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

 

[Biggie]

I also wonder whether we see West Coast trade for Freo's first rounder to get both Rowley and Franklin, they need a tall but from (admittedly the limited amount) I've seen of the two I'd take Rowley regardless of need

Our friendship.

 

[PMBangers]

Our friendship.

I do still rate Amy, and have made a note to watch some WAFLW replays in my free time to get an accurate representation of her as a forward

 

[Pie 4 Life]

I do still rate Amy, and have made a note to watch some WAFLW replays in my free time to get an accurate representation of her as a forward

So any danger of watching some football then?

 

[Biggie]

I do still rate Amy, and have made a note to watch some WAFLW replays in my free time to get an accurate representation of her as a forward

I firmly believe at the next level Franklin will become the player I know she can be. She has all the tools. Delivery, even at WAFLW level can be quite frustrating.

 

[PMBangers]

So any danger of watching some football then?

Absolute dribble, can we get something about the player rather than just names smh

 

[Pie 4 Life]

I firmly believe at the nexty level Amy will become the player I know she can be. She has all the tools.

Her athletic profile (particularly speed at ground level) is very rare for a tall. Not many key position players against smaller defenders would be able to not only beat an opponent to the ball but best them comfortably.

 

[PMBangers]

I firmly believe at the nexty level Amy will become the player I know she can be. She has all the tools.

It's a funny situation and probably shows how much I can improve my talent identification/ rankings. If this was the boys and I had the choice between someone with her attributes or Rowleys, you'd go Franklin's given the athletic POD and scope, so it wouldn't shock me at all.

 

[Stan Judkins]

View attachment 1127813
This is just a guess at the first round, Pie 4 Life has already told me he hates it as well

I don't think any club walks away unhappy with the talent available, but a few flaws in mine compared to what the actual thing may look like include;

1. I haven't seen enough QLD talent to know who else the Suns go with, if there are girls from WA/SA that nominate nationally, and the ones we think might do, then they're going to be the picks I reckon

2. Geelong haven't gone Metro before, but I reckon Prespakis/ Rowbottom are too far ahead to ignore, even with a risk of them being poached (side note, I reckon Rowbottom has a higher ceiling than Georgie, but I do wonder if Geelong take that risk or just stay safe)

3. Metro teams don't overly favour Country talent, so whilst I have Schaap, Friend and Dojiok going Metro (considered Jaide Anthony as well in that group) I could just as easily see it as a combo of Yassir, Gillard, Appleby, Sherar, Ling, etc.

Other side notes for the entire draft;
I'm curious to see if GWS will take on Sydney academy talent now we know they're at most, 2 seasons away from entering the comp, do you take the best of them (probably only Doyle tbf) and accept that hit later on/ back yourself to keep them, or just go your own academy?

I also wonder whether we see West Coast trade for Freo's first rounder to get both Rowley and Franklin, they need a tall but from (admittedly the limited amount) I've seen of the two I'd take Rowley regardless of need

I expect Geelong to trade one of those priority picks, doesn't make sense for a list crying out for 22-26 year olds to take 3 first rounders, unless they can find a way to get that age bracket in by trading second, third rounders

I also reckon Collingwood will trade their first rounder and pick up a few of their own VFLW girls later on (I stole this from Pie 4 Life). They should be looking to get an experienced ruck in with it at the very least

I don't like it
I really can't see Richmond passing on Tess Craven if she's still there, she's top 3 talent wise with Prespakis/ Rowbottom
And we (Tiges) need more mids and to be fair Slender hasn't been setting the house on fire this year, there's quite a few i'd have ahead of her

I expect Geelong to trade one of those priority picks, doesn't make sense for a list crying out for 22-26 year olds to take 3 first rounders, unless they can find a way to get that age bracket in by trading second, third rounders
I don't think they can
"Additionally, these priority selections are made on the basis that the first five (5) selections, held by each of the Clubs receiving Special Assistance, are not to be traded ahead of the 2021 NAB AFL Women’s Draft. Any selections after this point can be traded as per current AFLW Rules."

 

[Pie 4 Life]

Tbh Craven suits Richmond more than Geelong. The Cats actually have a great core young midfield they took through Moloney/Gardiner and the ones that are still 21/U like Webster/SVDH etc. who can play anywhere. If I was Geelong I'd be going a tall Friend/Slender and pairing with say Lee or get Dowling later on.

 

[PMBangers]

I don't like it
I really can't see Richmond passing on Tess Craven if she's still there, she's top 3 talent wise with Prespakis/ Rowbottom
And we (Tiges) need more mids and to be fair Slender hasn't been setting the house on fire this year, there's quite a few i'd have ahead of her

And that's fair, I actually agree with Craven in that top 4 bracket and can see the Tigers going for her. The only points against I can make are a)Slenders best performance this year as come as a midfielder, so there's definitely scope there to move through in a Ellie McKenzie like split if FWD/MID. B) with Wakefield being on the older end, Sab looking more and more like a flat track bully and KB arguably better up the ground, she's one of the better KPF options
But again I wouldn't be overly shocked if Craven goes before her

 

[DragoDelph]

Call it an interpretation thing. I believe the RAW is not what the RAI is.
Will wait and see what happens I suppose.

the first five (5) selections (of the draft), (which are) held by each of the Clubs receiving Special Assistance, are not to be traded ahead of the 2021 NAB AFL Women’s Draft

I feel that if it was the first five selections of each club receiving priority assistance are not to be traded, it would have been worded as such.

 

[toenail63]

Call it an interpretation thing. I believe the RAW is not what the RAI is.
Will wait and see what happens I suppose.

the first five (5) selections (of the draft), (which are) held by each of the Clubs receiving Special Assistance, are not to be traded ahead of the 2021 NAB AFL Women’s Draft

I read it that if you pause at the commas, it can infer that it Is only the first 5 picks of the draft, which marry up with the clubs that are getting assistance.

It looks likely this is the case (its only the first five draft picks in the draft that can not be traded) and it's a poorly worded statement by the AFL. I could be wrong here but it makes no sense to restrict clubs selections going deep into the draft so that these teams already with young lists then not being able to satisfy a very good player from another club wanting to get to their club only to have said player's options restricted and only the strong clubs having a trade hand in the bidding.

 

[Teen Wolf]

It makes no sense either way with the information we have (I've got a baseless theory that might enlighten the situation but it's probably more suited to the sign-and-trade thread), though if I had to guess I'd also say it's just ("just") the first 5 picks of the first round that can't be traded.

 

[Stan Judkins]

It makes no sense either way with the information we have (I've got a baseless theory that might enlighten the situation but it's probably more suited to the sign-and-trade thread), though if I had to guess I'd also say it's just ("just") the first 5 picks of the first round that can't be traded.

Yeah i'm confused by the wording as well
"Additionally, these priority selections are made on the basis that the first five (5) selections, held by each of the Clubs receiving Special Assistance, are not to be traded ahead of the 2021 NAB AFL Women’s Draft. Any selections after this point can be traded as per current AFLW Rules."
I interpret the bold and especially the underlined as (Victoria region only)
Each club (3 special assistance) has to hold their first 5 selections
Cats Vic picks 1, 4, 5, 11 and 21 can't be traded, but 29, 37 can
Saints Vic picks 2, 12, 14, 22 and 30 can't be traded, but 38 and 46 can
Tigers Vic picks 3, 13, 15, 23 and 31 can't be traded, but 39 and 47 can
Sort of like last year where if a club got assistance pick they had to trade it for another player (they couldn't keep it), while this year the 3 Vic clubs receiving Special Assistance have to keep their first five (5) selections and these 3 Vic clubs are being forced to go to the draft by the AFL commission
Bearing in mind that Geelong has access to two mature age players from their region prior to the 2021 NAB AFLW Draft as well

 

[Teen Wolf]

Yeah i'm confused by the wording as well
"Additionally, these priority selections are made on the basis that the first five (5) selections, held by each of the Clubs receiving Special Assistance, are not to be traded ahead of the 2021 NAB AFL Women’s Draft. Any selections after this point can be traded as per current AFLW Rules."
I interpret the bold and especially the underlined as (Victoria region only)
Each club (3 special assistance) has to hold their first 5 selections
Cats Vic picks 1, 4, 5, 11 and 21 can't be traded, but 29, 37 can
Saints Vic picks 2, 12, 14, 22 and 30 can't be traded, but 38 and 46 can
Tigers Vic picks 3, 13, 15, 23 and 31 can't be traded, but 39 and 47 can
Sort of like last year where if a club got assistance pick they had to trade it for another player (they couldn't keep it), while this year the 3 Vic clubs receiving Special Assistance have to keep their first five (5) selections and these 3 Vic clubs are being forced to go to the draft by the AFL commission
Bearing in mind that Geelong has access to two mature age players from their region prior to the 2021 NAB AFLW Draft as well

Richmond and St Kilda don't even have 5 picks, from what I can tell.

The AFL wants improvement from these struggling clubs instantly, so I find it hard to believe they would simultaneously force them to go further down the road of investing in players that take years to find their feet (which is what most 2nd and 3rd rounders are).

 

[Vacuous Space]

I dunno, the way i looked at it, was Geelong aren't going to risk taking a shot on Prespakis and/or Rowbottom as there are a few very good Falcon girls
The AFL said okay "we'll give you a few extra picks within the 1st Rd so you can take the best of the Falcons"
There doesn't seem to be any other reason why they have a draft hand in Victoria of 1, 4, 5 and 11 and the directive of not being able to trade their first 5 picks (1, 4, 5 11 and 21)
Also we are not that naive to think that Geelong hasn't already made contact with Prespakis and/or Rowbottoms managers to see where they stand on moving down that way
I'm tipping the managers said "NO THANKS"
The Cats haven't risked picking ANY VIC METRO REGION PLAYERS EVER, so the chances are slim for a pick on a Cannon or Charger player
They have been drafting only Falcons, Bushrangers, Rebels and their VFLW

This is their drafting since they entered the comp in 2018:
2020
Falcons 4
Bushrangers 1

2019
Falcons 2
Bushrangers 1 F/D
Cats VFLW 1
Blues VFLW 1
Casey VFLW 1

2018
Falcons 3
Bushrangers 1
Rebels 3
Cats VFLW 3

I really can't see them changing their draft strategy and the 3 standouts in the U/18's this year on form are Prespakis, Rowbottom and Craven
If Geelong took a punt on Prespakis, Saints will go Rowbottom and Tigers will take Craven (for what we need she's far better than Reid)
With the Falcons in the U/18 GF, its shown they have a very strong region and there's at least 3 or 4 very good players
Why go crazy and take a punt on Prespakis/Rowbottom hanging around long term, when you have Tess Craven, Annie Lee, Poppy Schaap, Renee Tierney and Elizabeth Dowling, all Geelong Falcons and willing to stay long term
Gun players Craven, Lee and Schaap wont be on the board after the first 20 picks
Of course i could be totally wrong, but that's my take on it

It's entirely possible you're right and I'm wrong too. I'm not going to argue over points of difference. You think Geelong will take the Falcons girls first, and that's fair enough. They've been a great team this year and I think all the players you list above are all good enough to be on AFLW lists next year. I'd also add Ingrid Houtsma's name as somebody who would be a decent chance to get drafted. It's also possible that managers will scare Geelong away from Prespakis and Rowbottom.

What I will say, in terms of the Cats not taking a Metro player, they've only really had one draft where they were allowed to. All things being equal, they'd prefer to draft local and country talent because there's less of a flight risk. I don't believe things are equal here, however, and while you've got Craven up there with Prespakis and Rowbottom, I don't. I think she's in the next group of mids. I have a history of underrating smaller mids, however. I'm definitely aware that this could be the case here. Regardless of ratings, keep in mind that a lot of the metro clubs haven't been overly enthusiastic about taking country players either.

Lastly, I think you're underrating Reid. She's likely to wind up leading the comp for disposals in addition to kicking 12.11. She's played inside and out, forward and back. She's basically good in any situation. You'd know Richmond's need better than I, but I just can't imagine passing on her unless it was to take one of the top-2.

 

[Munga]

yeah me too, i agree 100%
Why are the Cats getting compo picks better than the Tigers, when the Cats made the PF in 2019 and have won 6 and lost 17 in 23 games they've played over 3 seasons whilst not finishing last in any of them
Why do the Saints have the same compo picks as the Tigers having won 5 and lost 15 in 20 games they've played over 2 seasons whilst not finishing last in any of them
The Tigers have only won 3 (all this season) and lost 17 in 20 games we've played over 2 seasons, finishing last with 0 wins last season
Something the Cats and Saints haven't done as yet (finishing last)
Surely the Tigers should have what the Cats and Saints have combined in compo picks
We should have Vic Picks 3, 4, 5, 13, 14 and 15

That makes more sense than what they're currently offering haha!

 

[Stan Judkins]

Richmond and St Kilda don't even have 5 picks, from what I can tell.

The AFL wants improvement from these struggling clubs instantly, so I find it hard to believe they would simultaneously force them to go further down the road of investing in players that take years to find their feet (which is what most 2nd and 3rd rounders are).

Yes your probably right, but still confusing
I guess we'll know shortly when trading time starts

 

[Vacuous Space]

QT: Oakleigh leads 4.1.25 to 1.2.8. Reid has two - still a chance to wind up leading the league in disposals and goals (EDIT: I'm an idiot - Reid would have needed to kick seven to draw even with Pisano). Also marks, it would seem - I believe she was one in front of Lee at the start of the game, so that's going to be close.

Link if anyone needs it

 

[Lord of the Wings]

I wouldn’t take Craven in the top 10. She is slow, goes to ground too easily and can’t kick.

Rowbottom and Reid both look more likely players for AFLW level. I also like Vickers

 

[Vacuous Space]

HT: Oakleigh leads 7.2.44 to 2.2.14. Morley has 3, Reid has two (and set up one of Morley's). Scary thing for the rest of the comp is Oakleigh is using a lot of their 04 born players in the middle. The ability to use their guns (Rowbottom, Reid and Eliza James) forward is just such a luxury.

 

[PMBangers]

I wouldn’t take Craven in the top 10. She is slow, goes to ground too easily and can’t kick.

I can only assume you haven't watched a lot of her, a strength of hers is her kicking and decision making woth it, usually holds her feet well

 

[PMBangers]

HT: Oakleigh leads 7.2.44 to 2.2.14. Morley has 3, Reid has two (and set up one of Morley's). Scary thing for the rest of the comp is Oakleigh is using a lot of their 04 born players in the middle. The ability to use their guns (Rowbottom, Reid and Eliza James) forward is just such a luxury.

Yeah, got to see the glimpse of this against Gippsland in the final round, they bat deep as well given that Taylor, Clift and Matthews were played predominantly in defense that game (and I assume the GF) who are all arguably stronger as midfielders

 

[footyknut]

View attachment 1127813
This is just a guess at the first round, Pie 4 Life has already told me he hates it as well

I don't think any club walks away unhappy with the talent available, but a few flaws in mine compared to what the actual thing may look like include;

1. I haven't seen enough QLD talent to know who else the Suns go with, if there are girls from WA/SA that nominate nationally, and the ones we think might do, then they're going to be the picks I reckon

2. Geelong haven't gone Metro before, but I reckon Prespakis/ Rowbottom are too far ahead to ignore, even with a risk of them being poached (side note, I reckon Rowbottom has a higher ceiling than Georgie, but I do wonder if Geelong take that risk or just stay safe)

3. Metro teams don't overly favour Country talent, so whilst I have Schaap, Friend and Dojiok going Metro (considered Jaide Anthony as well in that group) I could just as easily see it as a combo of Yassir, Gillard, Appleby, Sherar, Ling, etc.

Other side notes for the entire draft;
I'm curious to see if GWS will take on Sydney academy talent now we know they're at most, 2 seasons away from entering the comp, do you take the best of them (probably only Doyle tbf) and accept that hit later on/ back yourself to keep them, or just go your own academy?

I also wonder whether we see West Coast trade for Freo's first rounder to get both Rowley and Franklin, they need a tall but from (admittedly the limited amount) I've seen of the two I'd take Rowley regardless of need

I expect Geelong to trade one of those priority picks, doesn't make sense for a list crying out for 22-26 year olds to take 3 first rounders, unless they can find a way to get that age bracket in by trading second, third rounders

I also reckon Collingwood will trade their first rounder and pick up a few of their own VFLW girls later on (I stole this from Pie 4 Life). They should be looking to get an experienced ruck in with it at the very least

Great write up, but how would West Coast trade to get Freo’s first pick? They’d have to give up someone like Bowen or Lewis to do that.

 

[PMBangers]

Great write up, but how would West Coast trade to get Freo’s first pick? They’d have to give up someone like Bowen or Lewis to do that.

Without actually knowing the list situation at Freo, I thought picks may be able to do it, take the first two WA picks but not have any more until 7 or 8, but Freo probably aren't in desperate need of a deal like that