BigFooty Official 2023 Bigfooty Phantom Draft

Monocle · Nov 4, 2023

Pick 52. West Coast . Will Patton. 192 cm79 kg. Tall Defender. West Adelaide.

Will Patton is a very smart footballer, who has a lot of attributes that I believe will see him become a quality AFL player.

Firstly what you notice about him, is that he is an excellent decision maker and thats a crucial asset to have, when you are moving the ball out of the defensive half.

Good intercept mark and the other aspect of his aerial game that I like is this, he doesn't get cute by half, his first objective is to kill the aerial contest for his opponent , either by destroying the ball so that the forward cant take a mark or when he decides to take the mark himself.

Thats the impressive part of his game, if he cant mark it himself, then he sure as hell makes it that his opponent wont be able to do so either, sort of Basic Defending 101.

He displays great leadership qualities and rallies the defensive unit, and its clear to see that he directs traffic to ensure that all the defenders are in the right place and remain switched on, he was the SA Captain and lead numerous times by example.

He does have some versatility as to just where he plays in the backline, as he can play on tall's and smalls, the fact that SA didn't have any KPD of quality this year, meant that Patton often had to play on the opposition KPF and concede height, he nevertheless did an admirable job.

His kicking is very tidy and his ability to assess if he needs to kick short for a link up kick, or to go longer down the line is a really impressive trait to have to his game, rebounding defenders who master this always seem to look sure and reliable.

A string to his bow that has solid appeal to me, is his talent to be the designated kicker in after a point is scored.
It's a skill that rarely mentioned, yet is a vital component of any defensive unit, Patton has performed these duties for SA and at Club level with aplomb.

He is Mr Consistent in effort and he has a real strong contested side to his game.

Sure he needs to work on a few aspects of him game, one being his endurance and the other being his ground level game as he is prone to give away a few clumsy overzealous free kicks.

He isn't a sexy pick, because what he plays with is more tactical nous than flair, he plays the percentages and plays them exceedingly well.

He is in equestrian terminology, a work horse and not a show pony or dressage horse.

Repeating myself here, but his biggest attribute, is his high footballing IQ.

Terrific kid, very coachable and will help drive standards at whichever Club that lands him.

Some kids have a certain assurity about the way they play, now that may not necessarily make them a star, but what that trait give them is better odds to make it at the next level.

I believe Will Patton is one of these kids that is as bust proof as they come, I am not predicting that he becomes a star, rather that he becomes a good solid best 22 player that has a long and successful AFL career - I see a 150 + game player.

Funnily enough I see him at the Eagles, filling a very similar role to the one just vacated by another former SA Captain , that being a tall defender, who executes the teams kicking in duties, and that player is the recently retired Shannon Hurn.

Those from the West Coast Board, will know that I have been talking General Patton's virtues up, for some time now.

PMBangers · Nov 4, 2023

Pick 53 - GWS - Vigo Visentini

204 cm 99 kg
Ruck
Sandringham Dragons

Vigo Visentini Draft Profile

A physically competitive ruckman who improved as the year progressed, Vigo Visentini was a key part of Sandringham Dragons' premiership run.

central.rookieme.com

I swear I'm not picking guys I've just written the profiles for so I can copy them, it's just a happy coincidence

----
STRENGTHS:

Competitiveness
Physicality
Rate of development
Ruck craft
Work rate

IMPROVEMENTS:

Composure
Versatility

With such a strong midfield consistently surrounding him at stoppage, Visentini did his part through the season to give his rovers first use and the opportunity to take the ball on the run heading forward. His taps were often placed to advantage when he got a full hand on the ball from the ruck, and Visentini gradually improved his ability to follow up his ruck work as the season went on. Particularly after the National Championships, he became a genuine clearance threat once the ball hit the deck and looked more confident with ball in hand around the ground.

Visentini has played best this season when he hasn’t had to share a significant chunk of the ruck duties, playing what was arguably his best game of the year for Vic Metro against WA when fellow ruck Will Green was left out. He registered 34 hitouts for the game, with 12 of those to advantage, along with 15 disposals in what was a pretty complete performance for a ruckman.

A common theme for Visentini was his development throughout the year, and his improved ability to impact around the ground. Part of that was acting as a ‘one kick behind’ ruckman, sweeping up on hurried kicks from opposition teams. Visentini took 28 of his 36 marks in the Talent league this season in his final six games, whilst also increasing his hitout and disposal numbers significantly in the same time period.

Visentini’s impact at centre bounces was somewhat limited due to his timing of his leap and a lesser leap height than other rucks in the draft frame, but his work at stoppages around the ground makes up for it. His physicality and competitiveness stands out when he can get an arm on the opposition ruck, trying to force them away from the drop zone of the ball to give himself the best opportunity to serve his midfielders well with well placed taps.

At the next level, Visentini’s two main focus’ will be on improving his composure, to allow him to hurt opposition more when he takes a mark from a down the line kick, as well as developing in a secondary position to allow himself more opportunity to have a sustained impact across the entirety of the four quarters.

---------

Essentially this pick was always going to be a tall that could potentially take the place of Lachie Keeffe in the next couple of years. Yes it's likely Elliott Himmelberg joins us end of next season for that role, but I'd still like someone younger as well. For me it was really difficult to split Evan Smith, Xavier Walsh and Vigo Visentini, so much so that my solution was to use a random list generator;

And whilst I don't think Vigo quite has the same ceiling as those two, or the potential to impact on the scoreboard like them either, I think he's got the highest floor regardless, and projects as someone that'll be a number 1 ruck at some stage of his career, or have a prolonged career due to teams always wanting to trade in secondary rucks. In terms of replacing Keeffe, the requirements are a) Tall, b) can ruck, c) competitive, and Vigo ticks all three boxes.

Also Considered; Evan Smith, Xavier Walsh

Chris25 up next

Chris25 · Nov 5, 2023

Pick 54 Fremantle - Sam Clohesy

I’m going to stick with the mature aged players, and take the 20 year old teammate of Mannagh here too. I wouldn’t be surprised if both were picked higher than where I got them, and I doubt they’ll be the only mature aged draftees come the real thing. For what it’s worth, I also strongly considered Mutaz El Nour who I’ve liked for a couple of years now. I’m hoping he gets a go somewhere.

But I went with Clohesy instead who showed some real improvement this year. He’s a good size for a medium defender at 189cm - and Fremantle fans know I think it’s an area of real need with Young and Chapman both hopefully getting plenty of midfield minutes next year. He provides good run and drive, uses the ball well. Another one who could likely see early action in 2024.

eDPS I think is up

eDPS · Nov 5, 2023

Pick 55 - Essendon - Michael Rudd
193cm - Key Forward

It’s more likely Essendon don’t take this pick but thought I’d take a player that would fill a need with a strong marking forward with a strong endurance base and good ball use.

Rudd isn’t the quickest player but he makes up with it with his endurance and I could see him being able to impact at the next level for Essendon as they have lacked a lot of marking presence from a forward able to present all day. Rudd’s kicking, endurance and marking ability would also hold him in good stead to be a handy key defender if needed if a club is after that.

TDS7 · Nov 5, 2023

Pick 56 - Hawthorn - Nathan Philactides - 179cm 80kgs - Small Defender

Hawthorn pass with their remaining picks

I've picked Philactides because I think he's got a lot of AFL attributes, but putting them together has been a struggle. What you cannot deny is that he has the legspeed and the workrate to really hurt teams on counterattacks. He's very similar to a few players we've got on our list, but his strengths lend themselves to our gameplan and he's got enough skills to try him out in different spots around the ground. I'd love to see how he goes as a pressure forward, he has the speed to be a menace and cover a lot of space and the marking prowess to cut off dodgy kicks out of the backline. A speculative pick this far out, but a good baseline to speculate on in my eyes.

I think this is where we'll leave it draft night as well, with Pick 4, McCabe, and Dear either late or a rookie. Philactides might not be selected here, but if there's a slider or a player we like still on the board I think we grab them.

Chris25

Chris25 · Nov 5, 2023

I suspect the draft will be well and truly over by now, and Fremantle won't have this pick now that we've signed Oscar McDonald. But I'll take it anyway, treat it like a rookie pick...

Pick 58 Fremantle - Thomas Anastasopoulos (177cm small forward, Geelong Falcons)

I had Bodie Ryan as my highest rated player left, along with Anastasopoulos and Will Lorenz. I also thought about Matt Carroll, William Rowlands, Mutaz El Nour, Xavier Walsh, Oscar Hine-Baston and Reece Torrent as some others. Just a few guys I think are fringe draft picks and who at least have something to work with.

But I went with the small forward in Anastasopoulos to continue my search for goal scoring at Fremantle. He seems the type that we'd look at, being strong defensively - more in that Schultz and Switkowski mould than Mannagh. He always seems to be on the move, so even though he can go quiet at times he's still working. Also had a few games this year where he's scored a bag of goals, usually those typical crafty small forward goals.

Overall my draft was about two things - more avenues to goals and some immediate reinforcements. My thoughts about the draft as a whole are that it's shallow but even. About 55 picks seems about right, probably with a couple more left field and mature aged picks than we've seen in this.

Smythe

goodcop badcop · Nov 5, 2023

Pick 62 - Western Bulldogs - Kade De La Rue

Had a few to pick from but went with the more natural footballer option rather then athlete first. His decision making, skills, cleanliness and versatility will all appeal to the Dogs.

This will be the Bulldogs last selection. Pass on the remaining picks.

LemmingMaster and Carlton are up

LemmingMaster · Nov 5, 2023

Pick 63 -Carlton Aiden O'Driscoll

Write up soon.

Bastyy · Nov 5, 2023

Pick 64 (Port Adelaide) - Jack Callinan (Small Forward/Tasmania) (179cm, 81kg)

It's nice to finally be on the board, and nice to have a player I actually rate high enough to take in the national draft (I have another couple as well!)

When it comes to a late pick like this, you go for best available, but if there's a player who's not that far off being best available AND is in a position of need, you grab him with open arms. Callinan fits that bill being a nice small forward to develop for the next however many years. We've seen small forwards come in and make an instant impact around the league in recent years, and Callinan has the potential to play a role in a contending side.

He's got a brilliant footy IQ, he's as creative as they come and he applies enough defensive pressure to thrive in the modern game. It's really surprising to me at least that he's fallen this far.

The only other player I considered here was Will Lorenz, who I've got sitting higher than Callinan in my full rankings, but doesn't exactly fill an area of need. Who knows, he might float all the way down to my second pick

goodcop badcop is up next with Geelong

goodcop badcop · Nov 6, 2023

Pick 65 - Geelong - Billy Wilson

LemmingMaster

LemmingMaster · Nov 6, 2023

Pick 66 - Sam Van Rooyen - Carlton

This is a completely upside pick and I am attempting to convert him into a defender long term. This kid you're going to have to park for a while and hope he develops. Skinny frame but has many AFL attributes in agility, speed and leap. He is a low possession getting player, but as a defender, I am not completely concerned, he will just need to stop his player. He does fundamentally have a solid kick, that he could use in the backline to break open zones.
Having a brother show their ability at AFL level certainly gives me more hope to throw a dart at this player.

(I was strongly considering Ashton Ferriera)

Pie 4 Life · Nov 6, 2023

Collingwood selects Will Lorenz (Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro)

Selected as an AFL Academy member for 2023, Will Lorenz has displayed a high level of class and composure through his games at Talent League and representative level this season.

Despite coming into the season as a centre square midfielder, Lorenz has adapted his game to a wing, where his ability to hold space and move the ball effectively have been valuable assets to the teams he has played for.

Having been cut by Oakleigh pre-Christmas in 2021, Lorenz’s school football form quickly brought him back into the fray before completing a whirlwind rise to Vic Metro Under 17 selection, and a spot in the Futures showcase on AFL Grand Final day.

Since, he turned out for the National Academy and Vic Metro in 2023, proving his class across all levels but not without a few challenges. Now, he shapes as one of the a Chargers set to garner interest in the second half of the draft.

STRENGTHS:

Agility
Clean skills
Composure
Decision making
Inside-outside balance

IMPROVEMENTS:

Speed
Strength

The grandson of Hawthorn legend Graham Arthur, Will Lorenz has been a prospect with eyes on him for 18 months given his strong lineage. The AFL Academy member came into the season highly touted as a midfielder-forward, but initially flirted with a move to half-back and has played majority of his football at Talent League and representative level on the wing.

Lorenz has been consistent through the season, averaging a touch over 19 disposals for the Oakleigh Chargers and bang on 19 disposals for Vic Metro. He’s a player that coaches have been able to rely on week-on-week to play his role.

Despite playing mostly on a wing for the season, Lorenz has arguably looked his best when inside the centre square, able to showcase his ability to accumulate, sound stoppage craft, a neat side step, and the knack for picking out good options in congestion.

All of the above was best shown in Vic Metro’s match against the Allies earlier in the year. Lorenz is by no means a contested beast, but showed a good capability for his slim frame when playing on the inside, doing well to feed the ball out to runners by hand as opposed to bombing the ball long.

Lorenz has still managed to bring a lot of those traits out to the wing with him though, confidently taking on opposition with his side-steps and often looking to move the ball forward with distance once he gets past.

Lorenz rarely took on opponents when unnecessary though, generally favouring getting the ball to teammates over running with it too far himself. He consistently keeps his opposition accountable as he works hard to assist in defence and use it well on the rebound, whilst presenting as a dangerous attacking player, averaging over five score involvements in both the Talent League and national carnival.

Whilst it wasn’t the season Lorenz would’ve wanted given the high wraps on him heading into the year, he has adapted well to a wing and still shown his ability on the inside when given the opportunity.

Heading into AFL level, Lorenz will be focusing on building his slim frame to be able to handle the physicality better, particularly if he is to be used on the inside. Lorenz would also benefit from working on his speed, particularly over his first five steps, to allow more separation in contests and around stoppages.

Lorenz may have a slightly extended draft range, but arguably has enough ability to be considered in this year’s intake. His poise and skill are signs of a natural footballer, and his versatility is handy given he has played in each third of the ground over the last 18 months.

Lorenz has been found out for a lack of speed at times but is relatively fleet of thought, modelling his game on fellow left-footed midfielders like Josh Kelly and Jack Macrae. He looms as a potential value option in the second to third rounds.

Bastyy · Nov 7, 2023

Pick 72 (Port Adelaide) - Tarkyn O’Leary (Outside Midfielder/Victoria)

Write up tomorrow

AsterixTheGaul · Nov 7, 2023

PMBangers - I have communicated with Monocle who is pretty much out of action today and in keeping progress, he has asked me to go with his pick. We are aligned on this so easy for me to do.

Pick 1 in the Mini for 2024, West Coast select Jagga Smith, midfielder for Oakleigh Chargers, 181 cm and 70+ kg 28/01/06

Most outstanding attributes are his ability to read the play and weaves through traffic. He is also dangerous going forward and not just scoring, but in setting up as a score assist. Look at the number of times that his involvement ends up in a score. He is very clean with hands and excellent disposal. All that meaning he is a class accumulator but without the big ego and selfish ball hogging. He is a balanced midfielder that can do it in close as well as hurt you on the outside

When considering where the aging Eagles midfield was back in 2022, the new look team could consist of Ginbey, Hewett, Reid and Smith. Four very different players that make the whole look greater than the sum of the parts. With Ginbey and Reid as the bulls in the middle, imagine the impact adding Jagga to the mix.

roos_fanatic08 · Nov 7, 2023

Pick 2 - North Melbourne - Josh Smillie - Eastern Ranges - 194cm & 91kg

Already at standing an imposing 194cm Josh Smillie is an intriguing midfielder who is likely to end up as a top 3 selection at next years draft.

Smillie is at home in and around the contest, winning contested possessions and clearances with ease. He has fantastic body positioning and reading of the play that allows him to get first use of the ball around the contest. Unlike most tall players his age, he is already blessed with elite coordination, vision and skill which makes him a truly unique prospect given his height and physicality in the contest. Most big inside midfielders have a tendency to be handball happy, but Smillie is happy to break tackles and utilise his booming kick to get the ball inside 50. Not only is he a contested beast he is equally at home using his skill on the outside to penetrates zones and open up the play. He also has some versatility in his game with his ability to be stationed across half back and provide an intercept marking option. At this early stage he is easily my favourite prospect and in my opinion he shapes as a player with Marcus Bontempelli like upside in his game.

TDS7 Hawks are up next.

TDS7 · Nov 7, 2023

Pick 3 - Hawthorn - Finn O'Sullivan - 181cm 70kg

If the Hawks keep this pick the FOS would be the best case scenario. It was between him and Draper, but while Sid was outstanding for South Australia, O'Sullivan could be the final piece of the best young midfield in the competition. Finn plays with the ferocity of a player twice his size, timing his runs in stoppages to find a way to get his hands on the footy with brilliant vision to release the handball out to runners. On the outside O'Sullivan is both lightning fast and diligent on the follow through, following up his efforts and getting involved all the way up the ground. Where FOS is at his best is with ball in hand going inside 50, where his thunderous boot and eagle-eye vision can tear teams apart, kicking goals from all angles and weighting his chip kicks perfectly. He does need to tidy up his disposal under pressure, often settling for a rushed hack forward when he could settle himself a bit more but I'd imagine this will develop as he starts to build up his frame. His athletic profile lends O'Sullivan both to tenacious defensive pressure and a knack for getting out in space for an outlet mark. Both a complete player and one with tremendous upside, the skills and athleticism to have an immediate impact yet the build and scope to improve into one of the best players in the league.

Bastyy for Gold Coast

Bastyy · Nov 7, 2023

Pick 4 (Gold Coast) - Sid Draper (Midfielder/South Australia)

The exact player I'd take with Pick 1 in this draft. Draper's speed sets him apart from any other player in the 2024 crop, and he's already got an incredible resume. No one else around this range I'd be taking over him

If I had a later pick in this mini draft, I'd be taking a guy like Malakai Champion. The pool of Tassie/WA players is pretty small next year when it comes to first round talents, but I think there's still some hope for a couple of gems hiding beneath the surface

Chris25 is next with Freo

Chris25 · Nov 8, 2023

I hope Fremantle fans aren't hoping for any local WA talent next year...

2024 Pick 5 Fremantle - Levi Ashcroft

Since bids aren't being matched, I guess I'll just take the F/S option here. I'd say he's the most well rounded player in this draft at the moment. Shares a lot of similarities with his brother, so I don't have to do too much of a write up. Wait and see to if he gets up to his brothers level in his draft year, but he probably has a slight edge in the forward half, so that's probably where he slots in.

Smythe

Smythe · Nov 8, 2023

Christian Moraes

Height: 185cm
Weight: 76kg
D.O.B: 08-11-2006

A very clean, one touch player. Excellent ball user and high football IQ. Is perfectly placed in the midfield and his game smarts help him as he can play up forward as well and find the goals. I expect his stocks to rise next year and he can tear apart a game with his ball winning and his ability to read the tap well off the rucks. Great hands and feet and also a very efficient and effective user. Averaged 27 disp, 4 marks and 4 tackles per game across his 16 outings for the Ranges this year as well as kicking 10 goals. He was also one of the stars on grand final day in the futures game.

considerations, Jonty Faull, Tyler Welsh and Sam Lalor

goodcop badcop for Geelong

goodcop badcop · Nov 8, 2023

Pick 7 - Geelong - Tyler Welsh

eDPS

eDPS · Nov 8, 2023

Pick 8 - Tom Gross
182cm - Midfielder/Forward

A powerful midfielder who can hit the scoreboard Gross shares some similarities too a young Toby Greene with the ability to be a ball magnet midfielder but perhaps his best trait is his ability to hit the scoreboard in multiple ways as a forward, strong
overhead for his size with a good leap he is a very difficult match up and is a player certainly not afraid to stir up a he opposition and make his presence felt. I expect him to certainly be in the top 5 mix next year especially if he can grow a few more cms.

Thunderstruck

Thunderstruck · Nov 8, 2023

Sorry lads, was about to pick then work struck.

Pick 9 Adelaide - Sam Lalor GMV Rebels 187cm 88kg

Big and strong powerful mid, something the crows seem to miss drafting year after year. Wouldn't want to miss this bloke.

Pie 4 Life · Nov 9, 2023

Pick 10 - Gold Coast - Leo Lombard (Gold Coast Suns Academy)
Midfielder | 178cm

I'll go the obvious/boring pick in taking the Suns Academy kid since there's no bid matching as we know he's going to be a top talent when he gets going. Only got the one Under 18s Championships game and didn't have his best performance but still held his own. Then at U17 Futures against Vic Country, he tore it up at Werribee and looked a class above. He's just got a bit of everything, hard runner can play wing or inside, catches the eye, hard to stop. He'll be the Suns' Jake Rogers for next year. At 178cm he's a bit taller, but he's got all the tricks of a great player.

TDS7 · Nov 10, 2023

Pick 12(?) - St. Kilda - Archer Day-Wicks - 185cm - Forward/Midfielder

ModernArtillery for the Dees.

ModernArtillery · Nov 10, 2023

Pick 13
Melbourne
Kade Herbert

Write up to come.

Chris25

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