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Monocle
And the rebuild begins.
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Pick 1. West Coast 
- Willem Duursma - 193 cm - Utility - Gippsland Power.
Duursma has pretty much been the stand out player for the number one spot for some time now.
In horse racing terms he has been half way up the final straight as the chasing pack has just rounded the last turn.
His time playing in the VFL dispelled any queries I had over his ability to ply his tricks and work his magic at the next level.
He is a very strong mark overhead or on the lead, he reads the play well, in the main he makes good decisions but his decisive point of difference, is his ability to run and carry on the spread and his work rate, in this regard, is second to none in this cohort with two way running.
Positional versatility is another point of difference that will appeal to Clubs.
The two areas that he will need to work on in his early years are obviously his physique and he is very skinny and wirey and this will make it harder for him to play his inside game.
He also need to get more consistent with his delivery by foot as he can be prone to miss his targets.
It was be a valid criticism that I am being a touch hard on evaluation his areas of improvement, but no kid is with out blemish when they hit the league day 1.
I see him as a player that starts his career on the HBF or HFF, but long term I see him as a wingman that can take a turn going through the midfield when required.
His outside game with his spread and ru and carry are going to make his a very damaging and dangerous weapon once he fully matures as a player.
He will be a very hard match up for opposing Coaches to counter and try to negate.
The style of player that he is will have appeal to McQualiter and the game plan that he is wanting to implement, I would suggest that he would be pounding the table to have Willem Duursma called out first on Draft Night.
This was easy pick and didn't require much deliberation as he was the only one in the conversation for me at pick 1.
Next pick # 2 over to you Ed as I am bidding on - Zeke Ewland from Gold Coast Academy eDPS
- Willem Duursma - 193 cm - Utility - Gippsland Power.
Duursma has pretty much been the stand out player for the number one spot for some time now.
In horse racing terms he has been half way up the final straight as the chasing pack has just rounded the last turn.
His time playing in the VFL dispelled any queries I had over his ability to ply his tricks and work his magic at the next level.
He is a very strong mark overhead or on the lead, he reads the play well, in the main he makes good decisions but his decisive point of difference, is his ability to run and carry on the spread and his work rate, in this regard, is second to none in this cohort with two way running.
Positional versatility is another point of difference that will appeal to Clubs.
The two areas that he will need to work on in his early years are obviously his physique and he is very skinny and wirey and this will make it harder for him to play his inside game.
He also need to get more consistent with his delivery by foot as he can be prone to miss his targets.
It was be a valid criticism that I am being a touch hard on evaluation his areas of improvement, but no kid is with out blemish when they hit the league day 1.
I see him as a player that starts his career on the HBF or HFF, but long term I see him as a wingman that can take a turn going through the midfield when required.
His outside game with his spread and ru and carry are going to make his a very damaging and dangerous weapon once he fully matures as a player.
He will be a very hard match up for opposing Coaches to counter and try to negate.
The style of player that he is will have appeal to McQualiter and the game plan that he is wanting to implement, I would suggest that he would be pounding the table to have Willem Duursma called out first on Draft Night.
This was easy pick and didn't require much deliberation as he was the only one in the conversation for me at pick 1.
Next pick # 2 over to you Ed as I am bidding on - Zeke Ewland from Gold Coast Academy eDPS
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eDPS
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Pick 2 - Gold Coast - Zeke Uwland - 179cm - Midfielder/Utility
Uwland is a little star and has been a standout amongst this age group for some time now, his almost the perfect player with toughness/skill/leadeship/workrate.
If he was in the open pool he would easily fall inside the top 2, he has been my favourite from this draft class for awhile supporters will love him and he will certainly be a driving force in the Suns first ever premiership.
Monocle
Uwland is a little star and has been a standout amongst this age group for some time now, his almost the perfect player with toughness/skill/leadeship/workrate.
If he was in the open pool he would easily fall inside the top 2, he has been my favourite from this draft class for awhile supporters will love him and he will certainly be a driving force in the Suns first ever premiership.
Monocle
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Monocle
And the rebuild begins.
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Pick 3. West Coast - Dyson Sharp - 187cm- Midfielder - Central Districts.
This pick will raise a few eyebrows and will piss off 25% of the posters on the West Coast Board, rational and write up for this selection.
I will be honest and acknowledge that I had four players who were in consideration with this selection.
Uwland - who is not a realistic option as GCS have dibs on him.
Then Sharp, CDT and Robey came into consideration, all good players and all could have been considered a worthy selection at pick 3.
CDT with his raw freaky athletic ability, was always going to attract attention and he would be a good get however I am not certain what role he eventually plays at the next level.
I see his ruck craft as being ok, but certainly nothing to "fawn over", I also see some weakness in his overhead marking and he is not a one grab player and often second and third grabs the ball before he takes his mark, this flaw in his game it a big knock, IMO, on his ability to be a A grade KPF.
Hope he proves me wrong, but I was just not prepared to punt on the unicorn given where West Coast are at the moment.
Robey - gee whats not to like about his last six or so weeks in the CTL, thats a massive plus, but its countered for me by the fact that its a very small sample size and as impressive as his form has been, for where West Coast are they just need to nail this pick.
That leads me to Dyson Sharp, hard to find a kid that has had a more consistent and impressive, two years of underage football.
He also played seniors for Central Districts and certainly didn't look out of place against the bodies of men and the pace of the game in those outings.
Some of his detractors like to point out that his possession counts in the senior games were not as prolific as his junior games, however they fail to acknowledge that he also spent some lengthy stints in those games on the HFF.
He is also a goal kicking midfielder and they are keenly sought after as they are a rare breed.
When he has played as a per midfielder at the junior levels he has been very impactful and is a contested ball beast and managed to hit the score board regularly.
Which just happens to be a facet of the game that West Coast is way below par on, as far as the league standard go and are critically short of players that can adequately play that role.
I acknowledge that Sharp may have a lower ceiling that the two other players considered, but his floor is already impressive.
Consistency is an attribute thats often under valued and under ratted, an attribute that Sharp has in spades.
Sure he has areas of concerns as his critiques mention that he is not fast, true neither is he slow.
Watch his tape, he has no problem extricating himself from the pack with ball in hand and running out and away from stoppages.
His kicking could be better, once again true, but its not bad.
The area where there is some concern about his game, is his endurance .
A very important skill required by a midfielder is the ability to run all day, however whilst it takes commitment and a mountain of hard work, endurance is one of the few AFL required attributes, that you can improve on "IF" you are prepared to put in the effort, which leads me to my next point and that is - from all accounts from the Coaches that he has been involved with at Central Districts, SA and the AFL Academy - the common denominator from them all is that, Sharp is a very hard worker and yearns improvement and is very coachable.
Thats my rational for this selection:
Sharp brings a contested ball winning skill, ( he is the best at this in the cohort ), to a team thats crying out for assistance with, in this facet of the game.
Smythe Richmond is on the clock.
- Dyson Sharp - 187cm- Midfielder - Central Districts.
This pick will raise a few eyebrows and will piss off 25% of the posters on the West Coast Board, rational and write up for this selection.
I will be honest and acknowledge that I had four players who were in consideration with this selection.
Uwland - who is not a realistic option as GCS have dibs on him.
Then Sharp, CDT and Robey came into consideration, all good players and all could have been considered a worthy selection at pick 3.
CDT with his raw freaky athletic ability, was always going to attract attention and he would be a good get however I am not certain what role he eventually plays at the next level.
I see his ruck craft as being ok, but certainly nothing to "fawn over", I also see some weakness in his overhead marking and he is not a one grab player and often second and third grabs the ball before he takes his mark, this flaw in his game it a big knock, IMO, on his ability to be a A grade KPF.
Hope he proves me wrong, but I was just not prepared to punt on the unicorn given where West Coast are at the moment.
Robey - gee whats not to like about his last six or so weeks in the CTL, thats a massive plus, but its countered for me by the fact that its a very small sample size and as impressive as his form has been, for where West Coast are they just need to nail this pick.
That leads me to Dyson Sharp, hard to find a kid that has had a more consistent and impressive, two years of underage football.
He also played seniors for Central Districts and certainly didn't look out of place against the bodies of men and the pace of the game in those outings.
Some of his detractors like to point out that his possession counts in the senior games were not as prolific as his junior games, however they fail to acknowledge that he also spent some lengthy stints in those games on the HFF.
He is also a goal kicking midfielder and they are keenly sought after as they are a rare breed.
When he has played as a per midfielder at the junior levels he has been very impactful and is a contested ball beast and managed to hit the score board regularly.
Which just happens to be a facet of the game that West Coast is way below par on, as far as the league standard go and are critically short of players that can adequately play that role.
I acknowledge that Sharp may have a lower ceiling that the two other players considered, but his floor is already impressive.
Consistency is an attribute thats often under valued and under ratted, an attribute that Sharp has in spades.
Sure he has areas of concerns as his critiques mention that he is not fast, true neither is he slow.
Watch his tape, he has no problem extricating himself from the pack with ball in hand and running out and away from stoppages.
His kicking could be better, once again true, but its not bad.
The area where there is some concern about his game, is his endurance .
A very important skill required by a midfielder is the ability to run all day, however whilst it takes commitment and a mountain of hard work, endurance is one of the few AFL required attributes, that you can improve on "IF" you are prepared to put in the effort, which leads me to my next point and that is - from all accounts from the Coaches that he has been involved with at Central Districts, SA and the AFL Academy - the common denominator from them all is that, Sharp is a very hard worker and yearns improvement and is very coachable.
Thats my rational for this selection:
Sharp brings a contested ball winning skill, ( he is the best at this in the cohort ), to a team thats crying out for assistance with, in this facet of the game.
Smythe Richmond is on the clock.
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eDPS
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Pick 4 - Gold Coast - Dylan Patterson - 183cm - Defender/Wing
Patterson would be the most confident player in the draft class he plays with such confidence and swagger and takes the game on at every opportunity. A great athlete and physical intent to boot I’m sure Patterson will make an impact early for the Suns
Smythe
Patterson would be the most confident player in the draft class he plays with such confidence and swagger and takes the game on at every opportunity. A great athlete and physical intent to boot I’m sure Patterson will make an impact early for the Suns
Smythe
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PICK 5 - RICHMOND - Sullivan Robey - 192cm - Fwd/Mid - Eastern Ranges
I have to go with Sully here.
Robey is a powerful young gun with huge potential and a ceiling possibly higher than most given the fact he is still getting use to his body and putting in the hard yards during the offseason trying to perfect a full-time athletes body.
He has taken the stingrays rejection and turned it around quite well, treating his opponents quite egregiously in the latter half of the year for Eastern Ranges.
Sully can play through the middle and win contests at will, gets the ball to runners or bursts out and gets the ball forward for his team using very good decisions by hand and or foot.
Very much in the mold of Cam Rayner, but bigger
His new size belies his ability below his knees as he still plays like a small, but above his head he is also a weapon, taking marks out in front on the lead.
Can find the goals and stands up in tackles, has size, holds a physical presence, tackles to hurt and is very mobile, and that will only get better in time. I think he would compliment what the tigers did last year by bringing in a guy who can, in the future, swap in and out of the mid/fwd role with Lalor very well giving the tigers a two-pronged running of the bulls.
This is the pick where Richmond could trade to gather a future pick, but i wanted and want Sully. There are 5 that Richmond are keen on and have put work into, being, in no particular order, CDT, D.Sharp, X.Taylor, S.Grjl and S.Robey.
Next up Richmond will bid on Harry Dean - Carlton father son prospect - LemmingMaster
I have to go with Sully here.
Robey is a powerful young gun with huge potential and a ceiling possibly higher than most given the fact he is still getting use to his body and putting in the hard yards during the offseason trying to perfect a full-time athletes body.
He has taken the stingrays rejection and turned it around quite well, treating his opponents quite egregiously in the latter half of the year for Eastern Ranges.
Sully can play through the middle and win contests at will, gets the ball to runners or bursts out and gets the ball forward for his team using very good decisions by hand and or foot.
Very much in the mold of Cam Rayner, but bigger
His new size belies his ability below his knees as he still plays like a small, but above his head he is also a weapon, taking marks out in front on the lead.
Can find the goals and stands up in tackles, has size, holds a physical presence, tackles to hurt and is very mobile, and that will only get better in time. I think he would compliment what the tigers did last year by bringing in a guy who can, in the future, swap in and out of the mid/fwd role with Lalor very well giving the tigers a two-pronged running of the bulls.
This is the pick where Richmond could trade to gather a future pick, but i wanted and want Sully. There are 5 that Richmond are keen on and have put work into, being, in no particular order, CDT, D.Sharp, X.Taylor, S.Grjl and S.Robey.
Next up Richmond will bid on Harry Dean - Carlton father son prospect - LemmingMaster
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PICK 6 - RICHMOND - XAVIER TAYLOR - 191cm - Def - Eastern Ranges
I really like Xavier, and I think Richmond is leaning this way too, let me explain why.
**There are very quick mids with superb skills available next year who I currently rate above this year's talent pool but no defenders like Xavier at the top end of the 26 draft, where Richmond will most likely be whilst they build this young team together and that is where I would be looking for top end midfield talent, given the fact that maybe only Prestia will be out of that mix after 2026.
Xavier is a 191 cm def who has elite speed, athleticism, aggressiveness and an attacking mindset who can play on talls and smalls alike whilst intercepting at will.
He has shut down all players short and tall in the likes of highly rated Mitch Marsh, Hussein El Achkar and Max King
While the Tigers defense is pretty good, Tyler Young was traded, Blight delisted, Koschitzke was never really a factor here (no offense intended) but he is gone, meaning less depth for cover, Broad has openly said this is his last year, Vlaustin will turn 32 and Short will turn 30.
Xavier is quicker than what the average pundit would know and plays in the mold of a Josh Weddle from the Hawks.
The tigers have Brown, Gibcus, Grey, Balta and Miller playing the lockdown, intercept and distribute/feeding styles of play, with Banks and Trainor currently being moved up to the wings and chopping out across half back when needed.
Xavier would fit in seamlessly across the half back after learning and then taking over from Vlaustin and Short, providing his very high in game IQ, leadership and direction across that line that he already showed at the under 18 level, whilst using his speed to carry the ball in link up play down to the forwards.
He is being seen as the outlet player once the mids extract the clearances and feed him, his speed and endurance would see him run all day as I said in the Weddle style, or in Tiger parlance, a younger, quicker more athletic Houli with a higher upside.
However, he can also win clearances, so when there is a stoppage down back he has the skills, unlike Richmonds other defenders, to win that clearance and burst, or give the right option by hand or foot. Could he play in the middle down the track, I'm not so sure, but his attributes per position lend to the fact that it is a possibility, however I would see that as a waste of his talents given how damaging he can be on the outside and down back.
Xavier improved in all areas of his game consistently over the last two years showing that upward trend in his career, being one of, if not the most consistent players in the pool. Learning to defend, intercept, then run and even link up and burn opponents by taking the game on and attacking through the lines which is his forte.
There were worries about his disposal by foot, but as the year went on and the games got harder/more important his disposal shot up very high, eventually giving him a very good disposal rate. His game is built for the big leagues and a proper system and style of play which you just don't see at the under 18 level.
CDT was a definite consideration but not a fit, as was Sam Grjl (who will no doubt be the other side of the coin toss here), but the talent, upside and elite traits that Xavier holds give him a ceiling that cannot be ignored in an area of need, list wise, and here he joins his eastern teammate.
*I have a few mids in mind, with both speed and good ball use that could add something to our young mid mix that im sure will be still on the board come our next pick, with a few fall-back options to fill other spots if those do not eventuate the way I have planned.
That was a short 24 hrs, wouldn't want to buy real estate from bangers
, but we do have to keep it moving,
Next up is eDPS with Essendon
I really like Xavier, and I think Richmond is leaning this way too, let me explain why.
**There are very quick mids with superb skills available next year who I currently rate above this year's talent pool but no defenders like Xavier at the top end of the 26 draft, where Richmond will most likely be whilst they build this young team together and that is where I would be looking for top end midfield talent, given the fact that maybe only Prestia will be out of that mix after 2026.
Xavier is a 191 cm def who has elite speed, athleticism, aggressiveness and an attacking mindset who can play on talls and smalls alike whilst intercepting at will.
He has shut down all players short and tall in the likes of highly rated Mitch Marsh, Hussein El Achkar and Max King
While the Tigers defense is pretty good, Tyler Young was traded, Blight delisted, Koschitzke was never really a factor here (no offense intended) but he is gone, meaning less depth for cover, Broad has openly said this is his last year, Vlaustin will turn 32 and Short will turn 30.
Xavier is quicker than what the average pundit would know and plays in the mold of a Josh Weddle from the Hawks.
The tigers have Brown, Gibcus, Grey, Balta and Miller playing the lockdown, intercept and distribute/feeding styles of play, with Banks and Trainor currently being moved up to the wings and chopping out across half back when needed.
Xavier would fit in seamlessly across the half back after learning and then taking over from Vlaustin and Short, providing his very high in game IQ, leadership and direction across that line that he already showed at the under 18 level, whilst using his speed to carry the ball in link up play down to the forwards.
He is being seen as the outlet player once the mids extract the clearances and feed him, his speed and endurance would see him run all day as I said in the Weddle style, or in Tiger parlance, a younger, quicker more athletic Houli with a higher upside.
However, he can also win clearances, so when there is a stoppage down back he has the skills, unlike Richmonds other defenders, to win that clearance and burst, or give the right option by hand or foot. Could he play in the middle down the track, I'm not so sure, but his attributes per position lend to the fact that it is a possibility, however I would see that as a waste of his talents given how damaging he can be on the outside and down back.
Xavier improved in all areas of his game consistently over the last two years showing that upward trend in his career, being one of, if not the most consistent players in the pool. Learning to defend, intercept, then run and even link up and burn opponents by taking the game on and attacking through the lines which is his forte.
There were worries about his disposal by foot, but as the year went on and the games got harder/more important his disposal shot up very high, eventually giving him a very good disposal rate. His game is built for the big leagues and a proper system and style of play which you just don't see at the under 18 level.
CDT was a definite consideration but not a fit, as was Sam Grjl (who will no doubt be the other side of the coin toss here), but the talent, upside and elite traits that Xavier holds give him a ceiling that cannot be ignored in an area of need, list wise, and here he joins his eastern teammate.
*I have a few mids in mind, with both speed and good ball use that could add something to our young mid mix that im sure will be still on the board come our next pick, with a few fall-back options to fill other spots if those do not eventuate the way I have planned.
That was a short 24 hrs, wouldn't want to buy real estate from bangers
, but we do have to keep it moving,Next up is eDPS with Essendon
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noobermensch
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Pick 8 - Brisbane Lions - Daniel Annable - 184cm midfielder
If it goes like this on draft day I'm sure Brisbane will be very happy to only have to match a bid at pick 8 after there had been expectations of Annable going in the top 5 for much of the year.
Annable is about as bankable a prospect as you'll find. A hard worker who has the tank to get from contest to contest around the ground (unlined by his top 10 finish in the 2k at the combine) and is able to use his powerful frame and nose for the footy to win plenty of contested ball, while remaining conscious of his defensive responsibilities and applying strong tackling pressure when required. While not exactly a burst athlete, Annable is powerful enough to navigate congested space and ride tackles to get off a clean disposal. Annable has an underrated outside game, able to read the play and find damaging space ahead of the ball, and although his kicking skills are not always the best, he has a happy knack of getting involved in scoring chains or even hitting the scoreboard himself.
Annable has been noted by many as a strong leader among his peer group.
Overall, a very well rounded midfield prospect who stands out among this years crop due to the lack of any major weaknesses in his game. He will add to the abundance of riches that the Lions currently have in their midfield group.
If it goes like this on draft day I'm sure Brisbane will be very happy to only have to match a bid at pick 8 after there had been expectations of Annable going in the top 5 for much of the year.
Annable is about as bankable a prospect as you'll find. A hard worker who has the tank to get from contest to contest around the ground (unlined by his top 10 finish in the 2k at the combine) and is able to use his powerful frame and nose for the footy to win plenty of contested ball, while remaining conscious of his defensive responsibilities and applying strong tackling pressure when required. While not exactly a burst athlete, Annable is powerful enough to navigate congested space and ride tackles to get off a clean disposal. Annable has an underrated outside game, able to read the play and find damaging space ahead of the ball, and although his kicking skills are not always the best, he has a happy knack of getting involved in scoring chains or even hitting the scoreboard himself.
Annable has been noted by many as a strong leader among his peer group.
Overall, a very well rounded midfield prospect who stands out among this years crop due to the lack of any major weaknesses in his game. He will add to the abundance of riches that the Lions currently have in their midfield group.
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eDPS
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Pick 9 - Essendon - Cooper Duff-Tytler - 201cm - Ruckman/Tall Forward
Well Monocle and Smythe have left me in a real predicament here as Essendon don’t need any more rucks or tall forwards on the list but CDT is simply far too good to pass up this late. CDT is one of 3 players I consider pick 1 calibre with the most potential to be stars of the competition.
CDT is one of the better tall talents to come through the draft in the last few years. He moves like a midfielder, uses the ball like a midfielder and has the endurance as a midfielder yet he is 201cm. There have been queries on his ruck work but you won’t find many 18 year old rucks with strong ruck craft and is something better developed at AFL level anyway and the overhead marking has been inconsistent but should hopefully be developed at AFL level.
Pick 10 - Essendon - Sam Cumming - 183cm - Midfielder/Forward
It’s a repeat of the earlier phantom we did where I took CDT and Cumming and still happy to do the same. Cumming reminds me a lot of players like Zac Butters and Zac Bailey with a strong contested of Butters as a midfielder and the ability to hit the scoreboard and create scoring opportunities.
His time at senior level was cut short due to injury but made a splash very quickly and arguably outperformed Sharp who had been playing senior football for a lot longer. I really wanted a player who could play forward early in their career to a high level and then push into the middle and Cumming is the perfect type.
noobermensch
Well Monocle and Smythe have left me in a real predicament here as Essendon don’t need any more rucks or tall forwards on the list but CDT is simply far too good to pass up this late. CDT is one of 3 players I consider pick 1 calibre with the most potential to be stars of the competition.
CDT is one of the better tall talents to come through the draft in the last few years. He moves like a midfielder, uses the ball like a midfielder and has the endurance as a midfielder yet he is 201cm. There have been queries on his ruck work but you won’t find many 18 year old rucks with strong ruck craft and is something better developed at AFL level anyway and the overhead marking has been inconsistent but should hopefully be developed at AFL level.
Pick 10 - Essendon - Sam Cumming - 183cm - Midfielder/Forward
It’s a repeat of the earlier phantom we did where I took CDT and Cumming and still happy to do the same. Cumming reminds me a lot of players like Zac Butters and Zac Bailey with a strong contested of Butters as a midfielder and the ability to hit the scoreboard and create scoring opportunities.
His time at senior level was cut short due to injury but made a splash very quickly and arguably outperformed Sharp who had been playing senior football for a lot longer. I really wanted a player who could play forward early in their career to a high level and then push into the middle and Cumming is the perfect type.
noobermensch
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noobermensch
Norm Smith Medallist
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I think this is a situation where the obvious two candidates for Melbourne's picks here also fit their needs well and complement the their existing young core so I wont over think it and will lock in:
Pick 11 - Melbourne - Sam Grlj - 182cm midfielder/utility
It seems likely that Langford and Rivers will play more through the middle from next season, both of them big boys that will do the grunt work and would likely welcome the extra pace and dynamism of someone like Grlj alongside them in future seasons.
While I do see Grlj as more of a risk than some of the others that have been taken with earlier picks, there's no doubt that he has the athletic talent and attacking instincts to go far if he's able to put it all together and realize his potential. A strong combine confirmed what the eye test has already shown us this year, Grlj provides incredible running power through an elite turn of pace combined with excellent endurance, and adds fantastic agility and dancing feet. One of his most impressive traits is his instinct to charge forward after disposing of the ball to continue getting involved further up the ground for one two's and overlapping run, burning opponents off to create an outnumber. The rumour is that Grlj is a high character kid away from the footy field, and an incredibly hard trainer who sets standards for his teammates. His kicking mechanics aren't amazing at this stage, but his ability to navigate traffic into open space allows him to be more deliberate than most in his decision making and skill execution so his disposal efficiency doesn't tend to suffer. His relatively subdued champs carnival was a slight concern, but he followed that up with two strong performances for Richmond VFL. Grlj can win his own contested footy, but is at his strongest when he's able to get his motor running on the outside.
Pick 12 - Melbourne - Jacob Farrow - 187cm defender/midfielder?
Jacob Farrow looks to be a perfect replacement for Rivers as a medium sized defender, solid in the air and on the ground and with a penetrating left boot that he can use to set up play for his team. Unlike many rebounding defenders that project as potential future midfielders, Farrow actually has runs on the board as an inside mid, both at Champs level and in the Colts, suggesting that the same pathway trodden by the likes of Richards, Young and Dawson could well be in his future.
Following the pick of Grlj, Farrow represents another high upside prospect for the Dees, a player that's risen up the draft ranks consistently all year, stepping up to the various challenges that have been presented to him. He was one of WA's most impressive performers at the champs carnival, performed well when called up to the senior WAFL team, and of course put together some dominant Colts performances.
As a rebounding defender, Farrow loves to use his running power to get up the ground and active around the wings and through the middle of the field, thriving with the extra time and space to pick off targets. As a midfielder his competitiveness shines, never shying away from the physical stuff and racking up high tackle numbers as well as an ability to navigate traffic to extract the footy.
Consideration given to Aidan Schubert and Josh Lindsay.
Pick 11 - Melbourne - Sam Grlj - 182cm midfielder/utility
It seems likely that Langford and Rivers will play more through the middle from next season, both of them big boys that will do the grunt work and would likely welcome the extra pace and dynamism of someone like Grlj alongside them in future seasons.
While I do see Grlj as more of a risk than some of the others that have been taken with earlier picks, there's no doubt that he has the athletic talent and attacking instincts to go far if he's able to put it all together and realize his potential. A strong combine confirmed what the eye test has already shown us this year, Grlj provides incredible running power through an elite turn of pace combined with excellent endurance, and adds fantastic agility and dancing feet. One of his most impressive traits is his instinct to charge forward after disposing of the ball to continue getting involved further up the ground for one two's and overlapping run, burning opponents off to create an outnumber. The rumour is that Grlj is a high character kid away from the footy field, and an incredibly hard trainer who sets standards for his teammates. His kicking mechanics aren't amazing at this stage, but his ability to navigate traffic into open space allows him to be more deliberate than most in his decision making and skill execution so his disposal efficiency doesn't tend to suffer. His relatively subdued champs carnival was a slight concern, but he followed that up with two strong performances for Richmond VFL. Grlj can win his own contested footy, but is at his strongest when he's able to get his motor running on the outside.
Pick 12 - Melbourne - Jacob Farrow - 187cm defender/midfielder?
Jacob Farrow looks to be a perfect replacement for Rivers as a medium sized defender, solid in the air and on the ground and with a penetrating left boot that he can use to set up play for his team. Unlike many rebounding defenders that project as potential future midfielders, Farrow actually has runs on the board as an inside mid, both at Champs level and in the Colts, suggesting that the same pathway trodden by the likes of Richards, Young and Dawson could well be in his future.
Following the pick of Grlj, Farrow represents another high upside prospect for the Dees, a player that's risen up the draft ranks consistently all year, stepping up to the various challenges that have been presented to him. He was one of WA's most impressive performers at the champs carnival, performed well when called up to the senior WAFL team, and of course put together some dominant Colts performances.
As a rebounding defender, Farrow loves to use his running power to get up the ground and active around the wings and through the middle of the field, thriving with the extra time and space to pick off targets. As a midfielder his competitiveness shines, never shying away from the physical stuff and racking up high tackle numbers as well as an ability to navigate traffic to extract the footy.
Consideration given to Aidan Schubert and Josh Lindsay.
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Chris25
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Pick 12 Hawthorn - Josh Lindsay (183cm mid/def)
Just 11 picks in, and the draft is already light on for what I would view as Hawthorn’s biggest need. No, not less cringeworthy behaviour that even the most one eyed adult fan must be embarrassed by. Or the ability to stand up in a tackle and not flop at the slightest touch. I’m talking about midfield depth. There’s a reason they were keen to sell the farm for Merrett after all.
But since that top line mid just isn’t here, I’ll go best available and pick a guy who is at least one of the best at what he does - kick. And since Hawthorn’s next million dollar player is a butcher, getting some genuine skill and vision seems like a good idea.
The question mark is where does Lindsay play, he’d probably be a top 10 lock if the answer to that was in the middle. But it’s more likely to be half back or wing. The other question is does he get an original nickname or steal one from a superior former player.
Otherwise, I had Marsh, Dovaston and Barker in the mix. Would have been 50/50 between Lindsay and Farrow.
PMBangers
Just 11 picks in, and the draft is already light on for what I would view as Hawthorn’s biggest need. No, not less cringeworthy behaviour that even the most one eyed adult fan must be embarrassed by. Or the ability to stand up in a tackle and not flop at the slightest touch. I’m talking about midfield depth. There’s a reason they were keen to sell the farm for Merrett after all.
But since that top line mid just isn’t here, I’ll go best available and pick a guy who is at least one of the best at what he does - kick. And since Hawthorn’s next million dollar player is a butcher, getting some genuine skill and vision seems like a good idea.
The question mark is where does Lindsay play, he’d probably be a top 10 lock if the answer to that was in the middle. But it’s more likely to be half back or wing. The other question is does he get an original nickname or steal one from a superior former player.
Otherwise, I had Marsh, Dovaston and Barker in the mix. Would have been 50/50 between Lindsay and Farrow.
PMBangers
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Pick 14 - GWS
Harley Barker
Sturt/ SA
Wing
Felt a similar way about this part of the draft as Chris did, it's light on for genuine midfielders that I have confidence will be impactful at AFL Level long term, so the only real 'need' list wise from a GWS perspective is hard to address. With that, I just went with the guy I feel has the best weapons for the next level.
I've been a big fan of Barker since the second AFL Academy game, his athleticism immediately drew me in and after some closer watching from then to the end of Champs I was continually impressed with his wing craft and ability to create moments in the front half, suiting the typical attacking wingman role well.
Maybe I'm too bullish but I do think Barker has the right stuff to become an inside mid at the next level which is a large part of his appeal to me, with his traits aligning well to become a Petracca sort of Mid/Fwd if all goes well.
I also heavily considered Oskar Taylor but felt in a straight up comparison the size and aerial capabilities of Barker were better than the extra speed and more refined ball use of Taylor, and despite how much I like him it felt a tad too early for a bid on Harry Kyle given the options I like that were still available, but if this was two picks later I probably would've gone with that first.
Monocle
Harley Barker
Sturt/ SA
Wing
Felt a similar way about this part of the draft as Chris did, it's light on for genuine midfielders that I have confidence will be impactful at AFL Level long term, so the only real 'need' list wise from a GWS perspective is hard to address. With that, I just went with the guy I feel has the best weapons for the next level.
I've been a big fan of Barker since the second AFL Academy game, his athleticism immediately drew me in and after some closer watching from then to the end of Champs I was continually impressed with his wing craft and ability to create moments in the front half, suiting the typical attacking wingman role well.
Maybe I'm too bullish but I do think Barker has the right stuff to become an inside mid at the next level which is a large part of his appeal to me, with his traits aligning well to become a Petracca sort of Mid/Fwd if all goes well.
I also heavily considered Oskar Taylor but felt in a straight up comparison the size and aerial capabilities of Barker were better than the extra speed and more refined ball use of Taylor, and despite how much I like him it felt a tad too early for a bid on Harry Kyle given the options I like that were still available, but if this was two picks later I probably would've gone with that first.
Monocle
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Pick 15 - West Coast - Aidan Schubert - 198 cm - KPP - Central Districts.
When you need help on every line and mid way through the first round, the best KPP is still on the board, you don't think too long, you just take them.
Schubert has had a very impressive year in which he has been a regular goal scorer, at all levels.
The feature of his game for me is his contested marking he was absolutely dominant in this aspect of the game in the Championships.
His ability to be a solid chop out in SA's ruck was another aspect of his game that was an unexpected surprise.
He is currently 198 cm ( and by his own admission is still growing ) which presents as a very nice height for a KPP when coupled with his agility and athleticism will make him a hard match up in the AFL.
He has IMO shown scope to play KPP anywhere down the spine with chop out ruck duties scope, which surely hold attraction given the new ruck rules, given that he repeat efforts are also a feature to his game.
Schubert as I have mentioned earlier, has featured prominently in the goals scorers this year, having scored the following:
28 goals from 13 games in the SA under 18's for Central Districts.
10 goals from 4 games for SA in the National Championships.
In his league debut for Central Districts ( in an elimination final none the less ), he managed to join the first kick / first goal Club, when he launched a long bomb from outside the 50 meter arc, that never looked like missing from the time it left his boot.
Another factor that swayed my decision to take Schubert with this pick is the fact that he is one the youngest players in this cohort, had he been born 11 days latter than he was, then he would be in next years cohort, not this.
This kid has a hell of a lot of upside and he has a bright AFL future ahead of him.
Having picked up Duursma and Sharp, Schubert is a player that could be a KPP for 15 years and if he eventually plays KPF then he and Shanahan, would be a good pairing.
Dovaston was also very tempting
goodcop badcop
- Aidan Schubert - 198 cm - KPP - Central Districts.
When you need help on every line and mid way through the first round, the best KPP is still on the board, you don't think too long, you just take them.
Schubert has had a very impressive year in which he has been a regular goal scorer, at all levels.
The feature of his game for me is his contested marking he was absolutely dominant in this aspect of the game in the Championships.
His ability to be a solid chop out in SA's ruck was another aspect of his game that was an unexpected surprise.
He is currently 198 cm ( and by his own admission is still growing ) which presents as a very nice height for a KPP when coupled with his agility and athleticism will make him a hard match up in the AFL.
He has IMO shown scope to play KPP anywhere down the spine with chop out ruck duties scope, which surely hold attraction given the new ruck rules, given that he repeat efforts are also a feature to his game.
Schubert as I have mentioned earlier, has featured prominently in the goals scorers this year, having scored the following:
28 goals from 13 games in the SA under 18's for Central Districts.
10 goals from 4 games for SA in the National Championships.
In his league debut for Central Districts ( in an elimination final none the less ), he managed to join the first kick / first goal Club, when he launched a long bomb from outside the 50 meter arc, that never looked like missing from the time it left his boot.
Another factor that swayed my decision to take Schubert with this pick is the fact that he is one the youngest players in this cohort, had he been born 11 days latter than he was, then he would be in next years cohort, not this.
This kid has a hell of a lot of upside and he has a bright AFL future ahead of him.
Having picked up Duursma and Sharp, Schubert is a player that could be a KPP for 15 years and if he eventually plays KPF then he and Shanahan, would be a good pairing.
Dovaston was also very tempting
goodcop badcop
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Pick 16 - Western Bulldogs - Lachy Dovaston
Eastern Ranges/Vic metro
177cm, Small forward
Dovaston has been shifted around over the years. Previously was an All Australian wing at u16 level and then was used as a small defender for the majority of last year, Dovaston has found another home this year as a small forward to tremendous effect.
A very creative, high energy player, Dovaston possesses a strong work rate pushing up the ground then involving himself in attacking chains on the way back. He also has very good goal sense and some swagger about him averaging above 2 goals at nationals and over 3 goals at Coates league level. His defensive pressure is also exciting, averaging 5.6 tackles at Coates league level. He also possesses some strong athletic traits, his agility of 7.79 draft combine time was No 1 this year and placed him in the top 10 of all time. His leap was also impressive and was top 5 in this year's draft combine.
Some improvement I'd like to see from him is his disposal can be a tad scrappy, I think because he plays at such a fast pace and high energy he can lose some composure and just throws it on to the boot around goal and in general play. Whilst reasonably clean, if he can get a bit cleaner over the ball, I think that could take his game to another level also. Also his straight line top end speed could get better. Whilst not bad, it's only about average for the position he plays. He did have a decent 20m sprint time, so he clearly is quick over a short distance.
Also considered here Oskar Taylor, Blake Thredgold, Jack Ison
Thunderstruck
Eastern Ranges/Vic metro
177cm, Small forward
Dovaston has been shifted around over the years. Previously was an All Australian wing at u16 level and then was used as a small defender for the majority of last year, Dovaston has found another home this year as a small forward to tremendous effect.
A very creative, high energy player, Dovaston possesses a strong work rate pushing up the ground then involving himself in attacking chains on the way back. He also has very good goal sense and some swagger about him averaging above 2 goals at nationals and over 3 goals at Coates league level. His defensive pressure is also exciting, averaging 5.6 tackles at Coates league level. He also possesses some strong athletic traits, his agility of 7.79 draft combine time was No 1 this year and placed him in the top 10 of all time. His leap was also impressive and was top 5 in this year's draft combine.
Some improvement I'd like to see from him is his disposal can be a tad scrappy, I think because he plays at such a fast pace and high energy he can lose some composure and just throws it on to the boot around goal and in general play. Whilst reasonably clean, if he can get a bit cleaner over the ball, I think that could take his game to another level also. Also his straight line top end speed could get better. Whilst not bad, it's only about average for the position he plays. He did have a decent 20m sprint time, so he clearly is quick over a short distance.
Also considered here Oskar Taylor, Blake Thredgold, Jack Ison
Thunderstruck
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PICK 17 - SYDNEY - MATCHED BID - HARRY KYLE - 188cm Def/Mid - Sydney Academy
View attachment kyle (1).webp
Bit earlier than I would have liked for the Swans but I will match here.
Harry has great hands, reads the play well and has an attacking mindset with great running power.
His athletic traits and attributes point to a high upside where he could become a great half back or even maybe in the future push through the middle.
Harry is a little bit raw and still learning the game properly but his rise throughout the season and attributes point to a ceiling worth developing and investing in.
His 4 swans academy games in the season had him averaging 20 disp, 4 marks and 2 tackles per game with good ball use.
The Swans will have to pick and choose who they match out of their academy, and I think Harry is definitely one they will match, albeit, hoping it comes a little bit later in the draft than here, but today I match.
Back to you Thunderstruck for Adelaide
View attachment kyle (1).webp
Bit earlier than I would have liked for the Swans but I will match here.
Harry has great hands, reads the play well and has an attacking mindset with great running power.
His athletic traits and attributes point to a high upside where he could become a great half back or even maybe in the future push through the middle.
Harry is a little bit raw and still learning the game properly but his rise throughout the season and attributes point to a ceiling worth developing and investing in.
His 4 swans academy games in the season had him averaging 20 disp, 4 marks and 2 tackles per game with good ball use.
The Swans will have to pick and choose who they match out of their academy, and I think Harry is definitely one they will match, albeit, hoping it comes a little bit later in the draft than here, but today I match.
Back to you Thunderstruck for Adelaide
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Pick 18 - Adelaide - Blake Oudshoorn-Bennier North Adelaide 183cm
The bid on Kyle for me was due to Barker not being there, as he was my target but was looking for good ball users, with speed, skill and power/penetration. Kyle I think has huge upside and will be a great player in time once he learns the game even more than he knows now - a weapon off half back or down the wing.
With the bid matched, I simply picked the next off my list and am stoked to get one of my favourites of this draft in Oudshoorn-Bennier.
Now he might also be seen as a reach but one must remember he did have a nasty injury setback with a dislocated shoulder and torn labrum - the latter of which he still has and played out the season with which is a testament to his commitment to his draft year. Without this, I suspect he may have have been higher up many draft boards.
Oudshoorn-Bennier or 'BOB' as I will refer to him from now on as is a well rounded midfielder with good to very good pace and a beautiful, penetrating kick who makes good decisions. The crows need better ball users with speed, perhaps a knock is that they have too many one paced mids unless they move Rankine in there. Even Dawson is not quick despite posessing a lovely leg. BOB will add to the damage, quality decision making and even leadership, an area he has always been a natural at. He leads from the front, has captained many junior sides and is beyond his years in maturity with superb dedication to preparation to get the best out of himself. His agility in tight is notable - with a great sidestep but still remains balanced whilst doing do and has the pace to burst away without having that Dangerfield type of power. He is class and will suit the modern game well with his damaging skills.
Areas to work on would be defensive transition and something he has admitted to himself, but probably something he can pick up on fairly easily with his professional approach and also perhaps his physical strength in the contest, but he does make up for it with his agility in tight.
Player comparisons are always hard but I see a fair bit of Simon Goodwin but just as a right footer instead of the left, he can rake a footy when required. Thilthorpe, Fogarty and even Tex in his final year would appreciate the ball coming in with the quality BOB has.
Other considerations: Phillipou - I like him as a late first and he may have more upside, more power but his kicking can be very hit and miss which I've rated below BOB. Onley - Big bodied mid with explosive power and strength but perhaps tank is a small worry. Greeves - big body again and I like him, however attitude and defensive work may get found out at AFL level. If he works on that though Greeves would still be worthy of Pick 18.
LemmingMaster
The bid on Kyle for me was due to Barker not being there, as he was my target but was looking for good ball users, with speed, skill and power/penetration. Kyle I think has huge upside and will be a great player in time once he learns the game even more than he knows now - a weapon off half back or down the wing.
With the bid matched, I simply picked the next off my list and am stoked to get one of my favourites of this draft in Oudshoorn-Bennier.
Now he might also be seen as a reach but one must remember he did have a nasty injury setback with a dislocated shoulder and torn labrum - the latter of which he still has and played out the season with which is a testament to his commitment to his draft year. Without this, I suspect he may have have been higher up many draft boards.
Oudshoorn-Bennier or 'BOB' as I will refer to him from now on as is a well rounded midfielder with good to very good pace and a beautiful, penetrating kick who makes good decisions. The crows need better ball users with speed, perhaps a knock is that they have too many one paced mids unless they move Rankine in there. Even Dawson is not quick despite posessing a lovely leg. BOB will add to the damage, quality decision making and even leadership, an area he has always been a natural at. He leads from the front, has captained many junior sides and is beyond his years in maturity with superb dedication to preparation to get the best out of himself. His agility in tight is notable - with a great sidestep but still remains balanced whilst doing do and has the pace to burst away without having that Dangerfield type of power. He is class and will suit the modern game well with his damaging skills.
Areas to work on would be defensive transition and something he has admitted to himself, but probably something he can pick up on fairly easily with his professional approach and also perhaps his physical strength in the contest, but he does make up for it with his agility in tight.
Player comparisons are always hard but I see a fair bit of Simon Goodwin but just as a right footer instead of the left, he can rake a footy when required. Thilthorpe, Fogarty and even Tex in his final year would appreciate the ball coming in with the quality BOB has.
Other considerations: Phillipou - I like him as a late first and he may have more upside, more power but his kicking can be very hit and miss which I've rated below BOB. Onley - Big bodied mid with explosive power and strength but perhaps tank is a small worry. Greeves - big body again and I like him, however attitude and defensive work may get found out at AFL level. If he works on that though Greeves would still be worthy of Pick 18.
LemmingMaster
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LemmingMaster has had to leave the Phantom Draft so I’ll be taking Geelong from here with PMBangers taking Blues
Pick 19 - Geelong - Jevan Phillipou - 183cm - Forward/Midfielder
If not for injury Phillipou could have gone a lot higher than this, like Cumming he has the ability to make an impact in the middle and up forward and could also see him making a good attacking partnership with Dempsey rotating wing and forward
Pick 19 - Geelong - Jevan Phillipou - 183cm - Forward/Midfielder
If not for injury Phillipou could have gone a lot higher than this, like Cumming he has the ability to make an impact in the middle and up forward and could also see him making a good attacking partnership with Dempsey rotating wing and forward
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PICK 20 - SYDNEY - MAX KING - Matched bid - 191cm - Fwd - Sydney academy
Max has many AFL level attributes being athleticism, speed, clean hands, power, versatility and nous. By his own admission, his footy IQ and leading patterns when forward need tuning.
He has a high upside with all his traits and through his versatility with the fact he was playing through the middle of the ground during under 16’s then went forward most of this year. He is a hybrid player that if he gets it together and refines his weaknesses could be anything for the swans.
Tackling is a weakness which would need to be addressed given he does not have the height to be the number one forward, meaning he will likely play that high half forward or even wing role when not being the second or third tall option down forward. Maybe he still has some growing to do, that will be a huge plus.
Swans may have lost Will Hayward but have replaced him here with a Hayward/Heeney 'style' hybrid in training with Max King, and they match the bid here given his huge potential and high ceiling. This would be around the range a bid may come in the real thing too.
PMBangers
Max has many AFL level attributes being athleticism, speed, clean hands, power, versatility and nous. By his own admission, his footy IQ and leading patterns when forward need tuning.
He has a high upside with all his traits and through his versatility with the fact he was playing through the middle of the ground during under 16’s then went forward most of this year. He is a hybrid player that if he gets it together and refines his weaknesses could be anything for the swans.
Tackling is a weakness which would need to be addressed given he does not have the height to be the number one forward, meaning he will likely play that high half forward or even wing role when not being the second or third tall option down forward. Maybe he still has some growing to do, that will be a huge plus.
Swans may have lost Will Hayward but have replaced him here with a Hayward/Heeney 'style' hybrid in training with Max King, and they match the bid here given his huge potential and high ceiling. This would be around the range a bid may come in the real thing too.
PMBangers
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PMBangers
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Pick 21 - Carlton
Mitch Marsh
West Adelaide / SA
Forward
Marsh brings high level disposal and decision making within the forward half of the ground, with his accuracy in front of goal, aerial strength and leading patterns allowing him to be a deeper option when required through the year, as shown best in the Champs this season when Schubert or Nairn played higher up the ground. His endurance base suggests that with time he could be a wing option, where he could bring that disposal quality further afield, but I'd assume Calrton would just keep him forward long term.
If this was a pick I was making it would've been Oskar Taylor as someone that I could see replacing Adam Saad in time with similar kicking capabilities and speed, but I let a Carlton supporting mate make this decision for me. I also consider this as a good point in the draft to bid on Tylah Williams.
Chris25
Mitch Marsh
West Adelaide / SA
Forward
Marsh brings high level disposal and decision making within the forward half of the ground, with his accuracy in front of goal, aerial strength and leading patterns allowing him to be a deeper option when required through the year, as shown best in the Champs this season when Schubert or Nairn played higher up the ground. His endurance base suggests that with time he could be a wing option, where he could bring that disposal quality further afield, but I'd assume Calrton would just keep him forward long term.
If this was a pick I was making it would've been Oskar Taylor as someone that I could see replacing Adam Saad in time with similar kicking capabilities and speed, but I let a Carlton supporting mate make this decision for me. I also consider this as a good point in the draft to bid on Tylah Williams.
Chris25
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Chris25
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Pick 22 Fremantle - Cameron Nairn (188cm forward/wing)
The draft has pretty much played out as expected so far, which is what a lot of Fremantle fans are worried about. There’s not really a slider to just make things easy. Oskar Taylor is probably best available, but a half back without clear midfield potential wouldn’t be near the top of the shopping list.
Like a lot of mocks, I considered Blake Thredgold as another best available. I think he has real potential as a true full back and is probably the best in the draft. Also thought about LeRay, Pickett and a bid on Williams.
But I’ll go with Nairn here with his upside and versatility. He’s a smart forward with good ability overhead. Long term, I think he has the game to he developed out on the wing and ticks a lot of boxes for what I think the wing position is becoming.
eDPS
The draft has pretty much played out as expected so far, which is what a lot of Fremantle fans are worried about. There’s not really a slider to just make things easy. Oskar Taylor is probably best available, but a half back without clear midfield potential wouldn’t be near the top of the shopping list.
Like a lot of mocks, I considered Blake Thredgold as another best available. I think he has real potential as a true full back and is probably the best in the draft. Also thought about LeRay, Pickett and a bid on Williams.
But I’ll go with Nairn here with his upside and versatility. He’s a smart forward with good ability overhead. Long term, I think he has the game to he developed out on the wing and ticks a lot of boxes for what I think the wing position is becoming.
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Pick 23 - Essendon - Lachlan Carmichael - 183cm - Defender
Doubt Swans pass on Carmichael in the real thing but very happy to read his name out for the Bombers. Arguably the most composed player in the draft Carmichael is a cool head down back and has great skills by hand and foot, he isn’t super quick and not the best jumper but he doesn’t need to be he can easily play a Zorko type of role.
He has shown some good form in the midfield aswell showing he can win his own ball when required being able to play an offensive/defensive role.
Doubt Swans pass on Carmichael in the real thing but very happy to read his name out for the Bombers. Arguably the most composed player in the draft Carmichael is a cool head down back and has great skills by hand and foot, he isn’t super quick and not the best jumper but he doesn’t need to be he can easily play a Zorko type of role.
He has shown some good form in the midfield aswell showing he can win his own ball when required being able to play an offensive/defensive role.
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Chris25
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- Fremantle
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- West End Redbacks, Cleveland Browns
Pick 24 Hawthorn - Riley Onley (195cm mid)
I suspect Onley will be someone who divides recruiters and this is probably right at the top of his range. But in a below average draft pool, an athletic 195cm mid seems like a decent risk to take. And I’d be surprised if a team didn’t view things the same way and jump.
He’s quick, athletic and clean with his hands. I think he’s a decent stoppage player, but he does it without being particularly physical despite his size - if a team can get him to play to his 195cm frame, then he should have plenty of upside to come.
Again considered Thredgold for better KPD depth, as well as LeRay and Pickett again.
roos_fanatic08
I suspect Onley will be someone who divides recruiters and this is probably right at the top of his range. But in a below average draft pool, an athletic 195cm mid seems like a decent risk to take. And I’d be surprised if a team didn’t view things the same way and jump.
He’s quick, athletic and clean with his hands. I think he’s a decent stoppage player, but he does it without being particularly physical despite his size - if a team can get him to play to his 195cm frame, then he should have plenty of upside to come.
Again considered Thredgold for better KPD depth, as well as LeRay and Pickett again.
roos_fanatic08
Pick 25 - North Melbourne - Louis Emmett Oakleigh Charges - 199cm
In an ideal world north will be selecting at least one developing KP with their two picks in their twenties.
Emmett makes so much sense from a list balance perspective for North as he can play as a genuine key forward or a pinch hitter in the ruck. While his form didn’t hit the heights expected of him this year, he has still managed to show glimpses of his potential with his contested marking, physicality and work rate. He has a solid athletic base which he showcased at the combine with an elite 2km effort and excellent agility for a kid his height.
His one on one game is very raw and at times needs to work on his game sense, but with raw athleticism and competitiveness to boot he rates as solid long term option beyond pick 12 or 13.
Pick 26 - North Melbourne - Ollie Greeves Eastern Ranges - 191cm
Just too good of a player to pass up at this stage of the draft, Greeves is simply the best available at this pick. Despite investing heavily in midfield through the draft, North could still do with some developing midfield depth, especially one with some genuine height and elite stoppage craft.
Greeves rarely played a bad game throughout the year and was a big reason Eastern had such a dominant finals campaign. His stoppage craft is powerful with strong hands and the ability to shrug tackles. He is a clean player by hand but is also capable of long penetrating kicking. He also is more than capable of swinging forward and getting on the scoreboard.
While the above reads like a top 5 pick, his defensive efforts, transition running, athleticism and accountability really needs some work. He lets himself down regularly with poor efforts in this space often walking to contests or completely losing interest on the turnover. In an AFL environment though you’d expect all these deficiencies to improve considerable and at this stage of the draft his upside is too hard to ignore.
eDPS Essendon are up!
In an ideal world north will be selecting at least one developing KP with their two picks in their twenties.
Emmett makes so much sense from a list balance perspective for North as he can play as a genuine key forward or a pinch hitter in the ruck. While his form didn’t hit the heights expected of him this year, he has still managed to show glimpses of his potential with his contested marking, physicality and work rate. He has a solid athletic base which he showcased at the combine with an elite 2km effort and excellent agility for a kid his height.
His one on one game is very raw and at times needs to work on his game sense, but with raw athleticism and competitiveness to boot he rates as solid long term option beyond pick 12 or 13.
Pick 26 - North Melbourne - Ollie Greeves Eastern Ranges - 191cm
Just too good of a player to pass up at this stage of the draft, Greeves is simply the best available at this pick. Despite investing heavily in midfield through the draft, North could still do with some developing midfield depth, especially one with some genuine height and elite stoppage craft.
Greeves rarely played a bad game throughout the year and was a big reason Eastern had such a dominant finals campaign. His stoppage craft is powerful with strong hands and the ability to shrug tackles. He is a clean player by hand but is also capable of long penetrating kicking. He also is more than capable of swinging forward and getting on the scoreboard.
While the above reads like a top 5 pick, his defensive efforts, transition running, athleticism and accountability really needs some work. He lets himself down regularly with poor efforts in this space often walking to contests or completely losing interest on the turnover. In an AFL environment though you’d expect all these deficiencies to improve considerable and at this stage of the draft his upside is too hard to ignore.
eDPS Essendon are up!
eDPS
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- Essendon
Pick 27 - Essendon - Latrelle Pickett - 182cm - Small Forward
More quality small forwards is a huge need for Essendon and arguably just as big a need is brining in indigenous talent which was such a feature for Essendon back when it was a somewhat strong club. Pickett is incredibly exciting and a great talent but the key to his success this year has been the hard work he has put in aswell, there is so much potential for Pickett in an AFL environment and could end up a real steal here.
Pick 28 - Essendon - Adam Sweid - 176cm - Midfielder/Forward
A Sweid bid really shapes the draft for Essendon and a late one might just mean El Achkar goes to another club. I’m taking Sweid here not just because of his obvious ties to Essendon but he is also very worthy to be taken at this range and fits as a midfielder who can play as a small forward to a strong degree.
Tough with a great work rate he is the type of player Essendon needs and how the club wants to play going forward.
Essendon pass remaining selections
goodcop badcop
More quality small forwards is a huge need for Essendon and arguably just as big a need is brining in indigenous talent which was such a feature for Essendon back when it was a somewhat strong club. Pickett is incredibly exciting and a great talent but the key to his success this year has been the hard work he has put in aswell, there is so much potential for Pickett in an AFL environment and could end up a real steal here.
Pick 28 - Essendon - Adam Sweid - 176cm - Midfielder/Forward
A Sweid bid really shapes the draft for Essendon and a late one might just mean El Achkar goes to another club. I’m taking Sweid here not just because of his obvious ties to Essendon but he is also very worthy to be taken at this range and fits as a midfielder who can play as a small forward to a strong degree.
Tough with a great work rate he is the type of player Essendon needs and how the club wants to play going forward.
Essendon pass remaining selections
goodcop badcop
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