Consolidated Draft Profiles

[Merv]

Daniel Noy (Wing) - 18 March 1989, 188cm 78kg. Dandenong/Upwey-Tecoma

"Weaver: Got injured at the wrong time. His early season form was hot and he would surely have snuck into the Metro squad. Not a natural inside player, but used that way by Dandenong and won the footy consistently. At 188cm he is the taller wingman that AFL clubs like. Kicks well and with penetration. Needs a good finals campaign."


"ant555: Daniel Noy - Was on fire early in the year before getting injured. His form hasnt been as hot since he came back. Still he was very good on the wing ealry on and worked in well as the link man."


"ant555: Daniel Noy-188cm, 78kg-Eastern Rangers. He was flying early in the year before he got injured before the Nationals. Tallish running winger who can play inside and win the footy but is best suited to playing an outside role. Has good skills and a nice long kick. Pace is reasonably good and can take a nice mark."


"SnoopDog: Am away at the moment so dont have all my notes with me but essentially I am thrilled to get him here. Tall quick, athletic midfielder who will probably play either wing or HB at AFL level. Whilst not afraid to win his own footy, he is much better being left as an outside midfielder so he can use his best weapon 'a deadly accurate penetrating kick.

Not a bad contested mark and seems to make good decisions. If you are looking to liken him to someone in the AFL think the Lonie boys who can win his own footy. On the downside I think other than the penetrating kick and reasonably good pace there is nothing that really standouts as an x factor and I suspect this plus his injury run has cost him.

I think the recruiters will look past that and take him around 50-70 or as a first round rookie.
I would have thought he would have gone higher, but has had injury issues this year which I think cost him a spot in the Metro side. Know the kid and he also is good kid with a good head on his shoulders."

 

[Merv]

Haelen Kay - 27 June 1989, 186cm 75kg. Vic Country/Gippsland/DWWW Allies

"Recruiter 1: Haelen gave Victoria Country a bit today, particularly early in the game. He was the one forward that looked talented enough to kick a winning score. He marked well overhead and kicked nicely. I was impressed by him today."


"Recruiter 2: Showed a bit in this match. While no forwards dominated for Victoria Country today, he did show signs of worrying the opposition with his quick lead and agility."


"LukeHodge15: 186cm explosive dynamic grunt player. This kid has many boxes ticked but he does come with 1 BIG question mark. KICKING (I know the Hawks value kicking highly, but remember this is a trail ) One minute he roosts the footy 55 metres with a perfect ball rotation and then his next kick will come off his knee and go outa bounds on the full and travel 30 metres.

His 20m time is well below 3.0 seconds, and puts him in the elite catergory. Has absolutely no fear at all, will have his eyes on the footy at all times, sometimes flies back into unchartered territory when he has no right to be in the contest. Hopefully an AFL club has the ability to correct his kicking (I think its possible). He is pretty raw in the fact he played country footy last year after missing out on the Power squad......Good old politics in junior footy, u gotta love em.

Pretty poor championship overall IMO, but have seen him tear games to bits for the Power. Some AFL Club will fall in love with him with the preface they can correct his 1 flaw. Tall midfielder who can run like the wind, Electric Quick, Strong overhead.........Footballer mixed with Athlete."

 

[Merv]

Jarrhan Jacky - 5 April 1989, 180cm 71kg. WA/Subiaco

"Recruiter 1: Jarrhan played a very good game. He probably played above what our pre-championship expectations were of him. We knew he that had good skills, but the fact he was able to maintain them over a full game – and not just play well for four or five minutes per quarter – was particularly pleasing."


"Recruiter 2: Jacky proved to be an elusive forward for Western Australia. He kicked the ball nicely and regularly found space inside forward 50m. A good game from him today."


"Megaldon: Very exciting half forward / wing, very quick, big vertical leap, good contested mark and good on the lead, terrific side step. Inexperienced Broome boy who has only played competitive footy for 6 years. Has good smarts but is still learning how to play team footy, needs to move the ball quicker and not try to do too much, gets ahead of himself at times and often runs out of room. has an inconsistent kick that needs work, but is a natural goal kicker, goes to ground to much but recovers very fast will have to learn to keep his feet.

Finds space easily and looks good up the ground. Possesses all the skills looked for in indigenous players and harbors massive improvement. Will develop into a top player.I would have thought he would have gone higher, but has had injury issues this year which I think cost him a spot in the Metro side. Know the kid and he also is good kid with a good head on his shoulders."

 

[Merv]

James Polkinghorne - 21 January 1989, 181cm 82kg. Vic Metro/Calder/Strathmore

"Recruiter 1: He didn't quite have the impact that we probably thought he would have. He has been one of the more consistent performers in Victoria this year and that's why we thought he would have been a better performer in this match."


"Recruiter 2: He was in and out of the contest quite a bit. While he worked hard in the centre square, he had his effectiveness limited through poor support from his teammates. He laid some good tackles but wasn't quite as dominant as we had probably expected."


"Weaver: few rovers ever get drafted (we have this debate every year) and I think Masten, Rioli and Bird have him covered. Elite rovers fall through every year and better candidates than Polkinghorne miss every year (go down to Coburg and you can watch Anderson, Horne and Caruso in action)."


"ant555: James Polkinghorne-181cm, 82kg-Calder Cannons. Solid kid who didn’t really shine for Vic Metro. He tackles hard and can win the footy in close. Pace is average but he gets the job done in the TAC Cup. Uses the ball well and seems to give 100% all the time."


"Mr Cat: James Polkinghorne, 181 cm. B Grade midfielder. Robert Harvey esque with the esque being key. Not overly quick over the journey, although accelaration is not a worry; but just can't be tackled. Incredibly strong player through the hips and core- very powerful. Has penetration in his kick although ball drop causes lack of spin on the footy. Hard at it inside player with class. 3rd round potential."

 

[Merv]

Loccy McGregor - 9 October 1989, 174cm 72kg. NSW/ACT Rams/Glenelg

"Recruiter 2: Loccy McGregor was really good today. He's only 174cm but he shows plenty of dash."


"AFL.com: One of the smaller players at this year's championships, McGregor played a blinder against the Thunder, booting four goals and claiming 30 touches. Busy and tenacious, McGregor also had 11 inside 50s, a great result for the little fella."


"Quigley: You are going to hear this in any conversation about McGregor – if only he was 5 cms taller. He is listed at 174 and would be lucky to be that. He has a stocky build and does not have great pace. That being said he is another who is just a damn good footballer and you would like to see him get a chance at the next level.

He also picked up over 30 possessions in the match and together with Bird controlled the middle of the ground for NSW. He works very hard around the ground and covers a lot of territory. Unlike Bird though McGregor looked extremely dangerous up forward and picked up 4 goals. He reads the crumbs really well from packs and knows where the goals are.

He was also amongst the longest kicks that I saw on the day with one of his shots from goal travelling 10m or more past the goals when kicked from right on the 50. I don’t think anyone has got him on scholarship but I would hope someone would give him a run on a rookie list at least to see how he goes. Brisbane could certainly use his pack reading skills at the moment."

 

[Merv]

Trevor Oliver - 29 February 1988, 181cm 88kg. NT/Waratah

"Recruiter 1: Oliver was another boy to play well today. But Trevor's a 19-year-old top-age kid, so he should be playing well at this level. He used the ball well off the half-back line."


"Recruiter 2: I liked Trevor Oliver today, although he's a top-age player. He's got some pace and he finds the footy well."


"AFL.com: One of a handful of ""overage"" 19 year olds Territorians, Oliver was one of his side's standouts, despite NSW/ACT's comfortable 46-point win. He was the Thunder's leading possession winner with 24 touches off half-back, while he rebounded eight times."


"ant555: Trevor Oliver-181cm, 88kg-Waratah NT. Is actually an overage kid allowed to play for NT during the champs. Got plenty of the footy in the games I saw and had good skills. Looked able to move quickly when needed and was elusive in close."


"Quigley: Played in the half back line for the Territory and looked like a class player back there directing a lot of their good movements going forward. He is a year older than most at the carnival and more developed physically. He carries the extra weight he has well without losing the very good pace he has. In general he moves extremely well and he has a gait that glides him across the ground.

He is a right footer and uses it well generally. He made a couple of mistakes at the back but was probably more disciplined than most of the NT guys. He drifted forward occasionally and picked himself up a goal for his trouble. He played with his shoulder heavily strapped indicating that he may have past problems there. In all looked like a class player and another who could find his way onto a list somewhere at the end of the year."

 

[Merv]

Darwin Stewart - 4 September 1989, 191cm 87kg. Queensland/Broadbeach

"Recruiter 1: Darin Stewart did his job at full-forward, although there are obvious concerns about his kicking. It certainly wasn't evident today, but he has an awkward technique. The fact he kicked five goals was quite impressive."


"Recruiter 2: Stewart was good, although he's got an awkward kicking action, but his contested marking was impressive today."


"AFL.com: Stewart's performance against Tasmania could not be questioned after bagging five goals, which included an excellent goal tucked on a difficult angle in the pocket. His unusual kicking style certainly stands out and has raised some the eyebrows of recruiters."


"Quigley: Played at CHF and picked up 5 goals against Tasmania and looked dangerous when he was around the ball. He is a legitimate key position player who has great hands, moves well and can take a spectacular mark. He was the best forward for the Qlders. He does have one of the worst kicking styles that you would ever want to see though admittedly they were all going were they were supposed to straight through the goal. He is a guy that would be worth taking a look at in the later rounds."


"AFL Insider:
AFL Positions:
He usually plays as a key forward, in the AFL his club might decide to convert him into a tall defender. Stewart has the size and attributes to play full back and that could be the best spot for him.

Perfect Fit For:
The Kangaroos need to add some depth for tall defenders, and they also have a Queensland connection now, so Stewart could be a good choice.


**********.net prediction:
Sydney will be looking to bring in several tall prospects with their draft picks and Stewart is an option in one of the later rounds. Vogels and Grundy have not cemented spots, and Jesse White is still developing, so Sydney can use another key position prospect like Darin Stewart.


AFL Fantasy Outlook:
Anything can happen for players drafted late, as Westhoff showed this season, but the logical guess is that Stewart would be a year or two away from regular AFL games. So fantasy coaches won't need to sign him next year."

 

[Merv]

Dawson Simpson - 17/02/1989, 207cm 100kg. Murray Bushrangers

"AFL Insider:
AFL Positions:
He is a ruckman, a huge and intimidating ruckman. That could be a worry for AFL players of the future as he will be even bigger after a few years of AFL weight training. Probably isn't suited to any other positions. His role as a ruckman would be to contest the hitouts and then play a kick behind play and to also fill the hole in front of the full forward.

Perfect Fit For:
The Magpies would be a good destination for Simpson. When Fraser is ready to retire, which is several years away, then that might be the time that Simpson is ready to be a starting ruckman in the AFL.


**********.net prediction:
If Melbourne bring in the former Essendon coach for next season then he will want to make the Demons a lot bigger, so Simpson would make sense there. But it might depend on whether Melbourne go big with their first round pick, and also if they have a priority pick to use too. Melbourne's third round pick might be used on Simpson and it should be a good investment.


AFL Fantasy Outlook:
Very little chance of him helping fantasy teams next year, and it might be several years more until fantasy coaches start signing him up."


"Vinnie_Vegas69: Might be a bit early for him by some calculations, but I rate his potential as very high, and I think that he has already shown plenty of improvement this season as it has progressed. I didn't rate anyone else on the board in another position highly enough to want to chance Simpson being available later.

He still doesn't get much of the ball around the ground, but his mobility and skills are decent for a kid of 207cm, so I'm banking on being able to learn to get involved around the ground a bit more, but you can't coach size into a kid.
Collingwood has it's ruck development project."


"AFL Insider:
The Bulldogs are not in a good position at the moment, and plenty of the blame has to go to their recruiting ideas. Maybe they will have some review of their operations, that will cost a lot and take plenty of time, but there is a simple answer.

They are too short. A simple, but effective, remedy will be to just draft the biggest players they can find, and here is the biggest.
Simpson looks like he will not only be a very tall ruckman but eventually he could be one of the strongest as well. A Monkhorst-like player, but with more height, is something the Bulldogs need.

If Simpson takes a few years to become a regular player it could be good timing, as Street will probably be gone then, as will Ben Hudson if they do acquire him during the trade period."

 

[Merv]

Zane Murphy - 8 June 1989, 182cm 85kg. Wynard

"AFL Insider:
AFL Positions:
Murphy is an inside midfielder, he could also be used as a small defender.

Perfect Fit For:
A team looking for a young player who is physically ready to play now could be interested in Murphy. Richmond could use some bigger bodies in the middle so Murphy might be an option for them.


**********.net prediction:
The teams that have a new coach will be clearing out a lot of the old and bringing in plenty of new players. A team like Carlton could see Murphy as a good investment in the later rounds of the draft.


AFL Fantasy Outlook:
Sometimes a player who goes late in the draft, or is even a rookie pick, can help a fantasy team because they are ready to play AFL football while players chosen much earlier are taken as projects that are a year or two away. If Murphy finds himself in the right situation he could help fantasy teams, he is a good kick of the ball and can go and get the football too."


"VinnieVagas69: He's hard at it, can find the ball, uses it well on both sides, and has a strong body, ready for AFL football.
I like this kid a fair bit, and with Whitecross gone with the previous pick, the other player I was considering at this spot was taken out of the equation, which made the selection that much easier.
Happy to pick up Zane."


"HBF: This guy stood out like a beacon for Tassie, and the first time I saw him at the Challenge Cup, he impressed me. That left foot of his is just awesome. Hits his team-mate on the chest, lace out, from 50m out. His body looks just about ready for AFL footy. My only query on him would be his leg speed. TFLUA - can you help me out with this? Considering he was a friend of yours, you would be the best placed to answer this."

 

[Merv]

Joel Smouha - 5 February 1990, 196cm 80kg. Mt. Gravatt

"AFL Insider:
AFL Positions:
Smouha could be a very effective full back with his height and leap. Although a bit short for the spot, Smouha does have ruck ability so he could be used there. With the ability to cover a lot of distance, a team might think that Smouha could be a centre half forward that could lead up through the middle as a marking option. He is more than an athletic project for a team, Smouha is a good football prospect with a lot of possibilities.

Perfect Fit For:
The Bulldogs have been trying to add height to their back line, Williams and Everitt have debuted for the Bulldogs this year and there is room on their list for some more young defenders. Smouha would add another tall and athletic prospect to their team, and as they are also happy to go with a shorter ruckman, like Skipper or Darcy, Smouha might also play there for the Bulldogs too.


**********.net prediction:
He won't be getting his name called too early in the draft. Right now he fits into the sleeper category and might be available in the later rounds of the draft, although his results in tests at the draft camp or at state level could change things. Brisbane in the third round might be a possible destination for Smouha. The Lions would want him as a tall defender, as they have the ruck spot under control.


AFL Fantasy Outlook:
A bit younger than other draft picks, and needing to add some weight too, Smouha may not be thrown into the action right away. But as A Everitt and N Krakouer have shown, sometimes if the players have the ability but not the bulk they can still make a positive impact for their teams.

If he is used as a full back his fantasy points may not be very useful, while a spot in the ruck could produce a lot more points as Smouha would often have a pace advantage over his opponent and could provide a marking target around the ground. Fantasy coaches probably won't consider him next season when assembling their teams, unless his team has several injuries among their tall players."


"Gilly1972: I'm not going to BS anybody, I have only seen Joel play twice, and I also don't take copious amounts of notes on kids I am not watching closely, so I am going form memory here.

I chose Joel for two reasons; firstly I think Melbourne are a bit thin in the ruck department and I wouldn't be surprised to see them take a ruckman in the real deal. Going with a best available policy I hadn't been able to chose a ruckmen to date. Secondly, this is effecitvely a rookie selection so the intention was to target somebody with the dreaded P: potential. I have one word to describe Joel, RAW.

He is very new to the game and IIRC has only been playing about 18 months. In that short time he has already best on ground in the Qld state U!8 championships for the South East Bushrangers, and showed a few glimpses in the champs.

I can recall watching Joel in the champs at Vic park and wondering who is this guy who is tall, can leap tall buildings in a single bound and is faster than a locomotive.....and quickly looking down to the record to search for his name. He is very athletic for his size. But football wise is completely raw. IIRC he spent time both in defense and in the ruck. I intially thought he was 196cm and might be better suited to CHB long term, but now I see he has grown to 198cm and with his vertical leap will be capable of playing in the ruck at AFL level.

Obviously used his huge leap to advantage and often get first hands on the ball, can't really comment on his tap work as to be honest I wasn't paying much attention to him that day. I recall him being quite good overhead as well, but just needs to work on reading of the play decision making as he sometimes looked lost and unsure of what to do with the pill, which you would expect for somebody so new to the game.

IIRC he is a natural right footer, I don't remember his kicking being fantastic, but I don't remember it being god-awful as well, no worse than Shaun Hampson's who Carlton picked up at #17 last year...so enough to work on in an AFL club. He is a ""project player"" and will need a few years of development, but if he does realise his potential if somebody snares him this cheaply they could be getting a bargain."

 

[Merv]

Zac Miller - 12 March 1989, 182cm 87kg. SA/North Adelaide/St Peter's College

"Recruiter 1: Zac started the game particularly well. He took Victoria Country on early and his opponents didn’t quite know how to play on him. He's one of those players that's got some energy in his game and when he's on, he's extremely dangerous. The difference between his good and bad can be quite large but if he can get greater consistency into his game then he will certainly be a player to watch."


"Recruiter 2: Zac displayed some good qualities in this match. He showed a greater urgency than I had seen in his play previously. While not dominating across four quarters, I was quite happy with what he did do today."


"Weaver: Is just ordinary. Doesn't get the footy and doesn't use it when it finds its way to him."


"Mr Cat: Zac Millar, 182 cm. This guy is one of my favourite players, yet has gone well under the radar. Viewed a phantom draft where he was not selected. Typical indigenous where his great is brilliant but his bad is lost in action. I rate him as A grade. Saw him as a 16 year old and just does everything with ease and poise. An aboriginal Dal Santo. Any club who can get him later than a 2nd round would be drooling at the prospect of him."

 

[Merv]

Chris Kangars - 1 August 1989, 193cm 84kg. Vic Country/Geelong/Geelong Amateurs

"Recruiter 1: Kangars played okay in defence for Victoria Country. He's quite athletic and while he needs to read the play better, he does provide a good contest. He can play tall or short and presents himself at the contest quite well. He does have to work on his kicking, but at least he was one of the boys who tried hard against South Australia."


"Recruiter 2: I like Chris Kangars. He works hard and seems to be improving with every match. A player to follow during these championships."


"Weaver: have watched him for most of the season and he is handy but I just prefer others. I think Rance and Pears were superb. I'd prefer to 'convert' a guy like McKenna into a defender than draft a specialist FB who is only so-so at going the other way."


"diablo14: In keeping with our policy of nabbing a local player at some point in the draft, we will take Chris on the basis that our defence is the area we are ageing and could use some backline prospects to develop in the VFL. He has a few rough edges that need working on, but is athletic and will put his body on the line and work hard. I hoping we can take the raw tools he has and groom him into a defensive option to replace the likes of Milburn, Scarlett and Harley, who aren't getting any younger. He also looks the type of player who will work well with Matty Egan."


"AFL Insider:
The Lions had some success last season after putting Brennan back into the forward line there, while that move did provide help for Brown it did take away height and athleticism from their back line. Kangars is similar to Brennan, although he is probably faster, but they are both athletes with the height of a key position player.

Kangars would also have the ability to play in the midfield at times. With his size and pace he could shut down a player when used as a defensive midfielder.
At this part of the draft, there should be a number of players from Queensland who are considered by the Lions. For the obvious reason of eliminating the ""go home factor"", it makes sense for the Lions to draft local. There should be several tall prospects from Queensland worth this pick as well as one or two onballers."

 

[Merv]

Scott Blesing - 11 February 1990, 184cm 79kg. SA/West Adelaide/Edwardstown

Went to SA State screening and would be a late/outside draft possibility, I don't have much info on him apart from the following:

Scott Blesing from the West Adelaide Football Club has been named the Round nineteen Coca-Cola Star Search Award nominee.
In just his third League match, 17 year old Blesing displayed maturity beyond his years in West Adelaide’s 54 point win over South Adelaide at Hickinbotham Oval on Sunday. Playing across half back, Scott has averaged 20 possessions in his first three League matches and has provided attacking drive through his polished skills and hard running.

On Sunday he collected 19 disposals, including 11 kicks, 8 handballs, 5 marks, 3 tackles and one goal.
Progressing through West Adelaide’s underage and reserves teams, Scott made his League debut in Round 17 after a successful U18 NAB National Championships campaign in July. Captain of the U16 State Team in 2006, Blesing is one of a hand-full of Bloods’ youngsters who have shown great promise in recent weeks.

Scott has adapted to League football remarkably well and in doing so has earned the Club’s Round 19 nomination.
Scott is West Adelaide’s third Coca-Cola Star Search Award nominee this season following midfielder Daniel Caire in Round 6 and Alex Hutchins in Round 13.

From SA I have been more focused on following Sam Fairclough as he is the type that I would like to see Collingwood draft.

 

[Merv]

Sam Fairclough - 3 July 1989, 179cm 80kg. SA/Eagles/Henley

"Alan McConnell: Fairclough won plenty of the ball – although he probably dropped out of it a little bit in the second half. He's got a stronger body than some of the other boys, and got a lot of the ball when it mattered early in the game."


SOLID START FOR 16-YEAR-OLD
By Peter Argent
Playing Under 17s football three weeks ago, Sam Fairclough has had a meteoric rise to SANFL league football. In the round seven clash at Woodville oval he was a member of the Woodville-West Torrens side in his initial SANFL league game against Sturt.

“While he is only young, Sam is physically mature and we had no qualms about giving him this opportunity,” Eagles coach Ron Fuller said.
“He is an ‘in and under’ type who is hard at the ball, clean and efficient with his hands and these qualities were very evident during his first game.”
Starting on the interchange bench, Fairclough entered the field of play just before quarter time and by the main break you could see the attributes his coach had suggested.

“Sam has developed considerably over the last 12 months,” Fuller said. “He has a natural defensive side to his game, has good speed and gets ‘front and centre’ at the contests.”
His nine-possession match also included a tackle and he did enough to suggest it is worth the club persevering with him.

A St Michael’s college student, Fairclough joins two players currently on AFL lists that made their SANFL debuts as 16-year-olds. Originally on the Fremantle senior list, Toby Stribling is now a rookie with the Dockers. He made his debut in the SA state based competition with North Adelaide at this tender age, as did Essendon small man Angus Monfries. Expected top five draft pick this November, Bryce Gibbs also played his first game with the Bays as a 16-year-old last year and will be a veteran of more than 30 SANFL league games before he moves to an AFL club.

 

[Merv]

Clayton Hinkley - 21 February 1989, 185cm 72kg. Vic Country/North Ballarat/Warrack Eagles

"Talent Spotter: Clayton Hinkley is a North Ballarat Rebels player. Represented Vic Country at the Nationals this year. Very fit midfield type in the TAC Cup who would project to being a flanker early in his AFL career. TAC Cup Record has him at 185cm and 72kg. Would not be any excess in that weight, he's in good nick. Kicking is his potential weakness but he can motor on a footy field. Will get drafted by an AFL club.
Is a Warracknabeal export and as far as I know is no relation to Ken Hinkley."


"Mr Cat: Clayton Hinkley, 184 cm. Quality runner- terrible user of the footy. If he could kick a bit better, he'd be definate A Grade. This inability to kick causes me deep concern and rates him as a C+-B grade. Really love his break away carry from contested situations. Gets plenty of it and his ethic is good. Leadership is quality and has a tremendous shape- but just, cant, use the footy well enough!"

 

[Merv]

"Guy O'Keefe – Geelong Falcons, VIC “We had [Richmond's] Daniel Connors and [Collingwood's] Tyson Goldsack come and speak to us and it was fantastic to get their insight into an AFL club.

“A few boys asked some questions, so it was good to find out some things because it's important for us to know what to expect.
“It's also good to hear from recent players, as they are the ones who have been through it all."

 

[Merv]

Hugh SANDILANDS - 7 March 1989, 191cm 82kg. Vic Metro/Oakleigh/Caulfield Grammar

"Ant555: Hugh Sandilands-191cm, 82kg-Oakleigh Chargers. Tallish midfielder who plays a bit outside. Can find the footy well. Skills are ok but he doesn’t always use them well. Can have games where he just throws the footy onto the boot. Pace is reasonable but not quick.
Pick 30 plus."

 

[Merv]

Lachlan HILL - 15 May 1989, 189cm 83kg. Vic Metro/Oakleigh/Scotch College

"foj1: Lachie Hill is an athlete who is developing into a footballer. He is a tall onballer/ utility who's greatest strength is the way he covers the ground. He possesses both speed and endurance and he is pretty reliable in his disposal. I watched him against Northern earlier in the year and was really impressed in his defensive pressure and leadership.
I think he will thrive in a professional environment and become a hard running midfield/ utility type which I think Essendon need to develop."

 

[Merv]

Dean Terlich - 13 December 1989, 186cm 83kg. NSW/ACT Rams/Murray Bushrangers

"Recruiter 1: Terlich certainly has good skills, although his pace needs to improve."


"Recruiter 2: Dean Turlich is a player that I really like. He didn't do much today and in the last month he's been down on form, but he lives in country New South Wales in Osborne – where Adam Schneider is from. He's got a burst of pace, so I'll watch him closely for the rest of the carnival."

 

[Merv]

Jarrad Grant - 6 July 1989, 191cm 77kg. Vic Metro/Dandenong/Frankston Bombers

"???: Grant is a very athletic player from the Stingrays who has been playing primarily as a forward in 2007 after playing a bit more of a utility role (including some defensive roles with good effect) in 2006. Good spring, safe hands and strong attack on the footy, the knock on him is he seems to decide when he will go and when he wont - can appear as 'lazy'."

 

[Merv]

Brad Gilder - 12 February 1989, 183cm 84kg. Sandringham Dragons/Old Haileybury

"VinnieVegas69: Like this kids versatility - Averaging 25 possessions a game in the TAC Cup, but also plays on a HFF and is very capable of snagging a goal or two up forward as well as winning possessions through the midfield. He also tackles like a beast, with many games up around the 10 tackle mark this year.

Concern over his disposal would be the main one, I suppose, but he has been up and down this year, rather than consistently average, so there is hope that poise will come with experience and maturity.
I actually rated him at my last pick, but given that I've heard very little spoken about him around these parts, I thought he was a pretty even money bet to be around here."


"Dragon's big impact
25 August 2007***Herald Sun
Gareth Trickey: SANDRINGHAM Dragon Brad Gilder is one of the hardest players in the TAC Cup.
Ranked second to Bendigo Pioneer Blair Holmes for tackles, Gilder has stopped 101 opponents dead in their tracks this year.

""My defensive side of the game just comes natural, I suppose. I enjoy the physical side,"" Gilder said.
The 183cm Dragon's fondness for defence is matched by his intuition in front of goal. Last year, Gilder led Haileybury College in goalkicking.
Free from school football commitments, Gilder has moved on to a leadership role at Sandringham.

The 18-year-old is also relishing a move from the forward line to the midfield. ""I've been able to have more of an impact on the game playing in the midfield,"" Gilder said.
Sandringham sits on the bottom of the ladder and faces Eastern Ranges at Box Hill tomorrow. ""Hopefully I can finish off well in the last few games and get a chance to go to the draft camp,"" Gilder said.
"I really want to build on what I haven't showed this year."

 

[Merv]

Chris Mayne - ?? ???? 1989, 182cm 84kg. Perth

"BoyFromTheWest: Another 1988 birth player who was injured last year but has smashed them in colts, reserves and league this year playing at half back, half forward or midfield. Genuine pace, markes well, excellent disposal skills and genuine at the ball. Will play seniors in 08."


"Sico17: One club has very keen eyes on Mayne especially and will not be happy if he has an increased profile. I was surprised he didn't get into the U18's, plays mainly at FF when I have seen him but pinch hits in the centre when Perth are under pressure. A strong body for his age and seems to be the true leader of the Perth colts. His field kicking is a problem but his goal accuracy has been fine when I have seen him, he kicked the first 4 goals straight against Subiaco earlier this year the week after Subiaco had beaten Swan Districts."


"dan.wg: I got to agree he's a really good player and was best on ground or close to it everytime I umpired him. Mainly played forward and is pretty good on the lead. Goal kicking didn't seem to be a problem. Rarely played in the center and I figure hes more suited as a leading target. Maybe questions about his temperament, but not too much a problem. Has a fairly good head about him."


"Sico: One club has very keen eyes on Mayne especially and will not be happy if he has an increased profile. I was surprised he didn't get into the U18's, plays mainly at FF when I have seen him but pinch hits in the centre when Perth are under pressure. A strong body for his age and seems to be the true leader of the Perth colts. His field kicking is a problem but his goal accuracy has been fine when I have seen him, he kicked the first 4 goals straight against Subiaco earlier this year the week after Subiaco had beaten Swan Districts."


"dan.wg: I got to agree he's a really good player and was best on ground or close to it everytime I umpired him. Mainly played forward and is pretty good on the lead. Goal kicking didn't seem to be a problem. Rarely played in the center and I figure hes more suited as a leading target. Maybe questions about his temperament, but not too much a problem. Has a fairly good head about him."

 

[Merv]

Tom McNarmara - 29 April 1990, 189cm 84kg. SA/South Adelaide/Happy Valley

"Alan McConnell: McNarmara was at half-back and probably played his best game. He's an AIS boy and it was probably the best game I've seen him play. It was not ideal conditions for him because he's a running half-back who likes to get handball receives and carry the footy. He's an athlete and he won plenty of the ball in conditions that didn't suit him."

 

[Merv]

Callan Ward - 10 April 1990, 183cm 71kg. Vic Metro/Western/Spotswood

"Mjp: Bottom age player who made the Vic Metro side, before injuring his knee in game one. Before that, he showed an ability in the second half of that match to 'adapt' to the increased pace of the game (after looking at sea early) and was trusted by the coaches with kick-in duties.

A fantastic reader of the play, he has played forward, midfield and back at TAC level and is regularly amongst the best players (regardless of role).
And to the love and joy of all Dogs supporters, he comes from Spotswood, just a short march from the Whitten Oval!
Please feel free to ignore this one if I have been replaced as a selector! If not, this is how it all looks:"

"Yarraville's Callan Ward was the Jets' stand-out in his comeback game from injury, starting on half-back before pushing forward in the second half.
The bottom-aged Vic Metro representative's ball usage was so good that on occasions it even surprised his coaches.

``I remember one time where he ran with the ball and ignored a couple of teammates who were on short, so I was wondering where he was going with that,'' Sexton said.
``He then kicked it long to a player who was running into space towards goal, showing how good his vision is.''
"
"Callan Ward continued his tremendous run of form with 19 possessions and two goals, while Melton's Mitchell Banner had 33 touches and provided great run, for the Jets with his 12 handball receives."


"Weever: Ward started the year in the backline as a Bowden-like possesion gathering backman. Was fringe-Vic Metro, was one that was obviously going to be one to watch, but perhaps one for next year (being bottom aged). Kicked well, moved well, showed promise, but not quite there yet. Was going to be in pick 60-70 consideration as a club pinched him out of next year's draft.

As the season went on he got bigger (maybe 2-4cms), he got heavier (maybe 6-7kg). He shaved his head and went to the HFF line. He had the occasional run on the ball.
We went from a player who let the game come to him, to being a guy who would get frustrated when his team struggled and would Hird-like put himself on the ball, snatch a clearance, kick a goal (not comparing him to Hird as a player ... just that tendancy to take the game into his own hands).

By end of season he is a 185cm ruck-rover in the making. Effectively playing CHF for Western and being a one-man band at times. Shining out over the others with his marking, his attack on the ball and long kicking.
Often times what jumps a guy up the order is not 'talent' which is about as far as many people break it down. What Ward was showing was a willingness to take the game on, a willingness to take on the challenge of lifting his team.

Plenty of blokes (like Joel Bowden) take whatever the game offers them. They go to the loose man, they run where there is open space etc. Not too many make the game and try to shape the game to their will.
Ward may be a flop but his rate of improvement this season was gigantic. The draft is about where a bloke will get to in 4 years and although Ward is half a lap behind some of the 'guns' he is going at 5 secs a lap quicker than 'em. The AFL clubs won't miss that."

 

[Merv]

Luke Stanton - 8 January 1990, 191cm 79kg. Northern Knights/Eltham

"KEAF: Luke Stanton really a good player, also knows how to position himself around goals very nicely, has great foot skills, a natural born talent, even thought people have doubted him, i think Stanton is definitely up there in getting drafted. Not many players have such talent, with the left foot so damaging. Player to watch!"


"Mav: I'm surprised that Luke Stanton wasn't invited. He's a 191 cm Northern Knight who played Wing and maybe flanks. Looks like a younger and smaller Luke Darcy - athletic and imposing build. He was last-named of the best in the Northern Knights' win in the first final, and was 3rd on the best players list in the PF they lost. Seems to be quite well skilled, and has that self-assuredness bordering on arrogance of a youngster who has been among the best players throughout his junior footy.

Others have noted he hasn't really physically imposed himself on contests, which appears to be true, but he's bottom-aged (DOB 08/01/90) so should develop well.
Maybe he'll be invited to the State Screening."


"Blakey_34: Luke Stanton goes to my school and plays 1st, can play but not all the times, cousin of Nick Dal Santo, and plays like him a bit with poise, good mark, somtimes contested not often, and perfect build for a footy player."


"Mav: Thanks SEC. I reckon Stanton must be on someone's radar, and I'd be amazed if he didn't at least make it onto a rookie list - 17 yo 191 cm mids are worth a close look. If a recruiter thinks that he might be a smokie that no one else wants, the last thing he'd do is to nominate him for Draft Camp and show him off to other recruiters. Hopefully WH is interested, and you'd have to say Stanton has the build to attract WH's interest."