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List Mgmt. 2021 draft pool.

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I'm not a huge fan of 180cm Rachele, we don't need another undersized midfielder and it's pretty rare forwards that size become Toby Greene esque. I don't think I'd invest pick 7 in him either.

For me pick 7 has to be one of the prime elite mids, Gibcus or an elite KPF, if that's Amiss then so be it.

I'm still leaning Hobbs, Ward, Erasmus type at pick 7 is ideal for us.

Agree Rachele is not for us. Reminds me of a Kane Pettifer type with the way he plays. Also a Murray Bushranger small forward that went pick 8 or 9.
 
I'm not a huge fan of 180cm Rachele, we don't need another undersized midfielder and it's pretty rare forwards that size become Toby Greene esque. I don't think I'd invest pick 7 in him either.

For me pick 7 has to be one of the prime elite mids, Gibcus or an elite KPF, if that's Amiss then so be it.

I'm still leaning Hobbs, Ward, Erasmus type at pick 7 is ideal for us.
If we miss on Callaghan,Ward or Hobbs then it’s a raffle. I know there is not much love for him but I’d be happy to go with Sinn. He has amazing speed. My next pick would be Johnson.
 

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Is amiss an elite kpp?

Erasmus seems a project type
The "experts" consider Amiss top 10. Will he be elite at AFL level? Who knows? But that's every draftee. What he does have is some great attributes that should immediately translate to AFL level, being an elite finisher for goals. It's not just drop punt set shots, there's vision of him kicking bananas from the boundary. He's also extremely consistent and productive, kicking multiple goals in just about every game, very good on the lead and easily gets separation. Think Matthew Lloyd type leading forward as a player type comparison.

Erasmus isn't a project player? Not sure where you read that.
He has captained a junior side, kicked 4 goals in the Colts 2020 GF. His last 4 WAFL Colts game he's had 27, 28, 29, 28 disposals with 7, 5, 2, 2 tackles so he's fairly well rounded and ready to go. Already 188/80 size and ability to go forward as well, he might even impact somewhat early with a bit more development in his AFL preseason.
 
I'm not a huge fan of 180cm Rachele, we don't need another undersized midfielder and it's pretty rare forwards that size become Toby Greene esque. I don't think I'd invest pick 7 in him either.

For me pick 7 has to be one of the prime elite mids, Gibcus or an elite KPF, if that's Amiss then so be it.

I'm still leaning Hobbs, Ward, Erasmus type at pick 7 is ideal for us.
I am a big Ward fan as well but you do realise he is only 1 cm taller than Rachele ? Hobbs is only 3cm taller.
 
The "experts" consider Amiss top 10. Will he be elite at AFL level? Who knows? But that's every draftee. What he does have is some great attributes that should immediately translate to AFL level, being an elite finisher for goals. It's not just drop punt set shots, there's vision of him kicking bananas from the boundary. He's also extremely consistent and productive, kicking multiple goals in just about every game, very good on the lead and easily gets separation. Think Matthew Lloyd type leading forward as a player type comparison.

Erasmus isn't a project player? Not sure where you read that.
He has captained a junior side, kicked 4 goals in the Colts 2020 GF. His last 4 WAFL Colts game he's had 27, 28, 29, 28 disposals with 7, 5, 2, 2 tackles so he's fairly well rounded and ready to go. Already 188/80 size and ability to go forward as well, he might even impact somewhat early with a bit more development in his AFL preseason.
Have you watched Amiss? I have watched him in 2 games. The guy struggles to kick over 40 metres. Whenever he's taken a mark 45 out he handballs. His accuracy inside 40 is great but shit outside. Not good enough for a top 10.
 
Pretty easy to sit in the bean bag and knock a kid as well, I would prefer to look at the positives rather than write them off before they have even started. I am just pointing out as have others that Rachele has more attributes (quicker, better kick and better mark) than Higgins so there is no reason he can't be a good player.
I’m not knocking him , I just don’t accept the rationale of u16 form over est form at afl level , who’s kidding who . I’m sure the kids credentials are solid but we don’t need to prioritise a small forward
 
Agree Rachele is not for us. Reminds me of a Kane Pettifer type with the way he plays. Also a Murray Bushranger small forward that went pick 8 or 9.

Someone said he's the best kick in the draft. That ticks a box for me. Do you agree he's a good kick but wrong kind of player for us?
 
I’m not knocking him , I just don’t accept the rationale of u16 form over est form at afl level , who’s kidding who . I’m sure the kids credentials are solid but we don’t need to prioritise a small forward
How can any kid have form at AFL level yet ? What I am trying to explain is he played midfield against players like Horne Francis and was rated the best player at that carnival. Very few games have been played since so none of us have much to work from. How many times have you watched him play live ?
 

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From tough ball-winners to athletic beasts and the pool’s best kick, midfielders are set to dominate the top-end of this year’s draft.
And with the 2022 crop stacked with key-position talent, clubs are ready to pounce on their next midfield star.

Likely No. 1 pick Jason Horne-Francis and Nick Daicos sit atop the class, while clubs are trying to position themselves in order to get their hands on Sandringham’s Finn Callaghan.

But the prospects get a little more difficult to split after that, with clubs sharing different views on some players.

Dan Batten and Jordan Pinto profile their top 15.

South Adelaide's Jason Horne-Francis. Picture: Cory Sutton/SANFL

South Adelaide's Jason Horne-Francis. Picture: Cory Sutton/SANFL

Jason Horne-Francis
South Adelaide/SA
Balanced midfielder, 184cm, 77kg
Clubs who could suit:
North Melbourne

Horne-Francis has it all. And it’s why North Melbourne recruiter Scott Clayton believes “he is as good as any No. 1 in any year”. Horne-Francis is strong on the inside, but also electrifying away from the contest, boasting a mix of speed, evasiveness and terrific hands overhead. On top of the elite traits, which have been compared to those of Patrick Dangerfield and Nat Fyfe, Horne-Francis is, arguably, the most-competitive player in the draft pool. The 24-disposal, three-goal performance in the SANFL preliminary final, which kept South Adelaide in the game, was the icing on the cake of a spectacular under-age career.

THE STAT: In the SANFL finals series, 39 - or 67% - of the 18-year-old’s 58 possessions were won in a contest.

Like Horne-Francis, Nick Daicos is ready for AFL footy. Picture: Michael Klein

Like Horne-Francis, Nick Daicos is ready for AFL footy. Picture: Michael Klein

Nick Daicos
Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro/Collingwood father-son
Balanced midfielder, 183cm, 72kg
Clubs who could suit:
Collingwood

Daicos would have been right in contention for Collingwood’s side this year after turning heads for the Magpies in a VFL practice game during the pre-season and dominating every game he played at under-18 level. The son of Collingwood legend Peter Daicos and brother of current Magpie Josh is a prolific and classy prospect with an elite kick, fantastic poise and superb goal sense. This array of traits will allow him to be used as a dangerous small forward, a tidy ball-winning midfielder or a distributing defender at the next level. Daicos was best-on-ground by the length of the Flemington straight in the Victorian Challenge match in July, featuring some of the best draft hopefuls in the pool, amassing 41 disposals including 23 kicks, 10 marks, six clearances and two majors. The Chargers product is expected to attract a top-three bid in the national draft later this month, which the Magpies will be able to match after stockpiling points during the trade period.

THE STAT: In the NAB League, Daicos averaged 35.8 disposals (ranked first in the competition), 22.2 kicks (second), 23 uncontested possessions (first), 7.4 score involvements, 5.8 clearances, two goals (fifth) and 159 Champion Data ranking points across his five matches.

Finn Callaghan
Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
Balanced midfielder, 189cm, 82kg
Clubs who could suit:
North Melbourne, GWS, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Hawthorn, Fremantle

Callaghan has all the traits to be the perfect modern-day midfielder at the next level. He’s tall, quick, brilliant in traffic, can win the ball on the inside and outside, and boasts a penetrating right-foot. The game appears to slowdown when Callaghan has the ball in tight spaces, and he makes great decisions on the back of it. After spending most of his junior career on the outside, Callaghan is equally as damaging away from the contest and, in no surprise, clubs inside the top 10 have already made a play for the Giants’ pick two, knowing Callaghan, who projects as taller version of Giants star Josh Kelly, is unlikely to be available long after that.

THE STAT: After moving into the Dragons’ centre-bounce brigade, Callaghan averaged 30 disposals, 16.7 kicks and 136.7 ranking points across three matches.

Ben Hobbs
GWV Rebels/Vic Country
Inside midfielder, 183cm, 80kg
Clubs who could suit:
Richmond, Hawthorn, Fremantle, Adelaide

Hobbs is a contested beast who does his best work in congestion, consistently winning clearances and feeding it out to runners on the outside, and applying immense tackling pressure. The Rebels midfielder was the strongest performer in both his matches for Vic Country, finishing with 37 disposals and two goals in the trial match and 26 touches, eight clearances and a goal in the Challenge clash. Likened to tough Giants on-baller Jacob Hopper, Hobbs has been earmarked as a future captain for his highly-regarded character and shapes as a prospect who can make an impact from the get-go in 2022.

THE STAT: Without including his an injury-affected match, Hobbs averaged 147.6 ranking points, 29.2 disposals, 12.8 contested possessions, six clearances and six tackles in five games for the Rebels this year.

Josh Ward is one of the most-consistent midfielders in the draft pool. Picture: Michael Klein

Josh Ward is one of the most-consistent midfielders in the draft pool. Picture: Michael Klein

Josh Ward
Northern Knights/Vic Metro
Balanced midfielder, 181cm, 74kg
Clubs who could suit:
Gold Coast, Hawthorn, Richmond, Fremantle, Adelaide

The left-footer is a prolific ball-winner, who is clean and clever at the contest, and damaging away from it, drawing comparison to Bombers star Zach Merrett. Ward, who was named captain of the NAB League Team of the Year, boasts elite endurance and was one of the most-consistent midfielders, across multiple levels, in Victoria this year. Ward starred for Northern Knights, saving his best for a dual against Daicos – which he won – before tallying 29 disposals, eight clearances and two goals for Vic Metro in June. He looks to be one of the safe bets in the top 10.

THE STAT: In his final three appearances in the NAB League, Ward averaged 34 disposals, 14 contested possessions, eight score involvements, six clearances and 149 ranking points.


Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera
Glenelg/SA
Wingman, 188cm, 70kg
Clubs who could suit:
Adelaide, Essendon, Fremantle, Port Adelaide, St Kilda

After a brilliant national championships, where he danced around opponents before finding a teammate with precision, Wanganeen-Milera is now right in the top-10 mix. On top of his unrivalled foot skills, the nephew of Port Adelaide and Essendon great Gavin Wanganeen boasts plenty of X-factor, incredible balance, clean hands and speed. There have been some questions over the contested side of his game, but, as the year went on at reserves level, he proved they might be a touch overstated.

THE STAT: In the SANFL reserves grand final, Wanganeen-Milera won 11 of his 20 possessions in a contest and recorded a season-high seven tackles.

Neil Erasmus
Subiaco/WA

Inside midfielder, 192cm, 80kg

Clubs who could suit:
Essendon, Fremantle, St Kilda, West Coast

Playing as a forward in his bottom-age year, Erasmus put himself on the AFL radar with a standout four-goal performance in Subiaco’s WAFL Colts premiership win. It’s his rapid development into a genuine ball-winning midfielder – at the contest and away from – however, that has seen the teenager rocket into the top-10 mix. And Erasmus’ vertical leap, overhead marking and work ethic stand out among midfielders in this year’s pool – especially at 192cm. Injury ended his season early, forcing him out of the national carnival but, despite a slight concern over his field kicking, Erasmus is likely to be the first WA player selected in the national draft.

THE STAT: As a midfielder in the WAFL Colts, Erasmus rated elite for ranking points (164), disposals (28), kicks (17), contested possessions (16), marks (7.8), intercept marks (2.8), intercept possessions (6.8), clearances (6.3) and score assists (2).

Josh Goater looms as one of the biggest boom-or-bust picks in the draft. Picture: Michael Klein

Josh Goater looms as one of the biggest boom-or-bust picks in the draft. Picture: Michael Klein

Josh Goater
Calder Cannons/Vic Metro
Inside midfielder/defender, 190cm, 79kg
Clubs who could suit:
West Coast, Richmond, Fremantle, Brisbane, Essendon, Adelaide

Goater starred for Calder as a rebounding, intercept defender late in the NAB League season, consistently thwarting opposition attacks and setting up play from the back-half. But, after stints through the middle, and a standout performances for Vic Metro on the inside, it’s Goater’s potential as 190cm midfielder, who’s brilliant in traffic and can explode out the other side, that has clubs excited. He’s athletic, powerful and is just as impressive springing out of a contest as he is flying for a mark in the air. Can he improve his endurance enough to become the player clubs hope he can be at the next level?

THE STAT: Goater took eight intercept marks in his final two games in the NAB League and tallied 26 disposals, eight clearances and 10 handball-receives playing in the midfield for Vic Metro in June’s trial match.

Matthew Johnson
Subiaco/WA
Balanced midfielder, 192cm, 82kg
Clubs who could suit:
Fremantle, St Kilda, West Coast, Essendon, Port Adelaide

Johnson boosted his draft stocks significantly in the second half of the season with barnstorming results on and off the field. The tall midfielder shone brightly in the grand final curtain-raiser for Western Australia, winning the best-on-ground medal and setting up the matchwinning goal as he tallied 20 disposals, nine tackles and five clearances against South Australia. He showcased his elite footy IQ and decision making in the opening national championships in an outside role, and enjoyed an impressive finals series at WAFL Reserves level for Subiaco against senior bodies. Johnson capped his year with a third-placed finish in the agility test (8.061-seconds) at the AFL Draft Combine, also placing seventh in both the vertical (72cm) and running vertical tests (89cm), and recording an elite 20m sprint time. Johnson’s blend of class, height and athletic attributes sets him apart from other midfielders in the pool.

THE STAT: In his final four WAFL Reserves matches for Subiaco, Johnson averaged 22.5 touches, 14.5 kicks at 65.5 per cent efficiency and five tackles per game – three of those games being finals.

Tyler Sonsie
Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro
Balanced midfielder, 181cm, 77kg
Clubs who could suit:
Sydney, Melbourne, Fremantle, Richmond, Hawthorn, GWS

A dynamic and creative midfield prospect who hits the scoreboard, Sonsie showcased these traits in an exciting VFL debut for Box Hill. The Ranges midfielder suffered an ill-timed ankle injury in the middle of the year, sidelining him for the two Victorian draft representative matches. His return from injury corresponded with the end of the NAB League season as it was cut short by the Covid pandemic. Regarded as a potential top-10 talent entering the season, Sonsie is a clever and precise ball user with clean hands and speed. Sonsie also has smarts around goal, kicking five goals in as many matches in the NAB League, and he is tipped to start his career in the forward arc. Clubs could snap up a bargain if he slides into the late first-round range.

THE STAT: Sonsie finished with 24 disposals, six clearances, five tackles and two goals in his VFL debut for Box Hill.

Matthew Roberts has more runs on the board than most. Picture: Tom Huntley

Matthew Roberts has more runs on the board than most. Picture: Tom Huntley

Matthew Roberts
South Adelaide/SA
Inside midfielder, 183cm, 81kg
Clubs who could suit:
Port Adelaide, Richmond, Sydney, Fremantle

After dominating his own age group, Roberts earned promotion to South Adelaide’s senior side this year, where he, again, got the job done – albeit it in a different role across half-forward – booting six goals in seven senior matches. But Roberts, who boasts a neat left-foot kick, is one of the smartest midfielders in the draft. He’s tough, competitive, makes good decisions and an elite footy IQ means he’s always in the right spot. There is some concern over his athleticism, and others may have better highlight reels, but the ready-made Roberts has more runs on the board than most.

THE STAT: In his 10 SANFL under-18 matches over the past two years, Roberts averaged 28 disposals and 160 ranking points.

Zac Taylor
Calder Cannons/Vic Metro
Balanced midfielder, 180cm, 74kg
Clubs who could suit:
Hawthorn, Richmond, Geelong, Melbourne

Taylor is composed under pressure, agile on his feet and has brilliant hands at stoppages. But what separates him from the other midfielders in the first-round mix is his kicking. Taylor rarely wastes the ball by foot and makes great decisions going inside-50 – and we all know clubs love the money kick. As he showed late in the NAB League, the ball is in his hands a lot, too, with Taylor finishing the season with disposal tallies of 32, 34 and 37, while also recording 22 disposals and five inside-50s for Vic Metro in July.

THE STAT: Highlighting his ability to find a teammate in the forward half, Taylor recorded nine score assists in his final four matches. His average of 1.6 for the year rated elite as a midfielder.

Mitch Knevitt’s size sets him apart in this year’s draft. Picture: Alan Barber

Mitch Knevitt’s size sets him apart in this year’s draft. Picture: Alan Barber

Mitch Knevitt
Geelong Falcons/Vic Country
Inside midfielder, 193cm, 81kg
Clubs who could suit:
Richmond, Hawthorn, West Coast, Sydney, Geelong

A hulking inside midfielder, Knevitt is more than meets the eye, showcasing his elite speed-endurance mix at the AFL Draft Combine. Knevitt finished third in the 2km time-trial (6 mins 18 seconds) and tenth in the 20m sprint with a blistering time of 2.976-seconds. These results strengthened his claims as a second-round selection after a dominant finish to the year, where he proved he can be a dangerous threat up forward with his strong overhead marking, as well as a prolific ball-winner. Senior footy looks to be in his sights next year with his size and running capacity.

THE STAT: Knevitt averaged 30.3 disposals, 14.7 contested possessions, 6.7 tackles, 6.3 marks, 6.0 inside 50s and 150.7 ranking points from his last three NAB League matches for the Falcons.

Mitchito Owens
Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro/St Kilda Next Generation Academy
Balanced midfielder, 190cm, 85kg
Clubs who could suit:
St Kilda, Sydney, Port Adelaide, Melbourne

Owens announced himself on the big stage after a late call-up for the Victorian Challenge match, winning 29 disposals, hitting the target with 16 of his 17 handballs and kicking a goal for Vic Metro. The performance encapsulated his unflappable nature, having been axed from the Sandringham Dragons program as a 16-year-old and working his way back into the fold. Owens’s rapid improvement is off he back of significant growth spurt, with the hardworking midfielder viewed as a player with upside. He is tied to St Kilda as a Next Generation Academy prospect due to his mother being born in Japan. New NGA rules preclude the Saints from matching a bid inside the top-20, which Owens could attract on the first night of the draft on November 24.

THE STAT: Owens went at 76.3 per cent disposal efficiency across the NAB League season despite winning close to half of his possessions in a contest.


Angus Sheldrick
Claremont/WA
Inside midfielder, 179cm, 84kg

Clubs who could suit:
Hawthorn, Geelong, Richmond, Sydney, West Coast

Sheldrick has bolted into top-30 contention following an emphatic finish to the year, culminating in a best afield display in the final national championships clash against South Australia. The bullocking inside midfielder finished with a game-high 29 disposals, 14 contested possessions, 11 clearances, five tackles and a match-sealing goal in the dying minutes against South Australia. His immense WAFL Colts finals series as a goalkicking midfielder for Claremont was telling, considering he played under duress with two bad corkies. Sheldrick has improved his kicking and endurance as the year has gone on, which had been question marks over his game. His scoreboard impact and ability to rise to the occasion in big moments adds to his appeal.

THE STAT: Sheldrick booted six goals and averaged 23 disposals, 16 contested possessions, six tackles and a whopping 161.3 ranking points in the WAFL Colts finals series.

 
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Is amiss an elite kpp?

Erasmus seems a project type
Doesn't seem a project type with these stats

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Erasmus rated elite for ranking points (164), disposals (28), kicks (17), contested possessions (16), marks (7.8), intercept marks (2.8), intercept possessions (6.8), clearances (6.3) and score assists (2).
 

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Zac Taylor
Calder Cannons/Vic Metro
Balanced midfielder, 180cm, 74kg
Clubs who could suit:
Hawthorn, Richmond, Geelong, Melbourne

Taylor is composed under pressure, agile on his feet and has brilliant hands at stoppages. But what separates him from the other midfielders in the first-round mix is his kicking. Taylor rarely wastes the ball by foot and makes great decisions going inside-50 – and we all know clubs love the money kick. As he showed late in the NAB League, the ball is in his hands a lot, too, with Taylor finishing the season with disposal tallies of 32, 34 and 37, while also recording 22 disposals and five inside-50s for Vic Metro in July.

THE STAT: Highlighting his ability to find a teammate in the forward half, Taylor recorded nine score assists in his final four matches. His average of 1.6 for the year rated elite as a midfielder.

@15 plz Tigers
 
If Freo pick him u we could well get one of Hobbs/Ward. Although I must say Erasamus looks like he'd do fine for us. Good spot to be.
My concern is it will end up being:
4- Callighan
5- Ward
6- Hobbs
7- Gibcus
8- Erasmus

Or a different order but all taken, meaning those top rated mids are gone. .
It only takes one of them, perhaps GC or Crows, though to push one to us.

Suns go Andrew? Crows go local boy? But Erasmus seems very likely to Freo before us.
 
My concern is it will end up being:
4- Callighan
5- Ward
6- Hobbs
7- Gibcus
8- Erasmus

Or a different order but all taken, meaning those top rated mids are gone. .
It only takes one of them, perhaps GC or Crows, though to push one to us.

Suns go Andrew? Crows go local boy? But Erasmus seems very likely to Freo before us.
Do you think Amiss would be a good pick for the Tigers at 9?
 
My concern is it will end up being:
4- Callighan
5- Ward
6- Hobbs
7- Gibcus
8- Erasmus

Or a different order but all taken, meaning those top rated mids are gone. .
It only takes one of them, perhaps GC or Crows, though to push one to us.

Suns go Andrew? Crows go local boy? But Erasmus seems very likely to Freo before us.

If it pans out like that I'd take Andrew
 
Does Ward ever kick the ball more than 40m because all the highlights show him chipping it 20-30m forward and sideways. Does this type of player translate well to AFL. For an early first rounder he seems a bit limited. Hobbs a little better in that regard. They remind me of Jack Viney, which is okay I guess, pretty safe but not going to break games open. Would prefer a higher ceiling player. Anyone watch any games he has played, am I wrong.
 

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