Opinion Draft preview (Thread closed, pls move discussion to new draft 'review' thread)

[NT.Thunder]

Emma usually brings it out on draft day from what I recall.

After the draft????

Out of all the journo's I do have a soft spot for her. Might be the fact she has more good news stories than rubbish.

 

[Snoop Dog]

I want Connor Blakely and Reece McKenzie most. If I knew I could get Connor at 30 and Reece at 48 I'd do that and go someone else at 5 (Pickett if there or if not then Laverde). But it would be all about maximising how many players I have rated high on my draft board I could get and that would be my objective going into the draft.

If Blakely is not going to be there at 30, or there was a lack of certainty that he would be there I'd take him at 5 and Reece at 30 or 48 again depending on that pick we were certain we could get him with. If it turns out we think Reece won't be there at 30 (I expect he will be) I'd then take him at 5 if necessary as for me although I'm probably the only one in the country with this view, he would be my priority with Blakely that second priority and that second player I'd most want.

Wright and Lever from this shortlist I'd be inclined to pass on and cut from that Collingwood list at 5 given getting Reece McKenzie up forward, wanting him more would be enough and Mason Cox as a further developing depth ruck is enough there. Then down back while I like Lever I don't see him as a necessary addition either give our key defence depth. So essentially both would be cut from that shortlist from a Collingwood perspective at 5.

My top 12 is as follows:
1. Christian Petracca (VIC – Mid/Fwd)

2. Angus Brayshaw (VIC – Mid)

3. Isaac Heeney (Syd – Academy - NSW – Mid)

4. Darcy Moore (Coll - F/S – VIC – KPF/KPD)

5. Patrick McCartin (VIC - KPF)

6. Reece McKenzie (VIC – KPF)

7. Connor Blakely (WA – Mid)

8. Peter Wright (VIC - KPF/Ruck)

9. Jarrod Pickett (WA – Mid/Fwd)

10. Jake Lever (VIC – KPD)

11. Jayden Laverde (VIC – Util)

12. Kyle Langford (VIC – Util)

--

More specifically out of the four who Collingwood seem to be considering in Laverde/De Goey/Langford/Ahern.
My preferences would be in this order:
Laverde
Langford
De Goey
Ahern

De Goey and Ahern to an even greater extent just aren't as well performed and neither look like top few on list talents for me. Laverde and Langford would definitely of those be my two preferences. Laverde I like for the variety and quality of tricks and Langford with that sheer rate of growth. I only slightly prefer Laverde, he is in my view clearly the better player today but long term I project them pretty evenly with Langford seemingly still growing and someone I see being roughly as good long term.

You also mentioned Weller and I like him. Not at 5 but I definitely favour him to Ahern and I rate him while completely different, roughly on par but probably slightly behind De Goey.

yeah I would have Laverde, Blakley and McKenzie as a really good outcome but you know I have my doubts about the latter. Pick 48 fair though and I would roll dice on it. Not sure about you but I wouldnt mind if Gore was taken at 30 and would probably even be ok if Bampton was but would be a reach. I just hink Gore doesnt get enough credit. I have him ahead of Neal-Bullen.

Bampton could be a player taken at 75 that just drops. I suspect his kicking would rule him out at Collingwood albeit I dont think its that bad.

Others who could fall are McKenzie, Smith, Rose, McGrath, Fordham and Keitel who I really rate. To be honest its probably the pick most excited about.

Ps I see what you like about Langford but I have one his champ games still quite vivid and I just thought he really made some poor decisions. Not sure its something you can coach. Dont devalue how well Ahern went at Champs and in the GF. I rate his ability to lift in big games.

 

[Hardas]

After the draft????

Out of all the journo's I do have a soft spot for her. Might be the fact she has more good news stories than rubbish.

Draft is in the evening.

 

[NT.Thunder]

Draft is in the evening.

Yep - it was a smart ass comment at Emma's draft always being most accurate - hence the TIC after the draft????

 

[TradeDraft]

One interesting finding in the afl.com weirdest recruiter question video. For the rising star Darcy Moore nominated team-mate Toby McLean (B.O.G in the grand final for Oakleigh).

You can't help but wonder if Darcy might rate Toby more highly than team-mate and potential pick 5 overall in Jordan De Goey. Not to say Darcy would be unhappy playing with De Goey though that could be one interpretation but instead that he really likes Toby's game and personally I think Darcy is pretty close to the mark and has good reason to like Toby's game having watched him throughout the season.
It could also be Darcy giving a mate's draft stocks a boost and Darcy is smart enough to do that but I do think it's none the less interesting Darcy nominated Toby for the rising star.

As for a bit on Toby. He has come from nowhere as an unknown coming into the season and has gotten better and better and improved rapidly as the season has progressed going from a high flying small forward to someone who can also go through the midfield. Toby is well performed, had a strong finals series. He looks a genuine second round prospect and while we probably take someone else who better fits out needs, he is very much a Collingwood selection as a big game and big moment player. In this draft in terms of style he is probably that more Jamie Elliott type as a small marking forward with the ability in the air and potentially up the ground also, just without as much strength as Jamie.

Well, I don't see Moore is saying De Goey is a bad player. Just saying he rates Toby highly.

I love McLean at Pick 30

 

[TradeDraft]

Emma usually brings it out on draft day from what I recall.

Might be out about Middnight on RealFooty website or in tommorow's Age and same with the Hearld Sun

 

[Hardas]

Yep - it was a smart ass comment at Emma's draft always being most accurate - hence the TIC after the draft????

Ah, sorry. Feeling a bit under the weather today, so not very sharp.

 

[Snoop Dog]

Just posted my final mock. Link;

http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/threads/snoop-dog-2014-mock-draft-incl-rookie.1082638/#post-36217729

keen to hear views on Pies selections.

 

[Matt_352]

We have 85 not 75 and I want Saad at that pick or best available mid at that pick . we would be nuts to let McKenzie slip at 48. Hoping Blakely lasts till 30 if not then Cavka or Rainbow. Want Laverde or Pickett at 5 so whichever one gws take at 4 we take the other.

 

[jackcass]

My 2c worth:
5- Laverde, Langford or Lever preferred but happy with either Wright or Pickett
9- Moore
30- Would love Cockatoo or Menadue to slip but unlikely so McLean, Ramsay or Viojo-Rainbow
48- Langdon or Bampton
85- Wilkinson, Howe or Boekhurst

 

[Hardas]

We have 85 not 75 and I want Saad at that pick or best available mid at that pick . we would be nuts to let McKenzie slip at 48. Hoping Blakely lasts till 30 if not then Cavka or Rainbow. Want Laverde or Pickett at 5 so whichever one gws take at 4 we take the other.

No, it's 75 after final list lodging.

 

[NT.Thunder]

Just posted my final mock. Link;

http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/threads/snoop-dog-2014-mock-draft-incl-rookie.1082638/#post-36217729

keen to hear views on Pies selections.

Really appreciate all the effort that you guys put into these mock drafts and profiles - for a guy like me who has seen very few of the draftees live, I feel like I know their individual traits good and bad already. I know this is perception though.

As for feedback - it's a mugs game tbh. I just don't even think it's worth commenting on noting the number of variables and personal interpretation of each clubs needs.

Knowing that you can get a dud in the top 5 and unearth a real gem after the second round I won't beat myself up over who we take and don't take. I have grown attached to a couple like Laverde, Pickett and Cockatoo and if we walked away with any of them I would be happy as Larry.

That said, our recruiting and football department know best what we need, want and are willing to risk so I'm interested and excited about who comes on board tomorrow evening.

But - from what I've seen around the boards I would be happy with a selection of these Laverde, Pickett, Langford, Cockatoo, Mclean, Neal-Bullen, R.Mckenzie, Cavka, Miller, Blakey, Maynard, Boaekhurst, Langdon, Saad. If we can fit these guys into our selections across the evening I'd be happy.

 

[Knightmare]

yeah I would have Laverde, Blakley and McKenzie as a really good outcome but you know I have my doubts about the latter. Pick 48 fair though and I would roll dice on it. Not sure about you but I wouldnt mind if Gore was taken at 30 and would probably even be ok if Bampton was but would be a reach. I just hink Gore doesnt get enough credit. I have him ahead of Neal-Bullen.

Bampton could be a player taken at 75 that just drops. I suspect his kicking would rule him out at Collingwood albeit I dont think its that bad.

Others who could fall are McKenzie, Smith, Rose, McGrath, Fordham and Keitel who I really rate. To be honest its probably the pick most excited about.

Ps I see what you like about Langford but I have one his champ games still quite vivid and I just thought he really made some poor decisions. Not sure its something you can coach. Dont devalue how well Ahern went at Champs and in the GF. I rate his ability to lift in big games.

You're just about reading the names off my power rankings. I rate Gore and Bampton exceptionally highly and I strongly agree both are getting horribly underrated based on the lack of media rumours. Gore would be my backup plan at 48 and if there at that very final pick would jump at that chance. Bampton I rate slightly below but would also be stoked with him with that final selection. Like them both a lot.

I wouldn't even mind something like Blakely (5), R.McKenzie (30), Gore (48) and Bampton with that final pick. You wouldn't have to think about midfielders for some time or key forwards for that matter with Moore and McKenzie. Then add some outside guys and pace in the rookie draft - guys like Fordham, maybe Jermaine Miller-Lewis, someone who slides or whoever we like there.

Just posted my final mock. Link;

http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/threads/snoop-dog-2014-mock-draft-incl-rookie.1082638/#post-36217729

keen to hear views on Pies selections.

Laverde, Maynard, Boekhorst and Newman is a pretty good haul overall. None are guys I'm super excited by but a good mature age theme with the latter two picks as guys who both fill those needs for pace and down back respectively.

 

[Hardas]

Really appreciate all the effort that you guys put into these mock drafts and profiles - for a guy like me who has seen very few of the draftees live, I feel like I know their individual traits good and bad already. I know this is perception though.

As for feedback - it's a mugs game tbh. I just don't even think it's worth commenting on noting the number of variables and personal interpretation of each clubs needs.

Knowing that you can get a dud in the top 5 and unearth a real gem after the second round I won't beat myself up over who we take and don't take. I have grown attached to a couple like Laverde, Pickett and Cockatoo and if we walked away with any of them I would be happy as Larry.

That said, our recruiting and football department know best what we need, want and are willing to risk so I'm interested and excited about who comes on board tomorrow evening.

But - from what I've seen around the boards I would be happy with a selection of these Laverde, Pickett, Langford, Cockatoo, Mclean, Neal-Bullen, R.Mckenzie, Cavka, Miller, Blakey, Maynard, Boaekhurst, Langdon, Saad. If we can fit these guys into our selections across the evening I'd be happy.

Wish I'd written that...was doing laundry at the time.

 

[Apex36]

Just posted my final mock. Link;

http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/threads/snoop-dog-2014-mock-draft-incl-rookie.1082638/#post-36217729

keen to hear views on Pies selections.

No Wright, and overlooked Reece McKenzie at 48...

Apex is underwhelmed...

 

[Snoop Dog]

We have 85 not 75 and I want Saad at that pick or best available mid at that pick . we would be nuts to let McKenzie slip at 48. Hoping Blakely lasts till 30 if not then Cavka or Rainbow. Want Laverde or Pickett at 5 so whichever one gws take at 4 we take the other.

Not when you dont read out the Rookie Upgrades which is the plan this year.

As mentioned be keen to see McKenzie taken but am a fan of Watchman who have slotted to us in Rookie draft. I think / hear Blakely is a chance to fall to 30 and rate him and Cavka. Happy with either. You can lock Pickett in for GWS

 

[swoop42]

It's less Hine as it is Rendell now.

Rendell is actually our head recruiter.

I imagine Hine will be the one talking to the media and on the Collingwood website but Hine is now our list manager rather than head recruiter. Hine still calls out the name on draft day and he'll weigh in as to who we should be taking as a part of that recruiting team but from what I understand it's really Rendell with Dom Milesi his right hand man.

Hine would be still playing a major role I would think given his record of recruitment at the club.

In his interview on the CFC website we saw vision of him at a game with binoculars in hand.

 

[Knightmare]

Hine would be still playing a major role I would think given his record of recruitment at the club.

In his interview on the CFC website we saw vision of him at a game with binoculars in hand.

You are right that Hine is still involved and for the u18 championships of course he will be in attendance. It happens during the week rather than on the weekend so there is no reason why he wouldn't be there.

It's now more just from my understanding a component to Hine's job rather than what he first and foremost does with the list management aspect his top priority and Rendell that head of recruiting.

 

[Knightmare]

We have 85 not 75 and I want Saad at that pick or best available mid at that pick . we would be nuts to let McKenzie slip at 48. Hoping Blakely lasts till 30 if not then Cavka or Rainbow. Want Laverde or Pickett at 5 so whichever one gws take at 4 we take the other.

It's due to clubs passing on picks/not having list positions available to use extra picks which moves our pick 85 up to pick 75.

 

[swoop42]

I am probably with you. My order is:

Laverde - just has special talents and does things that few others in this draft can. height, speed, strength, good 1:1 and can turn a game in a minute.

Ahern - He is just class. Sure he needs to be more consistent but doesnt most of the kids in this draft bar the top 3.

De Goey - I do like him but he lacks the x factor of the other 2. he is a work horse though and tough. Doesnt get enough footy the reason he is 3rd.

Langford - I like him but his decision making I think at times in big games has been an issue. Will still go 10-20 but just that little issue for me. Ben Reid was a bit the same though and when grew into body became a star.

Weller - Forgotten one in all this. Probably the best and most consistent mid in the draft.

Whats your view Knighta

Snoop I rate your opinion highly so wondering why the club would select De Goey over Laverde if indeed it works out that way?

What does he do strongly compared to Laverde that would appeal to them?

How does Laverde compare to Cale Morton who was a complete bust at pick 4 as that flashy outside type?

 

[Matt_352]

Awesome weve moved to 75

 

[swoop42]

Emma usually brings it out on draft day from what I recall.

It's likely her phantom will be available very late tonight on the age website.

 

[Rusty Beam]

Just posted my final mock. Link;

http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/threads/snoop-dog-2014-mock-draft-incl-rookie.1082638/#post-36217729

keen to hear views on Pies selections.

Great effort and would be happy as Pies supporter.

I guess the big one is Boekhorst over Reece. I really think we need to develop another full forward and think Moore is better suited to high chf or playing as a kpd.

As a consequence of your selections Maynard at 30 is a good pick and means Bampton wouldn't be in picture at 48 like he otherwise would.

I like Newman, but would prefer Grace.

 

[Matt_352]

Laverde/Pickett

Moore

Blakely/Cockatoo if neither available Rainbow or Cavka

McKenzie

Saad

 

[Kappa]

It's due to clubs passing on picks/not having list positions available to use extra picks which moves our pick 85 up to pick 75.

Is Cockatoo any chance at 30 considering he has very little exposed form, injury concerns and comes from the NT?