at the prognosis of how his body will stand up in the future and also his character to do the hard work to not develop ‘Dean Rioli weight issues”. However don’t question that he has talents that more athletic players do not have and most likely never will.

If he re captures the form of early 2005 when he is fully fit then he moves up in the rankings and well inside the top 10. The question marks will be on his body, pace and agility and being able to work both ways.


12) Clinton Benjamin

Forward/Utility

187cms and 79kgs
27/7/88
Claremont (WA)

Huge disappointment in the U18s Carnival last year. Enormous wraps on him but was overall poor. The fact he was picked for the WA team a year before being eligible for the draft shows what the selectors thought of him.
Blindingly quick on a long lead he has pace to burn. Ran a 10.5 for the 100m at his school (not sure about the quality of the timing device) and he has some of the quickest first few steps you can imagine. Hits top speed and can hold it when the defender is unable to. Big leap and to see him get on a lead and take off for the ball is an awesome sight.

Good endurance and not just a sprinter. Struggled with the grounds for the Championships. Dew on them at times and his footing was unsure and never seemed to settle. More of an athlete rather than a footballer at this stage. Would be a bit like Sean Rusling from Collingwood drafted a year ago. Pacy smallish full forward with a big leap.

Would think Benjamin is that type of player but have seen him play down back and do well on bigger opponents and show himself to have all the skills.
Really could develop into anything with more experience. Will need to realise he will be a marked man and work harder on his game and to keep himself involved more. Not just be a mark and kick player.
Has to improve his work rate and to become smarter with his leading. The sort of player who may struggle for a position at AFL level if he stays at the current size. If he grows that 3 or 4 cms to go with the leap and speed he has got he will be a formidable package at full forward. Seems to have reasonable endurance but it is his speed and agility which sets him apart from almost everyone else.
If he develops the physical side to his game to go with his amazing athleticism he will be capable of anything. A bit of a project but taking his form at the U17 International Rules and form for Claremont he shows enough to be considered a first round prospect with his likely development.
A bit of an utility type who could play all over the ground but for me he needs to grow a bit and to be a leading forward to be worth this high a rating. If he does not then as a wing or flanker there are better and more complete candidates.

 

[tarrantcantkick]

wa boy profiles are spot on!

would add that the selectors for the 18s prob took benjamin instead of mackenzie for fear of being over sized (clint is THE quickest player ive seen at wafl level for some time)

gumby should play league from a FFP like ryder last year and go VERY VERY well- should be no1 imo

lewy will be the dominant ruckman in the WAFL colts for the first 5 games he plays (inj atm still i think) and then push up into the 2s or 1s depending on how the royals go

jetts will be best 1st year player in wafl this year- top kid

good thread with accurate comments, you must watch a LOT of tape mate and know what youre talkin about