Prediction 2021 GWS Board Mock AFL National Draft

Nov 23, 2015
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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 (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
 
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Nov 7, 2017
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One thing the various mock drafts have given me is a sense that - because in the real draft, I don't think the total picks will hit more than about 60 - there might be a few bargains/surprises taken in the rookie draft.

For GWS, while one part of me would like to reward the academy kids, so take someone like Patrick Voss as a rookie, I also wouldn't might a speculative pick on someone who has good attributes but doesn't get selected in the main draft. Someone such as James Willis (who I selected for Collingwood in our mock draft). Probably everyone has someone they think as a later selection could be a decent roughie.
There's some really good Wing prospects that should all last until late National/ Rookie Draft as well, I had us taking Fejo Jnr in the bigfooty draft board mock draft who's one of them, but guys like Arthur Jones and Jamieson Ballantyne I reckon will be decent at the next level if given the chance. Also think some of the VIC Metro talls that are lesser spoken about like Caminiti, Caleb Lewis, Sam Paea and Tyreece Leiu are pretty good value late on
 
Nov 23, 2015
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There's some really good Wing prospects that should all last until late National/ Rookie Draft as well, I had us taking Fejo Jnr in the bigfooty draft board mock draft who's one of them, but guys like Arthur Jones and Jamieson Ballantyne I reckon will be decent at the next level if given the chance. Also think some of the VIC Metro talls that are lesser spoken about like Caminiti, Caleb Lewis, Sam Paea and Tyreece Leiu are pretty good value late on
Yes, exactly some of the names I was thinking of.
 
Freo will take Kade Ditmar.
Athletic hard nut.
I would have liked to have taken a Tall forward, but there was many that I thought would have made a difference, they'll have to try and get one via trade or draft next year.
 
Nov 23, 2015
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Freo will take Kade Ditmar.
Athletic hard nut.
I would have liked to have taken a Tall forward, but there was many that I thought would have made a difference, they'll have to try and get one via trade or draft next year.
Freo do have Eric Bening a forward/ruck from their NGA, but could try to nurse him through to the rookie list.
 
Nov 23, 2015
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fridgeman sent me through his Port selection earlier today.

At pick #56, Port selects:

Charlie Dean (VFL - Williamstown)

STARTED the 2019 season like a house on fire and genuinely pushed himself up as one of the top key position forwards available in the AFL Draft. Unfortunately he did not have the championships he would have liked for Vic Metro, and was eventually sent back to defence for Sandringham to build his versatility, showing he can play at either end, but is still a promising forward. He was much-loved by the Dragons’ coaching staff for that facet of his game, taking on the more selfless defensive roles of his bottom-age year while still having an impact when swung back forward – as shown in his two-goal effort against Geelong in Wildcard Round. Building more consistent form and adding greater athleticism to his footy smarts will be the next step for Dean, who is high-level at his best.

In 2021, Williamstown defender Charlie Dean shapes as an AFL Draft bolter after claiming the VFL award that has suggested senior-level success in the near future. Dean claimed the 2021 Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal, named for the three men who’ve completed the Liston-Brownlow double, after a breakout season as an intercept defender. The last 14 winners of the award, given to the best young player in the VFL, have all been drafted by an AFL club.

STRENGTHS: Leading patterns, versatility, scoreboard impact, work rate, footy IQ
IMPROVEMENTS: Agility, consistency

Carlton is up next, Determinant!
 
I think Carlton would probably benefit more from a key defender here, but can't find one I like significantly better than this guy.
Pick 57 Carlton select Sam Breuer GWV - Medium Defender

Competitive, finds the ball, can play through the midfield and has the look of an AFL footballer.

Danny88 is up
 

Danny88

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Hawks take

Sam Banks
Tasmania Devils, NAB League / Clarence FC
State: Tasmania
Height: 187cm
Weight: 71kg
Date of Birth: 02/04/03
Medium defender also capable of displaying his polish through the midfield. His use of the ball is elite, being a combination of precise decision making and neat disposal by hand and foot. Been Tasmania’s shining light for several years, winning its MVP and All-Australian honours at under-16s level in 2019. Had an injury interrupted season after suffering a broken wrist, missing the NAB AFL Academy game. But was in sparkling form before and after that, playing four matches with the Devils in the NAB League, averaging 21.8 disposals and was selected in NAB League’s Team of the Year.
 
Nov 23, 2015
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Bugger. You've named the exact guy I was going to select for Western Bulldogs!

OK, so Bulldogs are a pretty strong team as evidenced by their GF appearance this year. They have some weaknesses in their tall forwards, but will work that out as JUH, English, Naughton & possibly Darcy mature. They certainly have a ruck deficiency, but they'll be hoping that goes away with Darcy in a few years. They also have a deficiency in quality tall defenders, unless Darcy is swapped into that role. But that won't be solved by any of the options available at this point (IMHO), and they already have depth in so-so tall defenders, so I wouldn't be adding to that.

They do have a good midfield, particularly inside. But you'd argue that their weakness is in pushing good inside mids into outside roles. Nevertheless, at this point in the draft, it would be unlikely to be selecting someone who plugs an immediate gap. In reality, after losing a number of players from their midfield depth (Lipinski, Jong, Hayes), the idea would be to replace some of those and hope that one of them can push through and become a solid role player at least.

Given they've also just lost Easton Wood to a late retirement, I was going to select Sam Banks as ticking an ability to play a couple of roles - either medium defender/good ball user down back, or an outside midfielder with good ball use going inside 50.

The other options I was looking at included: Cooper Beecken (SA), Charlie Molan (VC), Isaac Birt (SA) & Hugh Jackson (SA).

I did agonise over who represented the best value at this pick, and was ultimately satisfied when I had settled on Sam Banks, so now you've caused me to agonise all over again!

At pick #59, Western Bulldogs select medium utility Charlie Molan (Victorian Country) 186cm / 83kg

SNAPSHOT: “Arguably the most well-balanced player in terms of footballing traits, Molan puts out consistent four-quarter efforts and can play anywhere on the field, making him the most versatile player going around.”

Charlie Molan is a coach’s dream. The Greater Western Victoria (GWV) Rebels utility is the ultimate team player and one of the most guaranteed locks for playing a role his side needs. His defensive accountability, work rate and versatility make him perfect as that plug-and-play type who can go in any position on the field, and make few mistakes. He might not be the most flashy player and create those memorable offensive moments that everyone can relate to, but if you want a player that gives 100 per cent effort each and every game, and rarely makes a massive blue, then Molan is that player.

STRENGTHS:

+ Defensive accountability
+ Work rate
+ Versatility
+ Consistency
+ Clean skills
+ Evasion

IMPROVEMENTS:

– Hurt factor
– Explosive speed

When watching Molan, the first thought you have is, the fact that there is nothing completely limiting him like some draft prospects. His ball use by hand or foot is clean, he is able to compete in the air or at ground level, he is smart enough to evade opponents to get out of trouble, and his work rate is higher than the majority of players out there. Drop him in the forward line and he kicks scores, put him in defence and he nullifies opponents and mops up, put him in midfield and he wins the ball and is able to execute to teammates cleanly. So with all that said and done, why is Molan perhaps not considered in the top few prospects?

As a whole, Molan just lacks that really damaging trait or aspect. He does not have that explosive speed or real hurt factor that can win a game off his own boot. But in saying that, Molan is underrated for what he does do, because he ticks a lot of boxes. The utility is the type of player every AFL club has had over the years, where they might not receive the outside accolades, but inside the four walls, they are highly valued, and Molan looms as that player. He is consistent with his disposal – be it short, medium or long by foot – as well as his composure by hand to quickly flick on a handball or open up space for a teammate.

From a defensive standpoint, there are few better than Molan for his repeat efforts, great work rate and endurance, and sheer consistency from that aspect. Throw in the versatility, and Molan offers so much to a club that it is worth viewing what he does well, compared to what he might not be able to. His consistency all year for the Rebels and coming through the Vic Country Under 16s and Under 19s program attest to his sheer willingness to succeed, and he is one of those players who will bleed for the jumper, and deserves a chance at the top level.

In the end, I considered that every team needs someone like this - he's especially able to plug injury gaps, and while he may never be a star of the competition, he'll be highly regarded by his coaching staff and teammates. At this late a pick, it's not a stretch. Also, Bulldogs will have a couple of very late picks, so I'll look to probably pick up one of two of those I overlooked.

The guy I was debating heavily about picking up was Isaac Birt, an outside player who I think could eventually find his way into the Bulldogs side as a specialist winger.

Over to Determinant for St Kilda's next pick.
 
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Nov 23, 2015
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Continuing my theme of rebuilding some depth in the Pies' midfield, I'd also note that Graham Wright said Collingwood would only take Daicos + 2 or 3 in the main draft. So, This will be my last pick used in anger. I've played a straight bat with Daicos, Long & Willis all fairly inside types, albeit with other strings to their bows. For the last pick, though, I'll take a bit of a wildcard. This guy could miss as easily as hit, but if we can get him to AFL level he cut really cut sides open on the outside - something that the current Collingwood squad doesn't really have anyone of the capacity to do.

At pick #61, Collingwood selects Ronald Fejo jnr (NT) - wing/small forward 178cm / 70kg

Strength: Movement / Composure in traffic

Rationale: Fejo moved himself from NT to SA to play football, and to try to break into AFL, with no guarantee it'd be successful. So that's a big plus. Footy-wise, he has enormous composure with the ball, doesn't ever seem rushed with ball in hand and able to apply pressure to the ball carrier.

In time, I could see him replacing Sidey on the wing for Collingwood; in the shorter term, a half-forward or pressure forward role might be there for him - potentially if de Goey moves more into the midfield or Elliott is out injured he could get a shot.

So, back to Determinant for the next Saints' pick.
 
Really should have done this and the last pick the other way around, certainly intended to :)

Saints select Jamieson Ballantyne, classy outside mid, probably a slider of some sort to last this late.

One of a number of GWV Rebels who added extra depth to the top-end quality this year, Jamieson Ballantyne provided some great outside run and spread for his team. Playing predominantly off a wing, Ballantyne not only found plenty of the ball in transition, but was able to move it on and usually put it into dangerous areas. His composure and vision with ball-in-hand were noticeable, whilst it is just completing the defensive aspects of his game that could build his overall profile.

PMBangers is up next for Melbourne
 
Unfortunately, he went to Essendon at pick #50 - you'll have to re-select.
Running out of names with my limited research tbh

So having attempted the gazumping selection, Saints pick Jake Soligo Mid, Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro
Meets the need for a classy onballer, plays a balanced game with a good pressure rating
 
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PMBangers - this was an extra pick created from the remnants of the pick (that started life as #49) used to match the Taj Woewodin bid between Melbourne's second and third original picks. I checked with Lore, and she agreed that the spare points are not ''banked'' once outside the first round. However, I'm not sure exactly how they're dealt with if there are no list spots available. The spare points created a pick behind Melbourne's original 4th pick, but by my read Melbourne will only have the 4 main list spots to fill and I suspect that either this pick would not have been placed here in the first place, or will need to be a pass. If you agree with the list spots?
 
Nov 7, 2017
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PMBangers - this was an extra pick created from the remnants of the pick (that started life as #49) used to match the Taj Woewodin bid between Melbourne's second and third original picks. I checked with Lore, and she agreed that the spare points are not ''banked'' once outside the first round. However, I'm not sure exactly how they're dealt with if there are no list spots available. The spare points created a pick behind Melbourne's original 4th pick, but by my read Melbourne will only have the 4 main list spots to fill and I suspect that either this pick would not have been placed here in the first place, or will need to be a pass. If you agree with the list spots?
Yeah thats all good, happy with the haul the Dees come out with anyway
 

Orange crush

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As a project player who could be anything, West Coast select the 178 cm 70 kg Ronald Fejo Jr. from the NT.

will fill in details later
 
There are still a few kids who could turn out to be solid players ... but competition for the best of the remaining is fierce.

Fremantle up next GWS Goose.
I cant see Fremantle taking a 5th player, so Ill pass
 

Danny88

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Swans will look at a utility type

Blake Howes
Sandringham Dragons, NAB League / Parkdale FC / St. Bede's
State: Victoria (Metro)
Height: 190cm
Weight: 79kg
Date of Birth: 07/04/03

Medium forward who also has shown the versatility to adapt well to playing on the wing this year, using his lively speed and thrilling marking to great effect. An innate ability around goals adds to his armory - he played for both the Australian Under-18s and Victorian Metro Under-19s in representative matches this year, giving encouraging glimpses of his potential. Has Jack Gunston traits as a lead-up forward and this year played seven matches for the Sandringham Dragons, averaging 15.7 disposals and a goal a game to earn 'Team of the Year' honours for his overall performances.
 
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