2012 draft

[Rustof]

O'Rourke loves his Tiges, FWIW

Maybe his father could pull a 'Kavanagh' to help.

 

[ize_]

Maybe his father could pull a 'Kavanagh' to help.

Don't want any of that crap!

 

[Riskingheadandshin]

This is an article from Kristian Pisano who writes the Yellow and Blog on the RFC website. This was his review of O'Rourke:
The first player who’s up is Jonathan O’Rourke, and by the looks of things, that top ten pick will most likely be needed.
O’Rourke is a 183cm midfielder from the Calder Cannons in Victoria.
He was hampered by a hamstring injury in 2011, and missed most of the season, only managing four games.
This season, he’s played the eight TAC Cup games for the Calder Cannons to date and played in four games for Vic Metro in the National Championships.
O’Rourke was always considered a top talent, but the hamstring injury meant naturally he slid down the rankings a little bit. That’s all changed through a year of continuity and he’s starting to show why he’s one of the most highly credentialed midfielders in the pool.
O’Rourke is a player that does not have any major weaknesses. In the past two drafts, Richmond’s gone with this type of player in Reece Conca and Brandon Ellis, and O’Rourke pretty much fits this mould.
You could argue O’Rourke is a little more dynamic than those two, as he has a decent turn of speed, but he possesses all the traits the Richmond recruiters have shown that they like in a player.
Those traits I speak of obviously include foot-skills, ability to work hard with and without the ball, attitude, AFL readiness, and just general football awareness. The ‘footballer’ is a back in vogue. ‘Jono’ O’Rourke is all that.
Let’s get on to his game.
He’s predominantly an inside midfielder, but what’s really taken his game to the next level this season has been the outside stuff. In the National Champs, 36% of his total possessions were contested, which highlights my point. We already know he’s a very good inside player.
To put an exclamation mark on what he’s been doing on the outside, is his disposal efficiency. It’s important to keep in mind disposal efficiencies don’t necessarily translate exactly into AFL; they normally get better, due to space, much more defined game plans and quality of the games.
But anyway, it doesn’t matter in O’Rourke’s case. In the National Champs he used the ball above average, going at 76% and in the TAC Cup he’s travelling at 73%. To put it into perspective, some of the better ball users in last year’s draft were Brandon Ellis (76% at Champs, 78% in TAC), Dom Tyson (79% at Champs, 69% in TAC) and Sam Docherty (73% at Champs, 72% in TAC).
Those numbers clearly stack up, and for a big ball winner, it’s even more impressive.
In terms of pure disposal numbers, on face value it looks like he had a down National Champs. He averaged 18.5 disposals, but that was only from an average of 75% game time and due to the shorter quarters in the Champs, it really only equates to about two and half quarters in the AFL in which he played.
In the TAC Cup he’s averaging 23 disposals, but what I find most encouraging is that nine of those possessions are coming from handball receives. Hard running is what O’Rourke is all about.
His work in traffic is great. Sharp hands, clearances and hard ball gets are pretty much all you could ask for when looking at an inside midfielder.
As I said before, there is really nothing in his game you can knock him on. All midfielders need to be able to kick goals these days in the AFL, so that’s maybe one area that could be improved, but even then, his nous around goals is very good, and I distinctly remember a goal he kicked against WA in the final game of the Champs that displayed that.
How about off the park? Well there’s one major positive, he’s a massive Tigers fan.
With a pick that’ll likely be around nine to eleven in the draft for the Tigers, it’s hard to see how O’Rourke will still be on the board, but if he were there at the Tigers pick, I’d have no hesitation in calling his name out as he’s one of my favourite players in the draft.

 

[_DBF_]

Is probably my fav just ahead of Mayes. If one of those two were available we'll be laughing our heads off.

We will have some gems when our pick rolls around.

In my opinion:


Can see the Bulldogs and Melbourne buying into the mini-draft with the extra pick they have.

WBD --> Mini Draft (Jesse Hogan)
MELB --> Mini Draft (Jack Martin)

1. GWS - Lachie Whitfield - Best player available, be stupid to not add another midfield jet to what will one day be (well let's hope we raid it and it isn't) a bona fide midfield.

2. GC - Jimmy Toumpas - Ruck stocks tell me they won't be looking at Grundy yet, get Toumpas in the GC engine room along with Ablett, Bennell, Prestia and now O'Meara and they may be on to something.

3. GWS - Brodie Grundy - If they do get this pick via mini draft trades, then I see them taking Grundy. If a Giles trade eventuates, and with Brogan retiring. Grundy would be able to step into one of two ruck roles with either Phillips or another recruit/free agent.

4. MELB - Jackson Macrae - The loss of Brent Moloney, despite not playing to much all year, leaves them short for inside midfielders. Macrae could very well jump straight in to the centre bounce and assist Nathan Jones.

5. GWS - Jonathan Plowman - Again a pick based on their strong position in the draft. They haven't necessarily drafted the 1st, 3rd and 5th best players here. They add Whitfield to their midfield and Grundy and Plowman to ruck and defence - key areas they are lacking.

6. WBD - Sam Mayes - The dogs aren't in the position where they can pick and choose. Mayes has many dimensions to his game, making him the best available at their pick. Suitable replacement for Gia/Gilbee.

7. PTA - Will be after another midfielder, but who?

8. BRIS - Mason Shaw - Brisbane are in need of a KPP for the imminent retirement of Brown. More than handy in the ruck. No brainer for the Lions.

9. RICH - So depending on who it is Port Adelaide chooses (not that matters because in 5 yrs time they'll be at Richmond anyway) but we will be spoilt for choices still at Pick #9. Oliver Wines, Jonathan O'Rourke, Nick Vlastuin, Dayle Garlett, Ben Kennedy and to a lesser extent Jake Stringer and Troy Menzel will be available at our pick.

 

[UpTheGuts]

Sigh. I really liked Docherty

I want a bloody good kick at 9

 

[Dragonss]

O'Rourke loves his Tiges, FWIW

how do you know?

 

[UpTheGuts]

how do you know?

See above

Given our apparent intent to grab a mid at 9, it's probably not worth the time, but interested in thoughts on Mason Shaw.
Gee, I'd have a good look if he was available.
Top age a concern I suppose, and won't happen anyway, but yeah - how does he rate in your mind?

 

[_DBF_]

See above

Given our apparent intent to grab a mid at 9, it's probably not worth the time, but interested in thoughts on Mason Shaw.
Gee, I'd have a good look if he was available.
Top age a concern I suppose, and won't happen anyway, but yeah - how does he rate in your mind?

Very good KPF/Ruck prospect. But he is Brisbane's for sure. We won't be interested in 2nd Ruck/Fwds (Vickery, Elton), more concerned about bonafide rucks.

 

[Dragonss]

This is an article from Kristian Pisano who writes the Yellow and Blog on the RFC website. This was his review of O'Rourke:
The first player who’s up is Jonathan O’Rourke, and by the looks of things, that top ten pick will most likely be needed. All midfielders need to be able to kick goals these days in the AFL, so that’s maybe one area that could be improved, but even then, his nous around goals is very good, and I distinctly remember a goal he kicked against WA in the final game of the Champs that displayed that.
How about off the park? Well there’s one major positive, he’s a massive Tigers fan.
With a pick that’ll likely be around nine to eleven in the draft for the Tigers, it’s hard to see how O’Rourke will still be on the board, but if he were there at the Tigers pick, I’d have no hesitation in calling his name out as he’s one of my favourite players in the draft.

Where is that article..? Can't see it.

 

[Riskingheadandshin]

Where is that article..? Can't see it.

How about off the park? Well there’s one major positive, he’s a massive Tigers fan.

 

[MR]

This is a draft where I'd actually be happy with around 7-8 players.

Wines O'Rourke Vlastuin Mayes Macrae Plowman Garlett Grundy (Prob out of reach.)

At 9 we could get anyone ranging from 3-11

 

[pan_]

Where is that article..? Can't see it.

Here's the article if you're interested.
http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/6301/newsid/143924/default.aspx

 

[Riskingheadandshin]

This is a draft where I'd actually be happy with around 7-8 players.

Wines O'Rourke Vlastuin Mayes Macrae Plowman Garlett Grundy (Prob out of reach.)

At 9 we could get anyone ranging from 3-11

If Tyson deal isn't done a lot of people will be looking forward to Nov 22!

 

[Mr Magic]

Thats the issue I'd have in taking a ruckman with our first pick, although highly touted of those who are suggesting he is ready made, most are suggesting that is " ready made to play some games ", IIRC our last 3 first round draft picks have played every game they have been available for since joining the club and contributed.
Our 2008 pick #8 was Vickery, who IMO although playing almost every game available has often got games on the back of development.
We wait 3-4 years and we have missed 3-4 years to cash in on the prime years of our stars ,Lids, Cotchin, Foley, Dusty , Jack.
I see more gain in taking the best mid available and leaving gaining ruckmen via trading, when they are proven.

If Grundy was available you would take him regards IMO. It is academic because I would be stunned if he lasted that long. Grundy looks better than Vickery and ready from the get go so the comparison is irrelevant. Like someone else said if suitable trade him later for a more suitable player into the future. Talking about the prime years of our fab 5 are irrelevant as well because we are trying to win a premiership and premierships are not won just on 5 players

 

[Mr Magic]

Grundy joins us and he will not get a game for at least 3 years . We need to get midfield depth ASAP , Collingwood, Geelong , Sydney and Adelaide have all proven that this is alot of opportunities to pick up top end ruckmen .
I would be really pissed if we passed on a good mid which is likely to be around at 9 for Grundy or any other ruckman .

Disagree, if we Grundy he would probably step ahead of Vickery from the first game, don't worry I rate Vickery. Won't happen so pointless talking about it and Vickery safe

 

["The Roar Is Back"]

If Grundy was available you would take him regards IMO. It is academic because I would be stunned if he lasted that long. Grundy looks better than Vickery and ready from the get go so the comparison is irrelevant. Like someone else said if suitable trade him later for a more suitable player into the future. Talking about the prime years of our fab 5 are irrelevant as well because we are trying to win a premiership and premierships are not won just on 5 players

Premierships are won when the majority of your list is within it's prime , that IMO is within the next 3 years when Grundy would be developing and a mid at pick #9 would be more beneficial .

 

[Mr Magic]

Premierships are won when the majority of your list is within it's prime , that IMO is within the next 3 years when Grundy would be developing and a mid at pick #9 would be more beneficial .

IMO we do not have a premiership list yet to be in its prime. That is why we finished 12th, are still developing and lost to Carlton reserves.

We are not too far off though, patience a virtue.

P.S. Knights and Chaplin will help but they are not the panacea to improve our list into a genuine contender IMO

 

[Stylo]

4. MELB - Jackson Macrae - The loss of Brent Moloney, despite not playing to much all year, leaves them short for inside midfielders. Macrae could very well jump straight in to the centre bounce and assist Nathan Jones.

Macrae aint an inside mid from what I've seen/heard. Very outside at this stage, has been likened to a young Pendlebury (who was also very outside at that age) by some BF draft watchers.

 

["The Roar Is Back"]

IMO we do not have a premiership list yet to be in its prime. That is why we finished 12th, are still developing and lost to Carlton reserves.

We are not too far off though, patience a virtue.

P.S. Knights and Chaplin will help but they are not the panacea to improve our list into a genuine contender IMO

I hope your right magic because within the next 3 years I wouldn't be surprised if we see the retirement of 3 players , Tuck , Foley and newman , who are comfortably within our 7 best players .

 

[_DBF_]

Macrae aint an inside mid from what I've seen/heard. Very outside at this stage, has been likened to a young Pendlebury (who was also very outside at that age) by some BF draft watchers.

Is very composed through traffic. I see him as an inside player, despite being under-developed in that respect.

 

[_DBF_]

I hope your right magic because within the next 3 years I wouldn't be surprised if we see the retirement of 3 players , Tuck , Foley and newman , who are comfortably within our 7 best players .

... .and King.

 

["The Roar Is Back"]

... .and King.

Wouldn't have him in our best 7 and would hope players like Conca and Ellis are well ahead of him within 3 years .

 

[Stylo]

I can't see O'Rourke falling to us, as much as I would love it. Teams who pick before us and would be keen on him:

GWS (if they have 3 in the top 10 which is concievable)
Gold Coast (need inside mids)
Melbourne (ditto GC)
Port (will take best available mid)
Brisbane (though they need a forward I think they'll go for best available)

The only team before us that I don't think would take O'Rourke is the dogs, not because they wouldn't rate him, because they don't have a great need for inside mids.

He would need to slip through 5 sets of grubby mits before landing in ours.

 

[Mr Magic]

I hope your right magic because within the next 3 years I wouldn't be surprised if we see the retirement of 3 players , Tuck , Foley and newman , who are comfortably within our 7 best players .

Shouldn't be a problem, I would have thought Maric for one would be pushing them out of the 7 already. Grigg would have to be up there, and a fit Grimes with Rance would be starting to give it a shove along with natural development of the youngsters

 

[Damo80]

Premierships are won when the majority of your list is within it's prime , that IMO is within the next 3 years when Grundy would be developing and a mid at pick #9 would be more beneficial .

What happens if we haven't won a premiership by the time Maric is in his decline? Sure, he may play till he's 33, but he's carrying a large burden, relatively unassisted, and if we don't get some genuine help for him, he's on the road to early retirement...

We could conceiveably get to three years down the track, Maric no longer capable of being a premiership ruckman, and if we haven't planned ahead, we can kiss a premiership goodbye. I kinda understand your logic, and there's no guarantee's, but most educated talent scouts seem to agree Grundy is ready to go, or as close as you'll get for a ruck. Better than Longer, whose form was so good this year in reserves he demanded selection for the Lions. Sure, you wouldn't expect him to be dominant for a few years, but he can play from day 1 if needed (which he's not).

The other issue is that what you are essentially saying is that we either need to get lucky with a speculative pick, or pay through the nose for an OK ruck when we decide we really need one. Look at what Collingwood paid for Cam Wood... you're not always going to fluke an Ivan Maric for pick 37 type gem in a trade. If we're pressing for a flag, Maric is on the decline, and we decide we need to go shopping for a good ruck, we may stuggle to pay the going price.

For these reasons, it seems I'm with the majority in having absolutely no issues snapping up Grundy with pick 9. But it'll be a moot point anyway, I would absolutely guarantee it!