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List Mgmt. 2021 draft pool.

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25. TOM BROWN

Position: General defender

Size: 186cm, 77kg

Club: Murray Bushrangers/Mooroopna/Geelong Grammar/Vic Country

AFL player comparison: Bailey Dale

An exciting defensive prospect that can not only intercept but also use natural speed, agility and composure to burst away from congestion and break the game open. Brown this year was ranked among the top 10 NAB League players in both intercept possessions (7.0) and intercept marks (2.0) as he displayed great overhead marking confidence close to his defensive goal. His contested possession average of 7.4 also ranked third among defenders, while he impressed at the combine, finishing equal-sixth in the standing vertical jump (72cm) and just missing the top 10 in the 20m sprint (2.98 seconds). The Cats will be disappointed injury restricted Brown’s father Paul to just 84 games during the 1990s, because his son would’ve been a terrific father-son selection for the club. Yet the Cats are stacked with second-round picks – which is arguably in the early stages of Brown’s draft range – and could pick him nonetheless. The Swans or Lions, though, could pounce beforehand with their late first-round picks.

24. CAMPBELL CHESSER

Position: Midfielder-medium defender

Size: 186cm, 83kg

Club: Sandringham Dragons/Lavington Panthers/Melbourne Grammar/Vic Metro

AFL player comparison: Hunter Clark

An exciting prospect that possesses line-breaking speed and an accurate right-foot kick, Chesser played more in the midfield this season, but might be suited as a rebounding defender at AFL level. He didn’t find as much of the ball as other top prospects, averaging just 18.7 disposals in the NAB League with a contested possession rate of 27 per cent. But Chesser’s 4.7 inside 50s were the most of any player to average fewer than 20 disposals. He was hit hard by injury and Covid-enforced season pauses over the past two seasons, but Chesser has really impressed recruiters with his attitude. A chance to go in the first round — and if he does, it’ll most likely be to Brisbane, with Melbourne also linked.

23. ARLO DRAPER

Position: Medium forward-midfielder

Size: 186cm, 75kg

Club: South Adelaide/Willunga/South Australia

AFL player comparison: Archie Perkins

Draper has drawn comparisons to Perkins, not just for his on-field ability to win contested possessions and hit the scoreboard, but also for his laid-back approach to footy and life. He’s dangerous in the air and possesses line-breaking speed and agility. After breaking into the SA Under 16s side two years ago as a mid-sized backman, Draper was pushed into the midfield and forward line this year as he played across all three SANFL competitions. In the Under 18s he averaged 24.4 disposals and 6.6 clearances before pushing up to the reserves where he averaged 15.7 disposals and 4.0 clearances. AFL draft guru Kevin Sheehan said Draper has “some exciting attributes and mercurial type of ability”. Some clubs are wary of Draper’s aerobic capacity, hence they see him more as a half-forward or half-back rather than a midfielder. Recruiters believe Draper is now more likely to slip to the second round.

22. BLAKE HOWES

Position: Medium forward

Size: 190cm, 79kg

Club: Sandringham Dragons/Parkdale/St Bede’s/Vic Metro

AFL player comparison: Jack Gunston

An athletic, high half-forward with ample upside. Howes’ strong core allows him to keep his feet, while his game awareness. composure and footy nous helps him make wise choices with ball in hand. After a slow start to the year where he averaged just 10 disposals from his first three matches, Howes showed he can impact the game at either end of the field late in the year. In his last four NAB League matches he kicked five goals and took seven intercept marks. As a result, he’s surged into first-round calculations. The Demons were linked to Jack Gunston prior to the trade period — could they make a play for Howes, who has ample Gunston traits, at the draft instead?

21. MITCHITO OWENS

Position: Midfielder-forward

Size: 190cm, 85kg

Club: Sandringham Dragons/Beaumaris/Mentone Grammar/Vic Metro

AFL player comparison: Elliot Yeo

A speedy, versatile and agile midfielder that had an awesome back-end to his 2021 campaign. Owens kicked a goal from 29 disposals and seven marks for Vic Metro in an Under 19’s challenge match against Vic Country, while he averaged 23.3 disposals, 5.7 marks and 3.7 inside 50s from his final three NAB League games. He’s grown 10cm in the past 12 months, meaning he’s become a greater threat at stoppages and developed strong overhead marking skills. Owens is tied to St Kilda through the club’s Next Generation Academy program. The Saints mightn’t have a chance to bid on him – unless they take him with their first selection (Pick 9) – as clubs with existing links to multicultural and Indigenous Academy players are now unable to match bids inside the top 20 selections. And Owens has clubs with top 20 picks interested, including North Melbourne and the Giants. However it’s expected Owens will still end up at the Saints.

20. ZAC TAYLOR

Position: Midfielder

Size: 180cm, 74kg

Club: Calder Cannons/Penola Catholic College/Vic Metro

AFL player comparison: Jy Simpkin

Another first-round bolter following a terrific end to his 2021 campaign. After averaging 19.8 touches from his first four NAB League matches, Taylor upped the ante significantly in his final three games, finishing with 32, 34 and 37 disposals respectively. His 1.6 assists per match were equal-second in the NAB League among players who played five or more matches. Taylor also got the call-up for an Essendon VFL game, finishing with 10 disposals against Frankston. An efficient, clever distributor with a strong inside-outside balance, Taylor is one of the most well-rounded on-ballers in this year’s pool but could ultimately be a small forward at AFL level. He can kick on both sides of his body, while he’s composed in traffic but has the ability to accelerate out of stoppages.

19. JACOB VAN ROOYEN

Position: Utility

Size: 193cm, 91kg

Club: Claremont/Western Australia

AFL player comparison: Tom McDonald

An exciting swingman that impressed at both ends during his draft year. Van Rooyen was unleashed at WAFL league level for five games, but did most of his damage at WAFL colts level, booting 34.14 from nine games – an impressive average of nearly four goals per outing. He also starred for WA’s Under 19s side as a backman on AFL Grand Final day, taking eight marks in defence before pushing forward to kick the match-winning goal against SA in an eye-catching performance. After a year that was interrupted by glandular fever, Van Rooyen finished strong at the draft combine, running the 20m sprint in 3.06 seconds. Looming as a late first-round pick contender, with Sydney and Brisbane, in particular, linked.

18. SAM BUTLER

Position: Forward-midfielder

Size: 184cm, 76kg

Club: GWV Rebels/Lake Wendouree/St Pat’s College/Vic Country

AFL player comparison: Zak Butters

If he’s going to be as exciting as his brother is at AFL level, we’ve got another fan favourite. A player with footy smarts and great strength at the contest, Butler — the brother of premiership Tiger and Saints forward Dan Butler — is a genuine midfielder-forward that can swing games. He kicked three goals against the Geelong Falcons in Round 2 of the NAB League, but has looked just as capable when playing up the field. Among mid-forwards in the NAB League, Butler ranked first for contested possessions (9.2), tackles (4.8) and goals (0.8). Of note, he averaged more disposals, contested possessions and tackles than his brother when he was in the NAB League, but Dan averaged 1.2 goals per match. He then turned heads at the draft combine with four top-10 finishes: Eighth in the 2km time trial (6:23), ninth in the 20m sprint (2.974 seconds), equal-ninth in the standing vertical jump (71cm) and 10th in the running vertical jump (87cm). Butler has shot up draft boards as the year has progressed, to the point where he’s now in first-round contention. He could go as early as the Giants’ second first-round pick, while Brisbane — which is keen on a small forward — would be in the mix.

17. DARCY WILMOT

Position: Medium defender

Size: 183cm, 75kg

Club: Northern Knights/Montmorency/Hazelglen College/Vic Metro,

AFL player comparison: Darcy Byrne-Jones

A terrific, well-rounded medium backman that ticks a lot of boxes. Wilmot’s ability to read the flight of the footy in the air as a defender is outstanding. Then when he wins the ball back, he isn’t afraid to use his leg speed to rebound and gain territory for his team and often makes good decisions by foot. Wilmot played seven NAB League games for the Knights, averaging 15.1 disposals and earning selection in the competition’s team of the year. Don’t expect him to still be on the board when the first round ends. Melbourne, Sydney and, in particular, Brisbane have all shown interest in Wilmot, but he mightn’t last that long in the first round, with Essendon and Port Adelaide also considering him.

16. TYLER SONSIE

Position: Midfielder

Size: 181cm, 77kg

Club: Eastern Ranges/Rowville/Vic Metro

AFL player comparison: Trent Cotchin

On talent alone, Sonsie is a top-five draft prospect with his speed, polish, strength at the contest, clean hands and high footy IQ. But a lack of continuity this year, both due to injury and Covid-enforced interruptions, has seen the prospect slip a little. Recruiters, though, still fondly remember his Under 16s national championships two years ago where he earned Vic Metro’s MVP award in the side’s undefeated carnival-winning side. Sonsie started the 2021 season well with 34 disposals and two goals in his first NAB League game before an eye-catching two-goal, 24-disposal game for the Box Hill Hawks under Sam Mitchell in his first VFL match. But from his other four NAB League matches, he averaged just 20 disposals and less than one goal a game. A club with a late first-round selection could take a punt on him. But if he slips into the second round — Hawthorn (Picks 21 and 24) and Richmond (Picks 26 to 28) have both been linked to him — then gets it right at AFL level, he could be a genuine steal for the club that picks him up.
 
15. MATT JOHNSON

Position: Midfielder

Size: 192cm, 81kg

Club: Subiaco/North Beaches/Western Australia

AFL player comparison: Scott Pendlebury

Recruiters were hoping to see Johnson have a strong finish to his 2021 campaign – and he delivered in September and October. He won the WA best on ground medal for his performance against SA at Optus Stadium in an AFL Grand Final day curtain-raiser then had a terrific draft combine, placing third nationally in the agility test, sixth in the standing vertical jump and seventh in the running vertical while running the 20m sprint in under three seconds. A tall midfielder with ridiculously good composure in traffic, Johnson got a taste of all three WAFL competitions in 2021. He starred at colts level, struggled at league level but found his rhythm in the reserves, averaging 23 disposals and six marks from his final three games (which included two finals). Johnson is looming as a top-10 bolter, with Hawthorn seriously considering taking him with its first pick. Then if Fremantle doesn’t take him with one of its two picks, it’s hard to see him slipping beyond the Eagles’ selection.

Sinn hopeful on draft | 04:03

14. JOSH SINN

Position: Medium defender

Size: 186cm, 78kg

Club: Sandringham Dragons/Old Xaverians/Vic Metro

AFL player comparison: Adam Saad

Blink and you’ll miss this speedy footballer, who’s a genuine 70m player in that he carries the ball 20m (at least) then kicks it 50m. Sinn is an explosive, line-breaking half-back with genuine leg speed but has the potential to become a full-time midfielder at AFL level if his aerobic capacity continues to improve. His NAB League numbers in a frustrating, injury-interrupted season weren’t huge, averaging just 17.6 disposals. But his run and carry ability saw him average a combined 6.8 inside 50s and rebound 50s — the most of any player to average fewer than 20 disposals. He was Sandringham’s skipper too, so he possesses strong leadership capabilities. Will go in the first round, but his draft range is wide. Adelaide is the club with the earliest pick linked to him, while Hawthorn, St Kilda and Essendon could also be in the mix.

13. JOSH GOATER

Position: Utility

Size: 190cm, 80kg

Club: Calder Cannons/Sunbury/Sunbury College/Vic Metro

AFL player comparison: Jordan Ridley (as a defender), Xavier Duursma (as a wing/midfielder)

A high-flying, speedy, agile and versatile prospect that looms as a big fan favourite at AFL level. Goater is an athletic yet slightly taller prospect than some of the other midfielders at the top of his draft class – height that also allows him to play in either 50m arc. Interestingly, Goater won more disposals in defence than in the midfield this season. In his first five NAB League matches, he averaged 21.6 disposals 5.2 clearance as a midfielder then 30.5 disposals, 4.0 intercept marks and 8.5 intercept possessions. Goater is in top-10 contention. Fremantle’s second pick might be the earliest he goes, while any of St Kilda, West Coast, Essendon or Port Adelaide could take him.

12. NASIAH WANGANEEN-MILERA

Position: Wing

Size: 187cm, 71kg

Club: Glenelg/Marion/South Australia

AFL player comparison: Paul Seedsman

As his surname suggests, the South Australian has a great footy pedigree, being the nephew of Essendon and Port Adelaide champion Gavin Wanganeen and the son of Terry Milera, who played 30 games for the Saints last decade. A smooth mover that makes good decisions by foot, Wanganeen-Milera seemed to improve with every game he played in 2021 as he showed off his excellent kicking skills and ability to link teammates between the arcs. He spent the majority of the first half of the season in the SANFL reserves, averaging 15.5 disposals, 3.5 intercept possessions, 4.7 score involvements and 0.4 goals. Wanganeen-Milera then was upgraded to Glenelg’s league team and fitted in with aplomb, averaging 11.0 disposals and 5.0 handball receives. Has bolted into top-10 draft contention – and rightfully so. Adelaide has had a close look at the SA product, but if it bypasses him, Hawthorn has strong interest. St Kilda and Essendon are also in the mix — the latter, no doubt, being a romantic prospect.

11. JYE AMISS

Position: Tall forward

Size: 196cm, 83kg

Club: East Perth/Busselton/Western Australia

AFL player comparison: Harry McKay

Arguably the best key forward in the open draft. He’s blessed with a deadeye left foot kick, strong hands above his head, presence on the lead and great athleticism below his knees for a player of his size. Amiss kicked a WAFL colts season-high 51 goals this season — the most by a player in that competition since 2015 – but just as impressive was the fact he only kicked 15 behinds. Amiss also ranked second in the WAFL colts for contested marks (3.0) and No. 1 for marks inside 50 (3.5). It would be a major surprise if he wasn’t in a Fremantle jumper next year, with the Dockers having a strong, long-time interest in the East Perth product. Ideally, the Dockers would take Amiss with their second top-10 pick, but the Tigers (Pick 7) also have interest in the 196cm prospect and could force the Dockers to pick him earlier – if they want him that desperately.

10. NEIL ERASMUS

Position: Midfielder-forward

Size: 188cm, 80kg

Club: Subiaco/Sorrento-Duncraig/Hale/Western Australia

AFL player comparison: Tim Taranto

A gun junior cricketer that chose footy as his preferred career path, where he’s developed into an exciting player blessed with great footy smarts and strong overhead marking ability. Erasmus had a stunning start to his season and only improved as the year progressed. He was the second-highest ranked player in the WAFL colts, according to Champion Data, and ranked among the top five players for disposals, contested possessions, intercept marks, clearances and score assists. Erasmus averaged 28 disposals from his four WAFL colts games, but showed in last year’s grand final in the same competition that he can be dangerous up forward, kicking four goals as a bottom-ager in Subiaco’s premiership triumph. Hard to see the WA young gun getting past Fremantle (Picks 6 and 8) or West Coast (Pick 10), with the Eagles, especially, a big fan.

9. JOSH GIBCUS

Position: Key defender

Size: 196cm, 87kg

Club: GWV Rebels/Eastpoint/St Pat’s College/Vic Country

AFL player comparison: Jake Lever

The quintessential modern-day defender at 195cm, recruiters can see Gibcus becoming a star second backman at AFL club land that can play man-on-man but also intercept. He was ranked first among defenders who played at least five NAB League matches this season for intercept possessions (7.9) and intercept marks (3.2). Recruiters say his vertical leap is “ridiculous” – highlighted by his 95cm running vertical jump result at the draft combine, which was ranked third nation-wide – while he also has strong aerobic capacity, good footy nous and strong spoiling ability. Initially, Gibcus was looming as a top-five pick, with the Giants and Suns linked to him. Now it’s more likely he slips a few spots — but still to a club holding a top-10 pick. Fremantle and Richmond will consider him, but St Kilda — which really needs a key defender on its list — looms as the most likely destination.

8. MAC ANDREW

Position: Ruck-forward

Size: 200cm, 70kg

Club: Dandenong Stingrays/Berwick/St Joseph’s Ferntree Gully/Vic Country

AFL player comparison: Paddy Ryder

The Melbourne Next Generation Academy prospect has probably been the biggest draft board bolter across the season. He would have to put on size once he got to an AFL club and ultimately be a long-term prospect, but Andrew’s athleticism, natural leap, strong hands and ability to play across all thirds of the ground at 200cm excites AFL clubs. Excluding his NAB League match where he got injured, Andrew, who was born in Egypt to Sudanese parents, averaged 15.2 disposals from his five games – the most of any ruckman – according to Champion Data. His hit-out-to-advantage rate of 18.1 per cent was also ranked fourth among the NAB League’s top 50 ruckmen for ruck contests. As the AFL has changed the in-draft NGA bidding rules for 2021 – clubs with existing links to multicultural and Indigenous Academy players can’t match bids inside the top 20 selections – the Dees aren’t getting their hands on Andrew – unless they trade up into the top five. Gold Coast appears poised to take him with its first selection. If it doesn’t — and that would be a shock now — expect a few clubs to try and trade up the order to get him.

7. JOSH WARD

Position: Midfielder

Size: 181cm, 74kg

Club: Northern Knights/Fitzroy/Melbourne Grammar/Vic Metro

AFL player comparison: Dan Hannebery

One for SuperCoach owners to keep an eye on when he hits AFL club land. Ward is one of the best well-rounded midfielders at the top of the draft class with an ability to find the ball both in and outside the contest. The left-footer averaged 30.2 disposals in the NAB League — the second-most behind only Nick Daicos — and finished the season superbly with 33-plus disposals from his last three matches to be named captain of the competition Team of the Year. Recruiters earlier in the year had some doubts over his ability to hit the scoreboard — he kicked two behinds and failed to kick a goal in the NAB League — but he managed 3.3 from two trial matches. He loves to run and carry, is a polished distributor and has the potential to play AFL footy early in 2022. Where he goes is becoming a big talking point among club recruiters. Ward — a Hawthorn supporter whose great grandfather Alex Lee played 31 games for the club between 1933 and 1935 — has been strongly linked to the Hawks for weeks. But the Hawks are also keeping tabs on other outside ball-winners, meaning Fremantle, Richmond and St Kilda could then snap Ward up. He could slide a little more than first thought, but he’s not getting past the Power at Pick 12.

6. BEN HOBBS

Position: Midfielder

Size: 183cm, 79kg

Club: GWV Rebels/Horsham Demons/Ballarat Clarendon College/Vic Country

AFL player comparison: Taylor Adams

The best pure inside midfielder and contested possession-winner in the draft class. Hobbs is a master at winning the footy at the coalface and his quick hands make him a threat at stoppages. Yet unlike a lot of inside midfielders, Hobbs has great composure with the ball when in tight, often opting against thumping the ball forward by foot. Excluding one match where he got injured, he averaged 29.2 disposals, 6.2 clearances and kicked 0.8 goals in the NAB League. But Hobbs was arguably more impressive in the trial matches for Vic Country, averaging 31.5 disposals and 1.5 goals from those two games. Would be a major surprise if he slid outside the top 10, with Richmond (Pick 7) looming as the most likely destination if the Suns pass on him (which is looking more likely).
 
5. JOSH RACHELE

Position: Small forward

Size: 179cm, 81kg

Club: Murray Bushrangers/Shepparton Swans/Caulfield Grammar/Vic Country

AFL player comparison: Toby Greene

An uber-talented forward-midfielder blessed with goalkicking nous, strong hands overhead, x-factor and an unwavering belief in his own ability, Rachele is one of this year’s most fascinating and exciting prospects. The goalsneak kicked 11 goals from four NAB League matches — the best goals-per-match average in the competition — while he also ranked second for average score involvements (7.5). Rachele was used sparingly in the midfield, averaging 18.5 disposals and 2.5 clearances, but can swing games when he’s on the ball. He won the Kevin Sheehan medal in 2019 as the best player in the Under 16 national championships representing Vic Country. On spark and talent alone he’s worthy of a top-five pick – and despite recruiters’ hesitancy in the past to pick a small forward early in the draft, Rachele could be an exception. Adelaide has been long linked to Rachele — and should the Crows hold that pick, it’s very hard to see them bypassing the next Toby.

4. FINN CALLAGHAN

Position: Midfielder

Size: 191cm, 86kg

Club: Sandringham Dragons/St Bede’s College/Vic Metro

AFL player comparison: Marcus Bontempelli

A tall, graceful, left-footed on-baller with great composure, a lovely inside-outside balance – no wonder one recruiter told foxfooty.com.au there’s “a bit of Bontempelli” about the way Callaghan plays. He’s a great size for the modern-day midfielder with terrific kicking skills and drive to help his team break lines. Callaghan really separated himself from the pack in his last three NAB League matches this year, averaging 30.0 disposals, 4.7 clearances and 5.3 score involvements. Several clubs have attempted to trade up the draft order to get their hands on this guy – and rightly so. Specifically, teams have been trying to poach the Giants’ selection — attempts that have been rejected by the NSW-based team, which is now set to take Callaghan, who coach Leon Cameron is a big fan of.

3. SAM DARCY

Position: Ruck-forward

Size: 204cm, 73kg

Club: Oakleigh Chargers/Glen Iris/Scotch College/Vic Metro

AFL player comparison: Ben King

Another famous Dogs name is almost certain to return to the kennel in Darcy — the son of best and fairest and All-Australian Luke Darcy. And he’s not just any ordinary key-position player. At 204cm, Darcy is a terrific contested mark and an accurate kick for goal while he possesses superb versatility and athleticism, which allow him to play in any third of the ground. He spent time in defence in his three NAB league matches and averaged 3.3 intercept marks and 5.7 intercept possessions — which is why we’ve compared him to Ben King, who also played down back in his draft year. Then Darcy played forward in his two trial matches and averaged 3.0 contested marks, with a dazzling six-goal haul against Vic Country seeing him shoot up club draft boards. The Dogs will have enough points to ensure they match a Darcy bid, which could come as early as Pick 2 via the Giants. ies? | 02:29

2. NICK DAICOS

Position: Midfielder

Size: 183cm, 72kg

Club: Oakleigh Chargers/Kew Rovers/Vic Metro

AFL player comparison: Zach Merrett

Park the famous father-son link and focus on Daicos the footballer – a genuine star and arguably the best player in this year’s draft class for his skills, vision, run and footy IQ. The definition of a ball magnet, Daicos led the NAB League for disposals (35.8) and uncontested possessions (23.0) this year, while he also kicked two goals per match. Daicos, the son of Collingwood champion and premiership star Peter Daicos, averaged a lazy 40-plus disposals from his last three matches of the season. We’ve compared him to Merrett for his ball-winning ability and size, but Daicos is ahead of Merrett at the same stage of their development and has a few more tricks up his sleeve. North won’t bid on him at Pick 1, but the Giants should at either Pick 2 or, remarkably, Pick 3 – and the Pies will have enough draft points to match it without hesitation. Daicos will fit in at the Pies with aplomb. One recruiter even said Daicos will get tagged in his first season …

1. JASON HORNE-FRANCIS

Position: Midfielder

Size: 184cm, 81kg

Club: South Adelaide/Christie Beach/South Australia

AFL player comparison: Patrick Dangerfield

Veteran North Melbourne recruiter Scott Clayton dubbed Horne-Francis “as good as any No. 1 in years I can remember”. Fair wrap – and one many recruiters are happy to give considering Horne-Francis has shown an ability to influence and change matches against players his own age, as well as SANFL league players older than him. The South Adelaide product is not only powerful and aggressive at the contest but also possesses an awesome aerobic base. He’s courageous, selfless, classy by foot on the outside and can push forward to hit the scoreboard. Horne-Francis’ SANFL league preliminary final performance against Glenelg (3 goals, 24 disposals, 18 contested possessions, 11 clearances, 10 score involvements and 160 Champion Data ranking points) perhaps sealed his fate as the No. 1 pick. The Kangaroos received two offers during the trade period – one from Adelaide then another from Richmond – in a bid to entice them to trade away the first pick of this year’s national draft. Both advances were rejected by the Roos – because they want Horne-Francis. And they’ll get him.

www.foxsports.com.au

Full AFL Draft Power Rankings: The top 50 young stars of 2021 rated 1 to 50

Ranking the top 50 young stars in the AFL Draft — and the clubs that could snap them up
www.foxsports.com.au www.foxsports.com.au
 
Lord of the Wings said:
Heard yesterday that Erasmus was clearly the best WA player before his injury.



Rumours out of WA today that Hawks picking Johnson at 7.
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I’m surprised Johnson isn’t rated more highly by draft watchers.

192cm mid who still has a fair bit of development in his body as he’s only 80kg.

He looks good in the small highlights I’ve seen and I can’t find too much wrong with this write up from Shifter’s top 40 prospects and other things I’ve read:

Has that ideal combination of speed and endurance with cleans hands, composure with the ball as well as neat disposal, drawing comparisons to Geelong star Mitch Duncan. Impressive athlete confirmed with his elite testing for speed (2.98 seconds for 20 metres) and agility (8.06 seconds for AFL agility run) at Draft Combine in Western Australia.
 

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GoTigers2015 said:
21. Connor Macdonald

193cm, 80kg, Dandenong/Vic Country, midfielder

Connor is a goalkicking midfielder who has good skills and finds the ball well. He is a good competitor and is a great size for the modern midfield. He works extremely hard in games and is a dangerous player because he hits the scoreboard as a midfielder. He is sure to have a lot of clubs looking at him closely and I am sure he will be a top 30 selection.
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SumTingWong said:
Connor MacDonald sounds like a steal with one of our second round picks
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No way that size is right.
This is more closer:
Size: 184cm, 77kg
 
What are the question marks surrounding Hobbs? Has been in top 5 conversations all year but seems to have some negative reports about him recently? Why is he falling in mock drafts? Personally he looks like a potential gun and I would be stoked to have him at our club. Would love to hear anyone else’s opinions.
 
That top 50 a few posts back had apologies to a few including Eric Benning.

I guess Fremantle will take him, which might explain the lack of mentions but I did like what I saw.
 
Wavvey said:
What are the question marks surrounding Hobbs? Has been in top 5 conversations all year but seems to have some negative reports about him recently? Why is he falling in mock drafts? Personally he looks like a potential gun and I would be stoked to have him at our club. Would love to hear anyone else’s opinions.
Click to expand...
Athleticism is the knock from what I can gather. But my lord he’s exactly what we need. Wins big amounts of ball. Contested beast. Clearance beast. Kicks goals. Has leadership written all over him. Some people are being very picky about him imo. He’s the perfect fit for us
 
Wavvey said:
What are the question marks surrounding Hobbs? Has been in top 5 conversations all year but seems to have some negative reports about him recently? Why is he falling in mock drafts? Personally he looks like a potential gun and I would be stoked to have him at our club. Would love to hear anyone else’s opinions.
Click to expand...

I haven't really seen anything drastically negative. Most mock drafts have had him top 5/6.
Bigfooty, PRE, OER, most have him at around 7-9, I guess this is more due to GWS showing early interest in Mac Andrew and GC to a lesser extent. Crows showing interest in Rachele so in essence pushes Hobbs back. GWS, Crows and even GC have several inside mids so I think they'll pass on him.

Some detractors mention speed but id say his breakaway speed from a contest is good, his straight line speed is ok, not fast, not slow.

Strengths
Ball-winning ability
Power
Clearances
Leadership
Vision
Tackling
Ready-made

Weaknesses
Moving the ball by foot
Speed

This vid goes for almost 5 mins, he is agile enough and his speed is fine too. It's easy to pinpoint a player's negative side but they need to also acknowledge many of his strong attributes.

 

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OneEyedRichmond said:
the quality of KP this year is rubbish…next year is the KP draft. If this years KP were in next years they’re names wouldn’t be called out until at least the 3rd round.It’s a midfielders draft this year and that’s what we’re concentrating on 😉
Click to expand...
Not sure where all this talk about KPP abundance is coming from? The lists I have seen are all hybrid Ruck/kpp. Small number of genuine star KPF/KPB if any. If we finish top 4 then will miss out again! Take what's available and develop provided you start with sound stock.
 
Cotchy9 said:
Athleticism is the knock from what I can gather. But my lord he’s exactly what we need. Wins big amounts of ball. Contested beast. Clearance beast. Kicks goals. Has leadership written all over him. Some people are being very picky about him imo. He’s the perfect fit for us
Click to expand...
AstuteTiger said:
I haven't really seen anything drastically negative. Most mock drafts have had him top 5/6.
Bigfooty, PRE, OER, most have him at around 7-9, I guess this is more due to GWS showing early interest in Mac Andrew and GC to a lesser extent. Crows showing interest in Rachele so in essence pushes Hobbs back. GWS, Crows and even GC have several inside mids so I think they'll pass on him.

Some detractors mention speed but id say his breakaway speed from a contest is good, his straight line speed is ok, not fast, not slow.

Strengths
Ball-winning ability
Power
Clearances
Leadership
Vision
Tackling
Ready-made

Weaknesses
Moving the ball by foot
Speed

This vid goes for almost 5 mins, he is agile enough and his speed is fine too. It's easy to pinpoint a player's negative side but they need to also acknowledge many of his strong attributes.

Click to expand...

Thanks for the in depth responses! I really like the look of him and in my opinion if he falls to us, he is the type of player we would have plenty to work with. I honestly think we're sitting pretty at our pick. Whether its Hobbs, or Gibcus or whoever else the club deems good enough to select with a top 10 pick, we'll be getting a good one.
 
Wavvey said:
What are the question marks surrounding Hobbs? Has been in top 5 conversations all year but seems to have some negative reports about him recently? Why is he falling in mock drafts? Personally he looks like a potential gun and I would be stoked to have him at our club. Would love to hear anyone else’s opinions.
Click to expand...
His legs are 7cm too short , If they were longer he would be rated alot higher
 

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DoItForCaptBlood said:
RATD, have you seen much of Jack Williams? How do you rate him? Worth taking? Think he'll be there at our picks
26 ~?
Click to expand...
I reckon he'll be there. Freo could jump early but think they're more likely to trade down from 19 to late 20s/early 30s and pick up an extra pick. Of course that could be with us!

He has great hands and endurance and is still 17 so he's going to fill out into a big, strong man. Some question his pace but he always seems to get separation and if he doesn't his strength and one-grab hands serve him well.

He's a hard one to judge because he has so much potential development left. I like him more than the other WA talls. He's an option for one of our 20s picks for sure.
 
We are into Jy Amiss big time. If Hobbs is gone we are going Amiss @7 if isn’t taking at 6 by Dockers.
Also keen on Sonsie and Goater depending on whether they make it to 15 (17).

Freo and WC keen on Erasmus, Johnson, Sinn and Goater but only have 3 picks before our 15. One of these potentially can be available at 15.

I’m still feeling it’s:
Hobbs (7)
Sinn(15)
Sonsie(26) wishful thinking
 
Last edited:
With so many picks, there are so many combinations and good draft hands for us.

7: Hobbs/Ward/Amiss/Gibcus/Rachele

15: Van Rooyen/ Erasmus/ Johnson/Andrew/Sinn/Goater

26/7/8: Draper/ Chesser/ Macdonald/ Fahey/ Williams/ Butler/ Owens/ Howes/ Knevitt

Get 5 of those and its a pretty amazing draft.
 

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