Player Watch 2025 AFL Draft Thread (Welcome to our new Central Districts overlords!)

[CHUBBSS]

Carlton’s first pick would be a bit high for him. Looking to be pick 4-8

If we could upgrade Carlton’s second pick which we have, would be very close!

That’s what I said about nasiah and we should have reached, but also you never know, said the same about cox from bombers and he looks done

 

[flinchfree]

Why not? Take best available.

Dovaston showed an ability to generate shots on goal and apply defensive pressure in a big match against quality VFL opposition. We can easily move Moore to the midfield and have another pressure player forward.

He's not at the level of an underage Wiz but he's close. And I like the idea of another Wiz.

We've got a couple guys at Box Hill in Matt Hill and Cody Anderson that I think the Club are preparing for the small forward role.......and that's on top of our current crop in Ginnivan, Watson, Macdonald, Moore and possibly Butler.

It's clear we need some extra jet fuel in the middle and I hope that's our singular focus with either an early draft pick like the Blues are gifting us, or for using that pick plus others to get a true on baller jet.

 

[VandoHawk]

We've got a couple guys at Box Hill in Matt Hill and Cody Anderson that I think the Club are preparing for the small forward role.......and that's on top of our current crop in Ginnivan, Watson, Macdonald, Moore and possibly Butler.

It's clear we need some extra jet fuel in the middle and I hope that's our singular focus with either an early draft pick like the Blues are gifting us, or for using that pick plus others to get a true on baller jet.

The thing is there aren't really any of those types in this draft. Sharp will be gone by our pick, Greeves is a Tom Green type and Annable is linked to Brisbane.

I'm bullish on Anderson at Box Hill, but Hill has regressed with his form since injury. Butler won't be a small forward at AFL level.

Moore can be a Boomer Harvey type playing in the midfield permanently with stints resting forward. Ginnivan continues his role of playing up to contest. That leaves Wizard and CMac. CMac has been inconsistent with his efforts this year and is another that could find another position if needed.

I think it's a moot point because we'll be looking to trade the pick for an established player. But after watching his recent games at junior level, alongside his performance at VFL level, I firmly believe Dovaston is most impactful player available even if he isn't a positional need.

Pick 6 will become ~Pick 10 (Uwland, Annable, Patterson + Allen compensation) and that's just the right range.

 

[TassieGrown]

The thing is there aren't really any of those types in this draft. Sharp will be gone by our pick, Greeves is a Tom Green type and Annable is linked to Brisbane.

I'm bullish on Anderson at Box Hill, but Hill has regressed with his form since injury. Butler won't be a small forward at AFL level.

Moore can be a Boomer Harvey type playing in the midfield permanently with stints resting forward. Ginnivan continues his role of playing up to contest. That leaves Wizard and CMac. CMac has been inconsistent with his efforts this year and is another that could find another position if needed.

I think it's a moot point because we'll be looking to trade the pick for an established player. But after watching his recent games at junior level, alongside his performance at VFL level, I firmly believe Dovaston is most impactful player available even if he isn't a positional need.

Pick 6 will become ~Pick 10 (Uwland, Annable, Patterson + Allen compensation) and that's just the right range.

I can only comment on what I saw today with Dovaston but was hard at it, clean, skilful with hand and foot and looked comfortable at that level. Wouldn’t be to disappointed if we called out his name based on the only time I have seen him play

 

[hardway]

I can only comment on what I saw today with Dovaston but was hard at it, clean, skilful with hand and foot and looked comfortable at that level. Wouldn’t be to disappointed if we called out his name based on the only time I have seen him play

He will make it at AFL level quickly. If he is rated a pick in the mid teens it must be a decent draft at the higher end.

 

[CaptainWorpedo]

He will make it at AFL level quickly. If he is rated a pick in the mid teens it must be a decent draft at the higher end.

First round is rated highly

 

[MasterSamurai]

Yep, I still stand by what I said a few months ago. This start doesn't have the stand out top dog mid and for that, most in the industry are a little quieter about the top picks but, it does go comfortably to top 30-35.
Grjl is an interesting inside midfielder with explosive speed off the mark.
Greaves is a heavyweight but we already have Newk, Nash Worpel and even Huss in those roles.
Lindsay is my pick. Probably the best kick in the draft, plays wing half back and has good wheels, could just come in and play in Rd one.

 

[FB19]

Yep, I still stand by what I said a few months ago. This start doesn't have the stand out top dog mid and for that, most in the industry are a little quieter about the top picks but, it does go comfortably to top 30-35.
Grjl is an interesting inside midfielder with explosive speed off the mark.
Greaves is a heavyweight but we already have Newk, Nash Worpel and even Huss in those roles.
Lindsay is my pick. Probably the best kick in the draft, plays wing half back and has good wheels, could just come in and play in Rd one.

He would be a very safe selection and a solid Amon replacement. I’m still all in on Philippou although likely moot as I doubt we go in with a high enough pick.

 

[Rowie6]

The thing is there aren't really any of those types in this draft. Sharp will be gone by our pick, Greeves is a Tom Green type and Annable is linked to Brisbane.

I'm bullish on Anderson at Box Hill, but Hill has regressed with his form since injury. Butler won't be a small forward at AFL level.

Moore can be a Boomer Harvey type playing in the midfield permanently with stints resting forward. Ginnivan continues his role of playing up to contest. That leaves Wizard and CMac. CMac has been inconsistent with his efforts this year and is another that could find another position if needed.

I think it's a moot point because we'll be looking to trade the pick for an established player. But after watching his recent games at junior level, alongside his performance at VFL level, I firmly believe Dovaston is most impactful player available even if he isn't a positional need.

Pick 6 will become ~Pick 10 (Uwland, Annable, Patterson + Allen compensation) and that's just the right range.

You don’t like Josh Lindsay Vandohawk?
From what I have seen which is limited I thought he could be that player that turns into a midfielder with Hayden Young kicking skill set?

 

[Brant]

Grjl is an interesting inside midfielder with explosive speed off the mark.

What's the knock on Grjl, if there is one?

 

[play2win]

What's the knock on Grjl, if there is one?

He is clearly lacking in vowels

 

[Brant]

He is clearly lacking in vowels

Harsh criticism, but fair

 

[VandoHawk]

What's the knock on Grjl, if there is one?

Low accumulation and inconsistent skills. Averaged 18 disposals at the Champs.

You don’t like Josh Lindsay Vandohawk?
From what I have seen which is limited I thought he could be that player that turns into a midfielder with Hayden Young kicking skill set?

I like Lindsay but I’m confident he’ll be gone by our pick.

 

[SSSSSS]

Big fan of Dovaston. Had a good account of himself for BHH.

He would be so fun to watch with the Wiz.

 

[Rowie6]

Low accumulation and inconsistent skills. Averaged 18 disposals at the Champs.



I like Lindsay but I’m confident he’ll be gone by our pick.

Noooo don’t tell me that!
Harley please then!

 

[FB19]

What's the knock on Grjl, if there is one?

He’s a Richmond style player. Small quick ok by foot within 30m but not a great kick. I liked him initially but now it’s all Jevan.

 

[HappyHawk_1]

Lindsay or Farrow for mine if we keep our pick now - pace & skill.

Otherwise, trade it into 2026.

 

[Hawks future]

Lachy Dovaston so wizard can play more mid

 

[Leigh aka Frogs]

I can’t believe Essendon held firm. I just can’t see how Merrett can perform to the same level in 2026. It’s as though the Bombers don’t understand the implications for holding a player in an environment where he doesn’t want to be.

 

[Barralupo]

So... any decent midfielders expected to be available with our first pick?

 

[ahhhhhh]

Trade up to get Robey please.

 

[Since 2001]

Do we draft more small forwards to allow more midfield time for the wiz, Moore, ginni, cmac?

Who will be available at pick 10 and 22?

 

[sohsam]

I can’t believe Essendon held firm. I just can’t see how Merrett can perform to the same level in 2026. It’s as though the Bombers don’t understand the implications for holding a player in an environment where he doesn’t want to be.

I must be in the minority, I am thrilled we did not pay up what they wanted. I think we are further from premiership than others think, hope I am wrong. I will be surprised if Gunston performs to level he did this year, there is a Gunston replacement that we can get. I am surprised we did the pick swaps if we thought we could not get Merrett.

 

[rei154]

Robey, Sharp, Grlj or Greeves please!

 

[Fastback]

I must be in the minority, I am thrilled we did not pay up what they wanted. I think we are further from premiership than others think, hope I am wrong. I will be surprised if Gunston performs to level he did this year, there is a Gunston replacement that we can get. I am surprised we did the pick swaps if we thought we could not get Merrett.

Yes I was surprised with the pick swaps, assumed it was to get what was required otherwise why would you bother? Anyway, it's all done now - we really need to nail a gun with pick 22 now, paid overs.