Prediction 2021 GWS Board Mock AFL National Draft

[Giant Strides]

2021 National Draft Selections

1. North Melbourne - Jason Horne-Francis (SA)
2. Western Bulldogs - Sam Darcy (VM), matching a bid from GWS Giants
3. Collingwood - Nick Daicos (VM), matching a bid from GWS Giants
4. Hawthorn - Finn Callaghan (VM)
5. Gold Coast Suns - Josh Ward (VM)
6. Adelaide - Ben Hobbs (VC)
7. GWS Giants - Mac Andrew (VC) **plus Hawthorn's 2022 first round selection**
8. Fremantle - Neil Erasmus (WA)
9. Richmond - Josh Gibcus (VC)
10. Fremantle - Tyler Sonsie (VM)
11. St Kilda - Josh Rachele (VC)
12. West Coast Eagles - Matt Johnson (WA)
13. Essendon - Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera (SA)
14. Port Adelaide - Arlo Draper
15. GWS Giants - Jye Amiss (WA)
16. Brisbane Lions - Matt Roberts (SA)
17. Richmond - Josh Sinn (VM)
18. Sydney Swans - Campbell Chesser (VC)
19. Melbourne - Michito Owens (VM)
20. Brisbane Lions - Jacob Van Rooyen (WA)

21. Fremantle - Josh Goater (VM)
22. North Melbourne - Darcy Wilmot (VM)
23. Hawthorn - Jack Williams (WA)
24. Geelong Cats - Josh Browne (WA)
25. Hawthorn - Sam Butler

Multiple players found. Use birthday to differentiate. eg [PLAYERCARD="23/11/1962"]Joe Smith[/PLAYERCARD]

(VC)
26. GWS - Josh Fahey (NSW), matching a bid from Carlton
27. Carlton - Zac Taylor (VM)
28. Richmond - Mitch Knevitt (VC)
29. Richmond - Leek Alleer (SA)
30. West Coast Eagles - Blake Howes (VM)
31. Geelong Cats - Rhett Bazzo (WA)
32. Sydney Swans - Judson Clarke (VC)
33. Geelong Cats - Corey Warner (WA)
34. Adelaide - Jesse Motlop (WA)
35. Geelong Cats - Toby Conway (VC)
36. West Coast Eagles - Angus Sheldrick (WA)
37. Melbourne - Tom Brown (VC)
38. Richmond - Connor Macdonald (VC)
39. Melbourne - Taj Woewodin (WA), matching a bid by Sydney Swans
40. Sydney Swans - Braden Andrews (VM)

41. Richmond - Cooper Murley (SA)
42. Brisbane Lions - Paul Curtis (VC)
43. North Melbourne - Lachlan Rankin (VM)
44. North Melbourne - Brady Hough (WA)
45. Geelong Cats - Lachie Paton (WA)
46. St Kilda - Marcus Windhager (VM), matching a bid by Essendon
47. Essendon - Blake Schlensog (WA)
48. Brisbane - pass due to list spots
49. Collingwood - Ned Long (VM)
50. Essendon - Jamieson Ballantyne (VC)
51. Melbourne - James Tunstill (WA)
52. Collingwood - James Willis (SA)
53. Hawthorn - Miller Bergman (VC)
54. Brisbane - pass due to list spots
55. Fremantle - Kade Dittmar (WA)
56. Port Adelaide - Charlie Dean (VFL)
57. Carlton - Sam Breuer (VC)
58. Hawthorn - Sam Banks (Tas)
59. Western Bulldogs - Charlie Molan (VC)
60. St Kilda - Hugh Stagg (SA)
61. Collingwood - Ronald Fejo jnr (NT)
62. St Kilda - Jake Soligo (VM)
63. Melbourne (*pick 44 remnant from matching Taj Woewodin) - pass due to list spots
64. West Coast Eagles - Morgan Ferres (SA)
65. Fremantle - pass, leaving a spot vacant on main list
66. Sydney Swans - Joshua Cripps (WA)
67. St Kilda (* pick 55 remnant from Marcus Windhager) - pass, leaving a spot vacant on main list
68. Port Adelaide - Jase Burgoyne (SA), matching a bid by North Melbourne
69. North Melbourne - Anthony Caminiti (VM)
70. Port Adelaide - pass, leaving a spot vacant on main list
71. Adelaide - Arthur Jones (WA)

Expended picks moved to the back of the draft:
Western Bulldogs
Western Bulldogs
Western Bulldogs
Collingwood
Collingwood
GWS Giants

Selectors:

Adelaide - Andre the Giant
Brisbane - JC100
Carlton - Determinant
Collingwood - Giant Strides
Essendon - fridgeman
Fremantle - GWS Goose
Geelong - Orange crush
Gold Coast - GWS Goose
GWS - JC100
Hawthorn - Danny88
Melbourne - PMBangers
North Melbourne - PMBangers
Port Adelaide - fridgeman
Richmond - Andre the Giant
St Kilda - Determinant
Sydney - Danny88
West Coast - Orange crush
Western Bulldogs - Giant Strides

 

[JC100]

Brisbane Lions
Pick 16: Matthew Roberts
Inside Mid

Ready to go inside mid who can slot straight in to the midfield rotation at the lions

Andre the Giant

 

[Giant Strides]

Jye Amiss
Best position: Key Forward
Height, weight: 195cm, 83kg

Rationale: Has this year become the dominant goalkicker in the junior ranks, kicking a WAFL Colts competition high 51 goals from his 15 games and the highest across any of the junior competitions.

Genuine goalkicking key forward - too good to refuse at 15

I know this is just a mock draft, but I'm surprised that he lasted until now ... past Freo, Richmond & WCE. As you say, too good to go past for us.

 

[Andre the Giant]

Well after nearly thinking I would sort out my KPF situation with Amiss I wipe away the tears and after briefly flirting with the idea of taking the tall mid in Goater I settle on Josh Sinn as my replacement for Bachar Houli

14

Bachar Houli

Age

35

Ht

180cm

Wt

83kg

Pos.

Def

Career

Season

Last 5

D

22.4

5star

K

12.8

5star

HB

9.6

5star

M

5.4

5star

T

2.5

4star

MG

431.0

5star

D

22.8

5star

K

10.5

4star

HB

12.3

5star

M

6.5

5star

T

2.3

3star

MG

302.8

4star

D

14.0

4star

K

6.6

3star

HB

7.4

5star

M

4.2

4star

T

1.0

3star

.

Sinn’s line breaking speed is not unlike Lachie Ash and will give the Tigers drive out of defence. He should be a difference maker and is a lovely pick up at this selection for the Tigers as they seek to regenerate their ageing list.

Josh Sinn
Half-back/midfielder
186cm/73kg
7/1/03
Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
Sinn's speed and line-breaking run was on show earlier this season for the Sandringham Dragons before a hamstring injury kept him out of action for two months. He returned to play in Vic Metro's carnival game against Vic Country but then hurt his ankle and didn't get to play again. The left-footer's pace is definitely a weapon and he can bound out of defence and quickly get the ball inside 50 for his side.

Danny88 you are up for the Sydney Swans!

 

[Danny88]

With Dawson going out Sydney need an aggressive mid/half back type to move into that role. Chesser is that man. Passes the good bloke test too apparently

Midfielder/defender
186cm/83kg
27/4/03
Sandringham Dragons/Vic Country

Coming into the year widely regarded as a top 10 prospect, Campbell Chesser suffered a meniscus injury in his second NAB League outing of the season, limiting his opportunities across a highly anticipated top-age campaign. What Chesser had shown in the previous fixture and his Under 16s year, was his clean ball use and athleticism, allowing him to strive through the midfield with his classy ball movement going forward. To complement this, Chesser is a two-way runner, winning possession in the defensive 50 and moving it on well, then generally running hard to impact up the field in the same passage of play.



STRENGTHS:

+ Speed
+ Kicking
+ Class
+ Versatility
+ Outside run
+ Breaking the lines



IMPROVEMENTS:

– Contested game
– Tackling

 

[PMBangers]

Pick 19 - Mitch Owens
Sandringham Dragons
190 cm 85 kg
Utility

Stand Out Attributes: Power, Versatility, Contested Game
Rationale: SO rewatching footage over the last few weeks Owens is one that I realised I was underrating due to focusing on bigger names at Sandringham, to the point where I think I may rate him higher than the much more talked about Josh Goater with Owens Versatility and defensive work rate the deciding factor between the two. There's not much wrong with Mitch currently, his kicking and endurance are iffy but will improve in a full time environment, and his ability in a variety of roles will hold him in good stead at the next level as a club won't have an issue turning him into the type of player they want him to be.

In the context of Melbourne specifically, they're pretty set as is from my POV and should just be looking to get high ceiling players from their higher picks, and that's what Mitch is

 

[JC100]

Pick 20 Jacob van Rooyan
Position: Key forward

Long term replacement for Joe Daniher and will have an opportunity with a jug pre season to get some games in early with Hipwood coming back from his ACL

GWS Goose

 

[GWS Goose]

Pick 20 Jacob van Rooyan
Position: Key forward

Long term replacement for Joe Daniher and will have an opportunity with a jug pre season to get some games in early with Hipwood coming back from his ACL

GWS Goose

You stole my pick

 

[JC100]

You stole my pick

I had to double check he was still available. Good get at 20

 

[GWS Goose]

Fremantle to take Josh Goater.
Again going best available. Had a decent forward being available I'd have gone with that . I have no real confidence in the remaining forwards so have gone with the player I see as best available
Goater is an athletic beast that has utility value.
Has the potential to be anything and could end up being one of the best players in the draft (wouldn't be disappointed if we ended up with him in the draft proper)
Part of my logic here is that I already took Sonsie, who also is a high ceiling player with a few question mark, that adding in Goater, at least one of them becomes real good with Erasmus being a more known quality.

 

[PMBangers]

North Melbourne will take Darcy Wilmot from the Northern Knights. The Kangas need a young reliable general defender that's able to lockdown as well as rebound and use it well off the half back line. I've said it before and I'll say it again, WIlmot is one of the players I'm most confident in becoming a 200+ gamer at AFL level, he just has 'it' when it comes to application, attitude and leadership. Being a late December birth is a huge advantage as well, lot of development there and he's less than 24 hours away from being one of the top 5 contenders for next year

 

[Danny88]

Hawks will select Jack Williams in the hope he becomes the key forward they are lacking

23. Jack Williams

East Fremantle/Western Australia | Key Forward

01/12/2003 | 195cm | 91kg

WAFL Colts: 11 games | 15.6 disp | 2.9 goals

Strong and aggressive, Williams has impressed for the Sharks as a consistent target up the line and inside the forward 50. He’s quick to read the ball off the boot and is an accurate kick for goal, as well as spending good time in the ruck and showing flashes behind the ball as well. Williams’ versatility has been a good point of difference to go with his consistency of form this year in the colts, plus has a coveted basketball background.

 

[Orange crush]

Geelong looks to get some more pressure up forward with potential for midfield time by taking Josh Browne ... a Cam Guthrie-like player who can replace Dahlhaus at half forward and later run through the guts.

Josh Browne


East Fremantle/Wes| Midfielder

3/01/2003 | 185cm | 77kg

WAFL Colts: 13 games | 32.8 disp | 0.8 goals

A highly prolific on-baller, Browne propelled the Sharks this year off the back of an insatiable work-rate complemented by an ability to find the ball both on the inside and outside. He has also become damaging in the forward half, while still working hard defensively and applying pressure. The gut-runner took home the Jack Clarke Medal for best and fairest in the WAFL Colts in 2021.

Danny88

www.bigfooty.com

 

[Danny88]

Hawks land a Breust replacement!!

25. Sam Butler

Multiple players found. Use birthday to differentiate. eg [PLAYERCARD="23/11/1962"]Joe Smith[/PLAYERCARD]

GWV Rebels/Vic Country | Midfielder/Forward

10/02/2003 | 184cm | 73kg

NAB League: 7 games | 16.7 disp | 0.9 goals

The younger brother of the Saints’ Dan, Butler is a live-wire midfielder who makes a big impact when the ball hits the deck. His forward pressure is first-class and he usually takes advantage of his opportunities when he gets the ball. He’s pushed into the midfield and shown an ability to win his own ball, but does some of his best work at the feet of tall forwards where he reads the ball off the pack and hits it with pace.

 

[Giant Strides]

Determinant - Carlton is on the clock for its first pick!

 

[Determinant]

Carlton select Josh Fahey

GWS GIANTS Academy/Allies | General Defender

11/11/2003 | 186cm | 76kg

AFL Academy: 1 game | 23.0 disp | 2.0 marks

A best on ground performance for the AFL Academy in its clash with Geelong VFL has Fahey holding his ranking. He delivers the ball beautifully from defensive 50 with his raking left boot and has a huge engine to run all day with high half-forwards. His defensive instincts and ball use gives him a high floor as a prospect, and his propensity to deliver in big games moves him to the precipice of the first round despite struggling to play games in the ACT.

JC100 to match or pass

 

[JC100]

Carlton select Josh Fahey

GWS GIANTS Academy/Allies | General Defender

11/11/2003 | 186cm | 76kg

AFL Academy: 1 game | 23.0 disp | 2.0 marks

A best on ground performance for the AFL Academy in its clash with Geelong VFL has Fahey holding his ranking. He delivers the ball beautifully from defensive 50 with his raking left boot and has a huge engine to run all day with high half-forwards. His defensive instincts and ball use gives him a high floor as a prospect, and his propensity to deliver in big games moves him to the precipice of the first round despite struggling to play games in the ACT.

JC100 to match or pass

Matched

 

[Determinant]

Carlton select Zac Taylor Mid/Fwd Calder Cannons


Calder Cannons/Vic Metro | Small Midfielder/Forward
31/01/2003 | 180cm | 74kg
September Ranking: #25

Snapshot:

A crafty small prospect with outstanding vision, skills and decision making, Taylor has no trouble finding the ball and makes things happen when in possession. A Vic Metro representative at Under 16 level, Taylor proved undeniable for repeat honours in the Under 19 grade this year given his outstanding NAB League form. The 180cm midfielder-forward combines toughness with high level smarts; not afraid to work hard to win his own ball, but most effective when able to accumulate and tear sides apart with his sharp skills. The 18-year-old has a great turn of speed and looks to be creative with each possession, breaking into space with his zip before hitting targets further afield. He is particularly reliable by foot and puts up ultra-consistent numbers each week, making him a deserved entrant to the top 25 up our September update.

Last month:

While unsighted on the football field along with his fellow Victorians, Taylor was recognised with Calder’s best and fairest award to go with NAB League Team of the Year honours.

Draft Central

Andre the Giant is up for a tiger double

 

[Giant Strides]

Matched

OK, so the Fahey bid/match came at #26 - requires 532 points from GWS

GWS has picks #46 (331 pts) & #66 (80 pts), leaving a deficit of 121 points, to be taken off the GWS second round pick in 2022 (would be approx a 5 to 7 position slide).

I'll reset the draft order.

 

[Andre the Giant]

Selection 28 - Richmond

Mitchell Knevitt - Midfielder

Age:	8/1/2003
Weight:	81kg
Height:	193cm
Club:	Geelong Falcons/Vic Country

Stats
2021 NAB League (9 games)
122 ranking points, 24.3 disposals, 4.4 clearances, 4.7 score involvements

A strong inside midfielder, Knevitt has climbed up draft boards across the course of the year after a consistent campaign with the Falcons. Knevitt rated elite in the NAB League for contested possessions, averaging 12.3 a game, and finished the season as Geelong’s second-ranked played behind Noah Gribble. Impressively, he also played four senior Geelong Football League matches for Grovedale, averaging 19.8 disposals. Knevitt has been likened to two-time Brownlow medallist Nat Fyfe given his size, running ability and aerial ability. He has clean and quick hands in stoppage situations and can also hurt opposition sides with his run and strong overhead marking when he gets in space. Knevitt was one of Vic County’s best performers in its Challenge Match against Vic Metro in July, logging 22 disposals, four clearances and six marks.

 

[Andre the Giant]

Selection 29 - Richmond

This selection was a tough one but ultimately the feeling is we need a kid who can play firsts immediately in defence as Grimes is 30 and Tarrant 32, Balta is a gun but coming off injury.

Gibcus will take some time as he needs to strengthen up, Leek is 2 years older and has played against men in SANFL and acquitted himself well, he is just too talented to pass up here.

Leek Alleer - Defender

Age:	21/08/2001
Weight:	84kg
Height:	195cm
Club:	Central District/SA

Stats
2021 SANFL (11 games)
67 ranking points, 6.5 intercept possessions, 2.5 intercept marks, 5.4 spoils
2020 SANFL U18 (8 games)
96 ranking points, 14.3 disposals, 9.1 contested possessions, 6 goals (total)

Injury ruined his draft chances over the past two years but, after switching to defence over summer, Alleer has had a breakout season at SANFL level this year, impressing with his off-the-charts athleticism and high marking that has excited AFL recruiters. The raw key-defender has dominated the air at times, taking 28 intercept marks in 11 senior games. Senior coach Paul Thomas

Paul Thomas

Age

41

Ht

182cm

Wt

80kg

Pos.

Fwd

Career

Season

Last 5

D

10.1

3star

K

4.9

2star

HB

5.3

4star

M

2.3

2star

T

2.4

4star

G

0.1

2star

No current season stats available

D

9.8

3star

K

3.6

2star

HB

6.2

4star

M

2.0

3star

T

3.0

5star

G

0.0

1star

describes the 19-year-old, who is rising quickly up draft boards, as “very athletic, very coachable, very intelligent, very humble and a very quiet professional whose upside is tremendous”.

 

[Orange crush]

WC looking at big fast versatile wingman to help get the ball forward with style while also able to slide forward and provide an option take Blake Howes. He provides what they tried to make brander int

Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro | Forward/Wing
07/04/2003 | 190cm | 79kg
September Ranking: #26

Snapshot:

One of the best athletes available in this year’s draft, Howes boasts a terrific aerial game but also competes well at ground level and shows promising versatility. While unranked last month, Howes is one who previously featured in our top 25 and is a player who should be well known to keen draft watchers. He was an All Australian at Under 16 level, plying his trade as a high-marking medium forward with wonderful athleticism and clean hands. While he started the year off in that usual forward post, Howes has since shown his versatility with a shift to the wing and is a classic high-ceiling type of prospect. He was included in this year’s initial AFL Academy intake and continues to back up that selection with form fitting of his potential as a mainstay in the Sandringham Dragons’ side.

Last month:

Howes would have benefitted greatly from even more time on the field, but can look forward to showcasing his athleticism should Victoria’s Metro pool get the opportunity to complete combine testing.

 

[Orange crush]

Following up for Gerlong, we need a defender with Henderson cooked so Rhett Bazzo is the man


POSITION: Tall Defender/Forward



SNAPSHOT: “A promising swingman who thrives aerially, Bazzo looks most comfortable down back where he can read the play, intercept, and distribute by foot.”



One of the premier tall prospects heading into the year, Rhett Bazzo could well prove a value selection come draft time. The Swan Districts swingman shot to prominence in 2019 after earning All Australian honours at the Under 16 National Championships, before going on to don state colours at Under 18 and 19 level in consecutive years. The son of late WAFL champion, Steve, Bazzo proudly wore the Swans’ number one guernsey in their recent Colts premiership triumph and was also a key figure for Guildford Grammar in the PSA competition. Able to play at both ends of the ground, the 195cm talent stands up in big games and is a terrific aerial feature.



STRENGTHS:

+ Reading the play
+ Intercept marking
+ Distribution
+ Composure
+ Versatility

Danny88

www.bigfooty.com

 

[Giant Strides]

Sydney is still on the clock, and counting down Danny88.

 

[Danny88]

Sydney move to add to their forward stocks
26. Judson Clarke

Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country | General Forward

17/10/2003 | 179cm | 69kg

NAB League: 5 games | 17.6 disp | 0.8 goals

Showing good forward craft for the Stingrays, Clarke is nimble on his feet and tough to tackle for opponents with ball in hand. A smart small forward, he takes advantage of defensive mistakes and hits the scoreboard when the ball comes off packs by reading it well and showcasing a clean pair of heels. His trial game against Metro was brilliant with five goals. Clarke hasn’t shown much up the ground, but knows his job and puts together really good small forward games.

 

[Orange crush]

Geelong need more midfield options so let’s have a look at Corey Warner, brother of Sydney boy Chad.

East Fremantle/Western Australia | Balanced Midfielder
07/10/2003 | 182cm | 74kg

Snapshot:

Warner is a hard-running midfielder who can play both inside and out, breaking forward with intent and a penetrating left foot kick. There is another ‘C. Warner’ running around, this time of the Corey variety after brother Chad was drafted to Sydney in 2019. The younger sibling skippered Aquinas College this year and managed four League games for East Fremantle, plying his trade out on the wing. He traded that outside role for one at the centre bounces when playing against his peers, averaging 24 disposals in nine Colts games and matching that average across his three finals appearances. While somewhat dependant on his left side, Warner gets good penetration on the end of bursting runs forward, carrying away from midfield with purpose. He also made a State Under 19s appearance in 2021 and has risen steeply into second round contention.