Review 2017 AFL National Draft - Friday 24th November

[muttley45]

Anyone in the Academies that we might bid on ? it seems a favourite tactic of ours recently, Sydney in particular don't appear to have many draft points to match bids by rival clubs.

 

[giantroo]

BA says Cerra or Brayshaw could go at Freo's pick.

 

[Psicosis]

Goldy, Preuss, Majak go down, who do you play? Durdin and McKay who should be locking down key posts?

Tell me a time when all 3 of a clubs ruckman have been injured for a significant period of time? Please.

Even in the unlikely case they all aren't available - Ben McKay is 200cm

 

[giantroo]

Tell me a time when all 3 of a clubs ruckman have been injured for a significant period of time? Please.

Even in the unlikely case they all aren't available - Ben McKay is 200cm

Umm, like our last two years? We need Ben locking down a defensive post and Durds in the forward line.

 

[Kanga1996]

AFL Draft central has Cerra sliding to pick 9 in its phantom draft.

 

[naturally north]

in such an awkward spot too, gonna miss out on the 3 best midfielders.

By % do not forget that. Plenty celebrated like it was 1999 when we got over the Dees.

 

[Passmore]

in such an awkward spot too, gonna miss out on the 3 best midfielders.

We’ll be fine. We’ll get one of the 4 you listed below. No issues with that. Rayner could be the best of them.

 

[giantroo]

https://www.afl draft central.com.au/2017/10/19/matt-balmers-2017-early-phantom-draft/


Pick 1: Brisbane – Luke Davies-Uniacke
Inside Midfielder (Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country)
08/06/1999 | 187.2cm | 85.2kg

Scouting notes: A strong bodied inside midfielder who tackles hard and wins the clearances. Has had a fair share of injuries over the last few seasons but appears to be over them. Is one of the players most ready to go and could walk into AFL from day one with ease. Is powerful in the contested situations and is able to stand up when getting tackled, using his strength to dispose of the ball. Has shown at school football that he can beat the tag. Had a bit of a lull in the second half of the year, but pulled out his best form when it mattered in September.

In the mix: While some may see Cameron Rayner as the best player in the 2017 draft pool, I think the Lions will look for a full-time inside midfielder. Paddy Dow’s name is another who the Lions will consider – but at the moment the gut feel is ‘LDU’ is ahead of Dow.

Pick 2: Fremantle – Paddy Dow
Inside Midfielder (Bendigo Pioneers/Vic Country)
16/10/1999 | 185.4cm | 78.2kg

Scouting notes: Speedy inside midfielder who can push forward and hit the scoreboard. Right footed midfielder who was superb for the AFL Academy in their game against the Northern Blues – not looking out of place at the centre bounces early in the year. Runs a sub three second 20m sprint and has very good agility. Not afraid to take on opposition midfielders in the contest, attempting to speed out of the stoppages.

In the mix: Fremantle only acquired Pick 2 today, in a trade from the Gold Coast giving up Lachie Weller. They’ll need to take a Victorian midfielder at Pick 2 – with Cerra, Rayner, Davies-Uniacke others who could also feature. Fremantle have a lot of players similar to Rayner – but it’d be hard to let him go – as a player who can do things that many others can’t in this draft pool.

Pick 3: Carlton – Cameron Rayner
General Forward/Inside Midfielder (Western Jets/Vic Metro)
21/10/1999 | 186.5cm | 87.2kg

Scouting notes: Powerful and explosive midfielder who makes you excited when you watch him. A similar mould to Robbie Gray combined with Christian Petracca and when up forward his contested marking overhead is one of his strengths. For the moment he is a forward first, midfielder second with his endurance being a work in progress – running an 11.10 beep test at TAC Cup preseason testing. Not afraid to throw out a ‘don’t argue’ to his opponents. Can do things that others in the 2017 draft pool cannot.

In the mix: Fremantle are the great unknown and it’d be very hard to see the Blues let Rayner slip past them if he gets through to Pick 3. Haileybury College midfielders Andrew Brayshaw, Charlie Constable and Davies-Uniacke will be in the mix. Paddy Dow might land in their lap if things fall another way.

Pick 4: North Melbourne – Jaidyn Stephenson
Outside Midfielder (Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro)
15/01/1999 | 188.5cm | 75.4kg

Scouting notes: Started the season as a medium tall marking target inside 50 but has improved his running capacity and turned himself into an outside midfield in the final few months of 2017. Up forward, he has a big wingspan which sees him pluck the ball from above his opponents reach. He converts his set-shot chances more than not, after bursting onto the scene with a terrific finals series for Eastern Ranges as an Under 16 back in 2015. Stephenson has pushed up onto the wing at times, where he moved well – holding a great endurance base to go with a really good burst of speed. One area that could be cleaned up is his field kicking around the ground.

In the mix: Most of the talk is that the top three selections will be Rayner, Davies-Uniacke & Dow – with the order unknown. Stephenson had a great second half of the year and adds some X-Factor for the Roos. Adam Cerra, Nick Coffield and Andrew Brayshaw are three other names that no doubt they’ll be monitoring.

Pick 5: Fremantle – Aaron Naughton
Key Position Defender (Peel/Western Australia)
30/11/19999 | 194.0cm | 85.0kg

Scouting notes: Played as a bottom-ager in two of Western Australia’s NAB AFL Under 18 Championship games in 2016, and was named as a co-captain for the 2017 carnival where he impressed in defence. He marks well overhead and is a good reader of the play. Has an awkward ball drop which can affect his left foot kicking efficiency at times, but mostly it gets where it needs to go. Made his League debut in the WAFL and didn’t looked out of place.

In the mix: Take a midfielder at Pick 2 and at Pick 5? Another big question – but Fremantle hold the keys to shaping the top 10 of the 2017 NAB AFL Draft. They’ve watched a fair bit of the Sandringham Dragons and Andrew Brayshaw could be a player selected here. Adam Cerra and Nick Coffield are two other Vic Metro players who they’ll have on the list – but it might be hard to turn down the best West Australian and tall in the draft pool.

Pick 6: Collingwood – Nick Coffield
General Defender/Outside Midfielder (Northern Knights/Vic Metro)
23/10/1999 | 190.8cm | 82.5kg

Scouting notes: Composed midfielder who is very good under pressure. Reminds me of Hugh McCluggage where he has plenty of time with ball in hand in the contest. Clean user on his right foot and his defensive efforts are strong where he floats around and wins the ball at ease. Has a burst of speed which he often will utilise in defensive 50 when playing the role of a general defender. Some think he will end up as an inside midfielder at the next level.

In the mix: Few whispers of the Pies meeting with Aaron Naughton on the weekend and they may pick him if he is available here. Coffield is the best player available and should be able to transition into an inside midfielder in the future.

Pick 7: St Kilda – Andrew Brayshaw
Inside Midfielder (Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro)
08/11/1999 | 183.9cm | 81.7kg

Scouting notes: The brother of Melbourne’s Angus started the year on fire for the Sandringham Dragons. He finds the football with a good contested possession percentage. Brayshaw is more of a handball first, kick second player in the contest but just gets the job done without standing out and flies under the radar. He makes his disposals count and is effective, with good defensive efforts. Always one of the top ranked players on the stats sheets.

In the mix: I’m told St Kilda have been big fans of Brayshaw throughout 2017 – meeting with him on multiple occasions and it would be hard to see them turn him down if he’s available. Alan Richardson watched the TAC Cup elimination final where Nick Coffield dominated and he is another option if still on the board. It would be a tough call to let Adam Cerra go too.

Pick 8: St Kilda – Aiden Bonar
Inside Midfielder/General Forward (Haileybury College/Dandenong Stingrays)
08/03/1999 | 188.6cm | 86.5kg

Scouting notes: Build like a brick sh!thouse. After recovering from two knee surgeries after his first ACL graft didn’t take, Bonar has presence about him around the ground, mostly playing up forward as a third tall – but has pushed into the midfield for longer periods with each game he plays. His pressure is very good and he can lay bone crunching tackles. Has a good burst of speed and is strong overhead. Suggestion is he’ll end up a full time midfielder. Possesses a big upside.

In the mix: The biggest unknown in the 2017 draft pool is Aiden Bonar and he is a name that St Kilda could take – to address bringing in a big bodied midfielder. His testing at the NAB AFL Draft Combine was outstanding and there’s no doubt with the security of having two picks inside top 10 – the Saints could make the move on the Dandenong Stingray.

Pick 9: Western Bulldogs – Adam Cerra
Balanced Midfielder (Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro)
07/10/1999 | 186.3cm | 80.3kg

Scouting notes: The forgotten man of the 2017 draft pool after missing 2016 with a meniscus injury to his knee. The AFL Academy missed out on pick one and pick two in 2016 – and Cerra could be another to join that list of high draft picks. He wins the ball on the inside and possesses a clean kick on his right foot. He contested work and clearance winning are superb and he covers the ground well. Was one of the standouts in the Vic Metro trials in April and continued his form in the NAB AFL Under 18 Championships.

In the mix: If the Saints don’t take Bonar, he’s a player I’d expect the Bulldogs to snap up. With Stringer leaving the kennel, South Australia’s best draft prospect Darcy Fogarty could fill a similar role as a forward. They have also shown some interest in Nathan Murphy – but they may hope that he gets to their next selection.

Pick 10: Carlton – Charlie Constable
General Defender/Inside Midfielder (Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro)
18/05/1999 | 191.0cm | 86.1kg

Scouting notes: Tall midfielder who can play on the inside and across either arches. He begun the year for the Dragons in the midfield, but moved to half back with the return of Hamish Brayshaw. Missed a large chunk of 2016 with an injury, but is over those concerns. A good team player who gets to the right positions around the ground. Not super quick, but has a ‘footy brain’ and makes good decisions by foot rebounding out of defence. Likely to end up as a Patrick Cripps type of midfielder.

In the mix: SOS has some good relationships among the APS school boy football competition and if one of Bonar or Constable reach their Pick 10 – It would be seriously hard to see him let them go past. Either can play as an inside midfielder and support Patrick Cripps.

 

[Psicosis]

Umm, like our last two years? We need Ben locking down a defensive post and Durds in the forward line.

I mean if you're gonna pass off each of them being injured at varied times as "all injured" then you are kidding yourself. We do not need 4 ruckman on the list (5 if you include Jeffries).

 

[giantroo]

I mean if you're gonna pass off each of them being injured at varied times as "all injured" then you are kidding yourself. We do not need 4 ruckman on the list (5 if you include Jeffries).

Do you expect them all to be here after 2018? Yes or no?

 

[Psicosis]

Do you expect them all to be here after 2018? Yes or no?

Aren't they all contracted after 2018? If that's the case, then yes I do, because not like our Football department can get a deal done.

 

[giantroo]

Aren't they all contracted after 2018? If that's the case, then yes I do, because not like our Football department can get a deal done.

We will see. Goldy and Majak will be gone.

 

[shimaburnsgrieg]

We will see. Goldy and Majak will be gone.

More huge payouts? Goldie will be owed 900 for his last year and May 800 for his last 2 years.

 

[roos_18]

The only way we should pass on a outright midfielder is Rayner. If we pick Stephenson our list management need to be sacked. I've had enough of wingman/flankers

 

[giantroo]

 

[Psicosis]

Jaidyn Stephenson plays like Jack Riewoldt? Nahh he doesn't.

 

[Donkey Chop]

The only way we should pass on a outright midfielder is Rayner. If we pick Stephenson our list management need to be sacked. I've had enough of wingman/flankers

Stephenson has his knocks but he’s more then just a flanker.

 

[RooBoyz24]

I want to get the best gut running midfielder there is.none of this outside run bullshit gets in and get the pill Boy.[emoji23]


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[The Nostradamus]

I want Stephenson or Rayner at 4

Both have high ceilings to be elite

 

[roos_18]

Stephenson has his knocks but he’s more then just a flanker.

I respect his game, but he's not a 30 plus possession AFL mid. Cunnington is the closest thing we have to a genuine midfielder but the rest are not. LDU, cerra, Dow look to be and Rayner is a freak

 

[The Dingrel]

We'll take 4 or 5 live picks. Just wait.

hmmm.....seems odd to trade out 45 if that were the case. I reckon Zurhaar upgrade, we use 4 and 21, and strong feeling we pick up a delisted player.....Hartung perhaps? or is he likely to get a 1 yr deal from the hawks? Thoughts?

 

[Page8383]

I want Stephenson or Rayner at 4

Both have high ceilings to be elite

Would not even blink before taking Cerra or Brayshaw before Stephenson.
We need to bank this pick 4.
Stephenson is a high risk selection.
Don’t mind taking a risk with 24, but this #4 is the most important selection in a decade and we must nail it.

 

[Donkey Chop]

I respect his game, but he's not a 30 plus possession AFL mid. Cunnington is the closest thing we have to a genuine midfielder but the rest are not. LDU, cerra, Dow look to be and Rayner is a freak

Hopefully Rosco with his high emphasis on pressure picks Stephenson at 2 and it will be happy days.

 

[Wild Bill]

Raynor, LDU, Dow and Cerra.

Any of those 4.

 

[giantroo]

The 2017 AFL National Draft Guide

ByMatt Palf
Posted on October 19, 2017


With the footy season finished and the trade period done and dusted, the AFL now has its sights firmly on the National Draft. While the senior players and coaches enjoy a rare ‘quiet’ spell, it’s the recruiters’ turn to get busy, with recruiting teams around the country ramping up their preparations to welcome in the next wave of talent at the Sydney Showground Exhibition Centre on the 24th of November. The work doesn’t stop at Footy Prophet either, as our team looks to bring you all the latest Draft content all the way to Draft night itself, with interviews, profiles and previews.

In this guide we’ll give you everything you need to know about the big night in November.

THE BIDDING SYSTEM

Introduced two years ago, the bidding system for Academy and Father/Son prospects has perhaps been the draft’s most confusing, and controversial, element. At the core of the bidding system are the points that the AFL have assigned to each pick. These points give each draft pick a numerical value, and when a bid is placed on a player, it determines what picks will be needed to counter that bid, after a deduction of 20%. The value of the picks are as follows:



The one change which the AFL has introduced since its inception was the removal of hidden picks to discourage teams from ‘trading down’ the draft order. These hidden picks were activated when multiple draft picks were used to acquire players, and subsequently shifted any other picks after them down the order. This rule means that clubs can only enter the draft with as many picks as they have room for on their list, and if they use multiple picks to bid on a player then the replacement picks will be added at the end of the draft.



WHO HAS WHAT PICK?
With the trade period over, we now have a good understanding of where each team’s picks are. Until the final squad lists are announced, however, we won’t know every pick.

WHO ARE THE ACADEMY AND FATHER/SON PLAYERS TO WATCH OUT FOR THIS YEAR ?
One of the biggest stories this year revolved around the much-maligned GWS Academy, who lost a huge catchment area along the NSW/Vic border. This meant that they were not given priority access to highly regarded players such as Jarrod Brander and Charlie Spargo, with Brander a big loss in particular given he is touted as a likely top 10 pick. The Giants do still have some talent available at their disposal, however, with the likes of midfielders Jack Powell and Nick Shipley.

Their neighbours to the east, however, look like they’ll be quiet once more this year after back to back success stories in Heeney and Mills in 2014/15. James Bell certainly showed some impressive signs in the U18 Championships, however, and could be one to watch develop.

The Suns have some interesting prospects in the form of Harry Simmington and North Queensland product Kwaby Boakye, but their best talent lies in ruckman Brayden Crossley. The big man made his senior NEAFL debut as a 16 year old and impressed in his 13 games for the Suns NEAFL side in 2017.

It’s the Lions that no doubt have the pick of the academy talent now that the Giants’ reach has been reduced, with Connor Ballenden. Whilst the key position talent hasn’t progressed in his senior year as well as many hoped, there are not many 198cm players that can move and kick like him. His switch from forward to back has proven a success this year, and there is no doubt he has plenty of upside.

For father/son nominations, they are few and far between this year. Patrick Naish is certainly the standout, with Richmond no doubt hoping that they can avoid having to use their first pick on him. The winger, who can also play from half-back, can really make things happen with his outside run and big right boot, and looks likely to attract a first round bid.

Tyler Brown will likely join his brother Callum at the Magpies after a solid year for Eastern Ranges. Despite not quite matching his brother in terms of ballwinning or contested footy, Tyler looks to be more effective by foot, and being nearly 10cm taller, he has plenty of scope for development.

Perhaps the only other father/son pick likely to get snapped up in the National Draft is Jackson Edwards, son of Adelaide 300 gamer Tyson. The balanced midfielder is incredibly calm and composed in congestion, efficient on either side of his body. He lacks the acceleration that would set him apart, but he’ll certainly be on the Crows’ radar.

HOW IS THIS YEAR’S DRAFT SHAPING UP?
The 2017 Draft certainly looks like it’s sandwiched between two potential ‘superdrafts’. We all know of the talent that came out of 2016, with 26 out of the top 30 making their AFL debut this year. It’s also well understood that next year is also shaping as a Draft chock full of talent. Just a quick look at the trade period will tell you as such, with over 25 future picks traded as clubs jostle for a prime spot in the draft order.

That’s certainly not to say there isn’t any talent this year, as although it is considered a shallow draft, there are plenty of players with a big future ahead of them.




THE TOP 5
The top ten, and particularly the top four or five have set themselves apart this year, and yet again it is midfielder, and Victorian, heavy.Cameron Rayner has been long held as the favourite to be the first name called in November, and it’s easy to see why. The powerful half forward/midfielder has been one of a few to build on their promising bottom age year, and he has excelled when it counted in some huge games for Vic Metro and the Academy. He’s joined at the top by speedy inside midfielder Paddy Dow, the explosive Luke Davies-Uniacke and the classy Adam Cerra. Recruiters’ lists are a closely guarded secret, especially at the top end, but these are the names well believed to be the first four off the board.

There’s plenty of talent in and around the top 5 mark, however. Eastern Ranges star Jaidyn Stephenson has been looked at as a potential number one since he blew apart the TAC Cup final 2 years ago as 16 year old. Primarily a mid-sized forward, he’s worked on his midfield craft, and it wouldn’t surprise me if he turned out to be the best of this year’s draft – he has X-Factor in spades.

The same could be said for South Australia’s big bodied midfielder/forward Darcy Fogarty. A disappointing season, hindered by injury, has many seeing him slide out of the top ten, but prior to the start of 2017, he was well in the pick one mix. Adelaide will surely be hoping they can snap him up at 12, but he is a bona fide top 5 on talent.

I’ve been big on Western Australia’s key defender Aaron Naughton all year, and I firmly believe he should be the first tall off the board. With Fremantle now owning picks 2 and 5, they may be tempted to make a reach for the player that has been outplaying some of their listed players for Peel in the WAFL. An outstanding intercept defender, with elite agility and an impressive tank, he ticks plenty of boxes.




WHO ARE THE VALUE PICKS?
Two ACL surgeries meant Aiden Bonar missed the majority of his junior footy, but some fine performances at the end of the year along with a superb combine performance give the impression he is well over those troubles. Despite rocketing up the ranks into first round contention there is no doubt the powerful forward/inside mid is still very undervalued on potential heading into the draft.

Another likely first rounder who seems to be sliding down the rankings is Morrish Medal winner Jack Higgins. A lot of pundits have him in the 10-20 range but he is another that could well be considered in the top 5. A natural footballer, the small forward/midfielder has the ability to win a game off his own back, and is so determined to be the best, that I wouldn’t want to bet against him becoming it.

Value could also be found in ex-basketballerJack Petruccelle and ex-cricketer Nathan Murphy. Both have had limited exposure to footy, with Murphy only making the decision to focus on footy late in the year and Petruccelle making the switch in 2016. Murphy can play as a mid-sized forward or defender, and has been impressing more and more as the year has progressed, especially considering his scope for improvement. The super quick and agile winger Petruccelle has had an inconsistent year, but when he’s been ‘on’, he’s looked as good as anyone in this draft. Great overhead, incredible agility and quick hands.

Perhaps the biggest value of all will be this from year’s Western Australian cohort, who were given little fanfare heading into the season. After a string of stunning performances in the U18 Championships, the likes of Larke Medalist Oscar Allen and Brayden Ainsworth put themselves well in the recruiters’ eyes, and after eyecatching performances in the combines from Ben Miller, Kyron Hayden and Brandon Starcevich, they could well gatecrash Draft night