Draft 2022 AFLW Draft Analysis - Slice of Pie

[FoopyNerd]

If they retain the same rule yes. I mentioned somewhere else Port believes it will be able to recruit players from its NGA in coming years (which next year would be Lauren Young and Shineah Goody) but waiting on confirmation.

But hopefully the AFL clears it up, because it does impact the draft.

Just on rules and lack of clarity. Do we know what level of investment North actually has in Tasmania? Would Claire Ransom say she feels North has helped her develop over the last couple of years? Wondering whether that deal will continue past this season... regardless of the club being called North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos.

It doesn't impact the Swans but does seem interesting that Vic clubs are losing out to North for no apparent reason. Brooke Barwick being in the national academy as a bottom ager shows the level of talent North is getting free access to.

 

[The Nostradamus]

Just on rules and lack of clarity. Do we know what level of investment North actually has in Tasmania? Would Claire Ransom say she feels North has helped her develop over the last couple of years? Wondering whether that deal will continue past this season... regardless of the club being called North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos.

It doesn't impact the Swans but does seem interesting that Vic clubs are losing out to North for no apparent reason. Brooke Barwick being in the national academy as a bottom ager shows the level of talent North is getting free access to.

I know we fly many tassie players up to train with us in season and preseason many get to partake in intra clubs with our team and some get the odd game or 2 at vfl level for us

 

[Pie 4 Life]

Just on rules and lack of clarity. Do we know what level of investment North actually has in Tasmania? Would Claire Ransom say she feels North has helped her develop over the last couple of years? Wondering whether that deal will continue past this season... regardless of the club being called North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos.

It doesn't impact the Swans but does seem interesting that Vic clubs are losing out to North for no apparent reason. Brooke Barwick being in the national academy as a bottom ager shows the level of talent North is getting free access to.

We don't even have an AFLW Draft date, preseason... season start date... trade week etc. I doubt that kind of discussion is going to happen for a while.

I think eventually it will be a more clear-cut system where it could be similar to the father-son system (which will likely be adopted for the father-daughter too). North get a chance to get them, but have to pay market value. Right now it's kind of a draft where they should be, but still far under value type scenario. I don't have a problem with North getting access to Tasmania as they're realistically getting maybe two AFLW standard players a year, but same should go across the board, paying market value for linked players. Especially when Academies aren't really a thing for other Vic sides. But that's a decision the AFL will have to make.

 

[Teen Wolf]

At this stage I wouldn't assume the upcoming final season of the original deal between North and the Tas govt will be precisely fulfilled, likewise the arrangement between North and AFL Tasmania.

 

[Biggie]

AFLW Latest News - AFL.com.au/aflw

Latest breaking AFLW news from the official website of the Australian Football League.

www.womens.afl

 

[Aardvark]

AFLW Latest News - AFL.com.au/aflw

Latest breaking AFLW news from the official website of the Australian Football League.

www.womens.afl

There are some very talented players in this group. I imagine a large % will get drafted this year and they'll have a big impact on the league.

 

[Pie 4 Life]

I've also broken it down club-by-club just because the full list was doing my head in. So for those who prefer this kind of style (like me), here you go. But you've got both options at least.

2022 AFLW Draft Combine invites announced

A whopping 106 players have been invited to the 2022 AFLW Draft Combine as the AFLW prepares to launch into an 18-team competition.

central.rookieme.com

 

[Biggie]

I've also broken it down club-by-club just because the full list was doing my head in. So for those who prefer this kind of style (like me), here you go. But you've got both options at least.

2022 AFLW Draft Combine invites announced

A whopping 106 players have been invited to the 2022 AFLW Draft Combine as the AFLW prepares to launch into an 18-team competition.

central.rookieme.com

The best coverage hands down

 

[Arbiter]

WHO is the best ruck available in this years Vic Draft? Looking at Collingwood, they need midfielders to compensate for their current predicament, but they are also desperate for rucks. Their only real ruck is Al Downie who turns 38 in July. Utilities have been tried and failed at this position. Is Jorja Borg the best candidate? Or is Collingwood better off trading up picks for a ready made ruck? Or is there somebody interstate who could make the trip?

 

[Pie 4 Life]

WHO is the best ruck available in this years Vic Draft? Looking at Collingwood, they need midfielders to compensate for their current predicament, but they are also desperate for rucks. Their only real ruck is Al Downie who turns 38 in July. Utilities have been tried and failed at this position. Is Jorja Borg the best candidate? Or is Collingwood better off trading up picks for a ready made ruck? Or is there somebody interstate who could make the trip?

Effectively an established AFLW ruck would be better. From the youth, most of the top ones are interstate, the two standouts being Fleur Davies (QLD) and Lauren Wakfer (WA). Mia Austin (VM/Eastern Ranges) would be the pick and has the upside, but is only 177cm so would likely be a tall forward and second ruck at AFLW level. Krystal Russell (VM/Western Jets) probably the better of the pure rucks in the Victorian crop. I would imagine looking at state leagues is a good option if going to the draft, with the next best interstate likely being Isabelle Starmer out of Central District who has pieced together a couple of good seasons, whilst Alex Pearce (Sturt) is a basketball convert who has improved rapidly similar to Jess Good last year.

 

[Arbiter]

Effectively an established AFLW ruck would be better. From the youth, most of the top ones are interstate, the two standouts being Fleur Davies (QLD) and Lauren Wakfer (WA). Mia Austin (VM/Eastern Ranges) would be the pick and has the upside, but is only 177cm so would likely be a tall forward and second ruck at AFLW level. Krystal Russell (VM/Western Jets) probably the better of the pure rucks in the Victorian crop. I would imagine looking at state leagues is a good option if going to the draft, with the next best interstate likely being Isabelle Starmer out of Central District who has pieced together a couple of good seasons, whilst Alex Pearce (Sturt) is a basketball convert who has improved rapidly similar to Jess Good last year.

Cheers mate. I didn't expect a response this late. Fleur Davis will go to Gold Coast , and Lauren Wakfer likely go to West Coast (Fremantle already has good ruck stocks). Like you said Mia Austin, way too small, and I'm pretty sure she'll be signed by Hawthorn being an Eastern Ranger as an academy signing. Based on your opinion it seems that a ruck like be Maggie Caris in a trade would be the preferable option. Who knows, maybe they can get both Caris sisters and bolster their depleted ruck stocks which are beyond shallow. Or am I wrong?

 

[Pie 4 Life]

Cheers mate. I didn't expect a response this late. Fleur Davis will go to Gold Coast , and Lauren Wakfer likely go to West Coast (Fremantle already has good ruck stocks). Like you said Mia Austin, way too small, and I'm pretty sure she'll be signed by Hawthorn being an Eastern Ranger as an academy signing. Based on your opinion it seems that a ruck like be Maggie Caris in a trade would be the preferable option. Who knows, maybe they can get both Caris sisters and bolster their depleted ruck stocks which are beyond shallow. Or am I wrong?

I think Maggie is far more obtainable than Rene, as the latter has more opportunities at the Cats. I also couldn't really see them being able to function effectively in the same team at the top level as both have similar traits. They could be number one rucks, but aren't the types I'd rely on to be consistently effective forwards, so I'd probably be a bit surprised if they wanted to be in the same team unless a club was going to retrain one to be just about full-time in another role.

Collingwood will need to pick up a ruck this year or next to replace Downie when she retires, no doubt about that. They really only have her as a pure ruck and then a lot of part-timers, which comes with a smaller AFLW list as opposed to the men's where you can afford to develop three to four pure rucks. They could well target a player this off-season who is predominantly a ruck but can play forward to eventually slide into the first ruck role the following season (similar to Sharni).

 

[Arbiter]

I just finished the Western Bulldogs vs Collingwood game. Molly Walton looks like a genuine jet in the backline, as does Keeley Skepper playing like a tiny utility. But do we know if Matilda Zander from Collingwood has a chance of being selected considering her name wasn't on the list of the Draft Combine? I feel like this girl like many VFLW girls, got snubbed last year.

 

[Pie 4 Life]

I just finished the Western Bulldogs vs Collingwood game. Molly Walton looks like a genuine jet in the backline, as does Keeley Skepper playing like a tiny utility. But do we know if Matilda Zander from Collingwood has a chance of being selected considering her name wasn't on the list of the Draft Combine? I feel like this girl like many VFLW girls, got snubbed last year.

Molly Walton is a very good defender, plays much better behind the ball than in midfield. Onball she wins plenty of it, but is dime-a-dozen in terms of midfielders. Behind the ball she reads it well and can assess her options more throughly so I prefer her in that role. Skepper will be drafted, has been more efficient behind the ball too after being a bomber out of the stoppages. Zander is someone who should have stepped up, but it's more a case of her being very good at both midfield and forward, without being great compared to others who are also bigger. Unfortunately her size works against her if looking to play her as a midfielder, but she has the talent to make the next grade. She would be high up on the Pies list in terms of next best from the VFLW list.

 

[Arbiter]

Molly Walton is a very good defender, plays much better behind the ball than in midfield. Onball she wins plenty of it, but is dime-a-dozen in terms of midfielders. Behind the ball she reads it well and can assess her options more throughly so I prefer her in that role. Skepper will be drafted, has been more efficient behind the ball too after being a bomber out of the stoppages. Zander is someone who should have stepped up, but it's more a case of her being very good at both midfield and forward, without being great compared to others who are also bigger. Unfortunately her size works against her if looking to play her as a midfielder, but she has the talent to make the next grade. She would be high up on the Pies list in terms of next best from the VFLW list.

I couldn't agree more, those that lack height even though they have talent, do get shunned when it comes to the draft. Perhaps Port might look at her. She is an SA girl, maybe Port could sign her as an open-ager. Who knows.

 

[Arbiter]

I was just looking at the NAB League Team of the Year. The u18 All Australian team seems like a lock to be drafted. However, a few names are sliding under the radar, perhaps smokies in the draft. Charley Ryan was referred to the next best in the crop, but what of Erin Woodford, Georgia Foran, and Liz Dowling. Are these names we expect as late draft picks? I leave this question to the experts.

 

[PMBangers]

I was just looking at the NAB League Team of the Year. The u18 All Australian team seems like a lock to be drafted. However, a few names are sliding under the radar, perhaps smokies in the draft. Charley Ryan was referred to the next best in the crop, but what of Erin Woodford, Georgia Foran, and Liz Dowling. Are these names we expect as late draft picks? I leave this question to the experts.

Woodford and Foran would be a surprise, Dowling's in a weird spot, showed more versatility this year but can't really point to an area of her game that has improved from being overlooked in 2021. I think her best hope, along with most other 19-year-olds, is to get prelisted with an expansion side like Sergeant, Deed and Anthony did

 

[Arbiter]

Woodford and Foran would be a surprise, Dowling's in a weird spot, showed more versatility this year but can't really point to an area of her game that has improved from being overlooked in 2021. I think her best hope, along with most other 19-year-olds, is to get prelisted with an expansion side like Sergeant, Deed and Anthony did

What about the Geelong relationship? Granted I know she didn't perform to the best during the u18 championships, then again that Country team didn't seem to click despite the talent. Would Geelong take a punt late? As for Erin Woodford it seemed she performed the best out of the three in the championships. Or was that just because she had Busch, McDonald and Elliott backing her?

 

[PMBangers]

What about the Geelong relationship? Granted I know she didn't perform to the best during the u18 championships, then again that Country team didn't seem to click despite the talent. Would Geelong take a punt late? As for Erin Woodford it seemed she performed the best out of the three in the championships. Or was that just because she had Busch, McDonald and Elliott backing her?

They could be an option, and given it's a relatively weak pool with a guaranteed extra 30 odd picks due to expansion there's worse options to take, but who knows, after the top 20 odd Victorian options I think we'll see some real surprises and Dowling could be one.

Woodford just doesn't really have enough to be an AFLW player imo, or at least a consistent best 21 option. Real honest defender with decent positioning and spoils well, but there's players that do all that and more that'll be available throughout

 

[Biggie]

Woodford just doesn't really have enough to be an AFLW player imo, or at least a consistent best 21 option. Real honest defender with decent positioning and spoils well, but there's players that do all that and more that'll be available throughout

How tall?

 

[Arbiter]

They could be an option, and given it's a relatively weak pool with a guaranteed extra 30 odd picks due to expansion there's worse options to take, but who knows, after the top 20 odd Victorian options I think we'll see some real surprises and Dowling could be one.

Woodford just doesn't really have enough to be an AFLW player imo, or at least a consistent best 21 option. Real honest defender with decent positioning and spoils well, but there's players that do all that and more that'll be available throughout

A brutal opinion in a brutal game. I wont hold it against you. So you believe after the top 30 NAB League players are picked, it's all about state league for the Vic pool?

 

[Arbiter]

How tall?

171cm, so a medium height.

 

[Biggie]

171cm, so a medium height.

Cheers Arbiter

 

[PMBangers]

A brutal opinion in a brutal game. I wont hold it against you. So you believe after the top 30 NAB League players are picked, it's all about state league for the Vic pool?

Not necessarily, but I think Pie 4 Life would agree that after the first 15 odd Victorian girls in our rankings there's a lot of variance because of how even the next tier is, this is partially due to the drop off in talent but also because there's been a lot of fluctuation in form/ injury. We'll probably see more state leaguers picked up just because it's a bigger pool anyway, but again I don't think it's a particularly deep draft in terms of 18 year olds so it wouldn't surprise me

 

[Arbiter]

Not necessarily, but I think Pie 4 Life would agree that after the first 15 odd Victorian girls in our rankings there's a lot of variance because of how even the next tier is, this is partially due to the drop off in talent but also because there's been a lot of fluctuation in form/ injury. We'll probably see more state leaguers picked up just because it's a bigger pool anyway, but again I don't think it's a particularly deep draft in terms of 18 year olds so it wouldn't surprise me

I imagine most VFLW talent, the top standard will be signed by Essendon, Hawthorn and even Sydney. Scott Gowans is no fool he knows anything over 25% of Sydney talent will be his undoing seeing NSW/ACT has the weakest draft pool. Molly Eastman, Jaide Anthony, Aimee Wheelan, all overlooked for the draft and all credentialed. There's only four more players from the previous VFLW Team of the Year that remain undrafted and one All Australian (Chloe Leonard). I imagine they will be approached. Or maybe Collingwood has kept Caitlin Bunker and Matilda Zander as top up players and signed them in the last season? That is just a guess perhaps you know that answer?