Preview 2017 Young Talent Time

[manpurple]

I think Naughton would still have been there at pick 7. We refused to trade for 7
I rate the chance of us taking Naughton as close to zero.
Fogarty may be similar but some rated him as a pick 1 before injuries. So I’m hoping we take him at 5


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[ZofFooty]

Would be extremely surprised if we go Naughton at 5. I feel people are getting caught up in the romance of a WA/peel prospect. Naughton will go 7 - 15, if we were set on him our trades would reflect that. Why would we hold on to 5 if we could get him 7 or later? Our backline will be built around Pearce and Hamling.

We will be getting the best available, if not I will be disappointed. Personally, I would like any two of Raynor, LDU, Stephenson, and Fogarty (reckon people underrate him). The thought of Raynor and Fogarty is exciting - both damaging players. Add them in with Bennell, Fyfe and co.... boy oh boy wowee

 

[meima]

I think if Freo pick 2 on Rayner , I am not surprised pick 5 will be Naughton,but pick two is a Vic country the possibility of getting Naugthon at pick 5 is very slim .

 

[Chris25]

Now that we know our picks, I can do a proper preview. Starting with the first round...

Round 1, Pick 2
I think it comes down to one of four players, and there's good reason to think they'll be the top four picks overall. So no doubt we'll be happy to be picking here, instead of getting the best of the rest at #5. While I expect Brisbane to take either Luke Davies-Uniacke or Paddy Dow at the first pick.

Luke Davies-Uniacke (187cm, 85kg from Dandenong Stingrays)

For me, he's the best pure midfielder in the draft. He has the size that everyone covets in a midfielder these days, and he uses it to his advantage. He doesn't rely just on strength, but he positions his big body the right way - which suggests he'll be able to translate his inside game to the next level. Also has a nice turn of speed to push out of the contest, and marks strongly above his head when forward. Plays like Josh Kennedy from the Swans, and I expect he'd be leading our midfield in no time.

Paddy Dow (185cm, 78kg from Bendigo Pioneers)

One of the top three midfielders in the draft, Dow has been more of a quiet achiever this year. Every week seems to climb the draft board one rung at a time, eventually putting himself into #1 contention. He's been ultra consistent, an inside ball winner with excellent speed and agility. He's one of those players who looks to burst through the packs, like Gary Ablett in his prime. Gut feel is he'll be a good 200 game player, but not necessarily a star of the competition.

Adam Cerra (186cm, 80kg from Eastern Ranges)

The third of the top three midfielders, his TAC Cup coach says Cerra is as good as any player he's coached - which includes Christian Petracca. Missed last year with a knee injury, and finished this year on the sidelines with a shoulder injury. There's really not much that Cerra can't do, whether it's in at the contest or out on a flank. Clean and composed, rather than flashy. He's just a quality player who would make any midfield better.

Cameron Rayner (187cm, 87kg from Western Jets)

I don't like comparing players to Brownlow medallists, so lets say Rayner could be what we all hoped Anthony Morabito would become. That really powerful midfielder/forward, muscling his way through the packs and bombing it forward. Every chance that Rayner goes #1 or slips through to North Melbourne at #4, but talent wise is arguably the best. Only thing I'd question, is that I think he'll end up playing forward about 60% of the time. And a pure midfielder might be more beneficial given we have Fyfe, Bennell, Walters and Mundy capable of playing that role.

Round 1, Pick 5
If one of the first four slips through, you'd have to take them here. It would probably be Cerra, if North Melbourne prefer some more outside run in Stephenson or Brayshaw. But otherwise, there'd be a few different ways we could go here. For a real surprise, don't discount Nathan Murphy. While I feel Jarrod Brander has slipped too far to be considered a chance here, despite previous reported interest from us.

Jaidyn Stephenson (189cm, 75kg from Eastern Ranges)

I've had Stephenson as the #1 prospect since last year, that hasn't changed and it isn't going to change. I liked him when he was an inconsistent but game winning medium forward. But this year, he has shown a much improved midfield game. His speed and endurance suited a role on the wing perfectly, highlighted by his 5 goal and 28 disposal game against SA. He's also surprised by showing he can win his own contested ball too. I know people have knocks on his field kicking, but I classify it as 'ugly effective'. Maybe not pretty, but it generally gets the job done.

Andrew Brayshaw (184cm, 81kg from Sandringham Dragons)

A few months ago, there'd have been a few teams picking late in the first round pick who would have been excited to take Brayshaw. But he's bolted up the order since the Championships to be in the 5-10 mix, and that seems to have coincided with being given a more attacking midfield role - as opposed to purely a clearance winner. Wins the ball like his brother Angus, but with better speed and agility to allow him to push forward and create the play.

Sam Hayes (203cm, 93kg from Eastern Ranges)

I know there's people who'd be unhappy with this pick, but I'm not one of them. First of all, I think Hayes is an excellent ruckman and there's a reason he was named All Australian the past two years at the Championships. But more than that, he's shown himself to be a very good contested mark up forward and would arguably be the most promising tall forward prospect this year. He could well be our version of Rory Lobb, and that would greatly improve the play of McCarthy and Kersten.

Aaron Naughton (194cm, 85kg from Peel Thunder)

This will be the popular pick in the media for obvious reasons, local boy and a KPP. There's no real doubt that Fremantle would be interested, especially with the form he showed for Peel as an intercept defender. And the chances are increased by being able to take a midfielder at #2. But it's still unlikely given we took Logue last year, Pearce is returning and Cox is best suited as a defender. Purely on talent though, it wouldn't be a bad pick though. Adelaide will no doubt be hoping we pass.

Darcy Fogarty (192cm, 94kg from Glenelg)

Unfortunately hit with injuries this year, Fogarty was shaping as the likely #1 pick but just couldn't show what he can do. He might have been better off not even playing at the Championships, instead of playing with his troublesome knee. But there's no denying his talent, whether it's up forward or in the middle. There's also every chance he's developed as a half back, Hawthorn have had good success with the likes of Burton and Gunston back there. As strong and imposing as anyone in the draft, I don't think this will be the pick though.

 

[george2]

I really do not see the point in taking Naughton. Fair enough he has shown great promise as a yougnster to be a great KPD but we already have Hamling, Logue, Pearce and Cox. We delisted Collins because we ahve too many KPD already so it really would not make sense to me. I am hoping for a LDU or Dow with pick 2 and then Fogarty/brander with pick 5. We have been whinging andf moaning about not having access to a KPF for the last 6-8 years and now we have the chance to do it so lets just do it. Fogarty is not the traditional KPF but Richmond have shown that you dont need a big lumbering tall forward to win a GF so a forward line of McCarthy, Fogarty, Benell, Walters and thne a Fyfe rolling through there it gives us a fantastic starting point and so much felxibility.

 

[Scham]

Hayes really does project as a "Freo" pick. We've shown a real liking for the 200cm players that can play forward and ruck over the years. Without much success might I add.

 

[Lach72]

I reckon Stephenson is the sort we'd look hard at and he SHOULD last until 5, as North and Carlton will both need mids.
LDU or Rayner first and hope Stephenson lasts until 5?

 

[simpsonwillo]

Apparently Stephenson is Dangerfield fast. If we got him I think we would have the fastest running side in the competition.
I really like what I see with LDU, really evasive like Mundy and hard and tough,plug and play imo

 

[PurpleWizard]

Can't see North not picking Stephenson. Love for us to get him though. We need another high possession outside type.

 

[Tommo]

I hope we just go best available. As much as Naughton and Hayes might be able to add something I feel like what they add wouldn't match what two of the top 5 mids could.

 

[theGav56]

I hope we just go best available. As much as Naughton and Hayes might be able to add something I feel like what they add wouldn't match what two of the top 5 mids could.

structurally they are not clear solutions for us either, so the logic of reaching for them is a little wobbly for me.

If the club has little faith in Apeness or Strnadica evolving into a second ruck/forward option then it makes more sense. My ideal though is a key forward who can do some selective time as a ruck. Taberner style, but not Taberner quality. Cox the other option it seems.

 

[theGav56]

Can't see North not picking Stephenson. Love for us to get him though. We need another high possession outside type.

Nice interview.

 

[PurpleWizard]

Nice interview.

Yep, great leadership qualities you'd think. Really think we need to pick him pick 2 if we want him. Will be gone by 5.

 

[Timmytime]

Rayners combine interview is a really good watch. He sounds like a really mature person already. 1.45 onwards he talks about leaving Vic, he doesn't sound like a flight risk at all.

 

[theGav56]

Yep, great leadership qualities you'd think. Really think we need to pick him pick 2 if we want him. Will be gone by 5.

I would take that risk, and personally prefer the other 3 at pick 2; Raynor, LDU and Dow.

 

[Clems Knee]

My preference at this stage (just an opinion, I can’t really justify it).
Rayner
Stephenson
LDU
Fogarty
Dow
Cerra

 

[Walkingwounded]

Hayes really does project as a "Freo" pick. We've shown a real liking for the 200cm players that can play forward and ruck over the years. Without much success might I add.

Is he a once in a generation KPF .... mmmmm Nope... Lukosius next year probably is... but why stretch for someone like Hayes, even Brander for that matter. Who will take a few years to even compete with Tabs never mind surpass him.

Lukosius I would use a top 5 pick for.. Hayes or Brander I wouldn’t.

 

[theGav56]

With Wilson coming in I think the club may have been looking for Weller to hit the midfield/forward zone a lot more. That is Rayner territory, Stephenson too. One of them, and a more specialist mid is a good fit.

 

[Arcassius]

Can't see North not picking Stephenson. Love for us to get him though. We need another high possession outside type.

He looks and sounds like a blonde Crozier

 

[Shadow Man]

Can't see North not picking Stephenson. Love for us to get him though. We need another high possession outside type.

like the cut of his jib...

 

[mightymouse75]

Like his jib cut. So after he gets here he won't cone able to Sail away

 

[Joao]

If you want either, think you take Stephenson/Rayner at 2 because they are the more unique options. 1 of the pure mids will probably still be there at 5 but I don't think Rayner will be and I have a sneaky feeling neither will Stephenson.

 

[jerms]

My draft wish-list:

• two of Rayner, Stephenson and Fogarty
• one of Dixon, Miller, Taylor and De Koning
• Farrant
• Kelly, but the scum will probably take him
  
• Sambono, but we can't afford him
• Maybe Bailey Banfield?

 

[meima]

My late pick wish after 40+

Jordan Johnston
Jordon Butts
Chris Scott (East Fremantle)
Oskar Baker .

 

[Scham]

My draft wish-list:

• two of Rayner, Stephenson and Fogarty
• one of Dixon, Miller, Taylor and De Koning
• Farrant
• Kelly, but the scum will probably take him
  
• Sambono, but we can't afford him
• Maybe Bailey Banfield?

Think the scum will get at least 1 of Dixon, Miller and Taylor too.