2017 Draft thread

[ManeMan]

I feel the same. It's not just the Vic Metro factor, he just seems like one of those guys who feeds off the spotlight. Love him as a prospect and think at draft time he'll be the most appealing option but probably a better fit for a Victorian club. No issues with an out and out number one though, even if we're not taking him. Just more offers to field.

I'm divided. If we do manage to grab Charlie Cameron, then LDU all the way. With an eye on Rankine for next year. If not; Rayner. As lionshine mentioned, we don't have too many capable of kicking more than one or 2 goals regularly. Taylor, Christensen, Barrett et al are all manufactured small forwards. Barrett, Christensen and Robinson are all great at tackling and adding pressure but don't offer too much offensively. Taylor is probably the most natural small forward, but even he is probably more that link-up, goal assist sort of player. Rayner is the ideal small forward really: evasive, great at ground level, fast, can fend, good overhead, good on the lead, great at tackling and crafty around goals. Would add impact to our side immediately. Will he end up a midfielder? Who knows. Probably though. He was pretty influential in the champs as a midfielder before being shifted forward. Everyone is talking Rankine up as a very early pick next year, and with good reason, and he has been playing mainly as a small forward. So drafting Rayner this year to play primarily as a forward doesn't seem like much of a risk to me. Also, any mid we draft this year will be realistically be down the pecking order a bit, so if we can draft someone who can ply their craft as a forward initially, or defender for that matter, before potentially moving into the midfield then that would suit us better.

 

[buttermuffs]

Feel like LDU is a better fit for us. More of a pure mid which we need. We can grab Cameron who is a small forward from Adelaide as a trade. Just got a feel that Rayner is a flight risk (just a gut feel)

Completely forgot about the possibility of Cam. I reckon if we pick him up we go LDU, if we don't then most likely Rayner.

 

[pulpdriver]

I'm divided. If we do manage to grab Charlie Cameron, then LDU all the way. With an eye on Rankine for next year. If not; Rayner. As lionshine mentioned, we don't have too many capable of kicking more than one or 2 goals regularly. Taylor, Christensen, Barrett et al are all manufactured small forwards. Barrett, Christensen and Robinson are all great at tackling and adding pressure but don't offer too much offensively. Taylor is probably the most natural small forward, but even he is probably more that link-up, goal assist sort of player. Rayner is the ideal small forward really: evasive, great at ground level, fast, can fend, good overhead, good on the lead, great at tackling and crafty around goals. Would add impact to our side immediately. Will he end up a midfielder? Who knows. Probably though. He was pretty influential in the champs as a midfielder before being shifted forward. Everyone is talking Rankine up as a very early pick next year, and with good reason, and he has been playing mainly as a small forward. So drafting Rayner this year to play primarily as a forward doesn't seem like much of a risk to me. Also, any mid we draft this year will be realistically be down the pecking order a bit, so if we can draft someone who can ply their craft as a forward initially, or defender for that matter, before potentially moving into the midfield then that would suit us better.

Rankine's stuff up the ground has been tantalising though, that collect from a teammate's dropped ball yesterday and the passage after was orgasmic. I don't see any way he's just a small forward but he'd have a hell of an impact in that role. The chance he's there is enough it's worth just bolstering the midfield this year and hoping for next year but whilst I think small forward is an immediate need but it's not the need I'd spend a number one pick on; midfield paramount imo. Also not sure if LDU is that much down the pecking order from Rayner. He only really had that one good game on paper at the Champs (which I didn't see) but there were enough glimpses there from what I saw to know there's a quality player imo. I'd probably aim for him even if Charlie weren't in the bag though admittedly that's just the vibe I'm getting from Rayner off the field.

 

[briztoon]

Hasn't he? I think he has in the games I've seen. Did you see some of his clearances in the game against Vic Country? They were a spitting image of Dusty bursting out of the middle on the MCG. Plus he's apparently played in the midfield in school footy and played well. Not sure anyone on here has seen those games but I think some posters on the D&T board have? Or maybe it was someone like Twomey. I read reports of his school games from somewhere

When it comes to Rayner I think there are some genuine doubts regarding him transitioning into the midfield at AFL level, the main one being his endurance levels, however, I think it could potentially be dangerous to pass him up due to his ability in the forward line alone. I think he could become one of the best forwards in the game. Yes we need young midfielders, I think we can all agree that is our primary concern, however, I think we still need to add some scoring power. Outside of Hipwood who do we have who is capable of kicking a bag? We are hopeful on Schache but we don't have much else. Rayner would give us another player who is capable of doing that.

What's your reservation about him ?
Is it simply his tank, you'd have to back in the professional environment to atleast get him to a stage where he can have some sort of impact through there, even if it's more Stringers level then Martins.

Yep if he turned into a permanent med-forward you'd be a little disappointed using pick 1, but as an educated gamble at draft time, I think he's worth the risk

I'll reply to both posts.

Maybe I am seeing a different game. After all, I am admittedly very new watching and following AFL.

I watched Rayner very closely during the televised Vic Metro games. When he moved in midfield he didn't take the game/contest on as much as I would have liked, but waited for the game to come to him and often played more forward of centre. He didn't play the same game as Worpel, LDU, Cerra, Dow, Brayshaw or Lachlan Fogarty. When the ball came to him in a one on one contest he was dominant, but many times he received the ball in space or in a one on one situation, not very often amongst the pack. When he was amongst the pack, he wasn't attacking the ball, but waiting for the ball to come free to him so he could burst out, or fire a quick handball.

Certainly forward of centre he very much resembles Dusty. I would guess, deliberately going for a very similar hair cut, he was trying to cultivate that image and for people to draw comparisons between the two.

I guess a lot of it for me, is that I was very underwhelmed by much of this years U18 championships and the this years draft class as a whole. A lot of the hyped kids not performing up to expectations, or very much under performing. (Really, really liked the under-agers that played for Vic C, SA and WA more often than the top agers).

Last year, I was disappointed that SPS came in to the championships injured and wasn't able to perform up to expectations, but overall, last years championships was great to watch. This year some one would do something good, then make an error with no pressure at all, or just show their lack of skills by foot or hand.

I've gone back and watched giantroo's highlight videos, and Rayner does stand out as the top talent this year from the U18 Championships.

I guess I'm most disappointed that none of the other big name (Vic Country) mids put together a dominant performance to rival Rayner. But there is some midfield depth in the middle to late first round, just a lot of it is Vic Metro.

 

[briztoon]

So much to like about him. Looks like Stephen Hill on the wing and Fyfe when he's up forward. You might be right. I've got no qualms about his ability to put on size either. May be rake thin now but his neck is still thick, he'll fill out.

For me it's not that he's just stick thin, it's obvious that he's been in the gym hitting the weights. You can see the muscle he's put on on his arms and legs, and he's still rail thin. I do have concerns that he has the frame/body to fill out. But he projects to be more of an outside player, so he doesn't necessarily need the size that inside mids often have.

 

[pulpdriver]

For me it's not that he's just stick thin, it's obvious that he's been in the gym hitting the weights. You can see the muscle he's put on on his arms and legs, and he's still rail thin. I do have concerns that he has the frame/body to fill out. But he projects to be more of an outside player, so he doesn't necessarily need the size that inside mids often have.

He's lean but I see zero evidence he's been in the gym for anything other than a glamour muscle routine. He's got a frame that'd be easy as to build on with proper diet and professional muscle building regimen. I think even as an outside player you've got a very dangerous prospect with the what he's shown as a forward but I anticipate him to eventually fill out and be an on-baller.

 

[Dylan12]

I feel the same. It's not just the Vic Metro factor, he just seems like one of those guys who feeds off the spotlight. Love him as a prospect and think at draft time he'll be the most appealing option but probably a better fit for a Victorian club. No issues with an out and out number one though, even if we're not taking him. Just more offers to field.

I recorded yesterday's games and one thing I found alarming was in the interview prior to the game when Rayner was quite chuffed that the beep test wasn't part of the draft combine any more and he openly admitted that his numbers were quite poor. I'm not taking anything away from him as a footballer, but I thought it came across as someone that hadn't exactly set the bar that high.

 

[pulpdriver]

I recorded yesterday's games and one thing I found alarming was in the interview prior to the game when Rayner was quite chuffed that the beep test wasn't part of the draft combine any more and he openly admitted that his numbers were quite poor. I'm not taking anything away from him as a footballer, but I thought it came across as someone that hadn't exactly set the bar that high.

Yeah, he's lazy. It's getting hard to deny that. The way he plays his aerobic capacity may well translate well to the yo-yo though. I don't doubt he'll have 18 clubs all on the edge of their seat watching how he goes in that.

 

[briztoon]

Interesting byplay in Knightmares draft thread. "Apparently" Twomey isn't a fan of Worpel. I quipped "did Worpel do something mean to little Darcey Parish", and comment got insta-liked by the poster making the comments. Don't know if I'm reading to much in to that.

 

[pulpdriver]

Interesting byplay in Knightmares draft thread. "Apparently" Twomey isn't a fan of Worpel. I quipped "did Worpel do something mean to little Darcey Parish", and comment got insta-liked by the poster making the comments. Don't know if I'm reading to much in to that.

There's a few quotes saying that Twomey doesn't like him off or on the field and partly that it starts from some interview. leadership credentials seem to be pretty noteworthy. That might not translate to being a strong personality but it would still be just one man's opinion. As for on field, you've seen him plenty of him. What do you think of him? Do you honestly see him being outside the top 20 prospects of this year?

 

[buttermuffs]

Interesting byplay in Knightmares draft thread. "Apparently" Twomey isn't a fan of Worpel. I quipped "did Worpel do something mean to little Darcey Parish", and comment got insta-liked by the poster making the comments. Don't know if I'm reading to much in to that.

When's the wedding?

 

[briztoon]

There's a few quotes saying that Twomey doesn't like him off or on the field and partly that it starts from some interview. leadership credentials seem to be pretty noteworthy. That might not translate to being a strong personality but it would still be just one man's opinion. As for on field, you've seen him plenty of him. What do you think of him? Do you honestly see him being outside the top 20 prospects of this year?

Worpel was interviewed on Twomey's podcast around episode 4 or 5 I think. Didn't pick up anything then. Was a notable omission from his 20 players to watch from his first episode and article.

If I'm looking at Twomey's list, I'd slot Worpel in at 17. Not that I agree with all of Twomey's list order.

AFL vic and Geelong Falcons talent manager queried Worpels omission on twitter with Twomey.

 

[Panthera]

Hunter Clark is the kind of bloke Fagan would love. Would surely be high on the draft board I would think.

Neither Clark or Ballenden for that matter is in Brett Anderson's Top 20 post Carnival rankings

 

[M Malice]

Most of the so called "highlight" videos I have been watching from the championships have been showing a lot of pretty ordinary kicks, is this just bad editing or is the overall skill factor at a low level?

Considering that Fagan/Conole have made it abundantly clear that we will be looking at elite disposal skills who do our BL draft gurus think are the best in this area of the draft pool?

Note- I have not watched any full games as of yet.

 

[buttermuffs]

http://m.lions.com.au/news/2016-10-11/what-fagans-looking-for

From this article is says Fagan wants elite disposal, endurance and a strong character. Rayner does not have good endurance let alone elite. Someone has already said that he seems particularly lazy as well. On-field he looks hungry and great but we need a strong off field character from him as well and we might not get it. He definitely does have elite disposal though.

So Rayner has one and a half of the three qualities. As much as I like him I don't think the club will take him over LDU who at least has two out of three. It seems like the safe option.

 

[buttermuffs]

Neither Clark or Ballenden for that matter is in Brett Anderson's Top 20 post Carnival rankings

Just read an article about Clark forbidding himself using his right foot when he was younger so his left foot would get better. That's some great commitment.

 

[jjami15]

Most of the so called "highlight" videos I have been watching from the championships have been showing a lot of pretty ordinary kicks, is this just bad editing or is the overall skill factor at a low level?

Considering that Fagan/Conole have made it abundantly clear that we will be looking at elite disposal skills who do our BL draft gurus think are the best in this area of the draft pool?

Note- I have not watched any full games as of yet.

This was talked about by the commentary on Wednesday so the recruiters are also aware of this. Think it comes back to the boys just not having the ball in their hands as much, too much instagram/snapchat/gaming.

http://m.lions.com.au/news/2016-10-11/what-fagans-looking-for

From this article is says Fagan wants elite disposal, endurance and a strong character. Rayner does not have good endurance let alone elite. Someone has already said that he seems particularly lazy as well. On-field he looks hungry and great but we need a strong off field character from him as well and we might not get it. He definitely does have elite disposal though.

So Rayner has one and a half of the three qualities. As much as I like him I don't think the club will take him over LDU who at least has two out of three. It seems like the safe option.

Lochie O'Brien and Nick Coffield ticks those boxes that Fagan has stated that he requires. LDU also has good footskills especially for an inside type of mid.

 

[jjami15]

Neither Clark or Ballenden for that matter is in Brett Anderson's Top 20 post Carnival rankings

For us Daniel Rich types could someone post Anderson's top 20.

 

[LongLion]

Hope so. There was massive talk earlier in the the year but it has seemed to be quiet lately. Lever to PIES?

Thinking more players will start to think twice about going to the Pies. Very few of them seem to progress(& they're never going to make finals again)

 

[LongLion]

Don't be surprised to see Stephenson rise up to claim the number 1 mantle.

I like the look of him too. Just something about him.

 

[briztoon]

Neither Clark or Ballenden for that matter is in Brett Anderson's Top 20 post Carnival rankings

Got a link?

 

[briztoon]

Most of the so called "highlight" videos I have been watching from the championships have been showing a lot of pretty ordinary kicks, is this just bad editing or is the overall skill factor at a low level?

Considering that Fagan/Conole have made it abundantly clear that we will be looking at elite disposal skills who do our BL draft gurus think are the best in this area of the draft pool?

Note- I have not watched any full games as of yet.

They are the highlights. A lot of the players in that 8+ range definitely have lower skill levels. Kicking and hand balling was pretty poor throughout the championships.

It's been a big criticism of Worpel that he just kicks it long from the contest without looking for a target. Man, every kid was doing that. Or they were over kicking and under kicking the ball, or hand balling short or to the ground.

 

[Lace Out]

Anderson's top 4

Rayner
LDU
The Cricketer
Constable

 

[ManeMan]

Anderson's top 4

Rayner
LDU
The Cricketer
Constable

Constable, wow. Wasn't expecting to see him so high. He's one i would hope we would look closely at with Port's pick. Reminds me of Brendon Goddard. Was excellent throughout the Champs.

 

[Panthera]

Got a link?

Found a copy of the new Inside Football (print version). But here are his Top 20 rankings:

1. Rayner
2. LDU
3. Sutherland
4. Constable
5. Cerra
6. Joel Garner
7. Sam Hayes
8. Coffield
9. Stephenson
10. Paddy Dow
11. D. Fogarty
12. O'Brien
13. Brander
14. Ling
15. Jack Higgins
16. Petruccelle
17. Patrick Naish (Richmond F/S)
18. Oscar Allen
19. Andrew Brayshaw (yep, brother of Angus)
20. Noah Balta
_______________________________________

21. Connor Ballenden