List Mgmt. 2022 Draft Thread

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flipper83

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My ideal draft would be:

Cadman (KPP) - could play either end but I don’t see a standout attribute aside from workrate and aggression; so I see him a good CHB.

Hayes (KPD?/Interceptor) - a good third tall interceptor. Is really tall for that role and can in time fill out to play KPD.

Van Es (KPD) - good 1v1 player. Could be the FB we are looking for but likely needs 3-4 years before he can take the gorillas. Taking him in the third round would take the pressure off and hopefully we give him the time to develop.

They would be available in roughly those pick slots according to a few phantom drafts I have seen.

Some people would say that you shouldn’t recruit too many in the one position at once. BUT they could play for Footscray while developing in defence. Cadman and Hayes can play higher up the field and intercept; while Van Es is playing FB.
This recruitment would force us to play Darcy as a Forward/Ruck, which is where I think we see him fitting in. IF our football department see him as a defender, then you could choose one less tall defender.
We had a really tall draft in 2016 and I think that was part of the reason we struggled in the following years. Having a lot of developing talls on the list who aren't ready for AFL impacts the depth of the AFL team.
Rather than 3 18 year old talls, I'd prefer a mature ager on the rookie list
 

weltschmerz

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In the next couple of years I want us to pick up a high end mid. Dunkley might not stick around, Libba and Treloar aren't getting any younger. Wouldn't do it this year though, GWS have shown us that high end mids want to play or they'll walk.
 

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weltschmerz

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If Busslinger is still available at our pick with his foot skills take the punt. Worth the investment can develop strength with time. I would be all in to have a quality defender developing or playing 3rd tall while developing if good enough

If Busslinger is there, we take him and thank whoever's watching over us.
 
Sep 4, 2014
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We would be very lucky if Busslinger or Cadman were available.

Cadman is looking like he could be the first tall gone, kicked 5 goals and had 24 disposals last weekend. He keeps improving and is able to get a lot of ball outside the forward line as well as in it. If his kicking for goal was better he would've ended up with some pretty big bags, both in the NAB league and at the champs. I think he has a fair bit of filling out to do also, has pretty broad shoulders and should end up being quite a solid kid. I wouldn't be surprised if Adelaide, GWS or Essendon/Hawthorn picked him up in the top 5 to be honest.

I would also think Busslinger is odds on favourite to end up with Port with their tall defender issues.
 
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The National AFL Under 18 Championships – one of the most important annual events for aspiring AFL players as part of their draft campaigns – is almost done, with one game between Vic Metro and Vic Country in September to decide the 2022 carnival winner.

There’s a lot to unpack from the nine games, with several players boosting their prospects, while more question marks still linger on others.

Foxfooty.com.au assesses the draft landscape after the completion of most champs games.

TOP OF THE CLASS

With another three champs games, Will Ashcroft undoubtedly established himself as the best player in this year’s draft class.

The absence of Oakleigh Chargers pair George Wardlaw (hamstring) and Elijah Tsatas (foot) might’ve helped his cause, but Ashcroft is now the firm favourite to take out the Larke Medal for the best player at the annual carnival, with Vic Metro still having one match to go.

Ashcroft booted two goals and averaged 33.3 disposals, 15.0 contested possessions, 10.0 clearances, 6.7 tackles and 6.7 inside 50s from his three Vic Metro matches.

As the son of triple premiership Lion and 318-game player Marcus Ashcroft, he’s eligible to Brisbane under the father-son rule. But for the Lions to have official rights to Ashcroft, he must nominate them as his preferred destination prior to the AFL national draft later this year. While Ashcroft, at least publicly, remains uncertain about his decision, the sense among club recruiters and draft followers is Ashcroft will nominate the Lions.

Despite not playing any of Vic Metro’s first three games due to injury, there haven’t been enough bolters to knock Wardlaw and Tsatas out of top-five contention. The pair are expected to return to the field fro their injuries at some stage over the next three weeks.
Jhye Clark has had an excellent champs for Vic Country to date, averaging 24.7 disposals, 9.0 marks, 9.7 contested possessions and 2.0 score assists to reconfirm his standing as a top-five contender. The Geelong Falcons co-captain has a Joel Selwood-like presence on the field that appeals to recruiters. He has a thirst for winning the inside ball yet is equally adept on the outside by either hand or foot.

Then there’s a few on the cusp of the top five.

Crafty small forward Harry Sheezel had a mixed carnival. He had a blistering first game against the Allies, booting four goals from 16 disposals followed by a fast start against WA that saw him kick a classy opening goal of the game and deliver a couple of sizzling passes inside 50. But he dropped off a little in the second half then, overall, wasn’t as influential in Metro’s third game against South Australia. He pushed into several centre bounces to get involved in the game against SA, but recruiters believe he’s at his best closer to goal.

Some scouts see Sheezel as a genuine top-five prospect. Others at this stage believe he’s closer to the middle of the first round.

Depending on who you talk to, Vic Metro’s Cam Mackenzie either was already in top-10 calculations before the draft or loomed as a late first-round, or even early second-round, prospect. But recruiters are in agreement now: Mackenzie is pushing towards the top-five mix. The on-baller averaged 26.3 disposals, 9.7 contested possessions and 4.7 inside 50s from his three games. Mackenzie is tied to St Kilda via its Next Generation Academy, but the Saints can’t match a bid on him within the first 40 picks of the draft after AFL NGA bidding rule changes.

GWV Rebels 194cm goalkicker Aaron Cadman is arguably the best key forward prospect now after his excellent national championships campaign, booting 7.7 from his three games. A left-footer that’s been compared to Jeremy Cameron for his goal sense, athleticism and ability to win the ball up the ground, Cadman solidified his spot at the pointy end of the draft.

And WA defender Jedd Busslinger looms as another early to mid-first-round talent. Busslinger had 18 disposals and eight marks against Vic Metro before collecting 25 disposals and six marks against the Allies, going at 70 per cent by foot across both games. After the Allies game, Busslinger was booked in for season-ending shoulder surgery, but recruiters believe they’ve seen enough.

THE CHAMPS ‘BOLTERS’

Of all the players that elevated their standing during the champs, Vic Metro key forward Matthew Jefferson was arguably the biggest bolter. His numbers are hard to ignore, booting 12.2 from three games, including a memorable bag of seven against WA. Recruiters, heading into the champs, had some doubts over Jefferson’s competitiveness and laconic approach to the game. But the Oakleigh Chargers goalkicker put those doubts to bed, displaying outstanding overhead marking ability and shrewd body positioning against.

Other Vic Metro players to boost their prospects across the champs, according to scouts, included Eastern Ranges key defender Lewis Hayes, Sandringham Dragons mid-forward Olli Hotton and Oakleigh Chargers key defender Josh Weddle.

A shrewd 197cm intercept defender, Hayes played his best footy of the year in the championships, averaging 15.7 disposals and 5.0 marks while going at 84 per cent by foot.

Hotton, the son of Trent Hotton who was a key member of the strong Blues side of the early 2000s, thrived in the absence of Wardlaw and Tsatas with extra on-ball time but also pushed forward to hit the scoreboard, booting six goals and averaging 19.3 disposals. He’s quick, clean, possesses a great overhead mark and has natural goal instincts.

Weddle was a big improver, to the point where he’s now in first-round contention. The 192cm key defender showed he has a lovely defensive-offensive balance with the ability to provide run out of the backline.

Two other bolters were Reuben Ginbey and Harry Rowston, who took out the MVP awards for Western Australia and the Allies respectively.

Recruiters believe Rowston elevated himself from a mid to late draft chance to an early standout. A shrewd inside midfielder with an improving kick that can push forward to hit the scoreboard, Rowston was the Allies’ leading ball-winner, averaging 23.0 disposals, 11.0 contested possessions, 5.8 inside 50s and 5.0 clearances while also booting three goals.

Rowston is tied to the Giants via their northern academy, meaning the Giants can match any rival club bid on him. That bid could now come earlier than first anticipated. Another Giants academy prospect Nick Madden – a combative ruck in the Shane Mumford – elevated his standing across the carnival, with recruiters of the belief he’ll also attract a rival club bid.

In what was a tough champs campaign for his state, Ginbey was WA’s standout player. The 189cm East Perth product, who had been playing in defence at WAFL colts level, thrived in a move to the midfield, averaging 20.8 disposals and 9.8 contested possessions. Ginbey impressed recruiters with his consistency, attitude and grit at the contest. AFL talent ambassador Kevin Sheehan told Fox Footy Ginbey was “the AFL prototype with his size, strength and power”.

The other standouts for WA were Darcy Jones – a nuggety 175cm midfielder that elevated his standing, booting four goals and averaging 19.7 disposals and 8.0 contested possessions – and Harry Cole, who kicked four goals.

For Vic Country, Oliver Hollands and Mitch Szybkowski solidified their hopes.

Hollands, the brother of recent Suns debutant Elijah Hollands, proved why he’s regarded as one of the most well-rounded – and best two-way – prospects of this year’s draft, showing off his ability to play in any third of the ground. Hollands’ best game came against WA, racking up 33 disposals, 11 contested possessions and six score involvements as he displayed class by hand and foot, as well as inside grunt.

Recruiters spoken to by foxfooty.com.au had mixed views on Szybkowski, but one thought he was a significant first-round bolter and went to another level. The Stingrays midfielder was Vic Country’s leading ball-winner, averaging 27.3 disposals, 10.3 contested possessions and 4.3 inside 50s. Recruiters love how consistent and professional Szybkowski is.

For South Australia, Jakob Ryan and Billy Dowling caught the eye. Ryan’s first three games were excellent as he averaged 20.0 disposals out of defence for the tournament, while midfielder Dowling showed off reliable, old-fashioned footballer traits to average a state-high 24.0 disposals.

A couple of father-sons also went up draft boards, with Jaspa Fletcher and Alwyn Davey Jr now considered top-25 chances.

The versatile Fletcher, who’s the son of Adrian Fletcher who played 231 games for four clubs including 107 for Brisbane, shot into first-round draft calculations after an excellent carnival for the Allies. He improved with every match he played, booting three goals and averaging 22.7 disposals and 9.7 contested possessions. It means Ashcroft mightn’t be the only father-son prospect the Lions will have to match a bid on in the first-round. But, like Ashcroft, Fletcher would have to nominate the Lions as his preferred club of choice in order for Brisbane to have bidding rights to him.

Essendon fans should be excited by Davey, who was excellent in Vic Metro’s first two games. After booting two goals against the Allies, the nimble and clean Davey kicked another two majors from 19 disposals and five inside 50 against WA to prove he’s more than just a crumbing player. Davey is eligible to be drafted as a father-son prospect by Essendon as his dad Alwyn Sr played 100 games exactly and kicked 120 goals. He’s expected to nominate the Bombers as his preferred destination.

THE LINGERING QUESTIONS

Foxfooty.com.au spoke to five recruiters for this piece – and all remain fascinated and somewhat unsure on Stingrays prospect Henry Hustwaite. One scout labelled the Vic Country player one of the 2022 class’ “biggest conundrums”.

Hustwaite continued his steady 2022 rise with a strong carnival for Country, averaging 21.7 disposals, 10.3 contested possessions and 4.3 tackles from three games playing as a 194cm inside midfielder.

Recruiters love Hustwaite’s agility, ball-winning ability and elite hands in traffic. But some have a query on his versatility, foot skills – even though he went at 71 per cent by foot during the champs, which was the best kicking efficiency of the carnival’s top 15 ball-winners – and speed.

It wouldn’t be a surprise to Hustwaite go as early as the first round or even slide to the back-end of the draft.

Scouts were also mixed on Elijah Hewett’s campaign for Western Australia. The Swan Districts on-baller exploded against Vic Metro with two goals from 29 disposals before a quieter 10-disposal outing against the Allies. He then showed great defensive intensity against Vic Country with 18 touches and eight tackles – despite a quiet second half – then finished with 21 touches and four clearances against SA, including a terrific high-flying mark just before half-time. But recruiters remain unconvinced Hewett, at this stage, is a top-10 prospect.

Blake Drury was a solid contributor for Vic Metro, booting three goals and averaging 21 disposals across his three games. However scouts are still unsure on what role he’d fit into at AFL level – a similar conundrum they had about Jack Higgins in his draft year. But like Higgins, Drury could start his AFL career as a small forward.

South Australia didn’t have its best championships campaign, losing three of its four games. It comes as the SANFL confirmed ex-Giants coach Leon Cameron had been asked to help conduct a review into the state’s talent pathways, which was reported by CODE’s Daniel Cherny.

Recruiters are split on a few top-end SA prospects.

The state’s top prospect is arguably Woodville-West Torrens’ Mattaes Phillipou, who is seen by many as a top-10 prospect. Phillipou had an outstanding first game against the Allies, booting two goals while shining as an inside midfielder. But the belief among recruits was he only showed “glimpses” across the next three matches. That was primarily due to a back soreness that hampered him for most of the Vic Metro game and likely limited his midfield minutes against WA on the weekend.

Norwood’s Max Michalanney, who’s eligible to the Crows as a father-son prospect as his dad Jim won four flags with Norwood from 211 SANFL games, looms as a first-round prospect. Most recruiters spoken to by foxfooty.com.au were pleased with his carnival as he showed off strong defensive capabilities, including his ability to play on either tall or small forwards. Others had higher expectations and wanted to see more rebound from defence.

North Adelaide’s Isaac Keeler, like Phillipou, had a terrific start to the carnival with three goals against the Allies but didn’t have as much impact across the final few games. Recruiters believe Keeler – a key forward-ruck in the Paddy Ryder mould at 197cm – has as much talent as any player in the draft but just needs to work on his consistency. He’s tied to Adelaide via its Next Generation Academy, but the club won’t be able to match a bid on him if he’s picked within the first 40 selections. When he’s selected remains a mystery – but it’s likely it’ll be before Pick 40.

There’s a lot of similarities in the journeys of Adam D’Aloia – one of South Australia’s best players this year – and Jack Graham – one of South Australia’s best players in 2016 that has gone on to win three flags at Richmond. Like Graham, inside midfielder D’Aloia starred as his state’s captain and No. 1 ball-winner, averaging 24.0 disposals, 14.0 contested possessions, 7.2 clearances and 6.2 tackles to win SA’s MVP award. Despite his numbers and excellent workrate, recruiters believe D’Aloia looms as a later pick for a club seeking an inside midfielder.

Scouts are hoping West Adelaide key forward duo Harry Lemmey and Tom Scully will be able to build confidence across the back-end of the season. Lemmey was quiet in his three champs games before making way for Scully, who kicked 0.2 from seven touches against WA.

Stingrays running machine Jaxon Binns was ranked No. 2 in the carnival for average disposals (27.3) and inside 50s (7.7), driven by his 39-disposal outing against the Allies. Despite his incredible run and carry, he only went at 46.6 per cent by foot, with scouts now hopeful he’ll have a strong finish to his draft year.

Lachie Cowan, arguably Tasmania’s top prospect, showed off different traits during his games for the Allies. Despite averaging 22.2 disposals in his four games, recruiters were keen to see a little more drive from defence. However they were impressed with his contest work and one-on-one ability.

GET EXCITED FOR THE 2023 CROP

There was one aspect of the champs recruiters were united on: The top-end of next year’s draft looms as a special group.

As always, the states blooded bottom-agers during the Under 18 carnival, with several 2023 prospects shining on the national stage.

The top performer was arguably Bendigo Pioneers’ Harley Reid, who thrived in Vic Country’s defence after playing primarily as a forward and midfielder at NAB League level. Reid was an intercept marking machine but also used the ball efficiently, averaging 20.7 disposals and 6.3 marks while having a remarkable kicking efficiency of 87.5 per cent – ranked No. 1 among the carnival’s top 100 disposal-winners.

Vic Metro’s bottom-agers were outstanding. Eastern Ranges’ Nick Watson and Northern Knights’ Nate Caddy – the nephew of dual premiership Tiger Josh Caddy – booted three goals each against SA, while Oakleigh Chargers left-footer Nathan Philactides had two excellent games against WA (21 disposals) and SA (19) playing across wing/half-back.

Glenelg’s Ashton Moir showed off his exciting potential playing close to goal, booting a game-high four goals against WA. His mercurial nature and ability to seamlessly kick on either foot has recruiters excited.

WA trio Koltyn Tholstrup, Mitch Edwards and Riley Hardeman all provided glimpses in their respective outings for their state, while strong-marking key forward Jed Walter – a Gold Coast Suns academy prospect – was the definition of eye-catching, booting nine goals for the Allies.

 
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Sep 4, 2014
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We need kpds but we also need small defenders just as much.

Someone to play on , Rankine, Stengel, Bolton, Papley etc….

Yeah it's something I've been looking out for the last month or so. Would prefer we look at that later on the draft though, as I think Vandermeer could be the guy if Beveridge moves him back to where he played his best footy as a junior and we have Cleary also. There is a few in this draft that might be worth considering though.

I think Cooper Vickery might fall somewhere around our 3rd round pick. He runs 2.88 over 20m and has good overall speed. He had a decent carnival and is a late birthday. Decent overhead too.

Max Clohesy is another. Has missed a bit of footy due to injury this year and may not be quite as athletic as Vickery. Still pretty quick, most noticeably his burst of speed particularly through traffic. His kicking is a bit hit and miss, but has a bit of mongrel in him. He will more then likely be available in the rookie draft.

One from completely left field is Tom McCullum. He's more of an intercept defender and a very good one at that. He stands at 192cm, but he did a great job on Konstanty (small forward and potential top 20 pick) after he dominated the earlier part of the game. He's a terrific athlete and especially good overhead. His kicking action is very awkward though, I'm not sure if that can be fixed at AFL level or not. I'd still be happy enough to take him at our 3rd pick though.
 

stefoid

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That rubbish is what got us in this position in the first place.
No-one has any idea as to who will be the best player in 5 years time out of those drafted 10, 11, 12 or 15. Pick the player you need.

Im not a fan of always best available, but reaching for a player in the draft because you have a need right now is not a great idea either, particularly a defender.

Over time the recruiters have to take their fair share of responsibility for drafting a balanced list, I agree. but our 1st rounders in recent history (not counting Marra and Darce because they were locks) have been : a pick split to get Dunkley/Collins, English, Naughton, Smith, Weightman. Thats a good haul by anyones standards, and quite balanced. I guess you could make a case for DeKonig over Weightman, but we also need small forwards?

We really just need to trade for a good key defender and slot them in right now, and if we can do that while preserving our 1st rounder for a best available pick, thats ideal I reckon. Which could turn out to be a key defender anyhow.
 
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On the weekend, Bailey Humphrey had 31 disposals and kicked 4.5! He's had injury issues which is why he isn't talked about much.
 
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PMBangers phantom

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George at our first pick seems to be a familiar theme.
 
Sep 4, 2014
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Elijah Hewett would be a better choice. I expect him to test so well, that he will be gone before us.

I must say I'm very unconvinced by Hewett. Goes missing a lot and his foot skills can be very untidy. At his best he looks great, but it doesn't happen enough for me.
 
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