Phantom Draft Chris25's 2011 Mock Draft

[Chris25]

Z.W.Mason @81, noway, surely he will go in the first 35 picks?
I would take him with pick 31.

Like I said, I haven't seen Manson play so putting him in the first round would be pointless as I'd have nothing to base it on. Where he goes will depend on how many picks each of West Coast and Fremantle have, and which team decides to take the punt earlier.

Ultimately his drafting is entirely dependent on how he interviewed and whether teams think he would be able to make the move. And nobody but those in the know can answer that.

 

[Nickos66]

Hey Chris, probably a hard question to answer but have you or anyone else heard anything else on Isiah Stevens since he walked out on GWS at the beginning of this year? Is he even interested in playing AFL footy anymore?

 

[royals1922]

I preface my comments with the note that one of the problems in doing any mock draft is we don't have the results of the state testing from all states. A little bit has drifted through but not a great deal.

That said, given the amount of early picks GWS are getting and the perceived "shallowness of the draft" ( which I take with a pinch of salt), I am anticipating that there will be more than a few overage players taken in the draft and perhaps fewer projects.

Blokes like Mitchell (of Claremont), Blee (East Perth) or Hutchings (West Perth) could go with the later picks and a bloke like Horsley of Subi could go higher( in say the late 40s). Watters who would know all about Horsley might be minded to take him.

The same goes for SANFL and VFL players.

While the majority, if not all, of the top 45 will be players who played in the championships/went to draft camp, after that the situation gets a bit wacky and I suggest that a few of the later spots will not go to a callow kid but some who have in the state systems playing at the highest level there.

 

[bulldogsman]

The Giants have a few young KPFs already, especially with Patton to go top 2 this year. But their defensive stocks aren't as deep. Davis is a good option at CHB, and it looks like they have Tim Mohr at FB now. Jack Hombsch will be a good player, and Ben Casley is a likely type. But they could really use some more height down there - wouldn't expect much from Cornes in terms of playing on the key forwards. So I expect they'll look to take at least one key defender with picks 13/14 as opposed to a tall forward which they don't need as much.

So you see Josh Bruce more as a KPF?

Tim Segrave is another tall defender for them. No idea how he's developed this year.

I agree they will probably look at one around here though, given the amount of picks they have.

 

[Teffy]

Waldhuter has shinboner written all over him.

He's too tough to play at any other club.

He'd be right at home amongst Swallow, Ziebell and Greenwood.

 

[Chris25]

Hey Chris, probably a hard question to answer but have you or anyone else heard anything else on Isiah Stevens since he walked out on GWS at the beginning of this year? Is he even interested in playing AFL footy anymore?

No idea sorry.

That said, given the amount of early picks GWS are getting and the perceived "shallowness of the draft" ( which I take with a pinch of salt), I am anticipating that there will be more than a few overage players taken in the draft and perhaps fewer projects.

Blokes like Mitchell (of Claremont), Blee (East Perth) or Hutchings (West Perth) could go with the later picks and a bloke like Horsley of Subi could go higher( in say the late 40s). Watters who would know all about Horsley might be minded to take him.

I agree to an extent. I think there will be more mature aged players taken (particularly in the rookie draft) but I also think teams will look towards kids with one or two AFL level traits - which could mean more project players.

But there should be plenty of older players taken - and we've already seen that with the GC/GWS pre-listings. I'm not a huge fan of Mitchell or Blackwell myself, would prefer Cook or Horsley from the WAFL if I was in the market for a midfielder. Guys like Hutchings and Butcher will probably also get a go, along with a few talls. Quite a few to like from the SANFL too.

One of things I was going to do was do an extra round of just mature players. So I'll have to see when I get a chance to do that.

 

[Chris25]

So you see Josh Bruce more as a KPF?

Tim Segrave is another tall defender for them. No idea how he's developed this year.

I agree they will probably look at one around here though, given the amount of picks they have.

Bruce could play at either end, just a matter of settling him into a position. Think he finished this season up forward?

Yeah, Seagrave is another. And they have Simon Tunbridge too. They do have options, not sure how many of these guys will develop into true KPDs though. And I think the Gold Coast showed the need to have a string of KPDs this year, they're a bit more important than KPFs for me.

Waldhuter has shinboner written all over him.

He's too tough to play at any other club.

He'd be right at home amongst Swallow, Ziebell and Greenwood.

Think I might leave this comment alone.

 

[tacopavlich]

Chris, what do you think of us taking Murphy at 29? Wouldn't mind getting him at that pick if we miss out on Kersten imo.

 

[Chris25]

He'd be an option. I'd be pretty confident of Kersten being available at pick 20, but if he were to go early then Murphy would be a good pick up. Wouldn't be surprised if we looked at Paine or Lockyer with pick 20 too in that case.

Although having said that, Frost at 29 would be just as good a pick up. Could go much earlier than that. Give him a season and I reckon he'll have Johnson out of our best 22. And who doesn't want that?

 

[Sidebottom2Beams]

#83 Collingwood - NSW Scholarship Jarrod Witts (207cm ruckman - Sydney Uni)

Collingwood have a F/S they could pick, but with a couple of NSW Scholarship players on offer I think they will pass on Starcevich. Most people would know about Witts, as Collingwood fans are quick to proclaim him as the next big thing. His tap work, marking and work around the ground are all improving but I question how much of that is just him being so much bigger than everyone else. I'll be interested to see how he goes at an AFL club and playing in the VFL, I can see him being a solid but not overly special player. AFL Comparison: Andrew Browne..

He is 209 cm so already a little bigger than you posted and they think he will grow to somewhere around 213 cm. Also at 115kg already he is going to be more than likely be bigger than Sandilands in height and weight.He has great hands when the ball hits the ground for someone of his size and with a background in rugby he hits hard and his tackling is excellent. He has alot of promise for someone who has played so little football his ruckwork will obviously need alot of work playing so little football.

He has played VFL already at the end of last year kicking 3 goals against the cats and 3 against bendigo bombers and 2 against Sandringham in his 4 games..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRcMpp0bSF0

And this is TAC cup footage , he is in the second half of the footage at 1.05.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRdeCFIzqEw&feature=relmfu

Jon Ralph:
Great point, Brett. The NSW scholarship boy is Jarrad Witts, who took the VFL by storm in the month or so he played. He can play forward and ruck and is 208.5cm and 113kg. Not sure if I was Wood that I wouldn't want to go elsewhere to get some opportunities. Derek Hine said he wouldn't rule out Witts playing AFL next year and they love Ceglar
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/who-is-this-years-best-trade-bait/story-fn6cisdj-1226137300852

Great write up though on all players always great to read, this was not meant to be a smart@## reply just helping with some info.

 

[borderbarry]

Chris, any chance you can represent the Saints at the Draft? I would be rapped if we finished up with Bolger, Waldhuter, Nelson, Dobosz, Gordon and Rusca. I doubt if we would pick up 7, but if we did I would be pleased with Wright. A ruckman, 2 mids, a Full Forward, Gordon as a KPF or KPD, and another defender. Would fit our needs very well. I would be inclined to pick up another ruckman as a rookie to give us three on the list. Great effort.

 

[Chris25]

He is 209 cm so already a little bigger than you posted and they think he will grow to somewhere around 213 cm. Also at 115kg already he is going to be more than likely be bigger than Sandilands in height and weight.He has great hands when the ball hits the ground for someone of his size and with a background in rugby he hits hard and his tackling is excellent. He has alot of promise for someone who has played so little football his ruckwork will obviously need alot of work playing so little football.

He does look to be a promising player. I'm not as high on him as others. Don't think he'll ever be as good as Sandilands. He could realistically finish up anywhere from a Peter Street, to Andrew Browne or Shane Mumford.

Chris, any chance you can represent the Saints at the Draft?

I'll see what I can do.

 

[THE_GUN]

Hi Chris , Another fantastic effort and always enjoy your Mock-drafts

Do you see leif Cope getting drafted this year at all, would love to know where this kids at.

Thanks

 

[Chris25]

I added a rookie draft - post #5 on the first page.

Do you see leif Cope getting drafted this year at all, would love to know where this kids at.

I think Cope will get picked up, would only be late or as a rookie. Would probably have featured in my rookie draft had I not gone with a theme.

 

[Anjahads]

Great write up and read Chris once againAlways look fwd to your Mock drafts.

 

[Hank93]

What are your thoughts of the Crows getting Talia at 27. Any chance he will make it to our pick, and do you think he fits the Crows needs.

Would be great to have Daniel and Michael in Defence together. They could form a really good partnership.

 

[TallTimberBailey]

Hi Chris25,

Do you see any chance that Markworth could drop to pick 33 or Josh Waldhunter to pick 38??? Would really like these two at Hawthorn. Think they would be a good fit.

You have Markworth going at p19, and Waldhunter at p35.

Great write up Chris, always enjoy reading your posts.

Thanks

 

[ajsuperstar]

Hi i was just wondering whether you had much information on jackson allen?
I believe he got prelisted to the suns.
Where do you think he was likely to go in this draft, if at all?

 

[Chris25]

What are your thoughts of the Crows getting Talia at 27. Any chance he will make it to our pick, and do you think he fits the Crows needs.

Would be great to have Daniel and Michael in Defence together. They could form a really good partnership.

Talia at 27? It could happen. Again, I expect a number of teams will rate the KPDs very differently. For me, McInnes and Boseley are the top 2. And then there is Talia, Tomlinson, Lockyer and Frost - so they could go in any order. Might depend on whether GWS take a KPD or two, as I have them doing.

So yeah, I have Tomlinson and Frost being available at 27. But that could just as easily be Talia there.

Do you see any chance that Markworth could drop to pick 33 or Josh Waldhunter to pick 38??? Would really like these two at Hawthorn. Think they would be a good fit.

You have Markworth going at p19, and Waldhunter at p35.

Waldhuter would probably be around that mark - whether it's up around the end of the first round or towards the end of the second round. So I think he'd be a chance.

Markworth is a more interesting one. Personally, I have him in the first round. So I think it would be a bargain if you could get him at 33. Look to be a few similarities with Isaac Smith from last year. Teams do rate players differently, but I would think a tall midfielder with speed and good disposal would be quite highly sought after.

Hi i was just wondering whether you had much information on jackson allen?
I believe he got prelisted to the suns.
Where do you think he was likely to go in this draft, if at all?

Allen definitely would have gotten drafted. Both him and Sexton are very good midfielders, and it was all but guaranteed that they would be pre-listed so I probably haven't been following them as much as some others.

But I'd say Allen would be one of the very best kicks in the draft. Smart and versatile, from all reports he is the ultimate professional too. Probably would have smashed the interviews, which would no doubt lead to an early selection.

 

[delediofan3]

wow Greene at 31, would take him at 15 no questions asked

 

[Chris25]

I added a new post to the opening page. My top 10s based on position.

Position Rankings

Tall Forwards

1. Jonathon Patton
2. Shane Kersten
3. Todd Elton
4. Nick Murphy
5. Julian Dobosz
6. Jackson Paine
7. Jai Sheehan
8. Dylan Orval
9. Tom Lee
10. Tom Curran

When you look at it that way, it probably highlights that the crop of KPFs isn't particularly deep this year. Obviously Patton is the stand out, and would be close to #1 in any year. But the others might not be as high in other years.

Having said that, Kersten is easily second best in my eyes. And I think Elton is an easy player to drop down the rankings, but there is a lot to work with and his potential is far higher than those I have below him. Paine for instance, I think has been overrated by some. Just something about him makes me think he will be one of those players who never truly delivers. Probably needs to develop a few more strings to his game, otherwise a good defender will take him out of the play easily.

Sheehan and Orval haven't really gotten the attention that some others have. But they both look to have some really nice traits, and would be very good later picks. Orval in particular, I think would have been featured much more often had it not been for injury.

The two Tom's round out my top 10. One is a hugely athletic big man who has had the 2-3 years of development that he always needed, but could be anything. And the other is a pretty non-athletic big man who would probably be best suited to a Leigh Brown type role.

And before anyone says anything, I didn't include Manson because I haven't seen him play - that 30 second video doesn't count.


Tall Defenders

1. Fraser McInnes
2. Andrew Boseley
3. Adam Tomlinson
4. Sam Frost
5. Michael Talia
6. Jordan Lockyer
7. Brody Mihocek
8. Henry Schade
9. Michael Bussey
10. Aseri Raikiwasa

This group is very much potential at this stage. The only one who has really shown consistent signs down back would be Talia. Which is why I can see him going in the first round, and he would probably be the most ready to go of the KPDs too.

Tomlinson and Frost offer a lot in terms of versatility, and an ability to get involved in attacking from the back lines. Frost in particular is one of those guys who always back himself in, like a Luke McPharlin. These two have talent, and will go higher than what their performances may warrant.

One player I didn't include was Jordan Kelly, because I'm not sure whether he will truly be a KPD. I don't have that concern with Lockyer or Mihocek despite their similar sizes.

As for Bussey, I've always preferred him down back. He looks more natural down there.

 

[Hipster Doofus]

Would be estastic with Kavanagh and Docherty

 

[Mad Fan of AFL]

I can imagine we will go for a midfielder with our first pick and hope so. We covered our talls leaving in the trade period. Need to bolster the midfielder and with talls being so hit and miss, especially after the first round it would be logical to take a mid.

 

[Chris25]

Tomlinson would be a case of best available for Adelaide, and a player who could go much earlier. So he would be a smart pick there for the Crows. They didn't really do anything to replace Davis either. While Adelaide have some good young defenders in Talia, Thompson and Shaw, Tomlinson is a better player than all except maybe Talia.

With Brown and Crouch coming next year - and the better SA prospects being midfielders next year too, I can see Adelaide looking to their other need this draft.

 

[Chris25]

I added a West Australian rookie draft on the first page...

#1 GWS – Nathan Blee (192cm defender – East Perth)

21 year old defender from the WAFL, not a real big body but a good defender nonetheless. Is a really nice prospect, uses his speed well while defending on the lead and is strength and positioning allows himself to compete in one-on-one contests. Could also be freed up to use his run in setting up play from the back half.

#2 Gold Coast – Chad Sandilands (204cm ruckman – East Fremantle)

Yes, he is the brother of Aaron Sandilands. A very raw prospect, should only be taken in the rookie draft as it will be a long time until he is AFL ready. Played Colts football this season, finished with lots of hit outs but basically nothing around the ground. So a bit like an early Aaron really. Not sure he'll ever fill out like his older brother, but he got an invite to the WA state screening and should at the very least be interesting to watch develop.

#3 Port Adelaide – Haydn Busher (193cm defender - Perth)

20 year old KPP from Perth, I would have been tempted to rookie list him in the past two drafts. In his draft year, Busher was named at CHB in the Colts team of the year. Took a while to break out of Colts level, but since then he has been a regular in the Perth league team playing both up forward (25 goals this year) and down back. Strong player and a solid book end type.

#4 Brisbane – Kyal Horsley (182cm midfielder - Subiaco)

I don't think it would be a bad idea for Brisbane to look at another mature aged midfielder, and as foot skills seem to be the order of the day, that leaves 23 year old Horsley. Like Broughton and Mzungu before him, a move into the midfield this year has paid off big time for Horsley as he is averaging a career high 24 touches a game while his tackle count has rocketed up too. His left boot gets him a shot ahead of some other more well known mature prospects.

#5 Adelaide – Will Shea (179cm forward – Swan Districts)

Only 179cm and 72kg, but Shea has already played senior football in the WAFL. Is a proper crumbing forward, who was named in the Colts team of the year this season. Lots to like about him, really good speed and he can break through packs with it. Doesn’t just hang out behind the packs waiting for the ball to come out either. I think he’ll be a bit of a fan favourite.

#6 Melbourne – Haiden Schloithe (183cm forward – South Fremantle)

I haven’t always been as impressed with Schloithe as others. Looks quite unrefined at times, and his disposal isn’t always where it should be. Think his best football will be played as a defensive forward, although again he needs to have a real impact on the scoreboard – something he hasn’t really done to date. Can win lots of the ball, and is an incredible tackler highlighted with a 16 tackle game in the Colts this year.

#7 Richmond – Alex Howard (191cm defender – Swan Districts)

Not a real big defender, although he is 87kg so could be one to surprise early on. In the U18s, he was WA’s best defender and his football smarts really showed. Is good in one on ones and his ability above his head, both marking and spoiling, is impressive. Only played 3 Colts game this year, the rest was spent with WA or in the seniors. Needs to win more of the ball though.

#8 Fremantle – Joel Hamling (193cm forward – Claremont)

Tall forward from Claremont, got a national draft combine invite this year. He has ability as a KPP, pretty athletic and mobile. Also has a nice leap on him, but that has hurt his game somewhat in my opinion as he has been put in the ruck more often than he should. But admittedly this has let him get more involved in the midfield and defence. For Fremantle fans, he’d be another Houghton/Shepheard type project.

#9 Western Bulldogs – Ryan Cook (186cm midfielder – South Fremantle)

Former Collingwood player, he spent four years on their list so although he didn’t play a heap of games he was obviously doing something right. I always liked the look of him, and his move to South Fremantle was a good one and he finished as their B&F this year. I think he still has more to offer.

#10 North Melbourne – Corey Gault (197cm ruckman – Swan Districts)

Part time ruckman/forward, Gault is still developing but offers a lot to work with – seems a perfect rookie candidate. Has played for WA and in all three levels in the WAFL this year. Good athleticism for someone his size, he also has decent foot skills and can take a strong grab. Was invited to the national draft combine, so he obviously has his fans.

#11 Essendon – Angelo Thomas (180cm defender – Claremont)

I really like Thomas, think he could be a pretty special player. Was invited to the WA state screening but missed it as he was out bush near Broome somewhere. Sounds like he’ll get another chance to do the testing, and looks to be serious about an AFL career. Very quick player who offers a lot as a rebounding defender, perhaps needs to stick to basics more often but who doesn’t love a player who takes the game on.

#12 St Kilda – Alex Devitt (191cm forward – Peel)

A nice looking player up around half forward, strong mark and a pretty good kick. If he had more of an impact on the scoreboard, then I think he would be talked about more often. At this stage, nothing is really guaranteed. Can push up and get involved in the play, a little like Tom Lynch who the Saints got rid of in trade week.

#13 Sydney – Matthew Jupp (191cm defender – East Fremantle)

Full back in the Colts team of the year this season, Jupp is a solid if unspectacular player. Just tends to go about his business, does look to lack just a yard or two of pace so can get caught out by the more mobile forwards. But he manages to get around that and defends well, and can also play further up the ground at CHB.

#14 Carlton – Rhys Waters (180cm midfielder – Subiaco)

Captain of the Subiaco Colts side, Waters is one of those unassuming but ultra-professional players. Consistently racks up 20+ touches, he also averaged 4 tackles a game and kicked 27 goals in 11 Colts games. Made his league debut in the WAFL this year, and was in Subiaco’s best players in his first game.

#15 West Coast – Alroy Gilligan (177cm forward – Claremont)

20 years old now, Gilligan spent time on Richmond’s rookie list but spent his time either injured or in the VFL. He has gone back to the WAFL now, and has become a more consistent player. He has always been highly rated, has definite x-factor and can play in any number of positions. Well worth another shot, perhaps a WA side would be his best bet.

#16 Hawthorn – Cameron Symonds (201cm ruckman – East Fremantle)

19 year old Colts ruckman, and unlike most of the guys he comes up against he is actually a ruckman – not a KPP who has been thrown in the middle because he is over 190cm. Needs to have more of an impact around the ground and up forward, but he already has the size so there is enough to work with.

#17 Collingwood – Justin Joyce (179cm midfielder – Subiaco)

Another Subiaco midfielder, and very much like Rhys Waters – except for the goal scoring. Big ball winner and tackler, Joyce has good skills and looks to be a smart player on the field. From all reports, is also a smart player off the field. Made his league debut after 5 consecutive BOGs in the Colts.

#18 Geelong – Kieran Butcher (183cm midfielder – Peel)

Butcher was overlooked in the draft last year, after gaining some attention as a possible late round or rookie pick up. I wouldn’t say he has necessarily improved since last year, he has just continued to go about his game and finish with over 20 touches basically every week. He’s the ideal type for the rookie list, as he could come in early if required.