Blue and Silver
Brownlow Medallist
First attempt at one of these and is largely based off of percieved needs and talent of available players (most phantom drafts are
) Now has a second round and some changes
Priority Round:
Pick 1: Melbourne, Jack Trengrove (Sturt,SA)
Height: 185cm, Weight: 82kg, DOB: 02/09/91
Recruited from: Kybybolite
Looks to be an excellent selection as the first player out of the National Draft. Talented with clean disposal, creative play and a habit of winning contested footy. Has great leadership skills and should be able to handle th pressure of being first off
Others Considered: Tom Scully gets usurped for the first pick in the National Draft purely because i believe Trengrove will handle it better.
First Round:
Pick 2: Melbourne, Tom Scully (Dandenong Stingrays, VIC)
Height: 182cm, Weight: 74kg, DOB: 15/05/91
Recruited from: Haileybury College
Exceptional ball-winner with great hands that looks at home in clearances and contested situations in close. His endurance is a great aspect of his game and he deservedly took out Vic Metro's MVP and an All-Australian place after an excellent U/18's carnival.
Others Considered: There is an outside chance Morabito, Martin or Cunnington could take this place, but it seems very unlikely.
Pick 3: Richmond, Dustin Martin (Bendigo Pioneers, VIC)
Height: 187cm, Weight: 86kg, DOB: 26/06/91
Recruited from: Castlemaine
The skillful Martin is picked up by Richmond to add to their rebuilding midfield and to add some future elite talent. An attacking player with great skills and balance alongside ball-winning ability, Martin offers Richmond a superb long term player.
Others Considered: Cunnington ran close to taking this, Morabito too, both are great players but Martin edges ahead slightly in my view
Pick 4: Fremantle, Anthony Morabito (Peel Thunder, WA)
Height: 190cm, Weight: 90kg, DOB: 29/10/91
Recruited from: Harvey Brunswick
Morabito is not falling any farther than here, Fremantle will not let him. He has drawn so many comparisons to Adam Goodes, you would think Fremantle are looking to recruit the dual-Brownlow medallist. Quick, versatile, an outside player with an underrated inside game, Morabito makes sense for Fremantle and should be an integral part of their young midfield brigade.
Others Considered: I really can't see Morabito not being taken here if available. Otherwise one of Martin, Cunnington would fill the place.
Pick 5: North Melbourne, Ben Cunnington (Geelong Falcons, VIC)
Height: 186cm, Weight: 84kg, DOB: 30/06/91
Recruited from: Cobden
Brad Scott will love the competitive nature of Cunnington who rarely loses in a contest. The skills, good hands and his hard-at-it nature will seal the deal and make Cunnington a Kanga.
Others Considered: Effectivly the last of the elite midfielders in the draft Cunnington is unlikely to be replaced. Luke Tapscott might make the grade, and there is an outside chance of Koby Stevens or Kane Lucas making it but i just can't see Cunnington dropping further
Pick 6: Sydney, Luke Tapscott (North Adelaide, SA)
Height: 180cm, Weight: 86kg, DOB: 28/06/91
Recruited from: Orroroo
The kid with the most highly rated kick in the draft will be taken by Sydney to be tutored in the art of the forward/midfielder by Goodes and O'Keefe. The ball-winning ability and goal kicking of Tapscott will be enough to impress Roo's and he will join the re-building Swans.
Others Considered: Gary Rohan occured to me here, as the Swans are in need of a bit more X-Factor, but that may be available later. Lucas and Stevens are thoughts but Tapscott seems the better player.
Pick 7: West Coast, Kane Lucas (East Fremantle, WA)
Height: 188cm, Weight: 79kg, DOB: 26/06/91
Recruited from: Trinity College
Hard-running and skillful Lucas could replace for the Eagles what they lost in Cousins. With good awareness, speed and decision making all attributes likely to attract attention, not to mention being a WA boy, Lucas looks like a good selection for the Eagles.
Others Considered: Again Rohan was a thought as he may add a key ingredient to the Eagles forward mix but as a positional need those will be around later and Lucas is too good to pass up now.
Pick 8: Port Adelaide, Gary Rohan (Geelong Falcons, VIC)
Height: 186cm, Weight: 79kg, DOB: 07/06/91
Recruited from: Cobden
The skills and effectivness of Rohan will win out over his lack of ball-winning here as he moves to Adelaide to become the new impact player for the Power. As a forward Rohan will add spontaniety and flair to the Powers structure, and as a mid he can deliver the ball potently and quickly to targets.
Others Considered: Andrew Moore, Stevens and Ryan Bastinac all posibilities here but i think Rohan's potential cult-status, and sheer freakish talent win out.
Pick 9: Port Adelaide, Bradley Sheppard (East Fremantle, WA)
Height: 186cm, Weight: 78kg, DOB: 23/05/91
Recruited from: Wesley College
Good user of the ball who offers a great rebounding option out of defence and should move into the midfield. Having lost some midfield potency with the Burgoynes, they will try and regain some of this with Sheppard a prolific ball-winner.
Others Considered: Stevens, Bastinac, Melksham, Moore all possibilies to be taken here, Sheppards run out of half back winning the day
Pick 10: Essendon, Koby Stevens (Gippsland Power, VIC)
Height: 187cm, Weight: 83kg, DOB: 18/06/91
Recruited from: Lucknow
A tough, inside midfielder who can feed the ball out to Essendon's runners makes a lot of sense and Stevens fits this bill excellently. Noted for his ferocious attack on the ball in contested situations Stevens should add a lot to the Bombers list
Others Considered: Moore, Jake Melksham and Bastinac were all options here but Stevens offers more.
Pick 11: Melbourne, John Butcher (Gippsland Power, VIC)
Height: 197cm, Weight: 84kg, DOB: 03/07/91
Recruited from: Maffra
Having fallen considerably since his initial high ratings the spectacular marking and work on the ground marks Butcher as the best KPF at this point in the draft. Melbourne will look to form it's own Frankin/Roughead duo and along with Watts Butcher seems to fit the bill.
Others Considered: Carlisle, Talia and Black are all options for Melbourne here but to get Butcher this late in the first round would be too good to pass up.
Pick 12: Carlton, Jake Carlisle (Calder Cannons, VIC)
Height: 196cm, Weight: 83kg, DOB: 01/10/91
Recruited from: Craigieburn
Carlton's recruitment stratergy of picking the most talented will bring a young KPP with loads of potential over to the Blues. Versatility, strong marking, foot skills and ability to rea the play make Carlisle a good choice for Carlton.
Others Considered: Black, Bastinac, Talia, Melksham and Moore are all possibilities at Carlton's pick but Carlisle should win through
Pick 13: Adelaide, Andrew Moore (Eastern Ranges, VIC)
Height: 188cm, Weight: 81kg, DOB: 30/05/91
Recruited from: Yarra Valley Grammar
With no glaring necessities on their list the Crows will go for best available and Moore should fit that well. Decision making, marking and ability to find the football are all highlights that should see Moore sent to Adelaide.
Others Considered: Bastinac, Lewis Jetta, Melksham and Jordan Gysberts all were possibilities but Moore's height and possibility as a taller midfielder won out
Pick 14: Sydney, Troy Taylor (NT Thunder, NT)
Height: 188cm, Weight: 75kg, DOB: 12/09/91
Recruited from: South Alice Springs
After taking Tapscott as another member of their new-age midfield, Taylor will join the Swans in order to compliment the developing Jesse White. With good marking, skills by hand and foot and agility as features Taylor should be an excellent pick up for the Swans.
Others Considered: Black got a heavy look in, as did Sam Reid as a tall defender and Daniel Talia. Taylor got the nod for the X-factor he offers.
Pick 15: Western Bulldogs, Daniel Talia (Calder Cannons, VIC)
Height: 194cm, Weight: 89kg, DOB: 02/10/91
Recruited from: Assumption College
The dogs could use with a good KPP to hold a future at both ends of the ground, notably down back as there recruiting has angles towards young KPF's in recent times. Talia fits this role well with good hands, decision making and endurance shining out, will probably play a third man floating tall role but the Dogs could change this up
Others Considered: No other young KPP really rates this high with me for this position. Aaron Black could snag it but the Dog's will look for versatility and Talia offers this in bucketloads
Pick 16: Port Adelaide, Jack Fitzpatrick (Western Jets, VIC)
Height: 201cm, Weight: 85kg, DOB: 26/06/91
Recruited from: Wyndhamvale
Athletic and very versatile Fitzpatrick can play in the ruck, up forward or down back without issue. He should be a very useful addition to the tall stocks at Port. Very quick with good marking, he could be anything tall, it is up to Port to decide.
Others Considered: Bastinac, Melkshem, Lewis Jetta, Allen Christiensen and others were all midfielders i thought of that could compensate for the loss of the Burgoynes. Fitzpatrick can be used as a ruckmen as well as forward and back and this gives him an edge of other possible choices
Pick 17: Geelong, Aaron Black (Peel Thunder, WA)
Height: 193cm, Weight: 78kg, DOB: 29/11/90
Recruited from: Kingsley
Mature-aged KPF whose athleticism and kicking skills have lifted his ranking significantly since the start of the year. Geelong need a partner for Hawkins in their future forward line and Black should do nicely for them.
Others Considered: The reigning premiers should reload on youth so might pick up the best available mids instead which leavesthe door open for Bastinac, Melksham and Jetta as well as others who rate highly.
Second Round:
Pick 18: Melbourne, Lewis Jetta (Swan Districts, WA)
Height: 178cm, Weight: 72kg, DOB: 04/05/89
Recruited from: Bridgetown
That Jetta slides this far is interesting considering his mature-age could give him a greater chance of stepping right into an AFL side. However Melbourne will be stoked to get him and line him up with Scully and Trengrove and declare they have a potential premiership midfield alongside their other recent recruits.
Others Considered: Nathan Vardy was a possibility as he offers future ruck options that Melbourne could use and other mids like Bastinac, Christiensen, Melksham all were possibilities
Pick 19: Richmond, Benjamin Griffiths (Eastern Ranges, VIC)
Height: 198cm, Weight: 99kg, DOB: 17/09/91
Recruited from: Blackburn
KPF with great hands and long kicking for goal should be right on target for Richmond. With good roaming prospects in Reidwoldt and Morton a more straight up and lead player who takes marks and kicks long should suit the Tigers.
Others Considered: Matthew Panos was the other option i considered but tall forards kind of get very thin after that. Running backmen in Sam Reid or Daniel Menzel could be picked up to help deliver to the midfield and from there to the forwards.
Pick 20: Fremantle, Jake Melksham (Calder Cannons, VIC)
Height: 182cm, Weight: 69kg, DOB: 29/8/91
Recruited from: PEGS
A stand-out TAC grand final has lifted the expectations on this ball-winning skillful player. Along with Morabito, Ibbotson and Palmer the young Freo midfield will look fairly good in a few years.
Others Considered: Bastinac, Christiensen, Jordan Gysberts, Jesse Crichton and Travis Colyer were all midfielders who occured to me at this point.
Pick 21: North Melbourne, Ryan Bastinac (Dandenong Stingrays, VIC)
Height: 183cm, Weight: 74kg, DOB: 22/06/91
Recruited from: Rowville
Highly-rated and skillful in traffic and contested situations should reform the Kanga's midfield nicely alongside Cunnington.
Others Considered: Christiensen, Gysberts, Crichton, Colyer are all names that will be considered and will likely be taken in the next few picks
Pick 22: West Coast, Nat Fyfe (Claremont, WA)
Height: 186cm, Weight: 73kg, DOB: 18/09/91
Recruited from: Aquinas College
Might be a bit of a bolter here but fits what the Eagles will be after. Forward with dangerous goalkicking and X-factor should be enough to move LeCras into the midfield and may potentially follow him there in time, being a local helps too
Others Considered: Home state boys, Mitch Duncan and Anthony Delborello are chances but Fyfe has more of what the Eagles need
Pick 23: West Coast, Travis Colyer (Claremont, WA)
Height: 175cm, Weight: 73kg, DOB: 24/8/91
Recruited from: Trinity College
Attacking midfieder with good speed should slide into the Eagles side nicely here alongside teammate Nat Fyfe. I don't see KPP's as really a problem for the Eagles, but they can take some prospects later on to fill these gaps anyway
Others Considered: Christiensen, Gysberts, Duncan, Delborello and Crichton all rank here but get edged out
Pick 24: Essendon, Jordan Gysberts (Eastern Ranges, VIC)
Height: 188cm, Weight: 83kg, DOB: 11/6/91
Recruited from: Yarra Valley Grammar
Smart ball-winner who can push forward, probably where he will start, and score. The Don's just want more midfielders, by the bucketload they will take them as this should ensure they keep themselves in the eight.
Others Considered: Christiensen, Crichton and Delborello all good midfield prospects that miss out
Pick 25: North Melbourne, Matthew Panos (Norwood, SA)
Height: 192cm, Weight: 85kg, DOB: 25/01/91
Recruited from: Rostrevor College
Sturdy KPF that made All-Australian FF after he topped the U/18 Carnival goalkickers has mixed ratings but with those credentials should be a good pick up for the Roo's. The Kanga's need a new KPF to develop and Panos should slide nicely into their plans.
Others Considered: The midfielders mentioned above all were options but KPP's is where I think the Roo's headspace will be. Panos is the best of the options Tom Hill the only other one in the frame.
Pick 26: Essendon, Jesse Crichton (Tassie Mariners, TAS)
Height: 183cm, Weight: 66kg, DOB: 18/6/91
Recruited from: North Launceston
Creative playmaker who should work nicely at the Don's alongside Gysberts and Stevens. Getting this trio of midfielders all who have been touted as first rounders should sit well at Windy Hill
Others Considered: Christiensen, Delborello and Duncan all are possibilities as well as Josua Cowan
Pick 27: Brisbane, Josh Thomas (Gold Coast, QLD)
Height: 178cm, Weight: 70kg, DOB: 01/10/91
Recruited from: Broadbeach
The Queensland kid that opted out of being signed up by the Gold Coast and the Lions should spring early and claim this classy ball-winner as a potential replacement for Black. With pace and good skills should be a valuable first choice.
Others Considered: Christiensen, Hooper and Delborello all rate as well as Japer McMillan-Pittard and Joseph Dare as running backmen
Pick 28: Geelong, Allen Christiensen (Geelong Falcons, VIC)
Height: 176cm, Weight: 75kg, DOB: 19/05/91
Recruited from: Lara
A slide from his likely range will see the Cats snag a local here. A prolific ball-winner who makes sound decisions and is dangerous around goals should put pressure on Varcoe and Stokes to perform in a few years time.
Others Considered: Geelong could use with the lead up of Duncan or consider Joshua Cowan as a run and carry midfielder or Hooper as a strongly built versatile player.
Pick 29: Adelaide, Danel Menzel (Central District, SA)
Height: 185cm, Weight: 77kg, DOB: 13/09/91
Recruited from: Golden Grove
Running defender with good footy smarts and endurance should offer plenty to the Crows running out of the defensive 50 and provide some drive into the midfield.
Others Considered:Cowan, Hooper as midfielders are options here for the Crows.
Pick 30: Collingwood, Jasper McMillan-Pittard (Geelong Falcons, VIC)
Height: 185cm, Weight: 70kg, DOB: 01/01/91
Recruited from: Torquay
Run-and-Carry specialist out of defence with good kicking skills and reading of the play shapes up to be an apprentice to Maxwell and Shaw in zoning off. Could move into the midfield if required but better played off half-back.
Others Considered: Cowan and Hooper as well as Delborello are all potential choices
Pick 31: Western Bulldogs, Dylan Robertson (Dandenong Stingrays, VIC)
Height: 190cm, Weight: 78kg, DOB: 21/06/91
Recruited from: Frankston
Rebounding defender with good skills and decsion-making should be a project player for the Dog's who can develop him while their midfield/backline peaks.
Others Considered: Again Cowan and Hooper are up in consideration, Delborello too, Robertson seems like a good long-term prospect.
Pick 32: St Kilda, Joshua Cowan (North Ballarat Rebels, VIC)
Height: 183cm, Weight: 71kg, DOB: 16/3/91
Recruited from: Daylesford
Run and carry wingman who should put some serious pressure on the current Saints in these positions because of his ball-winning ability and dedication to working both offensivly and defensivly. Composed with good decision making will also be key attributes.
Others Considered: Hooper, Delborello and Jospeh Dare seemed like possibilities
Pick 33: Essendon, Joseph Dare (Geelong Falcons, VIC)
Height: 188cm, Weight: 81kg, DOB: 17/10/92
Recruited from: Colac
Having taken three midfielders, the Bombers will now look at an interesting player in Dare. Having being touted as a possible bolter into the first round this versatile forward/defender with good hands and ability to read the play should be taken as the Don's last pick
Others Considered: Hooper who keeps sliding, Delborello and Duncan all looed at
) Now has a second round and some changesPriority Round:
Pick 1: Melbourne, Jack Trengrove (Sturt,SA)
Height: 185cm, Weight: 82kg, DOB: 02/09/91
Recruited from: Kybybolite
Looks to be an excellent selection as the first player out of the National Draft. Talented with clean disposal, creative play and a habit of winning contested footy. Has great leadership skills and should be able to handle th pressure of being first off
Others Considered: Tom Scully gets usurped for the first pick in the National Draft purely because i believe Trengrove will handle it better.
First Round:
Pick 2: Melbourne, Tom Scully (Dandenong Stingrays, VIC)
Height: 182cm, Weight: 74kg, DOB: 15/05/91
Recruited from: Haileybury College
Exceptional ball-winner with great hands that looks at home in clearances and contested situations in close. His endurance is a great aspect of his game and he deservedly took out Vic Metro's MVP and an All-Australian place after an excellent U/18's carnival.
Others Considered: There is an outside chance Morabito, Martin or Cunnington could take this place, but it seems very unlikely.
Pick 3: Richmond, Dustin Martin (Bendigo Pioneers, VIC)
Height: 187cm, Weight: 86kg, DOB: 26/06/91
Recruited from: Castlemaine
The skillful Martin is picked up by Richmond to add to their rebuilding midfield and to add some future elite talent. An attacking player with great skills and balance alongside ball-winning ability, Martin offers Richmond a superb long term player.
Others Considered: Cunnington ran close to taking this, Morabito too, both are great players but Martin edges ahead slightly in my view
Pick 4: Fremantle, Anthony Morabito (Peel Thunder, WA)
Height: 190cm, Weight: 90kg, DOB: 29/10/91
Recruited from: Harvey Brunswick
Morabito is not falling any farther than here, Fremantle will not let him. He has drawn so many comparisons to Adam Goodes, you would think Fremantle are looking to recruit the dual-Brownlow medallist. Quick, versatile, an outside player with an underrated inside game, Morabito makes sense for Fremantle and should be an integral part of their young midfield brigade.
Others Considered: I really can't see Morabito not being taken here if available. Otherwise one of Martin, Cunnington would fill the place.
Pick 5: North Melbourne, Ben Cunnington (Geelong Falcons, VIC)
Height: 186cm, Weight: 84kg, DOB: 30/06/91
Recruited from: Cobden
Brad Scott will love the competitive nature of Cunnington who rarely loses in a contest. The skills, good hands and his hard-at-it nature will seal the deal and make Cunnington a Kanga.
Others Considered: Effectivly the last of the elite midfielders in the draft Cunnington is unlikely to be replaced. Luke Tapscott might make the grade, and there is an outside chance of Koby Stevens or Kane Lucas making it but i just can't see Cunnington dropping further
Pick 6: Sydney, Luke Tapscott (North Adelaide, SA)
Height: 180cm, Weight: 86kg, DOB: 28/06/91
Recruited from: Orroroo
The kid with the most highly rated kick in the draft will be taken by Sydney to be tutored in the art of the forward/midfielder by Goodes and O'Keefe. The ball-winning ability and goal kicking of Tapscott will be enough to impress Roo's and he will join the re-building Swans.
Others Considered: Gary Rohan occured to me here, as the Swans are in need of a bit more X-Factor, but that may be available later. Lucas and Stevens are thoughts but Tapscott seems the better player.
Pick 7: West Coast, Kane Lucas (East Fremantle, WA)
Height: 188cm, Weight: 79kg, DOB: 26/06/91
Recruited from: Trinity College
Hard-running and skillful Lucas could replace for the Eagles what they lost in Cousins. With good awareness, speed and decision making all attributes likely to attract attention, not to mention being a WA boy, Lucas looks like a good selection for the Eagles.
Others Considered: Again Rohan was a thought as he may add a key ingredient to the Eagles forward mix but as a positional need those will be around later and Lucas is too good to pass up now.
Pick 8: Port Adelaide, Gary Rohan (Geelong Falcons, VIC)
Height: 186cm, Weight: 79kg, DOB: 07/06/91
Recruited from: Cobden
The skills and effectivness of Rohan will win out over his lack of ball-winning here as he moves to Adelaide to become the new impact player for the Power. As a forward Rohan will add spontaniety and flair to the Powers structure, and as a mid he can deliver the ball potently and quickly to targets.
Others Considered: Andrew Moore, Stevens and Ryan Bastinac all posibilities here but i think Rohan's potential cult-status, and sheer freakish talent win out.
Pick 9: Port Adelaide, Bradley Sheppard (East Fremantle, WA)
Height: 186cm, Weight: 78kg, DOB: 23/05/91
Recruited from: Wesley College
Good user of the ball who offers a great rebounding option out of defence and should move into the midfield. Having lost some midfield potency with the Burgoynes, they will try and regain some of this with Sheppard a prolific ball-winner.
Others Considered: Stevens, Bastinac, Melksham, Moore all possibilies to be taken here, Sheppards run out of half back winning the day
Pick 10: Essendon, Koby Stevens (Gippsland Power, VIC)
Height: 187cm, Weight: 83kg, DOB: 18/06/91
Recruited from: Lucknow
A tough, inside midfielder who can feed the ball out to Essendon's runners makes a lot of sense and Stevens fits this bill excellently. Noted for his ferocious attack on the ball in contested situations Stevens should add a lot to the Bombers list
Others Considered: Moore, Jake Melksham and Bastinac were all options here but Stevens offers more.
Pick 11: Melbourne, John Butcher (Gippsland Power, VIC)
Height: 197cm, Weight: 84kg, DOB: 03/07/91
Recruited from: Maffra
Having fallen considerably since his initial high ratings the spectacular marking and work on the ground marks Butcher as the best KPF at this point in the draft. Melbourne will look to form it's own Frankin/Roughead duo and along with Watts Butcher seems to fit the bill.
Others Considered: Carlisle, Talia and Black are all options for Melbourne here but to get Butcher this late in the first round would be too good to pass up.
Pick 12: Carlton, Jake Carlisle (Calder Cannons, VIC)
Height: 196cm, Weight: 83kg, DOB: 01/10/91
Recruited from: Craigieburn
Carlton's recruitment stratergy of picking the most talented will bring a young KPP with loads of potential over to the Blues. Versatility, strong marking, foot skills and ability to rea the play make Carlisle a good choice for Carlton.
Others Considered: Black, Bastinac, Talia, Melksham and Moore are all possibilities at Carlton's pick but Carlisle should win through
Pick 13: Adelaide, Andrew Moore (Eastern Ranges, VIC)
Height: 188cm, Weight: 81kg, DOB: 30/05/91
Recruited from: Yarra Valley Grammar
With no glaring necessities on their list the Crows will go for best available and Moore should fit that well. Decision making, marking and ability to find the football are all highlights that should see Moore sent to Adelaide.
Others Considered: Bastinac, Lewis Jetta, Melksham and Jordan Gysberts all were possibilities but Moore's height and possibility as a taller midfielder won out
Pick 14: Sydney, Troy Taylor (NT Thunder, NT)
Height: 188cm, Weight: 75kg, DOB: 12/09/91
Recruited from: South Alice Springs
After taking Tapscott as another member of their new-age midfield, Taylor will join the Swans in order to compliment the developing Jesse White. With good marking, skills by hand and foot and agility as features Taylor should be an excellent pick up for the Swans.
Others Considered: Black got a heavy look in, as did Sam Reid as a tall defender and Daniel Talia. Taylor got the nod for the X-factor he offers.
Pick 15: Western Bulldogs, Daniel Talia (Calder Cannons, VIC)
Height: 194cm, Weight: 89kg, DOB: 02/10/91
Recruited from: Assumption College
The dogs could use with a good KPP to hold a future at both ends of the ground, notably down back as there recruiting has angles towards young KPF's in recent times. Talia fits this role well with good hands, decision making and endurance shining out, will probably play a third man floating tall role but the Dogs could change this up
Others Considered: No other young KPP really rates this high with me for this position. Aaron Black could snag it but the Dog's will look for versatility and Talia offers this in bucketloads
Pick 16: Port Adelaide, Jack Fitzpatrick (Western Jets, VIC)
Height: 201cm, Weight: 85kg, DOB: 26/06/91
Recruited from: Wyndhamvale
Athletic and very versatile Fitzpatrick can play in the ruck, up forward or down back without issue. He should be a very useful addition to the tall stocks at Port. Very quick with good marking, he could be anything tall, it is up to Port to decide.
Others Considered: Bastinac, Melkshem, Lewis Jetta, Allen Christiensen and others were all midfielders i thought of that could compensate for the loss of the Burgoynes. Fitzpatrick can be used as a ruckmen as well as forward and back and this gives him an edge of other possible choices
Pick 17: Geelong, Aaron Black (Peel Thunder, WA)
Height: 193cm, Weight: 78kg, DOB: 29/11/90
Recruited from: Kingsley
Mature-aged KPF whose athleticism and kicking skills have lifted his ranking significantly since the start of the year. Geelong need a partner for Hawkins in their future forward line and Black should do nicely for them.
Others Considered: The reigning premiers should reload on youth so might pick up the best available mids instead which leavesthe door open for Bastinac, Melksham and Jetta as well as others who rate highly.
Second Round:
Pick 18: Melbourne, Lewis Jetta (Swan Districts, WA)
Height: 178cm, Weight: 72kg, DOB: 04/05/89
Recruited from: Bridgetown
That Jetta slides this far is interesting considering his mature-age could give him a greater chance of stepping right into an AFL side. However Melbourne will be stoked to get him and line him up with Scully and Trengrove and declare they have a potential premiership midfield alongside their other recent recruits.
Others Considered: Nathan Vardy was a possibility as he offers future ruck options that Melbourne could use and other mids like Bastinac, Christiensen, Melksham all were possibilities
Pick 19: Richmond, Benjamin Griffiths (Eastern Ranges, VIC)
Height: 198cm, Weight: 99kg, DOB: 17/09/91
Recruited from: Blackburn
KPF with great hands and long kicking for goal should be right on target for Richmond. With good roaming prospects in Reidwoldt and Morton a more straight up and lead player who takes marks and kicks long should suit the Tigers.
Others Considered: Matthew Panos was the other option i considered but tall forards kind of get very thin after that. Running backmen in Sam Reid or Daniel Menzel could be picked up to help deliver to the midfield and from there to the forwards.
Pick 20: Fremantle, Jake Melksham (Calder Cannons, VIC)
Height: 182cm, Weight: 69kg, DOB: 29/8/91
Recruited from: PEGS
A stand-out TAC grand final has lifted the expectations on this ball-winning skillful player. Along with Morabito, Ibbotson and Palmer the young Freo midfield will look fairly good in a few years.
Others Considered: Bastinac, Christiensen, Jordan Gysberts, Jesse Crichton and Travis Colyer were all midfielders who occured to me at this point.
Pick 21: North Melbourne, Ryan Bastinac (Dandenong Stingrays, VIC)
Height: 183cm, Weight: 74kg, DOB: 22/06/91
Recruited from: Rowville
Highly-rated and skillful in traffic and contested situations should reform the Kanga's midfield nicely alongside Cunnington.
Others Considered: Christiensen, Gysberts, Crichton, Colyer are all names that will be considered and will likely be taken in the next few picks
Pick 22: West Coast, Nat Fyfe (Claremont, WA)
Height: 186cm, Weight: 73kg, DOB: 18/09/91
Recruited from: Aquinas College
Might be a bit of a bolter here but fits what the Eagles will be after. Forward with dangerous goalkicking and X-factor should be enough to move LeCras into the midfield and may potentially follow him there in time, being a local helps too
Others Considered: Home state boys, Mitch Duncan and Anthony Delborello are chances but Fyfe has more of what the Eagles need
Pick 23: West Coast, Travis Colyer (Claremont, WA)
Height: 175cm, Weight: 73kg, DOB: 24/8/91
Recruited from: Trinity College
Attacking midfieder with good speed should slide into the Eagles side nicely here alongside teammate Nat Fyfe. I don't see KPP's as really a problem for the Eagles, but they can take some prospects later on to fill these gaps anyway
Others Considered: Christiensen, Gysberts, Duncan, Delborello and Crichton all rank here but get edged out
Pick 24: Essendon, Jordan Gysberts (Eastern Ranges, VIC)
Height: 188cm, Weight: 83kg, DOB: 11/6/91
Recruited from: Yarra Valley Grammar
Smart ball-winner who can push forward, probably where he will start, and score. The Don's just want more midfielders, by the bucketload they will take them as this should ensure they keep themselves in the eight.
Others Considered: Christiensen, Crichton and Delborello all good midfield prospects that miss out
Pick 25: North Melbourne, Matthew Panos (Norwood, SA)
Height: 192cm, Weight: 85kg, DOB: 25/01/91
Recruited from: Rostrevor College
Sturdy KPF that made All-Australian FF after he topped the U/18 Carnival goalkickers has mixed ratings but with those credentials should be a good pick up for the Roo's. The Kanga's need a new KPF to develop and Panos should slide nicely into their plans.
Others Considered: The midfielders mentioned above all were options but KPP's is where I think the Roo's headspace will be. Panos is the best of the options Tom Hill the only other one in the frame.
Pick 26: Essendon, Jesse Crichton (Tassie Mariners, TAS)
Height: 183cm, Weight: 66kg, DOB: 18/6/91
Recruited from: North Launceston
Creative playmaker who should work nicely at the Don's alongside Gysberts and Stevens. Getting this trio of midfielders all who have been touted as first rounders should sit well at Windy Hill
Others Considered: Christiensen, Delborello and Duncan all are possibilities as well as Josua Cowan
Pick 27: Brisbane, Josh Thomas (Gold Coast, QLD)
Height: 178cm, Weight: 70kg, DOB: 01/10/91
Recruited from: Broadbeach
The Queensland kid that opted out of being signed up by the Gold Coast and the Lions should spring early and claim this classy ball-winner as a potential replacement for Black. With pace and good skills should be a valuable first choice.
Others Considered: Christiensen, Hooper and Delborello all rate as well as Japer McMillan-Pittard and Joseph Dare as running backmen
Pick 28: Geelong, Allen Christiensen (Geelong Falcons, VIC)
Height: 176cm, Weight: 75kg, DOB: 19/05/91
Recruited from: Lara
A slide from his likely range will see the Cats snag a local here. A prolific ball-winner who makes sound decisions and is dangerous around goals should put pressure on Varcoe and Stokes to perform in a few years time.
Others Considered: Geelong could use with the lead up of Duncan or consider Joshua Cowan as a run and carry midfielder or Hooper as a strongly built versatile player.
Pick 29: Adelaide, Danel Menzel (Central District, SA)
Height: 185cm, Weight: 77kg, DOB: 13/09/91
Recruited from: Golden Grove
Running defender with good footy smarts and endurance should offer plenty to the Crows running out of the defensive 50 and provide some drive into the midfield.
Others Considered:Cowan, Hooper as midfielders are options here for the Crows.
Pick 30: Collingwood, Jasper McMillan-Pittard (Geelong Falcons, VIC)
Height: 185cm, Weight: 70kg, DOB: 01/01/91
Recruited from: Torquay
Run-and-Carry specialist out of defence with good kicking skills and reading of the play shapes up to be an apprentice to Maxwell and Shaw in zoning off. Could move into the midfield if required but better played off half-back.
Others Considered: Cowan and Hooper as well as Delborello are all potential choices
Pick 31: Western Bulldogs, Dylan Robertson (Dandenong Stingrays, VIC)
Height: 190cm, Weight: 78kg, DOB: 21/06/91
Recruited from: Frankston
Rebounding defender with good skills and decsion-making should be a project player for the Dog's who can develop him while their midfield/backline peaks.
Others Considered: Again Cowan and Hooper are up in consideration, Delborello too, Robertson seems like a good long-term prospect.
Pick 32: St Kilda, Joshua Cowan (North Ballarat Rebels, VIC)
Height: 183cm, Weight: 71kg, DOB: 16/3/91
Recruited from: Daylesford
Run and carry wingman who should put some serious pressure on the current Saints in these positions because of his ball-winning ability and dedication to working both offensivly and defensivly. Composed with good decision making will also be key attributes.
Others Considered: Hooper, Delborello and Jospeh Dare seemed like possibilities
Pick 33: Essendon, Joseph Dare (Geelong Falcons, VIC)
Height: 188cm, Weight: 81kg, DOB: 17/10/92
Recruited from: Colac
Having taken three midfielders, the Bombers will now look at an interesting player in Dare. Having being touted as a possible bolter into the first round this versatile forward/defender with good hands and ability to read the play should be taken as the Don's last pick
Others Considered: Hooper who keeps sliding, Delborello and Duncan all looed at
