Have not commented so far, but for me, I cannot see the value of using pick 8 on a KPP. Hopefully it is the last top 10 we get for a while, & as a totally dependant on others observervations I cannot see 1 there that justifies that pick.
We have a couple of good academy prospects coming through, & IMO, we should wait 1 season & have faith in who we have. As one that saw 5 or 6 ressies games early in the season, I really rate Justin Clark. Give him time. McKeever has potential. Lisle has come along & now we have Martin on board, who I have always liked.
But the 1 I have high hopes for is Sam Michael. Whilst not starring in what I saw, there were 3 things that stood out to me - his work rate, his marking & his physicality. An amazing athlete for his size, a great pair of hands (above Acorn IMO) and an attack on the game that resonates of Charmo. Never under-estimate the fear & hurt factor this type of player can bring to a team. Ask Leigh Matthews. Opponents rush disposals, or look over the shoulder. I was a huge fan of Merrett forward this year, largely because if this - the cannonball effect. I saw that game in Darwin (praise be then NTFL website) & was gobsmacked. Saw the reports on the rest of his finals series & was impressed and, thanx NAFL website, that game in Canberra. After that run, give the 19 year old another year & see what we have got.
But the sealer for me is his desire to make it. Everything I have read, from underage through Redlands & onward has consistently told of a bloke that puts in the extra yards - he wont die wondering. And that is what gets you over the line in the last 1/4 of a grand final.
AFIAK, give this crew another year to develop & take a class mid with this pick - maybe wWines or another rated dropping down the draft ladder, or some-one with potential like a McRae - my uninformed, uneducated choice.