2012 Draft Discussion

[Bucking Beads]

I am willing to back our recruiters to the hilt. I am extremely happy we have picked two talls and a quality mid/forward.

 

[iBeng]

We all have to have faith in Rob Kerrs plans in his head for these kids.

 

[Toffee Lion]

At the risk of sounding rude. Have you ever seen Paparone or Close play a full, live match?

It's not them personally but the fact we drafted 3/3 forwards.

That is what pisses me off.

 

[Groo2]

I have faith in the recruiters, but why do we bother holding onto low picks, rekon we could have got those guys with 3rd or 4th rounders

 

[notting18]

Apart from Leppa and Merrett. Give them some time to prove themselves. Our recruiters have been impressive the past 5 years. I have my fingers crossed though...

I think you missed my sarcasm

 

[irish]

sorry but we do this every year ! never go as expected with our picks other than the first one

 

[Bucking Beads]

Doesn't look too happy.

Membrey and Graham big sliders.

Because the guersney looks ridiculous.

 

[ZoBlitz]

Ah I love when draft picks don't follow bigfooty groupthink and then people complain about it.

 

[jackess]

Michael Close article

http://www.afl.com.au/tabid/208/default.aspx?newsid=149846

 

[youtwo]

I will sound rude: if you are such an expert, why aren't you up on the Gold Coast reading out the players names at a draft table.

To question the selections of people employed to do this job before the players even pull on a boot is absolutely ridiculous.

 

[lionshine]

I wonder if the Saints will choose Dayle Garlett here.

 

[chopperduck]

Worth noting we didn't hesitate to call paparone or Close names out. We were clearly looking at those players around those picks, or were at least happy to take them there. Was no big discussion on which player to pick. I'm quietly excited with these under the radar types.

 

[Football Pope]

who is close?

I'm just the other side of the monitor

 

[Toffee Lion]

Doesn't look too happy.

Membrey and Graham big sliders.

Has the look on his face that he wanted to stay in SA.

 

[rusty08]

Leon harris stated Close was an excellent pick. 6ft 4 utility. Got nothing else.

 

[Bucking Beads]

Has the look on his face that he wanted to stay in SA.

Reading way too much into it IMO. Lets give the kid a chance before we call him homesick .

 

[Full Wingspan]

Going by our recent drafting success, I'm confident the recruiting team have got it right.

 

[Hollow Knight]

Worth re-reading...

It appears to me that unlike 2010 and 2011, there is a greater divergence of opinion amongst clubs as to the relative merits of this draft cohort. Some of the selections that have been speculated in the media and online also support that view. Therefore, it may well be that on November 22 there are a few surprise

 

[jackess]

Close's highlights are excellent.

 

[CallumBartlett]

It's not them personally but the fact we drafted 3/3 forwards.

That is what pisses me off.

Mayes will develop into a brilliant midfielder, don't worry about that. His skills are better than Whitfield's.

Paparone is also a versatile tall, has a 15+ beep so could play in the midfield but originally made his name as a KPD before playing KPF so he can play both.

Close also has elite endurance, good skills for his size and can also play ruck. We've obviously gone for endurance, skill and versatility, I'm personally impressed with the first 2 and Close will grow on me.

 

[notting18]

Has the look on his face that he wanted to stay in SA.

Or there could be no way of telling how a person is feeling from one random photo. Regardless, he is doing what is probably his first TV interview - he could just be nervous.

 

[Hollow Knight]

2 more points...

1. Chillax about Sam Mayes looking "unhappy". Very few draftees stand there with massive grins on their faces. I remember people saying that Rich looked devestated, when really he is just contained.

2. LOL @ Demetriou leaving his mic on and having a bitch about all and sundry.

 

[Lions1024]

Paparone's dad has cancer.
From a Greek family.
Don't like the look of this. Go-home factor is well and truly there.

 

[BigCat2]

Had a quick look at Quigley's write ups on Paparone & Close (thanks mate).

Can see why we chose Paparone - a tall forward who runs all day. After we cut Retzlaff, we don't actually have any prospects who can play that wide roaming CHF role.

In terms of Close - a tall, quickish player with elite endurance. Can play key position or perhaps even a little ruck.

Looking at our list, we have mid-sized options struggling to fit into the team when most are fit. Talls at both ends of the ground (particularly up forward) is clearly our area of deficiency. Can understand why we picked these guys.

Oh, and Sam Mayes - just sounds like a really classy player, gives us options both forward and midfield in future.

I think we've certainly got the mix of players right (the only other type I see us deficient in is quick linebreaking runners). In terms of how good they are at playing their position - I'll defer to the experts.

 

[The Flying Belgian]

Classic BigFooty.

Garlett on the table...