So, the Big Footy draft has progressed passed our first 5 picks. What I liked about our picking up of multiple second rounders was that we have a chance to shape our draft with multiple picks where the draft is strongest and I think
Monocle has made the most of it.
Pick 13 – Jack Higgins (Oakley Chargers, Vic Metro)
The 2017 Morrish Medalist – previous winners were Oliver and McCluggage. A member of the AA U18 team, this guy is a small forward/midfielder providing flexibility and added depth in the midfield. He has played midfield and has produced consistently in that role, as well as hitting the scoreboard. Clark and Constable were already taken meaning Higgins who was tipped as top 10 slid through. Adelaide were the only team to go a tall option.
Pick 21 – Zac Bailey (NT Thunder, Allies)
A tough inside midfielder who manages to get frequent first use and then works well in traffic and delivering to outside options. Ideal inside mid and anyone disliking this pick, please see
Dark Sharks. O’Brien, L Fogarty and Allen off the board. Another member of the AA U18 team.
Pick 26 – Tim Kelly (South Fremantle)
Mature recruit offering both inside and outside capability. Ready to go in 2018, the Sandover 2017 runner up would provide the age we need and a skill set we are lacking. Is this the right place to take him? Not sure but with a couple of clubs hovering, I guess he looked decent value at 26 and so good news. Deemed to be the best mature age recruit in the draft. Fills a void of that age group.
Pick 32 – Dylan Moore (Eastern Rangers/Vic Metro)
Another small forward with proven midfield capability, he is also a very competent midfielder. He has been likened to Tom Scully in his running ability. He is close to AFL ready in endurance and could be knocking on selection in 2018 as a crumbing forward – midfield will take some time to get the physical strength. Another member of the AA U18 team.
Pick 27 - Nathan Kreuger (South Adelaide/SA)
An interesting tall prospect at 196 cm that can play at both ends. Very strong in the contested marking and is also good at ground level. Can play as power forward and on the power forwards so a natural to develop either to replace Gov or JK.
What I like about our first 5 picks is the overall. It addresses midfield options - variety being tough inside, outside pace, smaller forwards who can take rotations and good football brains. We needed smaller forwards to fill a much needed void. Not sure if Miers would have been better than Moore - I do like the flexibility in midfield that Moore provides and either would have been good picks. No pure athletes in sight. Also good to get a quality tall that can develop for the future.
So
BOND 007 - something like this would be nice!