Opinion 2023 AFL Draft Prospects

[VitalDread]

HS saying Marty Hore

27

Marty Hore

Age

30

Ht

191cm

Wt

84kg

Pos.

Def

Career

Season

Last 5

D

15.6

4star

K

10.4

4star

HB

5.2

4star

M

4.9

5star

T

1.5

3star

MG

263.1

4star

No current season stats available

D

18.2

5star

K

12.8

5star

HB

5.4

4star

M

6.8

5star

T

1.8

4star

MG

282.2

5star

is our MSD Pick

 

[Nat Fyfe]

HS saying Marty Hore is our MSD Pick

Is it worded as a prediction or a statement of fact?

 

[Bulldogs85]

Is it worded as a prediction or a statement of fact?

They did a Mock Draft

 

[Charlie Bucket]

It's very un-Bulldogs to have such an embarrassment of KPFs. Possibly never in my decades of following them. Right now we have Naughton, Jamarra, Bruce, Lobb, Darcy, even Khamis at a pinch. And who knows who else might appear as the next towering FS prospect? The younger Darcy for instance.

However I'm of the view that if you have a top-end KPF talent on offer as a FS you take him 9 times out of 10. Not just because of the 20% points discount but because he might become anything ... and elite KPFs are gold. You then have the option of offloading or re-purposing the worst of the bunch. It would be galling to say "no, we've got Sam Darcy as the heir apparent KPF" and pass on Croft, only to discover that Darcy develops a chronic injury or fails to live up to expectations while in two year's time Croft becomes the next Tom Hawkins or Buddy Franklin at some rival club.

Three years from now Bruce will be retired, Lobb too, or on his farewell lap, Khamis may be at another club, Darcy may be rucking to replace an early-retired or traded English and one of the other KPFs might have an LTI. Things can change unexpectedly. But if all are doing OK we can still get great returns by engineering a trade of the worst (least good) of them. Or turning one of them - Croft for example - into a KPD.

However if we're desperate for a new generation of midfield talent in the 2023 draft and Croft attracts a bid at say pick 7 it's going to be a very tough call.

I’d agree on this if it was a situation where we’re getting an underage gun KPP like Darcy and Marra for massive unders. But that’s not the case. We’re essentially picking up a KPP who’s tipped to go in the teens, with a pick in the teens. He just happens to come with a small discount.

This isn’t a fall in the lap type situation. He’s just another KPP that happens to be available at our pick. That also happens to be a father son.

Remove the father son aspect, do you think the club would take a tall fwd with one of our first picks this draft? Personally I don’t see it as we currently have stock in that area, and we’re desperate in others.

I also don’t buy the whole, “he could be anything”, so we’d be silly to pass. That goes for any tall at any pick in the draft.

If the club genuinely believes he’ll be a very good, long term player in our fwd line that can’t be passed up. I’m ok with that. I just don’t want us to do it because he comes with a FS discount. Especially using a 1st rounder, when he’s absolutely not what we need.

 

[dogwatch]

If I'm reading this chart correctly, and assuming we have picks 13 & 16, a bid of pick 11 means we keep pick 13 but need to use pick 16 to pay for him.
A bid of pick 12 means we keep both 13 & 16 and use 3 lower picks for the necessary points.
Is that right?

What weltschmerz said. Sorry about the confusion. I already had a draft points table handy so I chucked in a couple of columns but didn't factor in where our first round picks might fall.

It's still useful to see how we might deal with a bid if we can keep the two first rounders out of harm's way most likely by trading one or both of them off e.g. for quality players, a higher pick, a 2024 first rounder or whatever.

 

[Mojorisin]

I’d agree on this if it was a situation where we’re getting an underage gun KPP like Darcy and Marra for massive unders. But that’s not the case. We’re essentially picking up a KPP who’s tipped to go in the teens, with a pick in the teens. He just happens to come with a small discount.

This isn’t a fall in the lap type situation. He’s just another KPP that happens to be available at our pick. That also happens to be a father son.

Remove the father son aspect, do you think the club would take a tall fwd with one of our first picks this draft? Personally I don’t see it as we currently have stock in that area, and we’re desperate in others.

I also don’t buy the whole, “he could be anything”, so we’d be silly to pass. That goes for any tall at any pick in the draft.

If the club genuinely believes he’ll be a very good, long term player in our fwd line that can’t be passed up. I’m ok with that. I just don’t want us to do it because he comes with a FS discount. Especially using a 1st rounder, when he’s absolutely not what we need.

We wouldn't need to use a first rounder on him though that's the thing. Trade up, trade them into next year or use them to bring in a player, we have options available to us.

 

[Charlie Bucket]

We wouldn't need to use a first rounder on him though that's the thing. Trade up, trade them into next year or use them to bring in a player, we have options available to us.

We may if the bid is too high though. We have the option to trade picks/future picks to gather enough later ones to be able to keep our firsts, but that may be a stretch if the bids too early.

I’ve no issue taking Croft. As long as we keep our 2 1st’s and we don’t sell too much of the rest of the farm to do it.

 

[dogwatch]

I’d agree on this if it was a situation where we’re getting a guaranteed gun KPP like Darcy and Marra for massive unders. But that’s not the case. We’re essentially picking up a KPP who’s tipped to go in the teens, with a pick in the teens. He just happens to come with a small discount.

This isn’t a fall in the lap type situation. He’s just another KPP that happens to be available at our pick. That also happens to be a father son.

Remove the father son aspect, do you think the club would take a tall fwd with one of our first picks this draft? Personally I don’t see it as we currently have stock in that area, and we’re desperate in others.

I also don’t buy the whole, “he could be anything”, so we’d be silly to pass. That goes for any tall at any pick in the draft.

If the club genuinely believes he’ll be a very good, long term player in our fwd line that can’t be passed up. I’m ok with that. I just don’t want us to do it because he comes with a FS discount. Especially using a 1st rounder, when he’s absolutely not what we need.

Are you implying we wouldn't take best available in the first round? Conventional wisdom is you do take best available with your first, even if not an obvious need, but I'm OK with tweaking that rule in some circumstances.

It will really depend on how he's assessed by the end of the season. I'm far from convinced he'll be a first rounder but if he keeps exceeding expectations and gets talked up like he has the last few months, who knows?

My point is that if he ends up in the Marra/Darcy stratosphere then we should take him, even if we have to use one of our first rounders. From what you've been saying I think we're on the same page with that. I agree that if he's just another handy KPP (and especially if not best available) we should be considering other options ahead of him.

 

[doggiesin08]

Also need to factor in we might want to pick up his twin brother as a category B rookie in 1-2 years time which will (presumably) be easier with Jordan on the list. I can’t see Mitchell at 20 years old still playing volleyball while his brother is making real money.

 

[dergert]

Can someone plz post the mock draft from the HS?

I wonder who GWS will take since they were keen on Hore too.

 

[Nat Fyfe]

Can someone plz post the mock draft from the HS?

I wonder who GWS will take since they were keen on Hore too.

The mid-season draft is fast approaching, and our live mid-season mock draft is here.
Draft experts Chris Cavanagh and Dan Batten played the role of club recruiters for a live mid-season mock draft in a recreation of the real thing.


Gippsland product Ryan Maric is tipped to be the number one pick of the mid-season draft, while several former AFL players could be handed a lifeline, including former Blue and Demon Oscar McDonald.
See how our mock draft panned to see who your club could take.

MOCK DRAFT - SEE EVERY PICK​

1. West Coast – Ryan Maric (Gippsland Power)​

Medium Forward, 193cm, 18
Chris Cavanagh says: It’s hard to see the Eagles passing over Maric at pick 1. He’s widely regarded as the best talent in the pool and has shone brightly stepping up to VFL level with Box Hill over the past couple of weeks. At 193cm, Maric is more of that third-tall forward than a commanding key forward, but he’s got a beautiful kick and works hard leading up to the wings. He looks up to Melbourne’s Bailey Fristch and Geelong’s Jeremy Cameron, if you can picture a mix of those two players. Remarkably, Maric has dropped 24kg in less than three years so he has worked hard to earn his AFL opportunity.

2. North Melbourne - James Trezise​

Defender, 188cm, 20
Dan says: Rival clubs have linked Trezise to North Melbourne and he would bring a promising mix of attacking and defensive traits to the Roos, who need some young stoppers and interceptors in defence. After slotting 26 goals from 20 games for Tooradin-Dalmore in the West Gippsland League last year, Trezise has been turned into a defender for Richmond’s VFL side and has shone, averaging 16 disposals, 5.4 intercepts and 4.9 tackles. Trezise is well rounded as a defender - he has good closing speed, a good leap and reads the play well. His breakout game came a fortnight ago in the VFL, where he finished with 29 disposals, 12 intercepts, 10 marks and 158 SuperCoach ranking points against Geelong.

3. Hawthorn – Ethan Stanley (Box Hill Hawks)​

Forward/Wing, 188cm, 19
Chris says: It didn’t take long for the Hawks to realise they might have found a player after Stanley joined Box Hill from Frankston YCW’s under-19s over the off-season. He’s a wingman or half-forward who hadn’t caught the eye of the Dandenong Stingrays as a junior but has versatility, a powerful kick, explosive speed and a great vertical leap. Stanley impressed in both of the Young Guns matches earlier this month and has averaged 13.7 disposals, 4.7 score involvements and a goal a game across his six VFL games for Box Hill this season. So he’s one that’s jumped out of nowhere but certainly has a lot of upside and he doesn’t turn 20 until November so he can come through with the rest of Hawthorn’s young group.

4. Jack Buller (Claremont)​

Key forward, 199cm, 22
Dan says: The Tigers would be thinking of life after Jack Riewoldt and with pre-season rookie pick Kaelan Bradtke a developing type and Samson Ryan still raw, Buller shapes as a prospect who can be called on this year. That is once he recovers from a suspected calf injury he suffered for Claremont over the weekend. Buller, who turned 22 this month, had a breakout display earlier in the year where he finished with 22 disposals, 14 marks (five of those contested), 10 score involvements and four goals. Buller is athletic, ultra-competitive, has great hands overhead and has improved his tank, allowing him to be used in the ruck to great effect.

5. GWS – Clay Tucker (Eastern Ranges)​

Ruck/Forward, 204cm, 18
Chris says: He’s a towering tall at 204cm who has also had interest from North Melbourne and Hawthorn, but expect the Giants to snap up Tucker if he slips through to pick 5. He covers the ground well with his mobility and agility and has good ruck craft. He’s also shown an ability to go forward and hit the scoreboard at stages this year. Tucker’s spent time training with Hawthorn in recent weeks and particularly caught the eye in the second Young Guns game against Vic Country at Ikon Park earlier this month. He gathered 13 disposals, 14 hitouts and kicked two goals that day. So he’s certainly a promising young tall who is still just 18 years old.

6. Sydney - Oscar McDonald(Williamstown VFL)​

Key defender, 196cm, 26
Dan says: The Swans key defensive stocks have been decimated by injury this season — forcing Callum Mills and Nick Blakey to play on hulking key forwards at times — and former Blue and Demon Oscar McDonald can provide some immediate relief. McDonald struggled with back issues in his last two years with Carlton and told the Herald Sun last week he was “devastated” to be delisted at the end of 2022. But after undergoing back surgery, the 26-year-old has turned heads for Williamstown in the VFL this year, averaging 8.9 intercept possessions and four intercept marks per game. Sydney has been strongly linked to the 196cm defender with uncertainty surrounding the future of Paddy McCartin.

7. Geelong – Sam Naismith (Port Melbourne)​

Ruck, 205cm, 30
Chris says: This would be a remarkable story. Naismith previously played 30 games in nine years for Sydney before being delisted at the end of last year. Now just weeks shy of his 31st birthday, he is eyeing off a second chance. He’s had three knee reconstructions, the most recent being in 2021. But he hasn’t missed a beat for Port Melbourne in the VFL this season and has been the competition’s best performed ruckman. We know that Geelong has long lacked a dominant No.1 ruckman and with the reigning premiers still very much in contention, this could be a clever play for the second half of the season.

8. Fremantle - Robert Hansen (Subiaco)​

Small forward, 180cm, 19
Dan says: If he makes it this far, the smooth-moving Hansen would be a handy pick-up for the Dockers, who have shown interest in the clever small forward. Hansen Jr makes good decisions with ball in hand, is clean at ground level and has a burst of speed. After being overlooked in last year’s draft, the 19-year-old was elevated to Subiaco’s senior side after just one game in the reserves and he was among 12 players to undergo official medical testing - a sign of his interest.

9. Essendon – Jaiden Hunter (Perth)​

Forward, 196cm, 21
Chris says: Could this apprentice electrician provide an added spark to the Essendon forward line? The West Australian has had a horror run with injury in recent years, since originally being overlooked in his draft year in 2020. An elbow injury prematurely ended his 2021 season and he went on to rupture his ACL during a practice match at the start of last year, wiping out his entire 2022 campaign. But since he kicked four goals for Perth in the WAFL Reserves in Round 1 and has kicked 11 goals across the past three weeks in the seniors to really capture the attention of clubs. A five-goal haul against South Fremantle last weekend would have done his mid-season draft hopes no harm at all.

10. Western Bulldogs - Marty Hore​

Medium defender, 190cm, 27
Dan says: We considered Footscray recruit and former Pie Caleb Poulter here but Hore, 27, has arguably been the best defender in the VFL this year - averaging a whopping 5.6 intercept marks per game and 10.4 intercept possessions. In his last match for Williamstown, Hore was an intercept force, clunking 10 intercept marks and picking off 17 intercepts against Carlton’s VFL side on the way to 156 SuperCoach ranking points. Hore played 14 games in a promising debut season for the Demons as a mature-age recruit in 2019, but two injury-riddled seasons followed, which led to him being delisted at the end of 2021. The Bulldogs are among the clubs to show interest in the intercept defender and he can help bolster their sometimes leaky defence.

11. Port Adelaide – Noah Casalini (North Adelaide)​

Forward, 191cm, 21
Chris says: The Power are not certain to use a pick here, but one they might be looking at if they do is North Adelaide’s Noah Casalini. He’s the top mid-season draft prospect out of South Australia and he is another player who did his chances no harm last weekend. He actually played against Port Adelaide’s SANFL side and had 16 disposals, 10 score involvements and kicked five goals. He’s quite athletic, has good speed and a nice leap. He’s been a little bit up and down this year, but also kicked six goals in a best-on-ground performance against Norwood on Anzac Day. So there’s a bit to work with.

12. Hawthorn – Brandon Ryan (Northern Bullants)​

Forward, 200cm, 25
Chris says: Ryan was on North Melbourne’s VFL list a few years back but didn’t have a good run at it as he suffered some knee and ankle injuries. He was playing for Maribyrnong Park in the Essendon District Football League last year, where he kicked 38 goals in 17 games. But he’s bolted into contention after a good start to the VFL season with the Bullants, where he’s been kicking goals most weeks. He’s a nice left-foot kick and is quite athletic. He’s also the cousin of Fremantle defender Luke Ryan, who was plucked out of the VFL from Coburg as well.

13. Richmond - Rye Penny (Calder Cannons)​

Defender, 186cm, 19
Dan says: The Tigers may choose not to take a pick here but I’ve opted to go a long-term prospect in super athletic defender Rye Penny. The former volleyballer equalled the vertical jump record at last year’s state combine with a stunning 109cm leap and that’s exactly what he does on the field, where he reads the play well and can fly for hangers. Penny also has speed to burn and has been used more through the midfield for Calder Cannons in the Coates Talent League as an over-age player. The 19-year-old was among the 12 players who underwent medical testing ahead of the mid-season draft and trained with Collingwood over the pre-season in pursuit of a list spot.

14 GWS - PASS​

15. Harry Arnold (Brisbane VFL)​

Key defender, 194cm, 23
Dan says: The Swans aren’t just on the lookout for ready-made AFL talent. They’re also after made prospects who can provide relief for their struggling VFL outfit. Arnold is player who can do both with his intercept marking, great leap and strong hands as a key back. The Suns Academy graduate has attracted interest from the Swans after a breakout VFL campaign where he has averaged 2.5 intercept marks per game. Arnold is also a neat user by foot, hitting the target with 83 per cent of his kicks this year

 

[Northernsoul74]

It must really piss Melbourne off, considering the holes in their forward line.

They’ve got Schache, what more do they want?

 

[hatescaptcha]

O’Sullivan moves so well for someone who is 198cm. Can see him becoming an elite defender.


Sent from my iPhone using BigFooty.com

 

[Smiley Boy]

​

JORDAN CROFT​

Calder Cannons/Maribyrnong Park FS/Maribyrnong SC​

Date of Birth 12/05/05; Height 200cm; Weight 80kg
NAB League Average Ranking Points: 120 points (4 games)
A tall forward who is lightly-built but extremely athletic, Croft uses his mobility and height to create opportunities as a marking forward. He only fully focused on a potential AFL career last year after pursuing volleyball as his sport, before showing immediate potential for the Cannons. Croft provided a glimpse of his capabilities in a recent Coates Talent League match against the Northern Territory, where he kicked five goals from his 12 disposals and 2 marks. He followed up that performance with four goals for Victoria Metro against the Young Guns in a challenge match, with his speed and precise kicking being features of his game. He is eligible to join the Western Bulldogs under father-son rules given he is the son of former AFL star Matthew Croft, who played 186 games for the club.


Kevin Sheehan's write up in HS on his top 30 draft prospects

 

[_Cerberus_]

​

JORDAN CROFT​

Calder Cannons/Maribyrnong Park FS/Maribyrnong SC​

Date of Birth 12/05/05; Height 200cm; Weight 80kg
NAB League Average Ranking Points: 120 points (4 games)
A tall forward who is lightly-built but extremely athletic, Croft uses his mobility and height to create opportunities as a marking forward. He only fully focused on a potential AFL career last year after pursuing volleyball as his sport, before showing immediate potential for the Cannons. Croft provided a glimpse of his capabilities in a recent Coates Talent League match against the Northern Territory, where he kicked five goals from his 12 disposals and 2 marks. He followed up that performance with four goals for Victoria Metro against the Young Guns in a challenge match, with his speed and precise kicking being features of his game. He is eligible to join the Western Bulldogs under father-son rules given he is the son of former AFL star Matthew Croft, who played 186 games for the club.


Kevin Sheehan's write up in HS on his top 30 draft prospects

He is rising up the draft boards fast. But we still have hope of retaining our first round picks. This draft is very deep for key position prospects this season. Quite a few better talls ahead of him at this point, that may stop him being bid on before our picks.

If he keeps kicking bags though, and gets selected for the carnival, and kicks more bags there. Then obviously we may end up having to pay up for him. His style doesn't translate to our team at the moment, given he relies on his pace to break away on the lead. Zone systems in the AFL take that away. Need to see if he has the contested marking ability for pack grabs. Since all we do is bomb it high.

I'm always sceptical about key tall forwards in the under 18s, and I feel many do not translate to AFL level. As often they don't face many opponents their own size in the under 18s, and just bully smaller players, then get found out at AFL level.

 

[Mojorisin]

He is rising up the draft boards fast. But we still have hope of retaining our first round picks. This draft is very deep for key position prospects this season. Quite a few better talls ahead of him at this point, that may stop him being bid on before our picks.

If he keeps kicking bags though, and gets selected for the carnival, and kicks more bags there. Then obviously we may end up having to pay up for him. His style doesn't translate to our team at the moment, given he relies on his pace to break away on the lead. Zone systems in the AFL take that away. Need to see if he has the contested marking ability for pack grabs. Since all we do is bomb it high.

I'm always sceptical about key tall forwards in the under 18s, and I feel many do not translate to AFL level. As often they don't face many opponents their own size in the under 18s, and just bully smaller players, then get found out at AFL level.

He will get a bid in the first round for sure.

 

[_Cerberus_]

He will get a bid in the first round for sure.

Probably the two Sydney teams. They need forwards, and both spite us haha.

 

[Rookie]

​

JORDAN CROFT​

Calder Cannons/Maribyrnong Park FS/Maribyrnong SC​

Date of Birth 12/05/05; Height 200cm; Weight 80kg
NAB League Average Ranking Points: 120 points (4 games)
A tall forward who is lightly-built but extremely athletic, Croft uses his mobility and height to create opportunities as a marking forward. He only fully focused on a potential AFL career last year after pursuing volleyball as his sport, before showing immediate potential for the Cannons. Croft provided a glimpse of his capabilities in a recent Coates Talent League match against the Northern Territory, where he kicked five goals from his 12 disposals and 2 marks. He followed up that performance with four goals for Victoria Metro against the Young Guns in a challenge match, with his speed and precise kicking being features of his game. He is eligible to join the Western Bulldogs under father-son rules given he is the son of former AFL star Matthew Croft, who played 186 games for the club.


Kevin Sheehan's write up in HS on his top 30 draft prospects

Lots of these traits sound like they'd transfer well to defense also. If he's good enough to attract a high enough bid he's worth rejigging our picks a bit to make it happen. We can easily trade into next year's draft and trade back in or trade up to bring in a midfielder before his pick.

We'll need to line up a few options before drsgt night but we should easily get a pick or two in before Croft's name gets called.

Alternatively, maybe there's a young midfielder interstate we can entice home who would be worth a first rounder.

With the discount available and the ability to string together crappy picks into a first rounder, there's no reason not to take him.

 

[weltschmerz]

Lots of these traits sound like they'd transfer well to defense also. If he's good enough to attract a high enough bid he's worth rejigging our picks a bit to make it happen. We can easily trade into next year's draft and trade back in or trade up to bring in a midfielder before his pick.

We'll need to line up a few options before drsgt night but we should easily get a pick or two in before Croft's name gets called.

Alternatively, maybe there's a young midfielder interstate we can entice home who would be worth a first rounder.

With the discount available and the ability to string together crappy picks into a first rounder, there's no reason not to take him.

Sam Flanders is one to look at.

 

[LittleG]

Sam Flanders is one to look at.

He won’t cost a first rounder though. Is more of a sweetener to another deal or a third round pick I would have though.

 

[weltschmerz]

He won’t cost a first rounder though. Is more of a sweetener to another deal or a third round pick I would have though.

Bergman is more of an outside type but he’d be great on our list.

 

[LittleG]

Bergman is more of an outside type but he’d be great on our list.

He isn’t quite up to Doedee and plays a similar position at the moment. Rather Doedee and I am hoping the club agrees. He would be a great get and it’s just salary that we need to get right.

Callaghan from GWS would be a good target. He is getting better and he is definitely someone we should be looking at.

IF Butters wanted to move….

 

[Mofra]

Sam Flanders is one to look at.

Our two firsts to the Suns for their first and Flanders.
Not sure if they'd jump at it but we can ask

 

[VitalDread]

KEVIN SHEEHAN’S EARLY TOP 30 AFL DRAFT PROSPECTS FOR 2023​

HARLEY REID​

Bendigo Pioneers/Tongala FC/St Joseph’s Echuca​

Date of Birth 18/04/05; Height 185 cm; Weight 85kg
NAB League Average Ranking Points: 152 points (3 games)
An exciting prospect, Reid excelled in the under-18 national championships for Vic Country last year. He played a mix of defence, midfield and forward roles, showcasing his versatility and earning him All-Australian honours. He also won Team of the Year selection in the Talent League, after finishing as runner-up in the Pioneers’ best-and-fairest award. Reid has continued that form into the early part of the season, with his bursts from stoppages and precise ball use both features of his game. He won the Australian under-18s best player award in the AFL Academy squad’s match against Port Adelaide’s SANFL team in April, collecting a team-high 22 disposals (14 contested), six marks and seven clearances in a very impressive performance. Reid has already had a taste of VFL football with Carlton to continue his development leading into this year’s national championships. He suffered a concussion in his second match for the Australian under-18 team in May.

NICK WATSON​

Eastern Ranges/Montrose FC/Caulfield Grammar​

Date of Birth 24/02/05; Height 170 cm; Weight 67kg
NAB League Average Ranking Points: 143 points (3 games)
A small forward, Watson is quick, agile and crafty and has a real appetite for the contest. He is a real jack in the box as well and gave a glimpse of his potential last year as he booted 23 goals across 10 Talent League and national championship matches as a bottom-age prospect. Watson has started this season in good touch, playing expanded roles through the midfield and in defence in his opening three matches in the Coates Talent League. He is averaging 26 disposals (9.7 contested) and has kicked five goals. He was also among the best players for the Australian under 18 team in a representative match against Port Adelaide’s SANFL side as part of Gather Round in April. Watson gathered 18 disposals and kicked one goal that day, splitting his time between forward and defence roles. He again spent some time down back in the Australian under-18 team’s second match against Carlton’s VFL side in May, in which he had 10 disposals and kicked a goal before sitting out the last quarter with a minor ankle issue.

JAKE ROGERS​

Gold Coast Suns Academy/ Broadbeach Cats FC​

Date of Birth 02/03/05; Height 171 cm; Weight 68kg
NAB League Average Ranking Points: 136 points (4 games)
A tenacious livewire for the Suns Academy through the midfield, Rogers is a one-touch player with great vision and creativity. He was another player who performed well as a bottom-aged player with the Allies last year and has developed and matured further since then. He has averaged 26 disposals and 6.3 tackles in the Coates Talent League for the Suns and was one of the Australian under-18 team’s best players against Port Adelaide’s SANFL side in an exhibition match in April. Rogers went on to again shine brightly for the Australian under-18 team in its second match against Carlton’s VFL side in May, gathering 26 disposals and six clearances through the midfield claiming the medal as his team’s best player.

ASHTON MOIR​

Glenelg FC/ Plympton FC​

Date of Birth 15/04/05; Height 188 cm Weight 84kg
SANFL U18 Average Ranking Points: 112 points (2 games)
A medium forward who really caught the eye with his goal kicking and marking ability last year, Moir booted 34 goals in 2022 at club and representative levels. That included a haul of four majors against Western Australia in the last under-18 championships match, as a bottom-age player. His ability to kick the ball with precision on either foot, particularly with set shots for goal, is unique. Moir kicked four goals twice in opening four rounds of the SANFL this season, with one coming at under-18s level and one in the reserves. However, he has been slightly hampered by a hip injury in the early part of the year and is yet to show his full potential.

COLBY McKERCHER​

Tasmanian Devils/ Launceston FC / Launceston College​

Date of Birth 12/04/05; Height 181cm; Weight 72kg
NAB League Average Ranking Points: 146 points (5 games)
A left-footed midfielder with dazzling speed away from the centre of the ground, McKercher also has a penetrating foot. After a very promising season with the Devils and Allies in 2022 as a bottom-age player, he has taken another step this season. McKercher has averaged 31.4 disposals for the Devils and was among the best for the Australian under-18 team in its match against Port Adelaide’s SANFL side in April. He also impressed in a second match with the AFL Academy side against Carlton’s VFL team in May, logging 20 disposals and three clearances through the midfield.

JED WALTER​

Gold Coast Suns Academy/ Palm Beach Currumbin FC​

Date of Birth 08/06/05; Height 194 cm Weight 91kg
NAB League Average Ranking Points: 156 points (4 games)
A strong and powerful tall forward, Walter took all before him at underage level last year. He won All-Australian honours as a bottom-aged player in the under-18 national championships and has reminded all of his strong marking and elite power and skill with a dominant performance in the Coates Talent League in Round 6. He kicked eight goals from his 19 disposals and nine marks against the Northern Territory that day and has averaged 18.3 disposals, 5.5 marks and 4.5 goals from his first four games overall this year. Walter has a real physical presence up forward, with his second efforts and tackling pressure being real features of his game.

DANIEL CURTIN​

Claremont FC/West Coast JFC/Curtin University​

Date of Birth 08/03/05; Height 195 cm; Weight 92kg
WAFL Colts Average Ranking Points: 115 points (3 games)
A left-footed defender of forward, Curtin experienced a frustrating run with injury last season before getting back to play in the Futures game at the MCG on AFL Grand Final day. He excelled for Team Houli with 22 disposals and nine marks in that match, winning best on the ground honours. Curtin’s agility, speed for his size and precise kicking were all features of his game. In the WAFL Colts this season he has also spent time forward and has averaged 16 disposals, 4.7 score involvements and a goal from three games.

ZANE DUURSMA​

Gippsland Power/Foster FC/Foster SC​

Date of Birth-28/08/05; Height 189 cm; Weight 79kg
NAB League Average Ranking Points: 119 points (4 games)
A mercurial forward or midfielder who reads the play exceptionally well, Duursma is strong overhead and deadly accurate around the goals. He has a clever step through congestion and is an elite athlete with his running ability. Duursma has shown enormous promise in the Coates Talent League over the past two years and earnt Team of the Year honours last year as a bottom-aged player. He started this year solidly with the Power, averaging 21.8 disposals and 2 goals from his first four matches. He also had a VFL opportunity with the Casey Demons in Round 6, where he logged 12 disposals. Duursma hails from a talented football family, with his brother Xavier and sister Yasmine on Port Adelaide’s men’s and women’s lists.

RYLEY SANDERS​

Sandringham Dragons FC/ North Launceston FC/Melbourne Grammar​

Date of Birth 21/01/05; Height 186 cm; Weight 85kg
NAB League Average Ranking Points: 152 points (3 games)
A strong-bodied midfielder, Sanders is looking to build on an extremely promising 2022. He was a member of the Sandringham Dragons’ premiership team last year and also represented the Allies as a bottom-aged player. Sanders has stepped up and shown himself to be a talented playmaker this year. He started the season in fine form with the Dragons, averaging 31.7 disposals and 5 tackles in the opening three rounds. He was also another one to catch the eye with a strong performance for the Australian under-18 team in its representative match against Port Adelaide’s SANFL side backing it up in the second match against Carlton’s VFL side as he collected 24 disposals to be one of the side’s best.

DARCY WILSON​

Murray Bushrangers/Wangaratta Rovers FC/The Academy​

Date of Birth 18/08/05; Height 185 cm; Weight 73 kg
NAB League Average Ranking Points: 123 points (5 games)
An elusive and creative forward or wingman, Wilson covers the ground exceptionally well and has innate ability around goals. He is still developing physically but has had an impressive start to this year, averaging 20.6 disposals (8.6 contested) and 1.8 goals across his first five matches for the Bushrangers. Wilson was also among best players for the Australian under-18 team in its match against Port Adelaide’s SANFL side in April, racking up 19 disposals and taking five marks. His running capacity was confirmed when he finished fifth among the Victorians in the YoYo test during pre-season testing in March with a score of 21.08.

KOLTYN THOLSTRUP​

Subiaco FC/Newtown-Condingup JFC/Cunderdin Ag College​

Date of Birth 28/06/05; Height 188 cm; Weight 82kg
WAFL Average Ranking Points: 60 points (5 games)
A talented player with an elite work rate, Tholstrup often plays as a high half-forward and sometimes goes through the midfield. He is a fearless competitor with excellent game sense and is a penetrating kick. Tholstrup played all four games for Western Australia as a bottom-age player in the under-18 national championships last year and acquitted himself well, averaging 13.5 disposals. He was also a strong performer in the Futures game on AFL Grand Final day with 18 disposals for Team Murphy. Tholstrup has a sharp competitive edge which has seen him already play five senior matches in the WAFL this season with a top team in Subiaco.

HARRY DE MATTIA​

Dandenong Stingrays/Edithvale-Aspendale FC/SEDA​

Date of Birth 11/09/05; Height 184 cm; Weight 77kg
NAB League Average Ranking Points: 106 points (6 games)
A midfielder-forward, De Mattia has elite speed and endurance which enables him to get up and down the ground to win the ball both at ground level and overhead. He brings real pressure for his team with his ability to run down tackle against the flow. A left-footer, he opened the Coates Talent League season in great form, averaging 17.8 disposals, 4.2 marks and 5.3 tackles across his first six matches. De Mattia is a dual sport athlete who has mixed his football with cricket. He has represented Victoria at underage level in cricket with distinction and ultimately will need to choose his sporting preference in due course.

ARCHER REID​

Gippsland Power/Inverloch Kongwak FC/Bass Coast College​

Date of Birth 19/09/05; Height 203 cm; Weight 85kg
NAB League Average Ranking Points: 101 points (3 games)
A tall forward who is an exceptional overhead mark, Reid is extremely mobile, good below his knees and has a natural goal sense which makes him a difficult match-up. After performing strongly for the Power last season – including kicking three goals in the preliminary final – he had an injury-interrupted start to 2023. However, Reid is now fully fit once again and is ready to show his undoubted potential in the national championships. Across three matches in the Coates Talent League this year he has averaged 13.7 disposals, 4.7 marks and 1.7 goals. Reid is the younger brother of Essendon defender Zach.

GEORGE STEVENS​

GWV Rebels/ South Warrnambool FC/Emmanuel College​

Date of Birth 14/04/05; Height 189 cm; Weight 94kg
NAB League Average Ranking Points: 148 points (5 games)
A medium defender who could become an inside midfielder in time, Stevens has returned to full fitness and form in the early part of this season after missing the entire 2022 campaign with an ACL injury. He reads the cues to intercept well when playing across half back, is a good decision maker and has a penetrating kick. Stevens has made his presence felt in the Coates Talent League, averaging 25.2 disposals (14.6 contested). He also racked up 31 disposals and four clearances in a Vic Country trial match in April and put his strong leadership on display as he captained the Australian under-18s team in their matches against SANFL and VFL sides. Stevens’ early-season form saw him rewarded with a VFL opportunity with Geelong in Round 6, where he logged 16 disposals.

MITCHELL EDWARDS​

Peel Thunder FC/ South Mandurah FC​

Date of Birth 02/06/05; Height 205 cm; Weight 86kg
WAFL Colts Average Ranking Points: 125 points (4 games)
A ruckman who stood out as a bottom-age player, Edwards led his state team as their first-choice tall in the national championships last year and impressed with his competitiveness and craft. Mobile and strong overhead, he also had a successful season at club level, starring in Peel’s Colt’s premiership win. Edwards has had an injury-interrupted run of late with a corked leg, but is now ready to have a big impact on this year’s under-18 national championships. He has averaged 13.8 disposals and 35.3 hit-outs across his four WAFL Colts games this year.

JACK CALLINAN​

Tasmanian Devils/ Clarence FC​

Date of Birth 07/10/05; Height 177cm; Weight 73 kg
NAB League Average Ranking Points: 125 points (5 games)
A clever small forward, Callinan has started the season on fire in the Coates Talent League. He has booted 16.3 across five games, while averaging 17.4 disposals. Callinan is quick and agile and has innate goal sense. He is the son of former Adelaide Crows and Tasmanian Devils (VFL) star Ian Callinan

Ian Callinan

Age

43

Ht

172cm

Wt

74kg

Pos.

Fwd

Career

Season

Last 5

D

12.8

3star

K

7.7

3star

HB

5.0

4star

M

2.7

3star

T

1.9

4star

G

1.5

5star

No current season stats available

D

14.4

4star

K

9.0

4star

HB

5.4

4star

M

2.0

3star

T

3.0

5star

G

1.0

4star

and looks to have inherited his father’s ball-winning ability and smarts around goal.

NATE CADDY​

Northern Knights/Bundoora FC/Parade College​

Date of Birth-14/07/05; Height 192 cm; Weight 91 kg
NAB League Average Ranking Points: 97 points (3 games)
A strong-marking forward with a vice-like grip overhead and an exciting natural leap, Caddy burst onto the scene last year and was quickly featuring for Vic Metro as a bottom-aged player who provided a lively, athletic target. He has kicked 23 goals in 15 matches in the Coates Talent League over the past two years, while also averaging 5.9 score involvements and 4.5 marks over that time. Caddy has a real physical presence up forward and gave a further glimpse of his potential with a bag of four goals from 20 disposals and six marks in a recent Vic Metro trial match. In a match for Australia’s under-18 side against Carlton’s VFL side in May he also caught the eye with his work in attack, finishing with 14 disposals, four marks and a goal. He has also featured for Carlton in the VFL this season, kicking two goals in a debut against Williamstown. Caddy is the nephew of two-time Richmond premiership star Josh Caddy

22

Josh Caddy

Age

33

Ht

186cm

Wt

87kg

Pos.

Mid

Career

Season

Last 5

D

17.0

4star

K

9.2

4star

HB

7.8

5star

M

3.6

4star

T

3.5

5star

CL

2.5

4star

D

13.5

3star

K

7.5

3star

HB

6.0

3star

M

4.8

4star

T

1.5

2star

CL

0.7

3star

D

14.0

4star

K

10.0

4star

HB

4.0

3star

M

4.2

4star

T

4.0

5star

CL

1.8

4star

.

JOEL FREIJAH​

GWV Rebels/ Horsham Saints/Ballarat Clarendon College​

Date of Birth 14/11/05; Height 191 cm; Weight 86kg
NAB League Average Ranking Points: 133 points (6 games)
A wingman who has real composure with the ball, Freijah is clean below his knees and distributes the ball very well. He has been in outstanding form in recent weeks. He produced a best-on-ground performance for the Rebels in Round 4 of the Coates Talent League, kicking six goals from 26 disposals while predominantly playing on a wing. Freijah backed that up with 35 disposals in a Vic Country trial in his very next match. He holds his width when playing on the wing, providing his team with an outlet option with its ball movement. However, he can also play inside, where he uses his vision and footy smarts to set up the play. A strong all-round athlete, Freijah ran a time of 2.98 seconds in the 20 metre sprint during pre-season testing.

RILEY HARDEMAN​

Swan Districts FC/Caversham JFC/Edith Cowan University​

Date of Birth 27/02/05; Height 184 cm; Weight 70kg
WAFL Colts Average Ranking Points: 130 points (2 games)
A left-footed defender with speed, Hardeman is strong overhead and takes ground with his long precision kicking. He impressed as a bottom-age player in under-18 national championships last year and has already debuted at senior level with Swan Districts this season and has gone on to star in the under-18s. Hardeman averaged 22.5 disposals across his first two Colts matches. He had a minor setback with concussion after that but is an exciting prospect on the horizon.

CLAY HALL​

Peel Thunder FC/Harvey Brunswich Leschenault JFC​

Date of Birth 12/05/05; Height 188 cm; Weight 83kg
WAFL Colts Average Ranking Points: 120 points (2 games)
A talented midfielder, Hall had a taste of under-18 national championships last year as he played one match on a wing for his state side. He went on to play well for the remainder of the season in a premiership winning Colts team at Peel. Hall has stepped straight up to senior level this year, playing three senior games in the opening four rounds in the WAFL. Featuring as an inside midfielder, he impressed across those three matches as he averaged 18.7 disposals. He is the son of former West Coast and Geelong forward Derek Hall, but is not eligible under father-son rules given his father played only two games for the Eagles and 74 matches for the Cats.

JORDAN CROFT​

Calder Cannons/Maribyrnong Park FS/Maribyrnong SC​

Date of Birth 12/05/05; Height 200cm; Weight 80kg
NAB League Average Ranking Points: 120 points (4 games)
A tall forward who is lightly-built but extremely athletic, Croft uses his mobility and height to create opportunities as a marking forward. He only fully focused on a potential AFL career last year after pursuing volleyball as his sport, before showing immediate potential for the Cannons. Croft provided a glimpse of his capabilities in a recent Coates Talent League match against the Northern Territory, where he kicked five goals from his 12 disposals and 2 marks. He followed up that performance with four goals for Victoria Metro against the Young Guns in a challenge match, with his speed and precise kicking being features of his game. He is eligible to join the Western Bulldogs under father-son rules given he is the son of former AFL star Matthew Croft, who played 186 games for the club.

WILL PATTON​

West Adelaide FC/ Mitcham FC​

Date of Birth 04/01/05; Height 193 cm, Weight 81kg
SANFL U18 Average Ranking Points: 119 points (5 games)
A composed left-footed defender, Patton has grown a further 3cm in the past 12 months which has allowed him to play on both medium and taller opposition forwards. He uses the ball exceptionally well by hand and foot and sets up the play with his ball use. Patton made an excellent start to this year, averaging 21.8 disposals, 4.6 marks and 3.4 tackles across his first five matches at under-18 level. A state representative in cricket as a junior, he is now fully focused on a potential AFL career and is a member of the AFL Academy.

ETHAN READ​

Gold Coast Suns Academy/Palm Beach Currumbin FC​

Date of Birth 07/08/05; Height 202 cm; Weight 87kg
NAB League Average Ranking Points: 118 points (4 games)
A ruckman or tall forward, Read also looks capable of playing as a tall defender down the track given his skillset. He is a strong overhead mark and an excellent kick and also has the running capacity to cover the ground and win the ball in numerous situations. Read has been in great form for the Suns Academy in the Coates Talent League, averaging 20 disposals, 6 marks and 19.5 hit-outs across his first four matches. He is set to again play for the Allies in the under-18 national championships after impressing as a bottom-aged player last year.

WILL LORENZ​

Oakleigh Chargers/Boroondara Hawks FC/Marcellin College​

Date of Birth-19/02/05; Height 186 cm; Weight 70kg
NAB League Average Ranking Points: 116 points (2 games)
A lightly-built wingman or forward, Lorenz produced some eye-catching matches last year. In a Victorian Futures game against Queensland, he had 32 disposals and kicked three goals. He went on to feature for Team Murphy on the MCG on AFL Grand Final day last year and logged 24 disposals, nine marks and a goal to give a further indication of his undoubted potential. A left-footer who has good speed and a neat step through traffic, Lorenz had a disrupted summer due to injury but is now back on track. He played two of the first three games in the Coates Talent League, averaging 20 disposals (13 uncontested) and 6 score involvements. Lorenz is the grandson of former Hawthorn great Graham Arthur.

WILL BROWN​

Sandringham Dragons/East Brighton FC/Kawana Park Eagles FC-Qld​

Date of Birth-16/06/05; Height-194 cm; Weight 85kg
NAB League Average Ranking Points: 115 points (5 games)
A tall midfielder or forward who was a premiership player with the Dragons in his bottom-age year, Brown has been given the responsibility as captain this year. He started the season impressively, averaging 22.4 disposals (11.8 contested), 6.6 clearances and 0.8 goals per game from his first five games in the Coates Talent League after moving into the midfield. He is a player who is a strong contested ball winner and a one-touch player with terrific work ethic.

WILL McCABE​

Central Districts FC/ Tanunda FC/ Sacred Heart College​

Date of Birth 29/09/05; Height 197 cm; Weight 82kg
SANFL U18 Average Ranking Points: 112 points (6 games)
A tall defender who has also gone forward this year, McCabe is continuing to develop nicely. He won All-Australian under-16 honours last year after playing as an approved overage player in the national championships. Playing at under-18s level in the SANFL this season, he has made a very strong start to his year, averaging 20.7 disposals and 5.7 marks across his first six matches. McCabe is a very competitive player who has a good natural leap and is strong overhead. He is eligible to join Hawthorn under the AFL’s father-son rule this year, as the son of former Hawks star Luke McCabe

Luke Mccabe

Age

49

Ht

183cm

Wt

82kg

Pos.

Def

Career

Season

Last 5

D

13.7

4star

K

8.4

3star

HB

5.3

4star

M

3.4

3star

T

2.0

4star

No current season stats available

D

7.8

2star

K

3.4

2star

HB

4.4

4star

M

1.8

2star

T

1.2

3star

, who played 138 games for the club.

COOPER SIMPSON​

Dandenong Stingrays/Mt Martha FC/Flinders Christian College.​

Date of Birth 13/02/05; Height 182 cm; Weight 76kg
NAB League Average Ranking Points: 106 points (4 games)
An ultra-professional midfielder with pace, composure and great finishing skills, Simpson also has a neat step through traffic and runs hard offensively and defensively. He has shown the ability to perform when challenged and in the big moments when the game is on the line. Simpson has started the season in good touch with the Stingrays, averaging 21 disposals (8.8 contested) in four matches. He then had the opportunity to play both with Casey in the VFL and against Port Adelaide’s SANFL team with the Australian under 18s, giving him an insight into the next level.

ARCHIE ROBERTS​

Sandringham Dragons/Hampton Rovers FC/Haileybury College​

Data of Birth 18/11/05; Height 184 cm; Weight 77kg
NAB League Average Ranking Points: 101 points (3 games)
A left-footed halfback who is a penetrating kick, Roberts is a fine interceptor of the ball and uses his anticipation and clean hands to have an impact. He had an excellent season with the Dragons last year, including racking up 21 disposals in their winning Grand Final side. He went on to log 26 disposals on the MCG on AFL Grand Final day last year as part of the Futures game in another eye-catching performance. Roberts was also among Vic Metro’s best with 25 disposals against the Young Guns and showed off his clean ball handling and good kicking skills despite wet and slippery conditions. He was also good with 17 disposals for Australia’s under-18 team in its match against Carlton’s VFL side in May.

CONNOR O’SULLIVAN​

Murray Bushrangers/ Albury FC/Xavier High School-Albury​

Date of Birth 19/05/05; Height 198 cm; Weight 92 kg
NAB League Average Ranking Points: 120 points (4 games)
A tall forward or defender who has continued to mature physically, O’Sullivan has grown another 3cm and is a player developing his knowledge as a forward and a defender. He has an exciting natural leap, while good speed has been another weapon in his roles either end of the ground. O’Sullivan has been a consistent performer for the Bushrangers in the early part of the season, averaging 19.8 disposals and 7.5 marks in his first four matches. Being from Albury in NSW, he looks set to play with the Allies in the under-18 national championships.

NATHAN PHILACTIDES​

Oakleigh Chargers/ Blackburn FC/Yarra Valley Grammar​

Date of Birth 10/01/05; Height 181 cm; Weight 78 kg
NAB League Average Ranking Points: 82 points (5 games)
A left-footed defender, Philactides burst on the scene last year when he averaged 19.5 disposals across two matches for Vic Metro in the national championships as a bottom-aged player. Coming from an athletics background, he was once ranked in the top-five in the world in the 400 metres hurdles, so it was no surprise when he posted a quick time of 7.9 seconds in the agility test during pre-season testing. Philactides also caught the eye for Vic Metro in its challenge game against the Young Guns, racking up 25 disposals across half-back to finish as one of his team’s best players. He again put his impressive pace and agility on display that day, despite wet conditions. Across five Coates Talent League games this year, he has averaged 19.2 disposals and 6.2 rebound-50s.

 

[willofwest]

Our two firsts to the Suns for their first and Flanders.
Not sure if they'd jump at it but we can ask

The suns do need points and picks for their 3 academy kids.