2018 Draft thread

[jackess]

(First up, I'm sitting here on a small holiday Island in the Gulf of Thailand with a monsoon that has been raging outside for the better part of 2 hours)


I've said it here before, I would trade our 2019 first round pick for a pick in the 11 to 15 range this year.

It's highly doubtful that a team with a pick in the 5 to 10 range will trade their pick, unless it's a team with an NGA kid or Father Son kid who looked like losing their first round pick having to match a bid. In which case they would look to maximise value and trade their 2018 first round pick and trade it for a 2019 first round pick. They would also want to receive a early-ish 2018 second round pick back (to make sure they have enough points to match the bid on the NGA or F/S kid), and trade out their 2019 second round pick.

So Brisbane trade out our 2018 2nd and 2019 1st round picks, and receive 2018 first and 2019 second and we'd ask for a 3rd round pick back as well to balance out the points somewhat, as we are giving up picks early in each round and receiving back mid to later picks in each round. I'd be asking for a 2019 3rd round pick, because there is still the possibility we might have to match bids on one or two moderately to highly rated academy kids.


I have a couple of concerns for the draft this year.

First, I'm not sure it's looking like a Super Draft this year.

There was a post on the draft board early in the year by a new poster claiming to be a recently released recruiter from an AFL club, (now we can question whether some random is legitimate when they claim to be a scout, regardless) the point of his post was that this years draft lacked in top end talent from Victoria, and that in a normal year, yes Victoria supplies ~65% of the drafted kids, and that includes the majority of top end talent as well.

Without Victoria supplying the usual number of high end recruits, we can hardly call this year a super draft. Not only is Victoria not supplying it's usual percentage of top end talent, but there is a general lack of depth throughout the draft of kids from Victoria, and this years draft will be very dependent on kids from outside Victoria to supply the depth in the draft.

I know it's early in the U18 Champs, but I believe we have already seen how shallow both Vic teams are on genuine star power.


My second concern is that a lot of the teams who look likely to have early draft picks are all looking for midfield depth and there being a real possibility that our first round pick might end up after the genuine top class mids are gone.

Yes I know we are stepping in to the (not so) murky waters of wins meaning more to team culture than loses do to acquiring talent through the draft.

The last few drafts have seen the top 10 dominated by mids, with the exception of 2015 with Weitering & Schache going early. This year, (personal opinion coming up) currently I see only two genuine top class mids in this years draft, in Sam Walsh and Bailey Smith. The rest of the top talent are KPF's, small forwards or tied to other clubs as NGA and/or Northern Academy prospects.

After the first 3 picks, Lukosius, Walsh, Smith, I'm more inclined to want to trade pick 4 for say Adelaide's first two picks, currently pick 8 and 15, and am happy to send a 3rd round pick the other way as well. Depending on compensation picks handed out during the trade period, there could be other teams that might be able to put a similar package together.

Picks 8 & 15 would just about garuentee us being able to draft two of the second tier mids in this years draft, from amongst Jackson Hately, Connor Rozee, Curtis Taylor, Ned McHenry, Xavier Duursma, Chace Jones, Riley Collier-Dawkins, Jye Caldwell or Luke Valente.

Would this trade mean we trade this year pick 23 for pick 13 and next year trade pick 6 for pick 30?

Trade picks 6 (2019) and 23 (2018) for picks 13 (2018) and 30 (2019)? Something like that.

 

[briztoon]

I'm not concerned about how trading our 2019 first this year might impact on our ability or inability to trade after the 2019 season has finished.

First up, there has to be a sufficiently highly regarded RFA or FA or contracted QLD'er that wants to come to Brisbane that is worth our first round pick.

And if such a player does exist (assuming we're throwing a rather large contract at a RFA or FA that does turn their head), a deal will get done, even if it includes a 2019 second round pick and a 2020 first round pick. As long as we have accumulated enough 2019 third and fourth round picks to pay for any highly regarded academy prospects.

 

[jjami15]

(First up, I'm sitting here on a small holiday Island in the Gulf of Thailand with a monsoon that has been raging outside for the better part of 2 hours)


I've said it here before, I would trade our 2019 first round pick for a pick in the 11 to 15 range this year.

It's highly doubtful that a team with a pick in the 5 to 10 range will trade their pick, unless it's a team with an NGA kid or Father Son kid who looked like losing their first round pick having to match a bid. In which case they would look to maximise value and trade their 2018 first round pick and trade it for a 2019 first round pick. They would also want to receive a early-ish 2018 second round pick back (to make sure they have enough points to match the bid on the NGA or F/S kid), and trade out their 2019 second round pick.

So Brisbane trade out our 2018 2nd and 2019 1st round picks, and receive 2018 first and 2019 second and we'd ask for a 3rd round pick back as well to balance out the points somewhat, as we are giving up picks early in each round and receiving back mid to later picks in each round. I'd be asking for a 2019 3rd round pick, because there is still the possibility we might have to match bids on one or two moderately to highly rated academy kids.


I have a couple of concerns for the draft this year.

First, I'm not sure it's looking like a Super Draft this year.

There was a post on the draft board early in the year by a new poster claiming to be a recently released recruiter from an AFL club, (now we can question whether some random is legitimate when they claim to be a scout, regardless) the point of his post was that this years draft lacked in top end talent from Victoria, and that in a normal year, yes Victoria supplies ~65% of the drafted kids, and that includes the majority of top end talent as well.

Without Victoria supplying the usual number of high end recruits, we can hardly call this year a super draft. Not only is Victoria not supplying it's usual percentage of top end talent, but there is a general lack of depth throughout the draft of kids from Victoria, and this years draft will be very dependent on kids from outside Victoria to supply the depth in the draft.

I know it's early in the U18 Champs, but I believe we have already seen how shallow both Vic teams are on genuine star power.


My second concern is that a lot of the teams who look likely to have early draft picks are all looking for midfield depth and there being a real possibility that our first round pick might end up after the genuine top class mids are gone.

Yes I know we are stepping in to the (not so) murky waters of wins meaning more to team culture than loses do to acquiring talent through the draft.

The last few drafts have seen the top 10 dominated by mids, with the exception of 2015 with Weitering & Schache going early. This year, (personal opinion coming up) currently I see only two genuine top class mids in this years draft, in Sam Walsh and Bailey Smith. The rest of the top talent are KPF's, small forwards or tied to other clubs as NGA and/or Northern Academy prospects.

After the first 3 picks, Lukosius, Walsh, Smith, I'm more inclined to want to trade pick 4 for say Adelaide's first two picks, currently pick 8 and 15, and am happy to send a 3rd round pick the other way as well. Depending on compensation picks handed out during the trade period, there could be other teams that might be able to put a similar package together.

Picks 8 & 15 would just about garuentee us being able to draft two of the second tier mids in this years draft, from amongst Jackson Hately, Connor Rozee, Curtis Taylor, Ned McHenry, Xavier Duursma, Chace Jones, Riley Collier-Dawkins, Jye Caldwell or Luke Valente.

If things stand as it is in relation to current draft picks then I can't see anyone trading out. However, I do have some concerns in regards to Adelaide and what might happen for them with Sloane and also the very unlikely (but possible) departure of McGovern. That would be four picks in the first round and someone to deal with eventhough they might already do something as you have outlined. If we were to have picks 2/3 then I wouldn't do such a deal as I think that Smaith and Walsh are heads and shoulders above others at the moment. But let's say they finish with pick 8 and Sloane leaves via free agency then there could be the chance to trade their compo pick for next years. Along way to go and it will be interesting to see how it all goes.

 

[briztoon]

Just something small here, you bring up the Victorian teams not having as much star power but both teams have hardly gone with their very best teams so far in the champs. Metro in particular was missing a number of players through injury or just managed such as Max King, Riley Collier-Dawkins, Liam Stocker, Alastair Richards, Joe Ayton-Delaney they should have played Will Kennedy to take the heat of Ben King on the weekend. Country are still rather poor but where missing Mitch Riordan, Jye Caldwell and for some reason they don’t want to play Berry in the midfield and in my opinion would be making a huge difference especially with their superior rucks.

Sorry for the rant it was only a small thing I took from your pretty well put post. I don’t think you will have much trouble finding some decent midfielders in the second round onwards but if you want key position players it really does fall away massively after Lukosius and the Kings.

Gees, I didn't even tag you, lol.

Well, teams do have Bailey Williams and Riley Bowman to consider in the later part of the first round or early second round.

I'm not discounting the loss of Ma King to Vic Metro in my post. I'm more looking at the draft from a Lions perspective where we're looking for midfield class and smaller running or lock down defenders.

Still, it wasn't my point, but rather I was paraphrasing another poster (who I'm pretty sure you "liked" his post at the time). This years draft is pretty shallow in terms of Top Tier midfield talent out of Victoria. Especially when stacked up against the first 6 or 7 draftees from the 2017 and 2016 drafts.

 

[eDPS]

Gees, I didn't even tag you, lol.

Well, teams do have Bailey Williams and Riley Bowman to consider in the later part of the first round or early second round.

I'm not discounting the loss of Ma King to Vic Metro in my post. I'm more looking at the draft from a Lions perspective where we're looking for midfield class and smaller running or lock down defenders.

Still, it wasn't my point, but rather I was paraphrasing another poster (who I'm pretty sure you "liked" his post at the time). This years draft is pretty shallow in terms of Top Tier midfield talent out of Victoria. Especially when stacked up against the first 6 or 7 draftees from the 2017 and 2016 drafts.

Yeah midfield class is always harder to find outside of the top 10, plenty of hardnosed players to find though. Sucks that the best small running defender is going to Collingwood Alastair Richards can also play that role but he can also go into the midfield and be effective, he would be like having another Witherden.

Some of those high picks from midfielders in victoria the last few years have been players that at this time of year weren't considered top 10 prospects. All of Dow, Brayshaw and to a lesser extent Coffield where seen as those players in the 15-25 range by most on here and the year before that with McGrath and Taranto weren't even close to top 3 conversations at this time.. Still a chance for say a Collier-Dawkins to rise up in the latter part of the year.

 

[jjami15]

Yeah midfield class is always harder to find outside of the top 10, plenty of hardnosed players to find though. Sucks that the best small running defender is going to Collingwood Alastair Richards can also play that role but he can also go into the midfield and be effective, he would be like having another Witherden.

Some of those high picks from midfielders in victoria the last few years have been players that at this time of year weren't considered top 10 prospects. All of Dow, Brayshaw and to a lesser extent Coffield where seen as those players in the 15-25 range by most on here and the year before that with McGrath and Taranto weren't even close to top 3 conversations at this time.. Still a chance for say a Collier-Dawkins to rise up in the latter part of the year.

Really do hope that this happens, more the better and also others move down as well because of it.

 

[Hollow Knight]

Worst. Holiday. Ever.

 

[jjami15]

Worst. Holiday. Ever.

School holidays don't start for another 2 weeks?

 

[briztoon]

Would this trade mean we trade this year pick 23 for pick 13 and next year trade pick 6 for pick 30?



Trade picks 6 (2019) and 23 (2018) for picks 13 (2018) and 30 (2019)? Something like that.

Not quite. Your missing the 2019 3rd round pick coming back to us.


Ideally I'm looking at North Melbourne.


So we're trading Lions 2019 pick 5 for Norths 2018 pick 11, and Lions 2018 pick 23 for Norths 2019 second rounder (and I'm hopping North revert to type and slump somewhat in 2019), but yes it could be Norths 2019 picks 29 and 47.

I'm all about bringing in as much high end talent this year, even if it appears that we're selling our 2018 2nd round pick and 2019 1st round pick for 75 cents on the dollar. Any kid we bring in through the draft this year, is a year ahead in development than any kid we bring in through the draft in 2019. And I'm hopping that kid at pick 11 looks somewhat similar to how Oliver Florent at Sydney looks like this year in his second year.

In 2019 I'm hoping that latter 2nd round pick and some accumulated 3rd picks are paying for a couple of good academy kids. Or the worst case is, we have some accumulated picks in 2019 that we can trade to move up the draft in 2019, if other teams are looking for accumulated points to match NGA or F/S kids next year.

If the talent does fall away as sharply in the latter half of this years draft as has been mentioned on the draft board, I'd even consider trading our 2018 3rd round pick for a 2018 4th round pick and another 2019 3rd round pick. There will be a few teams looking for later picks this year to use to match NGA or F/S kids

 

[briztoon]

Worst. Holiday. Ever.

 

[Nunez]

Just something small here, you bring up the Victorian teams not having as much star power but both teams have hardly gone with their very best teams so far in the champs. Metro in particular was missing a number of players through injury or just managed such as Max King, Riley Collier-Dawkins, Liam Stocker, Alastair Richards, Joe Ayton-Delaney they should have played Will Kennedy to take the heat of Ben King on the weekend. Country are still rather poor but where missing Mitch Riordan, Jye Caldwell and for some reason they don’t want to play Berry in the midfield and in my opinion would be making a huge difference especially with their superior rucks.

Sorry for the rant it was only a small thing I took from your pretty well put post. I don’t think you will have much trouble finding some decent midfielders in the second round onwards but if you want key position players it really does fall away massively after Lukosius and the Kings.

I wonder if Berry Jr may be lacking some fitness after being injured recently (this year) if I remember hearing correct? Could be they want to manage his running/work load.

 

[Len S]

I'm not concerned about how trading our 2019 first this year might impact on our ability or inability to trade after the 2019 season has finished.

First up, there has to be a sufficiently highly regarded RFA or FA or contracted QLD'er that wants to come to Brisbane that is worth our first round pick.

And if such a player does exist (assuming we're throwing a rather large contract at a RFA or FA that does turn their head), a deal will get done, even if it includes a 2019 second round pick and a 2020 first round pick. As long as we have accumulated enough 2019 third and fourth round picks to pay for any highly regarded academy prospects.

Just so you dont do your head in unnecessarily mate..we will take the best midfielders available, currently start ing with

Gees, I didn't even tag you, lol.

Well, teams do have Bailey Williams and Riley Bowman to consider in the later part of the first round or early second round.

I'm not discounting the loss of Ma King to Vic Metro in my post. I'm more looking at the draft from a Lions perspective where we're looking for midfield class and smaller running or lock down defenders.

Still, it wasn't my point, but rather I was paraphrasing another poster (who I'm pretty sure you "liked" his post at the time). This years draft is pretty shallow in terms of Top Tier midfield talent out of Victoria. Especially when stacked up against the first 6 or 7 draftees from the 2017 and 2016 drafts.

 

[Len S]

Just so you dont do your head in unnecessarily mate..we will take the best midfielders available, currently start ing with

Sorry ! Starting with Walsh.We will be going deep into a very strong draft,as per last year.We will not trade early picks.This is good inside intelligence,the sort that gave you Bailey and Witherdon !

 

[jjami15]

Sorry ! Starting with Walsh.We will be going deep into a very strong draft,as per last year.We will not trade early picks.This is good inside intelligence,the sort that gave you Bailey and Witherdon !

Are we looking to acquire more picks in the early rounds via the possibility of trading players or to move up into the first round somehow or am I looking too much into the 'going deep into a very strong draft' comment too much?

 

[Hollow Knight]

Are we looking to acquire more picks in the early rounds via the possibility of trading players or to move up into the first round somehow or am I looking too much into the 'going deep into a very strong draft' comment too much?

I imagine going deep means that we will draft well into the mid and late rounds.

 

[briztoon]

An

Sorry ! Starting with Walsh.We will be going deep into a very strong draft,as per last year.We will not trade early picks.This is good inside intelligence,the sort that gave you Bailey and Witherdon !

And if Walsh and Smith are gone before our first pick?

Honestly don’t remember anyone giving inside intelligence on Bailey last year or Witherden the year before.

I do remember the bloke on the Lions podcast talking up Bailey a lot towards the end of last season, leading in to the draft.

And the year before, I started the Witherden bandwagon before he broke his leg.

 

[cotter101]

Marcus Bontempelli - Defender/Midfielder - (190cm/82kg)


Don't think I have seen him mentioned anywhere yet. Superb left footy kick with real penetration. He is a line breaking defender/midfielder, he can play on tall's and smalls and is a very good read of the play, takes intercept marks, keeps on running and can get on the scoreboard. I rate him as an 'elite' prospect and think he will go top 10. At this stage, my favorite of the draft.




I rate the above as potential 'elite' prospects in this years draft. Obviously have to wait till the conclusion of the champs to get a better idea.

Personally, I'm pretty confident we will see Berry at the Lions.

Stephenson is a potential match winner going forward. I'm positive he will be top 5.

has On Stephenson now, he's further improved and for mine and should be in the discussion at #1.

Perhaps Gold Coast or Carlton should give me their top recruiting job to sort out their recruiting problems.

Mind you, there was a time I didn’t necessarily have Hipwood top 20 and claimed Worpel would be #1 a year before the draft.

I don’t recall anyone having any inside info on Witherden(except perhaps Twomey) or Bailey.

 

[Lions Lions]

Not quite. Your missing the 2019 3rd round pick coming back to us.


Ideally I'm looking at North Melbourne.


So we're trading Lions 2019 pick 5 for Norths 2018 pick 11, and Lions 2018 pick 23 for Norths 2019 second rounder (and I'm hopping North revert to type and slump somewhat in 2019), but yes it could be Norths 2019 picks 29 and 47.

I'm all about bringing in as much high end talent this year, even if it appears that we're selling our 2018 2nd round pick and 2019 1st round pick for 75 cents on the dollar. Any kid we bring in through the draft this year, is a year ahead in development than any kid we bring in through the draft in 2019. And I'm hopping that kid at pick 11 looks somewhat similar to how Oliver Florent at Sydney looks like this year in his second year.

In 2019 I'm hoping that latter 2nd round pick and some accumulated 3rd picks are paying for a couple of good academy kids. Or the worst case is, we have some accumulated picks in 2019 that we can trade to move up the draft in 2019, if other teams are looking for accumulated points to match NGA or F/S kids next year.

If the talent does fall away as sharply in the latter half of this years draft as has been mentioned on the draft board, I'd even consider trading our 2018 3rd round pick for a 2018 4th round pick and another 2019 3rd round pick. There will be a few teams looking for later picks this year to use to match NGA or F/S kids

I agree Nth look a good target for a trade, with them likely to finish 8-10th they will have a pick in that 9-11 range. I’d be trading next years first and a player for this years say pick 10 and there 3rd round pick next year.

Another way of securing another first rounder would be to package up a couple of players. Rich and Taylor ??? I know every time I raise it ppl get upset but I can’t see the same senior support cast going around next year and they are two players who have currency which constantly underwhelm. Taylor in my eyes is very expendable (coach killer, not great tackler, failed as a midfielder and is just a small forward in reality)and he somehow beat bomtempeli in the rising star so he has some value. Just don’t play a low/highlights reel to a perspective club
Getting rid of a couple of senior players may weaken us somewhat next year but the reality is we are miles off making a large jump up the ladder and we’d be better off long term loading up on young talent.

 

[Len S]

(First up, I'm sitting here on a small holiday Island in the Gulf of Thailand with a monsoon that has been raging outside for the better part of 2 hours)


I've said it here before, I would trade our 2019 first round pick for a pick in the 11 to 15 range this year.

It's highly doubtful that a team with a pick in the 5 to 10 range will trade their pick, unless it's a team with an NGA kid or Father Son kid who looked like losing their first round pick having to match a bid. In which case they would look to maximise value and trade their 2018 first round pick and trade it for a 2019 first round pick. They would also want to receive a early-ish 2018 second round pick back (to make sure they have enough points to match the bid on the NGA or F/S kid), and trade out their 2019 second round pick.

So Brisbane trade out our 2018 2nd and 2019 1st round picks, and receive 2018 first and 2019 second and we'd ask for a 3rd round pick back as well to balance out the points somewhat, as we are giving up picks early in each round and receiving back mid to later picks in each round. I'd be asking for a 2019 3rd round pick, because there is still the possibility we might have to match bids on one or two moderately to highly rated academy kids.


I have a couple of concerns for the draft this year.

First, I'm not sure it's looking like a Super Draft this year.

There was a post on the draft board early in the year by a new poster claiming to be a recently released recruiter from an AFL club, (now we can question whether some random is legitimate when they claim to be a scout, regardless) the point of his post was that this years draft lacked in top end talent from Victoria, and that in a normal year, yes Victoria supplies ~65% of the drafted kids, and that includes the majority of top end talent as well.

Without Victoria supplying the usual number of high end recruits, we can hardly call this year a super draft. Not only is Victoria not supplying it's usual percentage of top end talent, but there is a general lack of depth throughout the draft of kids from Victoria, and this years draft will be very dependent on kids from outside Victoria to supply the depth in the draft.

I know it's early in the U18 Champs, but I believe we have already seen how shallow both Vic teams are on genuine star power.


My second concern is that a lot of the teams who look likely to have early draft picks are all looking for midfield depth and there being a real possibility that our first round pick might end up after the genuine top class mids are gone.

Yes I know we are stepping in to the (not so) murky waters of wins meaning more to team culture than loses do to acquiring talent through the draft.

The last few drafts have seen the top 10 dominated by mids, with the exception of 2015 with Weitering & Schache going early. This year, (personal opinion coming up) currently I see only two genuine top class mids in this years draft, in Sam Walsh and Bailey Smith. The rest of the top talent are KPF's, small forwards or tied to other clubs as NGA and/or Northern Academy prospects.

After the first 3 picks, Lukosius, Walsh, Smith, I'm more inclined to want to trade pick 4 for say Adelaide's first two picks, currently pick 8 and 15, and am happy to send a 3rd round pick the other way as well. Depending on compensation picks handed out during the trade period, there could be other teams that might be able to put a similar package together.

Picks 8 & 15 would just about garuentee us being able to draft two of the second tier mids in this years draft, from amongst Jackson Hately, Connor Rozee, Curtis Taylor, Ned McHenry, Xavier Duursma, Chace Jones, Riley Collier-Dawkins, Jye Caldwell or Luke Valente.

Its amazing how the Victorian scenario can change during the TAC finals.I tend to hold fire until then.

 

[lionshine]

Mature age watch: 24 year old Michael Bennell playing for Perth Demons-

WAFL profile: http://www.wafl.com.au/players/view/4858

https://thewest.com.au/news/albany-...ls-shines-again-at-league-level-ng-b88869471z

Albany junior Michael Bennell has produced another superb display at league level, starring for Perth in the WAFL with seven goals as his side defeated East Fremantle in round 11 on Saturday afternoon.

In just his third league game and just a fortnight after booting three goals on debut, Bennell was devastating in the front half for the Demons as they won consecutive games for the first time this season.

The 24-year-old kicked 7.0 to go with 16 possessions, three marks and four tackles in the 64-point win and now has 11 goals in three league games.

 

[Dylan12]

Is Bennell your mature age "special" for 2018 lionshine ?

You've been right on the money the last couple of years with your mature age specials.

 

[Jivlain]

Mature age watch: 24 year old Michael Bennell playing for Perth Demons-

WAFL profile: http://www.wafl.com.au/players/view/4858

https://thewest.com.au/news/albany-...ls-shines-again-at-league-level-ng-b88869471z

Any relation of Harley?

 

[lionshine]

Is Bennell your mature age "special" for 2018 lionshine ?

You've been right on the money the last couple of years with your mature age specials.

Will need to string a couple more games together I think before people start to take real notice. Not sure I'll have a "special" this year. Not watching as much footy as I'd like. Only just caught up and watched the replays of the weekends U18 games today. Not going to post my thoughts as it has all just about been said on here. What I will say though is that Bailey Smith is my favourite player in this years draft. He has it all, elite endurance, ridiculously high drive to succeed/work ethic, burst of speed, elite foot skills, wins his own footy, runs defensively and sticks his tackles. Going to be a gun! I'd be just as happy with Sam Walsh though. iIf we can add one of those two to the likes of McCluggage, Berry and Rayner gee our future midfield looks good!

Any relation of Harley?

Not sure at this stage.

 

[lionshine]

One player I really like as a potential second round option and I'm interested in others opinions on is Sydney Stack. Has some weapons.

 

[lionshine]

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-06-19/who-are-the-contenders-to-go-no1-in-the-draft

AN EXCITING aspect of the opening three weeks of the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships has been the form of the top talents.

The highly touted prospects are playing well and showing why they look like being early selections at this year's draft.

But who's looking like the No.1 pick? Jack Lukosius and Sam Walsh are the clear favourites, but there are some other names who could come into consideration for the club that finishes with the first selection.

Here's AFL.com.au's list of No.1 contenders.

Jack Lukosius
Tall forward
South Australia

The key forward has been good so far in the championships – he's booted seven goals in two games – without tearing a game apart just yet. His natural forward craft is excellent, he leads up at the ball and moves freely around the ground and is a brilliant set-shot for goal. Can also play in defence.

Recruiter: "The thing with Jack is his ability to lead and lead, and he always seems to find himself in a position to impact the game on such a consistent basis. It probably separates him from a lot of the others. He's a forward but he could play wing or half-back as well I think, he's such a usable player."

Sam Walsh
Midfielder
Vic Country

Walsh is the most consistent midfielder available: every week he turns up and you know what he's going to offer. He has the running ability, footy smarts and general temperament to be a long-term star. Has been a level above at the championships so far, averaging 28 disposals.

Recruiter: "His ability to get from contest to contest makes him a standout. He uses the ball so well and he's such a trustworthy player. He's had to play a little bit more as an inside midfielder at the championships with Vic Country's lack of depth in that area and he keeps fronting up. It's pleasing he's starting to work on that side of his game."

Ben King
Tall defender/forward
Vic Metro

King kicked the winning goal for Vic Metro last week and has played predominantly as a forward since early in the season. His athleticism, marking and ability to get the ball in the air and at ground level make him a special talent for a player his size. Has shown he can do it at both ends of the ground, too.

Recruiter: "He showed against Western Australia when he kicked five goals that he can dominate in attack and he was named best on ground against North Melbourne's VFL side as a defender. He's a genuine tall who can play in the ruck or at both ends of the ground so a club may look at him very early."

Tarryn Thomas
Midfielder/forward
Allies/Tasmania

Some recruiters believe Thomas is the best talent in the draft pool this year. The Tasmanian midfielder/forward dominated the recent under-18 Academy series and has been solid so far for the Allies. He's tall for a ball-winner, is a classy user and can play in a number of roles. North Melbourne is expected to have to use its first pick to secure the Next Generation Academy prospect.

Recruiter: "He might be worthy, but whether a club would ever bid its No.1 pick on a player is the question. They'd lose all the marketability and media that the No.1 draft pick gets. Tarryn might not be No.1 anyway but he'd be very close. He can play in any position, he's super competitive, he's clean and in traffic he has a fantastic step that gives him space and time. His division two form has been better than his division one form so far."

Nick Blakey
Tall forward/midfielder
Allies/NSW-ACT

Sydney will need to use its opening draft selection to acquire Blakey, but where will a bid come for him? Some scouts are adamant he belongs in the top-five category. He's 196cm and plays generally as a third tall forward but intends to be a midfielder in time. Has committed to joining the Swans as an Academy player.

Recruiter: "He's been hampered by injury and illness and we probably haven't seen the best of him yet. He's a real talent whose name I'm sure will be thrown around at the top."

Bailey Smith
Midfielder
Vic Metro

Smith's consistency, mix of inside and outside traits, good pace, excellent endurance and tireless work ethic bring him into the conversation with the best midfielders available. And because of that, if a club is at the top of the draft and is desperate for a midfielder, then he will have to be considered.

Recruiter: "It's weight of performance. He's a really competitive kid – he's got such an appetite for the game and the contest. He's an elite athlete who loves to compete. He's probably at the back-end of that No.1 chances group, but he's coming pretty quickly."


Max King
Tall forward
Vic Metro

He has been of action since April after requiring a knee reconstruction, but King won't be out of mind for recruiters with early draft selections. The key forward is arguably the most talented of the group, having booted 8.5 in a commanding TAC Cup game earlier this season for the Sandringham Dragons.

Recruiter: "I think he's in the discussion. It's a call that might be that he's not the No.1, but on talent if you go back to the start of the season he sat quite comfortably in the picture. He's such a high-end talent so has to still be talked about with that pick."

Izak Rankine
Small forward
South Australia

Rankine can light up a game like few others in the draft pool. He doesn't need many disposals to have an impact, which he showed with some brilliant moments in South Australia's opening game of the carnival. Not many players of 180cm get taken as the No.1 pick, but few are as exciting as Rankine.

Recruiter: "His ability to get separation through his athleticism and his footy smarts gives him such high game impact. He's been able to impact senior SANFL footy against SANFL-listed and AFL-listed players, so the fact he's done it at every level he's been challenged at, his talent is going to stack up."