2018 Draft thread

[SizeMatters]

kicking elite, body positioning is elite, footy IQ is off the charts. Only concern is whether he can get the body that will handle the prime KPF position.

 

[Chezz]

Hard to see any flaws in Lukosius' game. Other than he's a freaking crow-eater. Some of the clips of him are so dominant, and he's doing it in the SANFL.

Could be a real franchise player for whoever gets him. Just hope Carlton don't ruin him.

Lukosuis has got to be our No.1 priority at this stage. Big key forward who is already playing exceptionally well at SANFL level. Currently we just bomb it into our forward line with no key targets.

Hipwood is a good player but doesn't take contested marks. A key forward like Lukosuis would make us a 10x better side. If not Lukosuis I'm a huge Rankine fan. The kid is an absolute jet but I think Lukosuis better suits our needs.

Very happy with Rayner. The kid has a great attitude and has shown up alot of the senior guys so far. Especially in the Richmond game. Blazed away with that point last week, but with experience he will gain more composure. That being said, the way our recruiting team allegedly ruled out Stephenson so early still irks me. He's absolutely killing it for the pies already and I'm still in no doubt he was the best player in the draft. Yet and we wouldn't have taken him in the top 30 apparently. Which says alot about where were at as a club and our recruiting. So while Lukosuis is looking like a bit of a standout, who knows what we'll do

 

[Carlos Danger]

Lukosuis has got to be our No.1 priority at this stage. Big key forward who is already playing exceptionally well at SANFL level. Currently we just bomb it into our forward line with no key targets.

Hipwood is a good player but doesn't take contested marks. A key forward like Lukosuis would make us a 10x better side. If not Lukosuis I'm a huge Rankine fan. The kid is an absolute jet but I think Lukosuis better suits our needs.

Very happy with Rayner. The kid has a great attitude and has shown up alot of the senior guys so far. Especially in the Richmond game. Blazed away with that point last week, but with experience he will gain more composure. That being said, the way our recruiting team allegedly ruled out Stephenson so early still irks me. He's absolutely killing it for the pies already and I'm still in no doubt he was the best player in the draft. Yet and we wouldn't have taken him in the top 30 apparently. Which says alot about where were at as a club and our recruiting. So while Lukosuis is looking like a bit of a standout, who knows what we'll do

I'm pretty confident we can climb the ladder which will rule us out from getting lukosious. He might be destined for Carlton

I think Rankine is a real possibility if we end up 2nd last

Still you have to remember with stephenson& many others we have to rule them out if they're unlikely to have the character to move interstate. When you throw a medical issue on top of that we rightly stayed well away from him.

It's not right to have a crack at the club & it's recruiting by playing draft hindsight after 5 rounds. Itl take 5 years before we know who the best players in that draft were & right now in our young team.its a lot harder to come in as a first year player & perform compared to clubs with more senior players playing better footy.

 

[briztoon]

Lukosuis has got to be our No.1 priority at this stage. Big key forward who is already playing exceptionally well at SANFL level. Currently we just bomb it into our forward line with no key targets.

Hipwood is a good player but doesn't take contested marks. A key forward like Lukosuis would make us a 10x better side. If not Lukosuis I'm a huge Rankine fan. The kid is an absolute jet but I think Lukosuis better suits our needs.

Very happy with Rayner. The kid has a great attitude and has shown up alot of the senior guys so far. Especially in the Richmond game. Blazed away with that point last week, but with experience he will gain more composure. That being said, the way our recruiting team allegedly ruled out Stephenson so early still irks me. He's absolutely killing it for the pies already and I'm still in no doubt he was the best player in the draft. Yet and we wouldn't have taken him in the top 30 apparently. Which says alot about where were at as a club and our recruiting. So while Lukosuis is looking like a bit of a standout, who knows what we'll do

Just on Stephenson, my understanding is that we did not rule him out in regards to talent. It was purely from a medical standpoint, and from what I read at the time, our summer preseason training was a big reason. Something to do with being exposed to extended higher temperatures with his heart condition.

 

[Chezz]

Just on Stephenson, my understanding is that we did not rule him out in regards to talent. It was purely from a medical standpoint, and from what I read at the time, our summer preseason training was a big reason. Something to do with being exposed to extended higher temperatures with his heart condition.

Carlos I'm not talking from hindsight. I have been saying the same thing since half way through last year.

Briztoon you are correct, it was on medical grounds. But in my view it showed a lack of due diligence (which collimgwood and a number of other clubs showed). Throw that in with our crazy overpay for Charlie (who admittedly has been great), donating Schache to the Bulldogs for nothing and then swapping two same picks for one with Richmond, it's not hard to see why we're struggling.

 

[bungalow_bill]

Stephenson looks good but Rayner looks like he could reach Martin/Fyfe levels.

 

[Nunez]

Stephenson looks good but Rayner looks like he could reach Martin/Fyfe levels.

He really does doesn't he? And to his left is a bloke named McCluggage who could just as well hit Beams, Pendlebury & Cotchin levels too. Will make for a good combo!

 

[winged1]

Just on Stephenson, my understanding is that we did not rule him out in regards to talent. It was purely from a medical standpoint, and from what I read at the time, our summer preseason training was a big reason. Something to do with being exposed to extended higher temperatures with his heart condition.

Or teams with any colour other than black or white in their jersey.

 

[lionshine]

After a few lean years SA really do have some terrific talent this season. Lukosius and Rankine are playing and performing in the seniors, Rozee is playing very well at reserves level and has been named in the seniors for this week and Jackson Hately also looks like a great midfield prospect. Could have four South Australians in the top 10 this year.

 

[spotthedog1]

He really does doesn't he? And to his left is a bloke named McCluggage who could just as well hit Beams, Pendlebury & Cotchin levels too. Will make for a good combo!

How amazing does McCluggage look this year! So much for second year blues, hey? Composure of a much more senior player. We got a bargain there - McGrath was better earlier, but Clug always looked a better long-term prospect...

 

[LongLion]

How amazing does McCluggage look this year! So much for second year blues, hey? Composure of a much more senior player. We got a bargain there - McGrath was better earlier, but Clug always looked a better long-term prospect...

At this early stage seems to be confirming our recruiters view as correct that he would have gone #1 we had the opportunity.

 

[jjami15]

He's a definite pick 1. It looks like to be out of us and Carlton for bottom.

How amazing does McCluggage look this year! So much for second year blues, hey? Composure of a much more senior player. We got a bargain there - McGrath was better earlier, but Clug always looked a better long-term prospect...

Was a bit perplexed about the article and the 'second year' blues in regards to McCluggage as thought that he had a solid first season and not one where you would expect that possible drop off. He was always going to be someone that would take time purely from a body stand point and we have seen that with a few extra kilos how this has helped his game. I really believe that he will become a really good player for us in the future and will have a nice gradual increase in output over the next few seasons.

 

[Carlos Danger]

Carlos I'm not talking from hindsight. I have been saying the same thing since half way through last year.

Briztoon you are correct, it was on medical grounds. But in my view it showed a lack of due diligence (which collimgwood and a number of other clubs showed). Throw that in with our crazy overpay for Charlie (who admittedly has been great), donating Schache to the Bulldogs for nothing and then swapping two same picks for one with Richmond, it's not hard to see why we're struggling.

No you are talking in hindsight, saying we should've taken stephenson. It's to early to say who we should've taken at 1, Rayner was always going to take a few years to build endurance, that was always the knock on him all last year. Other players were more ready to go at AFL level but how much improvement do they have in them? Only time will tell.

Since the new coach, we have drafted well judging at this early stage.
Mcluggage - win
Berry - win
Witherden - win
Allison - looking good
Cox - ?
Too early to call last years crop

Schache was a liability why hang onto him we didn't get much for him cos he was worth nothing. In all likelihood he won't make it in the afl.

12 was ok for Cameron in that shallow draft. We have definitely done well in that trade. We swapped picks to go after the players we wanted in Bailey & starcevich - all in all it was an ok draft/ trade for us - I don't understand the negativity towards how the club is making its decisions.

If you wanna bag the leppitch era, then I'm right there with you, academy boys & Lewis Taylor are about all the wins we got out of those 4 years so far. Hopefully mcstay, Gardiner, Robertson all take the next step soon. But if they do we probably have Fagan to thank for it

 

[Chezz]

No issues with us getting Rayner at all. Most pundits had him number 1 and he has been fantastic. Like I said, showing up alot of the older guys already which is great. When he gets a bit bigger and fitter he is going to be an unreal player. Already has a great overhead mark too for his size.

My issue is that we ruled Stephenson out so early, without really looking into the situation. My preference was to trade up and pick him up in the 5-8 range. But in the end, we weren't even considering him which was ridiculous.

FWIW Lukosuis looks the big early standout and fits a need, so that is certainly my early preferance. I love that Sam Walsh looks to be a gun and supports Brisbane. Big tick that!

 

[PattyKwasagun]

My issue is that we ruled Stephenson out so early, without really looking into the situation. My preference was to trade up and pick him up in the 5-8 range. But in the end, we weren't even considering him which was ridiculous.

I'm quite confident we looked into the situation more than you would think. In fact, I believe we were one of the clubs that did the most screening and analysis of him - perhaps even moreso than the club that ended up taking him. It would be quite naive to think we were anything but thorough just because the club hasn't made public the process it went through.

 

[briztoon]

My issue is that we ruled Stephenson out so early, without really looking into the situation. My preference was to trade up and pick him up in the 5-8 range. But in the end, we weren't even considering him which was ridiculous.!

Unless you have first hand knowledge of our medical staff and were privy to the pre draft discussion the powers that be held, I honestly don’t know how you can say that.

 

[Carlos Danger]

If our draft nerd, I mean guru, briztoon is on the money & we ruled him out cos heart + heat = bad then it seems like we did as much as we could do.

But seriously if anyone watched last night's game the #1 pick is off to Carlton (again) they are so bad, they can't score - they average about 60 points per game, the bulldogs missed about 10 set shot sitters & should've won by a lot more.

Lukosious is gone, Walsh vs Rankine is our dilemma. But if we get either of those, we will be pretty happy.

I'm also keen for us to do what we have to, to get Tom berry. But its a bit hard to get an idea of where he is ranked ATM

 

[Lionsrbest2]

Lukosuis has got to be our No.1 priority at this stage. Big key forward who is already playing exceptionally well at SANFL level. Currently we just bomb it into our forward line with no key targets.

Hipwood is a good player but doesn't take contested marks. A key forward like Lukosuis would make us a 10x better side. If not Lukosuis I'm a huge Rankine fan. The kid is an absolute jet but I think Lukosuis better suits our needs.

Very happy with Rayner. The kid has a great attitude and has shown up alot of the senior guys so far. Especially in the Richmond game. Blazed away with that point last week, but with experience he will gain more composure. That being said, the way our recruiting team allegedly ruled out Stephenson so early still irks me. He's absolutely killing it for the pies already and I'm still in no doubt he was the best player in the draft. Yet and we wouldn't have taken him in the top 30 apparently. Which says alot about where were at as a club and our recruiting. So while Lukosuis is looking like a bit of a standout, who knows what we'll do

I understand the notion that makes luk very appealing. I get that , however we do not need to get another young forward, we need to get thru FA or unsigned player, a young A grade talented FF, who is in the age bracket we need. Someone who can be a mentor to the still ( very young) Hips. My personal opinion that makes Lynch an absolute key ingredient to our future forward line. Regards the draft ,the most pressing need ,with Beams ,Zorks etc entering the latter stages of their careers is to focus on our midfiel depth. This draft should be about getting A grade midfield weapons, while we are extremely fortunate to have the likes of and character of Beams and Zorks etc. I know we still need a lot but and I could be wrong still no signing of Ollie. I may get laughed at but the club needs to understand if we have to pay overs in terms of cash,is Ollie worth it. The answer is a massive YES. He is young ,great leadership,talented and is in the hot spot of our age profile. Mentoring our young ones is so ,so important right now. There is an absolute mismatch at the moment in our midfield age profile. The key to our success I believe is to get in at the very least one A grade talented midfielder for whom Beams can pass the baton on to and will still be young enough to grow up with and lead this very young group while they are still learning their craft. There is an old footy term ,the game is one or lost in the midfield. I strongly believe in this.
PS no way in hell would I be trading our 1st round pick next year.we still need to build up our list of A grade talent.

 

[briztoon]

I understand the notion that makes luk very appealing. I get that , however we do not need to get another young forward, we need to get thru FA or unsigned player, a young A grade talented FF, who is in the age bracket we need. Someone who can be a mentor to the still ( very young) Hips. My personal opinion that makes Lynch an absolute key ingredient to our future forward line. Regards the draft ,the most pressing need ,with Beams ,Zorks etc entering the latter stages of their careers is to focus on our midfiel depth. This draft should be about getting A grade midfield weapons, while we are extremely fortunate to have the likes of and character of Beams and Zorks etc. I know we still need a lot but and I could be wrong still no signing of Ollie. I may get laughed at but the club needs to understand if we have to pay overs in terms of cash,is Ollie worth it. The answer is a massive YES. He is young ,great leadership,talented and is in the hot spot of our age profile. Mentoring our young ones is so ,so important right now. There is an absolute mismatch at the moment in our midfield age profile. The key to our success I believe is to get in at the very least one A grade talented midfielder for whom Beams can pass the baton on to and will still be young enough to grow up with and lead this very young group while they are still learning their craft. There is an old footy term ,the game is one or lost in the midfield. I strongly believe in this.
PS no way in hell would I be trading our 1st round pick next year.we still need to build up our list of A grade talent.

Seriously, we’re not signing any non QLD gun free agents.

If Lynch or Wines leaves, they’re going to Melbourne. We could offer $200k more per year, over 5 years, and they still wouldn’t sign for the Lions.

 

[Lionsrbest2]

No you are talking in hindsight, saying we should've taken stephenson. It's to early to say who we should've taken at 1, Rayner was always going to take a few years to build endurance, that was always the knock on him all last year. Other players were more ready to go at AFL level but how much improvement do they have in them? Only time will tell.

Since the new coach, we have drafted well judging at this early stage.
Mcluggage - win
Berry - win
Witherden - win
Allison - looking good
Cox - ?
Too early to call last years crop

Schache was a liability why hang onto him we didn't get much for him cos he was worth nothing. In all likelihood he won't make it in the afl.

12 was ok for Cameron in that shallow draft. We have definitely done well in that trade. We swapped picks to go after the players we wanted in Bailey & starcevich - all in all it was an ok draft/ trade for us - I don't understand the negativity towards how the club is making its decisions.

If you wanna bag the leppitch era, then I'm right there with you, academy boys & Lewis Taylor are about all the wins we got out of those 4 years so far. Hopefully mcstay, Gardiner, Robertson all take the next step soon. But if they do we probably have Fagan to thank for it

Cox - ? Why , I want personally want to play him on a wing so that the team can utilise his speed and kicking.I have not lost faith on the youngster. He is talented.

 

[Carlos Danger]

Cox - ? Why , I want personally want to play him on a wing so that the team can utilise his speed and kicking.I have not lost faith on the youngster. He is talented.

I haven't list faith in him either- he just hasn't in my eyes given me any indication that he will make it... yet

His last stint in the 1s was pretty bad & was probably lucky to get promoted in the first place.

I hope he makes it to a regular best 22 player but Allison is ahead of him ATM & the other 3 are gonna be very good. Hence the ?

 

[Lionsrbest2]

Seriously, we’re not signing any non QLD gun free agents.

If Lynch or Wines leaves, they’re going to Melbourne. We could offer $200k more per year, over 5 years, and they still wouldn’t sign for the Lions.

Respect your opinion,although I consder it a bit defeatist. I am taking the other view with a promising list and now stability at the club that it has not had for a long time. So what if they are non QLD ,frankly I don’t care, for the majority of players in this industry money talks. We should never let the fact they are non QLD be a deterrent to making some serious plays. You may end up being surprised. PS I know not everyone will want to come to the club, but there are positive signs and also depends on how well we sell it.let’s find out what motivates these gun players and play to their motivations.

 

[Viceregal]

Respect your opinion,although I consder it a bit defeatist. I am taking the other view with a promising list and now stability at the club that it has not had for a long time. So what if they are non QLD ,frankly I don’t care, for the majority of players in this industry money talks. We should never let the fact they are non QLD be a deterrent to making some serious plays. You may end up being surprised.

I am sure that the people at the club are aware of who is potentially available and what the elements are at play when it comes to (and some have had experience at pushing the right buttons from the other side (Footy State) of the negotiating table) and they will follow up re each person we want on our list.

Conversely when you look at the amount of money that *isn't* being taken up by some of the FA's over the last few years when offered by certain clubs and the lesser amounts that are being taken when offered by other certain clubs and you know exactly which category of club your own club falls in to you know that a certain type of player just isn't going to be rocking up to Springfield/Gabba to train/play unless there is a particularly good reason for them to do so.

If i remember to quote correctly ... 'pessimism is what optimists call realism'

The only thing we have going for us atm for a high profile gun to be interested in darkening our door is if they are one of those who has tasted life in the fish-bowl and wants out to somewhere less intrusive ... and who doesn't want to go to Sydney.

I don't know - are there players out there who just love a challenge and reckon that the Lion's plus them would be able to change the world (and who are not actually certifiably insane of course) ... who knows there is always that chance that Lynch loves Qld but not the Suns and wants to move up the road ... but it is going to be a very small one. Of course if he did that he would still get those Ambassador payments since he is still in an expansion market right - I mean it is not just team specific is it?

woah - go stream of consciousness - sorry guys.

 

[briztoon]

Respect your opinion,although I consder it a bit defeatist. I am taking the other view with a promising list and now stability at the club that it has not had for a long time. So what if they are non QLD ,frankly I don’t care, for the majority of players in this industry money talks. We should never let the fact they are non QLD be a deterrent to making some serious plays. You may end up being surprised. PS I know not everyone will want to come to the club, but there are positive signs and also depends on how well we sell it.let’s find out what motivates these gun players and play to their motivations.

Not defeatist. Just the reality for our club.

 

[M Malice]

I would love Izak Rankine but Jack Lukosius is the man we need. We desperately need a strong pack marking key forward.