Draft 2021 AFLW Draft discussion

[The_Wookie]

Hi guys,

the live Draft thread is now open here.

Draft - The 2021 AFLW National Draft, 6.45pm AEST on womens.afl & the AFLW app

Click for a Full list of drafted players >> ============================ The 2021 AFLW Draft will take place on Tuesday, July 27 in a virtual format, commencing at 6.45pm AEST on womens.afl and the AFLW Official App. Like last year, it will be a studio show, hosted by Nat Edwards, Sarah...

www.bigfooty.com

 

[PMBangers]

draftcentral.com.au

This domain may be for sale!

afl.draftcentral.com.au

Some quick love for Tassie here, very impressed with Perri King as a prospect, also liked Meghan Gaffney and Madison Brazendale for other draft eligible girls this year (in the western game at least). Ransom is definitely one to watch for next year's draft, definitely a top 10 imo

 

[The Nostradamus]

draftcentral.com.au

This domain may be for sale!

afl.draftcentral.com.au

Some quick love for Tassie here, very impressed with Perri King as a prospect, also liked Meghan Gaffney and Madison Brazendale for other draft eligible girls this year (in the western game at least). Ransom is definitely one to watch for next year's draft, definitely a top 10 imo

im excited to get Perri king and Amy Prokopiec from tassie as later picks this year tied to north

 

[PMBangers]

im excited to get Perri king and Amy Prokopiec from tassie as later picks this year tied to north

Prokopiec isn't a certainty, from what I've seen I'd be going Brazendale over her personally and looking to bring Prokopiec over for some VFLW

 

[TBOW]

It will be interesting what Geelong do with pick 1 in the next draft (assuming the ladder stays as is).
They seem to have always aimed to draft local talent or GWV and Maurray girls outside of that.

It sounds like it will be hard to overlook Prespakis or Rowbottom this year so I wonder if the ability of the girls to relocate or travel comes into the equation.
Maybe they can send the girls a surfboard each and see which one is the better surfer...

 

[PMBangers]

It will be interesting what Geelong do with pick 1 in the next draft (assuming the ladder stays as is).
They seem to have always aimed to draft local talent or GWV and Maurray girls outside of that.

It sounds like it will be hard to overlook Prespakis or Rowbottom this year so I wonder if the ability of the girls to relocate or travel comes into the equation.
Maybe they can send the girls a surfboard each and see which one is the better surfer...

Geelong could realistically look to trade down for multiple picks, or a pick and an existing player. I'd 100% be asking the question of Carltons first and Lucy McEvoy (possibly push for something else as well) if I were in their shoes

 

[cats_09]

Geelong could realistically look to trade down for multiple picks, or a pick and an existing player. I'd 100% be asking the question of Carltons first and Lucy McEvoy (possibly push for something else as well) if I were in their shoes

That would only work if McEvoy was interested in a trade though, and does she want to return to Geelong?

In her draft year she could have nominated Geelong if she wanted to stay in the region, instead she nominated Metro for reasons outside of football, and getting out of the Geelong bubble. So if her life outside of football is still Melbourne based, and she has minimal reasons or want to return to Geelong, would think it's a hard trade to push

 

[Vacuous Space]

Geelong would first have to be to sound out whether Prespakis or Rowbottom would be willing to play there long term. They could also take one of those if they could get some assurance from the league that they'll get adequate compensation if they leave for expansion. Row/spakis being replaced by Montana Ham could be a good outcome for Geelong. A western suburbs kid might be more receptive to playing in Geelong long-term.

If Geelong could trade down and end up with two (or more) of the country stars for that pick, that'd be a win too. All those interstate teams down the bottom is a little awkward, though. It might be difficult to trade down with anyone other than Richmond, for fear of missing out on the player they want. Somehow getting a star player up to the Gold Coast may be the best chance Prespakis has of landing with her sister. Looking at the fixture, I think Carlton's going to pass the Dogs, maybe Melbourne as well. It's going to be very hard to move up from 5th or 6th in the Vic order to 1st. Trade week usually throws up some surprises, however.

 

[PMBangers]

That would only work if McEvoy was interested in a trade though, and does she want to return to Geelong?

In her draft year she could have nominated Geelong if she wanted to stay in the region, instead she nominated Metro for reasons outside of football, and getting out of the Geelong bubble. So if her life outside of football is still Melbourne based, and she has minimal reasons or want to return to Geelong, would think it's a hard trade to push

I'm just suggesting they ask the question, COVID has changed the university landscape (the reason McEvoy went Metro) to include a significant amount more off-campus learning, always the possibility that it makes playing in Geelong more doable.

I still hold the opinion Cats should go Rowbottom regardless, but if they prefer to go country trading for multiple picks is better considering that past Prespakis and Rowbottom it's fairly even amongst country girls like Slender, Friend, Dojiok, Lee. Getting two - three of them may be better than 1 of the first two given Cats needs.

It'll be interesting though, and I look forward to trade period moves because of it

 

[PMBangers]

Sandringham v Oakleigh was tonight at RSEA park, very high quality game, easily Sandringhams best performance this season with such a well rounded team effort from everyone, on both sides. Vacuous Space I now have no doubt in my mind that Reid is the 4th or 5th best Vic prospect as it stands, just exceptional throughout.

Sandringham may not have any drafted this season (I'd be comfortable giving Staltari a shot personally, but can see some concerns) but they'll rectify that with a fairly bumper crop next season I assume; Hipwell, Jones and Hurley all good for Sandy today, Coyne in patches, and #29 Mitchell did a good job on Rowbottom in the middle in the second half. Throw on top 2023 eligible KPF Zielenski and they'll be strong next season no doubt. Hurley clear best for Sandy

Oakleigh have a lot of really good role players that I hope get rewarded with Metro selection when the time comes, girls like Ling, James, Vickers, McColloch probably aren't as well known as Reid or Rowbottom, but they're all equally as important to their success this season

 

[Vacuous Space]

Sandringham v Oakleigh was tonight at RSEA park, very high quality game, easily Sandringhams best performance this season with such a well rounded team effort from everyone, on both sides. Vacuous Space I now have no doubt in my mind that Reid is the 4th or 5th best Vic prospect as it stands, just exceptional throughout.

Reid on one wing, Baskaran on the other for Metro looks ominous.

Cheers for the update. I didn't realise there was a game on. Good to see that Hipwell was back too. I saw her get stretchered off in round one, but didn't see what happened.

 

[PMBangers]

Reid on one wing, Baskaran on the other for Metro looks ominous.

Cheers for the update. I didn't realise there was a game on. Good to see that Hipwell was back too. I saw her get stretchered off in round one, but didn't see what happened.

Hipwell went down with an ankle

 

[PMBangers]

GWV v Western was an interesting game to be sure. I sort of doubt the Rebels fitness currently given both times I've watched them there's been a notable drop in pressure in the second half of the game, or perhaps I've just been unable to see the opposition switch it on more and more during those periods.
I don't usually buy into the umpiring effecting the game, but there were 2 suspect frees given that led to Rebels goals that sort of raised th eyebrow of myself, and apparently the Jets social media team

Despite this both teams battled well. From Rebels Leonard continues to impress me, to the point where, especially if Chaplin is out for another game or two, she's my favourite 19-year-old going into the draft, Friend had her best game to date despite looking a little nervous with marking at times, Scott and Dijiok also very impressive. Western it was the usual suspects in Ham and Baskaran, I keep switching between those two for 1 and 2 going into next year, both just offer so much.


Gippy v Calder went as expected, with inaccuracy from Calder flattering Gippy a bit. It's continually unfair that Prespakis plays NAB League, it's just ridiculous what she does and how often she does it, I reckon she'd be a top 30 player in the AFLW if listed currently, just unreal. Williamson and Duursma are two for next year to watch from Gippy, Williamson a classic powerful mid/ defender and Duursma a classy user on the wing or through the guts, Calder had Manfre and Sutton impress, both playing mostly midfield rather than forward showing Calder's depth there, Crowley also kicked 3 in what was her best game for the year, she'd be one the highest impact per disposal players in the comp, I genuinely think she might be a first round smokey if she can keep the quality of her ball use at that level

 

[Pie 4 Life]

My guess at Academy next year: Obviously sticking to top-agers like they did this year.

Vics:
Charlotte Baskaran
Montana Ham
Emily Shepherd
Amber Clarke
Sofia Hurley
Bridie Hipwell
Keeley Skepper
Lily-Rose Williamson

The only ones I'd doubt are Clarke and Williamson, but their athletic traits are good enough.

TAS:
Claire Ransom

SA:
Hannah Ewings
Keeley Kustermann

WA:
Ella Roberts
Tara Stribley

I'll wait to see more of QLD/NT/NSW before passing judgement just year.

 

[Biggie]

WA:
Ella Roberts
Tara Stribley

Good picks.

 

[Pie 4 Life]

Good picks.

Ella Roberts is top two next year with Ewings, does things no one her age should be able to do.

Stribley just has all the traits that scream upside and AFLW player. Really exciting player to watch.

 

[Vacuous Space]

The only ones I'd doubt are Clarke and Williamson, but their athletic traits are good enough.

I'm surprised by this. I'd have thought Clarke an absolute lock for a spot.

 

[PMBangers]

I'm surprised by this. I'd have thought Clarke an absolute lock for a spot.

Eardley might be pushing that spot if they didn't want to put 3 in from the same club, they like to give talls as many opportunities as possible

 

[Pie 4 Life]

I'm surprised by this. I'd have thought Clarke an absolute lock for a spot.

I would have her as a lock, absolutely rate her massively. But more if they limit the numbers. I prefer when they have extra rather than less, quality should judge it rather than they must have X amount.

 

[PMBangers]

Dandenong v Sandringham at Casey Fields last night was an interesting and hard fought contest.

I've seen every Sandringham game in person except the Gippsland one at this stage, and without that Northern game they're just improving more and more. They definitley weren't at the level they were against Oakleigh, but they by no means played a bad game against Dandenong, the Rays just had a really good defensive set up and locked it inside their own forward 50 really well.

A few standouts from each team, Dandenong's usual suspects of Clarke, Ryan, Richards and Hill were really good, Ryan had one of the best pieces of play where she managed to convince everyone she wanted the ball to cross the boundary line, then switched into gear last second. Wasn't particularly flashy and didn't even lead to a goal, but just the composure and game maturity was impressive
Sandringham were obviously trying something different with a few players out of their regular positions; Staltari and Angelopoulos playing big midfield minutes where both impressed, they brought a harder edge than Sandy usually have going through the guts which was really good to see, both put their case for a Metro spot forward. Debutant Millias as well was really good, she's one to watch for 2023 for sure if she can keep going like last night

 

[PMBangers]

Calder Cannons v Eastern Ranges last night was genuinely exciting. You can never count Calder out of a game even if they're down without having scored much going into the last. I was really backing them in given they got the first couple of clearance of the 4th but Eastern got one against the momentum of the play.

Calder had all the usual suspects stand up, with Crowley again being superb in the forward line, I wouldn't be shocked to see her go early at this rate if she can keep up her ball use and marking. Prespakis once again unmatched, McLepd having some good moments on the wing, she's started to get herself more involved in the game.

Alyssia Pissano, to do what she does at only 15, wow, just superb in the forward line. Sherar as well has a really impressive burst of speed out of stoppages which I like. Campbell was really good but got helped off injured in the third and didn't return which is really disappointing, she's got the best leap in ruck contests I've seen so far this season, serious first round contender

 

[PMBangers]

My predicted metro 25 after 6 and a half rounds



I'm liking the squad more and more as the year goes on, I went with girls that have actually played the positions rather than a true top 25 given I didn't want midfielders filling the forward line or the backline (despite having Reid, Staltari and Yassir in there)

Some that were really close, Hipwell and Lynch were a coin flip decision here, similar for Friswell and McLeod, despite Friswell being better if I was looking for team balance I think McLeod is probably a better option when Ling is in there as an inside emergency. If they wanted to go taller they could bring in Kitchell or Krystal Russell as the number 1 ruck and have Campbell forward given she's done pretty well down there this season. Lot of midfield depth, not many defenders or natural forwards that I think are at the level past the starting lot

 

[PMBangers]

Dande v Pioneers was a rather uneventful game despite the close finish. I really like Bendigo, team with some really hard workers but overall just lack to bit of polish or POD factor. Clarke again outstanding, it's crazy to see what she does while still being so raw as a prospect, when she starts to refine and improve her ground balls, skill execution and marking, she'll be a serious X factor sort of player, dare I say Dusty-esque? Eardley good up forward, starting to think she's a better forward than defender, just so effective. Di Donato really impressive playing essentially only midfield, hope she stays there as she offers a lot, especially in transition.

Falcons v Northern was... interesting. I certainly don't feel Geelong were 25 point loss bad but they also didn't really look dangerous at any time. Craven was really good for Falcons, even if she was copping some really rough calls from the umpires. Chaplin just needs to play VFLW, has nothing left to prove at this level, bottom aged forward Wilcox really really good as well

 

[TBOW]

PMBangers not sure if you're the person to ask, but what would a Vic club need to offer to Gold Coast to get pick 2 (or 1) in the draft?
Would any 2 picks before Brisbane's first be enough? Thoretically that is a better position for them than having pick 1 or 2.

Obviously high picks have a much higher value to Vic teams who are drawing from the same pool as 7 other teams than they do to Gold Coast who I assume share all the Queensland talent with Brisbane (or do they have separate regions?).

How does the AFLW ensure that trades are equitable in a landscape where draft picks have such varying value from club to club?
What is to stop Carlton offering there first and second rounder and a few brown paper bags to try to unite the Prespakis sisters?
It just seems so grey to me.

Surely it would make more sense to create separate draft orders for the different draft pools. And not even bother for SA and NSW.

 

[PMBangers]

PMBangers not sure if you're the person to ask, but what would a Vic club need to offer to Gold Coast to get pick 2 (or 1) in the draft?
Would any 2 picks before Brisbane's first be enough? Thoretically that is a better position for them than having pick 1 or 2.

Obviously high picks have a much higher value to Vic teams who are drawing from the same pool as 7 other teams than they do to Gold Coast who I assume share all the Queensland talent with Brisbane (or do they have separate regions?).

How does the AFLW ensure that trades are equitable in a landscape where draft picks have such varying value from club to club?
What is to stop Carlton offering there first and second rounder and a few brown paper bags to try to unite the Prespakis sisters?
It just seems so grey to me.

Surely it would make more sense to create separate draft orders for the different draft pools. And not even bother for SA and NSW.

Im not sure what, if any, measures the AFL has in place for this sort of situation, but given the Queenslanders can nominate gold coast or Brisbane rather than the state, it probably wouldn't even require picks before Brisbane's. So it might be a case of first in best served in that regard. The AFL would be switched on to anything outrageous, so there'd still have to be first rounders involved I assume.
I also don't think Gold Coast would be giving an advantage to another club for no reason, theyd want a decent player coming up as well, not just more picks

 

[Pie 4 Life]

Gold Coast have a standout prospect this year in Teagan Levi so will be keen to have the first pick this year. Brisbane have quite a few good talents through, but Levi is a top five pick across the nation, so they would certainly not want to lose top pick to the Lions.

The Academies always seem to find a way to bring their kids in through Queensland though. WA not so much with the Eagles and Dockers happy to pluck out ones from the other Academies.