Remove this Banner Ad

2025 Draft Thread

🥰 Love BigFooty? Join now for free.

DASHER'S COMBINE BLITZ​

LATE Draft Combine call-up Oskar Taylor has proven to be the standout performer across testing, with the dashing half-back further enhancing his stocks on Sunday.

Taylor, along with Eastern Ranges teammate Sullivan Robey, was only added to the national Telstra AFL Draft Combine list last month but dominated in the testing, winning the 20-metre sprint with a time of 2.82 seconds.

He also finished second in the agility test results.

Taylor has climbed to be in the mix as a top-20 pick after his impressive finish to the season with the Ranges and did his chances no harm at the Combine.

Others to post strong 20 metre sprint times were: Tylah Williams (2.89 seconds), Avery Thomas (2.89), Hunter Holmes (2.89), Tom Burton (2.91), Cooper Duff-Tytler (2.93) Zane Peucker (2.95) and Leon Kickett (2.95).

Taylor was beaten in the agility test by Eastern teammate Lachy Dovaston, who posted a time of 7.794 seconds, which was the fourth fasted in Combine testing history. Oskar Taylor was next at 7.84 seconds, with their fellow Ranges premiership star Xavier Taylor third.

Williams (7.87 seconds) and Zeke Uwland (8.1) were others to perform well in the agility test.

Sydney Academy talent Max King claimed the vertical jump test, with a leap of 80cm, ahead of Thomas and Uwland, who both jumped 75cm, while fellow Swans Academy prospect Harry Kyle won the running vertical jump. His 98cm leap was ahead of Uwland at 95cm and Jevan Phillipou (90cm).

The morning of testing on Sunday followed Friday's 2km time trial, when Jack Dalton (5:53 minutes) won ahead of Sam Grlj (5:59) and Louis Emmett (6:07).

Nearly 20 players were unable to test across the weekend, with illness ruling Dyson Sharp out on Sunday, following Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves and Ollie Greeves also not attending due to illness.

A hamstring injury meant Gold Coast academy player Dylan Patterson did not test, while Carlton father-son Harry Dean was recovering from a shoulder injury so didn't partake in the testing. Sam Allen and Harley Barker (ACLs), Liam Heatherton (back) and Archie Ludowyke (knee) were others unable to test as they worked through their long-term injuries, while Jack Ison, Hugo Mikunda, Wes Walley, Taj Murray, Will Darcy, Jesse Mellor and Riley Onley were among the others sidelined. –

www.afl.com.au

Vic giant joins race for Oliver, Pies opt against father-son, Steele wants to stay

Check out all the latest trade news from around the League
www.afl.com.au www.afl.com.au
 
Foxman98 said:
Will happen more and more now with the new bidding rules

Luke thankfully learnt from Sam going from late/rookie pick to pick 2 in the space of a year
Click to expand...

I'm a tad skeptical if Will really wants to be an AFL footballer, he didn't sound overly committed this year and seemed a tad reluctant to play Coates league. Happy to take a punt, but I do wonder what he's going to be like in a full time environment.
 
goodcop badcop said:
I'm a tad skeptical if Will really wants to be an AFL footballer, he didn't sound overly committed this year and seemed a tad reluctant to play Coates league. Happy to take a punt, but I do wonder what he's going to be like in a full time environment.
Click to expand...
He’s more then committed they wanted him to play fewer Coates league games so he didn’t rise up the draft like Sam
 

Log in to remove this Banner Ad

Is there a valid reason for a player not testing? I understand if a player has done an ACL or similar but otherwise is there a reason for not testing other than to hide information from other clubs? Surprised the AFL would then let that player participate in the draft.
 
Mr. Walker said:
Is there a valid reason for a player not testing? I understand if a player has done an ACL or similar but otherwise is there a reason for not testing other than to hide information from other clubs? Surprised the AFL would then let that player participate in the draft.
Click to expand...
Yes the player could get injured doing so and miss getting drafted or dropping in a he draft
 
Mr. Walker said:
Is there a valid reason for a player not testing? I understand if a player has done an ACL or similar but otherwise is there a reason for not testing other than to hide information from other clubs? Surprised the AFL would then let that player participate in the draft.
Click to expand...

AFL probably don't care. I think most clubs would have a general idea on most player's anyway. They do pre season testing, even underage players can do it before the season starts. Then there's in game GPS data which seems very unavailable to the public and really only available to club recruiters. I've been able to get the full pre season testing and full combine testing through contacts before, never any GPS data.

Will Darcy would have very little data on him apart from in game GPS data I'd imagine because he wasn't part of the initial Coates League squad. That's very rare. Sam didn't test at the combine either for example, but he tested in pre season testing which I have.

Sam Darcy 203cm, 85kg
Vertical jump 84cm
20m 3.17 (ok given position)
Agility 8.26 (would place him top 10 at the combine most years, probably not this year)
Yo-yo 240 (poor)
 
Wonder if our recruiters are still favouring Farrow. We may be looking to move up to ensure we get him. Looks like a Hayden Young clone.

Has good taste as well..

IMG_2164.jpeg
 
Last edited:

Remove this Banner Ad

goodcop badcop said:
Looks like he was top 10 in the agility testing.

central.rookieme.com

TOP 10s | 2025 National AFL Draft Combine

The AFL has released the top 10 results from this year's National Draft Combine, with an Eastern Ranges prospect proving speed is king.
central.rookieme.com central.rookieme.com
Click to expand...
The Uwland and Dovaston running vertical leap is a bit of a surprise for me

No need to really move, just take one of Dovaston or Farrow.
Unless we think there’s a very good chance of getting Xavier Taylor

Oskar Taylor looks good to, does not even feel like our current first is too early
 
That’s an incredible athletic profile on Oskar Taylor, what’s his scope as a player will he settle at HB or look to move further up the field. I think we’ve lacked breakneck speed back there since prime JJ and not sure Bramble is the answer

Is there anyway we can move up to GC pick without touching our pick 11? Including paying all of JUHs contract to get it done? I wouldn’t pay a cent of it unless we’re getting something substantial back, why should we take all the risk
 
PressredforEd said:
That’s an incredible athletic profile on Oskar Taylor, what’s his scope as a player will he settle at HB or look to move further up the field. I think we’ve lacked breakneck speed back there since prime JJ and not sure Bramble is the answer

Is there anyway we can move up to GC pick without touching our pick 11? Including paying all of JUHs contract to get it done? I wouldn’t pay a cent of it unless we’re getting something substantial back, why should we take all the risk
Click to expand...

Surely not? Suns need points and we currently only have the two picks. I think if we wanted to get a second 1st rounder in, we’d have to target Carlton’s, who will need a future 1st.
 

🥰 Love BigFooty? Join now for free.

PressredforEd said:
That’s an incredible athletic profile on Oskar Taylor, what’s his scope as a player will he settle at HB or look to move further up the field. I think we’ve lacked breakneck speed back there since prime JJ and not sure Bramble is the answer.
Click to expand...
His ideal career trajectory would be that of Ed Richards. Play 3-5 years off HB while he matures and bulks up a bit and then become a line breaking midfielder.
Personally though I have no issues with guys coming in as half backs stay there for the entirety of their career, same as small forwards. Not everyone needs to develope into a midfielder and having guys capable of specific roles is just as important.
 
Mojorisin said:
His ideal career trajectory would be that of Ed Richards. Play 3-5 years off HB while he matures and bulks up a bit and then become a line breaking midfielder.
Personally though I have no issues with guys coming in as half backs stay there for the entirety of their career, same as small forwards. Not everyone needs to develope into a midfielder and having guys capable of specific roles is just as important.
Click to expand...

No evidence Oskar can be a mid that I've seen, different to Richards who played as a mid in short bursts at u18 level.

Agree with the bottom bit though and he would fill a clear need for us.
 
Only really just starting to get into the draft for this year, this is the best place to be in terms of learning.

I got questions on two that seem to be loved in here:

I questioned Lachy Dovastons AFL athletic profile on the eye test but his 4th quickest agility ever put that to bed and has me interested.
Whats his engine like? Cant seem to find his 2km time trial. We desperately need another high half forward in the mould of a Brent Daniels, do people see him being this?
Or is he more of a forward 50 player? Does he crumb?

Jacob Farrow seems good, but is he pretty similar to Lachie Jacques? Similar height and position. I noticed Cal said there are Jordan Dawson traits so perhaps he has a bigger frame?

Intercepting smallish defenders at 186-188 we are pretty well stocked for, albeit none are elite. Jacques, Cleary, Selwood and could even throw in Coffield, Walker and Bailey Williams who are all around 190.

Would love us to get a Brayden Maynard, Starcervich type of ACTUAL defender rather than another neat ball user. Weve never replaced Easton Wood and we desperately need to short, medium and long term. I guess thats what we hoped Coffield would be but thats not looking likely at the minute.

How would you profile Xavier Taylor? What are the chances of him being there at gold coast pick 6 if we were to get it?
 
Bonti 5416 said:
Only really just starting to get into the draft for this year, this is the best place to be in terms of learning.

I got questions on two that seem to be loved in here:

I questioned Lachy Dovastons AFL athletic profile on the eye test but his 4th quickest agility ever put that to bed and has me interested.
Whats his engine like? Cant seem to find his 2km time trial. We desperately need another high half forward in the mould of a Brent Daniels, do people see him being this?
Or is he more of a forward 50 player? Does he crumb?

Jacob Farrow seems good, but is he pretty similar to Lachie Jacques? Similar height and position. I noticed Cal said there are Jordan Dawson traits so perhaps he has a bigger frame?

Intercepting smallish defenders at 186-188 we are pretty well stocked for, albeit none are elite. Jacques, Cleary, Selwood and could even throw in Coffield, Walker and Bailey Williams who are all around 190.

Would love us to get a Brayden Maynard, Starcervich type of ACTUAL defender rather than another neat ball user. Weve never replaced Easton Wood and we desperately need to short, medium and long term. I guess thats what we hoped Coffield would be but thats not looking likely at the minute.

How would you profile Xavier Taylor? What are the chances of him being there at gold coast pick 6 if we were to get it?
Click to expand...
Dolan is our Daniels type Dovaston is more the Watson/Cameron/Hill type quick small pressure who hits the scoreboard
 
Bonti 5416 said:
Only really just starting to get into the draft for this year, this is the best place to be in terms of learning.

I got questions on two that seem to be loved in here:

I questioned Lachy Dovastons AFL athletic profile on the eye test but his 4th quickest agility ever put that to bed and has me interested.
Whats his engine like? Cant seem to find his 2km time trial. We desperately need another high half forward in the mould of a Brent Daniels, do people see him being this?
Or is he more of a forward 50 player? Does he crumb?

Jacob Farrow seems good, but is he pretty similar to Lachie Jacques? Similar height and position. I noticed Cal said there are Jordan Dawson traits so perhaps he has a bigger frame?

Intercepting smallish defenders at 186-188 we are pretty well stocked for, albeit none are elite. Jacques, Cleary, Selwood and could even throw in Coffield, Walker and Bailey Williams who are all around 190.

Would love us to get a Brayden Maynard, Starcervich type of ACTUAL defender rather than another neat ball user. Weve never replaced Easton Wood and we desperately need to short, medium and long term. I guess thats what we hoped Coffield would be but thats not looking likely at the minute.

How would you profile Xavier Taylor? What are the chances of him being there at gold coast pick 6 if we were to get it?
Click to expand...
Dovaston's tank is his biggest weakness at this point but Weightman was the same, I don't think it stops him getting games early especially with 5 on the bench now and I think its something that will quickly improve in an elite environment. Dovaston is a natural pressure forward and does his best work around goal but could potentially spend limited minutes further up the ground in future. Dolan is the one we will want kicking into the forward line and has the potential to be a Miers type half forward capable of quality goal assists.

Farrow is definitely a bigger body then Jaques and has more scope to develop further inside rather then the HB/wing that Jaques will occupy.

In terms of small defenders who can actually defend, Budarick will go a long way to addressing this and hopefully Sellwood comes on aswell. Coffield should have been the guy but his knees have halted all progress. Williams is capable on Mediums and some talls but not smalls. Jaques will hopefully be the neat ball user. We definitely need run and gun out of defence and thats why I'd look at Oskar Taylor. Avery Thomas is also one to look at as a capable interceptor who can also do damage going the other way.

Xavier Taylor I think is almost identical to Coffield before he did his ACL's. Taylor has mainly played tall this year but likely plays on small and Mediums at the next level, athletically he is just as capable shutting them down and peeling off to intercept.
 
Foxman98 said:
Dolan is our Daniels type Dovaston is more the Watson/Cameron/Hill type quick small pressure who hits the scoreboard
Click to expand...
Im a big fan of Dolan, great athletic profile and most importantly skill and decision making.

But we need multiple Daniels types in the modern game. Gws have Daniels, Darcy Jones, Harvey Thomas, Phoenix Gothard.

Look at this years prelim finalists

Brisbane:
Zac Bailey, Cam Rayner (didnt do it much this year due to lack of key forwards he was more deep but was hhf in previous years)

Hawks: Dylan Moore, Jack Ginnivan, Sam Butler, Connar Macdonald.

Geelong: Shaun Mannagh, Gryan Miers, Jack Martin

Pies: Schultz, Lipinski, there stocks here are looking pretty depleted.

It would be able to help us defend so much more if we were able to push uo high half forwards to the contest as opposed to pushing up defenders. VDM and Mcneil just dont offer enough defensively or offensively.

Not against dovaston at all, can never have too many crumbers at the feet of Darcy and Naughton.
 

Remove this Banner Ad

2025 Draft Thread

Similar threads

Dav1d
Opinion BigFooty Bulldogs 2025 Mock Draft
5 6 7 8 9
Replies
200
Views
11K
Ash1337
A
VitalDread
List Mgmt. 2025 Draft Thread
Replies
5
Views
1K
House_of_Dahl
House_of_Dahl
Eastdog
2025 Membership Thread
4 5 6 7 8
Replies
180
Views
14K
grassman75
grassman75
Bulldogs85
2025 Charles Sutton Medal
2 3 4 5
Replies
109
Views
5K
Hoges64
Hoges64
dogwatch
Brownlow 2025 Brownlow Count
5 6 7 8 9
Replies
206
Views
6K
Fossie 32
Fossie 32
X_box_X
Review Reviewing our season (2025)
Replies
2
Views
414
LondonBulldog
L
Bulldogs85
VFL 2025 VFL Thread
126 127 128 129 130
Replies
3K
Views
150K
Generation West
Generation West

🥰 Love BigFooty? Join now for free.

Back
Top