Autopsy 2016 National Draft (NM Picks: 11; 32; 33; 80)

[giantroo]

THE NAB AFL Draft returns to Sydney in 2016.

The draft will take place on Friday, November 25 in the harbour city. The venue is yet to be determined.

Sydney will also host the 2017 draft.

The draft had been a Melbourne institution since its inception in 1986, with Adelaide (1997) the only different venue used until 2010, when the event was taken to the Gold Coast to celebrate the Suns' admission to the League the following season.

Sydney last hosted the event in 2011, the year before Greater Western Sydney made its AFL debut.

Perth and Brisbane remain the only two major AFL cities never to host the showpiece.

Four NSW players were taken in the top 20 at the 2015 NAB AFL Draft at the Adelaide Convention Centre.

The academy system allowed the Sydney Swans to take midfield gun Callum Mills with pick No.3, while Greater Western Sydney used all four of its selections on academy players Jacob Hopper (No.7), Matthew Kennedy (No.13) Harry Himmelberg (No.16) and Matthew Flynn (No.41).

2016 NAB AFL Draft

WHEN: Friday, November 25

WHERE: Venue to be confirmed, Sydney

 

[giantroo]

Talent at US Combine reaches record heights

Callum Twomey

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-04-26/talent-at-us-combine-reaches-record-heights

Shane Henry in action at the Combine


THE TALLEST player ever tested in AFL history was one of 18 prospects who took part in the opening day of the League's US Combine in Los Angeles on Monday.

Basketballer Stanislas Heili became the tallest player ever tested by the AFL in Australia or overseas, when he measured in at 212.3cm at the Velocity Sports facility in Redondo Beach this week.

The mark leaves the 22-year-old just short of seven feet tall, but edges him ahead of American giant Mason Cox who tested at 211.4cm when he attended the AFL combine two years ago and made his AFL debut for Collingwood on Monday in the Pies' win over Essendon.

The AFL is scouring the globe for taller prospects and has identified America as a market for potential ruckmen. Heili, who was born in France and studies at Lindenwood University in Missouri, fits the prototype for clubs searching for talent outside traditional pathways.

Richmond and North Melbourne are the two clubs that have sent recruiting staff to the Combine.

Kevin Sheehan, the AFL's national and international talent manager, said it was not the only new benchmark set on the opening day of testing in America.

"Both Shane Henry, a 197cm basketballer from Virginia Tech, and Khalia Spicer, a 201cm prospect from Kent State University with a tennis, track and cross country background, broke the absolute running vertical jump record," he said.

"Henry recorded a jump of 371cm and Spicer jumped 368cm, which surpassed the likes of Mason Cox (364cm), Jason Holmes (359cm) and Nic Naitanui (356cm)."

Henry also equaled Naitnaui's 102-cm record in the running vertical jump.

The start of the three-day combine coincided with Cox's debut, with the Magpies big man starring at the combine in 2014.

Cox toured Australia shortly after the completion of the combine and trialled at four clubs – Collingwood, North Melbourne, Richmond and Port Adelaide – before choosing to sign as an international rookie with the Magpies.

Derrick Williams shows his leap while practicing ruck work. Picture: Lachlan Cunningham

Sheehan said Cox's debut on Anzac Day had excited the new batch of AFL hopefuls in America.

"There was high buzz last night as USAFL officials and the Combine prospects gathered at their hotel in preparation for their introduction to the AFL, and they watched the Collingwood and Essendon game live with all eyes on the debutant," Sheehan said.

"He didn't let anyone down, confirming in their eyes that anything is possible."

DAY ONE TESTING – TOP COMBINE PERFORMERS

Height
Stanislas Heili (Lindenwood University) – 212.3cm
Devontae Watson (Temple University) – 206.5cm
John Cannon (UNC) – 206cm

It's a long way down as Stanislas Heili learns to bounce the Australian ball. Picture: Lachlan Cunningham

Absolute running vertical jump (right leg)
Khaliq Spicer (Kent State University) – 368cm
Devontae Watson (Temple University) – 364cm
Omari Gudul (Angelo State University) – 357cm

Absolute running vertical jump (left leg)
Shane Henry (Virginia State) – 371cm
Jamal Hunter (Jacksonville State) – 356cm
Austin Lewis (McNeese State University) – 354cm

Omari Gudul does the agility test during the AFL US Combine. Picture: Lachlan Cunningham

Vertical jump
Shane Henry (Virginia State) – 84cm
Jamal Hunter (Jacksonville State University) – 84cm
Khaliq Spicer (Kent State University) – 79cm
Derrick Williams (Park University) – 79cm

Running vertical jump (right leg)
Khaliq Spicer (Kent State University) – 99cm
Brandon Nazione (Eastern Michigan University) – 90cm
Shane Henry (Virginia State) – 87cm

Nduka Ezeamii is measured during the AFL US Combine in Los Angeles Picture: Lachlan Cunningham

Running vertical jump (left leg)
Shane Henry (Virginia State) – 102cm
Jamal Hunter (Jacksonville State) – 83cm
Nduka Ezeamii (Avila University) – 83cm

20 metre sprint
Austin Lewis (McNeese University) – 2.86 seconds
Ikem Eriobuna (Allen University) – 2.93 seconds
Jamal Hunter (Jacksonville State) – 2.96 seconds
Imoh Silas (Siena College) – 2.96 seconds
Imoh Silas goes through his warm-up during the AFL US Combine in LA. Picture: Lachlan Cunningham

Agility test
Jacquez Rozier (Middle Tennessee State University) – 8.35 seconds
Brandon Nazione (Eastern Michigan University) – 8.35 seconds
Ikem Eriobuna (Allen University) – 8.44 seconds

Repeat sprint
Khaliq Spicer (Kent State University) – 25.51 seconds
Imoh Silas (Siena College) – 25.73 seconds
Bruce Marshall (Missouri Southern State) – 25.95 seconds

Daniel Joseph Woody Quinn in the sprint test during the AFL US Combine. Picture: Lachlan Cunningham

 

[giantroo]

Dylan Clarke, brother of Ryan, Joe Atley, brother of Shaun are mentioned in the video below:

http://www.afl.com.au/video/2016-04-20/u18-ballmagnets-make-their-mark

 

[giantroo]

Joe Atley

http://www.mmg.com.au/local-news/rochester/stars-aligning-for-joe-1.91530

 

[giantroo]

THE INTRODUCTION of trading future draft picks means clubs already have a reasonable sense of next year's draft class.

But with the 2015 intake now complete, focus will turn quickly to next season's crop and how the pool is shaping up.

AFL.com.au has listed 10 names you'll hear plenty about in the lead-up to the 2016 NAB AFL Draft.

Ben Ainsworth
178cm/73kg
DOB: 10/2/98
Gippsland Power/Vic Country
Small forward

Ainsworth would have been a very early selection at this year's draft had he been eligible. His form this season was terrific as a small forward for Gippsland Power and he booted 15 goals for Vic Country to win All Australian selection. The teenager is brilliant and smart in the air, an accurate kick and has a nice dose of flair around goal. He looks set to be one of the most exciting prospects of next season.

Jarrod Berry
191cm/80kg
DOB: 5/2/98
North Ballarat Rebels/Vic Country
Tall defender

With great dash and physicality, Berry has some special skills as a running tall defender. Because of his range of traits, he can be played on the wing and across half-forward as well, and spent stages of this season in different spots. Berry is tough and hard at the ball, and showed that across Vic Country's carnival as a bottom-ager, when he was awarded All Australian honours. His season was cut short by shoulder surgery.

Jack Bowes
187cm/76kg
DOB: 26/1/98
Surfers Paradise/Queensland
Midfielder

Bowes has the size and temperament to play in a number of spots. The rangey midfielder can be used in an inside role, but also on the wing or across half-forward, where his overhead marking comes to the fore. Bowes has great evasive skills in traffic and although not being exceptionally quick, he finds a way out of trouble whenever he's in it. Bowes is a member of the Gold Coast academy and looks likely to be the Suns' first top-line academy product.

Will Brodie
187cm/80kg
DOB: 23/8/98
Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country
Midfielder

Will Brodie (right) fires out a handball for Vic Country this year. Picture: AFL Media

Brodie was a consistent member of Vic Country's title-winning midfield at the championships this year and will be a prospect who will keep improving his game next season. The hard and tough midfielder is great at the stoppages, works his way into the contest through sheer running power, and has the height to outbody opponents around the ball.

Harrison Macreadie
195cm/82kg
DOB: 11/4/98
Henty/NSW-ACT
Tall defender

Macreadie looks to be one of the best tall prospects in next year's group. He has the size to hold down centre-half back and the athleticism to play on the wing. Macreadie uses the ball cleanly, can take marks overhead and isn't afraid to tuck the ball under his arm and go for it. He is a member of the Greater Western Sydney academy zone. Get ready for the debate to rage again about the Giants' access to the Riverina region.

Brandon Parfitt
177cm/72kg
DOB: 27/8/98
Nightcliff/North Adelaide/NT
Midfielder

A courageous and tough small midfielder who attacks the ball ferociously. Parfitt is precise by hand and foot, and clever around goal as well. He showed those traits for the Northern Territory at this year's division two championships. He was named his team's MVP for the carnival and was also selected in the All Australian team on the interchange. Has been playing in South Australia this year after relocating from the NT.

Sam Petrevski-Seton
179cm/70kg
DOB: 19/2/98
Claremont/WA
Midfielder

There won't be many players with more class in the 2016 draft crop than Petrevski-Seton. The smooth-moving West Australian is crisp and deft on both feet, and smart with his hands as well. He is an early candidate as one of the first couple of players picked next season due to his speed, finishing skills and game sense. He mixes his skill with a hard attack on the ball and some flashiness in the air, and was named an All Australian this year.

Jonty Scharenberg
185cm/77kg
DOB: 28/8/98
Glenelg/South Australia
Midfielder

Jonty Scharenberg (right) competes for the ball in the under-18 championships. Picture: AFL Media

The younger brother of Collingwood defender Matt Scharenberg, the South Australian midfielder is classy with the ball and impressed this year at senior level in the SANFL. He's shorter than his brother and plays in a different way, but is strong over the contest and wins plenty of his own touches. He's able to combine that with good ball use and he also likes to float forward and hit the scoreboard when he can.

Jy Simpkin
181cm/73kg
DOB: 5/3/98
Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country
Small forward

Simpkin had some electric moments for Vic Country at under-18 level this year and will be expecting to have even more in 2016. The half-forward has pace and smarts, and is deadly around goal, snapping some brilliant shots throughout the year. He will be aiming to push up the ground a little more next year but is always dangerous when in possession and is damaging by foot.

Alex Witherden
185cm/77kg
DOB: 10/9/98
Geelong Falcons
Half-back

A composed and attacking half-back, Witherden's draft hopes grew towards the end of this season as he started to control games for the Geelong Falcons. His class and penetrating kicking was valuable at TAC Cup level, and he won selection in the NAB AFL Academy level two squad. Witherden has a good mix of toughness and skill, and will be a player to watch develop throughout 2016.

 

[giantroo]

Eligible for F/S at the Pies but old man is at our club:

Callum Brown
Height: 172cm, Weight: 62kg, DOB: 27/4/1998
Recruited From: Eastern Ranges
Position: Small Forward/Midfielder

A famous name at Collingwood, Callum Brown is the son of former Premiership Magpie and captain, Gavin Brown. Callum however, is a different player to his dad. The small, bottom-age speedster started off as the 23rd man last year with a 10-tackle debut that ensured he’d earned a spot the following week. It wasn’t long before Brown had cemented his spot in the Ranges starting 18, and a 17-disposal, three goal effort saw him named one of the Ranges’ best in the TAC Cup preliminary final. Like his dad, he’s hard at it, fiesty, and plays with his heart on his sleeve. A bit of a barometer type, whose always busy in the forward 50, and not a bad mark overhead for his size either.


Brothers of Ryan, Shaun and Angus:

Dylan Clarke
Height: 185cm, Weight: 82kg, DOB:
Recruited From: Eastern Ranges
Position: Midfielder/Defender

The younger brother of recently draft Ryan Clarke (North Melbourne), Dylan is a similar mould to that of his brother – a big bodied inside midfielder with a thirst for the big stage. The powerful on-baller was considered to be the Ranges’ Best on Ground in the Preliminary Final against the Stingrays last year. Clarke wins a good amount of the football, uses it efficiently, and rarely makes a poor decision. Clarke has also made a name for himself as a ball-winning defender, playeing a vital role on Ben Crocker in last years’ Grand Final, and having the better of the Oakleigh forward that afternoon – winning the one-on-one battles and finding the footy, too. Lots to like about this kid.

Joseph Atley
Height: 184cm, Weight: 80kg, DOB: 1/8/1998
Recruited From: Bendigo Pioneers
Position: Midfielder

The younger brother of North Melbournes’ Shaun, Joey Athley is set for a huge 2016 if he can pick up where 2015 left off. A contested, clearance machine with a appetite to throw his body at the ball and tackle anybody with the footy, Atley was unlucky not to get through to the final Vic Country side as a bottom-ager in 2015. A consistent performer who dug deep week in, week out despite a bleak season for the Pioneers, Atley is an accumulator and strong mark overhead who’ll be one to watch in 2016.

Hamish Brayshaw
Height: 183cm, Weight: 85kg, DOB: 9/2/1998
Recruited From: Sandringham Dragons
Position: Medium Midfielder

Almost a spitting image of his older brother, the recently-turned 18 year old already strikes an imposing figure with his filled-out frame. Hamish is the younger brother of Melbournes’ Angus and plays in a similar mould to that of his brother. Brayshaw is an inside-leaning midfielder, who wins the contested footy and stands out at the clearances. His one and only TAC Cup game delivered 13 disposals and a goal, to go with three tackles and three marks against eventual Premiers Oakleigh.

 

[Kimbo]

Who's going to be available at Pick 18?

 

[Steele7]

Would mind looking at Hampton at the draft. From grundog49 list of players.

Jamie Hampton
West Adelaide/Northern Territory
Outside Midfielder
Height: 186 cm Weight: 76 kg D.O.B: 16/10/98

It’s very rare you find a player who has x-factor like this lad does. Jamie Hampton is a classy wingman with elite speed and a capacity to play as a rebounding defender. 2015 was a year which made Jamie Hampton a player to watch. He played at school level with Immanuel College; SANFL u18’s with West Adelaide and u18 Championships for the Northern Territory. At SANFL u18 level Hampton was a star. He averaged 19 disposals, three marks and three tackles a game. Hampton also averaged two inside 50’s highlighting his ability to take games forward with his run. At the u18 Championships he was one of Northern Territories standout players. He averaged 13 disposals, two marks, one inside 50 at 71% efficiency. He was a star player and looked likely to break games on many occasions. This carnival made AFL talent manager Michael Ablett call Hampton a player you pay money to see. This is because of his x-factor which makes people's mouths drop to the floor. He dances through traffic, has electrifying runs and sells more candy than any other player. Infact at times he looks like Lewis Jetta in the way he runs up the ground. Jamie also is fast, extremely fast. He makes every other player look like they have cement in their shoes. Infact he has out run practically every player I have seen him play against. Although Hampton has all this talent, defensively he is poor. He looks disinterested when he has to find a man and just doesn’t try to chase down players. This is extremely obvious when you look at his tackling numbers which are poor. This problem will have to be improved quickly because players like him get found out very quickly like Kieran Agius. Jamie Hampton is your true line breaker who has talent to burn.

 

[giantroo]

I wonder what hidden gem Garry Ziebell has up his sleeves this year.

 

[royalblue92]

We better get one of those three

 

[Rooboy 96]

Who's going to be available at Pick 18?

what is Melbourne not getting a compensation for shitness pick this year?

 

[roos_fanatic08]

Berry is one after limited viewing already stands out to me. Think he will end up being like Bontempelli in time. Tall rangy, athletic and loves the contest

 

[GarnerSmash]

Who's going to be available at Pick 18?

Pretty sure we are trading that to Freo with Black for Lachie Neale.


Whoops!

 

[giantroo]

French giant impresses at AFL’s American draft combine and could be the next Mason Cox

A FRENCH university student standing 212.3cm has wowed recruiters from Richmond and North Melbourne at the AFL’s American draft combine.

Lindenwood University’s Stanislas Heili - the tallest player ever tested for AFL - was one of 18 players who hope to become the next Mason Cox at a two-day tryout in California’s Redondo Beach.

The Roos and Tigers lost out to Collingwood after five clubs chased international rookie Cox in 2014, but there could be more where he came from after records were sent tumbling at the Los Angeles facility.

Previous absolute running vertical jump records were smashed by 201cm Khalia Spicer from Kent State University and Shane Henry, a basketballer from Virginia Tech, who usurped the likes of star West Coast ruckman Nic Naitanui’s absolute running vertical jump height by some 15cm.

The 18 players watched the Anzac Day clash as Cox was starring, convinced they were watching a replay of past glories.

Instead they were assured by AFL staffers that Cox’s story could become their own.

AFL talent manager Kevin Sheehan said the league was committed to bringing out at least two players in July or August.

Business major Heili came to America to play basketball but has the skill set to convert his talent into another code.

NBA star Matthew Dellavedova recently told the Herald Sun American colleges were an untapped resource for AFL clubs.

“These guys are predominantly basketballers who are very, very tall and they are not going to make the NBA and they are prepared to switch sports and go don under and try to find roles as full-time athletes,’’ Sheehan said.

“North Melbourne and Richmond are the two clubs here but (AFL staffer) Mick Ablett is here with me and we will bring at least two out for a tryout later in the year.

“Mason Cox is 211.3cm but Stanislas Heili is just a smidgen under seven foot. We keep raising the bar.”

Cox took only 18 months of coaching to make his AFL debut but as a junior soccer star who played NCAA basketball he had an incredible skillset.

Today those 18 players will move from athletic testing to football drills, which remains the great challenge for players trying to convert to AFL.

“These guys were watching Anzac Day after coming in on Sunday night and they couldn’t believe Mason Cox,’’ Sheehan said.

“They thought it was a replay. They were watching in disbelief. It took some explanation for them to believe it was a live game.”

Collingwood beat four rivals to the services of Cox after he was flown out to Australia in mid-2014.

Then after a year in the VFL he kicked the first goal of Anzac Day after displacing star Travis Cloke in the Pies side.

Dellavedova believes American athletes with no semi-pro leagues to move to after college could make the switch to AFL.

‘I think a lot more US people if they can get the game out here more, a lot more of them will come over and try to do what he has done,’’ Dellavedova said.

‘There are just not enough places for them to play basketball after they have finished their four years of college. What do they do? Get a regular job and finish their athletic career.

“This could be an exciting thing, to travel to Australia and do what most Americans would love — visit Australia and play a sport most of them have never heard of.”

 

[King Corey]

Eligible for F/S at the Pies but old man is at our club:

Callum Brown
Height: 172cm, Weight: 62kg, DOB: 27/4/1998
Recruited From: Eastern Ranges
Position: Small Forward/Midfielder

A famous name at Collingwood, Callum Brown is the son of former Premiership Magpie and captain, Gavin Brown. Callum however, is a different player to his dad. The small, bottom-age speedster started off as the 23rd man last year with a 10-tackle debut that ensured he’d earned a spot the following week. It wasn’t long before Brown had cemented his spot in the Ranges starting 18, and a 17-disposal, three goal effort saw him named one of the Ranges’ best in the TAC Cup preliminary final. Like his dad, he’s hard at it, fiesty, and plays with his heart on his sleeve. A bit of a barometer type, whose always busy in the forward 50, and not a bad mark overhead for his size either.

He only wants to play for us. Part of the North Melbourne academy and that will trump any father-son designs the Pies have on him.

 

[Firestarter]

He only wants to play for us. Part of the North Melbourne academy and that will trump any father-son designs the Pies have on him.

Really?

 

[blackshadow]

Stanislaus Heili - the French Connection. Make it happen Euge!

 

[King Corey]

Stanislaus Heili - the French Connection. Make it happen Euge!

Stanislaus Heili = The Gerard

 

[Firestarter]

Sacre bleu and white.








Sorry.

 

[royalblue92]

He only wants to play for us. Part of the North Melbourne academy and that will trump any father-son designs the Pies have on him.

Yeah, really? I would love this to be legit

 

[Mjs94]

If we hold onto our first rounder just want the club to go best available player. Unless there is a decent ruckman in that range, then that would be a good void to fill for the future.

 

[Benj7]

If we hold onto our first rounder just want the club to go best available player. Unless there is a decent ruckman in that range, then that would be a good void to fill for the future.

Good thing about ruckmen and small forwards they can be picked after 3 rd round and they can be gems.

 

[Firestarter]

Good thing about ruckmen and small forwards they can be picked after 3 rd round and they can be gems.

Indeed. Grundy was the last first round ruck pick I recognise.

 

[naturally north]

Yeah, really? I would love this to be legit

Would be about as legit as the AFL.

 

[Benj7]

Indeed. Grundy was the last first round ruck pick I recognise.

Big H was taken at 9 i think also but turns out goldy ar 60 or something was just a tiny bit better