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List Mgmt. 2022 Draft Thread

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doggiesin08 said:
How is he overhead and in the contest? Given what happened with Darcy I’m nervous these kids grow another inch or two which puts him in KPP territory.
Click to expand...
190cm Darling is a KPP, 195cm Cripps is a mid.
How they play is more important that their height
 
Interesting to note that Olli Hotton’s father Trent measures in around 193cm (says Google) whereas Olli currently stands at 182cm he does have a September birthday, so perhaps there’s some more growing he has to do?


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hatescaptcha said:
Interesting to note that Olli Hotton’s father Trent measures in around 193cm (says Google) whereas Olli currently stands at 182cm he does have a September birthday, so perhaps there’s some more growing he has to do?


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Click to expand...
He might have a short mother.
 

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Fox footy Article mentions about Charlie Clarke GWS and Collingwood Also are interested in him.

Foxfooty.com.au understands the Western Bulldogs would also consider selecting Clarke should he slip through to their early second-round selection. Clarke had also indicated North Melbourne had also shown interest in him.
 
murphy's twin said:
Mofra, you said a while ago it’s between Busslinger or Allen for pick 12, then a couple of days ago, you changed that to Busslinger or Hollands.

It’s definitely a hard one choosing between Hollands and Allen
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Yeah. A lot of Carlton fans think Hollands to them is a lock but they could surprise. I do wonder what happens if they don't take him. Elite tank and a two way runner, it doesn't show up on highlights packages but it's still damn important.

I still have question marks over Buss but he's definitely in the frame. Widely reported we've chatted to him fair bit.

I do wonder if Weddle slips to our second pick after we pick up Buss whether we'd still pull the trigger. Especially given the small forwards we've been linked to
 
Herald Suns last phantom Draft

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Readers' Top 30 :30

Greater Western Sydney - Aaron Cadman​

GWV Rebels/Vic Country - Key forward, 195cm, 91kg​

The Giants still say they are undecided on whether they will bid on Will Ashcroft at pick one, but it seems unlikely. They traded up the order for Cadman, to fill a list need of a key forward and one that is excited to move interstate at that. Cadman has been mentored by the man he has been compared to — Geelong’s Jeremy Cameron — this year and the apprentice electrician from Darley provides a similar spark out on the field with his strong marking and goal kicking abilities.

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Readers' Top 30 :1

Brisbane - Will Ashcroft​

Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro/Brisbane father-son - Midfielder, 181cm, 78kg​

Matching North Melbourne bid
The standout underage player this year, Ashcroft would be taken at No. 1 by any club if he were available on the open market. However, the prolific ball-winning midfielder has nominated to join the Lions, where his father Marcus played in three premierships. Ashcroft could not have done much more this year, starring on the big stage of the national championships for Vic Metro and being best-on-ground in one of his three VFL games for Brisbane. Expect him to make an immediate impact at AFL level next year.

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Readers' Top 30 :7

North Melbourne - George Wardlaw​

Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro - Midfielder, 182cm, 80kg​

The Kangaroos did have the No. 1 pick before the trade period, but will still land the player who is widely considered to be the best available on the open market at pick three. Repeat hamstring injuries, a concussion and a bout of illness meant Wardlaw only got on the park for a few games this year. But what he showed in those was more than enough to suggest he will be a quality AFL player. A midfield bull who recruiters describe as an “animal”, Wardlaw is a bit of a mix between Clayton Oliver and Tom Liberatore.

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Readers' Top 30 :27

North Melbourne - Harry Sheezel​

Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro - Midfielder, 186cm, 79kg​

This pick looks to have been locked in for a while for the Kangaroos, with Sheezel offering up something a bit different to Wardlaw. A forward who can also have a run through the midfield, Sheezel has the most X-Factor of any player in the draft pool and regularly turns half-chances into scoring opportunities. He is exactly the type of player the Kangaroos could do with at their attacking end and is seen as a player who still has plenty of upside left in him.

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Readers' Top 30 :14

Essendon - Elijah Tsatas​

Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro - Midfielder, 186cm, 79kg​

The Bombers are keeping their cards close to their chest. But after Mattaes Phillipou emerged as a genuine option, many rival recruiters believe the pendulum might have swung back in favour of Tsatas. The Oakleigh Chargers product missed a chunk of the year with a foot injury but boasts blistering line-breaking speed and power and was a standout in an organised training session last Saturday in front of a raft of recruiters. Some left that session believing there was no way the ball magnet should slip outside of the top-five.

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Readers' Top 30 :24

Gold Coast - Bailey Humphrey​

Gippsland Power/Vic Country - Midfielder/forward, 185cm, 86kg​

Early interest in West Australian Reuben Ginbey appears to have subdued, with the Suns now setting their sights on Humphrey. A powerful midfielder-forward who is the type of player almost every club is screaming out for, the Gippsland Power captain is quick, strong, has good footy smarts and is a genuine competitor. Humphrey had posters of Nat Fyfe and Dustin Martin on his bedroom walls growing up and hopes to develop into a similarly powerful player. He would make a very nice addition to a Gold Coast midfield which already boasts some serious young talent.

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Readers' Top 30 :3

Hawthorn - Mattaes Phillipou​

Woodville-West Torrens/SA – Midfielder, 190cm, 89kg​

If Essendon selects Tsatas at pick five, expect the Hawks to snap up Phillipou here. But if the Bombers surprise and take Phillipou first, Tsatas will most likely be on his way to Waverley Park. Either way, they will be a happy team at Hawthorn and will land a super talent. The Hawks have put a lot of late work into Phillipou, including flying him over from Adelaide this week. The son of former Footscray player Sam, he has matchwinning qualities which can break games open and is rated a top-five talent by some clubs.

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Readers' Top 30 :18

Geelong - Jhye Clark​

Geelong Falcons/Vic Country – Midfielder, 181cm, 76kg​

The Cats have shown a little bit of late interest in West Australian Ed Allan, but rivals believe that homegrown Geelong Falcons talent Clark would be hard to pass up if he is still on the board. Clark has been mentored by Joel Selwood this year and it wouldn’t surprise if Geelong handed him the No. 14 jumper if he landed at the club. A similarly tough-as-nails inside midfielder who is a “non-negotiable competitor” and is also a developing leader, Clark is being called “Jhye Selwood” by some recruiters.

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Readers' Top 30 :23

West Coast - Reuben Ginbey​

East Perth/WA – Midfielder/defender, 189cm, 82kg​

The Eagles gave up pick two to instead secure two-first round selections during the trade period, with hopes that top West Australian talent Ginbey might still be on the board at the first of them. It is looking like that wish might come true. A big-bodied midfielder, Ginbey also has a second string to his bow with his ability to play across halfback. Interest in him from Gold Coasts is believed to have cooled and West Coast is desperate to add some class to its thin onball brigade.

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Readers' Top 30 :29

St Kilda - Jedd Busslinger​

East Perth/WA – Key defender, 196cm, 82kg​

The Saints would like to add another key defender to their list and Busslinger is the best available this year. It would mean potentially overlooking Next Generation Academy prospect and classy midfielder Cameron Mackenzie, who impressed while training with St Kilda earlier this year and is rated a top-10 prospect by many. However, Busslinger looks a more sensible option on a needs basis. A forward in his earlier junior playing days, the East Perth product impressed with his intercepting down back during the national championships and has said it would be “exciting” to move to one of the eastern states.

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Readers' Top 30 :28

Brisbane - Jaspa Fletcher​

Lions Academy/Allies/Brisbane father-son – Midfielder, 183cm, 76kg​

Matching Carlton bid
There is speculation among rival clubs that Carlton coach Michael Voss and his recruiting team could sink the slipper into Voss’ old club and make Brisbane pay in a big way for Fletcher. Voss and the Blues have made no secret of their desire to add some more outside run in this draft and Fletcher has plenty of that. A strong-running, classy and composed wingman, he is the son of former AFL journeyman Adrian Fletcher and is eligible to join the Lions under father-son rules. Brisbane has been banking draft points, knowing it will need a few to match first-round bids on Ashcroft and Fletcher.

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Readers' Top 30 :10

Carlton - Oliver Hollands​

Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country – Midfielder, 183cm, 71kg​

Coach Michael Voss said himself on Monday that the Blues wanted to be “adding to that running capacity on the outside” with their first pick in this year’s draft. That is why Hollands – who is arguably the best runner in the draft pool – is considered the firm favourite for Carlton here, just ahead of West Australian Ed Allan. A wingman from the Murray Bushrangers who is also developing his contest game, Hollands finished equal-first in the 2km time trial at the draft combine last month and found plenty of the footy at every level he played this year. He has grown up following Carlton and is the younger brother of Gold Coast wingman Elijah Hollands.

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Readers' Top 30 :19

Western Bulldogs - Ed Allan​

Claremont/WA – Midfielder, 194cm, 83kg​

There are murmurs that there have been differing views inside the walls at Whitten Oval on whether the club should select a running player or a key defender with its first selection. If those in favour of a running player win out, Allan is firmly in the frame. The West Australian has good size and speed and was the quickest player over 20m at the national draft combine. The son of former Hawthorn and Fremantle star Ben, he has emerged as a draft bolter in the second half of the season despite playing limited football this year due to a stress fracture in his back. Allan’s brother already lives in Melbourne, which might make the move east a little easier.

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Readers' Top 30 :2

West Coast - Cam Mackenzie​

Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro/St Kilda NGA – Midfielder, 188cm, 83kg​

A top-10 prospect in the eyes of many, it is hard to see the Eagles letting Mackenzie slide any further than this. West Coast is understood to have done a lot of work on Mackenzie and is quite fond of the St Kilda Next Generation Academy member. Mackenzie finds plenty of the ball and uses it well, while also having great speed and composure. He has worked closely with St Kilda Academy coach Nick Dal Santo over recent years and would be another welcome addition to an Eagles midfield which is in need of a boost.

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Readers' Top 30 :5

Melbourne - Matthew Jefferson​

Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro – Key forward, 195cm, 84kg​

This is the name that just keeps on coming up in relation to Melbourne’s first-round pick. The second-best key forward in the draft behind Cadman, Jefferson’s marking ability is his weapon and he has improved his goal kicking this year. He booted seven goals from eight kicks against Western Australia during the national championships to put his name up in lights. Melbourne did pick up promising young key forward Jacob van Rooyen in last year’s draft, but another spearhead wouldn’t hurt given Ben Brown and Tom McDonald will both start next season at the age of 30.

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Readers' Top 30 :8

Sydney - Josh Weddle​

Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro - Key defender, 192cm, 91kg​

An athletic key defender from the Oakleigh Chargers, Weddle is right in the frame for the Swans with their first pick. He was rock solid for Vic Metro during the national championships, showing off his one-on-one defending, intercepting abilities and run and dash off halfback. He went on to post some elite athletic numbers at the draft combine, finishing second in the running vertical jump and impressing in the 20m sprint and 2km time trial. Weddle can play on smalls or talls and has drawn comparisons to former Richmond champion Alex Rance. He looms as a player with enormous upside who could fill the hole left behind when Dane Rampe hangs up the boots.

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Readers' Top 30 :15

Greater Western Sydney - Elijah Hewett​

Swan Districts/WA - Midfielder, 185cm, 85kg​

An explosive midfielder who also has the ability to go forward and hit the scoreboard, Hewett comes from a family of West Coast supporters but appears unlikely to join the Eagles with one of their first two picks. The Giants have done their homework on Hewett and look like being the first team in the frame to grab him as they look to replenish a midfield which lost Jacob Hopper and Tim Taranto during the trade period. Hewett has divided some clubs a little and has a few deficiencies, but recruiters agree he is a “very talented player” with strong athletic traits.

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Readers' Top 30 :26

Collingwood - Jakob Ryan​

Glenelg/SA - Defender, 189cm, 79kg​

A late top-20 bolter, Ryan has emerged as a hot favourite to be snapped up by the Magpies with their first pick in the draft after an impressive season in South Australia. The Glenelg product is a versatile player who is capable of playing in defence, on a wing or up forward. During draft combine testing he showed he has a good mix of speed and endurance to back up his strong ball use out on the field, good footy smarts and impressive aerial abilities. The Magpies don’t mind picking South Australians and Ryan is one of the best of them this year.

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Readers' Top 30 :20

Sydney - Harry Barnett​

West Adelaide/SA – 202cm, 97kg​

The Swans have a habit of making surprise selections in the top-30 and rival clubs believe that Barnett could be one of those this year. Sydney is looking for a ruckman and has shown interest in the South Australian, who is the best one available. While other clubs have Barnett in the 25 to 35 range on their draft boards, the Swans might reach for him a little given their list needs. Consistency hasn’t been Barnett’s strong suit this year, but his best has been very good and recruiters believe there is some likeness between him and Brodie Grundy at the same age. A fellow South Australian, Grundy went at pick 18 in the 2012 national draft.

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Readers' Top 30 :11

Greater Western Sydney - Charlie Clarke​

Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro – Forward, 181cm, 77kg​

The Giants are after a small forward and Clarke looms as the best of them, ahead of Jacob Konstanty and Darcy Jones who are two other players that GWS have done work on. Clarke shot to prominence when he kicked seven goals for Sandringham Dragons in round 4 of the NAB League and went on to have a solid national championships for Vic Metro. He is a character who openly admits to being “real annoying” to his opponents and looks up to a player who he could soon be playing alongside in Toby Greene.

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Readers' Top 30 :6

Greater Western Sydney - Lewis Hayes​

Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro – Defender, 199cm, 81kg​

The first pick on the second night of the draft, the Giants have put this selection up for sale. If the right offer comes along, they would be happy to part with it. If nothing too juicy is offered, they will be prepared to pick a fourth player inside the first 21 selections. If GWS secures a key forward in Cadman, a midfielder in Hewett and a small forward in Clarke earlier in the order, Hayes would be right on the radar with this pick as a highly-rated key defender. The Giants are believed to have interviewed Hayes multiple times and like him. Tall but agile, Hayes is the younger brother of Port Adelaide ruckman Sam.

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Readers' Top 30 :25

Essendon - Alwyn Davey Jr​

Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro/Essendon father-son – Forward/midfielder, 181cm, 77kg​

Matching West Coast bid (Essendon uses second round pick to match)
The Bombers are interested in shifting their second-round pick for this very reason – because there is a very real chance it could be wiped out by a bid for Davey just before. West Coast is considered the big danger, with the Eagles having made a few inquiries about Davey as they search for some speed. A bid on Davey would not only ruffle some feathers but would also be a smart move by bringing West Coast’s second pick in the 20s forward one spot. Whatever happens, Essendon will be prepared to pay up for a highly-talented father-son prospect who possesses some serious speed.

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Readers' Top 30 :16

West Coast - Darcy Jones​

Swan Districts/WA - Midfielder/forward, 174cm, 63kg​

The Eagles like Jones and he makes sense for them if he is still on the board here. West Coast wants to add some outside pace to its side and its preference heading into the draft is to pick West Australians where possible. Jones ticks both those boxes and put his incredible athleticism on show for all to see at the draft combine. He set a record in the agility test, finished equal-first in the standing vertical jump and placed fifth in the 20m sprint. While small in stature, Jones has plenty of heart and had a taste of senior football in the WAFL this year with Swan Districts and impressed. Recruiters say he is a player who is “pretty hard to fault”.

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Readers' Top 30 :12

Adelaide - Max Michalanney​

Norwood/SA/Crows father-son – Defender, 190cm, 78kg​

Matching Western Bulldogs bid
A father-son prospect who has nominated to join the Crows, Michalanney was expected to receive a bid somewhere between picks 25 and 35. However, the Bulldogs have expressed strong interest in the Norwood product and are tipped to show that are a touch earlier. The son of four-time Norwood premiership player Jim, Michalanney is not a high-possession player but defends well and can provide some run and dash when he does win the ball back. He featured in three senior SANFL games this year as he continues his development

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Readers' Top 30 :17

Western Bulldogs - Brayden George​

Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country – Forward, 185cm, 87kg​

A power athlete who has been compared to Melbourne’s Christian Petracca, George was squatting 200kg earlier this year. That was before he went down with a late-season ACL injury, which will sideline him for the 2023 season. Considered a top-10 prospect earlier in the year, that injury won’t turn off clubs – including a more established side like the Bulldogs. George has exceptional spring and speed in his legs and is a threat in attack both in the air and at ground level. The potential pay-off on him in the long-term is enormous.

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Readers' Top 30 :4

North Melbourne - Lachie Cowan​

Tasmania Devils/Allies - Defender, 187cm, 81kg​

The top draft prospect from Tasmania this year, Cowan is one of the youngest players in the pool given he has a December birthday. But that has not stopped him producing a stunning season, which saw him tie for the NAB League’s Morrish Medal and be named at halfback in the All-Australian team after a strong under-18 national championships series for the Allies. Cowan provides some real speed out of the back half and finds plenty of the ball as a rebounding defender. He has also attracted interest from clubs including Sydney and Collingwood higher in the order, but the Kangaroos are still in the right range and are believed to be keen.

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Readers' Top 30 :13

Hawthorn - Max Gruzewski​

Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro – Forward/defender, 193cm, 84kg​

A swingman with serious marking capabilities in the air, Gruzewski is right in the mix to be taken with a pick in the 20s and Hawthorn might beat Collingwood to the punch. The Hawks could do with another young key defender to add to their list and after Busslinger, Hayes and Weddle it is Gruzewski who looks the next best. He doesn’t have quite the leap of Collingwood’s Jeremy Howe, but can play a similar role as a third-tall interceptor down back. As he showed in the final game of the national championships for Vic Metro, he can also go forward, take big contested mark and kick a goal.

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Readers' Top 30 :9

Collingwood - Henry Hustwaite​

Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country - Midfielder/defender, 195cm, 82kg​

The Magpies now look to have another target in sight with their first-round selection, but there’s a chance that Hustwaite is still on the board to come back to at their second pick. No one is saying that Hustwaite will be the next Scott Pendlebury, but he has some similar traits to the Magpies champion as a midfielder who is not overly quick but has classy hands to release teammates from stoppages. Collingwood is right across him, especially given his older brother Campbell is a co-captain of the Magpies’ VFL team.

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Readers' Top 30 :21

West Coast - Kaleb Smith​

East Fremantle - Defender, 180cm, 77kg​

A late-season draft bolter, not many clubs have Smith as a top-30 prospect. But there is a feeling that the Eagles – who are big fans – could take the West Australian here. The explosive utility missed the start of the season with a knee injury, but has some strong AFL traits and showed off his impressive athletic ability at the state draft combine where he posted quality times in the 20m sprint and agility tests. Smith is strong overhead for his size and breaks the lines with his pace.

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Readers' Top 30 :22

Collingwood - Joe Richards​

Wangaratta Magpies - Small forward, 176cm, 71kg​

A 23-year-old schoolteacher from Wangaratta, Richards has come out of nowhere to sit as a top-30 draft prospect. At least seven clubs have expressed interest in him, with some of those clubs who hold picks in the 30s firmly believing Collingwood will take him off the board before he gets to them. The Pies were the first to take a look at Richards, given he is coached in the Ovens and Murray League by former Collingwood forward Ben Reid. Richards finished with 29 goals from 11 matches playing through the midfield for Wangaratta this year and was best afield in an interleague game against the Goulburn Valley league. He also tested soundly after being a late inclusion at the state draft combine in October.
 

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Charlie Bucket said:
I don’t know much about the draft passed the first handful of players.

Is he the only defender that stands out passed the first 30 picks?
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There are two. Van Es is 18 and out of NAB league. Already got a big body and heaps of potential and development ahead of him, but more raw. A real physical KPD type. Phillips is an elite interceptor at VFL level and is ready to step in and play.
 
weltschmerz said:
Allen, George, and Van Es/Phillips would be just fine. Seth Campbell's someone I like in the rookie draft to add pace and goal kicking nous to the forward line.
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Yeah I'd like a ruck and small forward in the rookie draft of we don't take any in the ND. Will we only have room for one rookie though of we sign Baker?
 
Charlie Bucket said:
I don’t know much about the draft passed the first handful of players.

Is he the only defender that stands out passed the first 30 picks?
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Best young player in the VFL - the last 18 to win the award have all been drafted. 23 years old so could potentially step in straight away.

If we took Allen & George - potential match winners but boom or bust types - a solid, high floor low ceiling type rounds us off pretty well
 
Charlie Bucket said:
I don’t know much about the draft passed the first handful of players.

Is he the only defender that stands out passed the first 30 picks?
Click to expand...

Phillips is a ready to go defender. Van Es should still be there and has a higher ceiling but needs a lot of development.
 

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Bulldogs85 said:
Herald Suns last phantom Draft

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Readers' Top 30 :30

Greater Western Sydney - Aaron Cadman​

GWV Rebels/Vic Country - Key forward, 195cm, 91kg​

The Giants still say they are undecided on whether they will bid on Will Ashcroft at pick one, but it seems unlikely. They traded up the order for Cadman, to fill a list need of a key forward and one that is excited to move interstate at that. Cadman has been mentored by the man he has been compared to — Geelong’s Jeremy Cameron — this year and the apprentice electrician from Darley provides a similar spark out on the field with his strong marking and goal kicking abilities.

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Readers' Top 30 :1

Brisbane - Will Ashcroft​

Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro/Brisbane father-son - Midfielder, 181cm, 78kg​

Matching North Melbourne bid
The standout underage player this year, Ashcroft would be taken at No. 1 by any club if he were available on the open market. However, the prolific ball-winning midfielder has nominated to join the Lions, where his father Marcus played in three premierships. Ashcroft could not have done much more this year, starring on the big stage of the national championships for Vic Metro and being best-on-ground in one of his three VFL games for Brisbane. Expect him to make an immediate impact at AFL level next year.

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Readers' Top 30 :7

North Melbourne - George Wardlaw​

Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro - Midfielder, 182cm, 80kg​

The Kangaroos did have the No. 1 pick before the trade period, but will still land the player who is widely considered to be the best available on the open market at pick three. Repeat hamstring injuries, a concussion and a bout of illness meant Wardlaw only got on the park for a few games this year. But what he showed in those was more than enough to suggest he will be a quality AFL player. A midfield bull who recruiters describe as an “animal”, Wardlaw is a bit of a mix between Clayton Oliver and Tom Liberatore.

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Readers' Top 30 :27

North Melbourne - Harry Sheezel​

Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro - Midfielder, 186cm, 79kg​

This pick looks to have been locked in for a while for the Kangaroos, with Sheezel offering up something a bit different to Wardlaw. A forward who can also have a run through the midfield, Sheezel has the most X-Factor of any player in the draft pool and regularly turns half-chances into scoring opportunities. He is exactly the type of player the Kangaroos could do with at their attacking end and is seen as a player who still has plenty of upside left in him.

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Readers' Top 30 :14

Essendon - Elijah Tsatas​

Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro - Midfielder, 186cm, 79kg​

The Bombers are keeping their cards close to their chest. But after Mattaes Phillipou emerged as a genuine option, many rival recruiters believe the pendulum might have swung back in favour of Tsatas. The Oakleigh Chargers product missed a chunk of the year with a foot injury but boasts blistering line-breaking speed and power and was a standout in an organised training session last Saturday in front of a raft of recruiters. Some left that session believing there was no way the ball magnet should slip outside of the top-five.

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Readers' Top 30 :24

Gold Coast - Bailey Humphrey​

Gippsland Power/Vic Country - Midfielder/forward, 185cm, 86kg​

Early interest in West Australian Reuben Ginbey appears to have subdued, with the Suns now setting their sights on Humphrey. A powerful midfielder-forward who is the type of player almost every club is screaming out for, the Gippsland Power captain is quick, strong, has good footy smarts and is a genuine competitor. Humphrey had posters of Nat Fyfe and Dustin Martin on his bedroom walls growing up and hopes to develop into a similarly powerful player. He would make a very nice addition to a Gold Coast midfield which already boasts some serious young talent.

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Readers' Top 30 :3

Hawthorn - Mattaes Phillipou​

Woodville-West Torrens/SA – Midfielder, 190cm, 89kg​

If Essendon selects Tsatas at pick five, expect the Hawks to snap up Phillipou here. But if the Bombers surprise and take Phillipou first, Tsatas will most likely be on his way to Waverley Park. Either way, they will be a happy team at Hawthorn and will land a super talent. The Hawks have put a lot of late work into Phillipou, including flying him over from Adelaide this week. The son of former Footscray player Sam, he has matchwinning qualities which can break games open and is rated a top-five talent by some clubs.

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Readers' Top 30 :18

Geelong - Jhye Clark​

Geelong Falcons/Vic Country – Midfielder, 181cm, 76kg​

The Cats have shown a little bit of late interest in West Australian Ed Allan, but rivals believe that homegrown Geelong Falcons talent Clark would be hard to pass up if he is still on the board. Clark has been mentored by Joel Selwood this year and it wouldn’t surprise if Geelong handed him the No. 14 jumper if he landed at the club. A similarly tough-as-nails inside midfielder who is a “non-negotiable competitor” and is also a developing leader, Clark is being called “Jhye Selwood” by some recruiters.

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Readers' Top 30 :23

West Coast - Reuben Ginbey​

East Perth/WA – Midfielder/defender, 189cm, 82kg​

The Eagles gave up pick two to instead secure two-first round selections during the trade period, with hopes that top West Australian talent Ginbey might still be on the board at the first of them. It is looking like that wish might come true. A big-bodied midfielder, Ginbey also has a second string to his bow with his ability to play across halfback. Interest in him from Gold Coasts is believed to have cooled and West Coast is desperate to add some class to its thin onball brigade.

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Readers' Top 30 :29

St Kilda - Jedd Busslinger​

East Perth/WA – Key defender, 196cm, 82kg​

The Saints would like to add another key defender to their list and Busslinger is the best available this year. It would mean potentially overlooking Next Generation Academy prospect and classy midfielder Cameron Mackenzie, who impressed while training with St Kilda earlier this year and is rated a top-10 prospect by many. However, Busslinger looks a more sensible option on a needs basis. A forward in his earlier junior playing days, the East Perth product impressed with his intercepting down back during the national championships and has said it would be “exciting” to move to one of the eastern states.

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Readers' Top 30 :28

Brisbane - Jaspa Fletcher​

Lions Academy/Allies/Brisbane father-son – Midfielder, 183cm, 76kg​

Matching Carlton bid
There is speculation among rival clubs that Carlton coach Michael Voss and his recruiting team could sink the slipper into Voss’ old club and make Brisbane pay in a big way for Fletcher. Voss and the Blues have made no secret of their desire to add some more outside run in this draft and Fletcher has plenty of that. A strong-running, classy and composed wingman, he is the son of former AFL journeyman Adrian Fletcher and is eligible to join the Lions under father-son rules. Brisbane has been banking draft points, knowing it will need a few to match first-round bids on Ashcroft and Fletcher.

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Readers' Top 30 :10

Carlton - Oliver Hollands​

Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country – Midfielder, 183cm, 71kg​

Coach Michael Voss said himself on Monday that the Blues wanted to be “adding to that running capacity on the outside” with their first pick in this year’s draft. That is why Hollands – who is arguably the best runner in the draft pool – is considered the firm favourite for Carlton here, just ahead of West Australian Ed Allan. A wingman from the Murray Bushrangers who is also developing his contest game, Hollands finished equal-first in the 2km time trial at the draft combine last month and found plenty of the footy at every level he played this year. He has grown up following Carlton and is the younger brother of Gold Coast wingman Elijah Hollands.

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Readers' Top 30 :19

Western Bulldogs - Ed Allan​

Claremont/WA – Midfielder, 194cm, 83kg​

There are murmurs that there have been differing views inside the walls at Whitten Oval on whether the club should select a running player or a key defender with its first selection. If those in favour of a running player win out, Allan is firmly in the frame. The West Australian has good size and speed and was the quickest player over 20m at the national draft combine. The son of former Hawthorn and Fremantle star Ben, he has emerged as a draft bolter in the second half of the season despite playing limited football this year due to a stress fracture in his back. Allan’s brother already lives in Melbourne, which might make the move east a little easier.

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Readers' Top 30 :2

West Coast - Cam Mackenzie​

Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro/St Kilda NGA – Midfielder, 188cm, 83kg​

A top-10 prospect in the eyes of many, it is hard to see the Eagles letting Mackenzie slide any further than this. West Coast is understood to have done a lot of work on Mackenzie and is quite fond of the St Kilda Next Generation Academy member. Mackenzie finds plenty of the ball and uses it well, while also having great speed and composure. He has worked closely with St Kilda Academy coach Nick Dal Santo over recent years and would be another welcome addition to an Eagles midfield which is in need of a boost.

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Readers' Top 30 :5

Melbourne - Matthew Jefferson​

Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro – Key forward, 195cm, 84kg​

This is the name that just keeps on coming up in relation to Melbourne’s first-round pick. The second-best key forward in the draft behind Cadman, Jefferson’s marking ability is his weapon and he has improved his goal kicking this year. He booted seven goals from eight kicks against Western Australia during the national championships to put his name up in lights. Melbourne did pick up promising young key forward Jacob van Rooyen in last year’s draft, but another spearhead wouldn’t hurt given Ben Brown and Tom McDonald will both start next season at the age of 30.

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Readers' Top 30 :8

Sydney - Josh Weddle​

Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro - Key defender, 192cm, 91kg​

An athletic key defender from the Oakleigh Chargers, Weddle is right in the frame for the Swans with their first pick. He was rock solid for Vic Metro during the national championships, showing off his one-on-one defending, intercepting abilities and run and dash off halfback. He went on to post some elite athletic numbers at the draft combine, finishing second in the running vertical jump and impressing in the 20m sprint and 2km time trial. Weddle can play on smalls or talls and has drawn comparisons to former Richmond champion Alex Rance. He looms as a player with enormous upside who could fill the hole left behind when Dane Rampe hangs up the boots.

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Readers' Top 30 :15

Greater Western Sydney - Elijah Hewett​

Swan Districts/WA - Midfielder, 185cm, 85kg​

An explosive midfielder who also has the ability to go forward and hit the scoreboard, Hewett comes from a family of West Coast supporters but appears unlikely to join the Eagles with one of their first two picks. The Giants have done their homework on Hewett and look like being the first team in the frame to grab him as they look to replenish a midfield which lost Jacob Hopper and Tim Taranto during the trade period. Hewett has divided some clubs a little and has a few deficiencies, but recruiters agree he is a “very talented player” with strong athletic traits.

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Readers' Top 30 :26

Collingwood - Jakob Ryan​

Glenelg/SA - Defender, 189cm, 79kg​

A late top-20 bolter, Ryan has emerged as a hot favourite to be snapped up by the Magpies with their first pick in the draft after an impressive season in South Australia. The Glenelg product is a versatile player who is capable of playing in defence, on a wing or up forward. During draft combine testing he showed he has a good mix of speed and endurance to back up his strong ball use out on the field, good footy smarts and impressive aerial abilities. The Magpies don’t mind picking South Australians and Ryan is one of the best of them this year.

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Readers' Top 30 :20

Sydney - Harry Barnett​

West Adelaide/SA – 202cm, 97kg​

The Swans have a habit of making surprise selections in the top-30 and rival clubs believe that Barnett could be one of those this year. Sydney is looking for a ruckman and has shown interest in the South Australian, who is the best one available. While other clubs have Barnett in the 25 to 35 range on their draft boards, the Swans might reach for him a little given their list needs. Consistency hasn’t been Barnett’s strong suit this year, but his best has been very good and recruiters believe there is some likeness between him and Brodie Grundy at the same age. A fellow South Australian, Grundy went at pick 18 in the 2012 national draft.

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Readers' Top 30 :11

Greater Western Sydney - Charlie Clarke​

Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro – Forward, 181cm, 77kg​

The Giants are after a small forward and Clarke looms as the best of them, ahead of Jacob Konstanty and Darcy Jones who are two other players that GWS have done work on. Clarke shot to prominence when he kicked seven goals for Sandringham Dragons in round 4 of the NAB League and went on to have a solid national championships for Vic Metro. He is a character who openly admits to being “real annoying” to his opponents and looks up to a player who he could soon be playing alongside in Toby Greene.

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Readers' Top 30 :6

Greater Western Sydney - Lewis Hayes​

Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro – Defender, 199cm, 81kg​

The first pick on the second night of the draft, the Giants have put this selection up for sale. If the right offer comes along, they would be happy to part with it. If nothing too juicy is offered, they will be prepared to pick a fourth player inside the first 21 selections. If GWS secures a key forward in Cadman, a midfielder in Hewett and a small forward in Clarke earlier in the order, Hayes would be right on the radar with this pick as a highly-rated key defender. The Giants are believed to have interviewed Hayes multiple times and like him. Tall but agile, Hayes is the younger brother of Port Adelaide ruckman Sam.

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Readers' Top 30 :25

Essendon - Alwyn Davey Jr​

Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro/Essendon father-son – Forward/midfielder, 181cm, 77kg​

Matching West Coast bid (Essendon uses second round pick to match)
The Bombers are interested in shifting their second-round pick for this very reason – because there is a very real chance it could be wiped out by a bid for Davey just before. West Coast is considered the big danger, with the Eagles having made a few inquiries about Davey as they search for some speed. A bid on Davey would not only ruffle some feathers but would also be a smart move by bringing West Coast’s second pick in the 20s forward one spot. Whatever happens, Essendon will be prepared to pay up for a highly-talented father-son prospect who possesses some serious speed.

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Readers' Top 30 :16

West Coast - Darcy Jones​

Swan Districts/WA - Midfielder/forward, 174cm, 63kg​

The Eagles like Jones and he makes sense for them if he is still on the board here. West Coast wants to add some outside pace to its side and its preference heading into the draft is to pick West Australians where possible. Jones ticks both those boxes and put his incredible athleticism on show for all to see at the draft combine. He set a record in the agility test, finished equal-first in the standing vertical jump and placed fifth in the 20m sprint. While small in stature, Jones has plenty of heart and had a taste of senior football in the WAFL this year with Swan Districts and impressed. Recruiters say he is a player who is “pretty hard to fault”.

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Readers' Top 30 :12

Adelaide - Max Michalanney​

Norwood/SA/Crows father-son – Defender, 190cm, 78kg​

Matching Western Bulldogs bid
A father-son prospect who has nominated to join the Crows, Michalanney was expected to receive a bid somewhere between picks 25 and 35. However, the Bulldogs have expressed strong interest in the Norwood product and are tipped to show that are a touch earlier. The son of four-time Norwood premiership player Jim, Michalanney is not a high-possession player but defends well and can provide some run and dash when he does win the ball back. He featured in three senior SANFL games this year as he continues his development

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Readers' Top 30 :17

Western Bulldogs - Brayden George​

Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country – Forward, 185cm, 87kg​

A power athlete who has been compared to Melbourne’s Christian Petracca, George was squatting 200kg earlier this year. That was before he went down with a late-season ACL injury, which will sideline him for the 2023 season. Considered a top-10 prospect earlier in the year, that injury won’t turn off clubs – including a more established side like the Bulldogs. George has exceptional spring and speed in his legs and is a threat in attack both in the air and at ground level. The potential pay-off on him in the long-term is enormous.

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Readers' Top 30 :4

North Melbourne - Lachie Cowan​

Tasmania Devils/Allies - Defender, 187cm, 81kg​

The top draft prospect from Tasmania this year, Cowan is one of the youngest players in the pool given he has a December birthday. But that has not stopped him producing a stunning season, which saw him tie for the NAB League’s Morrish Medal and be named at halfback in the All-Australian team after a strong under-18 national championships series for the Allies. Cowan provides some real speed out of the back half and finds plenty of the ball as a rebounding defender. He has also attracted interest from clubs including Sydney and Collingwood higher in the order, but the Kangaroos are still in the right range and are believed to be keen.

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Readers' Top 30 :13

Hawthorn - Max Gruzewski​

Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro – Forward/defender, 193cm, 84kg​

A swingman with serious marking capabilities in the air, Gruzewski is right in the mix to be taken with a pick in the 20s and Hawthorn might beat Collingwood to the punch. The Hawks could do with another young key defender to add to their list and after Busslinger, Hayes and Weddle it is Gruzewski who looks the next best. He doesn’t have quite the leap of Collingwood’s Jeremy Howe, but can play a similar role as a third-tall interceptor down back. As he showed in the final game of the national championships for Vic Metro, he can also go forward, take big contested mark and kick a goal.

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Readers' Top 30 :9

Collingwood - Henry Hustwaite​

Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country - Midfielder/defender, 195cm, 82kg​

The Magpies now look to have another target in sight with their first-round selection, but there’s a chance that Hustwaite is still on the board to come back to at their second pick. No one is saying that Hustwaite will be the next Scott Pendlebury, but he has some similar traits to the Magpies champion as a midfielder who is not overly quick but has classy hands to release teammates from stoppages. Collingwood is right across him, especially given his older brother Campbell is a co-captain of the Magpies’ VFL team.

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Readers' Top 30 :21

West Coast - Kaleb Smith​

East Fremantle - Defender, 180cm, 77kg​

A late-season draft bolter, not many clubs have Smith as a top-30 prospect. But there is a feeling that the Eagles – who are big fans – could take the West Australian here. The explosive utility missed the start of the season with a knee injury, but has some strong AFL traits and showed off his impressive athletic ability at the state draft combine where he posted quality times in the 20m sprint and agility tests. Smith is strong overhead for his size and breaks the lines with his pace.

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Readers' Top 30 :22

Collingwood - Joe Richards​

Wangaratta Magpies - Small forward, 176cm, 71kg​

A 23-year-old schoolteacher from Wangaratta, Richards has come out of nowhere to sit as a top-30 draft prospect. At least seven clubs have expressed interest in him, with some of those clubs who hold picks in the 30s firmly believing Collingwood will take him off the board before he gets to them. The Pies were the first to take a look at Richards, given he is coached in the Ovens and Murray League by former Collingwood forward Ben Reid. Richards finished with 29 goals from 11 matches playing through the midfield for Wangaratta this year and was best afield in an interleague game against the Goulburn Valley league. He also tested soundly after being a late inclusion at the state draft combine in October.
Click to expand...
Passing on McKenzie would be a tough pill to swallow
 
CaptainMurphy said:
Passing on McKenzie would be a tough pill to swallow
Click to expand...
He would be the libba replacement in two years
Depending on how Smith develops as in contested mid
 
Dom intervew atm

Dogs are settled on players around their picks
Will look at doing draft day trading
 
LittleG said:
IF Mackenzie is still there, we could offer a future first for pick 12 or 13.
Click to expand...
West Coast need players, starting a rebuild.
Melbourne traditionally grade future picks to get into a draft rather than the other way round.

I like the idea but it would be a hard ask in practice
 
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