Player Watch 2023 AFL Draft Pool Discussion Thread

[Strapping Young Lad]

Same rule applies to this thread as other years, keep it on topic about the kids.
Don’t get bogged down on what other teams might do or where they will finish.

Trade speculation belongs here.
That's also where you can discuss your mock drafts or pick trades.

Any McCabe, Dear or Maginness talk belongs here.

 

[smish]

Welcome to the Hawks, Ziggy.

 

[Strapping Young Lad]

We need another forward with skill and would gather a bit of a fan base with those dreads i feel

I’m not sure that’s even him. That’s why I’d rather you didn’t post screenshots.

Link to actual articles

 

[Pinoy Hawk]

From last year.



A Stingrays draft bolter could be Ziggy Toledo-Glasman, a mobile forward who caught the eye late in the season after playing a senior game at Mt Eliza in the MPNFL.

“He’s actually been talked about a fair bit in the last couple weeks by clubs,” Cox said.

​

“He’s a developing tall, he missed a lot of footy through injury…he’s showed some real glimpses at 195cm, quite mobile, kicks goals, hits the scoreboard.

“He showed a bit in the last few games when he went up the ground and did a bit more. He’s been talked about as a possible late rookie as well.”

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/localfooty/revealed-the-dandenong-stingrays-most-likely-to-get-drafted/news-story/6829b41d6e755e355357a408ed2523ea

 

[TylerDurden]

 

[TDS7]

Interesting half of football from Sandy vs Eastern. I'll focus on the three main players of interest:

Calsher Dear
Cal looked strong out there, playing from the goal square and taking ruck contests inside the forward 50. Got one goal on the end of a coast-to-coast, but set up a few with some nice hands below his knees and solid tapwork. One play in the third he met the contest just outside 50, the ball spilled to the ground, and he beautifully and cleanly picked it up from the ground in one hand, did a 180 do face the goals again, and unleashed a handpass wide to Ashcroft or Sanders (?) that lead to a goal. He had a few chances to really outmuscle his opponent that just went missing, often getting his hands to it just a second late. It's not going to get him three votes, but a good game to build on for the season, just need to see some more goals from the kid.

Ned Maginess
Ned looked really clean and crisp with the footy in hand today. Took a few nice intercepts, has a really sharp eye for open players, and has a beautiful handball on him. He really does look like Will Day

12

Will Day

Age

23

Ht

191cm

Wt

83kg

Pos.

Mid

Career

Season

Last 5

D

17.5

4star

K

10.0

4star

HB

7.5

5star

M

5.0

5star

T

1.0

3star

CL

0.5

2star

D

17.5

4star

K

10.0

4star

HB

7.5

4star

M

5.0

5star

T

1.0

2star

CL

0.5

3star

D

17.5

5star

K

10.0

4star

HB

7.5

5star

M

5.0

5star

T

1.0

3star

CL

0.5

3star

for mine, string bean off the wing with superb spacial awareness and vision. He seems a bit lost when playing the wing, he looks a lot better when he gets to be at the fall of the ball instead of 15 meters outside of it, but his spread and defensive efforts helped Sandy get over the line in the end. Another half that was good without being great.

Nick Watson
I'll say this, the kid is unreal as a forward. Deft touch, has plenty of strength and speed, and knows how to drop his knees and when to fly high for a grab. As a midfielder, he was alright, great at getting his hands on it and bursting through when left unchecked. A few times he opted for a bit of a panic handpass after taking contact that he really could stand through, but all around a good game. I didn't see the first half but apparently, he was outstanding there as well.

I won't be able to watch Harley Reid live this arvo, but I'll comb through the replay and go through the notes later. Will post stats as well when Coates get the accountants out of bed.

 

[Judd2Sewell]

He's too small to play as an inside midfielder at AFL level.

 

[Suntory Boss Coffee]

Harley Reid playing in 25 mins. Named at Centre

 

[Hawk Vision]

Interesting half of football from Sandy vs Eastern. I'll focus on the three main players of interest:

Calsher Dear
Cal looked strong out there, playing from the goal square and taking ruck contests inside the forward 50. Got one goal on the end of a coast-to-coast, but set up a few with some nice hands below his knees and solid tapwork. One play in the third he met the contest just outside 50, the ball spilled to the ground, and he beautifully and cleanly picked it up from the ground in one hand, did a 180 do face the goals again, and unleashed a handpass wide to Ashcroft or Sanders (?) that lead to a goal. He had a few chances to really outmuscle his opponent that just went missing, often getting his hands to it just a second late. It's not going to get him three votes, but a good game to build on for the season, just need to see some more goals from the kid.

Ned Maginess
Ned looked really clean and crisp with the footy in hand today. Took a few nice intercepts, has a really sharp eye for open players, and has a beautiful handball on him. He really does look like Will Day for mine, string bean off the wing with superb spacial awareness and vision. He seems a bit lost when playing the wing, he looks a lot better when he gets to be at the fall of the ball instead of 15 meters outside of it, but his spread and defensive efforts helped Sandy get over the line in the end. Another half that was good without being great.

Nick Watson
I'll say this, the kid is unreal as a forward. Deft touch, has plenty of strength and speed, and knows how to drop his knees and when to fly high for a grab. As a midfielder, he was alright, great at getting his hands on it and bursting through when left unchecked. A few times he opted for a bit of a panic handpass after taking contact that he really could stand through, but all around a good game. I didn't see the first half but apparently, he was outstanding there as well.

I won't be able to watch Harley Reid live this arvo, but I'll comb through the replay and go through the notes later. Will post stats as well when Coates get the accountants out of bed.

Thanks for this, great review. Are these games streamed if you’re looking at replays?

 

[TDS7]

Thanks for this, great review. Are these games streamed if you’re looking at replays?

They are, as Bardo State mentioned it's on the Talent League app.

 

[rei154]

Anyone have a link to the GWV game?

 

[Strapping Young Lad]

Anyone have a link to the GWV game?

It’s on the app

 

[pushintheback]

Interesting half of football from Sandy vs Eastern. I'll focus on the three main players of interest:

Calsher Dear
Cal looked strong out there, playing from the goal square and taking ruck contests inside the forward 50. Got one goal on the end of a coast-to-coast, but set up a few with some nice hands below his knees and solid tapwork. One play in the third he met the contest just outside 50, the ball spilled to the ground, and he beautifully and cleanly picked it up from the ground in one hand, did a 180 do face the goals again, and unleashed a handpass wide to Ashcroft or Sanders (?) that lead to a goal. He had a few chances to really outmuscle his opponent that just went missing, often getting his hands to it just a second late. It's not going to get him three votes, but a good game to build on for the season, just need to see some more goals from the kid.

Ned Maginess
Ned looked really clean and crisp with the footy in hand today. Took a few nice intercepts, has a really sharp eye for open players, and has a beautiful handball on him. He really does look like Will Day for mine, string bean off the wing with superb spacial awareness and vision. He seems a bit lost when playing the wing, he looks a lot better when he gets to be at the fall of the ball instead of 15 meters outside of it, but his spread and defensive efforts helped Sandy get over the line in the end. Another half that was good without being great.

Nick Watson
I'll say this, the kid is unreal as a forward. Deft touch, has plenty of strength and speed, and knows how to drop his knees and when to fly high for a grab. As a midfielder, he was alright, great at getting his hands on it and bursting through when left unchecked. A few times he opted for a bit of a panic handpass after taking contact that he really could stand through, but all around a good game. I didn't see the first half but apparently, he was outstanding there as well.

I won't be able to watch Harley Reid live this arvo, but I'll comb through the replay and go through the notes later. Will post stats as well when Coates get the accountants out of bed.

Watson had a pretty good game. When he went into the mid he had some nice moments including a smooth clearance where he was able to have a bounce and put it i50.

I50 u don't want to fumble within his vicinity, he just pounces on u. My only concern with Watson is his height. He gets away with it at Coates level by dropping his knees to get high tackles. He does get a lot of free kicks that are questionable. At AFL he wont get away with that. Having said this he makes things happen. His pressure acts are good and he looks like his fitness has improved. And he's only one of a few in the entire comp that can run and bounce at speed. Still sits at around the 12-15 mark for me, but thats not a bad thing.

Watson, Anderson, Weatherall and Smillie were Easterns best.
Watson - as above
Smillie - kicked a ripper goal on the run from outside 50. He's a big kid that will push for #1 in 2024. A little slow but gets away with it with his skills and decision making. He went off with cramp, but thats because he works really hard (quite a few went down with cramp)
Anderson - The kid is a ball magnet. He doesn't posses a lot of speed but he's a pure footballer. Some of his decision making today was questionable but more often than not he makes good decisions. Not sure where he sits for 2024 just yet
Weatherill had a purple patch in Q3 kicking 3 snags. He looked dangerous all day taking some really strong contested grabs. He kicked the ball really well today, probably the best game I have seen him play. He showed some nice athletic traits today as well. Another one to watch that has the ability to be a high draft pick. But consistency has been his problem in the past.
Cooper Trembath took some really impressive contested defensive grabs. But he also dropped some grabs he should have taken. Kicking is not his strong suit but he's one I will continue to track.
Nyko was ok out of defence. His numbers maybe inflated due to taking kick ins. He does some really nice things but has a habit of turning the footy over.

Riley Sanders was bog up until HT, but was a little less noticeable in H2. He looks at home in the mid and won a heap of the footy. His decison making and skills are good. He kicked a nice goal in Q2, slick movement. He moved well out of congestion and I reckon he maintained his spot in the top 20.
Charlton Harrop had some nice moments. He didn't waste too many opportunities in front of goal kicking 2 snags in Q2.
Ashcroft hit the scoreboard with arguably goal of the year and he also had the best point celebration The kid can play. U can see the same traits that Will has in him. He kicked the ball well today and is always looking to involve his teammates.
Cooper Lord, I liked his game. A really consistent 4 quarter game. He's hard at it, used the ball well and was able to get into some good spots. One to watch.
Archie Perkins like Nyko kicks in a lot so his numbers maybe inflated. Perkins got a lot of HB receives but he does use the ball and is trustworthy. I do like his traits and can see why he is regarded as late rnd1 or rnd2 pick. Some kids just standout and he's one those.
Taj Hotton could be my new favourite Sandy player. His hops were on show today with a nice pack mark and almost mark of the year. He showed a bit of his speed today and for a bottom ager he made really good decisions.
Special mentions (all had moments that were noticeable) - Harvey Johnston 2 goals, Billie KcGee, Justin Krok, Calsher Dear & Will Brown

 

[Hawk Vision]

Harley was going only about 2nd or 3rd gear, still miles better than anyone on the field. Basically you put him where you need him to win the game. Nearly did it in the last qtr but missed a sitter. He is the midfielder and forward we need in one player, stupid how good he is really. He was way too good to be playing at that level, how scrapy it was effected his game. Hopefully he plays some VFL this year, will play better against more skilled opponents. Oh yeah, he also lifts when the game is there to be won, ultra competitive with a balanced dose of mongrel and arrogance. Yep he pretty handy.

 

[TDS7]

Ashton Moir with the good game in a close loss to Centrals:
17 Disposals (17k 10h)
4 goals 3 behinds
10 marks (3 contested)
6 i50s

Will McCabe in the same game, coming away with the win:
13 Disposals (12k 1h)
2 goals
7 marks
2 i50s

0 rebound 50s is interesting for McCabe, might be playing as a CHF full-time. Would like to see if he gets a reserves or league call-up.

 

[Judd2Sewell]

Ashton Moir with the good game in a close loss to Centrals:
17 Disposals (17k 10h)
4 goals 3 behinds
10 marks (3 contested)
6 i50s

Will McCabe in the same game, coming away with the win:
13 Disposals (12k 1h)
2 goals
7 marks
2 i50s

0 rebound 50s is interesting for McCabe, might be playing as a CHF full-time. Would like to see if he gets a reserves or league call-up.

Love it. McCabe hopefully gets a chance to show some versatility playing big forward and back this season.

Surely if Moir dominates he will be Adelaide's top pick. He seems like a huge talent. Him playing well is good for us.

 

[TDS7]

Love it.

Surely if Moir dominates he will be Adelaide's top pick. He seems like a huge talent. Him playing well is good for us.

If we don't end up with Reid he is a real threat to go to us. Just x-factor embodied. Would love to hear from someone who actually watched the game, but those stats are insane.

 

[Judd2Sewell]

If we don't end up with Reid he is a real threat to go to us. Just x-factor embodied. Would love to hear from someone who actually watched the game, but those stats are insane.

From what I have seen he can kick lasers off both feet. A very rare talent to have.

 

[pushintheback]

Ashton Moir with the good game in a close loss to Centrals:
17 Disposals (17k 10h)
4 goals 3 behinds
10 marks (3 contested)
6 i50s

Will McCabe in the same game, coming away with the win:
13 Disposals (12k 1h)
2 goals
7 marks
2 i50s

0 rebound 50s is interesting for McCabe, might be playing as a CHF full-time. Would like to see if he gets a reserves or league call-up.

That’s a huge game by Moir. Absolute star!

 

[TDS7]

From what I have seen he can kick lasers off both feet. A very rare talent to have.

Lasers might be an overstatement. He can kick equally off both feet and freely alternates on set shots and around the ground completely naturally. He can launch it 50 off two steps either way. But in terms of actually kicking it to people, let's say he's no Cam Mackenzie. Can go a bit hard at it, especially when he's copped some pressure. But even players like Sam Mitchell had a preference for their feet, Moir toys around with his opponents and opens up angles other players just can't even think about.

 

[TDS7]

Some stats for you numbers people. All are available through the Talent League app. I only watched a few bites of these games, but I'll throw a little blurb for the players I know.

Sandringham Dragons

Ned Maginess - 188cm ??kg - Wing
1 behind | 18d 10k 8h | 4m 3t 1i50

More possessions than I thought, good to see him get involved with a few tackles. A lot of promise, and a lot of room to develop. Worth noting the coaches named him in the bests as well.

Calsher Dear - 194cm ??kg - Key Forward
1 goal | 9d 5k 4h | 2m 1t 3HO

The stats don't do him justice, this was a good game from Cal. Could build his 1-on-1 game and stick those big pack marks, but his selflessness and skill below his knees were enticing. Another to watch and see.



Eastern Ranges

Nick Watson - 169cm 66kg - Small Forward
2 goals 1 behind | 17d 12k 5h | 5m 4t 1r50 4i50

We know who this is, I've done a write-up already. Nothing new here, good split for a small forward pinch-hitting in the mids.

Josh Smillie - 191cm 90kg - Dynamic Midfielder/Forward
1 goal 1 behind | 26d 14k 12h | 4m 2t 1r50 5i50

Making a good case for premier 2024 prospect, Smillie is a bottom-age bull with a presence at every contest. Great overhead and willing to take the game on and run it out of contests, Josh was the driving force behind the Ranges economy. If they were going out of the backline, Josh was presenting down the line for a connecting chip or handball, then bursting down and getting it to the forwards. Spent quite some time forward while resting, but his turns in the midfield were dominant. Think Petracca or Bont, a big body who moves well around the ground and can will the ball inside 50.

Western Jets

Logan Morris - 192cm ??kg - CHF
4 goals | 14d 11k 3h | 8m 1t 2r50s 2HOs

Mobile forward, plays tall and has put in a ton of effort this offseason to work up the ground. Cameron-esque in his ability to show up at a contest at full back and then make it back to kick the goal he helped create. Played a bit of wing last year but was used mostly as a forward target. Now that I've gone over Aaron Cadman's draft credentials, let's talk about Logan Morris. Joking aside, while not a 1-for-1 comparison Morris's work ethic was notable today. Yes, I typed that correctly, he had two rebound 50s playing as the target up forward. Not sure where he's regarded by the rest of the field, but my word he was impressive. He'll be pushing for the first round this year, his work ethic on and off the park is the exact sort of thing I'd look for in a forward. Might need to brush up his field kicking, and he doesn't handball much for good reason. While he gets up the ground, I'd like to see him get deep in contests a bit more as well.

I'll try and watch the Gippsland game for a bit, then update tomorrow evening with whatever stats I can find. Again, this is all just on the app if you want to watch the games or read the stats yourselves. Happy to answer questions as always.

 

[pushintheback]

Some stats for you numbers people. All are available through the Talent League app. I only watched a few bites of these games, but I'll throw a little blurb for the players I know.

Sandringham Dragons

Ned Maginess - 188cm ??kg - Wing
1 behind | 18d 10k 8h | 4m 3t 1i50

More possessions than I thought, good to see him get involved with a few tackles. A lot of promise, and a lot of room to develop. Worth noting the coaches named him in the bests as well.

Calsher Dear - 194cm ??kg - Key Forward
1 goal | 9d 5k 4h | 2m 1t 3HO

The stats don't do him justice, this was a good game from Cal. Could build his 1-on-1 game and stick those big pack marks, but his selflessness and skill below his knees were enticing. Another to watch and see.



Eastern Ranges

Nick Watson - 169cm 66kg - Small Forward
2 goals 1 behind | 17d 12k 5h | 5m 4t 1r50 4i50

We know who this is, I've done a write-up already. Nothing new here, good split for a small forward pinch-hitting in the mids.

Josh Smillie - 191cm 90kg - Dynamic Midfielder/Forward
1 goal 1 behind | 26d 14k 12h | 4m 2t 1r50 5i50

Making a good case for premier 2024 prospect, Smillie is a bottom-age bull with a presence at every contest. Great overhead and willing to take the game on and run it out of contests, Josh was the driving force behind the Ranges economy. If they were going out of the backline, Josh was presenting down the line for a connecting chip or handball, then bursting down and getting it to the forwards. Spent quite some time forward while resting, but his turns in the midfield were dominant. Think Petracca or Bont, a big body who moves well around the ground and can will the ball inside 50.

Western Jets

Logan Morris - 192cm ??kg - CHF
4 goals | 14d 11k 3h | 8m 1t 2r50s 2HOs

Mobile forward, plays tall and has put in a ton of effort this offseason to work up the ground. Cameron-esque in his ability to show up at a contest at full back and then make it back to kick the goal he helped create. Played a bit of wing last year but was used mostly as a forward target. Now that I've gone over Aaron Cadman's draft credentials, let's talk about Logan Morris. Joking aside, while not a 1-for-1 comparison Morris's work ethic was notable today. Yes, I typed that correctly, he had two rebound 50s playing as the target up forward. Not sure where he's regarded by the rest of the field, but my word he was impressive. He'll be pushing for the first round this year, his work ethic on and off the park is the exact sort of thing I'd look for in a forward. Might need to brush up his field kicking, and he doesn't handball much for good reason. While he gets up the ground, I'd like to see him get deep in contests a bit more as well.

I'll try and watch the Gippsland game for a bit, then update tomorrow evening with whatever stats I can find. Again, this is all just on the app if you want to watch the games or read the stats yourselves. Happy to answer questions as always.

Morris is a beast. I’ve said it before. His name will get called out before Caddy’s.

 

[dermott]

For John Le Carre fans it would be wonderful to have Josh Smillie at the Hawks. Obvious he, would be called George.

 

[rei154]

Licking my lips at the notion of our draft haul this year already.

Our first round pick (Reid, Caddy, Duursma, Lorenz, Curtin)

Father sons (McCabe, Maginness, Dear)

Rookie pick (Jiath)

 

[TylerDurden]

 

[Titch3Votes0MooreAA]

Elvis Presley once sang a song called "If I Can Dream." Well, if there's one thing we can all do tonight, it's to dream about this man...