Draft Expert Davo-27's 2023 Draft Thread

[Davo-27]

Not been watching SA lads?

Kane McAuliffe and Logan Evans might be worth a look.

I have watched a lot of Vic, Tas and Northern Academies this season, I will get to SA and WA eventually, I'm sure I will add a handful of new prospects there as well.

 

[RedmanWasHere]

Any revised top 10's for 2025 from you?

 

[Davo-27]

Interesting 2023 opinion. Are you able to show the climbers and declines by number? Looks like a few are being harshly critiqued. Buts it’s only your opinion.

Duursma moved down a little because his midfield game isn't as strong as his forward game
Philactides is horribly out of form so he has dropped a bit too
Stevens was a forward and now an intercept defender since coming back from injury, I do like him as a prospect, just not sure yet on where I rate him atm
A few new additions have pushed guys back about 5 spots
Archie Roberts has seemed OK, but I have not noticed him in good plays for Sandy as much as I expected, so he has dropped a few places also
Ryley Sanders is a bit disappointing from my pov

Any other prospects you want to know my thoughts on?

 

[RedmanWasHere]

Rhyley Sanders is a bit disappointing from my pov

Ryley without the H.

 

[Davo-27]

Any revised top 10's for 2025 from you?

I don't even have 10 players for you in 2025

Dyson Sharp SA should be a top 10 pick
Zeke Uwland is very good, probably first rounder
Jai Murray could be somewhere like 15-50?

I think that's all I know for that draft, any others are too speculative or I haven't seen yet

 

[pushintheback]

Duursma moved down a little because his midfield game isn't as strong as his forward game
Philactides is horribly out of form so he has dropped a bit too
Stevens was a forward and now an intercept defender since coming back from injury, I do like him as a prospect, just not sure yet on where I rate him atm
A few new additions have pushed guys back about 5 spots
Archie Roberts has seemed OK, but I have not noticed him in good plays for Sandy as much as I expected, so he has dropped a few places also
Ryley Sanders is a bit disappointing from my pov

Any other prospects you want to know my thoughts on?

I respect and value your opinions but on this occasion I can't agree. I assume you have been to the games and aren't making stats based decisions? I was at the Sandy v Oakleigh. If you are going by stats I’m not surprised you think Philactides is out of form, although his stats aren't actually bad. Maybe re-watch the game, he gets burnt a lot. However when he gets the ball he's real good in particular his 2 runs down the wing were elite. Both resulted in goals. Anyone that can run that quick while bouncing the ball is a dime a dozen and I have good intel that recruiters loved it. Don't write him off just yet.
As far as the Sandy boys go I’m very surprised you have Sanders and Robert’s so low. Sanders has been good imo. He’s been a bull in the mid and is a reliable teammate. His ability to keep winning the ball and putting it i50 shows that he will be an asset at AFL level. Plus he's hitting the scoreboard consistently.
Robert’s wins a lot of easy possessions but he’s a pretty calm and a good user so why not put it in his hands. An AFL club will teach him how to be more damaging. The other thing i like about Sanders is he doesn't waste the footy. Yes he can take the easy option but his reliability can not be understated.
George Stevens imo is quite possibly the best mid in the draft pool. He’s a beast. His clearance work is good. Strong through the hips and a relatively good decision maker. I haven't seen him live yet, but I have watched his edits and they're bloody good. After the champs he will be a first rounder easily!
Duursma has played 2 games as a part time mid. I’d give him a few more weeks before making an assessment on him. The kid is top 10 everyday of the week. This could be controversial but I'd have him before Moir. If Duursma or any of the above played SANFL u18 they'd be spoken about as hot property.

 

[Davo-27]

I respect and value your opinions but on this occasion I can't agree. I assume you have been to the games and aren't making stats based decisions? I was at the Sandy v Oakleigh. If you are going by stats I’m not surprised you think Philactides is out of form, although his stats aren't actually bad. Maybe re-watch the game, he gets burnt a lot. However when he gets the ball he's real good in particular his 2 runs down the wing were elite. Both resulted in goals. Anyone that can run that quick while bouncing the ball is a dime a dozen and I have good intel that recruiters loved it. Don't write him off just yet.
As far as the Sandy boys go I’m very surprised you have Sanders and Robert’s so low. Sanders has been good imo. He’s been a bull in the mid and is a reliable teammate. His ability to keep winning the ball and putting it i50 shows that he will be an asset at AFL level. Plus he's hitting the scoreboard consistently.
Robert’s wins a lot of easy possessions but he’s a pretty calm and a good user so why not put it in his hands. An AFL club will teach him how to be more damaging. The other thing i like about Sanders is he doesn't waste the footy. Yes he can take the easy option but his reliability can not be understated.
George Stevens imo is quite possibly the best mid in the draft pool. He’s a beast. His clearance work is good. Strong through the hips and a relatively good decision maker. I haven't seen him live yet, but I have watched his edits and they're bloody good. After the champs he will be a first rounder easily!
Duursma has played 2 games as a part time mid. I’d give him a few more weeks before making an assessment on him. The kid is top 10 everyday of the week. This could be controversial but I'd have him before Moir. If Duursma or any of the above played SANFL u18 they'd be spoken about as hot property.

I honestly don't know what any of these guys stats are.

Philactides I loved last year, his ability to intercept and run under pressure and have real influence on counter attacks was great, I had him right on the edges of top 10, it's just been a few instances that has me doubting a bit about his top 10 credentials, but I think he is probably a 1st rounder somewhere.

I saw Sanders first when he was still in tassie, he seemed quick and skilful, he has put on some weight since then and seems to have lost that zip and also seems too conservative with poss, he might be more of a Contested player now (those contested stats could be interesting to know) I'm not sure he is as good as we predicted when he was 16? but the acid test will be the champs

Roberts is a good runner and winger, I do like him but I like other wingers more like McKercher and Hardeman ect he seems on par with Slade so idk where to put him and I'm not sure he goes 1st round? but anything is possible after pick 15 which we all witness year after year.

Stevens was a forward then did a knee, was playing CHB doing a good job there Intercepting ect and now pushing into the midfield, I like all of these guys in the top 50, it can be hard ranking them sometimes, I need to see more of Stevens after missing last year and because he is changing positions this year, it makes it even harder to know what he might be able to do at AFL level

Zane Duursma I would rate higher if he just played forward, but he is trying to increase his value by playing mid and i think his midfield craft isn't as strong as his forward marking and great goal kicking, I agree that if I had a pick I would take Duursma as a forward over Moir, but I would take Moir the forward over Duursma the midfielder, if you get what I mean?

 

[pushintheback]

I honestly don't know what any of these guys stats are.

Philactides I loved last year, his ability to intercept and run under pressure and have real influence on counter attacks was great, I had him right on the edges of top 10, it's just been a few instances that has me doubting a bit about his top 10 credentials, but I think he is probably a 1st rounder somewhere.

I saw Sanders first when he was still in tassie, he seemed quick and skilful, he has put on some weight since then and seems to have lost that zip and also seems too conservative with poss, he might be more of a Contested player now (those contested stats could be interesting to know) I'm not sure he is as good as we predicted when he was 16? but the acid test will be the champs

Roberts is a good runner and winger, I do like him but I like other wingers more like McKercher and Hardeman ect he seems on par with Slade so idk where to put him and I'm not sure he goes 1st round? but anything is possible after pick 15 which we all witness year after year.

Stevens was a forward then did a knee, was playing CHB doing a good job there Intercepting ect and now pushing into the midfield, I like all of these guys in the top 50, it can be hard ranking them sometimes, I need to see more of Stevens after missing last year and because he is changing positions this year, it makes it even harder to know what he might be able to do at AFL level

Zane Duursma I would rate higher if he just played forward, but he is trying to increase his value by playing mid and i think his midfield craft isn't as strong as his forward marking and great goal kicking, I agree that if I had a pick I would take Duursma as a forward over Moir, but I would take Moir the forward over Duursma the midfielder, if you get what I mean?

As I said on another thread about Duursma too many people make stats based opinions and I know u said u don’t and recruiters don’t either but it’s Duursmas and Phila afl attributes that excite afl clubs. Again too many look at their slow start as a negative rather than an opportunity to develop. Both these boys will be much better players in afl environments as they will given the ball to hurt teams with their weapons. Both are guns.

 

[Philhawk]

Davo-27 - been a big fan of yours for a number of years now! How does Curtin compare to KPP prospects from previous years that you've seen?

 

[Davo-27]

Davo-27 - been a big fan of yours for a number of years now! How does Curtin compare to KPP prospects from previous years that you've seen?

I've only seen him in a couple of games because he was injured for most of last season and my memory of him from 2021 has waned a bit, he was one of the better KPD from 2021 that I remember, missed most of 2022, had a great game returning from injury at the pre GF game, he intercept marked at least 6 times and was BOG for that effort, he must've had 20 disposals as well, most attacking kicks from defense, I need to see more, he has moved forward so i want to see how natural he plays that position or if he should remain a defender, I want to see if he can dominate at WAFL or the champs to get a better idea of what he can bring to the AFL, that's where I am at atm, so I can't make too much of a read other than I have really liked what I have seen so far and is the closest player in form to challenge Harley Reid for pick 1, usually comparisons come from when I watch them, I can't just make 1 up on the spot sorry.

 

[Mutineer]

I respect and value your opinions but on this occasion I can't agree. I assume you have been to the games and aren't making stats based decisions? I was at the Sandy v Oakleigh. If you are going by stats I’m not surprised you think Philactides is out of form, although his stats aren't actually bad. Maybe re-watch the game, he gets burnt a lot. However when he gets the ball he's real good in particular his 2 runs down the wing were elite. Both resulted in goals. Anyone that can run that quick while bouncing the ball is a dime a dozen and I have good intel that recruiters loved it. Don't write him off just yet.
As far as the Sandy boys go I’m very surprised you have Sanders and Robert’s so low. Sanders has been good imo. He’s been a bull in the mid and is a reliable teammate. His ability to keep winning the ball and putting it i50 shows that he will be an asset at AFL level. Plus he's hitting the scoreboard consistently.
Robert’s wins a lot of easy possessions but he’s a pretty calm and a good user so why not put it in his hands. An AFL club will teach him how to be more damaging. The other thing i like about Sanders is he doesn't waste the footy. Yes he can take the easy option but his reliability can not be understated.
George Stevens imo is quite possibly the best mid in the draft pool. He’s a beast. His clearance work is good. Strong through the hips and a relatively good decision maker. I haven't seen him live yet, but I have watched his edits and they're bloody good. After the champs he will be a first rounder easily!
Duursma has played 2 games as a part time mid. I’d give him a few more weeks before making an assessment on him. The kid is top 10 everyday of the week. This could be controversial but I'd have him before Moir. If Duursma or any of the above played SANFL u18 they'd be spoken about as hot property.

You might but I'd have Moir before Duursma if you're talking skilful impact per possession forwards.

 

[pushintheback]

You might but I'd have Moir before Duursma if you're talking skilful impact per possession forwards.

I'm just not convinced that Moir only plays SANFL u18's. Duursma in the same comp would be just as good if not better. Let's be honest SANFL u18's is nowhere near as strong as Coates League.

 

[Davo-27]

Saw Logan Evans (Norwood) 188cm for the first time, he looks like a good prospect, I will have to add him next time I do a rankings list.

 

[Mutineer]

Saw Logan Evans (Norwood) 188cm for the first time, he looks like a good prospect, I will have to add him next time I do a rankings list.

Almost a Max Michalanney clone build wise and game style and we all know how good Max has looked in his 4 AFL games completely blanketing some of the best small forwards in the game whilst still adding plenty of attack.

 

[Davo-27]

Luker Kentfield - 194cm KPF Subiaco - he was 1 I liked last year, I think I forgot to add him to my list of ones to watch, he looked like a taller Tholstrup last year, another depending on development I might have to add to my next updated list

 

[Davo-27]

AFL Academy Game V Port Adelaide Magpies, Francou, Clurrey and Georgiades being the bigger name opponents, game was competitive and only in the 4th quarter for 10 minutes seemed rain affected, it was a good game, Port kept the lead all game but the Academy was coming at them, 5 players stood out as ready to play at State League level now and potentially dominate.


Standouts for the AFL Academy

1. 11 points, Harley Reid, played in all 3 areas of the ground, but mostly mid, won a bit of the ball, looked clean and strong against SANFL opposition, kicked a goal as well
2. 10 points, Jake Rogers, very quick, laid a few strong tackles and looked great against mature opposition, should rise up some draft lists, could go around 10-20 with a few others not performing to expectations this season, also kicked a goal
3. 9 points, Nick Watson, playing midfield, sneaking forw and playing the last quarter in defence, quick and good at linking up play, not as dynamic against mature opposition, but a hard worker and quick, also kicked a goal
4. 8 points, Colby McKercher, played well on the inside and outside, he made a difference when he came on and gave the Academy run and carry as well as generally good disposal
5. 7 points, Darcy Wilson, mixed disposal, linked up with some clever handballs after wayward kicking, found space on the wing and got used a lot out of defence, not sure if smart play or Josh Sinn giving him too much room, but was good, in the Coates League he is more a goal kicker so showed some wing potential in this game.


Other players who I thought had decent games

Jack Delean - wing and forw
Riley Hardeman - wing and hbf
Archie Roberts - mostly hbf
Ryley Sanders - inside mid
Connor O'Sullivan - chb
Nathan Philactides - hbf
Cooper Simpson - mid
George Stevens - kpd
Koltyn Tholstrup - forw
Daniel Curtin - kpd
Will Patton - kpd
Jed Walter - kpf
Mitch Edwards - ruck
Nate Caddy - kpf
Archer Reid - only played 4th quarter or was only in the play in the 4th qtr - kpf


Players that I thought didn't perform as well, some will drop down my rankings

Jack Callinan, Caiden Cleary, Orlando Turner, Lachlan Cabor, Zane Duursma, Will Lorenz, Kane McAuliffe, Ashton Moir, Will Green, Ethan Read.


I think games like these expose these kids to pressures they don't usually face, to see some of them prosper and others faulter is a good indication of what the future may hold for each player when they move up in leagues.

 

[pushintheback]

HeraldSun. AFL Draft 2023: Every player rated 1-10 from AFL Academy showcase


TOP PERFORMERS

Harley Reid – 22 disposals, seven clearances, six marks, five inside 50s, one goal, 111 SuperCoach points
Nick Watson – 18 disposals, nine loose-ball gets, four rebound 50s, one goal, 109 SuperCoach points
Jake Rogers – 12 disposals, seven tackles, three clearances, 86 SuperCoach points
Ryley Sanders – 20 disposals, six tackles, four inside 50s and 93 SuperCoach points.
Caiden Cleary – 16 disposals, 12 tackles, 92 SuperCoach points
George Stevens – 19 disposals, six rebound 50s, 89 SuperCoach points
Darcy Wilson – 19 disposals, five marks, 65 SuperCoach points

Nick Watson — 9/10

Forward/defender, 170cm, Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro
The smallest man on the ground’s impact was arguably bigger than any. Watson was quiet by his standards in a forward role early, but the freakishly skilled youngster was thrown into defence in the second half and stood up with the game on the line. Watson slotted a classy goal and racked up eight disposals – taking off on a Tom Papley

11

Tom Papley

Age

29

Ht

177cm

Wt

77kg

Pos.

Fwd

Career

Season

Last 5

D

14.1

4star

K

9.1

4star

HB

5.0

4star

M

3.7

4star

T

3.2

5star

G

1.5

5star

D

12.3

3star

K

8.9

4star

HB

3.4

2star

M

4.5

4star

T

1.5

2star

G

2.4

5star

D

13.4

4star

K

8.0

3star

HB

5.4

4star

M

3.4

4star

T

3.4

5star

G

1.6

5star

-esque celebration – in the nailbiting final term, with his dashing speed, reading of the play and clean hands standing out in the wet. Finished as the second-ranked player for the Academy with 18 disposals and nine loose-ball gets. The 170cm Ranges talent is proving he can be more than a dangerous forward at the next level.

Jack Callinan 5/10

Forward, 179cm, Tasmania Devils/Allies
Got a lucky gift with a 50m penalty walking him to the square for a third-quarter goal. The son of Crows goalsneak Ian finished with nine touches and three tackles on a day where no Academy forward really starred.

Caiden Cleary — 8/10

Midfielder, 180cm, Swans Academy/Allies
These conditions were made for the Swans Academy product. Cleary’s pressure was absolutely manic, applying a game-high 11 tackles – including four in the final quarter alone – and 11 of his 16 possessions were won in a contest. There is no doubting his competitiveness and inside grunt work – the next step will be improving his ball-use.

Jack Delean — 4/10

Forward, 181cm, South Adelaide/SA
A soaring leap over a massive pack on the wing would have been the highlight of the match – only problem was he didn’t get near it … Nonetheless, it showcased the athleticism of the South Adelaide goalkicker. Had the seven touches and kicked two behinds. But was one of just two Academy players who didn’t lay a tackle for the match.

Riley Hardeman — 6.5/10

Defender, 188cm, Swan Districts/WA
After getting a taste of senior action in his WAFL debut for Swan Districts the previous week, Hardeman showed good signs yet again against bigger bodies. Was generally clean by foot and laid a strong tackle to dispossess his opponent deep in his own defensive 50. Collected 14 disposals – including 11 in the first half – and four marks.

Colby McKercher – 7/10

Midfielder, 181cm, Tasmania Devils/Allies
The Tasmanian talent was named among the best for the Academy in an impressive showing through the midfield. Won five clearances and was clean with his disposal in trying conditions, going at 75 per cent efficiency from his 15 touches.

Harley Reid – 9/10

Midfielder/forward, 185cm, Bendigo Pioneers/Vic Country
Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell was watching on in Mount Barker and Reid put on a show for him in the opening half. The No. 1 pick favourite was clearly best on to that point with 15 disposals, six clearances, five inside 50s and a goal to the main break, and his goal summed up his matchwinning ability. Reid leapt high to clunk a strong overhead mark under close defensive checking and converted the right banana set shot from 20m on the boundary. Reid, who turns 18 on Tuesday, lost his cool at times in the third term, conceding a goal by giving away a free kick and 50m penalty and getting into a scuffle on the deck on the boundary line after fending off a strong Port Adelaide opponent. The Tongala talisman faded a touch by his lofty standards, but still finished as the No. 1 ranked player for the Academy with 111 SuperCoach points, 22 disposals (18 of those effective), seven clearances, six

Archie Roberts — 6/10

Defender, 184cm, Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
Roberts’ precision by foot was on display out of defence, hitting the target with seven of his nine kicks. The Dragons product had 12 touches and five rebound 50s for the game and put on a handy spoil over the top on the wing late in the last.

Jake Rogers — 8/10

Forward/midfielder, 172cm, Suns Academy/Allies
Rogers had been flying under the radar a touch – he didn’t have a manager until he was snapped up by Kapital Sports Group last week – but this performance is sure to get recruiters’ attention. The Suns Academy prospect turned heads with his defensive pressure and speed, with a rundown tackle in the second term along with a dummy handball and burst away from a Port tackler highlighting his x-factor. Rogers capped his night with a banana set shot goal tucked up in the pocket from 35m, set up by another defensive effort which forced a Port player to give away a free kick for insufficient intent. The speedy 172cm product finished with 12 disposals, seven tackles and three clearances, but his influence was far greater than that.

Ryley Sanders — 8/10

Midfielder, 186cm, Sandringham Dragons/Allies
Sanders has started his draft year with a bang for the Sandringham Dragons and his strong form continued against Port Adelaide. The inside ball-winner, who is clean below his knees, won plenty of the footy in the last quarter in tight, finishing with 20 disposals, six tackles, four inside 50s and 93 SuperCoach points. It was a well-rounded display from the Tasmanian – who is boarding at Melbourne Grammar – and he got involved outside the contest as well with eight handball receives.marks and five inside 50s.

Orlando Turner — 4/10

Forward, Northern Territory/Allies
Turner had a fantastic one-on-one win, paddling the ball along the deck under heavy pressure and managing to keep his feet before handing it off to a teammate on the wing. Had the six disposals and kicked two behinds, but the Northern Territory forward doesn’t need much of it to have an influence.

Darcy Wilson – 7/10

Wingman/forward, 185cm, Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country
Like Sanders, Wilson’s hot start to the season continued in the Academy showcase. Was busy with 19 disposals and five marks on the outside and showed his speed with a dashing run up the wing in the second half. The wingman made a key intercept late in the last quarter, smartly cutting off a handball in the middle of the ground and getting the ball going his side’s away. Perhaps the only blip was his efficiency, going at less than 50 per cent.

Lachie Cabor – 3/10

Midfielder, 181cm, Swans Academy/Allies
The Swans Academy product didn’t see much of it with four touches, but looked to be one of those impacted by the Academy’s 12-man bench.

Nate Caddy – 4/10

Forward, 192cm, Northern Knights/Vic Metro
Kicked the first goal of the match but found the going tough from thereon, winning four possessions. Caddy, the nephew of former Tiger Josh, did manage to stay in the contest, though, laying a terrific rundown tackle in the last term to force a Port turnover.

Will Lorenz – 5/10

Midfielder, 186cm, Oakleigh Chargers
A solid game for the smooth-moving Chargers midfielder, finishing with 10 disposals, but just four of them hit the target. Provided good link-up play with six handball receives.

Zane Duursma – 4/10

Forward, 190cm, Gippsland Power
The potential top-five prospect was uncharacteristically quiet with three touches for the match in a forward role, but he produced a cracking goal in the third quarter. Duursma recovered from a dropped mark, gathered and launched a long bomb from outside 50 that bounced through – it was certainly worth the wait.

Kane McAuliffe – 6.5/10

Midfielder, 187cm, North Adelaide/SA
The South Australian slotted the goal of the day in the third term, pouncing on a crumb beautifully and snapping it off his left at full tilt from 40m out. While McAuliffe had just the eight touches, he made them count, hitting the target with every disposal and getting his hands dirty defensively with five tackles. McAuliffe has been beating up on sides for North Adelaide in the SANFL under-18s and is a nice size at 187cm.

Ashton Moir – 5/10

Forward, 186cm, Glenelg/SA
A tough day for the forwards and the highly-touted homegrown talent got limited opportunities to impress. Moir’s dribble snap on goal in the second term resulted in a tap-in from Jed Walter, and he nearly created something out of nothing in the same quarter by cleverly roving a ruck tap deep in the forward 50. Just one of his six kicks were effective, but he will get more chances to strut his stuff against senior bodies in the SANFL this season.

Connor O’Sullivan – 6/10

Defender, 198cm, Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country
O’Sullivan, who has played all over the ground for the Bushrangers this season, settled in defence for the Academy and showed some good signs. Competed well in one-on-one contests, earning a free kick at one stage after getting himself in a better position than his opponent. A clean gather off the deck followed by a 1-2 handball chain and raking kick highlighted his athleticism and mobility for a prospect standing 198cm. Had 10 touches, three rebound 50s and two inside 50s.

Will Patton – 6/10

Defender, 192cm, 79kg West Adelaide/SA
Patton is known for his intercepting and he zoned off nicely to clunk a Port Adelaide forward foray. The South Australian’s ball-use out of defence was tidy, finishing with 11 disposals, three marks and three inside 50s.

Nathan Philactides – 7/10

Defender, 181cm, 78kg, Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro
He has had a modest start to the Coates Talent League season, but Philactides was arguably the Academy’s best in the third quarter where he stood up with some impressive one-on-one wins. The Oakleigh Chargers defender read the play nicely to take a chest mark, then minutes later he gathered, spun away from a tackler under heavy pressure and found an option. The distributor showed his usual polish with ball-in-hand, hitting the target with 12 of his 14 disposals.

Cooper Simpson — 6/10

Midfielder, 182cm, Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country
Simpson had more centre-clearances than any player on the ground with three, surging the ball inside-50 with his penetrating kick and finishing with 11 touches. Didn’t have as much of the footy in the second half, but the Academy was running plenty of players through the midfield.

George Stevens – 7.5/10

Defender/midfielder, 189cm, GWV Rebels/Vic Country
Was forced to play tall on Port Adelaide’s array of forwards and Ollie Lord – who he gave up eight centimetres to on Saturday – got on top of him early, kicking three first-quarter goals. But Stevens got better as the day went on, showcasing his offensive traits out of defence, with his rebound, efficient ball-use and composure standing out. Had 19 disposals in total — 14 of those effective – and was the fifth-ranked Academy player on the ground. Not bad for a a guy in his fourth game back from an ACL blow.

Koltyn Tholstrup — 5/10

Forward, 188cm, Subiaco/WA
It was an almost day up forward for Tholstrup with nine disposals (three effective) and five contested possessions, but his competitive intent was there for all to see. In the first half Tholstrup managed to somehow neutralise a contest where he was outnumbered 1-on-2, and went in hard to lay a strong tackle in an earlier contest. However, West Australian prospect’s decision making was below par at times. This included turning the ball over opting for a low percentage short pass instead of going back to take a set shot, getting caught holding the ball trying to take on a tackler and a flying snap from 40m that fell straight in the lap of a Port defender 15m out. But he took a strong mark in front of his opponent in the last quarter and also came close to kicking a cracking late goal after crumbing a deep forward 50.

Daniel Curtin — 4/10

Key defender/forward, 196cm, Claremont/WA
Curtin, who was best-on-ground in the U17 All Stars game on grand final day last year, had just the two disposals to three-quarter-time, but lifted in the final term. The athletic swingman showcased his agility by shaking two tacklers with sidesteps before spotting up an option in the middle of the ground in wet conditions. However at one stage in the last he sagged off his opponent – overlooked 2022 draft prospect Jed Hagan – far too much, with the Port small able to take an open mark inside 50.

Mitchell Edwards — 4/10

Ruck, 207cm, Dockers NGA/Peel Thunder/WA
Edwards clunked a towering contested mark in a big pack outside the 50m arc, showing his aerial ability and strong hands. Defied his size by switching a long kick into the middle of the ground which hit the target. The Dockers Next Generation Academy prospect had five hit-outs and five touches for the day, splitting the ruck duties with Ethan Read and Will Green.

Will Green — 3/10

Ruck, 204cm, Northern Knights/Vic Metro
Showed some nice composure with a kick into the middle of the ground at one stage. Was fighting well out of his weight division against Port reserves ruck Sam Hayes, but managed to win three free kicks for the game to go with five hit-outs.

Ethan Read – 6/10

Ruck, 202cm, Suns Academy/Allies
Was the most impressive of the three Academy ruckmen, covering the ground well and competed hard in the ruck. Started the match with a strong tackle on Hayes that was given holding the ball, and laid a desperate tackle deep in defence in the last quarter to force a stoppage. The Suns Academy talent finished with 59 SuperCoach points from five disposals and five hit-outs, illustrating his high-impact per possession.

Archer Reid — 3/10

Key forward, 203cm, Gippsland Power/Vic Country
It wasn’t a day for a 203cm marking forward. Didn’t have a touch until the last quarter but managed to get his hands on it in the last, including a mark on the lead in front of his opponent as the rain poured down.

Jed Walter — 5.5/10

Key forward, 195cm, Suns Academy/Allies
Walter kicked his side’s second goal of the match, running onto a dribble snap from Ashton Moir and soccering it off the deck from close range. Threw his weight around in one repeat effort in the second quarter, crunching an opponent and then following up with a sprint effort.

 

[pushintheback]

OK so this is my updated top 50 for 2023 (a work in progress) and top 30 for 2024 (18 months early calls), most of the talent in my preseason lists have performed to expectations, a few have dropped off and a few I have seen for the 1st time and have impressed, I will just add names, but for most there's a small write up on my OP in this thread on the first page

New players added have club next to their name


2023 April Top 50
1. Harley Reid
2. Daniel Curtin
3. Archer Reid
4. Jed Walter
5. Ashton Moir
6. Nick Watson
7. Koltyn Tholstrup
8. Jack Delean
9. Harvey Johnston (Sand)
10. Nate Caddy
11. Will Lorenz
12. Harry De Mattia (Dand)
13. Zane Duursma
14. Colby McKercher
15. Riley Hardeman
16. Malachai White (Geel)
17. Ben Ridgeway
18. Koen Sanchez
19. Thomas Anastasopoulos (Geel)
20. Reece Torrent
21. Jack Callinan
22. Will Brown
23. Luamon Lual
24. Mitch Edwards
25. Jake Rogers
26. Nathan Philactides
27. Darcy Wilson (Murr)
28. Will Green (North)
29. Coby James
30. George Stevens
31. Ethan Read
32. Jordan Croft (Cald WB FS)
33. Will Patton
34. Harvey Thomas (GWS A)
35. Will McCabe
36. Kobe Shipp
37. Billy Wilson
38. Luca Slade
39. Alex Holt
40. Archie Roberts
41. Amin Naim (Caald Ess NGA)
42. Logan Morris
43. Clay Hall
44. Miles Enders (Sand)
45. Sam Frangalas
46. Chad Reschke
47. Alex Molan
48. Kynan Brown
49. Rhyley Sanders
50. Connor O'Sullivan (Murr)

Special mentions too, Badr(Oak), Simpson (Dand), Weatherill (East), Georgievski (North), Page (Geel), Freijah (GWV) and Caleb Windsor (East)


2024 April Top 30
1. Finn O'Sullivan
2. Sid Draper
3. Phoenix Hargrave
4. Tyler Welsh
5. Josh Smillie
6. Deian Roberts
7. Levi Ashcroft
8. Jagga Smith
9. Benny Barrett
10. Zak Johnson
11. Sam Lalor
12. Lucas Camporeale
13. Otis Harvey
14. Thomas Evans (Bend)
15. Rhys Unwin (GWV)
16. Xavier Ivisic
17. Harvey Langford (Dand)
18. Jesse Dattoli (North)
19. Sam Marshall (Bris A/Sand)
20. Tobie Travaglia
21. Tom Gross (Oak)
22. Lucas McInerney
23. Jacob Newton
24. Ned Atkinson
25. Caleb Nancarrow
26. Lucca Grego
27. Isaac Kako (Cald Ess NGA)
28. Jayden Nguyen (Cald Ess NGA)
29. Luke Wilson
30. Ben Camporeale

Special mentions, Oliver Warburton and Max Stobie

Hey Davo-27 where do you see Cam Nyko in the draft rankings? He gets a fair bit of the ball but isn’t overly damaging. However his 50m goal on the wknd was nice. Also, after the academy game I tend to agree with your George Stevens ranking. He looked a little slow against Port but I can still see why clubs like him with his strength and nice ball use. I had him ranked inside 20 and there is still time but I think he’s got some work to do on working out his best position. Thoughts?

 

[Davo-27]

Hey Davo-27 where do you see Cam Nyko in the draft rankings? He gets a fair bit of the ball but isn’t overly damaging. However his 50m goal on the wknd was nice. Also, after the academy game I tend to agree with your George Stevens ranking. He looked a little slow against Port but I can still see why clubs like him with his strength and nice ball use. I had him ranked inside 20 and there is still time but I think he’s got some work to do on working out his best position. Thoughts?

I think Cam Nyko has a mix of good and bad traits, he seems athletic enough, but is lacking in the skills department, I know it's vague but you can break it down into 50 little compartments of his game and you'll get more negative than positive so I've moved away from him in my lists in general now

George Stevens is a different case, he is a little too short to be a comfortable KPP, but has the strength and ok height to play in those positions, 2 years ago I liked him as a medium forw, this year I think he is doing well as a chb primarily, does lack a little speed, can intercept though and use it well, gets involved in the play a lot, so isn't one of these guys that disappears for half the game which is good, it means he positions himself well and can read the play, there's talk he may play more mid? He could go back to playing as a forward? But overall he is playing well, just needs to show something to stand out from the crowd, like a big mark or a bag of goals maybe?

 

[Obeanie1]

Curtin must be great if he is ahead of Walter.

Walter is just hilariously powerful for his age. Absolute wrecking ball.

Whispers out West Curtin may slide.

Think he.'s injured but that's not why.

Won't repeat why. Will be interesting what happens come draft day.

 

[mpal6]

Whispers out West Curtin may slide.

Think he.'s injured but that's not why.

Won't repeat why. Will be interesting what happens come draft day.

Omg the classic Jack Darling rumour mill has started !

 

[roos_fanatic08]

Whispers out West Curtin may slide.

Think he.'s injured but that's not why.

Won't repeat why. Will be interesting what happens come draft day.

West Coast bringing out the “Jack Darling technique” again.

 

[eDPS]

West Coast bringing out the “Jack Darling technique” again.

Can’t say Curtin strikes me as the type to get up to much trouble off the field.

 

[Obeanie1]

West Coast bringing out the “Jack Darling technique” again.

I don't think so.

It will be very interesting how it pans out.

As a supporter I hope we don't risk a top 2 pick.

 

[Swiggy]

I don't think so.

It will be very interesting how it pans out.

As a supporter I hope we don't risk a top 2 pick.

Was thinking would west coast trade back again? To get 2 good picks? Then could get Curtin plus someone else?