2013 Draft Discussion

[Dylan12]

It would be an understatement to say that there wasn't a fair bit of healthy debate about Dayle Garlett, but it is pleasing to see that he is turning things around. I also seem to recall a few on here were keen for the Lions to rookie him too.

I thought this guy might be lost

THE issue of recruiting indigenous players has flared again after Dayle Garlett's outstanding start to the WAFL season. Garlett was overlooked by AFL clubs last year because of off-field issues but the midfielder has starred for Swan Districts.

But his form has prompted one league scout to describe Garlett as the best player in the country outside the AFL.

Last weekend the 19-year-old had 27 possessions, 11 marks and two goals playing on a wing. The game before he had 29 touches and kicked two goals. "If you were ranking players just on talent right now, he'd go No. 1," the recruiter told the Herald Sun yesterday. "On talent, he's a better player than (last year's No.1) Lachie Whitfield."

WAFL players and coaches are mesmerised by Garlett's poise and skill. But his off-field issues continue to give recruiters headaches, as they weigh up whether Garlett could adapt to the rigour and discipline of the AFL. Garlett has again emerged as one of the most intriguing propositions for recruiters at this year's draft on the Gold Coast.

It is understood Garlett has a girlfriend in Perth and is more settled this year.St Kilda, Fremantle and the Bombers were believed to be the most interested clubs last year.

Link

Obviosuly the talent was always there, but if he has turned his attitude around, he sound like one hell of a tantalising prospect.

 

[captainrich]

It would be an understatement to say that there wasn't a fair bit of healthy debate about Dayle Garlett, but it is pleasing to see that he is turning things around. I also seem to recall a few on here were keen for the Lions to rookie him too.




Obviosuly the talent was always there, but if he has turned his attitude around, he sound like one hell of a tantalising prospect.

I remember reading an article earlier in the season saying he was dropped to the reserves of his WAFL team for poor discipline thought his potential career had basically run its course but good to see he is coming good again, would love for us to go for him but its definitely wont end up good for the club or him, hes probably better off in Perth if that's where he seems to be turning his life around at, would be a great fit for the eagles

 

[acuguy]

I would think we need to take the best available mid in the next draft, we need at least 2 more quality mids, the development of Polec and Docherty in the back half of the season will influence our drafting.

 

[lionshine]

I remember reading an article earlier in the season saying he was dropped to the reserves of his WAFL team for poor discipline thought his potential career had basically run its course but good to see he is coming good again, would love for us to go for him but its definitely wont end up good for the club or him, hes probably better off in Perth if that's where he seems to be turning his life around at, would be a great fit for the eagles

He may be starting to slowly turn his life around in Perth but Perth is also where all his troubles have been. He did say before the draft last year that he was actually keen to get drafted outside of W.A. to start with a completely new slate.

I did not hide my immense want for Garlett at the Lions last year and I still feel the same way but I don't think he will ever get selected by us unfortunately.

 

[Mayestro]

U18s: Cavarra runs riot for under-strength Metro​

Metro also won a key contest with Western Jet midfielder Jake Greiser (19 possessions) blanketing Aspley playmaker Isaac Conway (14 and seven tackles).​

Queensland defender Luke Rogerson, from Redland, amassed 30 possessions, being one of only two players from the home side to have at least 20 touches. The designated kicker also had eight rebounds.​

Queensland's three tall forwards Jonothan Freeman (three goals), Matthew Hammelmann (two) and Cain Tickner (two) performed especially well given limited opportunities. (Their team lost the inside 50 count 67-39.)​

Speedy midfielder Lachlan Weller, the younger brother of Gold Coast player Maverick Weller, was among his state's best with 16 quality disposals.​

Defender Aden Rutledge was one of the reasons Queensland remained in the game until the final change, while midfielder Darcy Cameron-Reeves had 19 disposals and five clearances.​

QUEENSLAND 1.3 4.6 6.6 9.6 (60)​

VIC METRO 3.6 5.12 7.21 12.28 (100)​

​

GOALS​

Queensland:​

Freeman 3, Hammelmann 2, Tickner 2, Ives, Trask.​

Vic Metro:​

Cavarra 2, Cook 2, Kennedy-Harris, Miller, Honeychurch, Tardio, Greiser, Petracca, Sicily, Apeness​

BEST​

Queensland: ​

Rogerson, Freeman, Rutledge, Cameron-Reeves, Weller, Dawson​

Vic Metro:​

Cavarra, Honeychurch, Sicily, Miller, Petracca, Milham, Spencer​

The only non Academy player named in the bests was Weller. Good signs.
Hammelmann, Freeman and Tickner also all Academy players.

A refresher on the Academy list.(with thanks to BigCat2 for the link)

 

[cotter101]

U18s: Cavarra runs riot for under-strength Metro






The only non Academy player named in the bests was Weller. Good signs.
Hammelmann, Freeman and Tickner also all Academy players.

A refresher on the Academy list.(with thanks to BigCat2 for the link)

Can't believe I didn't realize Freeman was an academy player! Tall forward and one to watch during the champs.

 

[Dylan12]

Brisbane Lions need a strong marking forward for the future
May 26, 2013
Andrew Hamilton

CONTESTED marking: it is the most exciting skill in Australian football, and players who can do it consistently are still the most important.

Because they are rare. You cannot survive in this competition without a quality midfield, but all the good sides have them - the point of difference often is the power forward. It is why the Lions went for Kurt Tippett last year, and have put their hand up for Lance "Buddy" Franklin this year.

Franklin would be an enormous asset for any club in the competition. He drags fans through the gate. But pack marking is not his great strength. Brisbane are rank outsiders to get Franklin, so they need a clear strategy to find a replacement for Jonathan Brown.

The Lions have brought in Jordan Lisle and Stefan Martin in recent years so they are covered. They don't need another speculative trade. The next forward has to be a star. They don't come along every year, but Vic Metro's Thomas Boyd has people talking. His will be one of the first few names called in this year's draft. Brisbane may have a high enough pick if they can't turn their season around but, if not, maybe they should offer up a player to get it.

 

[captainrich]

Brisbane Lions need a strong marking forward for the future
May 26, 2013
Andrew Hamilton

Hammo at it again, he won't get past the Bulldogs unless we tank and finish below them. At the end he said we could offer up a player to get him but the only team lower than the dogs would be GWS or Melbourne and the only players we can offer to them for such a high pick upgrade would be a rich/leunberger/merrett type, which he would have a field day writing about how crazy vossy is for allowing players of that calibre to go, should be on his Hack page

 

[Dylan12]

FWIW, Kevin Sheehan (AFL Talent Identification Manager) on TAC Future All Stars suggested Boyd would go somewhere b/w 5-10.

Obviously a bit of water to go under the bridge, but it isn't too big a leap on Hamilton's behalf that we could get Boyd if finish around the 13-15 position at season's end.

 

[Harris Specter]

Assuming we finish on top of GWS, GCS, Melbourne, Bulldogs, Saints and Port; the last 3 sides are also in the market for a big forward.

 

[Dylan12]

Amon Buchanan's youngest brother Meyrick was discussed on TAC All Stars today and some of the all but brief highlights were quite impressive, which generally they all are.

I hadn't realised that a) Amon had such a talented younger brother (obviously heard of his other brother running around the NEAFL last year and b) that he had originally signed a 5 year professional contract with Cricket Victoria (possibly Australia, but can't recall), but decided to return to footy with the Geelong Falcons.

 

[dlanod]

FWIW, Kevin Sheehan (AFL Talent Identification Manager) on TAC Future All Stars suggested Boyd would go somewhere b/w 5-10.

Obviously a bit of water to go under the bridge, but it isn't too big a leap on Hamilton's behalf that we could get Boyd if finish around the 13-15 position at season's end.

At this stage I think Sheehan is smoking something. Boyd would have to have a significant drop off in form, injury worries, or some draft-eligible midfielders need to have absolutely possessed seasons for him to drop out of the top 3.

 

[Dylan12]

Assuming we finish on top of GWS, GCS, Melbourne, Bulldogs, Saints and Port; the last 3 sides are also in the market for a big forward.

Yeah, good point, especially re: Dogs and Saints.

I doubt we will finish below both, well not the Dogs anyway, so that pretty much blows that out of the water.

 

[dlanod]

Yeah, good point, especially re: Dogs and Saints.

I doubt we will finish below both, well not the Dogs anyway, so that pretty much blows that out of the water.

Given how aggressive the club has been in targetting Tippett and Hogan, it wouldn't surprise me if they explore trading up for pick 2 (assuming it's GWS and Melbourne in that order) if we don't, by some miracle, get Franklin.

 

[thoselionslads]

Rogerson was clearly the best for QLD yesterday. Good decision making and rebound from half back, generally uses the ball quite well too. Seemed to drop off his man a bit in trying to get the rebound/loose ball so will need to be careful he doesn't get exposed defensively.

Tickner was good as well I thought. He still might have some growing to do (hopefully), but I'm not convinced he is going to be a key position player at AFL level. Showed some really good athleticism for someone his size though. Is capable of a big plays/has some x-factor.

Conway was very disappointing, hopefully he bounces back.

 

[Triple R]

Amon Buchanan's youngest brother Meyrick was discussed on TAC All Stars today and some of the all but brief highlights were quite impressive, which generally they all are.

I hadn't realised that a) Amon had such a talented younger brother (obviously heard of his other brother running around the NEAFL last year and b) that he had originally signed a 5 year professional contract with Cricket Victoria (possibly Australia, but can't recall), but decided to return to footy with the Geelong Falcons.

He had a rookie contract with CV but was let go. Shame too, thought he'd have a good career in the cricket but like Liam Buchanon they didn't think he had enough to step up to the next level and succeed.

 

[POBT]

Conway was very disappointing, hopefully he bounces back.

Was he tagged, tll?

 

[thoselionslads]

Was he tagged, tll?

I hope he was, but not that I noticed.

There is an unwritten rule that the coach's don't tag in these games, it does happen though.

 

[Quigley]

For those interested this is from my mock in 2011:

Meyrick Buchanan
DOB 16/3/93 Ht 176 Wt 71

Buchanan is not getting much comment on here but I think he will be drafted and probably before many think. He is one of the best cricketers in his age group in Australia and up until now has probably focused more on cricket than football. Notwithstanding this he declined the recent Australian U19 tour to India to test at the Combine. In addition to his cricket commitments he has also had a full suite of school commitments given that is on a full scholarship to Geelong Grammar and so did not play all that many games for Geelong in the TAC nor was he selected to play at the Champs.

Buchanan is the brother of Amon who is currently playing in Brisbane after making a name for himself at Sydney. Amon, Liam and Meyrick all played under Michael Turner at the Falcons and Turner rates Meyrick as a better prospects than his brothers. Meyrick is a midfielder who played some time up forward as a junior. I think he will be looked at though as a midfield prospect as he does lack a little as a forward. He is short, was one of the worst tested at Combine in the jumps and his testing was only average for speed. These combine to make pretty big hurdles to get over for a small forward. He has pretty good goal sense and is not a bad finisher but he does lack a few of the tricks of top shelf small forwards. He does work hard to pressure and that will win him a few friends on teams looking to improve their forward pressure.

Despite all of the above it’s entirely possible that he could start in the forward line and move to the midfield like Christensen has done for Geelong. Christensen is a pretty good comparison for Buchanan. He might develop like Amon but at the moment he is nowhere near his girth being a pretty thin guy. At Combine his testing was pretty reasonable across the board apart from his jumps which were poor. He went a smidge over 3 in the 20m, was around the top 25% in the agility and was in the top third in the beep (14.4) and the 3km. That testing might well be actually better than it looks as his other commitments may not have allowed him to prepare for the testing like others could.

On the park he has a very high football IQ especially about where and when to run to get the ball. He gets around the park very well and racks up the possessions. He played 10 games for the Falcons this year and averaged 26.2 disposals a game. Again this is all the more impressive because he did suffer a bit from a lack of experience from playing and training with his teammates because of school and cricket commitments. Take it as a given that this kid would be one of the better accumulators of the football in this draft. His skills are very good and certainly much better than Amon’s are. He is also a good decision maker and reads play very well. He has pretty quick hands and is clean below the knees. He reads the taps of his ruckman or the ball off hands up forward in crumbing situations very well.

Overall I think Buchanan has been hidden a bit this year and could be a sneaky good pick for the third round on.

 

[Quigley]

I hope he was, but not that I noticed.

There is an unwritten rule that the coach's don't tag in these games, it does happen though.

In the article above it notes that Jake Greiser won a key battle "blanketing" Conway. Sounds like a tag was employed although admittedly they are not supposed to do it.

 

[footymaad]

In the article above it notes that Jake Greiser won a key battle "blanketing" Conway. Sounds like a tag was employed although admittedly they are not supposed to do it.

I though Conway was certainly the Qld midfielder who got the most attention from Vic Metro, which would fit with the comment in the article. Didnt deal with it that well - hopefully he and coaches will learn from this - will see how he goes in subsequent games.

Not sure about any "no tagging" agreements - know the Qld coaches did lots of work on opposition players last year and certainly gave players jobs on specific individuals each game - esp WA and NT game on their key players - sure all teams do. Whats the difference between a tag and a specific matchup at under 18's, where most teams don't have a player whos a true "tagger" - is it just targeting a midfielder rather than specific forward/ defender ?

 

[thoselionslads]

I though Conway was certainly the Qld midfielder who got the most attention from Vic Metro, which would fit with the comment in the article. Didnt deal with it that well - hopefully he and coaches will learn from this - will see how he goes in subsequent games.

Not sure about any "no tagging" agreements - know the Qld coaches did lots of work on opposition players last year and certainly gave players jobs on specific individuals each game - esp WA and NT game on their key players - sure all teams do. Whats the difference between a tag and a specific matchup at under 18's, where most teams don't have a player whos a true "tagger" - is it just targeting a midfielder rather than specific forward/ defender ?

They certainly give specific roles to players, the Lions own Richie Newell had Chad Wingard and Jed Andersen in his year. I think it is more about teaching responsibility and testing their defensive mindset.

I think what myself and Quigley are getting at is; they don't tag in the sense of a traditional negative tagger, where their sole objective is to stop that player at all costs and not worry about getting a kick themselves - For example Greiser got 19 touches himself.

This is slowly turning into a game of semantics now. I'll stop.

 

[Hollow Knight]

I think the "no tagging" rule is more of a TAC Cup thing. Once state rep sides are involved, it is a new ballgame.

 

[POBT]

I think the "no tagging" rule is more of a TAC Cup thing. Once state rep sides are involved, it is a new ballgame.

If I'm a recruiter about to spend a top 5 draft pick on a midfielder, I want to know how they deal with being tagged.

Similarly, if I'm a negating midfielder with a big engine who loves to tackle, I want a crack at the best mids to show what I can do.

 

[Quigley]

I think the "no tagging" rule is more of a TAC Cup thing. Once state rep sides are involved, it is a new ballgame.

There is definately an unwritten rule that they won't tag. Like TLL says though it is more that they won't be unduly negative to the exclusion of getting the ball themselves. There are still plenty of times where players get jobs. Newell certainly did a couple of years ago and did nicely.

I felt sure that when I logged on this morning there would be some mention of picking up Ben Brown on here. He had a decent game on Fox last night despite the commentators overhyping him. I have had him in my mock for the last couple of years and I am pretty confident someone will give him a chance this year after a year in the VFL.