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Opinion 2023 AFL Draft Prospects

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Who do you want for our first pick at the AFL Draft?

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Harry Demattia (Dandenong) - interests me as a powerful forward / mid - 188cm.

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hatescaptcha said:
Harry Demattia (Dandenong) - interests me as a powerful forward / mid - 188cm.

0a8a9778ac3a599fcfdb5201cc2ba1d6.jpg


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Copied from another thread, but this was posted from the Herald Sun. Gives a little glimpse into the Academy game on the weekend. Remember the conditions were poor, and it was not a game for tall players. A lot of players were also rotated, with some only playing three quarters, or just a half of footy.


HeraldSun. AFL Draft 2023: Every player rated 1-10 from AFL Academy showcase

TOP PERFORMERS

Harley Reid – 22 disposals, seven clearances, six marks, five inside 50s, one goal, 111 SuperCoach points
Nick Watson – 18 disposals, nine loose-ball gets, four rebound 50s, one goal, 109 SuperCoach points
Jake Rogers – 12 disposals, seven tackles, three clearances, 86 SuperCoach points
Ryley Sanders – 20 disposals, six tackles, four inside 50s and 93 SuperCoach points.
Caiden Cleary – 16 disposals, 12 tackles, 92 SuperCoach points
George Stevens – 19 disposals, six rebound 50s, 89 SuperCoach points
Darcy Wilson – 19 disposals, five marks, 65 SuperCoach points

Nick Watson — 9/10
Forward/defender, 170cm, Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro
The smallest man on the ground’s impact was arguably bigger than any. Watson was quiet by his standards in a forward role early, but the freakishly skilled youngster was thrown into defence in the second half and stood up with the game on the line. Watson slotted a classy goal and racked up eight disposals – taking off on a Tom Papley-esque celebration – in the nailbiting final term, with his dashing speed, reading of the play and clean hands standing out in the wet. Finished as the second-ranked player for the Academy with 18 disposals and nine loose-ball gets. The 170cm Ranges talent is proving he can be more than a dangerous forward at the next level.

Jack Callinan 5/10
Forward, 179cm, Tasmania Devils/Allies
Got a lucky gift with a 50m penalty walking him to the square for a third-quarter goal. The son of Crows goalsneak Ian finished with nine touches and three tackles on a day where no Academy forward really starred.

Caiden Cleary — 8/10
Midfielder, 180cm, Swans Academy/Allies
These conditions were made for the Swans Academy product. Cleary’s pressure was absolutely manic, applying a game-high 11 tackles – including four in the final quarter alone – and 11 of his 16 possessions were won in a contest. There is no doubting his competitiveness and inside grunt work – the next step will be improving his ball-use.

Jack Delean — 4/10
Forward, 181cm, South Adelaide/SA
A soaring leap over a massive pack on the wing would have been the highlight of the match – only problem was he didn’t get near it … Nonetheless, it showcased the athleticism of the South Adelaide goalkicker. Had the seven touches and kicked two behinds. But was one of just two Academy players who didn’t lay a tackle for the match.

Riley Hardeman — 6.5/10
Defender, 188cm, Swan Districts/WA
After getting a taste of senior action in his WAFL debut for Swan Districts the previous week, Hardeman showed good signs yet again against bigger bodies. Was generally clean by foot and laid a strong tackle to dispossess his opponent deep in his own defensive 50. Collected 14 disposals – including 11 in the first half – and four marks.

Colby McKercher – 7/10
Midfielder, 181cm, Tasmania Devils/Allies
The Tasmanian talent was named among the best for the Academy in an impressive showing through the midfield. Won five clearances and was clean with his disposal in trying conditions, going at 75 per cent efficiency from his 15 touches.

Harley Reid – 9/10
Midfielder/forward, 185cm, Bendigo Pioneers/Vic Country
Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell was watching on in Mount Barker and Reid put on a show for him in the opening half. The No. 1 pick favourite was clearly best on to that point with 15 disposals, six clearances, five inside 50s and a goal to the main break, and his goal summed up his matchwinning ability. Reid leapt high to clunk a strong overhead mark under close defensive checking and converted the right banana set shot from 20m on the boundary. Reid, who turns 18 on Tuesday, lost his cool at times in the third term, conceding a goal by giving away a free kick and 50m penalty and getting into a scuffle on the deck on the boundary line after fending off a strong Port Adelaide opponent. The Tongala talisman faded a touch by his lofty standards, but still finished as the No. 1 ranked player for the Academy with 111 SuperCoach points, 22 disposals (18 of those effective), seven clearances, six

Archie Roberts — 6/10
Defender, 184cm, Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
Roberts’ precision by foot was on display out of defence, hitting the target with seven of his nine kicks. The Dragons product had 12 touches and five rebound 50s for the game and put on a handy spoil over the top on the wing late in the last.

Jake Rogers — 8/10
Forward/midfielder, 172cm, Suns Academy/Allies
Rogers had been flying under the radar a touch – he didn’t have a manager until he was snapped up by Kapital Sports Group last week – but this performance is sure to get recruiters’ attention. The Suns Academy prospect turned heads with his defensive pressure and speed, with a rundown tackle in the second term along with a dummy handball and burst away from a Port tackler highlighting his x-factor. Rogers capped his night with a banana set shot goal tucked up in the pocket from 35m, set up by another defensive effort which forced a Port player to give away a free kick for insufficient intent. The speedy 172cm product finished with 12 disposals, seven tackles and three clearances, but his influence was far greater than that.

Ryley Sanders — 8/10
Midfielder, 186cm, Sandringham Dragons/Allies
Sanders has started his draft year with a bang for the Sandringham Dragons and his strong form continued against Port Adelaide. The inside ball-winner, who is clean below his knees, won plenty of the footy in the last quarter in tight, finishing with 20 disposals, six tackles, four inside 50s and 93 SuperCoach points. It was a well-rounded display from the Tasmanian – who is boarding at Melbourne Grammar – and he got involved outside the contest as well with eight handball receives.marks and five inside 50s.

Orlando Turner — 4/10
Forward, Northern Territory/Allies
Turner had a fantastic one-on-one win, paddling the ball along the deck under heavy pressure and managing to keep his feet before handing it off to a teammate on the wing. Had the six disposals and kicked two behinds, but the Northern Territory forward doesn’t need much of it to have an influence.

Darcy Wilson – 7/10
Wingman/forward, 185cm, Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country
Like Sanders, Wilson’s hot start to the season continued in the Academy showcase. Was busy with 19 disposals and five marks on the outside and showed his speed with a dashing run up the wing in the second half. The wingman made a key intercept late in the last quarter, smartly cutting off a handball in the middle of the ground and getting the ball going his side’s away. Perhaps the only blip was his efficiency, going at less than 50 per cent.

Lachie Cabor – 3/10
Midfielder, 181cm, Swans Academy/Allies
The Swans Academy product didn’t see much of it with four touches, but looked to be one of those impacted by the Academy’s 12-man bench.

Nate Caddy – 4/10
Forward, 192cm, Northern Knights/Vic Metro
Kicked the first goal of the match but found the going tough from thereon, winning four possessions. Caddy, the nephew of former Tiger Josh, did manage to stay in the contest, though, laying a terrific rundown tackle in the last term to force a Port turnover.

Will Lorenz – 5/10
Midfielder, 186cm, Oakleigh Chargers
A solid game for the smooth-moving Chargers midfielder, finishing with 10 disposals, but just four of them hit the target. Provided good link-up play with six handball receives.

Zane Duursma – 4/10
Forward, 190cm, Gippsland Power
The potential top-five prospect was uncharacteristically quiet with three touches for the match in a forward role, but he produced a cracking goal in the third quarter. Duursma recovered from a dropped mark, gathered and launched a long bomb from outside 50 that bounced through – it was certainly worth the wait.

Kane McAuliffe – 6.5/10
Midfielder, 187cm, North Adelaide/SA
The South Australian slotted the goal of the day in the third term, pouncing on a crumb beautifully and snapping it off his left at full tilt from 40m out. While McAuliffe had just the eight touches, he made them count, hitting the target with every disposal and getting his hands dirty defensively with five tackles. McAuliffe has been beating up on sides for North Adelaide in the SANFL under-18s and is a nice size at 187cm.

Ashton Moir – 5/10
Forward, 186cm, Glenelg/SA
A tough day for the forwards and the highly-touted homegrown talent got limited opportunities to impress. Moir’s dribble snap on goal in the second term resulted in a tap-in from Jed Walter, and he nearly created something out of nothing in the same quarter by cleverly roving a ruck tap deep in the forward 50. Just one of his six kicks were effective, but he will get more chances to strut his stuff against senior bodies in the SANFL this season.

Connor O’Sullivan – 6/10
Defender, 198cm, Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country
O’Sullivan, who has played all over the ground for the Bushrangers this season, settled in defence for the Academy and showed some good signs. Competed well in one-on-one contests, earning a free kick at one stage after getting himself in a better position than his opponent. A clean gather off the deck followed by a 1-2 handball chain and raking kick highlighted his athleticism and mobility for a prospect standing 198cm. Had 10 touches, three rebound 50s and two inside 50s.

Will Patton – 6/10
Defender, 192cm, 79kg West Adelaide/SA
Patton is known for his intercepting and he zoned off nicely to clunk a Port Adelaide forward foray. The South Australian’s ball-use out of defence was tidy, finishing with 11 disposals, three marks and three inside 50s.

Nathan Philactides – 7/10
Defender, 181cm, 78kg, Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro
He has had a modest start to the Coates Talent League season, but Philactides was arguably the Academy’s best in the third quarter where he stood up with some impressive one-on-one wins. The Oakleigh Chargers defender read the play nicely to take a chest mark, then minutes later he gathered, spun away from a tackler under heavy pressure and found an option. The distributor showed his usual polish with ball-in-hand, hitting the target with 12 of his 14 disposals.

Cooper Simpson — 6/10
Midfielder, 182cm, Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country
Simpson had more centre-clearances than any player on the ground with three, surging the ball inside-50 with his penetrating kick and finishing with 11 touches. Didn’t have as much of the footy in the second half, but the Academy was running plenty of players through the midfield.

George Stevens – 7.5/10
Defender/midfielder, 189cm, GWV Rebels/Vic Country
Was forced to play tall on Port Adelaide’s array of forwards and Ollie Lord – who he gave up eight centimetres to on Saturday – got on top of him early, kicking three first-quarter goals. But Stevens got better as the day went on, showcasing his offensive traits out of defence, with his rebound, efficient ball-use and composure standing out. Had 19 disposals in total — 14 of those effective – and was the fifth-ranked Academy player on the ground. Not bad for a a guy in his fourth game back from an ACL blow.

Koltyn Tholstrup — 5/10
Forward, 188cm, Subiaco/WA
It was an almost day up forward for Tholstrup with nine disposals (three effective) and five contested possessions, but his competitive intent was there for all to see. In the first half Tholstrup managed to somehow neutralise a contest where he was outnumbered 1-on-2, and went in hard to lay a strong tackle in an earlier contest. However, West Australian prospect’s decision making was below par at times. This included turning the ball over opting for a low percentage short pass instead of going back to take a set shot, getting caught holding the ball trying to take on a tackler and a flying snap from 40m that fell straight in the lap of a Port defender 15m out. But he took a strong mark in front of his opponent in the last quarter and also came close to kicking a cracking late goal after crumbing a deep forward 50.

Daniel Curtin — 4/10
Key defender/forward, 196cm, Claremont/WA
Curtin, who was best-on-ground in the U17 All Stars game on grand final day last year, had just the two disposals to three-quarter-time, but lifted in the final term. The athletic swingman showcased his agility by shaking two tacklers with sidesteps before spotting up an option in the middle of the ground in wet conditions. However at one stage in the last he sagged off his opponent – overlooked 2022 draft prospect Jed Hagan – far too much, with the Port small able to take an open mark inside 50.

Mitchell Edwards — 4/10
Ruck, 207cm, Dockers NGA/Peel Thunder/WA
Edwards clunked a towering contested mark in a big pack outside the 50m arc, showing his aerial ability and strong hands. Defied his size by switching a long kick into the middle of the ground which hit the target. The Dockers Next Generation Academy prospect had five hit-outs and five touches for the day, splitting the ruck duties with Ethan Read and Will Green.

Will Green — 3/10
Ruck, 204cm, Northern Knights/Vic Metro
Showed some nice composure with a kick into the middle of the ground at one stage. Was fighting well out of his weight division against Port reserves ruck Sam Hayes, but managed to win three free kicks for the game to go with five hit-outs.

Ethan Read – 6/10
Ruck, 202cm, Suns Academy/Allies
Was the most impressive of the three Academy ruckmen, covering the ground well and competed hard in the ruck. Started the match with a strong tackle on Hayes that was given holding the ball, and laid a desperate tackle deep in defence in the last quarter to force a stoppage. The Suns Academy talent finished with 59 SuperCoach points from five disposals and five hit-outs, illustrating his high-impact per possession.

Archer Reid — 3/10
Key forward, 203cm, Gippsland Power/Vic Country
It wasn’t a day for a 203cm marking forward. Didn’t have a touch until the last quarter but managed to get his hands on it in the last, including a mark on the lead in front of his opponent as the rain poured down.

Jed Walter — 5.5/10
Key forward, 195cm, Suns Academy/Allies
Walter kicked his side’s second goal of the match, running onto a dribble snap from Ashton Moir and soccering it off the deck from close range. Threw his weight around in one repeat effort in the second quarter, crunching an opponent and then following up with a sprint effort.
 
Obviously Harley Reid continues to solidify the number one pick talk. A favorite on here lately, Nick Watson continues to make a case for a top 5 pick. Neither of these two will be available at our pick sadly. But does not mean there is not good players out there.
Some notes that caught my eye.


Colby McKercher: Played an inside role and went at 75 percent efficiency, from 115 disposals in the wet. To go along with 5 clearances. A name to watch out for over the year. We could also do with a little more clean ball use in the middle.

Ryley Sanders: Got a heap of the ball. 20 disposals, six tackles, four inside 50s. Not sure on his use, but was probably most active midfielder behind Reid.

Kane McAuliffe: My personal favorite at this point in time as a midfield target for us. Great size, and kicked a great goal as well. He didn't get much of the ball as mentioned, only 8. But hit a target with all of them. The standout stat to me is getting 5 tackles. Strikes me as a two way player who is happy to defend, whilst being clean in the packs.

Nathan Philactides: Small defender, that has the ability to win on on one contests and use the ball not only well, but hit targets when under pressure.

Cooper Simpson: Good clearance player and hits can hit targets inside 50.

Plenty of others that showed good things. The above is just some I'm keeping an eye on for the rest of the season, based one some needs for us.
 
_Cerberus_ said:
Obviously Harley Reid continues to solidify the number one pick talk. A favorite on here lately, Nick Watson continues to make a case for a top 5 pick. Neither of these two will be available at our pick sadly. But does not mean there is not good players out there.
Some notes that caught my eye.


Colby McKercher: Played an inside role and went at 75 percent efficiency, from 115 disposals in the wet. To go along with 5 clearances. A name to watch out for over the year. We could also do with a little more clean ball use in the middle.

Ryley Sanders: Got a heap of the ball. 20 disposals, six tackles, four inside 50s. Not sure on his use, but was probably most active midfielder behind Reid.

Kane McAuliffe: My personal favorite at this point in time as a midfield target for us. Great size, and kicked a great goal as well. He didn't get much of the ball as mentioned, only 8. But hit a target with all of them. The standout stat to me is getting 5 tackles. Strikes me as a two way player who is happy to defend, whilst being clean in the packs.

Nathan Philactides: Small defender, that has the ability to win on on one contests and use the ball not only well, but hit targets when under pressure.

Cooper Simpson: Good clearance player and hits can hit targets inside 50.

Plenty of others that showed good things. The above is just some I'm keeping an eye on for the rest of the season, based one some needs for us.
Click to expand...

Unfortunately both McKercher and Sanders are Tassie boys, and may be lured back to play for the Devils in a few years.
 
weltschmerz said:
Unfortunately both McKercher and Sanders are Tassie boys, and may be lured back to play for the Devils in a few years.
Click to expand...
I understand your concerns, and no doubt of others, which is definitively reasonable to have.

I myself am not worried though.

By the time TAS comes about, which is years away. Most players will be settled in to their new club and city. Plus Melbourne has a lot more to offer during and post football career. Even across the rest of the league "home sickness" is a rare thing.

Worst case scenario, TAS gets to raid every club for one player. We may get little to no compensation. But all clubs will be in the same boat.
Best case scenario, we can bleed TAS dry for their extra draft picks and concessions, so we will not lose out at all.

If Tasmania was serious about being competitive, most of their team would not be made up of Tassie based players anyway.

Cannot hold back on drafting a player because of something that "might" happen, given all draft picks come with a risk. If a TAS player is the best available inside mid come our pick, we have to take him, not the next best one. I'd back the club to develop them and keep them around.
 
Last edited:
Really liking the sound of O’Sullivan. Would combine nicely with Busslinger in the long term.

Also keen to get some midfielders in but think it’s important to add to our young developing tall defenders.

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Kane McAuliffe might be my favourite at the moment. Big tough frame, excellent by foot, strong defensive play through the midfield. I asked Bangers if he thinks McAuliffe is just dining out on smaller bodies in the u18s and I liked the response.

I feel his performance in the Academy match was more to do with the heavy rotations rather than him having an off day, his ball use when he won it was really good (100% DE if I recall correctly) and still managed to show decent athleticism. As I've been open about before I'm a **** for defensive work rate in juniors and he always ticks that box regardless of disposal numbers. Hopefully he gets a better go at it vs Carlton VFL, and even if he doesn't I expect he'll have a decent Champs
Click to expand...
 
weltschmerz said:
Kane McAuliffe might be my favourite at the moment. Big tough frame, excellent by foot, strong defensive play through the midfield. I asked Bangers if he thinks McAuliffe is just dining out on smaller bodies in the u18s and I liked the response.
Click to expand...
What’s his potential as a non-pure mid? I get we will need more mids in time but I think we need types who can start their career on a HBF / HFF.
 
doggiesin08 said:
What’s his potential as a non-pure mid? I get we will need more mids in time but I think we need types who can start their career on a HBF / HFF.
Click to expand...
He's got a sidestep and kicked a nice goal in the last televised game. It's just one moment though, not a basis for saying he's an effective HFF. Like welt he's an early favourite of mine too
 
Mofra said:
He's got a sidestep and kicked a nice goal in the last televised game. It's just one moment though, not a basis for saying he's an effective HFF. Like welt he's an early favourite of mine too
Click to expand...
I remember when Macrae had a great sidestep. He seemed to put it away after his first season.
 
dogwatch said:
I remember when Macrae had a great sidestep. He seemed to put it away after his first season.
Click to expand...
If we picked up a Macrae level mid we'd be over the moon.
McAuliffe seems a bit different though. Good defense side and is a massive body already.
 

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willofwest said:
Wilson and mcauliffe would be my hopes. Add in Croft if can be KDB and then best lock down mid size intercept defender if we can’t get someone mid season draft or Doedee at end of year
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Ditto, although we might make moves to grab Lual with our second 1st rounder so it might be one or the other.
 
Mofra said:
Ditto, although we might make moves to grab Lual with our second 1st rounder so it might be one or the other.
Click to expand...
What’s Lual like as a player? Would love another academy graduate on the list (should he be around our pick range)

Edit: had a look online for some info, potential wing prospect? Fills a need if so, but then we need to heavily focus on genuine midfielders with the rest of our assets
 
weltschmerz said:
His best trait is his pace. Can play off half-back or wing and can defend.
Click to expand...
Sounds great for us, what’s his disposal like?

If we happen to get him guessing he starts at half back, I’d still be interested in trialing Richards through the middle a little bit. If he did happen to step up it would make me a lot more comfortable about our midfield going forward and our backline has a few options
 
doggies ftw said:
What’s Lual like as a player? Would love another academy graduate on the list (should he be around our pick range)

Edit: had a look online for some info, potential wing prospect? Fills a need if so, but then we need to heavily focus on genuine midfielders with the rest of our assets
Click to expand...
VitalDread probably has a better handle on it, I only know about his rebounding defensive ability pre-this year.
Quick, very slight. Classic project player. I suspect he tests well for acceleration & leap later this year judging by a few comments from the DT board
 

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