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.

 

[Judd2Sewell]

As much as I want Duursma, as he has no glaring weaknesses and has a game that can be really developed at AFL level, I'm ready for the Watson era.

 

[Bugs1977]

Where AFL’s new ‘Wizard’ knows he must improve as ‘Energizer Bunny’ to cause chaos

‘Wasn’t my best’: New AFL ‘Wizard’’s brutally honest call as bold trade play could seal fate

www.foxsports.com.au

 

[Fastback]

If Curtin is avail we should take him, not sold on Watson who looks great against his peers, just concerned his size will struggle with the rigours at AFL level. Hope I'm wrong but just see it as too risky for such a high pick.

 

[cryptor]

I’ve changed my vote between McKercher, Watson, Duursma and Curtin on this poll multiple times over the past couple months.

I’ll be happy with any of them come draft night.

 

[Bugs1977]

I’ve changed my vote between McKercher, Watson, Duursma and Curtin on this poll multiple times over the past couple months.

I’ll be happy with any of them come draft night.

It's such a hard one isn't it. All 4 are very talented and you'd hope we cannot lose on either of them. I'm sure the player interviews will reveal things that us average plebs won't know about. I'm talking about things like which ones want to just be good or want to be great. It's no secret that I want us to draft Watson with the reasons being a) he kicks goals which we desperately need b) he's a highlight reel c) he's only scratching the surface of his potential d) he's a campaigner and we need that too e) I feel he's the best fit for us

I feel McKercher could very well end up being the best player from this draft (Reid included) but that's something time will tell. I really just can't wait for the draft to arrive.

 

[Blackhawk42]

If Curtin is avail we should take him, not sold on Watson who looks great against his peers, just concerned his size will struggle with the rigours at AFL level. Hope I'm wrong but just see it as too risky for such a high pick.

I thought the same about Daicos.

 

[westhawk]

Small forwards grow on trees. Do we really need to use pick 4 on a forward pocket?

I like Watson, but if Curtin is available, then he is a must. Has huge talent, and also fills a massive need. Look how much key defenders are in demand. We would be crazy to pass on one like Curtin, who can also play midfield when needed.

 

[bumsonseats]

My preferred draftee is Duursma - genuine forward who can rotate through the midfield. But if he is gone, then I think we are crazy if we dont take Curtain.

Curtain ready to play AFL more or less straight away, which is clearly an area of the ground we are deficient. We just traded for Ginnivan, so our need for a small forward is not as pressing. If we take the best available route, then I think you can argue that for either of Watson or Curtin, given they play completely different roles.

As many have already stated, if we take Curtin, this may give us the inside running if Harley Reid wants to return and Curtin wants to go back west in next year or 3.

 

[bumsonseats]

I like Watson, but if Curtin is available, then he is a must. Has huge talent, and also fills a massive need. Look how much key defenders are in demand. We would be crazy to pass on one like Curtin, who can also play midfield when needed.

100% agree.......I hope we dont use pick 4 (5) on an undersized small forward

 

[strappingoldlad]

Smile if you’re running rings around the drug cheats round 1.

 

[CaptainWorpedo]

I’ve changed my vote between McKercher, Watson, Duursma and Curtin on this poll multiple times over the past couple months.

I’ll be happy with any of them come draft night.

Nailed it % … Any of them will fit our needs.

 

[tl92]

I don’t get people suggesting we could eventually trade Curtin for Reid. If Reid hypothetically wanted out in a few years, he will just nominate any club he wants, as will Curtin.

 

[cryptor]

I don’t get people suggesting we could eventually trade Curtin for Reid. If Reid hypothetically wanted out in a few years, he will just nominate any club he wants, as will Curtin.

Apparently Curtin is a Freo supporter. So given the choice you'd think he'd lean towards them if he was ever in that situation.

Harley is also a Geelong supporter and no doubt regardless of where he goes they're already planning out their strategy to woo him. They could free up a heap of cap space from retirements in the next 3 years and make a big play.

 

[LunchboxLegend]

I’ve changed my vote between McKercher, Watson, Duursma and Curtin on this poll multiple times over the past couple months.

I’ll be happy with any of them come draft night.

I’ll make my pick 5 years after draft night.

Im never wrong.

 

[danielG]

Apparently Curtin is a Freo supporter. So given the choice you'd think he'd lean towards them if he was ever in that situation.

Harley is also a Geelong supporter and no doubt regardless of where he goes they're already planning out their strategy to woo him. They could free up a heap of cap space from retirements in the next 3 years and make a big play.

Cats will be bottom of the ladder too so might be able to get him in the PSD!!!

 

[Ashman23]

Cats will be bottom of the ladder too so might be able to get him in the PSD!!!

Walk him!!!!!!!

 

[Holy Rioli]

my gut says after watching the Duursma highlights is that he is a bust. Just won't win enough ball or be creative enough as a forward to make it.

Any of the other targets (Curtin, Watson, McKercher, Sanders) i'd be happy to roll with.

 

[naysayer]

Will was drafted in 2019. Matured this year, his 4th season? Showed he could play at the level in his first 3.

With due respect to your board.

Became a beast in his 4th year. But played good footy from day 1, despite many saying he'd spend years playing VFL when we drafted him. That's more what the poster was referring to.

 

[theiaofseed]

my gut says after watching the Duursma highlights is that he is a bust. Just won't win enough ball or be creative enough as a forward to make it.

Any of the other targets (Curtin, Watson, McKercher, Sanders) i'd be happy to roll with.

Yea that's why he's rated as the third best player in the draft.

 

[Blackhawk42]

I like Watson, but if Curtin is available, then he is a must. Has huge talent, and also fills a massive need. Look how much key defenders are in demand. We would be crazy to pass on one like Curtin, who can also play midfield when needed.

He isn't a genuine key defender. He's more a Jordan Dawson type.

We're also guaranteed to already be drafting a 197cm defender about 10 picks later.

 

[TylerDurden]

my gut says after watching the Duursma highlights is that he is a bust. Just won't win enough ball or be creative enough as a forward to make it.

Any of the other targets (Curtin, Watson, McKercher, Sanders) i'd be happy to roll with.

He's super creative and wins a lot of ball, particularly in the air.

He's a certified jet.

 

[naysayer]

He's super creative and wins a lot of ball, particularly in the air.

He's a certified jet.

Was interesting to hear the Swans gave him a hard time in his draft interview. Got into him about his fitness.

 

[OnWardnUpWard]

Curtin and McKercher are now my preferences. The Wiz may still make a lot of posters regret the takes in this thread though.

 

[Rowie6]

He isn't a genuine key defender. He's more a Jordan Dawson type.

We're also guaranteed to already be drafting a 197cm defender about 10 picks later.

How is Curtain above his head and in contested Marking?
From the limited highlights I have seen he does not look particularly strong in that area?
We need a bid strong marking backmen!
I am not sure this is the type we are looking for?


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[Fleabane]

I don’t get people suggesting we could eventually trade Curtin for Reid. If Reid hypothetically wanted out in a few years, he will just nominate any club he wants, as will Curtin.

I don't think too many are suggesting it seriously. We've got a lot of time to kill between now and draft night, I'm taking it as comic relief.