Academy Rorts - The 2025 Draft Thread

[BuntonRules]

Never going to happen but I reckon Rayner could take the Starc role.

Strong as a bull, physical, won't be getting outmarked overhead, would also be a great backline distributor who can kick off either foot.

IMO, the 2023 grannie showed that Rayner has not got the football IQ to play a permanent defender's role.

 

[Nuggo]

Yes, Rayners best role is running forward like a elephant and kicking goals. From an entertainment perspective I would hate to see him deviate from that.

 

[mpal6]

Never going to happen but I reckon Rayner could take the Starc role.

Strong as a bull, physical, won't be getting outmarked overhead, would also be a great backline distributor who can kick off either foot.

When Geelong goes as far as tagging someone - it's a clear acknowledgement how critical the player is, his ability to turn the match on a dime with an explosive burst. We'll be doing rest of the competition a favor by moving Rayner out of forward line, so let's not do it.

 

[bungalow_bill]

Rayner down back is a total waste of a dangerous midfielder/forward.

 

[Elixuh]

Never going to happen but I reckon Rayner could take the Starc role.

Strong as a bull, physical, won't be getting outmarked overhead, would also be a great backline distributor who can kick off either foot.

I just threw up in my mouth. Every day we stray further away from God.

 

[BangyBangy]

When Geelong goes as far as tagging someone - it's a clear acknowledgement how critical the player is, his ability to turn the match on a dime with an explosive burst. We'll be doing rest of the competition a favor by moving Rayner out of forward line, so let's not do it.

Rayner down back is a total waste of a dangerous midfielder/forward.

Oh, 110% agree. Just pointing out he'd slot in well IMO.

 

[Saucery]

Kevin Sheehan's 2025 Telstra AFL Draft top prospects: Rucks and Tall Forwards

AFL Talent Ambassador Kevin Sheehan has released profiles on the top rucks and tall forwards ahead of the 2025 Telstra AFL Draft

www.afl.com.au

I want Sam Ainsworth just to increase the number of misspelling of players names and general anxiety and pedantry on the board. Life is too dull on the off season.

I committed pedantry once, I'm still on probation. Right dlanod?

 

[Nunez]

Never going to happen but I reckon Rayner could take the Starc role.

Strong as a bull, physical, won't be getting outmarked overhead, would also be a great backline distributor who can kick off either foot.

It makes sense when you consider Rayner already has the below attributes:

Looks good with a shaved head
Low disposals
Likes hurting people
Does the shh to the crowd

There is no reason with those steps in mind he wouldn't be an AA defender

 

[pod17]

Oh, 110% agree. Just pointing out he'd slot in well IMO.

I thought to myself it might be worth Berry being given a shot there. Similar dimensions to Starcevich, and we’ve got coverage for his midfield role with more on the way. That said, Brain impressed me when he got a run of games last year so he should be given a go whilst Answerth is out of the team.

We missed Starcevich and Answerth for a lot of games this year and found coverage, namely with Fletcher stepping up. I think he too should stay back where his marking ability gives us a nice advantage. It’s not a stretch to say he could be an All Australian backman next year if he stays in the one role.

 

[Saucery]

Never going to happen but I reckon Rayner could take the Starc role.

Strong as a bull, physical, won't be getting outmarked overhead, would also be a great backline distributor who can kick off either foot.

I 've said before with OA, Hippy and Draper coming into the forward mix I believe Ty could be the answer. He's big and strong enough and already has a tight defensive mind set and is good reader of the play and intercept mark. He's young enough to learn the roll. It worked with Justin Leppitsch.

 

[Elixuh]

It makes sense when you consider Rayner already has the below attributes:

Looks good with a shaved head
Low disposals
Likes hurting people
Does the shh to the crowd

There is no reason with those steps in mind he wouldn't be an AA defender

 

[Nunez]

View attachment 2473174

You've changed since Dewy left. What happened to devil may care Elixuh

 

[Saucery]

Yes, Rayners best role is running forward like a elephant and kicking goals. From an entertainment perspective I would hate to see him deviate from that.

For annoying opposition fans awesome, rag dolling Smith twice in a runaway grand final win was priceless. Move him and I will find you.

 

[Johnny Bananas]

There aren't many tall defender prospects that will be available when we have a free pick in this draft. But Bryce Sanders is one of them, if our team rate him of course.

Bryce Sanders Draft Profile

North Adelaide swingman Bryce Sanders came from the clouds this year to lock down a spot in South Australia's title-winning defence.

central.rookieme.com

Little-known South Australian on AFL Draft radar

The defender played all four games at the U18s National Championships for South Australia this year.

www.zerohanger.com

 

[briztoon]

There aren't many tall defender prospects that will be available when we have a free pick in this draft. But Bryce Sanders is one of them, if our team rate him of course.

Bryce Sanders Draft Profile

North Adelaide swingman Bryce Sanders came from the clouds this year to lock down a spot in South Australia's title-winning defence.

central.rookieme.com

Little-known South Australian on AFL Draft radar

The defender played all four games at the U18s National Championships for South Australia this year.

www.zerohanger.com

It's him or Jacob Marron.

I'm involved in a team based phantom draft, selecting for Brisbane (and Collingwood)and I'm in two minds whether to go for a KPD or Starcevich replacement at our second pick.

 

[Johnny Bananas]

It's him or Jacob Marron.

I'm involved in a team based phantom draft, selecting for Brisbane (and Collingwood)and I'm in two minds whether to go for a KPD or Starcevich replacement at our second pick.

Who are you considering as the Starce replacement?

 

[briztoon]

Who are you considering as the Starce replacement?

Finnegan Davis or Balyn O'Brien.

I'm not wedded to our academy kids in the ND.

 

[Miller1971]

I’m struggling to see us draft 4 academy kids in the national draft.

There should be a kid at our second pick that would be rated higher than our academy kids.

Obviously I have no idea how they’ve performed away from the academy and vfl team, but Annable is the only kid I believe has performed at a level to be drafted.

Prindable looks like a lesser version of James Worpel.

Bridge doesn’t look like he’s improved since his U16 year.

And I’d only be comfortable taking Waller in the rookie draft.

Think thats rough on Bridge. He was very close to Allies selection as a bottom ager in 2024, and then this year he was superb in the Coates Talent League after a quiet Academy Series and was injured in the opening minutes of the first Allies game and hasn't played since.

He will get drafted, just not sure if it will be Brisbane that drafts him.

 

[Hanley]

There was an interview with Bridge on SEN (maybe Sports Day?) and he sounded friendly, motivated and knew how much work needed to be done. Definitely keen on him! Hopefully we pick him up - he said Grant Birchall

14

Grant Birchall

Age

37

Ht

193cm

Wt

89kg

Pos.

Def

Career

Season

Last 5

D

21.9

5star

K

12.6

5star

HB

9.3

5star

M

5.8

5star

T

1.6

4star

MG

250.0

4star

D

13.3

3star

K

9.2

4star

HB

4.2

3star

M

4.3

4star

T

1.3

2star

MG

250.0

4star

D

14.0

4star

K

7.6

3star

HB

6.4

4star

M

2.6

3star

T

0.6

3star

has been really supporting him and also has had contact with some of the senior list guys like Josh Dunkley

5

Josh Dunkley

Age

28

Ht

191cm

Wt

87kg

Pos.

Mid

Career

Season

Last 5

D

21.8

5star

K

10.4

4star

HB

11.3

5star

M

4.3

4star

T

5.8

5star

CL

3.2

5star

D

20.7

5star

K

7.0

3star

HB

13.7

5star

M

2.3

2star

T

5.3

5star

CL

2.7

4star

D

14.2

4star

K

7.2

3star

HB

7.0

5star

M

4.8

5star

T

4.0

5star

CL

1.4

4star

. Liam Pickering was the host of the radio ahow and clearly also his manager (as well as Jackson Bridge - said they both ate huge amounts whenever he took them out!)

 

[Perrip]

Anyone have a NewsCorp subscription to tell us which players from our academy crop the club has nominated for the draft?

Full list: Every nomination for the 2025 AFL Draft

 

[Johnny Bananas]

Anyone have a NewsCorp subscription to tell us which players from our academy crop the club has nominated for the draft?

Full list: Every nomination for the 2025 AFL Draft

It just gives a list of everyone who has nominated, this isn't a list of academy prospects the club intends to match.

 

[Miller1971]

It's not even accurate either

 

[Crusha]

My only exposure to Isaac Waller is the short highlights clip at RookieMe

Isaac Waller Draft Profile

Lions Academy ruck Isaac Waller is a towering figure who attacks the aerial ball hard and boasts strong ruck craft.

central.rookieme.com

There's clearly a laundry list of items that need improvement, but I did really like the way he moves and didn't mind his competitiveness. He's not a lumberer, which for a 204cm guy is a tough ask. I don't think he has the frame to fill out to an insane degree, but you can probably say that about a lot of high-level rucks. If (God forbid) the rules remain consistent for any extended period, he could benefit in the long term.

Some more here:

Academy Watch

Clips of Dan Annable from the Coates Talent League Round 6 Dan Annable #23

www.bigfooty.com

Academy Watch

Clips of Dan Annable & Isaac Waller in their VFL debuts in Round 11. Dan Annable #63 Isaac Waller #55

www.bigfooty.com

 

[Perrip]

Cal Twomey's Phantom Form Guide: Top draft prospects' November ranking

5. Dan Annable
Where does he go? Annable will join the Lions, and some believe he could've been playing in their run to September this year had he been on the list. Richmond again shapes as the most likely club to bid, and he won't get past Essendon's first pick either if still on the board.

 

[T Rick]

Cal Twomey's Phantom Form Guide: Top draft prospects' November ranking

If Annable goes at 5, I assume that means we use all of our picks with points so what is our next pick likely to be?