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WalshistheGOAT

WalshistheGOAT

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With CTL back today I thought it's probably about time to return from my sabbatical...

This year looks to be a year that we'll likely be big players in. With a suite of draft picks from Sydney and North, F/S ties to Cody Walker, a floundering AFL team and a desperate need to bring in some elite young talent... One would assume that we'll be looking to replenish our list after losing some big names last year before the inevitable entry of Tassie into the AFL system and build our next group of young guns around Jagga, Dean, O'Farrell and Is on etc.

There's some truly elite prospects this year, which also means that picks will be at a premium equivalent to Unleaded 98 atm and it's made all the more difficult with the never ending saga of the AFL changing the rules around matching bids and deficits etc.

Outside of club tied prospects at the top end of the draft in Cody and Dougie Cochrane there's some explosive forward half players, some elite KPP and ruck prospects and an all round skill level that looks a class above 2025s crop.

The notable names at this stage are

Cody Walker (Carlton F/S) - Chad Warner
Dougie Cochrane (Port NGA) NWM/Shaun Burgoyne

Arki Butler - Jamie Elliot/Toby Greene
Harry Van Hattum - Max Gawn/Todd Goldstein
Jack Pickett - Charlie Curnow/Mitch Georgiades
Will Malady - Jack Gunston
Marlon Neocleous - Dylan Moore
Gabriel Patterson - Adam Cooney
Noah Williams - Josh Kelly
Lewis Houndsome - Tom Lynch
Xavier Ladbrook - Tim English
Marcus Prasad - Brent Daniels

There's many others that will no doubt find their way up or down the draft order by seasons end, but this shapes as a massive year for the club due to how significant the talent is in this years crop.

This thread is to discuss the prospects of said individuals as the year shapes up.
 
I went down to watch the Pioneers vs Devils today to get some vision of Cody and the rest of the team up close. Also popped over to RSEA afterwards to have a look at a few others.

The same two names from last year stood out in a big way, Cody Walker was fantastic through the middle after a slow start. Kicked 2 goals in the first half playing majority on ball. Interestingly the head coach of the pioneers was playcalling "Walker to Dusty" with about 5-6 minutes left in quarters where they'd send Cody to full forward one out vs his opponent. Id assume because that's what Dusty renowned for. Got one free in the goal square but certainly didn't look like prime Dusty in terms of leading patterns etc, definitely has the speed off the mark and agility to trouble teams if he develops his forward/leading craft more. Kicking still needs to be cleaned up, he goes for passes at full tilt that require more precision than he currently possesses. He's very much in the Dangerfield/Chad Warner mold where I doubt he'll ever be an elite kick, but the damage he can cause through his run and penetration is still an immense task for opposition teams to contain. Contested ball winning and strength look to have gone to another level again this year. If he continues to tidy up his kicking he will be a genuine superstar, but it is a slight worry at times.


Max Thompson (2027 draft) off half back was the other one for me. Phenomenal. Genuinely I think could be a genuine contender for pick 1 if he shoots up a bit in height wise before the end of next year. He's as hard at it as anyone and his kicking is elite in terms of decision making and execution, 40m bullets that barely go above head height frequently taking on the corridor. Dare i say it he was Daicos like playing out of the back half with his ball use. He was fantastic last year in moments but with Tom Evans gone he's taken over rebound duties this year and was unbelievably good for them.

Cruz O'Sullivan was one other. I'm not sure how his game will translate at the next level as he probably didn't stand out as much for his explosiveness or elite ball use like Cody or Thompson, but he just did the basics exceptionally well. Shepherding for teammates, getting his hands free find an option in space, excellent body work around the ball and just picking good options consistently.

For Tassie they had a few good players, really noticed #7 - Jess Bula who was playing mid and small fwd, athletic ability was off the charts, any time he had the ball he looked like he was going to make something happen. Loved a big hit when he had the chance too and tried running straight through Cody at one stage. His biggest issue was that he faded in and out of the game quite a bit, very hot and cold. Will keep an eye on him in case he does start putting it all together.


At RSEA it was the Arki Butler show. This kid is seriously seriously special, may be the best small forward talent through the draft in a decade. Through the middle his kicking is still a standout but up forward he's like a cheat code, too strong for small defenders and far too explosive for the bigger boys. He reminds me of a young Jamie Elliot before his injuries, can jump straight over heads, burst through tackles and also leads exceptionally well as a miniature full forward.

Another I kept an eye on was #21 for Sandy, Oliver Griffin. Looked about 6"1 or so so not a small forward by any means, but he was explosive and had an enormous leap. Ball use isn't as elite as Butler but he was making things happen up forward albeit in a bit of a landslide win.

Angus Brown was also one that bobbed up a bit, he's very small and slight in stature but he has a lot of skill and a huge work rate as a half forward. Not as talented as Butler, Neocleous or Prasad types but still could be a good player at the next level with how the direction of the game is going now.
 
WalshistheGOAT said:
I went down to watch the Pioneers vs Devils today to get some vision of Cody and the rest of the team up close. Also popped over to RSEA afterwards to have a look at a few others.

The same two names from last year stood out in a big way, Cody Walker was fantastic through the middle after a slow start. Kicked 2 goals in the first half playing majority on ball. Interestingly the head coach of the pioneers was playcalling "Walker to Dusty" with about 5-6 minutes left in quarters where they'd send Cody to full forward one out vs his opponent. Id assume because that's what Dusty renowned for. Got one free in the goal square but certainly didn't look like prime Dusty in terms of leading patterns etc, definitely has the speed off the mark and agility to trouble teams if he develops his forward/leading craft more. Kicking still needs to be cleaned up, he goes for passes at full tilt that require more precision than he currently possesses. He's very much in the Dangerfield/Chad Warner mold where I doubt he'll ever be an elite kick, but the damage he can cause through his run and penetration is still an immense task for opposition teams to contain. Contested ball winning and strength look to have gone to another level again this year. If he continues to tidy up his kicking he will be a genuine superstar, but it is a slight worry at times.


Max Thompson (2027 draft) off half back was the other one for me. Phenomenal. Genuinely I think could be a genuine contender for pick 1 if he shoots up a bit in height wise before the end of next year. He's as hard at it as anyone and his kicking is elite in terms of decision making and execution, 40m bullets that barely go above head height frequently taking on the corridor. Dare i say it he was Daicos like playing out of the back half with his ball use. He was fantastic last year in moments but with Tom Evans gone he's taken over rebound duties this year and was unbelievably good for them.

Cruz O'Sullivan was one other. I'm not sure how his game will translate at the next level as he probably didn't stand out as much for his explosiveness or elite ball use like Cody or Thompson, but he just did the basics exceptionally well. Shepherding for teammates, getting his hands free find an option in space, excellent body work around the ball and just picking good options consistently.

For Tassie they had a few good players, really noticed #7 - Jess Bula who was playing mid and small fwd, athletic ability was off the charts, any time he had the ball he looked like he was going to make something happen. Loved a big hit when he had the chance too and tried running straight through Cody at one stage. His biggest issue was that he faded in and out of the game quite a bit, very hot and cold. Will keep an eye on him in case he does start putting it all together.


At RSEA it was the Arki Butler show. This kid is seriously seriously special, may be the best small forward talent through the draft in a decade. Through the middle his kicking is still a standout but up forward he's like a cheat code, too strong for small defenders and far too explosive for the bigger boys. He reminds me of a young Jamie Elliot before his injuries, can jump straight over heads, burst through tackles and also leads exceptionally well as a miniature full forward.

Another I kept an eye on was #21 for Sandy, Oliver Griffin. Looked about 6"1 or so so not a small forward by any means, but he was explosive and had an enormous leap. Ball use isn't as elite as Butler but he was making things happen up forward albeit in a bit of a landslide win.

Angus Brown was also one that bobbed up a bit, he's very small and slight in stature but he has a lot of skill and a huge work rate as a half forward. Not as talented as Butler, Neocleous or Prasad types but still could be a good player at the next level with how the direction of the game is going now.
Click to expand...

Ironically walkers kicking will probably be good for us as it will probably stop him from him being taken a 1 and maybe even 2. Could see clubs viewing an arki butler or HVH ahead of him.
 

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bluebaggerjuls said:
Ironically walkers kicking will probably be good for us as it will probably stop him from him being taken a 1 and maybe even 2. Could see clubs viewing an arki butler or HVH ahead of him.
Click to expand...
It's an interesting one... I guess a good question in regards to Cody would be would you take Chad Warner (who imo is his closest like for like at AFL level) at #1 if he was available in the draft?

I certainly would, but I've seen how Warners game translates at the next level. When you're looking at the draft however, having a flaw in your game can turn a lot of minds the other way and easily cause a slide.

Then you go the opposite end of the spectrum and look at someone like Cam Mackenzie. Was a super well rounded prospect at 18s level who had no obvious weaknesses, but also no obvious strengths that would set him apart at AFL level. He's struggled to cement himself in the hawks midfield because he's much the same as the rest of their mids.

I guess it's a matter of personal opinion, do you take the athletic freak who can be hot and cold with his disposals at times... Or the well rounded kid who doesn't possess the upside to ever be a top player in the league?

For our list I think the answer is obvious whether Cody was tied to the club or not. We desperately need variation.
 
teagueyubeauty said:
Ok, we’ve got a mid this coming draft so who are the elite smalls and would any go mid to late first round?

Rule out Arki, he’s going to go to high
Click to expand...
Unless we get a pick before a Cody bid... :)
 
teagueyubeauty said:
Ok, we’ve got a mid this coming draft so who are the elite smalls and would any go mid to late first round?

Rule out Arki, he’s going to go to high
Click to expand...
Too early to tell, from what ive watched last year and today Neocleous, Prasad, Brown, Patterson, Griffin and Patterson could be names in that mix.

I think Butler is a class above any of them at this stage though, he is devastating up forward.

Would love a few more picks, the KPF talents in this draft are also very promising compared to last year and we're in need of a young KPF for the future quite a lot imo.
 
WalshistheGOAT said:
Too early to tell, from what ive watched last year and today Neocleous, Prasad, Brown, Patterson, Griffin and Patterson could be names in that mix.

I think Butler is a class above any of them at this stage though, he is devastating up forward.

Would love a few more picks, the KPF talents in this draft are also very promising compared to last year and we're in need of a young KPF for the future quite a lot imo.
Click to expand...

Told ya ;)
 
Blue_Fusion said:
Told ya ;)
Click to expand...
I know you're his biggest fan so I'll give it to you, but... ;)
Schitts Creek Comedy GIF by CBC

WalshistheGOAT

Preview Post in thread '2026 AFL Draft General Discussion'

Arki Butler taking the piss for Sandy today. His strength through his hips seems outrageously good, lands like a cat after an aerial contest too.
  • Like

We'd be very lucky to manage to bring him and Cody in at the same time though. Both are special.
 

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WalshistheGOAT said:
It's an interesting one... I guess a good question in regards to Cody would be would you take Chad Warner (who imo is his closest like for like at AFL level) at #1 if he was available in the draft?

I certainly would, but I've seen how Warners game translates at the next level. When you're looking at the draft however, having a flaw in your game can turn a lot of minds the other way and easily cause a slide.

Then you go the opposite end of the spectrum and look at someone like Cam Mackenzie. Was a super well rounded prospect at 18s level who had no obvious weaknesses, but also no obvious strengths that would set him apart at AFL level. He's struggled to cement himself in the hawks midfield because he's much the same as the rest of their mids.

I guess it's a matter of personal opinion, do you take the athletic freak who can be hot and cold with his disposals at times... Or the well rounded kid who doesn't possess the upside to ever be a top player in the league?

For our list I think the answer is obvious whether Cody was tied to the club or not. We desperately need variation.
Click to expand...
We’ve got 11 months to get CW working on his kicking..
Adam Larcom specialist training, sign him up.
 
WalshistheGOAT said:
With CTL back today I thought it's probably about time to return from my sabbatical...

This year looks to be a year that we'll likely be big players in. With a suite of draft picks from Sydney and North, F/S ties to Cody Walker, a floundering AFL team and a desperate need to bring in some elite young talent... One would assume that we'll be looking to replenish our list after losing some big names last year before the inevitable entry of Tassie into the AFL system and build our next group of young guns around Jagga, Dean, O'Farrell and Is on etc.

There's some truly elite prospects this year, which also means that picks will be at a premium equivalent to Unleaded 98 atm and it's made all the more difficult with the never ending saga of the AFL changing the rules around matching bids and deficits etc.

Outside of club tied prospects at the top end of the draft in Cody and Dougie Cochrane there's some explosive forward half players, some elite KPP and ruck prospects and an all round skill level that looks a class above 2025s crop.

The notable names at this stage are

Cody Walker (Carlton F/S) - Chad Warner
Dougie Cochrane (Port NGA) NWM/Shaun Burgoyne

Arki Butler - Jamie Elliot/Toby Greene
Harry Van Hattum - Max Gawn/Todd Goldstein
Jack Pickett - Charlie Curnow/Mitch Georgiades
Will Malady - Jack Gunston
Marlon Neocleous - Dylan Moore
Gabriel Patterson - Adam Cooney
Noah Williams - Josh Kelly
Lewis Houndsome - Tom Lynch
Xavier Ladbrook - Tim English
Marcus Prasad - Brent Daniels

There's many others that will no doubt find their way up or down the draft order by seasons end, but this shapes as a massive year for the club due to how significant the talent is in this years crop.

This thread is to discuss the prospects of said individuals as the year shapes up.
Click to expand...
Welcome back mate :thumbsu:
You'd also no doubt be happy to know that we've signed Tom Evans to our VFL squad.
 

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