Game Day 2017 National Draft

[Crazy Tails]

I think nick is in 19 or 20 not next years draft

Ok. That would actually work out better. The more picks we can have next year not impacted by having to worry about F/S the better.

 

[Couch Coach]

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-09-12/lou-richards-relative-a-top20-draft-bolter

Lou Richards' relative a top-20 draft bolter

ED RICHARDS, a relative of the late Collingwood legend Lou, has surged into top-20 draft calculations after a brilliant second half of the season.

The attacking and quick medium defender missed out on Vic Metro selection for this year's NAB AFL Under-18 Championships after a knee injury interrupted his preparation for the carnival.

But Richards, who is the grandson of Magpies great Ron Richards, whose brother was premiership skipper Lou, has hit back since then to show his wares ahead of November's national draft playing for TAC Cup side Oakleigh Chargers and Carey Grammar at school level.

His combination of cut-through pace, meaningful run and carry, and a classy left boot has seen his stocks rise, with some clubs viewing him as a top-20 player. Richards will attend the NAB AFL Draft Combine at Etihad Stadium next month.

"It was disappointing that he hurt his knee in effectively the first five minutes of round one against Sandringham, and that hampered his ability to push for Vic Metro selection. Given his form now he would have been strongly considered for a Metro berth had he been ready," Oakleigh talent manager Craig Notman said.

"He took that disappointment on the chin, played some really good school football and has gone from strength to strength with us. He attacks the ball at ground level and in the air really hard, he's got speed and uses the ball really well. He has that attacking nous to him, and is able to push forward and kick a goal.

"We've predominantly played him down back, but he's gone through the midfield and acquitted himself really well, and at times he's also had a role in a forward capacity."

The 18-year-old is a good size for a half-back at 184cm and 77kg, and has shown a balance in his game in recent weeks to be able to close down opponents while also offering drive for his side out of the backline.

Ron Richards played 147 games for Collingwood between 1947-56, while Lou played 250 games for the club, including captaining their 1953 triumph.

The Magpies have no priority over the next Richards to enter the system despite the strong family link, and will find it difficult to bring him to the club unless they take him with their first pick (No.6 overall) which is unlikely.

The Pies' next pick is No.36 – the first selection of the third round they garnered from the Brisbane Lions last year as part of the Jack Frost trade – by which time Richards may be off the board.

"He's got a real competitive aspect to him which gives him a great combination. There's been interest in him right from his practice match form with us, which was really good," he said.

"There's been some strong interest there and it's continually built from the start of the year. I think he's come in a long, long way in draft calculations at this point with conversations we're having."

 

[Apex36]

Just listened to a podcast re: trade/draft where Brett Anderson (draft expert) was fairly categorical in stating that this draft is really shallow. He has been hearing from recruiters/club scouts at U18 games that most of them believe that to be the case too. Even said that the majority of players even likely to go in the top 15 had flaws in their games. Talked up the 2018 draft big time though.

Unless we use pick 6 to get a Tom Lynch or Jake Lever I would be taking it to the draft; take best available. Keep a couple of late picks to give us the points required to take Tyler Brown (if a bid comes in for him around 40-50). Then if we trade out any players this year (Fas/Smith etc) I would be trying to tie in future picks for 2018 into the deals. We are likely to need a semi decent pick next year for Nick Daicos too (30-50). Probably shown more as a junior prospect than Josh did.

Nick is going to be playing for Oakleigh next year, but in their under 15's. additionally, he's one of the highest rated kids in the country for his age group currently. We'll need significantly more than 30-50 for him if he continues his current trajectory, and there's no chance of hiding him like we seemingly did with Josh.

 

[Apex36]

I think nick is in 19 or 20 not next years draft

2021 I believe. Born in early January so he just misses out on the 2020 draft.

 

[Johno9911]

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-09-12/lou-richards-relative-a-top20-draft-bolter

Lou Richards' relative a top-20 draft bolter

ED RICHARDS, a relative of the late Collingwood legend Lou, has surged into top-20 draft calculations after a brilliant second half of the season.

The attacking and quick medium defender missed out on Vic Metro selection for this year's NAB AFL Under-18 Championships after a knee injury interrupted his preparation for the carnival.

But Richards, who is the grandson of Magpies great Ron Richards, whose brother was premiership skipper Lou, has hit back since then to show his wares ahead of November's national draft playing for TAC Cup side Oakleigh Chargers and Carey Grammar at school level.

His combination of cut-through pace, meaningful run and carry, and a classy left boot has seen his stocks rise, with some clubs viewing him as a top-20 player. Richards will attend the NAB AFL Draft Combine at Etihad Stadium next month.

"It was disappointing that he hurt his knee in effectively the first five minutes of round one against Sandringham, and that hampered his ability to push for Vic Metro selection. Given his form now he would have been strongly considered for a Metro berth had he been ready," Oakleigh talent manager Craig Notman said.

"He took that disappointment on the chin, played some really good school football and has gone from strength to strength with us. He attacks the ball at ground level and in the air really hard, he's got speed and uses the ball really well. He has that attacking nous to him, and is able to push forward and kick a goal.

"We've predominantly played him down back, but he's gone through the midfield and acquitted himself really well, and at times he's also had a role in a forward capacity."

The 18-year-old is a good size for a half-back at 184cm and 77kg, and has shown a balance in his game in recent weeks to be able to close down opponents while also offering drive for his side out of the backline.

Ron Richards played 147 games for Collingwood between 1947-56, while Lou played 250 games for the club, including captaining their 1953 triumph.

The Magpies have no priority over the next Richards to enter the system despite the strong family link, and will find it difficult to bring him to the club unless they take him with their first pick (No.6 overall) which is unlikely.

The Pies' next pick is No.36 – the first selection of the third round they garnered from the Brisbane Lions last year as part of the Jack Frost trade – by which time Richards may be off the board.

"He's got a real competitive aspect to him which gives him a great combination. There's been interest in him right from his practice match form with us, which was really good," he said.

"There's been some strong interest there and it's continually built from the start of the year. I think he's come in a long, long way in draft calculations at this point with conversations we're having."

Maybe the club should be petitioning for the father-son deal to extend to grandfathers too... Having rights to Weideman and Richards would be nice

 

[Snoop Dog]

At this early stage my think / hopes are below and based on the top 4 of Cerra / Dow / Rayner and LDU are gone.

# 6

If we kept the first selection the obvious one is Brander. Can play both ends and so lots to work with but I am not sure he is the 6th best player available and its a massive bet to bid up a player with that first pick for a need hence I am a little inclined to pass. Dont get me wrong his best is very good but I have seen him a fair bit and their is a gulf between best and worst. Particularly when one of them he got taken apart.

In deference I would look at;

Stephenson - I think he just oozes that class that Wells gave us. Can play HF, is a great runner, has x factor, will make things happen and has now demonstrated he can play well in the midfield and win contested footy. He has been one I have watched for 3 years. He is good and getting better.

Coffield - this kid has composure in spades. He is elite through HB and the middle. Reminds me a lot of Scharenberg in his draft year. Has a lot of flexibility and plays well in bigs games. His kicking is elite. If he plays well in the All Star game (like Stephenson) watch up for them to climb and possibly Cerra to drift.

Fogarty - kid has been hard done by given he played the year with injury. He didnt show his best as a result but he for mine was a top 2-3 pick coming in. Reminds me of Hodge. Plays well anywhere, is a leader and absolutely the bloke you want at your club.


# 36

I think the club will be able to land a tall here for sure. The depth of key backs is pretty good in the draft. In order;

Petty - I called for Brennan Cox last year and whilst still happy with Sam M Brennan showed what he is capable of with a really top notch first year. This kid Petty equally as good but a definite key back. Get him and I would be pretty confident between Sam McClarty and Petty we have the back talls solved for a while. Has put in some first rate performance in Adelaide at school and club level. Terrific mark, good with ball in hand, agile. Goes well.

Claravino - Dont be surprised if he gets targetted by us. Pretty sure will still be here but like Petty a chance depending on clubs needs ahead could still be. Just a terrific shut down defender, who can intercept and work off with good skill.

Wooller - Toby isnt a defender he is a forward but he has a lot of scope. I'd be inclined to take him. Real tempo player, works hard, brings small into the game, agile, understands leading patterns and has good skills. Only issue is very rarely do key forwards taken post 12-15 actually end up being A graders.

Krueger - Really love this kid just not sure where his best spot is. Very agile tall who just has this knack of being in good places. Been a bit up and down but a lovely mover, good hands and kicks well. Sort of reminds of Schoemaker at same age...sort of. Classic sort of kid which presents with plenty of upside....just not sure where that ceiling is.


#54 & 59

Depends on what has happened above so have a few different types;

Ben Paton - Been trialled with Pies VFL as a 23rd player and performed well. Its been his TAC games and Champs that have shone though. Saturday was classic. Just stood out as one of the class players on the paddock. Runs out of back, links up, brings others in, runs good patterns and uses well. Really keen to get him as could play quickly.

Noah Answerth - real quality player who best spot is off HB. Didnt play this year due to injury so might slide. Terrific athlete, speed and skill. He would be a good get.

Hayden McLean - A key position player who could play at either end. I have seen him play well both and its largely because he is just a real competitive bugger. Crashes packs, takes a mark, works at ground level. Question mark on him is ground coverage. If he tests well is worth looking at.

Ethan Penrith - there are a few smalls worth looking at. Thompson, Jarniestrom, Daniels are others I'd look at but Ethan can go both ways. reminds me of Impey with less aggression. Can play small forward or back. huge talent and could be a Johnansen type but he has to be more consistent. Elite speed and skill.

Tim Kelly - very smooth mid / HF type from WAFL who have been watching for a while. He has Wells like attributes in that comp and delivers the ball well into the forwards. Would be the mature age I would look at.


# 78

Haiden Schloithe - If you want immediate speed and pressure from a mature body in your forward half get this kid. On Freo list, dropped and dominated WAFL for a while. He is ready to go and would walk into our side most likely with some good NAB performances

Tyler Brown - He is worth taking here.

Trent Mynott - A real favourite of mine and reckon he is a very smart player with elite skill. Terrific in traffic and makes good decision just needs to get more of it.

Ethan Floyd - Mid / HB / Wing sort of player who has terrific speed and skill. Been good with the Falcons and reckon he would step up nicely.

Brandon Starcevich - Could well go earlier but a really competitive, well built, classy HF type who is better at pressure / ground level than in the air. Hasnt got the class of others but his work rate and pressure elite and his skill level is very good. Reminds me a bit of Bruest at same age.

 

[Crazy Tails]

Like the sound of that write up re: Richards. Maybe we need to try and get a pick back in for this year between 20-30. Might be able to snag him there. He could play a role down back and replace a Ramsay or Sinclair on the list.

Best available KP type at 6, Richards (with a 20s pick garnered from a trade) and then Tyler Brown with a pick in the 50s (or rookie).


On iPhone using BigFooty.com mobile app

 

[Scodog10]

Snoop Dog thanks for the detail on Krueger. I was wondering how his season panned out so to see him in the discussion at 36 is encouraging. I would certainly be comfortable with him at that point in the draft.

 

[Pie 4 Life]

Snoop Dog Ethan Penrith doesn't have elite skill. It's the reason he's been trialled as a small forward, because he makes some absolute shocking clangers coming out of the back half. I agree re: Paton, I think he could be one we look at late because he has maturity and is composed and we do love our over-agers.

Ideally I'd love to get another pick in that 25-35 range and pick up both Toby Wooller and Oscar Clavarino. I think a year in the gym will do Clav the world of difference, while Wooller is one who could become anything. He's been playing as a midfielder but went forward against Northern and had a field day. Could be that Bont clone almost (more so forward and a less upside to Bont obviously) with his size and strong hands.

I'm glad you're a Coffield fan as I'm a huge believer he is what we need. However I expect we'll trade down as has been touted and snare a Nathan Murphy from Sandy and then perhaps we go one of the interstate talls, or even take a punt on Lochie O'Brien with the second late pick. Just need him to eat some concrete and win a contested possession, but he has a left foot weapon. Ethan Floyd great value late if he is there. Tyler Brown has enough upside we'll take him late or rookie depending on when a bid comes in.

 

[jackcass]

What odds the Tigas try to trade their (current) 15 and 16 for something in the top 10 to ensure they get a pick before someone bids on Naish? Could see the Saints trading 7 or 8 as it'd give them 3x 1st round picks this year. Should we consider it with 6 or would 12 and 18 from the Bears be a better option?

 

[JustInsideFifty]

What odds the Tigas try to trade their (current) 15 and 16 for something in the top 10 to ensure they get a pick before someone bids on Naish? Could see the Saints trading 7 or 8 as it'd give them 3x 1st round picks this year. Should we consider it with 6 or would 12 and 18 from the Bears be a better option?

My preference from those would be 12 + 18. As well as this, I think Richmond are fairly likely to give up one of their picks as part of a trade for a player (probably Schache or Stringer) and trade the other pick down for extra points to cover Naish (just a feeling) - 16 to GC for 24 and 37 or something like that...

 

[Snoop Dog]

Snoop Dog Ethan Penrith doesn't have elite skill. It's the reason he's been trialled as a small forward, because he makes some absolute shocking clangers coming out of the back half. I agree re: Paton, I think he could be one we look at late because he has maturity and is composed and we do love our over-agers.

Ideally I'd love to get another pick in that 25-35 range and pick up both Toby Wooller and Oscar Clavarino. I think a year in the gym will do Clav the world of difference, while Wooller is one who could become anything. He's been playing as a midfielder but went forward against Northern and had a field day. Could be that Bont clone almost (more so forward and a less upside to Bont obviously) with his size and strong hands.

I'm glad you're a Coffield fan as I'm a huge believer he is what we need. However I expect we'll trade down as has been touted and snare a Nathan Murphy from Sandy and then perhaps we go one of the interstate talls, or even take a punt on Lochie O'Brien with the second late pick. Just need him to eat some concrete and win a contested possession, but he has a left foot weapon. Ethan Floyd great value late if he is there. Tyler Brown has enough upside we'll take him late or rookie depending on when a bid comes in.

Yeah I went back and checked my notes on him actually and you are right. He often takes a safe option with his kicking and that is something he executes well but when he pulls the trigger through the corridor he is prone to executing poorly. Its his speed, agility, defensive pressure that are his elite traits.

I am actually open (stress open not recommending) to trading the pick 6 back for a couple of mid teen selections and the Tigers need for that pick 6 might be the go. Like you I would also like to get another in the 20-30 range and then keep 36 & 54. Question is what currency do we have for the pick 25. Certainly if Fasolo went then the pick 27 from WCE would be in play. You could also sign Menzel as a FA and have him fill Fasolo role and they are comparable players.

if you did that I think you would probably end up with;

14, 16, 25 (ish), 36 and 54.

That could net you;

14 - Naughton / Balta / Constable
16 - Allen / A.Brayshaw / W.Walker
27 - Petty / Wooller / Miers / OBrien / Bonar
36 - Clarivino / Ballard / D.Johnston / Murphy / Krueger
54 - Paton / Starcevich / McPherson / T.Kelly

So the question is would you take a Coffield / Brander or Stephenson over a Naughton and Andrew Brayshaw (or other combo's)

 

[Snoop Dog]

Snoop Dog thanks for the detail on Krueger. I was wondering how his season panned out so to see him in the discussion at 36 is encouraging. I would certainly be comfortable with him at that point in the draft.

Up and down which is his go at the moment - has so much talent but he needs to convert it. I actually think his best spot is going to be a Gunston type.

 

[Pie 4 Life]

Yeah I went back and checked my notes on him actually and you are right. He often takes a safe option with his kicking and that is something he executes well but when he pulls the trigger through the corridor he is prone to executing poorly. Its his speed, agility, defensive pressure that are his elite traits.

I am actually open (stress open not recommending) to trading the pick 6 back for a couple of mid teen selections and the Tigers need for that pick 6 might be the go. Like you I would also like to get another in the 20-30 range and then keep 36 & 54. Question is what currency do we have for the pick 25. Certainly if Fasolo went then the pick 27 from WCE would be in play. You could also sign Menzel as a FA and have him fill Fasolo role and they are comparable players.

if you did that I think you would probably end up with;

14, 16, 25 (ish), 36 and 54.

That could net you;

14 - Naughton / Balta / Constable
16 - Allen / A.Brayshaw / W.Walker
27 - Petty / Wooller / Miers / OBrien / Bonar
36 - Clarivino / Ballard / D.Johnston / Murphy / Krueger
54 - Paton / Starcevich / McPherson / T.Kelly

So the question is would you take a Coffield / Brander or Stephenson over a Naughton and Andrew Brayshaw (or other combo's)

I'm 95% sure Brander won't be at our pick. But Coffield I think could be something pretty special. Just good all around, versatile, composed, everything we need. But I do understand the need for picking up a couple of say B graders if you like (best 22 types) over just one slightly better player.

In an ideal world I'd pick up Coffield (who I rate above Stephenson maybe not on scope and potential and aerial ability, but across all other areas I'd have him ahead - certainly the areas we need) and snatch another pick in the teens to pick up that Balta type.

Constable could be, but again I don't think will be there at 14. Great get if he slides. Brayshaw great player but we don't need him as we have plenty similar.

The one player I think is criminally underrated is Lachie Fogarty. So much talk about Darcy but I feel like his height (Lachie) is why he's not even in discussions. He's another smart player who uses it pretty well and can go forward and kick goals but I understand we have a fair few smaller players but I think he plays taller the his 179cm.

Assuming we don't trade pick 6 and pick up a R2 I'd go Coffield, Wooller, Clavarino

Pick up 2xtop 20 for 6
One tall (Balta/Naughton)
One classy user (Murphy/O'Brien/Fogarty)

I'd hope we pick up a Wooller/Bonar and/or Clav then go for a Paton. Tyler Brown late or rookie.

Worth noting on Bonar, GC super interested because when he was in the hands of the trainers at Vic Park the wholeSuns recruiting group in unison picked up their binoculars to inspect.

I'd almost be inclined to take an extra rookie spot and use one less senior spot as not only does this draft have a bit less depth, but a few seem less developed than in previous years so taking them as rookies might be a good way of watching them develop.

 

[adammania9]

The one player I think is criminally underrated is Lachie Fogarty. So much talk about Darcy but I feel like his height (Lachie) is why he's not even in discussions. He's another smart player who uses it pretty well and can go forward and kick goals but I understand we have a fair few smaller players but I think he plays taller the his 179cm.

He's a victim of two things:
1) He's not the best Fogarty in the draft this year, overshadowed by Darcy
2) He plays in the same team as Rayner, who gets all the attention for being a top three talent

Fogarty is a super good midfielder who I'd love to pick up at 36 or later if he slides. I liken him a bit to Luke Parker.

 

[Scodog10]

Up and down which is his go at the moment - has so much talent but he needs to convert it. I actually think his best spot is going to be a Gunston type.

From the limited viewing I've had of him that's no surprise. He seemed a bit of a speculative type right from my first viewing of his game. Interesting comparison with Gunston too mainly because it wasn't how I would have described his game early year.

Also what's the knock on Balta in your opinion? I'm looking at a thin KPP group which includes this kid that can play virtually any position on the ground, has the production behind him, has the talent and has this really unique skill set for a KPD yet despite that is still largely considered a 15+ pick.

Is it his short to mid range kicking (because he bombs it)? His attitude? His workrate? His coachability? Are clubs skittish of going early on KPD's? Or is it something completely off broadway like the word pre-draft on Blakely or McKenzie's problems? I fear that clubs are playing their cards real close to their chest and post trade period he'll rise up the rankings once info is leaked to Twomey, Anderson and co after we've traded down thinking he'll be there. At 6 we have options, but at 12 we're in the lap of the gods KPP wise when we have a serious need to fill the role and I'd personally have Balta top 3 on our draft board.

 

[Pie 4 Life]

He's a victim of two things:
1) He's not the best Fogarty in the draft this year, overshadowed by Darcy
2) He plays in the same team as Rayner, who gets all the attention for being a top three talent

Fogarty is a super good midfielder who I'd love to pick up at 36 or later if he slides. I liken him a bit to Luke Parker.

Except both Fogarty's carried injuries throughout the U18 champs and only one seems to be defended. The other one actually performed better

I'd love him to slide that far, and there's a chance. I just think he's underrated based on his height and the factors you mentioned.

 

[Pie 4 Life]

Another name worth keeping an eye out for as a potential rookie - Flynn Appleby. Played as a lockdown defender but he's good athletically and has potential to play midfield. Reason I say it is, while he didn't receive a combine invite, his job on Kirby in our huge win over the Roosters made a fair few stand up and take note. He also claimed scalps in Brander and Miers in terms of big names. Not saying it will happen, but he's gone from a "who the hell is that?" To a "worthy of a discussion".

 

[adammania9]

If we have Pick 6 - I see no better option than Coffield. Brander fits a need but doesn't have amazing scope to me and Stephenson/Cerra don't fit needs as midfielders. Coffield gives run off half-back, composure and leadership. He might be the one.

If we have picks in the teens - I like DFogarty who is versatile and can change a game, Hunter Clark who offers similar to Coffield, Balta for height and versatility, Naughton for a top tier key defender, O'Brien who is like Coffield and Jack Higgins who in my pinion is a top five player this year, plays like Toby Greene. Andy Brayshaw and Charlie Constable are both very tempting midfielders also.

 

[adammania9]

Stephenson is a great prospect but I think we should allow Hoskin-Elliott, Sidebottom, Maynard, Aish and Broomhead to all figure out their roles in 2018 before using a top pick on that type of midfielder.

 

[Pie 4 Life]

I love Clark as much as the next person (ex Padua boy) but he's effectively Taylor Adams with Adam Treloar's burst. His foot skills are a big concern. I like his role on the inside but his skills are too poor to be outside and we don't need another inside mid.

O'Brien would be great but need to teach him to get his hands dirty. He has a weapon but put pressure on him or tag him and he's done.

Coffield must be pick 6 if we keep it IMO. But I can see us trading down.

 

[Soups]

Another name worth keeping an eye out for as a potential rookie - Flynn Appleby. Played as a lockdown defender but he's good athletically and has potential to play midfield. Reason I say it is, while he didn't receive a combine invite, his job on Kirby in our huge win over the Roosters made a fair few stand up and take note. He also claimed scalps in Brander and Miers in terms of big names. Not saying it will happen, but he's gone from a "who the hell is that?" To a "worthy of a discussion".

I believe he's only 186cms and took the chocolates on Brander a couple of weeks ago? Makes me worried about Brander a little more seeing as he had 10cms on him.

Anyway good signs for Appleby, do you think he can translate into a lockdown medium/small defender in the AFL? Definitely someone we need. I also like Paton in this position and he's been played in the VFL for us so hopefully we are looking.

 

[Pie 4 Life]

I believe he's only 186cms and took the chocolates on Brander a couple of weeks ago? Makes me worried about Brander a little more seeing as he had 10cms on him.

Anyway good signs for Appleby, do you think he can translate into a lockdown medium/small defender in the AFL? Definitely someone we need. I also like Paton in this position and he's been played in the VFL for us so hopefully we are looking.

Correct. Gave up 9cm and 5kg. My concern is whether he can provide enough offensive drive or not. He has the athletic capability to do so, but his role has been so effective at TAC Cup level he has sort of being pigeonholed there. Paton is more of that rebounder off half-back and he provides good dash and is reasonably composed. Over-ager similar to Langdon who has worked on a few areas.

What I like about Appleby is his position in the contest one-on-one and he protects the drop zone and plays in front. Like I said I think he will be a rookie at best, but I know quite a few eyebrows were raised in regards to his performance on Kirby that day and his last month has been superb.

He's playing in the Young Guns game on Saturday for anyone heading down.

 

[adammania9]

1. Brisbane - Patrick Dow
2. Gold Coast - Luke Davies-Uniacke
3. Carlton - Cam Rayner
4. North Melbourne - Jaidyn Steohenson
5. Fremantle - Jack Higgins (left-field selection)
6. Collingwood - Nick Coffield
7. St Kilda - Adam Cerra
8. St Kilda - Darcy Fogarty
9. Western Bulldogs - Jarrod Brander
10. Melbourne - Aaron Naughton

This is my current phantom draft.

 

[Snoop Dog]

I'm 95% sure Brander won't be at our pick. But Coffield I think could be something pretty special. Just good all around, versatile, composed, everything we need. But I do understand the need for picking up a couple of say B graders if you like (best 22 types) over just one slightly better player.

In an ideal world I'd pick up Coffield (who I rate above Stephenson maybe not on scope and potential and aerial ability, but across all other areas I'd have him ahead - certainly the areas we need) and snatch another pick in the teens to pick up that Balta type.

Constable could be, but again I don't think will be there at 14. Great get if he slides. Brayshaw great player but we don't need him as we have plenty similar.

The one player I think is criminally underrated is Lachie Fogarty. So much talk about Darcy but I feel like his height (Lachie) is why he's not even in discussions. He's another smart player who uses it pretty well and can go forward and kick goals but I understand we have a fair few smaller players but I think he plays taller the his 179cm.

Assuming we don't trade pick 6 and pick up a R2 I'd go Coffield, Wooller, Clavarino

Pick up 2xtop 20 for 6
One tall (Balta/Naughton)
One classy user (Murphy/O'Brien/Fogarty)

I'd hope we pick up a Wooller/Bonar and/or Clav then go for a Paton. Tyler Brown late or rookie.

Worth noting on Bonar, GC super interested because when he was in the hands of the trainers at Vic Park the wholeSuns recruiting group in unison picked up their binoculars to inspect.

I'd almost be inclined to take an extra rookie spot and use one less senior spot as not only does this draft have a bit less depth, but a few seem less developed than in previous years so taking them as rookies might be a good way of watching them develop.

Yeah not so sure on Brander. Freo are the big risk and he fits what they are probably aiming up at but they also need class mids having largely gone tall last year with Cox and Logue so I reckon its 50:50. Also not sure he is a pick 5 or 6 to be honest hence why I'm looking equally at Coffield and Stephenson. Big fan of JS and think you would have to add speed and xfactor are things he probably has over Nick. Where Nick wins is i think he is just a better fit with where we are at albeit we are reasonably well stocked in that area. For me it might come down a bit to the All Star game (if they play).

Its why in some ways I dont mind swapping the picks. Its a given they want to build their key position strength so if you are committed to that for mine consider giving up 6 and getting the two Richmond picks and take Naughton and Balta. Somehow get into the 20's with another selection and then hit any of Walker / OBrien / Fogarty / Miers (he could walk into our side) / Bonar / Murphy. Could even take say Naughton and a class mid with the other pick then aim up at Wooller and Petty with the picks in the 20s'.....so let say;

Fasolo does go and we get a pick back in the 20's.
Sign Menzel as a FA and he plays same role as Fas.
Swap pick 6 for 14 and 16 to Richmond
Then use;

14 - Naughton
16 - Balta
25 - Walker / Bonar / Murphy / OBrien / Fogarty / Wooller
36 - Wooller / Richards / Ballard
54 - Paton / Dan Johnston
78 - Tim Kelly / Nolan / McLean / Thompson

Rookie - Brown

Re Lachie was taller he would be up there. Screams Neale at the same age. No problems taking him but he is in 20's for me. OBrien am still worried about what I saw at Champs. Really worried me. Looked his best in last game behind the ball.