Draft 2022 AFLW Draft Analysis - Slice of Pie

[cmndstab]

Is it just me or are Adelaide screwed in this draft?

The AFL have taken all the power away from Adelaide and given it to Port. Here's a scenario: Looking at the draft combine, Ports' likely academy signings are Keeley Kusterman, Sachi Syme, and Lana Schwerdt (If they can sign three). Now Power has the first five draft picks from the SA pool and U18 All Australians Hannah Ewings, Sarah Goodwin, and Amelie Borg are signed. Chuck in Ella Boag and Jemma Ellis and that's Round 1. Lastly, the Power trip ends with their open age signings. Kiera Mueller and Ella Little can now be taken and signed before the draft, and then there was no talent left on the SA draft combine for Adelaide.

Port will certainly get to pick the eyes out of the SA talent in this draft, no question. But to be fair, the Crows have been doing that for the last five years.

 

[Arbiter]

West Coast can pre-sign up to four mature-age players who have previously nominated for the draft.

1. Ella Smith
2. Kate Bartlett
3. Jaide Britton
4. Bella Mann

I'm guessing.

 

[Pie 4 Life]

West Coast can pre-sign up to four mature-age players who have previously nominated for the draft.

1. Ella Smith
2. Kate Bartlett
3. Jaide Britton
4. Bella Mann

I'm guessing.

I'm guessing you're 50% right.

 

[Vacuous Space]

This may be one of those things that everybody but me already knew, but all the NAB League games from this year are easily watchable online without resorting to app shenanigans (like I have previously).

2022 NAB League Girls

Watch full-match replays of every match from the 2022 NAB League, as 13 teams of next-generation talent from Victoria and Tasmania clash in this Under-19 competition.

www.afl.com.au

It would also appear the champs games are online here:

2022 NAB AFL National Championships - U18

Watch full-match replays from the 2022 NAB AFL National Championships, as the Under 18 Boys and Girls compete for national glory while striving to reach the big time.

www.afl.com.au

I know some people were previously looking for them. Also, if anybody finds the AFLW Academy v the u23 all-stars game, I was busy that day and I missed it.

 

[Arbiter]

I'm guessing you're 50% right.

I'll take 50% tell me maestro, who's in and who's out.

 

[Biggie]

I'll take 50% tell me maestro, who's in and who's out.

Ella Smith is in

Eagles swoop on WAFLW’s best player

West Coast have ramped up their AFLW list rebuild, signing the WAFLW’s biggest star as they look to rise from the bottom of the ladder.

thewest.com.au

The other is Sasha Goranova

 

[Arbiter]

Ella Smith is in

The other is Sasha Goranova

I have one on the board

 

[Biggie]

I have one on the board

You'll get another tomorrow.

 

[Pie 4 Life]

You'll get another tomorrow.

Absolutely no one will see it coming. Definitely didn't have any sort of discussion in this thread about these players before it happened

 

[Arbiter]

You'll get another tomorrow.

Let me guess Bartlett?

 

[Pie 4 Life]

Let me guess Bartlett?

As flagged earlier in the thread it's to be expected.

 

[Arbiter]

As flagged earlier in the thread it's to be expected.

Where do you see Bella Mann? Is she one that you expect top go late in the draft, or slip through entirely?

 

[Pie 4 Life]

Where do you see Bella Mann? Is she one that you expect top go late in the draft, or slip through entirely?

She might get picked up, no guarantees. She had a better champs again. I'd expect she will be later on. Improved her kicking and endurance this year, but still has to sharpen up her decision making a bit more and isn't the most athletic player.

 

[Biggie]

Where do you see Bella Mann

Good league player. Not sure she’s AFLW quality

 

[Arbiter]

Ok Collingwood has lost Verlado for Brazzale and gained second round pick with later picks swapped. Not that I see too much value in this trade, but what is the best case scenario for a high second round pick in Victoria?

 

[PMBangers]

Ok Collingwood has lost Verlado for Brazzale and gained second round pick with later picks swapped. Not that I see too much value in this trade, but what is the best case scenario for a high second round pick in Victoria?

Keely Coyne could be around that range and might be of interest to Collingwood given they're likely to favour attacking half players, but she's also a chance to go in the VIC first round so who knows

 

[Arbiter]

Keely Coyne could be around that range and might be of interest to Collingwood given they're likely to favour attacking half players, but she's also a chance to go in the VIC first round so who knows

She seems a little small Bangers. She is a defender correct?

 

[PMBangers]

She seems a little small Bangers. She is a defender correct?

Played as a midfielder this year for Sandy and on the Wing for Metro, I think clubs view her more as a high half forward at the next level due to her size, but she's really competitive regardless so could fill in anywhere with the proper development

 

[Arbiter]

Played as a midfielder this year for Sandy and on the Wing for Metro, I think clubs view her more as a high half forward at the next level due to her size, but she's really competitive regardless so could fill in anywhere with the proper development

Maybe, but maybe we've been looking in the wrong area. The NT girls on the draft combine, these are talented players. And imagine Gold Coast is happy with their academies this year so where do the three below fit? Even Bella Clarke from Essendon might make the cut. She was on the last combine for NT.

Cassie McWilliams

Grace Mulvahil

J'Noemi Anderson

 

[Pie 4 Life]

Maybe, but maybe we've been looking in the wrong area. The NT girls on the draft combine, these are talented players. And imagine Gold Coast is happy with their academies this year so where do the three below fit? Even Bella Clarke from Essendon might make the cut. She was on the last combine for NT.

Cassie McWilliams

Grace Mulvahil

J'Noemi Anderson

How would you describe those three and at what draft selection would you take them?

 

[Arbiter]

How would you describe those three and at what draft selection would you take them?

You've already given your take on J'Nomei Anderson, but I'll give my opinion on the other two.

Grace Mulvahil was elite in her youth, she won the Southern Districts the premiership when she was 15 their best on ground. Mulvahil has proven that she can play up forward or down back many times. Was very good last year in the championships, but was ultimately overlooked. Hasn't been as good this year at the championships, but she's a good height at 173cm and probably worth the punt. Draft Range - late Second-Third Round. She has a good chance of being snubbed, but IMO she should have already been on a list considering the amount of poor draftees last year.

Cassie McWilliam. Short for a ruck, only 179cm, but has good body work in the ruck - she knows how to position herself. McWilliam also works very hard around the ground, but her best benefit might be when she pushes forward. She looks like a real target in the forward line. Draft Range - Third-Forth. Her height is what's holding her back. But as a Collingwood supporter, we need rucks, I'd be happy to take her late.

 

[Pie 4 Life]

You've already given your take on J'Nomei Anderson, but I'll give my opinion on the other two.

Grace Mulvahil was elite in her youth, she won the Southern Districts the premiership when she was 15 their best on ground. Mulvahil has proven that she can play up forward or down back many times. Was very good last year in the championships, but was ultimately overlooked. Hasn't been as good this year at the championships, but she's a good height at 173cm and probably worth the punt. Draft Range - late Second-Third Round. She has a good chance of being snubbed, but IMO she should have already been on a list considering the amount of poor draftees last year.

Cassie McWilliam. Short for a ruck, only 179cm, but has good body work in the ruck - she knows how to position herself. McWilliam also works very hard around the ground, but her best benefit might be when she pushes forward. She looks like a real target in the forward line. Draft Range - Third-Forth. Her height is what's holding her back. But as a Collingwood supporter, we need rucks, I'd be happy to take her late.

From where I sit, I think Mulvahil's best chance of being drafted is likely being pre-listed by Port Adelaide. She has played in multiple positions, but the problem is, that there are better forwards, and there are better backs. So do you take someone who can play both to say, save a list spot, or do you target one area to strengthen.

Last year at the champs, Mulvahil averaged 10.5 disposals, 2.0 marks, 3.5 tackles, 1.0 inside 50s and 1.0 rebound 50s. This year, she averaged 8.5 disposals, 0.5 marks, 3.5 tackles, 3.5 rebound 50s. For me, I'd rather she settle into a defensive role because she can kick the ball and she can run. When she's forward of the ball she gets a little lost so she's far better behind the ball. She kicked four goals in a handful of games up forward, but three of them came in the last quarter of a game they ran away with, so that's worth keeping in mind.

I think the SANFLW is a far better indicator of where players stand, and she was okay without being anything that really stood out. If I was taking a mature-ager out of Norwood, I'd probably go Tesharna Maher myself. Both have athleticism, but Maher has more impact on a game consistently. I wouldn't be opposed to Mulvahil being drafted, but I'd like to see more consistent performances from her at a higher level before I would commit to her. She's got the tools to work with, but has to just put it together more consistently. In saying that, I think a later selection is fair. Certainly a training partner role (where perhaps a club could call her up once she's in an elite program) would be good.

In terms of McWilliams, I don't think she's ready for AFLW yet. She's a raw tall that can leap, mark the ball and play in a couple of roles, but she's very lightly built and has to work on fundamentals. She's not as good below her knees as she is aerially, and the issue being though she is good with her marking, she's not strong, so one-on-one against experienced and stronger rucks, she'll get monstered. If we compare to the boys, it would be like taking a project tall and going "your opponent today is Shane Mumford, have fun", it wouldn't happen. I'd like to see McWilliams have a full season at VFLW level (I know she's played a few games for Williamstown) and work on some of those improvements. Though if they're a rebuilding side like Gold Coast, perhaps they're happy to wait.

In reference to Collingwood, I think the Pies need to pick up a more established or readymade ruck, not one who is going to take time. If you're drafting McWilliams, it's as a forward, not as a ruck. Because as you've eluded to, she's small for a ruck at 179cm, which is okay if you're athletic, but you have to be strong, and that isn't something she is at the moment. If I was an AFLW club looking at her, I'd probably say 'hey come down to our VFLW/state league program, see how you fare, we're looking at you as a possible player for the 2023 season' (as example). Me personally, if I was the Pies, I'd be looking to to get someone who was either ready year one (and say you won't be a first choice starter, but be ready to be called upon, then from season two you're good to go) or year two.

Collingwood realistically can't win the flag next season IMO. The whole early season has buggered it up, because there's no Davey nor Bonnici and with the depth like O'Dea gone, the inside midfield is a huge worry. I think they'll end up playing some players in other roles. I don't think we'll necessarily go over the top on midfield talent, but I think we'll get midfielders who can play multiple roles, or switch players who can play at both ends. Jamie-Lee Speakman from GWV Rebels and Dandenong Stingrays' Olivia Robinson are a couple of Pies fans (as is Paige Scott) who could be value pick ups later in the draft.

 

[Arbiter]

S

From where I sit, I think Mulvahil's best chance of being drafted is likely being pre-listed by Port Adelaide. She has played in multiple positions, but the problem is, that there are better forwards, and there are better backs. So do you take someone who can play both to say, save a list spot, or do you target one area to strengthen.

Last year at the champs, Mulvahil averaged 10.5 disposals, 2.0 marks, 3.5 tackles, 1.0 inside 50s and 1.0 rebound 50s. This year, she averaged 8.5 disposals, 0.5 marks, 3.5 tackles, 3.5 rebound 50s. For me, I'd rather she settle into a defensive role because she can kick the ball and she can run. When she's forward of the ball she gets a little lost so she's far better behind the ball. She kicked four goals in a handful of games up forward, but three of them came in the last quarter of a game they ran away with, so that's worth keeping in mind.

I think the SANFLW is a far better indicator of where players stand, and she was okay without being anything that really stood out. If I was taking a mature-ager out of Norwood, I'd probably go Tesharna Maher myself. Both have athleticism, but Maher has more impact on a game consistently. I wouldn't be opposed to Mulvahil being drafted, but I'd like to see more consistent performances from her at a higher level before I would commit to her. She's got the tools to work with, but has to just put it together more consistently. In saying that, I think a later selection is fair. Certainly a training partner role (where perhaps a club could call her up once she's in an elite program) would be good.

In terms of McWilliams, I don't think she's ready for AFLW yet. She's a raw tall that can leap, mark the ball and play in a couple of roles, but she's very lightly built and has to work on fundamentals. She's not as good below her knees as she is aerially, and the issue being though she is good with her marking, she's not strong, so one-on-one against experienced and stronger rucks, she'll get monstered. If we compare to the boys, it would be like taking a project tall and going "your opponent today is Shane Mumford, have fun", it wouldn't happen. I'd like to see McWilliams have a full season at VFLW level (I know she's played a few games for Williamstown) and work on some of those improvements. Though if they're a rebuilding side like Gold Coast, perhaps they're happy to wait.

In reference to Collingwood, I think the Pies need to pick up a more established or readymade ruck, not one who is going to take time. If you're drafting McWilliams, it's as a forward, not as a ruck. Because as you've eluded to, she's small for a ruck at 179cm, which is okay if you're athletic, but you have to be strong, and that isn't something she is at the moment. If I was an AFLW club looking at her, I'd probably say 'hey come down to our VFLW/state league program, see how you fare, we're looking at you as a possible player for the 2023 season' (as example). Me personally, if I was the Pies, I'd be looking to to get someone who was either ready year one (and say you won't be a first choice starter, but be ready to be called upon, then from season two you're good to go) or year two.

Shit. That is one hell of a response. I take it you have a full time job in this department. How do you make time for the forum?

Collingwood realistically can't win the flag next season IMO. The whole early season has buggered it up, because there's no Davey nor Bonnici and with the depth like O'Dea gone, the inside midfield is a huge worry. I think they'll end up playing some players in other roles. I don't think we'll necessarily go over the top on midfield talent, but I think we'll get midfielders who can play multiple roles, or switch players who can play at both ends. Jamie-Lee Speakman from GWV Rebels and Dandenong Stingrays' Olivia Robinson are a couple of Pies fans (as is Paige Scott) who could be value pick ups later in the draft.

I am in no delusions of where Collingwood sits. I was never a fan of O'Dea, she struggled even at VFLW level. Molloy, Lambert, Cann, makes up their inside for the next season. I would like Tarni Brown to step up, hasn't had the impact she had last year. If we can land Paige Scott, Keeley Skepper, or even Bridie Hipwell, I will be a happy Pies fan. But they seem out of range. As for rucks, I'm spewing they didn't get Tahlia Gillard when they had the chance in the previous draft. I know she's playing as a defender, but at 190cm and her ability around the ground, that is a missed opportunity.

 

[Vacuous Space]

In reference to Collingwood, I think the Pies need to pick up a more established or readymade ruck, not one who is going to take time.

Do you think there are teams have given up on developing rucks altogether? It seems like everyone's strategy is to either trade one in or raid the state leagues for one. I assume there's a bunch of list managers hanging around Casey with a reminder on their phone to raid Melbourne's ruck stocks in a few years time. Do Russell and Scoullar have any chance of getting picked?

 

[Arbiter]

Do you think there are teams have given up on developing rucks altogether? It seems like everyone's strategy is to either trade one in or raid the state leagues for one. I assume there's a bunch of list managers hanging around Casey with a reminder on their phone to raid Melbourne's ruck stocks in a few years time. Do Russell and Scoullar have any chance of getting picked?

I'd take Scoullar, a little slow but with her frame at 190cm, she will win most of the hit-outs if she is trained properly. My only concern is she didn't dominate in the ruck for the NAB League. Looks better at Geelong VFLW though.