List Mgmt. 2025 AFL Draft - The Final Countdown

[Ctl]

Sharp can literally play HF as proven this year.

he can play HF at junior level, will he be able to play half forward at AFL level? I personally doubt it, it will be a square peg in a round hole at AFL level

 

[Pomsta]

fair. He certainly isnt a natural fwd, but showed an ability to learn and adapt so could develop more, but personally, I wouldnt bother. Just play him in the guts, set and forget.

I am also a massive fav, was last year and havent changed my mind. I see a Rowell type, just not the same level. Leader, tough, will to win, absolute warrior and carry the team on his back type.

Never seen any of the juniors play but everything I've read about Sharp screams Josh Dunkley. And every team needs a Josh Dunkley.

 

[Rich o man]

Replace Grlj with Sharp and i agree with you totally

Sharp is a Bonafide 250 game player at a B+ - A level and these players are gold
Mundy/Libba types are what teams are built on along with your A stars

Cumming & Sharp combo for me

You have severely underrated Libba.

 

[Morro]

he can play HF at junior level, will he be able to play half forward at AFL level? I personally doubt it, it will be a square peg in a round hole at AFL level

played HF at senior level, but yes, no guarantees at AFL level, but there are no guarantees with any of the kids.

 

[Punt Road Feral]

he can play HF at junior level, will he be able to play half forward at AFL level? I personally doubt it, it will be a square peg in a round hole at AFL level

He's done it at SANFL senior level to a fairly decent standard so that's a tick in my view.
HF is a very hard position to play and impact when you play against grown men which is why so many draftee's start off at HBF like Daico's, FOS, Sheezel. It's even relatable to the likes of Grlj and Duursma who played good footy off a HBF at VFL level but wouldn't have the same impact at HFF.

If he played a SANFL U18's game at HF and kicked 4-5 goals like Robey would we all be salivating about him in the same manner?
I'm sure he'd be more than capable but someone has identified it's better for his long term development to try it at senior level in his draft year which I rate him embracing the challenge rather than bullying the kids on a weekly basis.

 

[Calcium Man]

fair. He certainly isnt a natural fwd, but showed an ability to learn and adapt so could develop more, but personally, I wouldnt bother. Just play him in the guts, set and forget.

I am also a massive fav, was last year and havent changed my mind. I see a Rowell type, just not the same level. Leader, tough, will to win, absolute warrior and carry the team on his back type.

I didn’t like him last year. Loved him mid year, and just gone slightly cold on him in back half of year, or probably more precisely just got hotter on others.

I think he’s a 200+ game player and his leadership traits are miles ahead of anyone this year and probably last year too. Dunkley is the best comparison I’ve read.

But I think Kane/Lalor/Smil cover his entire skill set and then some and I really rate those 3. He has some versatility, can play HBF or forward but not sure if he’d be high level or elite anywhere but inside mid.

Not gonna be upset if we get him, but he’s behind Robey, Grlj, Cumming and XT in that order for mine and I think they all have multiple positions they could be high level to elite in.

Robey because he’s probably the 2nd best key forward in the draft on top of being top 5-6 midfielder (open pool). That versatility is crazy and I think he has the most potential for development to come in the class. His hands are insanely clean, he reeled in 5 one hand marks this year by my count. His recovery ability is also elite imo, so many times he’s first back onto the ball after it hits the ground in marking contest, there’s a play vs Duursma where he’s out pointed in marking contest and WD wins ball but Robey’s recovery to make tackle is amazing.
If I were to take any poster on here back to start of year and ask them to describe what type of prototype draftee would you want, 192cm, late year birthday, athletic and powerful who plays forward and midfield would be the top answer.

Grlj is a natural line breaker. The only other player playing AFL who does it as naturally is Banks (Juddy Clarke also but poor bloke). Speed, endurance and a **** you factor I love (though all these guys love the physical stuff which is a personal fav trait of mine, Grlj takes it to Mansell levels), he is also insanely competitive, he smashed his 2km pb because he was trying to beat Dalton.

Cumming is a much better HF and obviously has a turn of speed. Exceptionally good over head, very good in traffic. I think his kicking is the best of this lot, though slight hitch, and another tough bastard.

XT is next mostly because I think his position is also a bit redundant but his speed and desperation/competitiveness also pretty insane. Great intercept mark and was really learning to use his pace and agility to break lines and support the attack. I’d be getting him hoping for a wing or mid development.

 

[Ballin]

HF is a very hard position to play and impact when you play against grown men which is why so many draftee's start off at HBF like Daico's, FOS, Sheezel. It's even relatable to the likes of Grlj and Duursma who played good footy off a HBF at VFL level but wouldn't have the same impact at HFF.
.

Sam Cumming had 3 goals (21 disposals)in his 2nd SANFL senior game playing as a HF (it took Sharp 9 games to kick more) ... if it's that hard a position to play we should be drafting Sam not Dyson

 

[Punt Road Feral]

Sam Cumming had 3 goals (21 disposals)in his 2nd SANFL senior game playing as a HF (it took Sharp 9 games to kick more) ... if it's that hard a position to play we should be drafting Sam not Dyson

I hope we draft both.
I really rate Cumming and think both would compliment our list for the future perfectly.

Cumming at SANFL U18's level:
Average: 24 disposals, 3.4 clearances, 5.6 I50, 1.6 tackles.

At senior SANFL level (won't include the game he got injured)
Average: 16 disposals, 4 clearances, 3.33 I50's and kicked 3.1 in 3 games

Sharp at SANFL U18's level:
Average: 27 disposals, 6.5 clearances, 4.8 I50's and 7.6 tackles per game

At senior SANFL level
Average: 16 disposals, 4 clearances, 3.2 I50's and 8.2 tackles per game

Obviously contrasting players but both have performed to a high standard at all levels inc U18 championships but would fit our list needs perfectly for the future.

Sharp could walk into our side and be our best defensive mid we have at the club.
Who do we currently have that hunts the opposition when they have the ball and lays a huge amount of tackles?
Taranto is our best but we haven't had a defensive midfield warrior since prime Cotchin who does the unglamorous defensive duties that goes a long way to being successful.

In terms of list deficiencies this is where RFC is at in 2025 with a relatively injury free season to our seasoned players.
The common thread in our midfield is almost the same 5 in which 3 won't be on our list with our next surge to finals footy and it's debatable if Taranto can last that long.
We can speculate until the cows come home on Kmac2 but he's still unproven at AFL level.

Surprisingly Hopper is more 'outside' than us fans give him credit for with his uncontested disposal count.

Disposals

1. Jacob Hopper, 607
2. Tim Taranto, 538
3. Sam Banks, 466
4. Jack Ross, 438
5. Nick Vlastuin, 421

Contested possessions

1. Jacob Hopper, 266 (club high avg 11 per game)
2. Tim Taranto, 249 (club high avg 11 per game)
3. Toby Nankervis, 194
4. Jack Ross, 163 (avg 7 per game)
5. Nick Vlastuin, 132

Uncontested possessions

1. Jacob Hopper, 354 (avg 15 per game)
2. Sam Banks, 339
3. Jack Ross, 288 (avg 12.5 per game)
4. Tim Taranto, 275 (avg 13 per game)
5. Jayden Short, 239

Clearances

1. Jacob Hopper, 130 (club high avg 5 per game)
2. Tim Taranto, 116 (club high avg 5 per game)
3. Toby Nankervis, 103
4. Jack Ross, 69 (avg 3 per game)
5. Dion Prestia, 53

Centre clearances

1. Jacob Hopper, 54 (club high avg 2 per game, everyone else is less than 2)
2. Tim Taranto, 35
3. Toby Nankervis, 34
4. Dion Prestia, 22
5. Jack Ross, 16

Stoppage clearances

1. Tim Taranto, 81
2. Jacob Hopper, 76
3. Toby Nankervis, 69
4. Jack Ross, 53
5. Dion Prestia, 31

Tackles

1. Tim Taranto, 103 (club high avg 4.9 per game)
2. Jack Ross, 89 (avg 3.8 per game)
3. Toby Nankervis, 84
4. Jacob Hopper, 71 (avg 3.09 per game)
5. Rhyan Mansell, 69 (29 of which were I50)

 

[Morro]

I didn’t like him last year. Loved him mid year, and just gone slightly cold on him in back half of year, or probably more precisely just got hotter on others.

I think he’s a 200+ game player and his leadership traits are miles ahead of anyone this year and probably last year too. Dunkley is the best comparison I’ve read.

But I think Kane/Lalor/Smil cover his entire skill set and then some and I really rate those 3. He has some versatility, can play HBF or forward but not sure if he’d be high level or elite anywhere but inside mid.

Not gonna be upset if we get him, but he’s behind Robey, Grlj, Cumming and XT in that order for mine and I think they all have multiple positions they could be high level to elite in.

Robey because he’s probably the 2nd best key forward in the draft on top of being top 5-6 midfielder (open pool). That versatility is crazy and I think he has the most potential for development to come in the class. His hands are insanely clean, he reeled in 5 one hand marks this year by my count. His recovery ability is also elite imo, so many times he’s first back onto the ball after it hits the ground in marking contest, there’s a play vs Duursma where he’s out pointed in marking contest and WD wins ball but Robey’s recovery to make tackle is amazing.
If I were to take any poster on here back to start of year and ask them to describe what type of prototype draftee would you want, 192cm, late year birthday, athletic and powerful who plays forward and midfield would be the top answer.

Grlj is a natural line breaker. The only other player playing AFL who does it as naturally is Banks (Juddy Clarke also but poor bloke). Speed, endurance and a **** you factor I love (though all these guys love the physical stuff which is a personal fav trait of mine, Grlj takes it to Mansell levels), he is also insanely competitive, he smashed his 2km pb because he was trying to beat Dalton.

Cumming is a much better HF and obviously has a turn of speed. Exceptionally good over head, very good in traffic. I think his kicking is the best of this lot, though slight hitch, and another tough bastard.

XT is next mostly because I think his position is also a bit redundant but his speed and desperation/competitiveness also pretty insane. Great intercept mark and was really learning to use his pace and agility to break lines and support the attack. I’d be getting him hoping for a wing or mid development.

Dont disgaree with any of that, I also understand the reservation with Sharp.

 

[Rich o man]

Hypothetical situation (like every other comment here).
If we were approached with an attractive offer for Pick 3 which we would be inclined to take. Would we say, agreed but let us take a couple of picks to force matches and cleaning out picks before 38 and possibly other sweetener provided. Risk that Suns or Brisbane would not match is small.

 

[Danog]

because the chance of landing an A grade is in the top 3 picks, which we have 1 of.

from there on out for the next 10-13 picks it is fairly even, hence trading of pick 4 to split into next year and slide back a fraction this year is worth considering.

Including academy players, i feel like there's a top 5, then a 6-10 group, then a 11-20 group

 

[Michaels]

New video out today taking a look at PMBangers recent rankings over on the draft board.

I really like how he has placed the players into tiers, I think it gives a greater overview of the talent and adds something extra to think about when toying with the idea of split picks.

 

[Ballin]

If WCE go Robey and CDT we could be kissed on the forehead with Duursma and Grilj

IF Sharp is so good why wouldn't WCE be taking him ... they actually need a player like Sharp to be getting Duursma and Reid the ball on outside for the next 200 games

 

[Danog]

It’s not going to happen though for all the reasons you’ve pointed out.

The draft now has a clear top 3, Duursma, CDT and Robey as all the rankings basically have those 3 as the top 3.

4-12 is pretty even so you’d rather 2 vs 1 of them. And the deals are likely to be much smaller than 2x1sts or they’ll be 2 picks in teens 1sts.

No one who can make the trade that would keep us in top 10 (bombers/dees/blues) will give us a f1… the one team that might, the hawks, f1 will be too low.

Could see us doing something like 4 and 38 for 5 and 21

 

[hammer180]

fair. He certainly isnt a natural fwd, but showed an ability to learn and adapt so could develop more, but personally, I wouldnt bother. Just play him in the guts, set and forget.

I am also a massive fan, was last year and havent changed my mind. I see a Rowell type, just not the same level. Leader, tough, will to win, absolute warrior and carry the team on his back type.

Yeah I agree with the Rowell comparison, think his ceiling could be rowell of about 2-3yrs ago. Before Rowell got his personal trainer and couldnt quite run over the ground better that well and had a bit of a shaky kick

 

[Delediodamage]

‘Skyrocketed’: Inside unlikely rise of biggest AFL draft bolter in 10 years… who’s met with 18 clubs​

Sullivan Robey is the biggest bolter in an AFL draft since Clayton Oliver.

‘Skyrocketed’: Inside unlikely rise of biggest AFL draft bolter in 10 years… who’s met with 18 clubs

‘Skyrocketed’: Inside the unlikely rise of the AFL’s biggest draft bolter in 10 years

www.foxsports.com.au

Folks have raised concerns about Robey's kicking so I found it interesting his team-mate (Dovaston) actually highlighted his kicking in this article.

When he initially presented at the Stingrays, Robey was 175cm. Now he’s a 192cm player who Dovaston describes as a “bull”. "He’s just a big body. He throws his weight around at the contest. And his skills, he’s an unreal kick and his ability to finish with goals is awesome.”

My observations from Robey's highlight vids are that his kicking is actually pretty good, but I think he was in a rush to make an impression so he bit off a few passes that perhaps he normally wouldn't which led to some turnovers. Additionally, let's not forget he was still getting used to the pace of CTL and learning about his teammates abilities throughout his rise.

TL;DR I think Robey has legit excuses and he's kicking is not a chink in the armour some are suggesting.

 

[Danog]

If Essendon know we don't rate a player all they have to do is wait.

Which is why we've been going into overtime with interviews of 4 of the candidates (CDT, Sharp, Taylor, Grlj). Don't let WCE, Essendon, Melbourne know what we really want

Only one I haven't heard us linked to strongly via interviews is Cumming

 

[thegcat]

Which is why we've been going into overtime with interviews of 4 of the candidates (CDT, Sharp, Taylor, Grlj). Don't let WCE, Essendon, Melbourne know what we really want

Only one I haven't heard us linked to strongly via interviews is Cumming

That's disturbing - Cumming should be right up there

 

[Punt Road Feral]

Which is why we've been going into overtime with interviews of 4 of the candidates (CDT, Sharp, Taylor, Grlj). Don't let WCE, Essendon, Melbourne know what we really want

Only one I haven't heard us linked to strongly via interviews is Cumming

One of the articles posted a page or two back he mentioned that Yze interview him

 

[Danog]

What sort of loser talk is this ... they both have 4 years left on their contracts ... We should be playing finals from 27 onwards or something has gone drastically wrong

28 probably

 

[sregit]

Sharp can literally play HF as proven this year.

Cumming is much better forward than Sharp and also has far better pace.

I’d rather Greeves than Sharp. Much better contested in the air and forward. Also plays more outside mid, which we have a need for.

I will be surprised if Sharp goes before pick 6-8. I hope WC chooses him. I’ll put my opinion on the line, he’ll look good early but ultimately will be just an average player.

 

[Danog]

Dees supporter on X mentioning they had heard Dee’s considering offering 7 and a 2027 future 1st for our pick 4.

In their quest for Robey.

Wonder if they'd then do 4 and 8 for 2?

 

[Danog]

One of the articles posted a page or two back he mentioned that Yze interview him

Yeah we've interviewed but the "keen-ness" isnt as strong as the others I mentioned

 

[Michaels]

Wonder if they'd then do 4 and 8 for 2?

fair call.

Reckon there could be a fair few pick extensions requested on draft night to cater for all these possible phone calls between clubs.

 

[hammer180]

How likey would it be if Melbourne traded up it would be for both picks 7 8? Understand futures are the preference but feels like 7 8 would be hard to say no to.