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.

 

[projectdingley]

You're watching the wrong Duursma if you don't think Zane is special. His marking, aerial presence, and follow through at ground level are brilliant and when he is pushed up the ground he both works hard to keep involved and breaks lines out of packs.

Watson isn't perfect either. As a forward he seems more comfortable one-out than playing off his teammates, and while he is ferocious in the forward line his work around the goals is volatile and his general disposal at speed or through contact isn't up there with the best smalls. He doesn't have the stamina to play a Walsh-like role on a wing where he can outwork his opponent into getting space for clear kicks in the backline, then be a persistent threat as ball is worked up the ground. If he were the player you thought he was, he'd be coming up on Nick Daicos as the most productive 18s player ever.

You've said that getting in positions to score isn't enough at AFL level. I'd say that's the most important part of being a forward, and Duursma is a player built to get goals. Where Watson creates brilliant opportunities at ground level with some insane agility and game sense, Duursma brings some of the best aerial craft I've seen along with great ground skills. It's not the easiest call, and they're two players that will be taken very close to each other, but Duursma's value is definitely right up there with Watson.

I question Duursma’s ability to impact the game defensively, as well as his mobility in general. It would be great to see how he tests for agility and the 20m sprint.

His aerial craft may be a feature, however I can’t see him beating his opponent in one on one situations - against bigger bodies at AFL level. He will need to put on a minimum of 10 kilos.

Either way, one of Duursma or Watson will be available at our pick. I guess it’s down to the recruiting team. A player at 170cm has never been rated this highly, and there’s good reason for why he is rated this high, he’s a freak.

 

[TDS7]

I question Duursma’s ability to impact the game defensively, as well as his mobility in general. It would be great to see how he tests for agility and the 20m sprint.

His aerial craft may be a feature, however I can’t see him beating his opponent in one on one situations - against bigger bodies at AFL level. He will need to put on a minimum of 10 kilos.

Either way, one of Duursma or Watson will be available at our pick. I guess it’s down to the recruiting team. A player at 170cm has never been rated this highly, and there’s good reason for why he is rated this high, he’s a freak.

Duursma averaged 3.3 tackles per game, compared to Watson's 2.1. His defensive pressure is great, he follows up his work in the air and creates threats with his ground pressure. Watson's defensive side is a bigger concern than Duursma's in my opinion, he'll struggle to make an impact against AFL bodies in contests.

His agility is great when you remember he's 190cm, he can float through traffic and has great top speed in space. His role is more comparable to Caddy than Watson, and his one-on-one work is right up there with Caddy.

No one is saying Watson isn't amazing, but I don't think he's more likely to be a better player than Duursma.

 

[projectdingley]

Duursma averaged 3.3 tackles per game, compared to Watson's 2.1. His defensive pressure is great, he follows up his work in the air and creates threats with his ground pressure. Watson's defensive side is a bigger concern than Duursma's in my opinion, he'll struggle to make an impact against AFL bodies in contests.

His agility is great when you remember he's 190cm, he can float through traffic and has great top speed in space. His role is more comparable to Caddy than Watson, and his one-on-one work is right up there with Caddy.

No one is saying Watson isn't amazing, but I don't think he's more likely to be a better player than

Duursma averaged 3.3 tackles per game, compared to Watson's 2.1. His defensive pressure is great, he follows up his work in the air and creates threats with his ground pressure. Watson's defensive side is a bigger concern than Duursma's in my opinion, he'll struggle to make an impact against AFL bodies in contests.

His agility is great when you remember he's 190cm, he can float through traffic and has great top speed in space. His role is more comparable to Caddy than Watson, and his one-on-one work is right up there with Caddy.

No one is saying Watson isn't amazing, but I don't think he's more likely to be a better player than Duursma.

Time will tell. I still think Watson will be the better player.

I also do think Watson will kick a lot more goals than Duursma.

 

[MC_9]

Duursma averaged 3.3 tackles per game, compared to Watson's 2.1. His defensive pressure is great, he follows up his work in the air and creates threats with his ground pressure. Watson's defensive side is a bigger concern than Duursma's in my opinion, he'll struggle to make an impact against AFL bodies in contests.

His agility is great when you remember he's 190cm, he can float through traffic and has great top speed in space. His role is more comparable to Caddy than Watson, and his one-on-one work is right up there with Caddy.

No one is saying Watson isn't amazing, but I don't think he's more likely to be a better player than Duursma.

You have sold me. Get him in haha

On Pixel 5 using BigFooty.com mobile app

 

[projectdingley]

I thought Duursma's VFL games were great showcases of the role he'd be playing at AFL level. He's playing out of a forwardline where he's the fifth option, working up the ground and getting involved in some great scoring chains. He didn't finish in front of goal well, but hit some good short options and flew for some big grabs in the Coburg game. If you were expecting a 17 year old general forward to waltz into one of the best VFL teams with six AFL listed forwards and rack up 3 goals off 25 touches you were shooting a bit too high. He's coming into that Brockman role with more upside and some flexibility to play taller or move into the midfield. The end of his season at 18s level was outstanding, he puts himself in positions to score better than anyone in the draft.

I’m not sure how you can be satisfied and label his showcases as ‘great’. He failed to register a mark against a Box Hill side, most likely with Josh Morris/Bailey MacDonald/Damian Masacitti as his opponent. Casey kicked 16.10 this day and he failed to contribute to this. Also couldn’t hit the scoreboard when Casey kicked 13.17 against Coburg.

Harley Reid, Nate Caddy are great examples of potential draftees who have made an impact at VFL level. Harley had more than 20 disposals and 7 marks in 2/3 games. Nate also kicked 2.1 from his lone game. Will Ashcroft another example who had 30 disposals in 2/3 games as a bottom ager last year.

I’m not saying I expect a lot from a 17 year old in the vfl, but those stats are certainly concerning.

 

[FB19]

Remember 2 and 3 for North pushes GWS back to 7.

 

[TDS7]

I’m not sure how you can be satisfied and label his showcases as ‘great’. He failed to register a mark against a Box Hill side, most likely with Josh Morris/Bailey MacDonald/Damian Masacitti as his opponent. Casey kicked 16.10 this day and he failed to contribute to this. Also couldn’t hit the scoreboard when Casey kicked 13.17 against Coburg.

Harley Reid, Nate Caddy are great examples of potential draftees who have made an impact at VFL level. Harley had more than 20 disposals and 7 marks in 2/3 games. Nate also kicked 2.1 from his lone game. Will Ashcroft another example who had 30 disposals in 2/3 games as a bottom ager last year.

I’m not saying I expect a lot from a 17 year old in the vfl, but those stats are certainly concerning.

He had two shots on goal in each game, came up short a couple times and missed twice. But he set up his teammates for a couple of goals, presented well up the ground, and had some really clean possessions outside the 50. His stats don't jump off the page, but the games he played showed me he could contribute to a forwarding without having to kick goals and that he could work within a forward structure not built around him. You can say what you like about the stats, I'm obviously not going to convince you, but in terms of what he actually did on the day I thought he didn't hurt his top 3 chances.

 

[Suntory Boss Coffee]

Isn't Caddy supposed to be a Ryan Burton

3

Ryan Burton

Age

28

Ht

191cm

Wt

92kg

Pos.

Def

Career

Season

Last 5

D

18.5

5star

K

12.1

4star

HB

6.3

4star

M

4.6

4star

T

2.1

4star

MG

277.3

4star

D

16.8

4star

K

12.3

5star

HB

4.5

3star

M

5.0

5star

T

1.0

2star

MG

277.3

4star

D

13.4

4star

K

9.0

4star

HB

4.4

4star

M

4.8

5star

T

2.2

4star

FIGJAM type?

 

[Hodgey 15]

Isn't Caddy supposed to be a Ryan Burton FIGJAM type?

Someone did mention in these pages a little time ago that they heard clubs may have gone off him a bit because of his attitude or words to that effect.

 

[projectdingley]

He had two shots on goal in each game, came up short a couple times and missed twice. But he set up his teammates for a couple of goals, presented well up the ground, and had some really clean possessions outside the 50. His stats don't jump off the page, but the games he played showed me he could contribute to a forwarding without having to kick goals and that he could work within a forward structure not built around him. You can say what you like about the stats, I'm obviously not going to convince you, but in terms of what he actually did on the day I thought he didn't hurt his top 3 chances.

Agree he shows AFL qualities. I wanted Duursma more than anyone at the start of the year. I just don’t think he’s that talented and worthy of a top 3 selection.

 

[Faraway Hawk]

How will the Doggies accommodate Croft Jnr? It would be interesting if he doesn't nominate for F/S.

 

[The Chad and I]

You're watching the wrong Duursma if you don't think Zane is special. His marking, aerial presence, and follow through at ground level are brilliant and when he is pushed up the ground he both works hard to keep involved and breaks lines out of packs.

Watson isn't perfect either. As a forward he seems more comfortable one-out than playing off his teammates, and while he is ferocious in the forward line his work around the goals is volatile and his general disposal at speed or through contact isn't up there with the best smalls. He doesn't have the stamina to play a Walsh-like role on a wing where he can outwork his opponent into getting space for clear kicks in the backline, then be a persistent threat as ball is worked up the ground. If he were the player you thought he was, he'd be coming up on Nick Daicos as the most productive 18s player ever.

You've said that getting in positions to score isn't enough at AFL level. I'd say that's the most important part of being a forward, and Duursma is a player built to get goals. Where Watson creates brilliant opportunities at ground level with some insane agility and game sense, Duursma brings some of the best aerial craft I've seen along with great ground skills. It's not the easiest call, and they're two players that will be taken very close to each other, but Duursma's value is definitely right up there with Watson.

Clearly a troll account you are responding to.
Duursma is an exceptionally good forward - one of the best I have seen come through in a very long time.

 

[FB19]

How will the Doggies accommodate Croft Jnr? It would be interesting if he doesn't nominate for F/S.

Makes it really interesting if he doesn’t and there must be some chance given the young KP players on the list where does he play? Oh sorry it’s Bevo he is the natural wingman succession plan for Rory Lobb…

 

[chopflop]

Agree he shows AFL qualities. I wanted Duursma more than anyone at the start of the year. I just don’t think he’s that talented and worthy of a top 3 selection.

I agree with some of your reservations re duursma. I wonder if he will get separation at the next level. I also wonder how he will get on against ultra-physical or ultra athletic 3rd tall types in the AFL... players like CJ etc. I think he probably projects as an Ollie Henry type with more general class and midfield ability.

I would be taking mckercher and Watson first. Probably even O'Sullivan tbh

 

[Dewnior]

We can't go wrong with ether the Wiz or Duursma. The conundrum will be if both are available at our pick.

 

[The Chad and I]

I agree with some of your reservations re duursma. I wonder if he will get separation at the next level. I also wonder how he will get on against ultra-physical or ultra athletic 3rd tall types in the AFL... players like CJ etc. I think he probably projects as an Ollie Henry type with more general class and midfield ability.

I would be taking mckercher and Watson first. Probably even O'Sullivan tbh

So 2 goals a game + better all-round ability?
I'll take that, thanks!!

 

[Brishawk]

I question Duursma’s ability to impact the game defensively, as well as his mobility in general. It would be great to see how he tests for agility and the 20m sprint.

His aerial craft may be a feature, however I can’t see him beating his opponent in one on one situations - against bigger bodies at AFL level. He will need to put on a minimum of 10 kilos.

Either way, one of Duursma or Watson will be available at our pick. I guess it’s down to the recruiting team. A player at 170cm has never been rated this highly, and there’s good reason for why he is rated this high, he’s a freak.

No one who has watched them play would question dursma’s defensive ability and not watson’s.

 

[Judd2Sewell]

I'm willing to bet Duursma will become a better player at AFL level than Watson, and it won't be particularly close.

Duursma is a better contested mark / better in the air in general, better defensively, potentially more versatile positionally and has absolutely no question marks over his size or strength.

Most importantly all of the question marks over Duursma's game - being his tank and accumulation - can be worked on at AFL level. But even then, accumulation isn't much of an issue for a classy forward that impacts the scoreboard, unless we want to push them up the ground.

Having said that we can absolutely use both Watson and Duursma (and Caddy). It would be a dream to get two of them.

 

[Judd2Sewell]

No one who has watched them play would question dursma’s defensive ability and not watson’s.

I swear half the posters haven't watched any footage. Watson will struggle to stick a tackle at AFL level.

 

[projectdingley]

Clearly a troll account you are responding to.
Duursma is an exceptionally good forward - one of the best I have seen come through in a very long time.

I'm willing to bet Duursma will become a better player at AFL level than Watson, and it won't be particularly close.

Duursma is a better contested mark / better in the air in general, better defensively, potentially more versatile positionally and has absolutely no question marks over his size or strength.

Most importantly all of the question marks over Duursma's game - being his tank and accumulation - can be worked on at AFL level. But even then, accumulation isn't much of an issue for a classy forward that impacts the scoreboard, unless we want to push them up the ground.

Having said that we can absolutely use both Watson and Duursma (and Caddy). It would be a dream to get two of them.

More than happy to take this wager.

Watson will kick more goals than Duursma and will be the better player overall.

If Duursma is genuinely one of the best forwards you’ve seen come through, then the rest of your analysis is very concerning.

Happy to be proven wrong though.

 

[projectdingley]

I swear half the posters haven't watched any footage. Watson will struggle to stick a tackle at AFL level.

This is just wrong. Watson’s closing speed is immense. His 20m sprint figures will be very impressive. Just as quick, and if not quicker than Kosi Pickett.

He will stick many tackles at AFL level.

 

[projectdingley]

I agree with some of your reservations re duursma. I wonder if he will get separation at the next level. I also wonder how he will get on against ultra-physical or ultra athletic 3rd tall types in the AFL... players like CJ etc. I think he probably projects as an Ollie Henry type with more general class and midfield ability.

I would be taking mckercher and Watson first. Probably even O'Sullivan tbh

Ollie Henry is a very very good player for his size. Agree with the midfield ability. He will definitely have that over Henry. But doubt Duursma possesses the forward craft of Henry.

Agree with your points about separation. Will be very interesting to see how he tests in the 20m. My big question mark on him too.

Mckercher is a firm no for me. No doubt will be a good player, but we can’t afford to take 3 top 10 mids in three consecutive drafts. We’d end up like the Western Bulldogs. Having a good midfield only gets you so far - if you’ve got massive holes/voids across the ground.

 

[Judd2Sewell]

This is just wrong. Watson’s closing speed is immense. His 20m sprint figures will be very impressive. Just as quick, and if not quicker than Kosi Pickett.

He will stick many tackles at AFL level.

Kosi is a a ball of muscle.

How many tackles do you see Caleb Daniel stick?

It's easier to do it at junior level, and even then he isn't a prolific tackler for a small forward. But to do it against fully mature and seasoned AFL bodies is a different matter altogether.

 

[Bugs1977]

Kosi is a a ball of muscle.

How many tackles do you see Caleb Daniel stick?

It's easier to do it at junior level, and even then he isn't a prolific tackler for a small forward. But to do it against fully mature and seasoned AFL bodies is a different matter altogether.

Ideally you’d want his tackling numbers to be a lot higher but if he can come in and kick a couple of goals a game and set up a couple more then get him in say. A lot of the time defensive pressure is about effort which can be fixed but goal nous 99% of the time cannot be taught.

 

[PMBangers]

It would be great to see how he tests for agility and the 20m sprint.

8.38 and 3.03 respectively in pre season