2017 Draft thread

[Surly Boy]

Playing in the backline apparently....

 

[Nunez]

Playing in the backline apparently....

He can dominate in the forward line, back line and ruck? I hope he starts tanking asap.

 

[briztoon]

Hasn't dominated in the forward line yet this season.

 

[Mayestro]

 

[WA Lion]

Evening all, long time between drinks.

I attended the WA v Allies game today and thought i might share my observations given the limited coverage of the game.

Connor ballenden - breakout performance and the first time I have seen top 5 player potential. Absolutely dominant, particularly in the 1st quarter and the last quarter. Numerous intercept marks, many contested. Pleasingly reliable by foot and surprisingly disciplined with his defensive efforts. Knew when to leave his man and spoiled numerous attacks. Best bigman on the pitch and the score would have been much higher but for his work. Best on imo.

Jack clayton - barely noticed him sadly, really did nothing to catch the eye. Allies midfield and half backline was soundly beaten.

 

[jjami15]

I'm personally quite split about Ballenden and wether we should pick him up if it means that we need to use Ports pick. I'm very much about building the midfield and eventhough we might draft one with our most likely pick 1 I still believe we need to acquire more. Worpol and Dow are going to be around that mark and I feel that is more of a need at the moment. Besides Zorko, Beams and Rocky our next crop are Matho, McCluggage, Berry and possibly Keays and shows the need to at least add two more mids, especially inside mids. Just to add about why we should draft Worpol his junior club is Bell Park, same as Matho.

 

[Davemonkey]

Does Davies-Uniake have a nickname? Doesn't exactly roll off the tongue from a supporter in the stands perspective.

I'd go with Duck.

 

[briztoon]

I'm personally quite split about Ballenden and wether we should pick him up if it means that we need to use Ports pick. I'm very much about building the midfield and eventhough we might draft one with our most likely pick 1 I still believe we need to acquire more. Worpol and Dow are going to be around that mark and I feel that is more of a need at the moment. Besides Zorko, Beams and Rocky our next crop are Matho, McCluggage, Berry and possibly Keays and shows the need to at least add two more mids, especially inside mids. Just to add about why we should draft Worpol his junior club is Bell Park, same as Matho.

Completely agree.

I am not matching with either of our first two picks.

Nor am I using Ports pick to trade for Charlie Cameron.

 

[Cockliff38]

I'm personally quite split about Ballenden and wether we should pick him up if it means that we need to use Ports pick. I'm very much about building the midfield and eventhough we might draft one with our most likely pick 1 I still believe we need to acquire more. Worpol and Dow are going to be around that mark and I feel that is more of a need at the moment. Besides Zorko, Beams and Rocky our next crop are Matho, McCluggage, Berry and possibly Keays and shows the need to at least add two more mids, especially inside mids. Just to add about why we should draft Worpol his junior club is Bell Park, same as Matho.

Packaging pick 15 & 18 to move up the order could be an idea. Get a second rounder back and match the points with our remaining picks. Provided Ballenden goes lower than, say 10-12, which I'm tipping he will.

 

[xplo]

Evening all, long time between drinks.

I attended the WA v Allies game today and thought i might share my observations given the limited coverage of the game.

Connor ballenden - breakout performance and the first time I have seen top 5 player potential. Absolutely dominant, particularly in the 1st quarter and the last quarter. Numerous intercept marks, many contested. Pleasingly reliable by foot and surprisingly disciplined with his defensive efforts. Knew when to leave his man and spoiled numerous attacks. Best bigman on the pitch and the score would have been much higher but for his work. Best on imo.

Jack clayton - barely noticed him sadly, really did nothing to catch the eye. Allies midfield and half backline was soundly beaten.

Thanks for the report, WA Lion. Awesome.

And Jack Paine didn't play?

 

[WA Lion]

Thanks for the report, WA Lion. Awesome.

And Jack Paine didn't play?

No he didn't which was a shame, was keen to see how he went

 

[WA Lion]

I'm personally quite split about Ballenden and wether we should pick him up if it means that we need to use Ports pick. I'm very much about building the midfield and eventhough we might draft one with our most likely pick 1 I still believe we need to acquire more. Worpol and Dow are going to be around that mark and I feel that is more of a need at the moment. Besides Zorko, Beams and Rocky our next crop are Matho, McCluggage, Berry and possibly Keays and shows the need to at least add two more mids, especially inside mids. Just to add about why we should draft Worpol his junior club is Bell Park, same as Matho.

Completely agree.

I am not matching with either of our first two picks.

Nor am I using Ports pick to trade for Charlie Cameron.

Before yesterday I was completely in the same boat and had frankly been underwhelmed by Ballenden this year.

Yesterday however changed that for me, in a very poor team he was outstanding, and justified talk of an early pick. Absolutely agree that Midfield needs to be our priority, but if (big if) he continues to play like he did yesterday we would be foolish to not match an early bid. He was considerably better than a rival early KP prospect Jarrod Brander.

 

[royboys4eva]

Has Lochie O'Brien had a run ? Haven't seen his name mentioned. He was super impressive last year as an under ager.

 

[Cockliff38]

Has Lochie O'Brien had a run ? Haven't seen his name mentioned. He was super impressive last year as an under ager.

Played on the weekend. Used the ball well but didn't get a heap of it

 

[POBT]

I'm personally quite split about Ballenden and wether we should pick him up if it means that we need to use Ports pick. I'm very much about building the midfield and eventhough we might draft one with our most likely pick 1 I still believe we need to acquire more. Worpol and Dow are going to be around that mark and I feel that is more of a need at the moment. Besides Zorko, Beams and Rocky our next crop are Matho, McCluggage, Berry and possibly Keays and shows the need to at least add two more mids, especially inside mids. Just to add about why we should draft Worpol his junior club is Bell Park, same as Matho.

While I agree with your assessment on list needs, it is interesting to note that Fagan mentioned Witherden as being a long term onballer or wing option. I don't think that's enough to change our list management strategy but it probably shows that the club has better info to base long term list decisions on. I actually think Witho has a bit of Dal Santo in the way he plays....just that smooth moving, good decision making style. I was also surprised at Witherden's build which wasn't overly skinny for a first year. A future in the midfield isn't out of the question.

 

[CarterS]

This was posted on the AFL Queensland site:

http://www.aflq.com.au/queensland-tall-timber-performs-in-allies-loss/

 

[jjami15]

While I agree with your assessment on list needs, it is interesting to note that Fagan mentioned Witherden as being a long term onballer or wing option. I don't think that's enough to change our list management strategy but it probably shows that the club has better info to base long term list decisions on. I actually think Witho has a bit of Dal Santo in the way he plays....just that smooth moving, good decision making style. I was also surprised at Witherden's build which wasn't overly skinny for a first year. A future in the midfield isn't out of the question.

His coaches in the u/18 level made the same statement and if he didn't get the leg injury he would have made that move into the midfield last year. If he does have a future in the midfield then those that are playing in the HBF positions of this draft might come into consideration like Garner, possibly Petruccelle and a later possibility with Kane Farrell. Still need to add to our midfield.

 

[SizeMatters]

Still lack any type of speed in the team. Best available with pick 1 and the rest I'd be selecting for players with pace that fit a need.

 

[briztoon]

Still lack any type of speed in the team. Best available with pick 1 and the rest I'd be selecting for players with pace that fit a need.

If we didn't have an academy kid to match a bid on, or trading any player in that would require our second round pick, I'd be hoping one of Worpel or Dow is available at Ports pick, and have Gryan Miers in the mix for our second round pick.

 

[SizeMatters]

according to a poster on the Essendon board we are into Bailey Fritsch and Sam Switkowski from the VFL to play in the forward line. Don't know much about them but googled Switkowski and came across a draft video... no idea why he wasn't drafted as he definitely looks like a decent prospect. I guess he does look a bit small? Has great lateral movement and tidy disposal by hand and foot. Always looks busy.
http://www.afl.com.au/video/2014-09-23/draft-prospect-sam-switkowski

edit: some recent footage. Gee looks tiny

 

[Cockliff38]

If we didn't have an academy kid to match a bid on, or trading any player in that would require our second round pick, I'd be hoping one of Worpel or Dow is available at Ports pick, and have Gryan Miers in the mix for our second round pick.

It could still be a live pick. I'd throw Higgins into that Worpel/Dow mix and I'd be very happy if we got one

 

[Carlos Danger]

according to a poster on the Essendon board we are into Bailey Fritsch and Sam Switkowski from the VFL to play in the forward line. Don't know much about them but googled Switkowski and came across a draft video... no idea why he wasn't drafted as he definitely looks like a decent prospect. I guess he does look a bit small? Has great lateral movement and tidy disposal by hand and foot. Always looks busy.
http://www.afl.com.au/video/2014-09-23/draft-prospect-sam-switkowski

I think it's a good idea to pick up a small forward on the rookie list. Given they will be able to play anytime from next year. Can be a hard position to really put your name up every match every chance some passed over could be a worthwhile prospect.

Ian Milera from the SANFL is another from last year's draft that's having a good year

10 games 22goals 5 behinds & 20 tackles.

Doesn't get a lot of disposals but when he does it usually leads to a goal.

 

[briztoon]

Vic Country v Vic Metro.

If nothing else, just watch the first minute of the second quarter. Luke Davies-Uniacke number 9. James Worpel number 28.

First Quarter.
http://www.afl.com.au/video/2017-06-26/u18-vic-metro-v-vic-country-1st-qtr.workstation

Second Quarter.
http://www.afl.com.au/video/2017-06-26/u18-vic-metro-v-vic-country-2nd-qtr.workstation

 

[Cockliff38]

according to a poster on the Essendon board we are into Bailey Fritsch and Sam Switkowski from the VFL to play in the forward line. Don't know much about them but googled Switkowski and came across a draft video... no idea why he wasn't drafted as he definitely looks like a decent prospect. I guess he does look a bit small? Has great lateral movement and tidy disposal by hand and foot. Always looks busy.
http://www.afl.com.au/video/2014-09-23/draft-prospect-sam-switkowski

edit: some recent footage. Gee looks tiny

No surprise Sam specialises in forward pressure... If he has been at Box Hill for a few years then you'd trust that Fagan knows what he's doing. Get 'em boys

 

[cotter101]

according to a poster on the Essendon board we are into Bailey Fritsch and Sam Switkowski from the VFL to play in the forward line. Don't know much about them but googled Switkowski and came across a draft video... no idea why he wasn't drafted as he definitely looks like a decent prospect. I guess he does look a bit small? Has great lateral movement and tidy disposal by hand and foot. Always looks busy.
http://www.afl.com.au/video/2014-09-23/draft-prospect-sam-switkowski

edit: some recent footage. Gee looks tiny

Sam Switkowski (178cm, 70kg): Only 21. Handy small forward that applies pressure and can kick multiple goals. Was the Northen Knights B&F winner in his draft year 2014. If he got a chance and failed, it certainly wouldn't be from a lack of trying. Plays for the Box Hill Hawks. Fagan may have seen a bit of him in 2016. Would be a good pick up.