List Mgmt. Draft Watch 2015

[Bacon8]

What are they matching? How does Sydney get pick 3?

It's my understanding here in this scenario that Brisbane bid #2 on Mills. (worth 2517 points)

In the old system (ie Heeney), Sydney just picked him up with their existing pick (#14)

Now, they have to pay certain points (80% of 2517 - 2013). They don't "get" pick 3; it's an administrative move that makes it appear Swans have paid the right amount (so #14 goes worth 1161).

They would lose Pick 33 (563 pts) & Pick 51 (259), while Pick 69 moves to Pick 72 (I think - the remaining 30 points taken away)

1161 + 563 +259 + 30 = 2013 pts

So, on this, maybe it's not exactly right, cos she's still got #33 with the Swans.

The whole academy/FS matching will make Draft Day so confusing.

Not sure what happens when a team bids, is matched, and they have excess left over (whether they get a pick in Round 4, or their Round 2 is moved up)

 

[Elite Crow]

It's my understanding here in this scenario that Brisbane bid #2 on Mills. (worth 2517 points)

In the old system (ie Heeney), Sydney just picked him up with their existing pick (#14)

Now, they have to pay certain points (80% of 2517 - 2013). They don't "get" pick 3; it's an administrative move that makes it appear Swans have paid the right amount (so #14 goes worth 1161).

They would lose Pick 33 (563 pts) & Pick 51 (259), while Pick 69 moves to Pick 72 (I think - the remaining 30 points taken away)

1161 + 563 +259 + 30 = 2013 pts

So, on this, maybe it's not exactly right, cos she's still got #33 with the Swans.

The whole academy/FS matching will make Draft Day so confusing.

Not sure what happens when a team bids, is matched, and they have excess left over (whether they get a pick in Round 4, or their Round 2 is moved up)

Thanks so we really haven't been pushed back

 

[azza77]

Wow, this system seems like its gone from one extreme to another.

Going from giving up only pick 18, to all 3 draft picks they hold and a couple of downgrades for the one kid....

 

[Brentmeister]

Wow, this system seems like its gone from one extreme to another.

Going from giving up only pick 18, to all 3 draft picks they hold and a couple of downgrades for the one kid....

Yeh it's really changed in quick time. Under the old system GWS could get Mills for a 3rd round pick - now they effectively have to trade Treloar to get the picks necessary to get this kid.

 

[spexau]

Yeh it's really changed in quick time. Under the old system GWS could get Mills for a 3rd round pick - now they effectively have to trade Treloar to get the picks necessary to get this kid.

It's going to completely stuff us trying to get our "elite" father son

 

[azza77]

Yeh it's really changed in quick time. Under the old system GWS could get Mills for a 3rd round pick - now they effectively have to trade Treloar to get the picks necessary to get this kid.

I can't believe just how ****ing incapable and pathetic the AFL is, really. I mean I shouldn't expect any better, but honestly this system seems like an absolute joke. It's a typical knee jerk reaction from the AFL, but it's gone from one end of the spectrum to the other and is still utterly useless.

 

[Bicks]

Mentioned youngster Yestin Eades in the Dangerfield thread so probably appropriate I post it here. Would really like to draft him with a late pick or rookie pick being a very similar "project" player to Charlie Cameron with plenty of talent and that X factor so many of the indigenous lads seem to have. He's come from a pretty tough background which Emma Quayle goes into in her article on him in the Age below. Looks to have really straightened himself out and certainly prepared to do the hard yards to make it as an AFL player. Like Charlie Cameron, he's quick, fierce tackler but with better developed skills IMO, capable up forward, or down back and could obviously with further development transition into the midfield. Certain to have AFL recruiters interested IMO because he's certainly on Emma Quayle's radar.

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-ne...untry-and-snowy-ballarat-20150518-gh4cqh.html

Perth teen Yestin Eades finds a place in Vic Country and snowy Ballarat
Date
May 18, 2015



Emma Quayle
Football writer with The Age

Yestin Eades is making his mark. Photo: Justin Whitelock

It snowed in Ballarat, on the day Yestin Eades moved there nine months ago. The teenager was ready to move into the boarding house at St Patrick's College, prepared for the routine and rules. He knew playing football in Victoria would be very different to Perth and Google had warned him that the country town was cold. But snow? Snow? "I had never seen snow in my life," Eades said. "I was looking up and around thinking, what have I got myself into?"

For a few weeks, the same question bobbled around his mind. But the move across the country was more about what Eades needed to get away from, than what he was in for, which is what he kept reminding himself. He had grown up with a father in jail and a mother who has been in and out of jail. He was reliant on his aunt who had taken him and his two brothers in at a young age, as well as a handful of cousins. One of the youth workers in Midland was always looking out for him, driving him to training and talking to him whenever he had something to get off his chest, and the people at his club, Swan Districts, were there to help out too.

"A lot of people did a lot of things for me and my aunty is an amazing woman with a very big heart," said Eades. "As a little kid I wasn't really sure why things were how they were and you do think, 'Why are everyone else's parents around and not mine?' I was very confused and I bottled a lot of things up. I was dealing with some things on my own for a long time."


He was also in some trouble himself, which is why when the AFL called last year to ask whether he was interested in moving to the other side of the country, boarding at St Pat's and playing for the North Ballarat Rebels in the TAC Cup, Eades knew he had to make himself go.

Staying might mean more trouble, he told himself, and ending up who knew where.To leave would be hard, but from what everyone said, it would give him a better chance of taking his football as far as he wanted to. "In the end it was, do you want this lifestyle, or that lifestyle?" he said. "I thought about it a lot, and I spoke about it to my aunty to get some advice. She's the one who said that if I really wanted to make something of myself, then it might be time to go."

It has been a good decision. At the Rebels, Eades has settled in, become more confident, started to initiate conversations and started trying to turn himself from a forward who "likes kicking goals and doing flashy stuff", to someone who can be relied upon to do all the tough stuff too. He has done everything right, working hard and winning everyone at the club over quickly. He has played two good games at half-back in the past fortnight and on Sunday will line up for Vic Country in the first round of the under-18 championships. "I'm pumped for it. I can't wait," he said. "To make the team is a big achievement for me. Hopefully I can play well."

Eades has adjusted well to his new life at school, too, living in the boarding house, making friends, getting his homework done every night and enjoying being part of the school's well-regarded indigenous program. The program helped Jake Neade and Dom Barry in their draft years but is about much more than football, helping prepare the boys for whatever they wish to do with the rest of their lives.

"Some boys want to play football but others want to go on to university or go back into their communities and work, so a lot of what we do is about broad life skills and there's a big welfare component to it," said David Loader, who works within the program while also coaching the Rebels. "Without the school, Yestin wouldn't be here, and without the school his footy might not be going as well as it is. He wants to keep learning new things and he's asking questions all the time. He has a lot of scope and at the end of the day we just want to teach him everything he needs to know and give him a chance to be as good as he can be."

It hasn't all been easy. Because of the trouble he had been in, Eades wasn't allowed to travel with the AFL Academy when it went to Florida on a pre-season camp at the start of the year. "That hurt me a lot, but it made me realise that with everything you do, good or bad, something comes with it," said Eades, who got to train with West Coast while the other boys were away. "I thought, I'm just going to be positive now, and make the most out of everything."

At school, he has learnt that there are other kids going through similar things to him and felt supported every day. "I came from a place where I had my own timetable and coming here there are rules to live by but I think I've fitted in well. There's always someone to reach out to and the Rebels are the same," he said. "When I came here I thought it was something that could make be a better person as well as a better football player and now that I'm here I just want to keep grabbing it with both hands and not letting go. A lot of people have stood by me and encouraged me and I want to pay them back for it."

 

[Captain Furious]

Issac Smiths pretty good

As a 1st round pick? I'd call that a break even at best.

 

[LiamPickering]

As a 1st round pick? I'd call that a break even at best.

Baffling stuff.

 

[Jeffcrowe]

Mentioned youngster Yestin Eades in the Dangerfield thread so probably appropriate I post it here. Would really like to draft him with a late pick or rookie pick being a very similar "project" player to Charlie Cameron with plenty of talent and that X factor so many of the indigenous lads seem to have. He's come from a pretty tough background which Emma Quayle goes into in her article on him in the Age below. Looks to have really straightened himself out and certainly prepared to do the hard yards to make it as an AFL player. Like Charlie Cameron, he's quick, fierce tackler but with better developed skills IMO, capable up forward, or down back and could obviously with further development transition into the midfield. Certain to have AFL recruiters interested IMO because he's certainly on Emma Quayle's radar.

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-ne...untry-and-snowy-ballarat-20150518-gh4cqh.html

Perth teen Yestin Eades finds a place in Vic Country and snowy Ballarat
Date
May 18, 2015



Emma Quayle
Football writer with The Age

Yestin Eades is making his mark. Photo: Justin Whitelock

It snowed in Ballarat, on the day Yestin Eades moved there nine months ago. The teenager was ready to move into the boarding house at St Patrick's College, prepared for the routine and rules. He knew playing football in Victoria would be very different to Perth and Google had warned him that the country town was cold. But snow? Snow? "I had never seen snow in my life," Eades said. "I was looking up and around thinking, what have I got myself into?"

For a few weeks, the same question bobbled around his mind. But the move across the country was more about what Eades needed to get away from, than what he was in for, which is what he kept reminding himself. He had grown up with a father in jail and a mother who has been in and out of jail. He was reliant on his aunt who had taken him and his two brothers in at a young age, as well as a handful of cousins. One of the youth workers in Midland was always looking out for him, driving him to training and talking to him whenever he had something to get off his chest, and the people at his club, Swan Districts, were there to help out too.

"A lot of people did a lot of things for me and my aunty is an amazing woman with a very big heart," said Eades. "As a little kid I wasn't really sure why things were how they were and you do think, 'Why are everyone else's parents around and not mine?' I was very confused and I bottled a lot of things up. I was dealing with some things on my own for a long time."


He was also in some trouble himself, which is why when the AFL called last year to ask whether he was interested in moving to the other side of the country, boarding at St Pat's and playing for the North Ballarat Rebels in the TAC Cup, Eades knew he had to make himself go.

Staying might mean more trouble, he told himself, and ending up who knew where.To leave would be hard, but from what everyone said, it would give him a better chance of taking his football as far as he wanted to. "In the end it was, do you want this lifestyle, or that lifestyle?" he said. "I thought about it a lot, and I spoke about it to my aunty to get some advice. She's the one who said that if I really wanted to make something of myself, then it might be time to go."

It has been a good decision. At the Rebels, Eades has settled in, become more confident, started to initiate conversations and started trying to turn himself from a forward who "likes kicking goals and doing flashy stuff", to someone who can be relied upon to do all the tough stuff too. He has done everything right, working hard and winning everyone at the club over quickly. He has played two good games at half-back in the past fortnight and on Sunday will line up for Vic Country in the first round of the under-18 championships. "I'm pumped for it. I can't wait," he said. "To make the team is a big achievement for me. Hopefully I can play well."

Eades has adjusted well to his new life at school, too, living in the boarding house, making friends, getting his homework done every night and enjoying being part of the school's well-regarded indigenous program. The program helped Jake Neade and Dom Barry in their draft years but is about much more than football, helping prepare the boys for whatever they wish to do with the rest of their lives.

"Some boys want to play football but others want to go on to university or go back into their communities and work, so a lot of what we do is about broad life skills and there's a big welfare component to it," said David Loader, who works within the program while also coaching the Rebels. "Without the school, Yestin wouldn't be here, and without the school his footy might not be going as well as it is. He wants to keep learning new things and he's asking questions all the time. He has a lot of scope and at the end of the day we just want to teach him everything he needs to know and give him a chance to be as good as he can be."

It hasn't all been easy. Because of the trouble he had been in, Eades wasn't allowed to travel with the AFL Academy when it went to Florida on a pre-season camp at the start of the year. "That hurt me a lot, but it made me realise that with everything you do, good or bad, something comes with it," said Eades, who got to train with West Coast while the other boys were away. "I thought, I'm just going to be positive now, and make the most out of everything."

At school, he has learnt that there are other kids going through similar things to him and felt supported every day. "I came from a place where I had my own timetable and coming here there are rules to live by but I think I've fitted in well. There's always someone to reach out to and the Rebels are the same," he said. "When I came here I thought it was something that could make be a better person as well as a better football player and now that I'm here I just want to keep grabbing it with both hands and not letting go. A lot of people have stood by me and encouraged me and I want to pay them back for it."

I like him as a project 3rd round pick bicks, little inconsistent to go any higher but definitely something there to work with

 

[Canberra Based Crow]

It's going to completely stuff us trying to get our "elite" father son

Yeah....just in time for our first ever father son right. Sigh.

 

[Stiffy_18]

I read Paige's write up on Darcy Tucker and if he is half as good as described, I want him. Pace and left footer. C'mon down!

 

[Captain Furious]

I read Paige's write up on Darcy Tucker and if he is half as good as described, I want him. Pace and left footer. C'mon down!

I'm always concerned about guys who drop down the draft order though. This time last year he was touted as a possible number one, now a lot have gone cold on him. There's got to be reasons for that. We already have a few half backs as well.

Personally I'd like to see us take a punt on Burton. If it comes off, he could seriously be incredible.

 

[hey shorty]

I'm always concerned about guys who drop down the draft order though. This time last year he was touted as a possible number one, now a lot have gone cold on him. There's got to be reasons for that. We already have a few half backs as well.

Personally I'd like to see us take a punt on Burton. If it comes off, he could seriously be incredible.

I'd be trying to upgrade our 2nd rounder to have a crack at Burton. It'll be almost 2 years since he's played a game come round 1 next year. Thats a HUGE risk on a first rounder, how has his recovery gone ??

 

[Stiffy_18]

I'm always concerned about guys who drop down the draft order though. This time last year he was touted as a possible number one, now a lot have gone cold on him. There's got to be reasons for that. We already have a few half backs as well.

Personally I'd like to see us take a punt on Burton. If it comes off, he could seriously be incredible.

Patrick Dangerfield played as a HBF underage and as a tagger in the championships. Where they play their underage footy is not really too relevant as you are projecting these players on what they look like 5 years out.

 

[DJ75]

I read Paige's write up on Darcy Tucker and if he is half as good as described, I want him. Pace and left footer. C'mon down!

Huge respect for Paige, but she has our picks very wrong.
She currently has us taking 3 mid sized forwards. No chance. 1 at best, after that will be needs based.

 

[Bicks]

I'm always concerned about guys who drop down the draft order though. This time last year he was touted as a possible number one, now a lot have gone cold on him. There's got to be reasons for that. We already have a few half backs as well.

Personally I'd like to see us take a punt on Burton. If it comes off, he could seriously be incredible.

If and that's a big IF we can get Darcy he will immediately take Brodie Smith's role including the kick ins allowing Brodie to play as our "elite" outside mid....a role Darcy will transition into down the track with certainty.

 

[LiamPickering]

Huge respect for Paige, but she has our picks very wrong.
She currently has us taking 3 mid sized forwards. No chance. 1 at best, after that will be needs based.

To be honest, I think she weighs it heavier towards what she thinks each player is worth talent wise (having seen them throughout the year) rather than comparing this against a clubs specific needs. The latter would be too time consuming.

 

[Jeffcrowe]

I'm sold on the fact we want geelongs pick 9 for harry McKay , he's 7 days too old for the 2016 draft where he would be considered consensus number 1 or 2 pick in that draft

That's good enough for me , would be like getting
lever at pick 14 again

Tucker is a good chance for our pick 13 with milera unless we trade it next week , potentially for menzel where we may also receive a sweetener

 

[Captain Furious]

If and that's a big IF we can get Darcy he will immediately take Brodie Smith's role including the kick ins allowing Brodie to play as our "elite" outside mid....a role Darcy will transition into down the track with certainty.

Do you want to touch him in a special way?

 

[Danger in Texas]

I'm sold on the fact we want geelongs pick 9 for harry McKay , he's 7 days too old for the 2016 draft where he would be considered consensus number 1 or 2 pick in that draft

That's good enough for me , would be like getting
lever at pick 14 again

Tucker is a good chance for our pick 13 with milera unless we trade it next week , potentially for menzel where we may also receive a sweetener

Is this fact or opinion, mate?

Wouldn't mind McKay, has some good attributes. Same with Tucker and Milera.

 

[Jeffcrowe]

Is this fact or opinion, mate?

Wouldn't mind McKay, has some good attributes. Same with Tucker and Milera.

It's not fact that we will take him but it's fact that we like him and he will be a top 10 pick

 

[DJ75]

Would be happy with McKay and Milera.

Whatever happens, I have supreme confidence in Ogilvie and the team. They know talent and will make a good selection (or two).

 

[Jeffcrowe]

Cal twomey just mentioned McKay and tucker in relation to options for AFC
Think we can add milera to that mix as well

 

[Bicks]

Paige Cardona's latest updated Phantom Draft.

http://footyprophet.com/paiges-phantom-draft-edition-one/

Here it is – the first edition for 2015 of Paige’s Phantom Draft, exclusive to footyprophet.com

Round 1
1: Carlton – Jacob Weitering
Height: 195cm, Weight: 90kg, DOB: 23/11/1997
Recruited from: Dandenong Stingrays
Draft Range: Top 2

Talented, athletic key defender who is an elite reader of the ball and a prolific marker. Propels his team into attack with his willingness to move the ball quickly and swiftly by foot, rarely making a bad decision. Has shown he can play on the wing, in which he has displayed terrific agility and ball-winning ability.

2: Brisbane – Joshua Schache
Height: 199cm, Weight: 96kg, DOB: 21/08/1997
Recruited from: Murray Bushrangers
Draft Range: Top 2

Dominant key forward who cuts an imposing figure. Likes to play aggressive and asserts himself on the game. Lit up the National Carnival with his contested marking, accurate set shot and deft touch below his knees. Offers the club that drafts him the confidence to know a side can be built around him.

3: Sydney* – Callum Mills
Height: 181cm, Weight: 73kg, DOB: 25/07/1997
Recruited from: North Shore
Draft Range: 1st round Academy Selection

A gifted and talented on-baller who is arguably the draft’s most complete midfielder. Is a strong overhead mark, a reliable kick for goal, hard, tough and deceptively quick. Loves to use the ball by foot, is a punishing tackler. Has been sidelined with injury for most of the year.

4: Gold Coast – Aaron Francis
Height: 190cm, Weight: 86kg, DOB: 10/08/1997
Recruited from: West Adelaide
Draft Range: Top 5

Clever defender/forward with a strong vertical leap. Understands when to leave his opponent to impact other contests, as much as he knows when to push off his man to provide an option coming out of the backline. Has shown that when he’s played forward his leading patterns are crafty, taking marks at dangerous spots inside 50. An aerialist who is unstoppable in the air. Reads the flight of the ball well and rarely makes poor decisions.

5: Essendon – Darcy Parish
Height: 181cm, Weight: 73kg, DOB: 25/07/1997
Recruited from: Geelong Falcons
Draft Range: Top 5

View image | gettyimages.com
Busy midfielder who is tougher than he looks. Likes to break lines, and has serious hurt-fact by foot, rarely ever missing a target. Has a tendency to always get the ball moving, and likes to play on wherever possible. Hunts the ball with intent, and is a relentless tackler. Can be pushed forward where he’s known to hit the scoreboard. Bounces through congestion and has worked hard on his inside game.

6: GWS*- Jacob Hopper
Height: 186cm, Weight: 82kg, DOB: 06/02/1997
Recruited from: North Ballarat Rebels
Draft Range: 1st round Academy Selection

Workhorse midfielder who has a terrific endurance base and rarely makes a bad decision with the ball. A predominantly contested player with a nice outside game, shows strong awareness and vision in traffic, has composure in close and likes to get forward of centre. Clearance work and his quick decision making are two stand-out traits. Brings others into the game.

7: St Kilda – Rhys Mathieson
Height: 185cm, Weight: 79kg, DOB: 10/01/1997
Recruited from: Geelong Falcons
Draft Range: 3-15

A competitive beast that hates being beaten. Terrific ‘footy IQ’ with a tendency to know where the ball is always going. Knows his way around the stoppages, and is an excellent tackler who likes to slam his opponent into the turf and hit hard when the opportunity arises. Can also push forward where he is known for kicking goals in quick succession.

8: Melbourne – Charlie Curnow
Height: 191cm, Weight: 95kg, DOB: 03/02/1997
Recruited from: Geelong Falcons
Draft Range: 3-20

An athletic tall forward that plays like a midfielder, yet has the physical attributes of a Tex Walker. Is a booming kick for goal, a monster contested grab and is quite pacey given his measurements. Has a massive endurance base since playing most of his footy as a midfielder before his growth spurt. Still raw in facets of his game, but looms as a long-term prospect that could shape a club’s forward line.

9: Brisbane* – Eric Hipwood
Height: 200cm, Weight: 82kg, DOB: 13/09/1997
Recruited from: Caloundra
Draft Range: 1st round Academy Selection

Tall, talented and athletic key defender who could form a formidable partnership with Harris Andrews in Brisbane’s defence. Backs himself to take a mark, but is smart enough to always play the percentages. For a tall, he is a damaging user of the football by foot, and likes to wheel onto his left foot in the Ben Reid-fashion to slingshot his team into space with his thumping kick. Can also be thrown forward, has good agility.

10: Collingwood – Sam Weideman
Height: 196cm, Weight: 91kg, DOB: 26/06/1997
Recruited from: Eastern Ranges
Draft Range: 5-20

A talented key forward with a strong contested mark. Has missed a lot of football this year due to a stress fracture in his foot. Showed in his bottom-age year he could be a focal point up forward, providing the Ranges with a key target up forward in Christian Petracca’s absence. Has good depth and penetration in his kicking, likes to play higher up the ground and push hard into open space inside 50. Grandson of Collingwood’s legendary Murray Weideman, and son of Mark who also played for the Pies, albeit not enough to qualify for father/son.

11: Geelong – Harry McKay
Height: 200cm, Weight: 85kg, DOB: 24/12/1997
Recruited from: Gippsland Power
Draft Range: 5-30

200cm key forward who has shown he can also provide a handy rotation through the ruck. Understands how to body up against his opponent, before using his size to shift his opponent under the ball. A strong overhead mark who converts truly in front of goal, and has tremendous athleticism in the way that he likes to turn through traffic, step around a player and quickly change directions to create space.

12: GWS* – Matthew Kennedy
Height: 187cm, Weight: 84kg, DOB: 06/04/1997
Recruited from: Collingullie-GP
Range: 1st round Academy Selection

An inside midfielder who bashes and crashes his way through stoppages to make his presence felt. Is a hardworking on-baller who wins the contested ball, steps through traffic, before using the ball with class once on the outside of the pack. Absolutely love his poise and composure with the ball in hand, and doesn’t mind getting forward where he’s known to kick goals. Ticks all the boxes as a well-rounded midfielder.

13: Port Adelaide – Darcy Tucker
Height: 181cm, Weight: 73kg, DOB: 25/07/1997
Recruited from: North Ballarat
Draft Range: 8-20

Blessed with speed, agility, and a bullet-like left foot, Tucker regularly repels his team from half back. Started to spend more time in the midfield after having played most of his football as a damaging rebounding defender and his team’s go-to man in defence. A strong leader who is well respected by his peers. Loves to run and carry the ball, which is arguably the most exciting part of his game.

14: Western Bulldogs – Harley Balic
Height: 186cm, Weight: 80kg, DOB: 05/01/1997
Recruited from: Sandringham Dragons
Draft Range: 5-15

A basketball convert with terrific vision and awareness. Has played at mostly half forward but showed this year he will ultimately become a tall midfielder in the Pendlebury mould in time. Has a lovely-timed handball in traffic that releases an outside runner into space. An outstanding mark which is the highlight of his game, kicks some really classy goals, and is an excellent decision maker.

15: Richmond – Callum Ah Chee
Height: 182cm, Weight: 71kg, DOB: 09/10/1997
Recruited from: South Fremantle
Draft Range: 5-30

Exciting forward that can leap like a flea off a wet dog. Has a terrific skill set and rates elite for speed and his top-end pace. Looks his best when played as a forward, where he offers some zip, class and poise around the 50. The kind of player who makes you gasp and gets you out of your seat. Sets goals up with poise and deft touch when he’s not igniting his side with big-moment goals.

16: Adelaide – Ryan Burton
Height: 191cm, Weight: 90kg, DOB: 31/01/1997
Recruited from: North Adelaide
Draft Range: 5-30

Part of a ‘dying breed’ of specialist medium forwards. There’s not a thing this kid can’t do. He plays taller as if he were a key forward in the way that he leads at the ball, takes big grabs and can kick goals from outside 50 – and in saying that, is incredibly measured from all spots inside the ark. Agile enough to play as if he were a small forward with his ground ball work a highlight. Suffered a horrific broken leg that put a line through his 2015 season.

17: North Melbourne – Wayne Milera
Height: 185cm, Weight: 75kg, DOB: 14/09/1997
Recruited from: Central Districts
Draft Range: 10-30

Shifted to a more permanent midfield role in the SANFL in recent weeks and has taken to it like a duck to water. Exhilarating talent who cuts through players like they’re witches hats. Kicks super important goals and collects an elite amount of football by position as a forward. Has class and composure by the bucket-load and always salutes with the ball. Decision making rates elite for this speedy talent.

18: Brisbane* – Ben Keays
Height: 185cm, Weight: 82.3kg, DOB: 23/02/1997
Recruited from: Brisbane Lions
Draft Range: 1st round Academy Selection

View image | gettyimages.com
Classy midfielder who sets up goals when he’s not kicking them. A serious accumulator who offers good zip and zest in the way that he plays. A very in-your-face midfielder with just the right amount of attitude and confidence as a goal-kicking midfielder. Loves to chase kicks and his damaging with every one of them. Has a good inside game to compliment his outside brilliance, attacks the ball with intent and ferocity.

19: Fremantle – Kieran Collins
Height: 193cm, Weight: 94kg, DOB: 14/12/1997
Recruited from: Dandenong Stingrays
Draft Range 12-30

Has strong composure and competitiveness as a tall defender. Has shown he can play a lock-down role in defence as much as he’s shown he can be trusted to use the ball coming out of the backline, given his clean skill set. Rarely ever shifted or out-bodied in a contest, Collins is strong and can take a really good grab in defence. Has taken some good scalps this year, preformed well for Country during the championships.

20: West Coast – Riley Bonner
Height: 191cm, Weight: 80kg, DOB: 07/03/1997
Recruited from: West Adelaide
Draft Range: 15-30

Arguably the draft’s best kick with a accurate and booming left foot, whilst also breaking the norm for left-footers with an equally elite right side of his body. Takes strong marks in defence and likes to rebound and reset with his run-and-carry style of play. A really nice height that could mean he could potentially move up to a wing, but looks to play his best footy off a back flank given he can play on talls or smalls.

21: Hawthorn – Luke Partington
Height: 182cm, Weight: 75kg, DOB: 05/03/1997
Recruited from: Port Adelaide
Draft Range: 15-30

A consistent midfielder who is clever with the footy in hand. Plays predominantly outside but has made big improvements to his inside game. Is a talented user of the footy and likes to get involved in chains of play with his give-and-get mentality. A volume accumulator, who features heavily at the clearances, isn’t overly quick but is certainly quick of mind with his decision making.

22: Gold Coast – Ryan Clark
Height: 186cm, Weight: 84kg, DOB: 17/06/1997
Recruited from: Eastern Ranges
Draft Range: 10-30

A ferocious midfielder who runs hard and finds the ball with ease. His defensive pressure stacks up, his tackling is a highlight, and he’s the type of midfielder who’ll push into defence, and be good enough in his end-to-end running to follow the ball to the other end to present as an option. A legitimate big-bodied, goal kicking midfielder.

ROUND 2
23: Carlton – Clayton Oliver
Height: 187cm, Weight: 86kg, DOB: 22/07/1997
Recruited from: Murray Bushrangers
Draft Range: 15-30
A well-rounded midfielder who is deceptively quick on the burst from a stoppage. Won the Morrish Medal as the TAC Cup’s best player, but didn’t get an opportunity for Vic Country during the Championships. Has made serious inroads in the second half of the year to be a top 25 prospect. A contested beast with a thirst to hit the scoreboard, has terrific running power, finds the football with ease and is dangerous at the stoppages.

24: Gold Coast – Mitchell Hibberd
Height: 191cm, Weight: 85kg, DOB: 23/09/1996
Recruited from: Clarence
Draft Range: 15-30
Great athleticism, speed and a willingness to run and carry from defence. Finds the footy with ease and has played a lot of footy on a wing where he’s demonstrated he can be a volume accumulator. Has had a bad run of injury that saw him overlooked in 2014, but was a standout at the championships for Tasmania. A strong mark, great kick and a creative player who could progress into a tall midfielder.

25: Essendon – Jade Gresham
Height: 177cm, Weight: 74kg, DOB: 24/08/1997
Recruited from: Northern Knights
Draft Range: 15-45

Hard as nails midfielder who always ignites his team, size doesn’t matter with this kid. Has all of the traits clubs are looking for; competitiveness, ball-winning ability, defensive pressure, hard running, and the ability to stand up in big moments. Turned himself from a quality on-baller, to one that can now be described as a ‘clutch player’ given his exploits in the second half of the season. A tremendous leader with a bright future.

26: St Kilda – James Parsons
Height: 189cm, Weight: 75kg, DOB: 12/04/1997
Recruited from: Eastern Ranges
Range: 15-35

A tall, long-kicking midfielder who rarely wastes a disposal. Has a neat skill-set and is regarded as a strong character from his time spent in the NAB AFL Academy this year. Rates elite for speed, having great acceleration to break away from a contest or carry the ball along the wing. A sublime mover who makes good decisions.

27: Melbourne – Kieran Lovell
Height: 174cm, Weight: 80kg, DOB: 16/05/1997
Recruited from: Kingston Tigers
Draft Range: 10-45

Finished second in Kingston’s B&F despite playing just 13 games. Is a powerful, and pacey small midfielder who is a volume-accumulator, having averaged almost 35 disposals across his four TAC Cup games. Was recognised with All Australian selection after an impressive championships which included a 42-disposal effort against NSW/ACT. Has run a 14.9 beep and tested fewer than 3 and 8 seconds for the 20-metre sprint and agility test respectively in the past.

28: Carlton* – Bailey Rice
Height: 184cm, Weight: 81kg, DOB: 10/02/1997
Recruited from: Dandenong Stingrays
Range: 1st – 3rd round

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Hard running defender who splits his time between half back and the midfield. Loves to throw himself at the ball, and never shirks a contest. Known for his courage and competitiveness, it’s in his bloodlines to crack in hard and worry about the consequences later. Has a nice, neat skill set to compliment his bash-and-crash style.

29: Collingwood – Nick O’Kearney
Height: 180cm, Weight: 71kg, DOB: 13/02/1997
Recruited from: Calder Cannons
Draft Range: 20-40

An unassuming ball magnet who does the small things well. Doesn’t have a swag of tricks that give him the ‘wow’ factors others have, but looms as a 200-game player given his discipline, work ethic, leadership and finesse. Is one of the draft’s most balanced kicks, rating elite on both sides of his body. Lock him in as a future AFL Captain one day, he’s a player’s player.

30: Geelong – Stephen Tahana
Height: 183cm, Weight: 78kg, DOB: 02/02/1997
Recruited from: North Adelaide
Draft Range: 20-40

Speedy, agile and clever rebounding defender with some real tricks up his sleeve. Often side-steps through traffic and takes the game on with his ability to carry the ball out of defence. Has a strong overhead mark and is unselfish with the ball. Isn’t a high possession getter, but his touches are of class.

31: Port Adelaide – Ben McKay
Height: 200cm, Weight: 91kg, DOB: 24/12/1997
Recruited from: Gippsland Power
Draft Range: 15-50

Twin brother of Harry and equally as tall. Since applying himself to his football, his development has been rapid from the time when he was thrust into the forward line. Offers natural ability both forward and back and has been trialled as ruck where he hasn’t looked out of place. Has natural aggression and competitiveness and has been one of the draft’s bolters in the past several weeks.

32: Western Bulldogs – Tom Cole
Height: 185cm, Weight: 76kg, DOB: 28/08/1997
Recruited from: Bendigo Pioneers
Range: 20-40

A raging bull of a defender/midfielder who likes to set the tone early in his aggression. Quite a rugged player who shows passion and pride for the jumper, and rarely has his colours lowered. A talented user of the ball by hand or by foot, and has shown he has tremendous versatility in his game to play an array of positions. Took the step-up to VFL level with ease with Geelong and didn’t look out of place.

33: Sydney* – Josh Dunkley
Height: 189cm, Weight: 82kg, DOB: 09/01/1997
Recruited from: Gippsland Power
Range: 1st round – 3rd round

A big bodied midfielder with a wonderful footy brain. Strong, contested weapon in close who has worked hard on his outside game. Blessed with leadership and courage, and is strong mark overhead. Has great temperament and competitiveness, and has honed his inside game since debuting as a 15 year old in senior bush footy. Coaches love him.

34: Richmond – Ben Crocker
Height: 185cm, Weight: 81kg, DOB: 19/02/1997
Recruited from: Oakleigh Chargers
Draft Range: 20-50

Stared as a bottom-age player in Oakleigh’s Premiership last year, has terrific competitiveness and courage, and is very much a self starter. Demands a lot from his teammates, and has provided some outstanding highlights in terms of his marking over the past few years. Can play forward or back or through the midfield. Kicks goals, wins the footy, and is an unselfish player. Another player who performed strongly when moved up to VFL level.

35: Adelaide – Mason Redman
Height: 187cm, Weight: 76kg, DOB: 26/08/1997
Recruited from: Glenelg
Draft Range: 30-rookie

Talented medium forward who has shown an appetite to push up the ground and involve himself in midfield rotations. Great acceleration off the mark and takes responsibility to go back and convert goals. Has poise off the half-volley, whereby he can let-fly a well-time handball to a player running past, or fool his opponent before hitting up a target off a step by foot. A good decision marker with a touch of poise and calmness around 50.

36: North Melbourne – Aidyn Johnson
Height: 184cm, Weight: 75kg, DOB: 31/10/1997
Recruited from: Bendigo Pioneers
Draft Range: 30-50

Oozes excitement and class and rarely has a bad day out. Can be a bit patchy now and then, but his possessions are of serious quality. Hindered by injuries this year, but has shown in the past to be an explosive forward/midfielder with a goosestep that allows him to create space in which he can dart into. Loves to give and get and his link up work is of real highlight. Will test at the combine is my mail.

37: Fremantle – Will Snelling
Height: 176cm, Weight: 75kg, DOB: 06/08/1997
Recruited from: West Adelaide
Draft Range: 30-50

Productive small midfielder who has stood up at league level in the SANFL this year. Finds the ball easily and uses it efficiently around the field and going inside 50. Covers ground with ease and is regarded as a two-way runner. Isn’t bullied out of a contest, having prided himself on his contested game, and provided a few eye-catching moments as an extractor for West Adelaide.

38: West Coast – Brayden Fiorini
Height: 186cm, Weight: 75kg, DOB: 22/08/1997
Recruited from: Northern Knights
Draft Range: 30-50

A booming left footer with a tremendous ability to find the footy. Is a smart runner and equally smart user of the ball, with an excellent kick that really defines his game. Really found another level in his footy with opportunity arising to play on the ball, where his clearance work surfaced, as did his contested game. Has shown he is versatile enough to play an array of positions. A hard runner that rates in double digits per game for handball receives.

39: GWS *– Jock Cornell
Height: 187cm, Weight: 82kg, DOB: 04/02/1997
Recruited from: UWS Giants
Draft Range: 30-rookie
Promising forward/midfielder

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Bloodlines to the Daniher clan (cousins), and a super-versatile forward who is a terrific mark and has a relentless attack in terms of his efforts as a forward. Likes to hunt the ball, and is a ferocious tackler who prides himself on forward pressure to compliment his offensive game. A clean, reliable kick for goal, very much a specialist medium-forward.

40: Hawthorn – Greg Clark
Height: 193cm, Weight: 82kg, DOB: 24/05/1997
Recruited from: Subiaco
Draft Range: 30-rookie

A tall, running midfielder who captained Western Australia at the Championships this year. Offers versatility and a big tank to match. Has slick hands in a contest and is a good outside player who is working on his inside game. Has really improved his marking game having averaged 4.3 a game during the Championships.
Here it is – the first edition for 2015 of Paige’s Phantom Draft, exclusive to footyprophet.com