Phantom Draft Davo-27's 2026 Draft Thread

[go_the_dockers]

Davo-27 - Who are the best goal kicking small forwards this year? Someone in the Watson mould would be perfect.

 

[Davo-27]

Davo-27 - Who are the best goal kicking small forwards this year? Someone in the Watson mould would be perfect.

Theres only 3 ive seen in my years at Watsons level and they were Izaak Rankine and Kossie Pickett, although Kozzie had issues with fumbling in u18s which i was worried about and i think thats why he didnt go top 10, he fixed that issue quickly though and was a bargain.

Gabriel Patterson is that quick, taller sml forw, more like a McReery type at Coll, although im not sure on his defensive side to his game like tackling ect, he looks likely 1st round, maybe top 10, Archie Simpson is also a quick sml forw for 2027 both from SA

Theres 5 that might go later in the draft, Jermaine Miller(SA playing for Northern Knights) and Lachlan McGlade(WA) are 2 indigenous sml forwards who look likely to be seriously considered, El Souki(Western) is linked to the bulldogs and he looks likely to head there, Noah Williams(Geel) could be a sml forw at the highest level as well as Neocleous(Gipps) and they would be 1st rounders, Williams being talked about as a top 10 maybe top 5 prospect? and more likely a midfielder.

Thats all i can think of, off the top of my head, but in order for this year and not linked to a club, best sml forws prior to the champs...

Patterson, Neocleous the standouts atm

 

[Luxor]

Theres only 3 ive seen in my years at Watsons level and they were Izaak Rankine and Kossie Pickett, although Kozzie had issues with fumbling in u18s which i was worried about and i think thats why he didnt go top 10, he fixed that issue quickly though and was a bargain.

Gabriel Patterson is that quick, taller sml forw, more like a McReery type at Coll, although im not sure on his defensive side to his game like tackling ect, he looks likely 1st round, maybe top 10, Archie Simpson is also a quick sml forw for 2027 both from SA

Theres 5 that might go later in the draft, Jermaine Miller(SA playing for Northern Knights) and Lachlan McGlade(WA) are 2 indigenous sml forwards who look likely to be seriously considered, El Souki(Western) is linked to the bulldogs and he looks likely to head there, Noah Williams(Geel) could be a sml forw at the highest level as well as Neocleous(Gipps) and they would be 1st rounders, Williams being talked about as a top 10 maybe top 5 prospect? and more likely a midfielder.

Thats all i can think of, off the top of my head, but in order for this year and not linked to a club, best sml forws prior tk the champs...

Patterson, Neocleous, Miller, McGlade

I think McGlade is WCE NGA, been mentioned on our board a few times.

 

[Davo-27]

My May Rankings

Elite - Dougie Cochrane*, Cody Walker*, Harry Van Hattum, Arki Butler (4)

Top Tier - Heath Mellody, Kodah Edwards, Noah Williams, Gabriel Patterson, Ethan Herbert, Koby LeCras, Marlon Neocleous, Xavier Ladbrook, Gus Teixiera, Jordan Knapp, Wil Malady, Jack Pickett, Darcy Szerszyn, Matt Owen*, Caylen Murray*, Lucas Robinson, Khaled El Souki*, Harrison Chapman, Archie Van Dyk, Aidan McCartney* (20)

some AFL Traits - Leo Steed, Ethan Drever, Jackson Phillips, Memphis Webb, Lachlan McGlade*, Jermaine Miller, Tanner Armstrong*, Marcus Prasad, Seb Marsic, Cain Florance, Harvie Cooke, Garrison Kenh*, Lachlan Hicks, Archie Hill*, Guy Jenkin*, Lewis Houndsome, Archie Fogarty, Angus Tippett, Sonny Beasy, Jacob McNichol, Albert MacGowan, Cody Templeton, Clancy Snell, Tate Hodgson, Max Downes, Benji Van Rooyen, Cooper Hodge*, Charlie Gray, Noah McMenamin, Blake Justice*, Hugh McCallum, Archie Devine*, Harrison Leeder, Chas Woolward, Sam Gayfer (35) (probably could add another dozen to this group, chance to be drafted)

* linked to an AFL Club

 

[M Malice]

My May Rankings

Elite - Dougie Cochrane*, Cody Walker*, Harry Van Hattum, Arki Butler (4)

Top Tier - Heath Mellody, Kodah Edwards, Noah Williams, Gabriel Patterson, Ethan Herbert, Koby LeCras, Marlon Neocleous, Xavier Ladbrook, Gus Teixiera, Jordan Knapp, Wil Malady, Jack Pickett, Darcy Szerszyn, Matt Owen*, Caylen Murray*, Lucas Robinson, Khaled Sl Souki*, Harrison Chapman, Archie Van Dyk, Aidan McCartney* (20)

some AFL Traits - Leo Steed, Ethan Drever, Jackson Phillips, Memphis Webb, Lachlan McGlade*, Jermaine Miller, Tanner Armstrong*, Marcus Prasad, Seb Marsic, Cain Florance, Harvie Cooke, Garrison Kenh*, Lachlan Hicks, Archie Hill*, Guy Jenkin*, Lewis Houndsome, Archie Fogarty, Angus Tippett, Sonny Beasy, Jacob McNichol, Albert MacGowan, Cody Templeton, Clancy Snell, Tate Hodgson, Max Downes, Benji Van Rooyen, Cooper Hodge*, Charlie Gray, Noah McMenamin, Blake Justice*, Hugh McCallum, Archie Devine*, Harrison Leeder, Chas Woolward, Sam Gayfer (35) (probably could add another dozen to this group, chance to be drafted)

* linked to an AFL Club

With the Lions looking likely to be only able to match 1 academy player(depending on where the bid is made) do you see Owen & Murray as probable round 1 bids?

If we could only get one of them who do you think would be the best fit for us?

 

[Davo-27]

With the Lions looking likely to be only able to match 1 academy player(depending on where the bid is made) do you see Owen & Murray as probable round 1 bids?

If we could only get one of them who do you think would be the best fit for us?

Well it comes down to perspective, form, champs performance and positional need, so i personally thought there was a difference of quality between them 2 years ago, with Owen in the lead, but then Murray plays in last years u18s champs for the Allies and prior to that he was getting opportunities in QLD local leagues ahead of Owen, so in his 17th year he had closed the distance and possibly surpassed him in the eyes of people that matter, coaches and selectors, this year it seems they are on an even keel, neither standing out over the other, it comes down to projection, what they can be at the next level, i think Owens flexibility and ball use puts him ahead of Murrays accumulation, but having the favour of coaches and selectors is a powerful position to be in when decisions need to be made, i honestly dont know which way Brisbane will go... but i would guess Murray is in prime position because he has the support of people who will have their opinions asked of which player they should go with.

Things will be clearer after the champs, atm its too much speculation...

 

[Mutineer]

My May Rankings

Elite - Dougie Cochrane*, Cody Walker*, Harry Van Hattum, Arki Butler (4)

Top Tier - Heath Mellody, Kodah Edwards, Noah Williams, Gabriel Patterson, Ethan Herbert, Koby LeCras, Marlon Neocleous, Xavier Ladbrook, Gus Teixiera, Jordan Knapp, Wil Malady, Jack Pickett, Darcy Szerszyn, Matt Owen*, Caylen Murray*, Lucas Robinson, Khaled El Souki*, Harrison Chapman, Archie Van Dyk, Aidan McCartney* (20)

some AFL Traits - Leo Steed, Ethan Drever, Jackson Phillips, Memphis Webb, Lachlan McGlade*, Jermaine Miller, Tanner Armstrong*, Marcus Prasad, Seb Marsic, Cain Florance, Harvie Cooke, Garrison Kenh*, Lachlan Hicks, Archie Hill*, Guy Jenkin*, Lewis Houndsome, Archie Fogarty, Angus Tippett, Sonny Beasy, Jacob McNichol, Albert MacGowan, Cody Templeton, Clancy Snell, Tate Hodgson, Max Downes, Benji Van Rooyen, Cooper Hodge*, Charlie Gray, Noah McMenamin, Blake Justice*, Hugh McCallum, Archie Devine*, Harrison Leeder, Chas Woolward, Sam Gayfer (35) (probably could add another dozen to this group, chance to be drafted)

* linked to an AFL Club

How much of Ethan Drever have you actually seen play? I've seen plenty and obviously I think he's a top tier prospect.

 

[Mutineer]

Theres only 3 ive seen in my years at Watsons level and they were Izaak Rankine and Kossie Pickett, although Kozzie had issues with fumbling in u18s which i was worried about and i think thats why he didnt go top 10, he fixed that issue quickly though and was a bargain.

Gabriel Patterson is that quick, taller sml forw, more like a McReery type at Coll, although im not sure on his defensive side to his game like tackling ect, he looks likely 1st round, maybe top 10, Archie Simpson is also a quick sml forw for 2027 both from SA

Theres 5 that might go later in the draft, Jermaine Miller(SA playing for Northern Knights) and Lachlan McGlade(WA) are 2 indigenous sml forwards who look likely to be seriously considered, El Souki(Western) is linked to the bulldogs and he looks likely to head there, Noah Williams(Geel) could be a sml forw at the highest level as well as Neocleous(Gipps) and they would be 1st rounders, Williams being talked about as a top 10 maybe top 5 prospect? and more likely a midfielder.

Thats all i can think of, off the top of my head, but in order for this year and not linked to a club, best sml forws prior to the champs...

Patterson, Neocleous, Miller, McGlade

West Adelaide and Adelaide NGA Anthony Long (Michael Long's nephew) looks a definite draft chance and Sturts small forward Lachie Werts both in the SA U18 squad and kicking goals every week worth a look too.

 

[Davo-27]

At this point only Patterson and Neocleous are good sml forwards that arent club aligned, more sml forws might make a name for themselves at the champs.

Its a shame Jermaine Miller seems out of favour after moving to Melb from Adel, he was looking like a good talent...

 

[captain cotch 9]

At this point only Patterson and Neocleous are good sml forwards that arent club aligned, more sml forws might make a name for themselves at the champs.

Its a shame Jermaine Miller seems out of favour after moving to Melb from Adel, he was looking like a good talent...

What are your thoughts on Archie Daffy?

 

[bulldogs201616]

Any Chance El Souki goes to high that the dogs can't match?

 

[HAWKS2016]

Davo which pick do you think elsouki will go after his recent form

 

[Eric Shin]

Any Chance El Souki goes to high that the dogs can't match?

Yes

 

[txbyhull]

Yes

I'd honestly think that given the Butters chase there's more of a chance on current trajectory that they can't match compared to can

 

[bulldogs201616]

Yes

How high are we thinking he goes top 10?

 

[briztoon]

Any Chance El Souki goes to high that the dogs can't match?

Depends if the Digs make finals, and if they’re willing to take a deficit on next year’s first.

Don’t believe he goes top 5, so you’re looking at the 6 to 15 range.

 

[Davo-27]

What are your thoughts on Archie Daffy?

you have to dominate at under 18 footy to get drafted and he hasnt yet, so doubtful he gets drafted at this stage, unless its a short term rookie chance

Any Chance El Souki goes to high that the dogs can't match?

If you get Butters and trade your picks, you cant match the bid with his stocks rising into the top 20, if you fail getting Butters and Butters goes to Geelong you might have to pick him up with your live pick to secure him, depends on the situation and if you rate another prospect ahead of him at your choice, i think its a very complicated situation.

His champs will be a big indicator of where he goes.

 

[KanesBurner]

Depends if the Digs make finals, and if they’re willing to take a deficit on next year’s first.

Don’t believe he goes top 5, so you’re looking at the 6 to 15 range.

To go into deficit do you need to retain the F1 for the deficit to be applied too? Because I think that’s gone if Butters nominates them.

 

[briztoon]

To go into deficit do you need to retain the F1 for the deficit to be applied too?

YES

Because I think that’s gone if Butters nominates them.

 

[txbyhull]

YES

It doesn't explicitly state that it will have to be theirs from what I've read, it just has to be a frp. Same same though

 

[briztoon]

It doesn't explicitly state that it will have to be theirs from what I've read, it just has to be a frp. Same same though

That is correct.

 

[Davo-27]

Noah Braun - Claremont, not often do you see an outside player get 50 disposals, good runner, had 6 tackles as well, got involved in a few boundary throw ins ect, definitely on the radar now, love a ball winning athletic wing/hbf who loves a run... hope he gets an invite to the WA team for champs for the real pressure test.

 

[Davo-27]

Looks like Caleb May a ruck from Syd A that they let through their net is dominating in the SANFL and is being linked to WCE for the MSD, theres a bunch of players who missed out in recent drafts who are on clubs radars.

 

[KinderSmock]

Looks like Caleb May a ruck from Syd A that they let through their net is dominating in the SANFL and is being linked to WCE for the MSD, theres a bunch of players who missed out in recent drafts who are on clubs radars.

They’ll be a few from the Academy pipelines who start to pop up interstate as targets.

Anderson at Collingwood was taken last year through the SANFL.

GWS and Gold Coast have a few ex-Academy kids in the VFL.