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.

 

[TheFourPillars]

8.38 and 3.03 respectively in pre season

Is this Duursma?

 

[The Chad and I]

8.38 and 3.03 respectively in pre season

Duursma moves like Sicily imo.
Not the fastest or most agile athletes, but good enough, and both exceptional footballers.

 

[projectdingley]

Nick Watson U/18 National Championships

v SA 14 disposals, 12 score involvements, 7 scoring shots, 4 goals, 2 behinds
v WA 13 disposals, 11 score involvements, 6 scoring shots, 5 goals
v Allies 13 disposals, 7 score involvements, 4 scoring shots, 1 goal, 2 behinds
v Vic Country 9 disposals, 9 score involvements, 7 scoring shots, 4 goals, 2 behinds

What a player. Played with heavy attention in each of the four games at national level. 39 of his 49 touches (80%) were score involvements. Insane.

Averaged 2 goals a game as a 15 year old turning 16, playing u18 Eastern Rangers. Yes a 15 year old kid against 17 year olds.

There is good reason why this kid is so highly rated, and has been for so long. Never has a 170cm player gone top 5, he's unique and his height contributes to him being so good. Anyone who gets this kid is getting a star. I sincerely hope it's the Hawks.

 

[projectdingley]

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.

Kosi was far form a ball of muscle in his draft year. Watson has insane upper body core strength and can be easily noticed in his highlight clips. From flying for marks, tumbling around, and getting back up after picking the ball up from ground level, all are good signs.

He also looks visibly stronger/bigger than Kosi did in his draft year. Will only develop more muscle and power as he works his way through the system.

 

[Suntory Boss Coffee]

Kosi was far form a ball of muscle in his draft year. Watson has insane upper body core strength and can be easily noticed in his highlight clips. From flying for marks, tumbling around, and getting back up after picking the ball up from ground level, all are good signs.

He also looks visibly stronger/bigger than Kosi did in his draft year. Will only develop more muscle and power as he works his way through the system.

Are you Watson's dad or something

 

[tripleh]

Duursma moves like Sicily imo.
Not the fastest or most agile athletes, but good enough, and both exceptional footballers.

I think Sicily is deceptively fast, I vaguely remember him doing well in 20m sprint in his draft year.

 

[TheFourPillars]

Duursma moves like Sicily imo.
Not the fastest or most agile athletes, but good enough, and both exceptional footballers.

Sicily is quicker than u think

 

[Judd2Sewell]

I think Sicily is deceptively fast, I vaguely remember him doing well in 20m sprint in his draft year.

Sicily was coming first in our sprints during preseason.

 

[Noel Gallagher]

8.38 and 3.03 respectively in pre season

3.03 is pretty average - DGB ran around the same time at his height!

 

[cs61]

When they measure who the 'leaders' are for going at fastest running speed during the game through GPS data, Sicily is often listed in the top few few on the ground. Guess his acceleration off the mark at game speed is really high. That game against the Saints he was exploding off the back flank at times.

 

[The Chad and I]

Fair enough, happy to be corrected on Sicily.
Would never have guessed that Sicily was quick off the mark tbh.

Next thing you're all going to tell me he's more agile than I think too!

 

[Topiary]

Fair enough, happy to be corrected on Sicily.
Would never have guessed that Sicily was quick off the mark tbh.

Next thing you're all going to tell me he's more agile than I think too!

When he wants to, he is quicker.

 

[CaptainWorpedo]

When he wants to, he is quicker.

Yeah his reading of the play is awesome, an he seems to be able To get distance in front from him and his forward.

 

[burner1]

For those who have watched the games, how much of a gap is there between curtain, O’Sullivan and Murphy (and whoever is next best KPD) in terms of likelihood of being that no 1 kpd (in Taylor, Moore, Andrews role).
Curtain seems to have a lot of distribution skills and flexibility but is he the best prospect to be no 1 kpd in a good side?

 

[TDS7]

For those who have watched the games, how much of a gap is there between curtain, O’Sullivan and Murphy (and whoever is next best KPD) in terms of likelihood of being that no 1 kpd (in Taylor, Moore, Andrews role).
Curtain seems to have a lot of distribution skills and flexibility but is he the best prospect to be no 1 kpd in a good side?

O'Sullivan is probably the best one-on-one defender, and he has the height and speed to close down the King's and JUH's but also a bit of strength to stand with the stronger guys. A bit like Darcy Moore.

Curtin is a great interceptor and a good one-on-one defender, but he will get slaughtered by the big key forwards. He has the weight to match some of the big boys, but without the closing speed to make up ground if he lets his opponent get a bit too much room I can't see him playing on Mitch Lewis or Daniher in the goalsquare.

Murphy has all the tools to be an AA fullback, and seemingly to game sense to put it together. It's just about refining down his one-on-one work and building into his frame. He's one I think it will depend on which club he goes to, if he ends up being thrown in the deep end too early or at a club that will tack on too much weight too quickly I think he'll be set back quite a bit. A good club will be rewarded for their patience.

A bit of a smokey, but Northern Knights Ruck Will Green has some tools to push back. Strong mark, good closing speed, and enough muscle to work one-on-one. Wouldn't mind taking a punt on him at fullback for Box Hill.

 

[SSSSSS]

Curtin looks more like a mid than a KPD to me. A third tall perhaps.

Moves like Bont/Day out of the stoppage. Good lateral movement and strong through the hips. Gets his arms above the tackler.

 

[Strapping Young Lad]

I think I’m going to be happy with whoever we take.

We’re in a good spot.

Would love it if the Wizard gets to us.

 

[TheFourPillars]

I think I’m going to be happy with whoever we take.

We’re in a good spot.

Would love it if the Wizard gets to us.

Yep i know a few like Duursma but the wiz is my boy

 

[Davo-27]

No Big Roo for a a ruckman?

Who is big roo? If you mean Sam Van Rooyen? I'm not sure he is good enough to draft, I was a big JVR fan and a year out wanted us to draft him, changed my mind later as we needed a mid, but his brother Sam isn't anywhere near as good imo.

There's a post I did on 11th December 2020 where I said " Jacob Van Rooyen 194cm kpf - Claremont he is the target " can't quote it because the thread is locked but in 2021 we needed more midfield strength and went Ward, plus JVR wasn't rated highly by the draft media as much as I rated him anyway, right now JVR would be handy for us tbh, unfortunate.

 

[Simon Crawshay]

Yeah his reading of the play is awesome, an he seems to be able To get distance in front from him and his forward.

Two things I think Sic is underrated at is his speed and his strength.

As already stated he is sneaky quick but over the last four years he has developed his body and he is now amazingly strong for his size.

His core strength allows him to play on guys ten centimetres and ten kilos heavier than him when required.

 

[Brant]

Who is big roo? If you mean Sam Van Rooyen? I'm not sure he is good enough to draft, I was a big JVR fan and a year out wanted us to draft him, changed my mind later as we needed a mid, but his brother Sam isn't anywhere near as good imo.

There's a post I did on 11th December 2020 where I said " Jacob Van Rooyen 194cm kpf - Claremont he is the target " can't quote it because the thread is locked but in 2021 we needed more midfield strength and went Ward, plus JVR wasn't rated highly by the draft media as much as I rated him anyway, right now JVR would be handy for us tbh, unfortunate.

Iliro 'Big Roo' Smit - didn't you mention that he was a sneaky chance for a Rookie spot with us?

 

[Davo-27]

Iliro 'Big Roo' Smit - didn't you mention that he was a sneaky chance for a Rookie spot with us?

He is the forgotten man, didn't know that was his nickname, anyway, he was playing solid footy for Vic Metro trials in 2022, got injured then got knee surgery early this year I think?, I think he will be a rookie chance from our NGA, but because he has limited exposure and has been injured for a long time its no guarantee, but he could be a sneaky rookie chance.

 

[projectdingley]

Bobby Hill showing just how important a small forward is in a premiership team. Nick Watson will be that guy for the Hawks. Nightmare match-up.

 

[Davo-27]

a few changes, i put Sanders at 7 instead of 4, i put Rogers at 12 instead of 9, Caddy is now in the top 10 again, Mitch Edwards went from 14 to 17, Zakostelsky went from 61 to 28, Dawson from 33 to 29, Riley Weatherill 60 to 50


October Update

1. Harley Reid - Bendigo - 185cm 85kg
2. Jed Walter - GCS A - 195cm 91kg (GCS)
3. Colby McKercher - Tasmania - 181cm 72kg
4. Zane Duursma - Gippsland - 189cm 79kg
5. Dan Curtin - Claremont - 196cm 91kg
6. Ethan Read - GCS A - 200cm 90kg (GCS)
7. Ryley Sanders - Tas/Sand - 186cm 85kg
8. Nick Watson - Eastern - 170cm 67kg
9. Connor O'Sullivan - Murray - 198cm 92kg
10. Nate Caddy - Northern - 192cm 91kg
11. Darcy Wilson - Murray - 185cm 73kg
12. Jake Rogers - GCS A - 172cm 67kg (GCS)
13. Harry Demattia - Dandenong - 184cm 77kg
14. Caleb Windsor - Eastern - 184cm 74kg
15. James Leake - Tasmania - 188cm 74kg
16. Jack Delean - Sth Adel - 181cm 73kg
17. Mitch Edwards - Peel - 207cm 90kg
18. Will McCabe - Central Dist - 197cm 81kg (HAW)
19. Ollie Murphy - Sandringham - 200cm 85kg
20. Charlie Edwards - Sandringham - 190cm
21. Koltyn Tholstrup - Subiaco - 188cm 80kg
22. Koen Sanchez - East Frem - 178cm 71kg
23. Jordan Croft - Calder - 200cm 80kg (WB)
24. Archer Reid - Gippsland - 203cm 93kg
25. Logan Morris - Western - 192cm 90kg
26. Billy Wilson - Dandenong -182cm 71kg
27. Harvey Johnston - Sandringham - 184cm 76kg
28. Zane Zakostelsky - Claremont - 196cm 90kg
29. Wil Dawson - Gippsland - 200cm 86kg
30. Riley Hardeman - Swan Dist - 188cm 80kg
31. Ashton Moir - Glenlg - 188cm 84kg
32. Will Lorenz - Oakleigh - 186cm 70kg
33. Luca Slade - Sturt - 180cm70kg
34. Clay Hall - Peel - 190cm 85kg
35. Joel Freijah - GWV - 191cm 86kg
36. Phoenix Gothard - Murray - 178cm 70kg
37. Arie Schoenmaker - Tasmania - 194cm 89kg
38. Will Patton - Wst Adel - 192cm 79kg
39. Jack Callinan - Tasmania - 179cm 77kg
40. Luamon Lual - GWV - 181cm 71kg (WB)
41. George Stevens - GWV - 189cm 84kg
42. Caiden Cleary - Syd A - 180cm 77kg (SYD)
43. Heath Ollington - Tasmania - 190cm 81kg (19yo)
44. Michael Rudd - Geelong - 192cm 91kg
45. Archie Roberts - Sandringham - 184cm 77kg
46. Lachlan Smith - Gipps - 202cm 97kg
47. Taylor Goad - Sth Adel - 205cm 90kg
48. Will Green - Northern - 204cm 89kg
49. Vigo Visentini - Sandringham - 203cm 97kg
50. Riley Weatherill - Eastern - 195cm 87kg
51. Lance Collard - Subiaco - 185cm 70kg (WCE)
52. Will Brown - Sandringham - 194cm 86kg
53. Aiden O'Driscoll - Perth - 177cm 70kg
54. Harvey Thomas - GWS A - 175cm 68kg (GWS)
55. Bodie Ryan - Glenlg - 188cm
56. Kade De La Rue - Dandenong - 184cm 77kg
57. Nathan Philactides - Oakleigh - 181cm 78kg
58. Tew Jiath - Gippsland - 187cm 71kg (HAW)
59. Jake Smith - Western - 185cm 79kg
60. Tarkyn O'Leary - Sandringham - 178cm 70kg
61. Evan Smith - Swan Dist - 199cm 84kg
62. Angus Hastie - Geelong - 189cm 77kg
63. Charlie Harrop - Sandringham - 186cm 79kg
others who i thought about adding - Torrent, Simpson, Williams, K.Brown, Livingstone, Poole, A.May and Holt


Academy Players that could be picked up late

Tyler Senge - wce
Oscar Hine-Baston - wce (19yo)
Charlie McCormack - gws
Caleb May - syd
Will Graham - gcs
Josh Docking - stk
Mahmoud Taha - ess
Amin Naim - ess

Combine Invitees
National
Matt Carroll - sand
Luke Lloyd - sand
Kane McAuliffe - nth adel
Cam Nyko - east
Will Rowlands - nt/norw
Oscar Ryan - murr
Xavier Walsh - east perth
State
Thomas Anastasopoulos - geel
Lachlan Cabor - syd
Jed Dignan - sa
Logan Evans - sa
Liam Fawcett - sa
Joe Fonti - wa
Loch Rawlinson - sa
Patrick Snell - allies/bris a
Orlando Turner - allies/nt
Sam Van Rooyen - wa

My latest rankings of this year's talent, in our range for our 1st pick

Colby McKercher - Tas - mid - plays like Zach Merrett
Zane Duursma - Gipps - forw - plays like Bailey Fritsch
Dan Curtin - Claremont - kpd/mid -
Ryley Sanders - Tas/Sand - mid - plays like JHF with less aggression
Nick Watson - Eastern - forw - plays like Caleb Daniels with goal sense
Connor O'Sullivan - Murray - kpd - plays like a taller more kpd Josh Weddle
Nate Caddy - Northern - kpf -

 

[Strapping Young Lad]

Yep i know a few like Duursma but the wiz is my boy

I reckon we might’ve been standing next to each other at that preseason training when we noticed the young fella with the frizzy hair that was half as big as everyone else but moving twice as fast, and we wondered who he was?