Draft Talk

[Kildonan]

I am not in a position to make much of an assessment of the draftees this season as I haven't seen much of them. I have a few tapes of the U18 championships so I will peruse these shortly.

I'm hopeful that some of you here have a much better idea and put your observations and preferences up for us less informed posters to read.

Many posters have the top 3 as obvious:

1. Carlton ----------------------- Bryce Gibbs
2. Essendon---- ----------------- Scott Gumbleton
3. Kangaroo-----------------------Lachlan Hansen

They then rate Matthew Leuenberger as the best ruckman of the draft and very few have him lasting until our pick.

Who are the best genuine midfielders in the draft?

For balance, we should be looking for one inside and one outside midfielder - who fits the bill here?

A later pick may be used to snaffle a tall defender. Anybody think they know who might be a good pick up?

 

[Kildonan]

I thought I would put up some links to other threads of the same topic.

Brisbane Board Draft Thread

Mojo's Draft Profiles

LukeHodge15's draft profiles

Saintsational Draft Thread

Collingwood Board

Essendon Board

Albert Proud Thread Geelong Board

Hawthorn Board Discussion

Kangaroos Board Draft Discussion

Richmond Board

 

[Kildonan]

Mojo31 has left BigFooty, but he left us with some excellent profiles:

1) Lachlan Hansen

Key Position player

195cms and 84kgs
17/8/88
Gippsland Power (TAC)

Tall key position player who is a very good mover. Played CHF early in the TAC and moved back to CHB for the 2nd half of last year. Dominated his opponents and marked everything that came his way. Skinny still but wont shirk the issue. Freak at his age and size. Best overall mark I have ever seen for his age. Superb judge of the flight of the ball and has a first class attack on everything in the air. Rarely out bodied even though he is still skinny. Beat stronger opponents in the TAC with superior body positioning and judgement.
Sometimes funny watching him anticipate the kick into the forward line quicker than his opponent when playing as a defender. Would be off and running before his opponent had even moved and take an easy uncontested mark from a opposition kick. Was the “wall” when playing at CHB.

Will likely play forward in 2006 and see how he develops. Shown enough to suggest he can play both ends and become a dominant KPP capable of playing anywhere in the 4 key posts if required.
As he fills out will likely change his style a little and use his body more and more rather than standing off his opponent a few meters and using superior anticipation and leap and body positioning to beat the opponent.
That is not to say he is an outside player at all. He just understand his game and realises that there is no point to getting into a wrestling match against some players who are much heavier and stronger than he was in 2005. Sort of like Dustin Fletchers style. Who does not do well in wrestling contests and gets slaughtered against bigger stronger opponents when caught out in that way (Sav Rocca and J Brown come to mind who seem to beat him to the point where Sheedy won’t play him on them now). The difference is that Hansen is 16 and will be filling out and won’t have to play that way in a few years.

Runs a very high beep test and has very good endurance, speed, and is a freak athletic package for his size. Showed his class at the U18 Championships despite being a year younger and looked up to speed and class at CHB. Should be dominant this year in the TAC and at the U18s and show what he is made of at CHF.

Got better and better as the season went on and was taking a lot of contested marks and getting a lot of the ball in the last few games of the TAC finals. A quite capable ruckman as well who got a number of hit outs and its not inconceivable that he will grow quite a bit more and develop into a ruck in time. He can tap to advantage and has a very big leap. A player who started out last year as an athletic tall who was struggling a bit and ended it as a dominant key backman who got more and more involved in the play and get stronger and more capable of controlling the corridor. Plays the game like Chad Cornes back there peeling off and taking strong marks. But has the added advantage of being able to play tight as well when needed but will still be prepared to back himself in to win the ball. Has all the instincts of a gun forward but needed to round out his development by playing as an attacking defender in 2005 and now is ready for a move forward for the upcoming season.

2) Bryce Gibbs

Utility/wing

187cms and 78kgs
15/3/89
Glenelg (SA)

Has some athletic ability but is more a natural footballer rather than an athlete. Quick over the ground but not lightning. Good build and superb kicking skills and ability to read the play and find space. Playing senior football in the SANFL for Glenelg last year. As well as played the U16 Championships in 2004 and 2005 for South Australia.

Half forward flanker and midfielder who will kick goals and play all over the ground. Better in 1 on 1 contests and in open spaces rather than in congestion in packs. Such a smooth mover he appears to not be quick but is football quick with anticipation. Does everything so easily that appears to not be at 100%. The “Mark Waugh” of next years draft with his grace and nonchalance.
Absolute lock in cant miss selection for anyone who nabs him. Not sure he will become a bona fide pure midfielder but as a creative player who will kick goals and cut teams apart if given space and time.
Been tagged in the SANFL and shown himself to be mentally and physically up to that challenge. Niggling tactics don’t seem to bother him and regardless of the game situation will run and create an option.
Would like to see more tackling from him and a little bit more urgency at times.

Cant really find fault overall with him. For his age he has a complete game. 187cms and of course still growing and might pinch hit as a KPP when finished.
Has some football arrogance and is prepared to back his judgement and ability and take a player on and also attempt a difficult kick. Wont just play the percentages and I like that about him. Not robotic by any means and is a natural sportsmen with outstanding hand eye co-ordination, balance and poise.
Quite physically developed despite his young age and perhaps he does not have as much improvement in him in that regard as others. But he is classy and silky and just keeps getting the ball and doing the right things with it.

The small question I have on him is not how good he is but rather his development. Looking at him in the 2004 U16s he looked amazing but in 2005 he really did not look like he had improved that much. A similar size still and not significantly better. I am a little concerned that he has peaked early and what we might be seeing is a player who is ready at a young age and might get caught later on by other players who are still developing at a rapid rate. I am not sure and its hard to know but have him at 2 still and will watch him this year closely. I see him as a long term wingman who will take a strong mark and look to set up goals with his ability to find space and kick to advantage. Such a good user that he is deadly delivering the ball into the forward line and will be hard to match up on with a player who can run with him and also match his considerable strength in the air.

3) Mitchell Thorp

Key position player

25/12/88
195cms and 84kgs
Northern Bombers, Tasmania

Explosive key position player from Tasmania. Fast and very mobile and has agility and running ability. Played all over the place and shown himself to be versatile and basically up to all the roles he has been given.
That includes being switched from full back to full forward in an U18 Championships game and having the poise and temprement to handle it.

Takes a big mark in pack situations and also in 1 on 1. Good kick for goal and in general play and has fine skills. No real weaknesses in his game and could develop in any of the 4 key positions down the spine. Reads the play well and is not often caught being out of position. An athlete who has football smarts and skill. Therefore is the complete package.

We are talking about Chris Tarrant levels of athleticism when considering Thorp. Add to that a far superior kick and especially for goal and likely extra height, versatility and barely 17 and we have a huge prospect.

Moved him from 4 to 3 on the my latest thoughts. I think he could be the overall best athlete out of the upcoming draft for his size along with the smaller Clinton Benjamin . Has real burst speed to get out on his own on the lead or shut a player down quickly when playing as a defender. Can really take a huge leap and has very good endurance. Basically a Nick Riewoldt type of player with that same speed and endurance and leap that he has. Not proven to be quite in that class yet but should do so this year and stamp himself as a genuine versatile gun tall. Not sure where his best position is and have seen him dominate up forward and take a number of huge pack marks and kick a bag of goals as well as play as a defender. Taking all the kick outs and looking very composed and directing traffic and showing leadership. Then moves around like a wing man and picks the ball up off the ground like a midfielder with clean hands and runs and carries the ball. So really the club who gets him is getting a player who can play anywhere on the ground and develop him how they want. He has everything that is needed to be a quality player with real flair and match winning ability.

4) Scott Gumbleton

Centre half forward

195cms and 87 kgs
3/8/88
Peel Thunder (WA)

Very strong contested mark and would think that he is the best exponent of that out of all the kids available in the next draft.
Skinny but is surprisingly strong and powerful and uses his body so well as a forward. A physical player who plays the corridor and has presence on the field.
Demands the ball and likes to play in front and at his size and possessing a good leap he is hard to stop once he does take front position.
Presents well and seems to have a good tank and a fine work ethic. Very good converter in front of goal and has a sound kicking technique and overall is a very good kick.
Athletic rather than bulky but has a big frame and will not have a problem putting on the size required to become a key position player in the AFL.
Not really seen him play down back and it is as a centre half forward that he will be judged and play most of his career it seems.
Showed his talent at the U18s Champs where he was as good as any big man on the ground even though he was a year younger than most of them. Good enough to keep Josh Kennedy out of the Key forward position for WA in the recent U18 Championships.
Has very good agility and covers a lot of ground but does his best work in contested situations rather than taking easy marks out wide.

Would liken him to Josh Kennedy only more athletic and an even better mark. Same work rate, physicality and competitiveness and around the same size even though he is 1 year younger. Looked superb at the U16 Championships in 2004 and dominated at that level. Disposals, contested marks and won the hard ball on the ground as well. Played very well in the WAFL and kicked a lot of goals and again showed how good a mark he was and his fierce his attack on the ball was. Good second efforts and is good at winning the ball on the ground and does not fumble when doing so.
Anybody who saw him at the 2005 U18 Championships saw him play below his best. He has an injury to his arm and he was not comfortable in his marking or handling of the ball. Presented and worked but his normally sure ball handling was not quite there. He will be better this year when fully fit and show why he is the best key forward available in the draft. Others might be slightly in front as far as overall players but he is the safest best for a key forward out of anyone.


5) James Sellar

Ruck/Key forward

195cms and 86kgs
24/3/89
Glenelg

South Australian player who was named best player at the U16 Championships.
Very smooth and moves like a key position player. Very high work rate and involves himself in the play. Contests well around the ground and is capable of playing a key position up forward. Good skills and does not any of the awkwardness of most ruckmen in dropping the ball from hand to foot.
Plays like a ruck but moves like a key position. Athletic and is in good in contested situations. Has a fine touch by hand in directing the ball down in the ruck and a good awareness of how to use his body and where to deliver to his midfielders.

Wiry frame, not bulky but quite strong and should not have problems putting on weight. Big leap, good speed and a natural athlete. Does not lack aggression and hardness at the ball. Pretty reasonable below his feet. The complete package.
He directs his taps well to his midfielders and you can see he is natural with what he is doing. Capable of doing it with either hand and also something that a lot of ruck cannot do in winning his own ball on the ground. Tapping it down and recovering quickly and roving it and getting a quick handball off.

The worry will be his height. Will he grow the 3 or 4 cms he needs to be a full time ruck at AFL level or stay at that in between size he is now. If he does grow a lot then he moves right up onto number 1 contention. He could make it as a key position forward if he does not as he is athletic enough but prefer him in the ruck roaming around the ground. The new ruck rules seem to be favouring the giants and has to be a question mark on Sellar that will not be resolved until draft camp and official testing.

If he does grow to close to 2 meters then Sellar is looking at a more physical and athletic version of Josh Fraser. Better in contested situations and a more robust body and having more speed. Likely be able to handle the rigours of AFL better than Fraser has so far in his career.
I believe his rating will be determined by the draft camp results on his height and reach. I don’t think he will slip out of the top 5 but whether he goes at 5 or 1 will be determined by how much he grows. As a ruck you could not hope for anyone more athletic who can also play tall and take a big mark and read the play.

 

[Kildonan]

More from Mojo31:

6) Joel Selwood

Midfielder

181cms and 74kgs
16/5/88
Bendigo Pioneers

Brother of Troy and Adam. Very classy inside midfielder. Got the cleanest hands of any of the midfielders available for the next draft. Does not fumble and is cool and composed under pressure and in traffic.
His strength is in extracting the ball out of a stoppage. Does it with strength, body positioning and awareness and anticipation. Seems to move that little bit quicker to the tap out or spillage and with great reflexes and hand eye co ordination he gathers the ball and feeds it out with a quick handball.
Uses his body so well and has an uncanny knack of getting his arms free and dishing the ball out before some players have managed to pin him.
Very physically tough and hard player who directs his aggression at the ball and will have a superb temprement for AFL.
Makes up for a slight lack in pace with anticipation and his reading of the play.
Kicking needs improvement but is not a problem just not penetrative enough yet and lacks real polish. He prefers to handball and feed runners but opponents will sag off him in the AFL if he does not improve his kicking and not make it easy for him to feed more skilful players. (for example Daniel Cross from WB).

Good at the U18 Championships for Vic Country where he looked in the top 2 or 3 midielders on display. His football has been a high level for 2 years now and it will be interesting to see how much he improves this year. Hopefully he will grow to his brothers heights of 187 and 189 and not have as much problem putting on weight.

Has class, leadership and and football smarts. A can’t miss selection for a club who wants a natural footballer and not an athlete trying to be a footballer.

7) Jack Riewoldt

Key position player

193cms and 83kgs
31/10/88
Clarence, Tasmania

Very impressive at the U18 Championships and stood out for Tasmania. Played all over the ground and showed he was up standard as a forward or as a back. Looks like his cousin Nick and moves like him. Not as athletic (who is?) but has good pace and endurance and the trademark long searching lead of Nick. Also showed the ability to play as a key defender and looked very comfortable there organising the defenders and using his body. Read the play and was not caught out and was good in the 1 on 1 contests.
Clean handler of the ball and especially above his head. Capable of taking a pack mark and playing on stronger and physical opponents when up forward. Showed his class and maturity by dominating in the finals in Tasmania for Clarence (senior football) where he played as key forward and kicked 4 and 5 goals in successive weeks and took a lot of strong marks and was there best finals player.
Was targeted in those games from his opponents but never shirked the issue and was impressed with that. This is not TAC cup where the slightest indiscretion is picked up but a pretty physical and rough style.
A good kick and fine athlete who is tough, versatile and already a good size. Has a very good leap and is similar in style to his cousin.

8) Matthew Leuenberger

Ruck
7/6/88
201ms and 87 kgs
East Perth

Giant youngster who is a legitimate ruck size. Is a natural ruckman who has a good leap and understands how to play the position very well for his age. Extremely mobile for his height and overall not to skinny for his age. Don’t envisage any problems with putting on weight and taking an eternity to be ready for AFL.
Dominates in the WAFL colts and beats just about everybody there (including Pat Ryder). Had a good U18s Championships but did not dominate. Improved after that in the WAFL and basically improves each game he plays.
Quite a good mark and really does involve himself in the game and has some presence around the ground and really is a commanding figure out on the field. Decent at ground level and is not lost when the ball hits the ground and more importantly has the work rate and desire to actually compete for the ball on the ground.
The reason for the rapid improvement is that he was playing basketball and only just devoted all his time to football in the last year. So I would expect a pretty large improvement in him this year.
Will be interesting to see how he goes up against Sellar in the U18s this year to judge both of them.

Tall, athletic and a big leap. Smart with what he does and wont take 5 years to be AFL ready.

9) Leroy Jetta

Midfielder/forward pocket

176cms and 70kgs
6/7/88
South Fremantle

To say he is quick is an understatement. He is freakishly quick and has some of the best footwork I have ever seen to run around players and make them miss. Makes players look like they are nailed to the ground when he baulks them. Razzle dazzle player who can tend to try and do a bit too much at times. More likely to go for impossible goals rather than pass the ball off. What he does do is take players and break the game open. Very good kick on either side of the body but at his pace he rarely has to kick on the non dominant side.

Very good goal sense and suited to playing in the forward line and getting possessions forward of the centre and making them count.
Hopefully he will round out his game some more this year and develop the defensive side he will need. Learn to be accountable when he is required to be.Would have a question mark on his endurance and whether he will be able to become a full time midfielder in the AFL or a burst player who will do a number of special things but drift in and out of the game.
A wing/rover or a forward pocket. It is hard to know but despite his small size he is able to compete against much bigger players. Shows an ability to run and carry the ball and distribute well and run to all the right places to either win the ball or be an option for someone who does.
You add that to his pace, flair and balance and you have an enticing package. Such a good natural goal kicker who crumbs the ball in the forward line with great instincts and skill.

Played in the U18s Carnival for WA and showed himself to be up to the standard there and was very exciting and stood out. Even though he can be a bit selfish at times it is most likely just trying to impress at the U18s and also in the WAFL under coaches instructions as from all reports he is a very modest and humble player off the field.
He looks like he will have the ball winning abilities to become a midfielder if he can develop the tank needed. The height and size are the concerns in the future along with his endurance ability.

Instinctive player who is very talented and if he continues his development should go inside the top 10.

10) Albert Proud

Midfielder

179cms and 80kgs.
6/9/88
Mt Gravatt, Queensland

Very impressive at the U18 Champs and to me was the pick of the Queenslanders on show there despite Urquhart being named All Australian. Even more impressive at the carnival games for Division 2 prior to the U18 Championships.

Very hard at the ball and a physical player who seems to relish the contact. Also classy with the ball in hand and has nice footwork and a well rounded game. Is a long kick and carries the ball well and can play as a linkman when needed.
Has good instincts when to go in for the ball and when to hang off the pack. Got the flair of a lot of Aboriginal players but also that physical edge to his game.

So he is a long kicking, skilful, tough on baller. Not a burst player but someone who seems to possess good endurance and the work rate. Prepared to chase and tackle but with the ball he kicks long, carries it and uses it with precision.
Basically has all the tools to become a very good midfielder in the AFL.
He is fairly short and a few cms extra would be great but I can’t see it being a problem in the future. Developed body and maybe not as much physical improvement in him as some others but he is quick and classy and hard as you would like. When delivering the ball into the forward 50 he was silky and composed. Good hands in close and has a fine overall game.
Nothing lacking in his game and is the complete package.

I am prepared to overlook him losing his cool in the game against Tasmania and think it is a bit out of character and will not be an issue in the future with lacking discipline.


11) Bachar Houli

Midfielder

179cms and 83kgs
12/5/88
Western Jets (TAC)

Very clean and composed midfielder. Tremendous skills by foot and given space and time he will be very damaging. Long kick of the ball as well as accurate.
Hard at the ball and man and possesses a natural physical edge to his game that really cannot be taught. Very good in contested situations and is clean with his hands under pressure and is a very smart player. Has vision and awareness and plays the game as if everyone else is in slow motion.
A little to one dimensional in being attacking and wont work hard enough the other way and be defensive. Needs to work on that aspect of his game.

Not quick and is a stocky build already. Worry about possible weight problems, OP and the dreaded “modified program”. 3rd in the Jets best and fairest and only played 7 games. Made the final 25 for Vic Metro in the announced squads. Had ankle problems and missed a couple of games and then developed stress fractures in his back.
Very good around goals and has a natural instinct for them and kicked a number in the TAC last year before the injury.

I am sure of the outlook for Bachar and how he is progressing so I won’t comment on that. Clearly stress fractures are a very serious injury but it is not career ending. I believe he has an achilles tendon injury now and not sure how he is doing with that.

Not an athlete but a true footballer who has qualities that cannot not be taught and if he can overcome injury concerns then could develop into a fine player. Might not quite fit the profile of a skinny athlete that clubs seem to go for but the fact is he can use the ball at a high level and is very clever around goals and gathering possessions around the ground. By all means look hard at the prognosis of how his body will stand up in the future and also his character to do the hard work to not develop ‘Dean Rioli weight issues”. However don’t question that he has talents that more athletic players do not have and most likely never will.

If he re captures the form of early 2005 when he is fully fit then he moves up in the rankings and well inside the top 10. The question marks will be on his body, pace and agility and being able to work both ways.


12) Clinton Benjamin

Forward/Utility

187cms and 79kgs
27/7/88
Claremont (WA)

Huge disappointment in the U18s Carnival last year. Enormous wraps on him but was overall poor. The fact he was picked for the WA team a year before being eligible for the draft shows what the selectors thought of him.
Blindingly quick on a long lead he has pace to burn. Ran a 10.5 for the 100m at his school (not sure about the quality of the timing device) and he has some of the quickest first few steps you can imagine. Hits top speed and can hold it when the defender is unable to. Big leap and to see him get on a lead and take off for the ball is an awesome sight.

Good endurance and not just a sprinter. Struggled with the grounds for the Championships. Dew on them at times and his footing was unsure and never seemed to settle. More of an athlete rather than a footballer at this stage. Would be a bit like Sean Rusling from Collingwood drafted a year ago. Pacy smallish full forward with a big leap.

Would think Benjamin is that type of player but have seen him play down back and do well on bigger opponents and show himself to have all the skills.
Really could develop into anything with more experience. Will need to realise he will be a marked man and work harder on his game and to keep himself involved more. Not just be a mark and kick player.
Has to improve his work rate and to become smarter with his leading. The sort of player who may struggle for a position at AFL level if he stays at the current size. If he grows that 3 or 4 cms to go with the leap and speed he has got he will be a formidable package at full forward. Seems to have reasonable endurance but it is his speed and agility which sets him apart from almost everyone else.
If he develops the physical side to his game to go with his amazing athleticism he will be capable of anything. A bit of a project but taking his form at the U17 International Rules and form for Claremont he shows enough to be considered a first round prospect with his likely development.
A bit of an utility type who could play all over the ground but for me he needs to grow a bit and to be a leading forward to be worth this high a rating. If he does not then as a wing or flanker there are better and more complete candidates.

 

[Kildonan]

Continued:

13) Eric Mackenzie

Key Position Player

193cms and 88kgs
19/5/88
Claremont (WA)

Physically powerful and strong key position player. Played mainly down back and it is as a defender where I have been most impressed with him. Plays really tight and reads the play and anticipates well. Legitimate big defender who has strength and discipline. Good skills and is quite attacking on the rebound but it is his bodywork which catches the eye for me. Rarely beaten and does it with power and positioning.

When played up forward is capable of taking a good strong contested mark but does not seem to have the same good natural instincts as when he plays as a defender. Played some ruck when he was even younger and has been basically the same height for a number of years. So unlikely to grow a lot more but at 193cms is tall enough to play a key position player.
Seems to have good endurance and his pace was fine. Suited to playing down the corridor on power players. Tough and physically ready and seems to love body contact. Athletic and versatile.
Just missed the last draft and will be top aged this time and ready for action in his first year on an AFL list. Not quite as much scope for improvement as some of the other talls available but he is a pretty solid key position prospect who is not a really a risk for a team who needs a tall defender.
I think he could play either end as he develops but do think he is best suited down back at this stage.

14) Thomas Hislop

Midfielder

Burnie Dockers (Tasmania)
185cms and 84kgs
7/6/1988

Had a shoulder reconstruction in late May after the trip to Ireland for the U17s AIS-AFL International Rules and sat out the whole year after that

Very good clean hands under pressure. Superb reader of the player and very hard at the ball. Loves the contest and will continually put his head over the ball. Good vision and is smart with his use of the ball. Class inside player with the body and brain to dominate. Very physically developed player but it was not just that he was using to win the ball. Was genuinely smart with his movement and positioning.
Was a combination of strength and class that made him stand out.

Not that quick over the ground but definitely not slow. Reasonable agility but would not call him twinkle toes. Is tough, fearless and very hard at the ball and man. A natural midfielder who hunts the ball and is rarely caught out. Good anticipation and awareness. Very similar type to Joel Selwood. Not quite as good and more developed physically. Perhaps not exactly the midfielder we need but he is a class player and prospect. Very strong in the lower half of his body and very strong in the hips to break a tackle. Good tackler himself.
A small query on his body type for the future with being nuggety and developed at such a young age. So will have to watch how he looks this year after the shoulder operation and how he goes against grown men for the Devils to give an indication of whether how much of his game is sheer early physical development and how much is actual ability (like Shannon Hurn from last years draft).
He wont be able to run over the top of those stronger bodies and will be good to see how he handles that.
I don’t think his game is based too much around that and he is smart enough to be able to change his game according to different circumstances.

A clean, hard, physically tough inside player who does the basics well and is a natural footballer. Good skills with hand and foot and a very good size and another few cms of height would be very welcome. As it stands 185cms as a 16 year old is pretty impressive for a midfield prospect

Hislop is relocating from Burnie to play with the Tassie Mariners and should get a few games with the Tassie Devils in the VFL competition. Hard to judge him but going on tapes from the U16s back in 2004 he looked super impressive.

15) Clayton Collard

Midfielder

181cms and 76kgs.
4/12/88
South Fremantle

An aboriginal player from Western Australia who is a team mate of Leroy Jetta. Has good pace and is a very good kick of the ball. Superb goal sense and just seems to know where they are and is so natural in that regard. Has played as a defender and also as a wing and shows himself to be versatile and a very adaptable player. Did not look lost in those roles but I do feel he is better suited as an attacking player who gets his own ball rather than a player who works off an opponent. In the forward line is where he does his best work. Either setting up a goal with a precise kick or finishing the work himself.

Capable of winning the ball in the crushes as well and will not hesitate to put his head over it and he is quite a reasonable size for a player who has only just turned 17. Good body size and a decent height to go with speed, skill and versatility. A little bit of an impact player rather than a consistent one but a lot of that can be put down to playing on the half forward “graveyard”. Not too sure about his endurance to play a game out on the ball at this stage.Reasonable in the air for his size but is better with the ball on the ground.

Looks like playing some senior games with South Fremantle in the WAFL this year and then be part of the WA team for the U18 Championships where they will be hard to beat. He played in them last year but was on the bench for most of it.

A very clever and athletic player who has flair, poise and a real cutting edge to his work in the forward line. Will develop more and more as a midfielder over time and has all the tools to become a dangerous midfielder when he is finished. A very smooth mover who is effortless and anticipates well and reads the play.

A bigger and stronger version of his close friend Jetta. Not as quick or as exciting but that is more a case of how good Jetta is rather than something lacking in Collard. I think in time he will become a very attacking wing who can go forward and kick goals as well as run and carry the ball and show poise and class as a link player.

16) Brock O’Brien

Midfielder/half back flanker

180cms and 79kgs
30/5/1988
Peel Thunder (WA)

Physical player suited to playing on an opponent. Thrives on the contest and has a good strong body already. Impressed at the U18 Championships for Western Australia and was used mainly as a defender there. Showed the ability to play close and also to attack at every opportunity. Used the ball well and showed agility and pace as well as picking the right option.
Clean ball handler who has the hands of a good midfielder and a complete game at this early stage. Tough player who runs through and around similar sized players and will take his time to dispose of the ball. Very versatile and really could develop anywhere.
Managed to play senior football for Peel Thunder in the WAFL last year which is quite a feat for someone so young.
Not lightning quick but has good pace and an all around game which belies his age. Good in the air and capable of taking a strong mark. A very good rebounding small defender at this stage who will hopefully develop into a midfielder over time. Hard and classy at the same time and will be top aged come draft time and most likely play most of this year in the seniors for Peel Thunder. So he wont be much of a risk for the team who takes him. A physically ready player with not as much scope as some of the other smalls but a good overall game and the right attitude and temprement to take the next step up to AFL football.



17) Ben Reid

Key position player

194cms and 78kgs
29/4/1989
Murray Bushrangers

A very tall skinny key position player. Will start his TAC career this year and is a bit of an unknown at this stage. Watching him at the U16 Championships he was super impressive. Very good set of hands and picks up the flight of the ball quickly and judges it well. Does not run underneath it and takes it out in front and at its highest point when he was on the lead. Very good leap and is very mobile and athletic. Pretty good second efforts and hands below his knees.
Played up forward and down back as a centre half back. Looked good in both roles and maybe a little bit more comfortable as a defender.

Takes contested marks, offers rebound as a defender and is a versatile tall. Very young and is only just eligible for the next draft by a few days and will be a bottom aged skinny kid who has heaps of development in him for the future. A good year in the TAC for Murray will see him move right up the rankings and be much sought after.

The fact I have not seen him very much and his skinny body (needs 20kgs almost) means I have pushed him down a little at this stage. Nothing lacking in his game and I do like what I have seen so far.

 

[Kildonan]

Continued:

18) Jackson Sheringham

Wing/midfield

178cms and 73 kgs.
22/6/88
Geelong Falcons

Geelong Falcons player and brother of Ted who was rookied by Geelong in the 2004 draft. Very pacy and skilled player who is capable of carrying the ball and breaking the lines. Very good disposal and is a classy winger who given space and time is damaging.

Had a good year in the TAC and finished 3rd in the best and fairest for the Falcons. Played mainly wing but also some runs on the ball and down back. Versatile and has had a good grounding with 18 games in the TAC last year. Averaged a touch under 20 possessions and rarely wasted any of them. Long kicking to advantage was a feature of his game.
Would like to see him grow some more and fill out and develop the inside part of his game and become more a contested ball winner and inside player to go with his running and skills. That would really round his game out in my opinion and make him more complete.
Good tackler who has a good work rate and stays involved in the game and is prepared to work both ways. Very good prospect who is very clean with his use of the ball and is clever and quick. When he adds some more weight to break tackles he will be even better.

Composed and a smart reader of the player and is a silky prospect. Looks like a natural wing with his speed and disposal and ability to find space and carry the ball. Hopefully as he gets stronger he can also develop the other parts of his game as well.



19) Grant Weeks

Forward

189cms and 86kgs
Bendigo Pioneers (TAC)
17/8/1988

A tall flanker who played at full forward, centre half forward and the half forward flank early on in the year for Bendigo. They were a pathetic mess for the year and did not win a game but Weeks was one of there few shining lights.
He presents to the contest well and takes a very strong overhead mark. His conversion rate is not great and was inaccurate but still kicked 25 goals (30 behinds as well).
Week in week out he had a 2 defenders up against him anytime I saw him play.
He takes a very good mark when he was left with only 1 opponent and reminded me a bit of Ben McKinley who also played taller than his height.
Seems best suited to the flank or at CHF and covering a lot of ground as he seems to possess very good endurance. Not explosively quick but has good toe and decent agility and good below his knees for a high marking player.

Later on in the year he was rotated through the midfield for half his game time and looked very lively. Regularly got over 20 possessions and then went forward to kick goals. His game against Murray I was extremely impressed with and had really clean hands on the deck and an ability to run and carry the ball. Then pushed hard forward on his midfield opponent and took a couple of strong marks and goaled.

Not sure he will make it as a pure midfielder but more as a half forward flanker with an ability to link up as well as take a strong mark. Like in the Andrew Embley mold. Is well built and has a strong body and not so much development left there. Good field kick but does not seem to be translated into a good kick for goal.

He is 189cms tall and if he is able to grow 2 or 3cms and move up into a key positions size then he moves way up the rankings. With his good speed, endurance, clean hands overhead and on the deck and ability to run and carry the ball he would be a tantalising prospect at 192cms plus.

Played at the Championships for Vic Country and did not look out of his depth. Would think that in a decent TAC team with a better midfield and supply he would dominate.

20) Sam Fielding

Midfielder

179cms and 75kgs
30/9/1988
Clarence (Tasmania)

A midfielder who is classy and has genuine speed and good endurance. A touch of oestitus pubis towards the end of last year but other than that everything looks positive for him. A bit on the small side but had a good showing at the U18 Championship for Tasmania where he won his fair share of the ball and used it well.
Nothing that spectacular about him but seems to have genuine speed and is a good kick. Good defensive side to his game.
Starred in a couple of the Tassie Mariners games against Sandringham and Geelong and was the best player on ground each time. Showed himself capable of winning the ball and shutting down a player at the same time.

His game seems to be built around speed and running ability. Not great at winning clearances and can sometimes run himself out of position and lacks a little in that regard compared to some.
More physical development left in him though and he is an impressive package overall.

Runs a 400m in under 50 seconds and has the speed/endurance mix that few players can boast about. Just have him a bit lower than a couple of other midfielders as I don’t think he is as classy with the ball and as smart with his reading of the player as some others. If he puts on some height and size and retains all of his athleticism then he will move right up.




21) Alex Lee

Key Forward

192cms and 86kgs
24/9/88
Dandenong Stingrays

Did not play the first 6 games of the TAC cup then burst onto the scene after that. Showed great form up forward and made the original squad for Vic Metro for the U18 Championships. Was disappointing in the trial game playing out of the square as the go to man up forward and missed the final cut for the Champs.
He seemed to lose confidence after that and did not really return to form. The players also seemed to bypass him a lot for Dandenong and aim for Brad Horaczko (who played forward a lot and rucked less) and Aaron Murray who seemed to be the 2 key forwards and Lee was left with the scraps.

Lee moves well and is very athletic. A good size already and would guess he is a fair but heavier and maybe taller than his measurements at the start of 2005 (192 and 86).
He leads well and works hard in games to present as an option. Not a great kick for goal and needs to work on that. Takes a contested mark and uses his body well and to me seems suited for the half forward flank/CHF rather than deep forward.
Has a good leap but is not really explosive enough for full forward or a good enough converter at this stage. A good physical edge to his game and even though his confidence was down towards the end of the season he still tried hard and did not lose his discipline and work ethic.

Only turned 17 at the end of last season and overall had a good first up year in the TAC. With some likely growth he should turn into a quality KPP. I would like to see him play a few games down back as well to see how he handles that this year.

22) Ricky Petterd

Midfielder

186cms and 80kgs
24/7/1988
Broadbeach (Qld)

Impressive at the U18 championships for Queensland. Is quite quick and is a good size already. Pretty good kick but not fantastic in that regard. Possesses a huge leap for a midfielder. Petterd relies more on his size to run over the top of smaller midfielders rather than beat them with athleticism and anticipation at this stage.
Might struggle as his physical advantages shrink when he is drafted and is against players who are at least as strong. What he does have is an ability to really jump and take a very powerful mark. Needs some more polish to his game but is a very likely type. Nothing particularly lacking but I would not call him classy or silky.

Good in close and a player capable of winning contested ball and feeding it out. More of an inside player at this stage rather than a free flowing midfielder who carries the ball at every opportunity. He has a little bit of extra height than a number of the midfield prospects don’t have at this stage and if he can improve his kicking a bit he will go up in the ratings.

A tough, hard and strong player with a very good leap and a good tank. A few rough edges to be smoothed over but is effective and works hard in games. Could develop into a half forward flanker who takes a strong mark with his leap and good hands overhead as well. I like his hardness at the ball and man and his desire to compete and initiate contact in the packs. Plenty to work with and looks a likely type.

 

[Kildonan]

An interesting aside:

Once again let me reiterate - great work Mojo

In the 2001 Superdraft where the Top 5 were meant to be a "head above the rest", we did still see players like Sam Mitchell, Nick Dal Santo and Matt Maguire emerge from the mid-twenties/thirties. Based on what you have seen Mojo, are there any players in particular (bar the obvious top 5-10), who you think might just become as good as say a Dal Santo from out of nowhere?

Dal Santo was 13 so he was not exactly a late draft pick but I understand what you mean with he now surpassing some others who were taken before him.

J Kelly was 17.
B Harris was 71.

I think the thing with the upcoming draft which sets it apart is the number of really good tall prospects.

Hansen, Thorp, Gumbleton, Sellar, Leunberger,Riewoldt, Hawkins (F/S to Geelong), Mackenzie all likely first rounders.

The absolute cream of midfield talent is not there as compared to 2001 at this stage. There are about a dozen good mid prospects but nobody as yeat in the Ball, Judd, Hodge class apart from Selwood who I would have behind those 3 by a bit still.

Looking at the draft just gone. Marc Murphy( best player in the 2005 draft in my opinion) I would have at about 9 if I could have the pick of anyone. So thats Gibbs, Hansen .... Leuenberger and then Marc at 9.
As far as the talls Dowler, Ryder, Kennedy and Clark are all reasonably even. I would put Sellar,Leuenberger Thorp, Hansen, Gumbleton, Riewoldt as in front of all of them at this stage. Mackenzie is about the same level.

So I think a number of the midfiled prospects are even and one player taken at 30 might be very similar to a mid taken at 10. The players from Qld and Tasmania will be harder to judge. Div2 in the U18s and in competitions in there state where it is harder to work there ratings out. So I would see those players as capable of making a recruiter look silly when all things are looked at in 5 years time.

Albert Proud is the one player I really like who may not be rated as high by others. I doubt he would be top 10 in other peoples opinions. So he would be the one and maybe Houli if he continues to be injured.

I think the point is that the 2001 draft is a world away in terms of information available these days. The level of analysis and scrutiny with the U16s from the last few years, the U18s and recruiters watching them play in there local competitions. The interviewing, medicals and testing. It does not mean that players taken last wont go onto become guns but it will happen less and less as the drafting process becomes more scientific and more resourced by clubs.

 

[Kildonan]

Continued:

23) Gavin Urquhart

Midfielder

181cms and 78kgs
18/5/88
Morningside (Qld)

Impressive for Qld at the U18s and was named All Australian there. Very hard and physical player who is at his best in contested situations. Seems to have a case of the ‘white line fevers’. Prone to losing the plot a little and can be niggled and lose concentration at times.
Will put his head over the ball and enjoys contested situations where he performs at his best. Still capable of running with the bell and linking up. Can turn the ball over in pressure situations a little too much but given time and space is a very good kick. Plenty of distance and penetration with his disposal.

Gets the ball, runs to dangerous positions and uses it. Hard and tough and can clear the ball from congestion. Effective rather than classy but can play all over the ground.
Not overly quick but has enough pace for it not to be a concern. Good strong tackler and a good inside midfield prospect. Has everything for that role and is not classy but hard and effective. Goodish skills and can play. Very good tank and runs all day.

Good size already at 181 and 80kgs and is physically developed. Used this to advantage in the U18 Championships last year. Not sure there is too much physical improvement in him left but do like what I have seen of him.



24) Andrejs Everitt

Key position player
13/3/89
193cms and 74kgs
Dandenong Stingrays

Brother of Spida Everitt at Hawthorn. AIS scholarship holder who looks similar to his brother but is a different type of player. Played for Vic Metro at the U16 Championships.

He is a versatile player who played up forward and down back and looks reasonable comfortable in both places. He has a huge leap that really stands out when you see him play. Just throws himself in the air at the ball and can really take a huge mark. He is a very good kick and is agile and pacy. Very skinny and is a long way off being a key position at AFL level with his build.

I think he looks more comfortable as a forward and is better suited there with his marking ability. Has grown from 189cms last year to be 193cms now according to the AIS. Hopefully will continue to grow some more this year and fill out as he is very skinny and needs 20kgs to be able to hold down a key position in the AFL
Very athletic and a very strong mark of the ball. Can really fly for the ball like few others and he does not need to use another plays as a step ladder to get right up there either.

A bit of an outside player at this stage who is a pure athlete and has heaps of development left in him. Has speed, leap and height as well as a very long and accurate kick. Now he needs to put on some weight and continue his development. Learn to use his body a little better and perhaps look to play forward in the TAC this year and show was talent he has as a forward.

A bottom aged key position player who is going to take time to be ready but is physically gifted and classy with the ball.

25) Chris Schmidt

Midfielder

20/3/1989
186cms and 76kgs
West Adelaide

Played at the U16 Championships for SA and he looked very classy. Maybe the 3rd best player on show for them with Gibbs and Sellar in front of him. Played on the wing at times and also rotated through the midfield and forward flanks. He has very good skills and takes a strong mark and shows good judgement above his head.
He has reasonable pace and good footwork. Was impressive clearing the ball from congestion and showed good hands and awareness and poise. Looks like he has the making of an inside midfielder with his clean ball handling, body positioning and anticipation from a stoppage. Add that to his skill and marking ability and he has a lot to work with.

Has good skills but tends to kick short a lot and play safe and not attempt a difficult kick. Sometimes will get himself into trouble by not kicking long when there is no free option. Maybe work on his decision making as it is not the kicking which can be a bit of a problem but just the options he chooses. Maybe not as focused as he could have been at times and got into a few scuffles with players niggling him.

Good height for a midfielder and strong in the air and around packs. Just needs to improve his decision making and put his kicking skills to a little bit better use. Maybe show some more flair when carrying the ball and take players on a touch more. Bottom aged and plenty of scope to add some more height there.



26) Brent Renouf

Ruck

200cms and 86 kgs
Born 3/5/88
Southport (Qld)

Played for Qld in the U18 Championships in Division 2 and acquitted himself well. Is quite mobile for that size and possesses a good leap as well as is a natural ruck who directs his taps well. Uses his body well in rucking contests and seems to understand how to change his tactics depending on what the other ruckmen is doing.
Played forward in 1 of the games and kicked a couple of goals and is a reliable kick as well as giving it an impressive roost to get a lot of distance. Unusual for most ruckmen and is a real bonus.
Not convinced about him in marking contests and as for most giants he drops a lot of marks. This is pretty typical and especially for his age but would like to see him straightening himself up and really going at it like his life depends on it.
Would not say he is a natural at moving around the ground and knowing where to run to and where to take position. Looks a little lost at times and will need to really improve that aspect of his game. To read the play better and be smarter with his movements over the ground.

So at the moment is a very good prospect as a tap ruckman with size and a good leap who will need to work on the around the game work and his marking. Pretty skinny body for his age but it should not be a problem if he is able to build up a little this year.




27) Travis Boak

Midfielder

1/8/1988
181cms and 70kgs
Geelong Falcons

An inside player with goodish pace. Not express but quick enough. Very clean handler of the ball in contested situations where he is composed and very hard at the football. Good mark for his fairly small size and throws himself in despite his slight frame. Pretty versatile and can play down back as a rebounding small defender.

Started last year by playing on the half forward flank was fairly quiet. A switch to the wing put him into the action and he showed class and the ability to win the ball. Alternated between the half forward and wing for most of the season. Shows even more versatility by being able to play as small defender on occasions and gathered some quality ball in those games. His form curtailed off as the season went on.

Pretty small overall and if he can gain some height will be a benefit. Pretty light and also a concern. However he is hard at the ball and a strong tackler. Would have him behind Jackson Sherringham from the same TAC team. Not as quick or classy but not too much between them.
Just maybe lacks that cutting edge to his game and have him a bit further down that a few of the other midfield prospects.

28) Zac Millar

Half forward flank/midfielder

12/3/89
181cms and 80kgs
North Adelaide

Aboriginal player from South Australia. AIS member who has skill and talent. Is deadly around goals and is a smart reader of the play. Superb skills by foot and is a great kick. Got such good touch to be able to kick across his body, snap the ball and also to weight his kicks . Kick through it and punch the ball as well as kick up over an oncoming player when he has to. Just got a natural feel about his kicking that really cant be taught.
He is well built and quite hard at the ball and I am not sure he is a natural midfielder. Its about his style which is more flashy than always effective. Does the exceptional things but maybe does not do the simple basic things as well as he can. Will look to kick across his body rather than straighten up or to fly 1 handed for a mark, tap the ball on rather than take the ball and wear the tackle.
He is not a great aerobic athlete and will need to develop that side of his game to become a bona fide midfielder.
Pretty light on his feet but is not explosive. Pace is reasonable but he is not electric.

Seems best suited on the forward line with his skill and lack of endurance. Very smart player who needs to improve physically as well as his discipline to do the team things to develop as a player. Would like to see him work harder in games.




29) Tom Collier

Utility

192cms and 82kgs
25/3/89
Lauderdale (Tasmania)

Bottom aged AIS scholarship holder. Played as a ruckman in the U16s Championships but does not seem to have grown and been at the same height for the last 2 years. Clearly won’t be tall enough to ruck at AFL level and will need to find himself a different position. He has agility and good speed and is a very good kick and is able to roost the ball a long way. He does play all over the ground and could develop into a tall flanker and maybe even a key position player if he works on his marking and body work.

Tall flanker trapped in a key positions height at 192cms. Is an athletic and mobile player who is more a tall midfielder/utility in the Grant Birchall mode rather than a key position player. Plays more outside and is better suited in space rather than the crushes. Reads great in a profile with his height, speed and athleticism like Birchall did.

A player with a lot of potential who is hard to judge. Have to see how he goes this year when he has a set position and not rucking to have a better idea. At this stage I think he is a skilful player who loves to kick long, avoid the packs a little and take uncontested marks out in the open. Does not seem to be too bothered with playing tight on an opponent but roaming around and getting the ball as much as he can.





30) David Gourdis

Key Forward

14/3/89
191cms and 88kgs
Subiaco (WA)

Played well at the U16 Championships for WA. Played at CHF and showed an ability to take contested marks, use his body well and be strong at the contest. Shows good judgement in the air and either marked the ball or brought it to ground. Always gave a good contest and has a good work ethic. Physical type to go with a very well developed and strong body.

His kicking needs a little bit of work. Does not seem to have great agility and change of direction and is not very quick over the ground at this stage. Might get mobility problems as he gets even bigger in the future. Works hard below his knees but is a bit limited with it when the ball is on the ground and can appear a bit lost about how to go about it.

Pretty raw bottom aged key forward who is not overly skilful or athletic at this early stage. Has the appetite for the contest and is a very hard worker who keeps on presenting for leads and does not drop his head and stop trying. Just needs some more polish onto his game and to squeeze the maximum athleticism he can out of his body to make it as a centre half forward. Seems to have good endurance but it a little bit 1 paced at this stage. However anybody who has as good a hands overhead as David and can take a contested mark has a good starting point when they are 191cms and growing.

 

[Kildonan]

Top 30:

Tasmania (5)

Thorp
Riewoldt
Hislop
Fielding
Collier

WA (8)

Gourdis
Leuenberger
Gumbelton
Benjamin
Collard
O'Brien
Jetta
Mackenzie

Victoria (9)

Hansen
Selwood
Weeks
Reid
Lee
Sherringham
Boak
Everitt
Houli

Queensland (4)

Proud
Petterd
Urquhart
Renouf

South Australia (4)

Millar
Schmidt
Sellar
Gibbs


A pretty good spread overall. Western Australia look the strongest at this stage. Especially with a lot of there players already playing the U18s last year.

 

[mad-saint-guy]

I thin our first two picks will probably be two Queensland boys; Proud and Uquhart. Although if any of Benjamin, O'Brien, Collard or in case of a miracule Jetta or Hislop slip to pick 26, we'll take them.

 

[Kildonan]

Important Dates:

Key dates for various stages of the player exchange and draft process:

Draft Camp (Canberra) October 4 / 5 / 6

Exchange Period (Trade Week)
Monday October 9 to 2pm Friday October 13, 2006

List Lodgement One
2pm Tuesday October 31, 2006.
Maximum of 35 players, Rookie Promotions, Father/Son selections, Retained (second-year) Rookies

Draft Nominations Close
2pm Wednesday November 15

List Lodgement Two
2pm Friday November 17

Delisted Players Nominations Close
2pm Wednesday November 22

2006 NAB AFL Draft, held at Victory Room, Telstra Dome
10am Saturday November 25

Uncontracted Listed Players Nominations Close
2pm Tuesday November 28

List Lodgement Three and TPP Estimates; International Rookie Player Nominations
2pm Friday December 1

Delisted Player Nominations Close
2pm Friday December 8

NAB AFL Pre-Season Draft (Microsoft Live Meeting Technology)
10am Tuesday December 12

Nomination of Eligible Rookie Players (Brisbane Lions and Sydney)
10.15am Tuesday December 12

NAB AFL Rookie Draft (Microsoft Live Meeting Technology)
10.30am Tuesday December 12

 

[Axcellence]

Woo hoo... even though it isn't a game, still I think a lot people (including me) feel quite excited about it.

I distinctly remember John Beveridge mentioning in one of his chats that he wouldn't like a high pick in the 2006 draft. Maybe it was because of the draft quality or maybe because it would have meant we had finished below expectations. Couple of his other favourites comments are to avoid short players and ones with kicking problems.

Either way, its intriguing. I feel for the players in question as they are just 17-18 year old kids and somehow each and everyone is being hyped up like the 2nd coming of Chris Judd.

From a St Kilda point of view, I'd be taking the players with max playing potential and avoid the injury prone ones (eg Bacher Houli). Again, Chris Judd was a special case, but with the rest, injury issues need to be considered. Again, height, athelticism and speed is becoming more and more an issue in AFL and I expect St Kilda to go for the tall midfielders as well.

Having said that, it also means that there is a possibility of a few undervalued players available in the trade period. I am not a big fan of the trade week. Very few players play 100 games at 2 different clubs. However, given the value being placed on the 2006 draft picks, some good players can be had - (depending on what St Kilda wants to give up).

 

[SpInNeR]

.....Good work Stkildonan!


Top Read.

 

[Kildonan]

Thanks Spinner

 

[Kildonan]

Weaver is an highly respected poster on BigFooty and a moderator of the Drafts and Trading Board. He has put together a list of 50 players who will be looked at during the Draft Camp:

These are 50 guys that I think will be under consideration come draft-camp time.


Tom Hawkins (Melb Gr / Metro) - Neitz style power forward who can take contested marks and is prepared to be physical.

Scott Gumbleton (WA) - Athletic and mobile key forward or back who has the courage to fly.

Bryce Gibbs (SA) - covers a lot of ground accumulating touches and using it well. Not quite as dynamic as Cooney or as quick as Griffin. But in the class.

Lachlan Hansen (Gipps / Country) - Athletic and footy smart. More a CHB than a forward which will have him off top spot.

Mitchell Thorp (Tas) - A CHF at the moment, but could be a ruck-rover. Best case Pavlich, worst case Murray Vance. Player conversions can make some clubs nervous.

James Sellar (SA) - Poor championship won't hurt him much. May be caught between being a ruckman and a forward. Mobile by ruck standards, less so compared to a lot of AFL KP players.

Joel Selwood (Bendigo / Country) - Solid, footy-smart wingman. Lacks real speed and is more of an accumulater of touches. Similar to Crawford.

Daniel Connors (Bendigo / Country) - Unobtrusive but talented centreman who can play inside and outside. Quick, good skills in traffic and willing to tackle too.

Matthew Leuenberger (WA) - Geunine ruck height, good mobility and can take a mark. Willing to take his own kicks not just handball off. Not all clubs want a giant tap ruckmen these days which hurt Wood last year and might hurt Leuenberger this.

Albert Proud (Qld) - Genuine centreman with a nice aggressive streak and good skills. Standout performer at the 2005 Championships and backed it up again.

Clinton Benjamin (WA) - Forced to play CHB but is more a wingman or flanker. Struggles to win enough of the ball and is quite outside.

Ben Reid (Murray / Country) - Extremely raw and light. Struggles in the contest and in KP, but a 194cm guy who can play on the wing will catch the eye. With development he could be a modern fullback.

Jack Riewoldt (Tas) - Probably more flanker than KP type. Still very light and lacks physical presence. Probably a 3rd forward type like Ben Dixon.

Ricky Pettard (QLD) - Talented centreman who uses the ball well, has a great junior resume and prepared to work in packs.

Jarryd Morton (WA)- Pressed into service as a FB/CHB and CHF. Will appeal to AFL clubs as a wingman or flanker with good size, skill and mobility.

Jarryd Allan (Calder / Metro) - Lightly built CHB who has improved this season. Will appeal as the modern counter-attacking backman who can be trusted to carry the ball.

Brock O'Brien (WA) - specialist HBF who rebounds well, can play tight, is cool under pressure and is normally a solid kick.

Jarrad Harborw (Murray / Country) - deceptive pace, nice kick and is tricky in traffic. Goal-kicking midfielders are good value.

Tim Houlihan (Nth Ballarat / Country) - Light and raw wingman. Has pace and a good kick, needs bulk and the confidence that comes with it.

James Hawksley (WA) - Tall, quick, long kicking HBF who needs a lot of extra bulk.

Todd Pfeiffer (SA) - Lousy championship will be excused. Wingman with good long kick and skills, just needs to find the ball a little more.

Chris Schmidt (SA) - Tidy half-back or wingman who reads play well and sets up rebound. Good kick and passable pace. Looks like could play as a defensive midfielder.

Bachar Houli (Western / Metro) - Injury history will hurt him and clubs will want a medical all-clear. Also is probably just a forward flanker which will hurt his value.

Clayton Collard (WA) - Nice skills, vision and awareness seems wasted across HFF. Really needs to become a genuine on baller. Has enough talent for clubs to get excited.

Leroy Jetta (WA) - big reputation but is quick without being explosive, plays too wide and is too hit and miss with his kicking.

Jarryn Geary (Bendigo) - Cheeky around goals and reads the ball off hands very well whether up forward or off the ruckman in the centre bounce. Good pace and skills.

Travis Boak (Geelong / Country) - Genuine centreman with pace, wins the ball and generally makes good decisions.

Shane Edwards (SA) - Might be too light to be considered, but can be explosive when he chooses to be and can kick goals.

Eric McKenzie (WA) - Old-style bigger, slower CHB or CHF. Probably a bit out of fashion and may struggle to get picked up.

Josh Kennedy (Sandringham) - Centreman or tough HBF. Would have been in the centre square for Metro if not injured. Probably Hawks f/s.

Shaun Grigg (Ballarat / Country) - Solid allround game without having one standout quality.

Rhyce Prismall (Western / Metro) - Outside centreman who can also play tall.

Tom Anderson (SA) - Solid back-pocket who rebounded well for SA and showed good reading of the play.

Robert Gray (Oakleigh / Metro) - Tricky, cheeky clever forward who kicks goals and shows top-notch footy smarts.

Tom Hislop (Tas) - solid centreman who is good in close but needs to improve his kicking.

Brent Renouf (QLD) - Genuine ruck size and a good tap, but a poor kick will hold him back.

Josh Cubillo (NT) - Talented and clever around the forward line, can find himself time even in packs.

Jackson Sheringham (Geelong / Country) - Quick with good kicking skills and willingness to carry the ball.

Matt Austin (Nth Ballarat) - Grigg's understudy at Ballarat. Plays centre and goes forward and gets goals. Unobtrusive but good allround talent.

Chris Varsamakis (Northern/Metro) - Tough centreman and ball-winner. Won't go early and won't be a star but has Campbell Brown qualities of actually letting teams now he is out there.

Tim McIntyre (Murray/NSW) - Talented rover with some pace and the experience of playing back-pocket to fall back on.

Robbie Tarrant (Bendigo) - Unsighted this season. More a power forward than his brother. Should resume playing soon and will be closely watched.

Dane Avery (Bendigo) - Very outside but classy backman who uses the ball well and is damaging on the rebound.

James Frawley (Ballarat / Country) - best lock-down defender available, is athletic enough to play as a wingman but his poor kicking will hurt.

James Turner (SA) - Outside HFF who is tall and mobile, can take a turn in the centre square and showed a knack for getting on the end of play.

Tom Collier (Tas) - Solid, unobtrusive CHB who plays tight on his man and has the smarts to know when to run off and create.

Matthew Tyler (Ballarat / Country) - Poor kicking action, but is very much the modern rebounding CHB who is dangerous with the ball in his hands.

Andrejs Everitt (Dandenong / Metro) - Had a good championships, is OK as a counter-attacker but probably a bit loose man on man.

Peter Faulks (Calder / Metro) - Probably more a flanker than a KP player. Still light and a bit outside.

Matthew Vasilevski (Northern / Metro) - Wins a lot of the ball but can be pretty scrappy in disposing of it.

 

[Kildonan]

Thread Link

Of the non-named guys, (question in the thread and via PM)

I don't think there is much call for slowish, power forwards anymore. The pack-marking type of KP player seems destined for the scrap heap. Mitch Brown, Tippett and Nathan Brown are in that category.

The slowish, skilled centreman who gets the ball but can't run and get into space is another who can struggle to get picked up unless he is exceptional. I'd put Fielding, Eddy and Djerkurra in that group.

Rovers, as a general rule, don't get drafted. They have to be jaw droppingly good. I don't see Moss, Colbung, Ross, Anderson, Adams, Hurley are good rovers but don't jump out as being much better than the dozen rovers who gon't get selected every other year.

I emphasise pace, good kicking, the ability to carry the football and I like midfielders who can kick a goal (not too many of those this year). Key position players should be mobile. Ruckmen should be genuinely tall.

There are some others that I considered, but there were 50 slots and some guys miss out.

 

[Kildonan]

When Weaver was asked of his rough draft order:

I think it is safe to guess that the list I posted has the guys I think that will go closer to the top - towards the top, with some of the rougher guys towards the bottom of the 50.

Actual draft order is a tougher call. Lots of people on this board get hung up on whether a guy will go at 30, 40 or 60 whereas often there is very very little difference between those 30 spots.

Too many people think of the draft as a 'ladder'. Guy 1 is better than guy 2. Guy 21 is better than guy 22 by about the same margin.

Much better to think of it as a pyramid.

5-6 elite prospects
10-20 good prospects
30-50 worthwhile chances
80-150 in rookie contention.

Where a guy goes within any 'bracket' is largely up to which club he has caught the eye of, who has what picks, and what they already have on their list.

When a guy like Andrew Swallow 'drops' 20 places it is not really a big deal. All he has done is stay within his 'bracket' but fallen to the bottom of it. A heap of clubs with the relevant picks didn't want an inside midfielder so he fell.

 

[Kildonan]

Thread Link

I have been scoring the various phantom drafts and top 50s and have come up with a list.I will try to keep it updated by keeping an eye on the phantom drafts or if anyone wants to PM me a top 50 I'll add it to the list.The only problem is the father/son selections as they don't work under this system.Enjoy the read there are some surprises.

1 Scott Gumbleton (Peel Thunder)
2 Bryce Gibbs (Glenelg)
3 Lachlan Hansen (Gippsland Power)
4 Mitchell Thorp (Northern Bombers)
5 Joel Selwood (Bendigo Pioneers)
6 James Sellar (Glenelg)
7 Matthew Leuenberger (East Perth)
8 Albert Proud (Mt.Gravatt)
9 Ben Reid (Murray Bushrangers)
10 Ricky Petterd (Broadbeach)
11 Leroy Jetta (South Fremantle)
12 Daniel Connors (Bendigo Pioneers)
13 Jack Riewoldt (Clarence)
14 Clayton Collard (South Fremantle)
15 Broc O’Brien (Peel Thunder)
16 Clinton Benjamin (Claremont)
17 David Armitage (Morningside)
18 Tom Hawkins (Sandringham Dragons)
19 Tom Hurley (Sturt)
20 Chris Schmidt (West Adelaide)
21 Brent Renouf (Southport)
22 Eric MacKenzie (Claremont)
23 Bachar Houli (Western Jets)
24 Tom Hislop (Burnie Dockers)
25 Shaun Grigg (North Ballarat Rebels)
26 Jarryd Allen (Calder Cannons)
27 Nathan Brown (North Ballarat Rebels)
28 Jarryd Morton (Claremont)
29 Jarrod Harbrow (Murray Bushrangers)
30 Mitchell Brown (North Ballarat Rebels)
31 Gavin Urquhart (Morningside)
32 Andrejs Everitt (Dandenong Stingrays)
33 Garry Moss (East Perth)
34 Travis Boak (Geelong Falcons)
35 Daniel Dzufer (Caloundra)
36 Todd Pfeiffer (North Adelaide)
37 Tom Collier (Lauderdale)
38 Kurt Tippett (Southport)
39 Jackson Sheringham (Geelong Falcons)
40 Robert Eddy (Gippsland Power)
41 Joshua Kennedy (Sandringham Dragons)
42 Shawn Colbung (East Perth)
43 Tim Houlihan (North Ballarat Rebels)
44 Rhyce Prismall (Western Jets)
45 James Hawksley (Peel Thunder)
46 Daniel O’Keefe (Geelong Falcons)
47 Robert Gray (Oakleigh Chargers)
48 Jesse White (Southport)
49 Jarryn Geary (Bendigo Pioneers)
50 Shane Edwards (North Adelaide)

 

[Kildonan]

Young talent on show
27 September 2006
Matt Burgan
Sportal for afl.com.au

Some of the country's finest young talent will be on show at MC Labour Park on Thursday when the third annual clash between Victoria and The Allies Under-18s will be held as part of the Grand Final week festivities.

Much of the aim of this match is to provide players from both teams an extra opportunity to increase their draft prospects. For AFL club recruiters it will be an important day as they too will further gain an insight into a significant talent base.

All-Australian players Daniel Dzufer (Queensland), Nathan Djerrkura (Northern Territory) and Craig Bird (NSW/ACT) are set to line-up for The Allies who will have a number of other key players to keep an eye on.

Kurt Tippett, a 199cm former basketballer will be on show after impressing during this year's under-18 carnival and recently with Southport in the AFLQ finals, as will fellow Queenslanders Gavin Grose, Tauryn Zimmer, Jesse White, Sean Hampson and Hayden Kiel.


Tasmanian duo Jack Riewoldt (the cousin of St Kilda superstar Nick) and Tim Mohr; Northern Territory's Jethro Calma-Holt, Patrick Fittock and Trevor Oliver and New South Wales' Matt Suckling will also be worth watching.

A handful of players who represented Victoria during this year's NAB AFL under 18 championships will feature - Vic Country's Jarrod Harbrow and Jonathan Lee and Vic Metro's Matt Robinson, Rhyce Prismall (brother of Geelong's Brent) and Luke Clark.

Tim McIntyre and Myles Aalbers who both played for NSW/ACT during the championships will also play for Victoria. Both McIntyre (from Corowa-Rutherglen) and Aalbers (Lavington) play for Murray Bushrangers in the TAC Cup.

Tomi Johnston, the son of Carlton great Wayne Johnston, will also line-up for the Vics.

In the first match in 2004, Richmond ruckman/forward Adam Pattison starred for Victoria with 22 disposals and 10 marks while Collingwood midfielder Ben Davies won 25 touches.

Richard Tambling shone for The Allies in the same match winning 24 possessions, while then team-mate and Brisbane Lions tough-nut Justin Sherman collected the ball 26 times and booted four goals.

Last year, Essendon's Sam Lonergan, who played one match in 2005, was the standout for The Allies with five goals and 21 disposals.

A number of his Allies' teammates - Grant Birchall (Hawthorn), Wayde Mills (Brisbane Lions), Courtenay Dempsey (Essendon), Sam Iles (Collingwood), Dylan Addison (Western Bulldogs), Sam Gilbert (St Kilda) and Austin Lucy (Essendon) - were also drafted while Kieran Jack (Sydney) and Todd Grima (Geelong) were taken as rookies.

For Victoria, Clint Bartram (Melbourne), Matthew Laidlaw (Sydney), Simon Buckley (Melbourne), Jake Edwards (Carlton) were drafted, while the Swans claimed Sam Rowe and Ed Barlow as rookies.

For the record, Victoria has yet to win one of these matches. The Allies won by 35 points in 2004 and scored a 44-point victory in 2005.

As a curtain-raiser to this game, a match featuring VFL players divided into North and South will play. It will consist of players aged from 19 to 22.

The North versus South match will start at 10:15 with the clash between Victoria and The Allies to follow at 12:45.

The squads:

Victoria:
Tim McIntyre (Murray Bushrangers), Jarrod Harbrow (Murray Bushrangers), Curtis Barker (Dandenong Stingrays), Daniel Hayes (Eastern Ranges), Tomi Johnston (Sandringham Dragons), Daniel Boyle (Murray Bushrangers), Myles Aalbers (Murray Bushrangers), Andrew Collins (Bendigo Pioneers), Tom Sheldon (Bendigo Pioneers), Joel Coombes (Sandringham Dragons), Paul Kennelley (Shepparton), Matt Robinson (Dandenong Stingrays), Matt Lobbe (Eastern Ranges), Brett Collins (St Bedes), Rhyce Prismall (Western Jets), Luke Clark (Dandenong Stingrays), Dane Avery (Bendigo Pioneers), John Walker (Murray Bushrangers), Dale Whelan (Dandenong Stingrays), Richard Knight (Western Jets), David Comben (Dandenong Stingrays), Alex Lee (Dandenong Stingrays), Jonathan Lee (Bendigo Pioneers) and Daniel Stewart (Eastern Ranges)

The Allies
Daniel Dzufer (Zillmere Eagles), Matthew Suckling (Wagga Tigers), Austin Wonaeamirri (St Marys), Haydyn Kiel (Southport), Joe Anderson (Darwin), Trevor Oliver (Waratahs), Rhys Magin (Noosa), Ben Warren (Zillmere Eagles), Chris Smith (Mt Gravatt), Jethro Calma-Holt (Waratahs), Nathan Djerrkura (Wanderers), Craig Bird (Nelson Bay), Patrick Fittock (Southern Districts), Gavin Grose (Mt Gravatt), Tim Mohr (Launceston), Simon Plummer (Mt Gravatt), Colin Garland (North Hobart), Kurt Tippett (Southport), Sean Hampson (Mt Gravatt), Jack Riewoldt (Clarence), Tauryn Zimmer (Southport), Jay Bowden (Glenorchy) and Jesse White (Southport)

 

[Kildonan]

Weaver's comments on the squads:

The Vic team is drawn from the bottom six teams in the compeition. It includes 'fringe' draft candidates. Guys in some cases invited to the camp but mostly screening. It is very much a 2nd-3rd chance type scenario. From last year's team only Jake Edwards, Matt Laidlaw, Simon Buckley and Clint Batram were drafted.

No Bachar Houli (WJ), Brad Collins (MB), Joel Selwood (BP), Daniel Connors (BP), Josh Kennedy (SD), Tom Hawkins (SD), Sam Monaghan (SD), Jarryn Geary (BP), Leigh Adams (ER), Andrejs Everitt (DS) and Ben Reid (MB). Some injured and some excused because they are cetainties. No guys too young to be drafted. It is almost a 2nd-choice team from the six worst TAC teams.

The Allies team also often excludes some of the guys who the clubs already know enough about. Mitch Thorp, David Armitage, Ricky Pettard, Gavin Urquhart, Tom Collier, Brent Renouf, Tom Hislop and Sam Fielding all missing (amongst others).

From last year's Allies team Grant Birchall, Austin Lucy, Wayde Mills, Sam Gilbert, Dylan Addison, Courtney Dempsey, Sam Lonergan and Rhan Hooper were drafted.

Two fairly weak teams in truth considering the pool of talent to choose from (even allowing for injuries).

Some are not selected as they are going to draft camp - the game is only for guys who are attending the screening that afl clubs have shown interest in.

 

[Kildonan]

Re: the Victoria and The Allies Under-18s match:

This is a game is a good chance for mainly the Allies guys to get in front of all the scouts. Last year Sam Gilbert had a great game and came from nowhere before then to go to the Saints (in the early 20s from memory) as a 19 year old. The Vics play in front of those guys all the time and so everyone has a good read on how good they are and if an out of towner stands out it really helps their stock.

 

[MCG-Unit]

Well done StKildonan - can you please pin this ?? would be a great reference - especially those key dates..........

 

[Kildonan]

Allies crush Under-18 Vics

Thu 28 September, 2006
Matt Burgan


Key forward Kurt Tippett and Under-18 All Australians Craig Bird, Daniel Dzufer and Nathan Djerrkura dominated for the Allies as the combine annihilated a Victorian Under-18 team by 81 points in the NAB AFL Rising Star Cup at MC Labour Park on Thursday.

The Allies 17.12 (114) defeated Victoria 4.9 (33) in the third annual match played between these sides as part of the Grand Final week festivities. The Vics are yet to win one of these matches having lost by 35 points in 2004 and 44 points last year.

Tippett, a former Queensland under-18 basketball representative with only two years experience in the game, was terrific up forward. He finished the match with four goals and looms as one to watch come draft time in November. His marking overhead and athleticism is a feature of his game.

Ball-winner Bird (27 disposals), Dzufer (23) and Djerrkura (23) displayed class in the midfield. Dzufer also chipped in with two majors while Territorian Jethro Calma-Holt bagged three goals.

The Allies class was evident before the match started with 12 players representing the combine also invited to this year's NAB AFL Draft Camp.

But Victoria was only able to select its players from six TAC Cup teams - Murray Bushrangers, Bendigo Pioneers, Dandenong Stingrays, Sandringham Dragons, Western Jets and Eastern Ranges - due to other teams competing in recent finals.

Queensland's Dzufer, Haydyn Kiel, Ben Warren, Chris Smith, Gavin Grose, Tippett, Shaun Hampson and Jesse White; Northern Territory's Joe Anderson, Djerrkura and Tasmania's Colin Garland and Jack Riewoldt (cousin of St Kilda superstar Nick) all featured in the match and will attend the Australian Institute of Sport next week in Canberra for the camp.

Victorian Alex Lee and Daniel Hayes were the sole representatives that will attend this year's camp.

From the start, the Allies never looked in doubt. They booted the opening nine goals of the match before Victoria's Dale Whelan could register his side's first major. It came at the 19-minute mark of the second term.

By three quarter-time the Allies had 14 goals to one and won the centre clearances 16-0.

Victoria managed its only other three goals - all in a row - in the final term. Tomi Johnston, the son of four-time Carlton premiership player Wayne, bobbed up with one during this period.

Johnston managed 16 touches - including 10 contested - for the day, while Rhyce Prismall, brother of Geelong's Brent, was also a solid performer for the Vics. Murray/Corowa-Rutherglen's Tim McIntrye, who represented NSW/ACT during this year's under 18 championships, was also one of Victoria's best.

Meanwhile in the earlier under-23 VFL North versus South match, it was North that took the honours.

Bendigo Bombers Justin Maddern was a standout as a key forward for North. He booted five goals - including four in the opening term and took a fine one-hander in the final term.

Alistair Neville from Coburg Tigers won 30 touches and was one of the best on ground, while North teammate Liam Picken jagged four goals in a prominent display. North and Coburg ruckman Rob Young, standing at 197cm, won 24 hit outs.

Two famous football names represented South - Myles Krakouer, son of Phil, won 14 disposals, while Alex Silvagni, cousin of Steve, had seven touches.

Frankston's Paul Rebeschini was among South's best, while Casey's Ben Fraser and Box Hill's Sam Gibson were also solid with two goals each.

VICTORIA: 0.2 1.3 1.4 4.9 (33)
ALLIES: 4.4 10.7 14.9 17.12 (114)

GOALS - Victoria: Johnston, Stewart, Walker, Whelan
Allies: Tippett 4, Calma-Holt 3, Dzufer 2, Garland 2, Djerrkura, Hampson, Kiel, Riewoldt, Suckling, Warren
BEST - Victoria: McIntyre, Robinson, Clarke, Johnston, Boyle, Prismall
Allies: Bird, Tippett, Dzufer, Djerrkura, Wonaeamirri, Magin
At MC Labour Park

NORTH: 5.3 5.7 10.10 16.14 (110)
SOUTH: 2.1 6.7 7.10 7.11 (53)

GOALS - North: Maddern 5, Picken 4, Davies 3, Bowe, Cook, Rose, Twomey
South: Fraser 2, Gibson 2, Corp, Crook, Rebescini
BEST - North: Picken, Neville, Young, Maddern, Watson, Clifton
South: Rebeschini, Fraser, Gibson, Corp, Marigliani, Biagi
At MC Labour Park

 

[Kildonan]

(Thanks to Borderbarry)
Indiginous players likely to be drafted:

Albert Proud
Clayton Collard
Clinton Benjamin
Leroy Jetta
Jarryd Harbrow
Nathan Djerrkura
Shawn Colbung
Daniel Hayes
Joe Anderson
Jethro Calma Holt
Carl Peterson
Caleb Mourish
Alwyn Davey
Nathan Krakouer
A. Wonaeamirri
Lindsay Thomas
Zac Millar
Matty Campbell

 

[Kildonan]

Personal observation:

My son was invited to draft camp 2 years ago (was selected in the Capricornia squad and played in state titles U12 that year).

I went too and stayed with a few other parents and the organisers, I assisted in timing and measurements of vertical leaps, the beep test agility tests and other trials.

The U12 were there just for the experience as were most of the other age groups. The U16 were there for more formal talent identification.

Richard Champion and David Parkin were the hosts, both did an exceptional job.

I had the opportunity to do a bit of recruitment analysis on the U16 players who were there. There were a number of talented footballers there, but the head and shoulders standout was Gavin Urquhart from Rockhampton. Gavin excelled in every test he attempted. He was his own judge on how well he was doing because there were no others close enough (except the beep test) to push him.

He had the ability to dominate the matches he played there. He showed that even at that age he had a natural footy brain. He was able to dominate the clearances and was the chief playmaker. Because he was so dominant, it soon became the opposition tactic to try and close him down, he simply handed off to another player, ran past his opponents and received the ball back and drove the ball forward. His disposal was a little sloppy at times, but he was without a doubt a footballer.

That was two years ago. I now see that he is in the upcoming draft and quite fancied too. I haven't seen anything of him (live) since then and only know what I have read about him, but I really hope that the Saints consider recruiting him.