List Mgmt. Draft Discussion 2016

[Stewart66]

Taranto's better

Just quietly would not have any hesitation with Will Brodie myself ( carried injury & niggles all year)

Once he is in AFL system for 2 years will be a machine.

Three reasons . Great Attitude , Loves training & wants to be better a player

 

[Stewart66]

Just quietly would not have any hesitation with Will Brodie myself ( carried injury & niggles all year)

Once he is in AFL system for 2 years will be a machine.

Three reasons . Great Attitude , Loves training & wants to be better a player

But also agree with Ghost's comments once we recruited Steele & Stevens the list needs are elsewhere .

 

[borderbarry]

If GWS lose picks 15 and 37, would we be interested in Sproule (197 KPF) or MacReadie (196 KPD) as GWS would nor be able to take them.

 

[aussierulesrules]

Super comprehensive draft rankings from Anderson, especially with the combine results. Here are the ones that are probably more relevant to us, minus the youtube clips:

13. Daniel VENABLES
Ht: 185.2cm | Wt: 82.1kg | Medium Forward | Western Jets

The powerful forward/midfielder has shown himself to be a big time/moment player who can come to the fore in an hour of need. In their Round 1 clash against Oakleigh, Venables went to the goalsquare in the final term and kicked three goals – two coming from strong marks on the lead. He can burst out of traffic and break/stand up in tackles but his workrate and midfield craft need improving, as does his endurance if he is to make the move into the middle on a more permanent basis.

Strengths: class, burst, power, big game performer.

Needs to improve: endurance, ball winning.

Injuries: Broken leg in 2015. Hip surgery in 2015. Concussion in July. Foot in August – didn't test at combine.

Combine test results: Repeat Sprint – N/A. 20m Sprint – N/A. Agility – N/A.Beep Test – N/A. 3km TT – N/A.

Draft range: 11-22.

What they say: “Daniel only played two-and-a-half games with us because of private school commitments and also played national championships. He’s got speed, a real competitor and he’s got excellent disposal skills. We’d hope that he’d go pretty early.” – Western Jets coach Torin Baker.

14. Jordan RIDLEY
Ht: 191.9cm | Wt: 79.7kg | Utility | Oakleigh Chargers

A big part of scouting is future projection and this is why Ridley ranks so high on my list. He is quick, reads the play well in back half by positioning himself to either intercept, or become the first receiver to set up a counter attack. His kicking is one of his big strengths and can split apart a zone with a precision pass. When in attack, he marks the ball well and has shown the capability to hit the scoreboard. He does though need to continue to work on winning more contested ball, but he’s not poor at it. For me, he is a similar type to Melbourne’s Jack Watts.

Strengths: kicking, decision-making, speed, versatility, character.

Needs to improve: consistency, strength.

Injuries: Shoulder in September.

Combine test results: Repeat Sprint – 26.18. 20m Sprint – 2.99. Agility – 8.41.Beep Test – 13.5. 3km TT – 10:58.

Draft range: 21-30.

What they say: “Some clubs see him as a back and some see him as a forward and some see him as a midfielder. He has a great set of hands, a real confidence player, terrific character and hard worker. He will get the best out of himself at any level he plays at.” – Oakleigh Chargers talent manager Craig Notman.

15. Jy SIMPKIN
Ht: 181.7cm | Wt: 74.7kg | Small Forward | Murray Bushrangers

Its been a case of ‘out of sight, out of mind’ for Simpkin. As a bottom-ager in 2015, he played mostly as a creative small forward, where he showed elite vision, smarts and goal sense. The plan was for him to play more in midfield this year but that didn’t eventuate due to his injury. He is a classy, creative player and a good kick. He is someone who could blossom in a star at the next level as his body gets stronger and he improve his endurance.

Strengths: smarts, goal sense, speed.

Needs to improve: injuries, strength.

Injuries: Broken leg in April – didn't test at combine.

Combine test results: Repeat Sprint – N/A. 20m Sprint – N/A. Agility – N/A.Beep Test – N/A. 3km TT – N/A.

Draft range: 8-13.

What they say: “We feel a bit robbed that we didn’t get to see him as a top ager after he played Round 1 and had 26 touches. Recovered well (from his injury) and should be right to start a pre-season at an AFL club. A medium forward/midfielder who has pace and smarts.” – Murray Bushrangers talent manager Lee Fraser.

16. Oliver FLORENT
Ht: 182.0cm | Wt: 74.4kg | Outside Midfielder | Sandringham Dragons

Until the All-Star game, Florent threatened to tear games apart at all levels – nationals, TAC Cup, AGS school footy – but never really did. In the All-Star game, it all came together. He can play both inside and out, he breaks tackles, and has good footy smarts. At times he can appear to be a lazy kick, as he lets go of the ball loosely in his ball drop, but its not something that can’t be cleaned up easily. His father passed away in September after a long cancer battle, so his performances for the past few years have come under personal duress, which makes his development all the more impressive.

Strengths: smarts, breaking tackles, agility, resilience.

Needs to improve: contested ball, kicking (ball drop).

Injuries: None.

Combine test results: Repeat Sprint – 26.06. 20m Sprint – 3.02. Agility – 8.26.Beep Test – 15.1. 3km TT – 10:45.

Draft range: 11-23.

What they say: “There’s a lot of upside physically when he gets into a full-time program. If you have a look at some of early games his effectiveness and ability to hit the scoreboard and be involved in scoring chains was outstanding. That is where he is even more exciting.” – Sandringham Dragons talent manager Ryan O’Connor.

17. Alex WITHERDEN
Ht: 186.2cm | Wt: 80.0kg | Hybrid Defender | Geelong Falcons

Witherden has mostly been a hybrid running defender, but pushed into midfield for the Falcons in his two games this year. He sees the game unfold very well in front of him when in back half, showing good lateral movement and is an effective tackler/spoiler with long arms. With ball in hand he has great vision and his kicking style resembles that of Steve Johnson. As a developing midfielder, he transitions well on the spread and can find the ball, but needs to continue to work on his tank.

Strengths: composure, vision, kicking, decision-making, drive.

Needs to improve: endurance, physicality, opposite side.

Injuries: Broken leg in May – didn't test at combine.

Combine test results: Repeat Sprint – N/A. 20m Sprint – N/A. Agility – N/A.Beep Test – N/A. 3km TT – N/A.

Draft range: 12-22.

What they say: “Alex broke his leg early on in the season in a school game so only played two games with us. Played midfield and pushes forward after improving his conditioning but he still needs to improve that to play at AFL level but his eyes are wide-open to that.” – 2016 Geelong Falcons coach Andy Allthorpe.

18. Shai BOLTON
Ht: 174.7cm | Wt: 68.8kg | Small Forward | South Fremantle

Bolton jumps out at you when you watch him live, or on tape. He has an unbelievable side-step and can jump off a standing start to take a mark. At the moment he is more of a forward than a midfielder, but he has shown the ability to push up onto a wing in the national championships and in the All-Star Game. He does though need to work on his kicking – especially his high ball drop – and must lower his eyes to select the right option, rather than bombing long. He is far from the finished article and will take some patience, but oozes x-factor.

Strengths: speed, tricks, leap.

Needs to improve: endurance, strength, kicking, work ethic.

Injuries: Back stress fractures in 2015.

Combine test results: Repeat Sprint – 25.10. 20m Sprint – 2.95. Agility – 8.85.Beep Test – 13.1. 3km TT – 10:59.

Draft range: 12-28.

What they say: “Adds energy around the contest and he’s a bit of a freak really. Has electric speed and at ground level he’s the best I’ve seen when he just takes off after hitting the ground. He’s a slight kid who will need to work on his endurance and strength to get to more contests.” – South Fremantle talent manager Jason Pedulla.

19. Josh ROTHAM
Ht: 191.9cm | Wt: 77.4kg | Hybrid Defender | West Perth

Entering the season, I felt Rotham has a real chance of being the first Western Australian selected due to his size, speed and athleticism. However, he had an ordinary season with West Perth and was just fair in the national championships. He is best suited as a running defender, who shows good composure and burst with ball in hand. He reads the play well and is good enough overhead. On the flipside, he hasn’t shown an ability to push into midfield with consistency, and needs to be more resilient/competitive in contested situations.

Strengths: kicking, athleticism.

Needs to improve: endurance, strength, contested ball.

Injuries: None.

Combine test results: Repeat Sprint – 25.53. 20m Sprint – 2.92. Agility – 8.66.Beep Test – 12.9. 3km TT – 11:01.

Draft range: 20-30.

What they say: “He’s got an ability to play as a third tall defender or as a damaging wingman and could develop into an inside midfielder as things unfold. His pace and his long kicking make him a damaging player out of the back half.”– West Perth football operations manager Ward Harris.

20. Todd MARSHALL
Ht: 196.6cm | Wt: 85.9kg | Key Forward | Murray Bushrangers

Having played a fair bit of cricket (as an off-spinner), he hasn’t really ever done a proper pre-season, so what we have seen this year is closer to his basement than his ceiling. Marshall is a skinny tall forward with narrow shoulders (ala Justin Westhoff), but has great agility for his height and technically a good kick for goal. He reads the ball well in flight, but can also be caught behind a bit too often. He carried multiple injury niggles in the back half of the year and struggled for confidence. He’s a boom or bust prospect.

Strengths: athleticism, ball winning, sheer talent.

Needs to improve: fitness/strength, consistency, positioning.

Injuries: Wrist in January. Foot/quad in September – didn't test at combine.

Combine test results: Repeat Sprint – N/A. 20m Sprint – N/A. Agility – N/A.Beep Test – N/A. 3km TT – N/A.

Draft range: 15-23.

What they say: “In terms of natural ability there is probably none better in our side or the TAC Cup as a whole. Got an innate ability to win the football and some of the things he can do at 198cm at ground level and in the air are quite astonishing.” – Murray Bushrangers talent manager Lee Fraser.

21. Jarrod BERRY
Ht: 191.0cm | Wt: 81.8kg | Utility | North Ballarat Rebels

As an under-17, Berry looked to be one of the outstanding prospects this year having been named All-Australian across half back for Vic Country. He hasn’t improved as much as hoped though (compared with others), with questions remaining about where he is best suited playing at the next level, injury niggles have hampered his season and his kicking still requires attention. He has outstanding character however, is strong overhead and has a burning desire to succeed.

Strengths: character, game sense, repeat efforts, drive.

Needs to improve: injury concerns, kicking consistency.

Injuries: Shoulder in 2015. Knee in June. Kidney in September.

Combine test results: Repeat Sprint – 24.99. 20m Sprint – 3.01. Agility – 8.29.Beep Test – 15.1. 3km TT – 9:46.

Draft range: 11-20.

What they say: “Athletically he is elite with great endurance and speed and he has agility as well. His leadership qualities are second to none, and he won the Mitchell award at the academy this year. I think at the AFL level he can play in various positions and that’s the most attractive part of Jarrod’s game.” – North Ballarat Rebels talent manager Phil Partington.

22. Sam POWELL-PEPPER
Ht: 186.5cm | Wt: 90.2kg | Medium Forward | East Perth

I wasn’t a huge wrap for Powell-Pepper early in the season as his decision-making and kicking were well below par, but he improved both areas as the season wore on. He still worries me playing behind centre where his turnovers can turn into opposition scores, but he projects very well as a powerful midfielder/forward, who can have burst through the centre, and be a scoreboard threat. At times he can be overzealous, but that in part is due to the outstanding intensity and passion that he plays with.

Strengths: power, inside ball winning, intensity.

Needs to improve: decision-making, kicking consistency.

Injuries: None.

Combine test results: Repeat Sprint – 26.30. 20m Sprint – 3.00. Agility – 8.24.Beep Test – 14.7. 3km TT – 10:28.

Draft range: 12-23.

What they say: “Whoever picks Sam up will get their money’s worth because he’s a beast of a young man with elite endurance, good hands and has great power. Could play back, forward or midfield if required and he’ll be an asset wherever he goes.” – East Perth football operations manager Mark Winnett.

23. Will HAYWARD
Ht: 184.7cm | Wt: 76.6kg | Medium Forward | North Adelaide

Hayward first caught the eye in Late April and early May in the Roosters’ under 18s and reserves, but his improvement in the back half of the year was exceptional. He is an athletic, rangy type who bobs up at right time in attack thanks to excellent instincts. His kicking (and goalkicking) needs to improve, but he is a very good mark for his size, shows good separation speed on the lead and cat-like recovery. He has played mostly forward but showed the scope to go into midfield down the track. Reminds me a bit of recently retired Blue, Andrew Walker, in some ways.

Strengths: athleticism, speed, recovery, instincts.

Needs to improve: strength, physicality, field kicking, goal kicking.

Injuries: None.

Combine test results: Repeat Sprint – N/A. 20m Sprint – 2.94. Agility – 8.89.Beep Test – N/A. 3km TT – N/A.

Draft range: 5-18.

What they say: “Will is extremely athletic. I’d say he’d start as a forward but develop into a midfielder down the track. Will need to build up but has some real upside with what he can do around the ball.” – North Adelaide football development manager Neil Sanders.

24. Luke RYAN
Ht: 185.7cm | Wt: 82.9kg | Hybrid Defender | Coburg

Ryan has arguably been the best player in state leagues this year as a rebounding defender for the Lions. He has a very high footy IQ, which aides his ability to read the play and intercept across half back, and is a dynamic, athletic runner with ball in hand. His ability to defend one on one was a question mark, but he was dragged deep a few times and stood up well. He’ll need to knuckle down more off-field at the next level and be more diligent in his preparation, but the talent is there.

Strengths: reading of play, agility, athleticism.

Needs to improve: defensive communication, professionalism.

Injuries: Shoulder in August – didn't test at combine.

Combine test results: Repeat Sprint – N/A. 20m Sprint – N/A. Agility – N/A.Beep Test – N/A. 3km TT – N/A.

Draft range: 19-45.

What they say: “We brought him in after he was cut by Essendon VFL and told him that he may have to bide his time in the development league, but he settled in quickly and Peter German says that he can’t remember a player who sees the game better across half back.” – Coburg general manager Craig Lees.

25. Cedric COX
Ht: 181.1cm | Wt: 78.6kg | Medium Defender | North Ballarat Rebels

Hailing from Halls Creek, Cox didn’t play at all in 2015 before he bobbed up at Camperdown (where he played in the senior interleague team for the Hampden league) and then at the Rebels. Prior to that, one can vaguely remember Cox playing alongside Sam Petrevski-Seton for WA North West at the under-16 championships in 2013 at Blacktown. He is best suited as a running half back with good vision, smarts and elite skills on both sides. He still need to work on his contested ball and consistency, but his endurance at the combine was better than expected.

Strengths: kicking on both sides, agility, drive.

Needs to improve: consistency, ball winning.

Injuries: None.

Combine test results: Repeat Sprint – 25.82. 20m Sprint – 3.05. Agility – 8.60.Beep Test – 13.2. 3km TT – 10:47.

Draft range: 18-32.

What they say: “To move from Halls Creek to Camperdown to pursue his football and outside life is a great credit to the boy. You can see he wants to make something if his life. He has sacrificed a lot but is going to gain a lot at the next level he goes to.” – North Ballarat Rebels talent manager Phil Partington.

If you have any draft-related questions, you can send me a tweet to@BrettAndersonIF.

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[aussierulesrules]

Do you have any footage outside of Ridley's highlights vs the Allies?

I liked the sound of him from reading up but watching that clip he has some issues. His marking is very good and he laid a great run down tackle but there are at least 3 handballs straight to a team mate under the pump and some of his kicking is pretty poor. The kick out where he plays on and goes long to a nothing target was a WTF moment to be in a package like that.

Reminded me of Sammy Gilbert to be honest!

I wouldn't worry about his kicking, it's meant to be a real strength of his. Need to realise that that Allies footage isn't necessarily a "highlights package", but could just be someone putting together a package of pretty much everything he did in that game, warts and all. There is more footage of him in the AFL website's draft machine.

Really impressed with his marking (how is the pack mark he clunks from behind in that Allies footage!) and when you combine that marking with his good height (192cm and possibly still growing), versatility, really good speed for someone his size (he tested faster than SPP and Cox) and what seems to be a good ability to read the play, there's a lot to like there.

I'm probably with BA in that I reckon I'd prefer him to Rotham, if there isn't a "slider" we really like at 23. Would bloody love to get him at 36, but I doubt very much he'll still be there.

 

[Diehard Saint]

If GWS lose picks 15 and 37, would we be interested in Sproule (197 KPF) or MacReadie (196 KPD) as GWS would nor be able to take them.

Based on the AFL's history of speedy resolution of issues, GWS will probably only be stripped of picks 15 and 37 AFTER the draft

 

[aussierulesrules]

Came across this interesting post on the D&T board, from someone who sounds like they've gotten most/all this through mail: https://www.bigfooty.com/forum/threads/2016-draft-rumours.1150580/page-32#post-47819530

 

[Ekomaira]

Super comprehensive draft rankings from Anderson, especially with the combine results. Here are the ones that are probably more relevant to us, minus the youtube clips:

13. Daniel VENABLES
Ht: 185.2cm | Wt: 82.1kg | Medium Forward | Western Jets

The powerful forward/midfielder has shown himself to be a big time/moment player who can come to the fore in an hour of need. In their Round 1 clash against Oakleigh, Venables went to the goalsquare in the final term and kicked three goals – two coming from strong marks on the lead. He can burst out of traffic and break/stand up in tackles but his workrate and midfield craft need improving, as does his endurance if he is to make the move into the middle on a more permanent basis.

Strengths: class, burst, power, big game performer.

Needs to improve: endurance, ball winning.

Injuries: Broken leg in 2015. Hip surgery in 2015. Concussion in July. Foot in August – didn't test at combine.

Combine test results: Repeat Sprint – N/A. 20m Sprint – N/A. Agility – N/A.Beep Test – N/A. 3km TT – N/A.

Draft range: 11-22.

What they say: “Daniel only played two-and-a-half games with us because of private school commitments and also played national championships. He’s got speed, a real competitor and he’s got excellent disposal skills. We’d hope that he’d go pretty early.” – Western Jets coach Torin Baker.

14. Jordan RIDLEY
Ht: 191.9cm | Wt: 79.7kg | Utility | Oakleigh Chargers

A big part of scouting is future projection and this is why Ridley ranks so high on my list. He is quick, reads the play well in back half by positioning himself to either intercept, or become the first receiver to set up a counter attack. His kicking is one of his big strengths and can split apart a zone with a precision pass. When in attack, he marks the ball well and has shown the capability to hit the scoreboard. He does though need to continue to work on winning more contested ball, but he’s not poor at it. For me, he is a similar type to Melbourne’s Jack Watts.

Strengths: kicking, decision-making, speed, versatility, character.

Needs to improve: consistency, strength.

Injuries: Shoulder in September.

Combine test results: Repeat Sprint – 26.18. 20m Sprint – 2.99. Agility – 8.41.Beep Test – 13.5. 3km TT – 10:58.

Draft range: 21-30.

What they say: “Some clubs see him as a back and some see him as a forward and some see him as a midfielder. He has a great set of hands, a real confidence player, terrific character and hard worker. He will get the best out of himself at any level he plays at.” – Oakleigh Chargers talent manager Craig Notman.

15. Jy SIMPKIN
Ht: 181.7cm | Wt: 74.7kg | Small Forward | Murray Bushrangers

Its been a case of ‘out of sight, out of mind’ for Simpkin. As a bottom-ager in 2015, he played mostly as a creative small forward, where he showed elite vision, smarts and goal sense. The plan was for him to play more in midfield this year but that didn’t eventuate due to his injury. He is a classy, creative player and a good kick. He is someone who could blossom in a star at the next level as his body gets stronger and he improve his endurance.

Strengths: smarts, goal sense, speed.

Needs to improve: injuries, strength.

Injuries: Broken leg in April – didn't test at combine.

Combine test results: Repeat Sprint – N/A. 20m Sprint – N/A. Agility – N/A.Beep Test – N/A. 3km TT – N/A.

Draft range: 8-13.

What they say: “We feel a bit robbed that we didn’t get to see him as a top ager after he played Round 1 and had 26 touches. Recovered well (from his injury) and should be right to start a pre-season at an AFL club. A medium forward/midfielder who has pace and smarts.” – Murray Bushrangers talent manager Lee Fraser.

16. Oliver FLORENT
Ht: 182.0cm | Wt: 74.4kg | Outside Midfielder | Sandringham Dragons

Until the All-Star game, Florent threatened to tear games apart at all levels – nationals, TAC Cup, AGS school footy – but never really did. In the All-Star game, it all came together. He can play both inside and out, he breaks tackles, and has good footy smarts. At times he can appear to be a lazy kick, as he lets go of the ball loosely in his ball drop, but its not something that can’t be cleaned up easily. His father passed away in September after a long cancer battle, so his performances for the past few years have come under personal duress, which makes his development all the more impressive.

Strengths: smarts, breaking tackles, agility, resilience.

Needs to improve: contested ball, kicking (ball drop).

Injuries: None.

Combine test results: Repeat Sprint – 26.06. 20m Sprint – 3.02. Agility – 8.26.Beep Test – 15.1. 3km TT – 10:45.

Draft range: 11-23.

What they say: “There’s a lot of upside physically when he gets into a full-time program. If you have a look at some of early games his effectiveness and ability to hit the scoreboard and be involved in scoring chains was outstanding. That is where he is even more exciting.” – Sandringham Dragons talent manager Ryan O’Connor.

17. Alex WITHERDEN
Ht: 186.2cm | Wt: 80.0kg | Hybrid Defender | Geelong Falcons

Witherden has mostly been a hybrid running defender, but pushed into midfield for the Falcons in his two games this year. He sees the game unfold very well in front of him when in back half, showing good lateral movement and is an effective tackler/spoiler with long arms. With ball in hand he has great vision and his kicking style resembles that of Steve Johnson. As a developing midfielder, he transitions well on the spread and can find the ball, but needs to continue to work on his tank.

Strengths: composure, vision, kicking, decision-making, drive.

Needs to improve: endurance, physicality, opposite side.

Injuries: Broken leg in May – didn't test at combine.

Combine test results: Repeat Sprint – N/A. 20m Sprint – N/A. Agility – N/A.Beep Test – N/A. 3km TT – N/A.

Draft range: 12-22.

What they say: “Alex broke his leg early on in the season in a school game so only played two games with us. Played midfield and pushes forward after improving his conditioning but he still needs to improve that to play at AFL level but his eyes are wide-open to that.” – 2016 Geelong Falcons coach Andy Allthorpe.

18. Shai BOLTON
Ht: 174.7cm | Wt: 68.8kg | Small Forward | South Fremantle

Bolton jumps out at you when you watch him live, or on tape. He has an unbelievable side-step and can jump off a standing start to take a mark. At the moment he is more of a forward than a midfielder, but he has shown the ability to push up onto a wing in the national championships and in the All-Star Game. He does though need to work on his kicking – especially his high ball drop – and must lower his eyes to select the right option, rather than bombing long. He is far from the finished article and will take some patience, but oozes x-factor.

Strengths: speed, tricks, leap.

Needs to improve: endurance, strength, kicking, work ethic.

Injuries: Back stress fractures in 2015.

Combine test results: Repeat Sprint – 25.10. 20m Sprint – 2.95. Agility – 8.85.Beep Test – 13.1. 3km TT – 10:59.

Draft range: 12-28.

What they say: “Adds energy around the contest and he’s a bit of a freak really. Has electric speed and at ground level he’s the best I’ve seen when he just takes off after hitting the ground. He’s a slight kid who will need to work on his endurance and strength to get to more contests.” – South Fremantle talent manager Jason Pedulla.

19. Josh ROTHAM
Ht: 191.9cm | Wt: 77.4kg | Hybrid Defender | West Perth

Entering the season, I felt Rotham has a real chance of being the first Western Australian selected due to his size, speed and athleticism. However, he had an ordinary season with West Perth and was just fair in the national championships. He is best suited as a running defender, who shows good composure and burst with ball in hand. He reads the play well and is good enough overhead. On the flipside, he hasn’t shown an ability to push into midfield with consistency, and needs to be more resilient/competitive in contested situations.

Strengths: kicking, athleticism.

Needs to improve: endurance, strength, contested ball.

Injuries: None.

Combine test results: Repeat Sprint – 25.53. 20m Sprint – 2.92. Agility – 8.66.Beep Test – 12.9. 3km TT – 11:01.

Draft range: 20-30.

What they say: “He’s got an ability to play as a third tall defender or as a damaging wingman and could develop into an inside midfielder as things unfold. His pace and his long kicking make him a damaging player out of the back half.”– West Perth football operations manager Ward Harris.

20. Todd MARSHALL
Ht: 196.6cm | Wt: 85.9kg | Key Forward | Murray Bushrangers

Having played a fair bit of cricket (as an off-spinner), he hasn’t really ever done a proper pre-season, so what we have seen this year is closer to his basement than his ceiling. Marshall is a skinny tall forward with narrow shoulders (ala Justin Westhoff), but has great agility for his height and technically a good kick for goal. He reads the ball well in flight, but can also be caught behind a bit too often. He carried multiple injury niggles in the back half of the year and struggled for confidence. He’s a boom or bust prospect.

Strengths: athleticism, ball winning, sheer talent.

Needs to improve: fitness/strength, consistency, positioning.

Injuries: Wrist in January. Foot/quad in September – didn't test at combine.

Combine test results: Repeat Sprint – N/A. 20m Sprint – N/A. Agility – N/A.Beep Test – N/A. 3km TT – N/A.

Draft range: 15-23.

What they say: “In terms of natural ability there is probably none better in our side or the TAC Cup as a whole. Got an innate ability to win the football and some of the things he can do at 198cm at ground level and in the air are quite astonishing.” – Murray Bushrangers talent manager Lee Fraser.

21. Jarrod BERRY
Ht: 191.0cm | Wt: 81.8kg | Utility | North Ballarat Rebels

As an under-17, Berry looked to be one of the outstanding prospects this year having been named All-Australian across half back for Vic Country. He hasn’t improved as much as hoped though (compared with others), with questions remaining about where he is best suited playing at the next level, injury niggles have hampered his season and his kicking still requires attention. He has outstanding character however, is strong overhead and has a burning desire to succeed.

Strengths: character, game sense, repeat efforts, drive.

Needs to improve: injury concerns, kicking consistency.

Injuries: Shoulder in 2015. Knee in June. Kidney in September.

Combine test results: Repeat Sprint – 24.99. 20m Sprint – 3.01. Agility – 8.29.Beep Test – 15.1. 3km TT – 9:46.

Draft range: 11-20.

What they say: “Athletically he is elite with great endurance and speed and he has agility as well. His leadership qualities are second to none, and he won the Mitchell award at the academy this year. I think at the AFL level he can play in various positions and that’s the most attractive part of Jarrod’s game.” – North Ballarat Rebels talent manager Phil Partington.

22. Sam POWELL-PEPPER
Ht: 186.5cm | Wt: 90.2kg | Medium Forward | East Perth

I wasn’t a huge wrap for Powell-Pepper early in the season as his decision-making and kicking were well below par, but he improved both areas as the season wore on. He still worries me playing behind centre where his turnovers can turn into opposition scores, but he projects very well as a powerful midfielder/forward, who can have burst through the centre, and be a scoreboard threat. At times he can be overzealous, but that in part is due to the outstanding intensity and passion that he plays with.

Strengths: power, inside ball winning, intensity.

Needs to improve: decision-making, kicking consistency.

Injuries: None.

Combine test results: Repeat Sprint – 26.30. 20m Sprint – 3.00. Agility – 8.24.Beep Test – 14.7. 3km TT – 10:28.

Draft range: 12-23.

What they say: “Whoever picks Sam up will get their money’s worth because he’s a beast of a young man with elite endurance, good hands and has great power. Could play back, forward or midfield if required and he’ll be an asset wherever he goes.” – East Perth football operations manager Mark Winnett.

23. Will HAYWARD
Ht: 184.7cm | Wt: 76.6kg | Medium Forward | North Adelaide

Hayward first caught the eye in Late April and early May in the Roosters’ under 18s and reserves, but his improvement in the back half of the year was exceptional. He is an athletic, rangy type who bobs up at right time in attack thanks to excellent instincts. His kicking (and goalkicking) needs to improve, but he is a very good mark for his size, shows good separation speed on the lead and cat-like recovery. He has played mostly forward but showed the scope to go into midfield down the track. Reminds me a bit of recently retired Blue, Andrew Walker, in some ways.

Strengths: athleticism, speed, recovery, instincts.

Needs to improve: strength, physicality, field kicking, goal kicking.

Injuries: None.

Combine test results: Repeat Sprint – N/A. 20m Sprint – 2.94. Agility – 8.89.Beep Test – N/A. 3km TT – N/A.

Draft range: 5-18.

What they say: “Will is extremely athletic. I’d say he’d start as a forward but develop into a midfielder down the track. Will need to build up but has some real upside with what he can do around the ball.” – North Adelaide football development manager Neil Sanders.

24. Luke RYAN
Ht: 185.7cm | Wt: 82.9kg | Hybrid Defender | Coburg

Ryan has arguably been the best player in state leagues this year as a rebounding defender for the Lions. He has a very high footy IQ, which aides his ability to read the play and intercept across half back, and is a dynamic, athletic runner with ball in hand. His ability to defend one on one was a question mark, but he was dragged deep a few times and stood up well. He’ll need to knuckle down more off-field at the next level and be more diligent in his preparation, but the talent is there.

Strengths: reading of play, agility, athleticism.

Needs to improve: defensive communication, professionalism.

Injuries: Shoulder in August – didn't test at combine.

Combine test results: Repeat Sprint – N/A. 20m Sprint – N/A. Agility – N/A.Beep Test – N/A. 3km TT – N/A.

Draft range: 19-45.

What they say: “We brought him in after he was cut by Essendon VFL and told him that he may have to bide his time in the development league, but he settled in quickly and Peter German says that he can’t remember a player who sees the game better across half back.” – Coburg general manager Craig Lees.

25. Cedric COX
Ht: 181.1cm | Wt: 78.6kg | Medium Defender | North Ballarat Rebels

Hailing from Halls Creek, Cox didn’t play at all in 2015 before he bobbed up at Camperdown (where he played in the senior interleague team for the Hampden league) and then at the Rebels. Prior to that, one can vaguely remember Cox playing alongside Sam Petrevski-Seton for WA North West at the under-16 championships in 2013 at Blacktown. He is best suited as a running half back with good vision, smarts and elite skills on both sides. He still need to work on his contested ball and consistency, but his endurance at the combine was better than expected.

Strengths: kicking on both sides, agility, drive.

Needs to improve: consistency, ball winning.

Injuries: None.

Combine test results: Repeat Sprint – 25.82. 20m Sprint – 3.05. Agility – 8.60.Beep Test – 13.2. 3km TT – 10:47.

Draft range: 18-32.

What they say: “To move from Halls Creek to Camperdown to pursue his football and outside life is a great credit to the boy. You can see he wants to make something if his life. He has sacrificed a lot but is going to gain a lot at the next level he goes to.” – North Ballarat Rebels talent manager Phil Partington.

If you have any draft-related questions, you can send me a tweet to@BrettAndersonIF.

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good read, thanks mate!

 

[StCicatriz]

Came across this interesting post on the D&T board, from someone who sounds like they've gotten most/all this through mail: https://www.bigfooty.com/forum/threads/2016-draft-rumours.1150580/page-32#post-47819530

does he have a history of getting things right or is he just theorising?

 

[aussierulesrules]

does he have a history of getting things right or is he just theorising?

Not familiar with his history. I asked him if what he said is from mail or just his guessing or whatever, but haven't had a reply yet. Sounds like some of it at least is what he considers pretty good mail.

 

[SaintsSeptember]

Based on the AFL's history of speedy resolution of issues, GWS will probably only be stripped of picks 15 and 37 AFTER the draft

When did the issue happen?
To me trade week and the draft are an integral part of the list management , and its a low act to bring in a draft penalty after trade week.
Would make more sense to strip them of their first two picks next year. Any points overflow from this year would then cut into their 3rd round pick next year.

 

[The Boar]

Get Bolton!

 

[Diehard Saint]

When did the issue happen?
To me trade week and the draft are an integral part of the list management , and its a low act to bring in a draft penalty after trade week.
Would make more sense to strip them of their first two picks next year. Any points overflow from this year would then cut into their 3rd round pick next year.

They have known about this Whitfield issue for many months, just swept it under the carpet until after the finals and when it actually came out in the media it couldn't get ignored any longer.

Collingwood knew there was something under my investigation before they hired Gubby Allen. So it's been a while. The governance of the AFL on difficult issues is extremely poor.

 

[JG22]

Just quietly would not have any hesitation with Will Brodie myself ( carried injury & niggles all year)

Once he is in AFL system for 2 years will be a machine.

Three reasons . Great Attitude , Loves training & wants to be better a player

Gonna be a star, he's speed and size makes him hard to stop.
The most 'bulletproof' player of the crop if you can have that.
Laughable claims we wouldn't be interested

 

[st_trav_ofWA]

Really? How'd that go for Cam McCarthy or Elliot Yeo or Harley Bennell or Jamie Cripps or Joel Hamling? Seems like more WA boys than ever are holding out for a move home.

For McCarthy it was a combination of Freo selling him the dream that he would be the next Pavlich face of the club... with Yeo realistically he was one of a mass exodus wanting out of Brisbane... Bennell was getting into strife too much to really settle in ...

Cripps was a combination of three factors
1 - the coach : Watters was disliked by every player Cripps included (heck even Roo flirted with walking under Watters)
2 - playing VFL : Cripps played more VFL then AFL in his two years and in his eyes if he was going to play in reserves he would rather do it in the WAFL
3- the family pull : once it was clear the eagles were keen he was gone.. his cousin was Chris Mainwaring so to play in the eagles was a life long dream for him

Yet if you look at the interstaters that are playing regularly in the AFL they tend to stay over leaving...


On iPhone using BigFooty.com mobile app

 

[aussierulesrules]

Here is an article on Ridley from last year. Kicked 6 sausages in just his 3rd TAC Cup game, in his underage year and they reckon he'd shot up 20cm in two years: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/...s/news-story/6cc14e3d47bd75b69405c2a5194c1df0

And Paige's write-up: http://www.scpaige.com.au/afl-draft-profile-jordan-ridley/

Worth noting that he's got a late October birthdate, so is almost a year younger than those born in Jan 1998. Apparently went at a pretty extraordinary 85% kicking efficiency in the champs.

Obviously with his attributes he has the potential to play the Sam Fisher type role long term (the one Sam played at his peak, when he didn't have to play as much at CHF or FB), with the potential to also play forward, or wing/on-ball. Got injured just as he was starting to really hit his straps, with his last full game being his breakout one of 28 disposals (at a very high DE) and 12 marks, in one of Oakleigh's finals.

 

[Fyfe2Shenton]

Here is an article on Ridley from last year. Kicked 6 sausages in just his 3rd TAC Cup game, in his underage year and they reckon he'd shot up 20cm in two years: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/...s/news-story/6cc14e3d47bd75b69405c2a5194c1df0

And Paige's write-up: http://www.scpaige.com.au/afl-draft-profile-jordan-ridley/

Worth noting that he's got a late October birthdate, so is almost a year younger than those born in Jan 1998. Apparently went at a pretty extraordinary 85% kicking efficiency in the champs.

Obviously with his attributes he has the potential to play the Sam Fisher type role long term (the one Sam played at his peak, when he didn't have to play as much at CHF or FB), with the potential to also play forward, or wing/on-ball. Got injured just as he was starting to really hit his straps, with his last full game being his breakout one of 28 disposals (at a very high DE) and 12 marks, in one of Oakleigh's finals.

I am sold on Ridley. More than happy to take him at pick 23.

 

[SaintsSeptember]

I am sold on Ridley. More than happy to take him at pick 23.

I think i'd want Powell-Pepper or Rotham in front of him if available.

 

[AFLOnline]

Just one of SPP, Florent, Bolton or Drew to slide to us PLEASE!!

Okay, maybe 2

 

[aussierulesrules]

I am sold on Ridley. More than happy to take him at pick 23.

I suspect that we'd be really keen on him, but that he might just miss out if a "slider" like Florent, SPP or Witherden are available, or either of Marshall or Battle. If all of those types are gone it might be down to him or Rotham. Very little in it I reckon, so I'd prefer the local one, who also possibly has a touch more versatility.

 

[Scruffy36]

What's the go with Mitch McCarthy? I've heard we committed to him too months ago. Can he play and who is he comparable to?

 

[aussierulesrules]

What's the go with Mitch McCarthy? I've heard we committed to him too months ago. Can he play and who is he comparable to?

If we get him it means no other club rated him high enough to draft him in either the national, preseason, or rookie drafts and as such he's probably not much good!

 

[Scruffy36]

If we get him it means no other club rated him high enough to draft him in either the national, preseason, or rookie drafts and as such he's probably not much good!

Fair enough hasn't played much in his top age though has he?

 

[Kilroy]

If we get him it means no other club rated him high enough to draft him in either the national, preseason, or rookie drafts and as such he's probably not much good!

... and if he is that good, we get him with our first round rookie or even at 61.

Boy's got a heap of natural talent and seems worthy of a draft pick around our 61 anyway?

As a key defender/ruckman he's got a strong mark and a brilliant tap.

 

[screw the blues]

screw the blues is your man to ask. he has some involvement at boltons WAFL club and would have watched him week in/week out at souths

if we did get bolton i think he could have a similar path to the midfield as a gresham or billings, where he spends the majority of his early days in the fwd line until he transitions onto the wing when his size and tank gets right

screw the blues where does he originate from in WA? is he a country boy who moved down from one of your zones? is there homesickness issues here?

Forrestdale and maybe if he moves states , but Nicky Winmar (not to be confused with Nick Winmar) was always homesick and he had a great career with us.