Draft Watch

[MightyTiger]

Any chance of Matthew Watson falling to our second pick?

Really rate this kid booming kick on him reads the play well and is good in the one on one contests.

 

[Tiger55]

Just wondering what Richmond fans think of these players at Punt Road apart from our pick 6. Hope we get GAFF

Does anyone have info on these kids. I really like them.

Billie Smedts

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6gSnp-uabU

Mitch Hallahan

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQHJxT3mvOg

Warrick Andreoli - Bit like Chris Judd

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDoNj2E29E0

 

[McGun]

Really warming to Polec his the outside runner that we need, his also a beutafull long left footer who can kick a goal and should be ready to play round 1!

 

[Spluff]

Polec has to be almost a certainty to go top 6, and I wouldn't rule out him going at 4. He ticks all the boxes that West Coast need - pace, kicking skills, composure, the ability to turn a game. Gaff might have tested as faster but he doesn't break the lines like Polec does (which I suppose is due in a large part to Polec's ability to move through traffic, more than it is due to his pace) and his kicking isn't up to the same level as Polec's. Not to mention that Polec has more runs on the board than anybody but Swallow (and probably Bennell) at this point, with his brilliant SANFL finals performances.

Unless we decide to go tall with Lynch I don't think we can lose with one of Polec, Gaff, or Heppell.

With our second pick I would be looking at a skilled mid/forward of the Green, Lamb, Prestia, Michie, Conca vein to slot onto a HFF.

 

[Mr Magic]

Anyone seen the AFL website article on Ariel Steinberg who was in Canada for a little while,


Is there substance or just a nice exotic story blown up for the ratings?

 

[bigstyletiger]

From Steinberg's footage I reckon there is a bit to work with as a third tall, leading half forward. Really nice leap and looks to have good hands. Maybe a similar type of player to Adelaide's Henderson.

 

[bigstyletiger]

Polec doesn't look too good in the AFL highlights but in the highlights of the Eagle's finals campaign he looks like a million bucks.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1JQLWGdzXA

Smith also looks like a gun. Has speed, long kicking and hardness is a feature. Doesn't seem to be too much wrong with his kicking. Looks good off half back and could release Lids into the midfield.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7G9KeEjyg8

Geez I reckon those who are on the Polec bandwagon are on the money. Looks like a gun wingman in the S Hill mold with his run and carry and agility in traffic. Clean hands is also a feature.

 

[Mr Magic]

From Steinberg's footage I reckon there is a bit to work with as a third tall, leading half forward. Really nice leap and looks to have good hands. Maybe a similar type of player to Adelaide's Henderson.

didn't realise there was footage I will have a look

 

[bigstyletiger]

FWIW Magic I reckon you were right about Polec when you said he is a joy to watch. First half of the SANFL grandfinal he was exceptional.

Steinberg is a good story and seems like a solid citizen. Might be worth a shot with one of our later picks. Wonder how he tested for pace. Article reckons he has good foot and hand skills and can play on the back flank as well. Might be a bit of a sleeper.

 

[Mr Magic]

I had a look at him a couple of times just then. I have got a say I like they way he moves and he appears to have lovely balance. If I was Richmond I would have a serious look for sure!!

 

[Tomnat Tigers]

FWIW Magic I reckon you were right about Polec when you said he is a joy to watch. First half of the SANFL grandfinal he was exceptional.

Steinberg is a good story and seems like a solid citizen. Might be worth a shot with one of our later picks. Wonder how he tested for pace. Article reckons he has good foot and hand skills and can play on the back flank as well. Might be a bit of a sleeper.

Agree on polec he is very good to watch is also very clean and picks up the ball effortlessly.The only concern i have with him is he doesnt havent much of a right side can kick 50 meters on it but goes just as high and to the opposition and the only other concern is his arrogance.

 

[folester41]

Smedts highlights are as good as anyones, i saw that game and thought he was going to be a star, but after watching the highlights, you can see just how smart a player he really is. he wont go top 10 because he isnt a pure mid, but whoever takes him is almost guaranteed a sure bet, he is so well rounded, uses his body well, good overhead mark, good kick, sticks to his man, tackles and always kicks to advantage.

i never saw that footage of polec, only the footage from the U'18s. he certainly looks alot more impressive in that video, you can see why TFLUA rates him so highly.

and now i can see how he plays, he certainly fits both ours and westcoasts needs. his kicking is not the best, but he is still a pretty good kick, with the exception of that spray at the end (but morton did the same thing against port adelaide and we all know how good a kick he is).

 

[Mr Magic]

I agree with what you say about Smeldts.

I think with this Steinberg fellow it would be nice to see how fast he is and to a lessor extent his endurance as he may be able to develop a tank

 

[Tomnat Tigers]

Smedts highlights are as good as anyones, i saw that game and thought he was going to be a star, but after watching the highlights, you can see just how smart a player he really is. he wont go top 10 because he isnt a pure mid, but whoever takes him is almost guaranteed a sure bet, he is so well rounded, uses his body well, good overhead mark, good kick, sticks to his man, tackles and always kicks to advantage.

i never saw that footage of polec, only the footage from the U'18s. he certainly looks alot more impressive in that video, you can see why TFLUA rates him so highly.

and now i can see how he plays, he certainly fits both ours and westcoasts needs. his kicking is not the best, but he is still a pretty good kick, with the exception of that spray at the end (but morton did the same thing against port adelaide and we all know how good a kick he is).

Agree on smedths thought he was the best out of all the players in the clips very clean considering the conditions also loooks like he kicks like martin technique wise that is.

also could someone please post a link of steinberg.

 

[bigstyletiger]

Pretty sure there is footage of Steinberg on the meet the players segment of afl.com.

On Smedts - he looks like he could be a really solid half back. Really clean and nice kick. However for the 3 games he played he only picked up approx 33 averaging 11. For a half back that is not great.

Back on Polec - certainly does fit Dimma's outside mid want. Would be a gun on the left wing. Right side is very average and he will get caught out at times but his sidestep is elite.

Starting to hope that Tigs2010 is off the mark with his statement that we will take a victorian midfielder. If Gaff and Heppell are gone Polec should come under consideration.

 

[TFLUA-Tiger]

This shall be a mammoth post.

fair call, you would know more then all of us, so ill take your word.

im normally against players who cant kick, and even more so in todays game.

caddy's type if far from our biggest need, and his type is probably not the hardest to find, but i dont know, there is just something about him that makes me think he will be a star.

Did you see Mark Hutchings got the flick from the St Kilda rookie list this week? I'm not saying Caddy's a Hutchings - he's got a few more strings to the bow - but Hutchings captained WA in the champs last year and was expected to go top 30 before he slid. Absolute clearance machine.

There were a lot of inside midfielders in last years draft - and inside mids are not quite the commodity a key position player or gun two-way midfielder are.

I like Caddy - but I wouldn't be surprised to see him fall into the mid-teens.

Quayle had him behind Gaff, Polec, Smith and Atley. There's a lot of midfield talent in this draft - it doesn't make Caddy anything but a top prospect.

just another question TFLUA, what is your take on polec's competitiveness, hunger, second efforts, defensive side of his game and ability to stand up when the game is in the balance.

he screams young from hawthorn to me, who is clearly a classy player and very effective when on his game, but goes missing for large parts of the game also.

Polec's your class on the top - you'd have no real issue with his competitiveness or hunger, but he's not as driven as Gaff, Atley or Caddy are.

He stands up when you need him to - and whilst his defensive game isn't a strength - you'd think he'd develop that more with a bigger body and tank.

I think comparisons to Young are off - he's got a much bigger ceiling than Young does. Comparisons in that they're outside lefties with not much of a right foot - but Young won't start in the square, and he certainly can't dance around a player like Polec can.

I can't see us taking Harper at 6, that game against WA he had something like 10 touches for 8 shots on goal. Not a big enough work rate, and not the type of player we can afford to be taking at pick 6. I think we need someone that we can build around rather than someone so speculative.

I appreciate you have a source tigs but I would think if Heppell or Gaff are still around at 6 we would take them in a heartbeat. I'm not sold on Lynch, but Atley/Caddy/Polec all have some serious question marks so it doesn't make it very clear cut. Would prefer a mid.

Harper's not had an easy year - struggled to find consistency after a lengthy injury lay off. Watch footage from last year for a better gauge on Harper.

One thing is - he's a forward/midfielder. He'll start as a forward, but he'll certainly progress into the midfield.

Any chance of Matthew Watson falling to our second pick?

Really rate this kid booming kick on him reads the play well and is good in the one on one contests.

Carlton/Hawthorn/Geelong surely.

He's a great kid, yes. He won't be there.

Just wondering what Richmond fans think of these players at Punt Road apart from our pick 6. Hope we get GAFF

Does anyone have info on these kids. I really like them.

Billie Smedts

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6gSnp-uabU

Mitch Hallahan

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQHJxT3mvOg

Warrick Andreoli - Bit like Chris Judd

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDoNj2E29E0

Will discuss them in short. Let me know if you want more info or clarification on anything.

Smedts. Spelt S-MED-T-S. No L people. No C or H either.

He's a versatile utility type who's a nice height at 187 cm - probably best suited off a HBF at the moment - but could be quite a handy wingman/forward too. Great defensively, not at all shabby in the air - and athletically there's a ton of potential. Ticks lots of boxes. That ability in the air means he's a real option as a midfielder/forward with marking ability.

Clean below knees and classy disposal. Provides dash and hits his target. He's quick, and hard to tackle. There's lots of slippery midfielders/HBF'ers this year.

Hallahan - gutsy midfielder who plays inside and out - but his outside game isn't as amazing as the top notch midfielders - but it's better than Caddy's. He makes it hard for the opposition by chasing, tackling and never takes a backward step. Skills are not exquisite, but he hits targets. Your working class midfielder, who rarely gets beaten one on one.

- Queries - pace. Is there enough X-Factor offensively?

Strength: Inside mid who's disposal is actually quite handy. Tough as nails, and won't be beaten easily one on one.

Andreoli - He's another of the type I fall for - breathtaking offensive game and an ability to take a overhead mark. Andreoli, Polec and Smedts all do best out of their highlights videos.

Natural winger, quick, athletic, can go forward and take a grab. Works hard, competes.

Does his offensive side match his defensive one?

Polec has to be almost a certainty to go top 6, and I wouldn't rule out him going at 4. He ticks all the boxes that West Coast need - pace, kicking skills, composure, the ability to turn a game. Gaff might have tested as faster but he doesn't break the lines like Polec does (which I suppose is due in a large part to Polec's ability to move through traffic, more than it is due to his pace) and his kicking isn't up to the same level as Polec's. Not to mention that Polec has more runs on the board than anybody but Swallow (and probably Bennell) at this point, with his brilliant SANFL finals performances.

Unless we decide to go tall with Lynch I don't think we can lose with one of Polec, Gaff, or Heppell.

With our second pick I would be looking at a skilled mid/forward of the Green, Lamb, Prestia, Michie, Conca vein to slot onto a HFF.

THIS. If we get Prestia or Green as well as Polec I might cry tears of joy.

Smedts highlights are as good as anyones, i saw that game and thought he was going to be a star, but after watching the highlights, you can see just how smart a player he really is. he wont go top 10 because he isnt a pure mid, but whoever takes him is almost guaranteed a sure bet, he is so well rounded, uses his body well, good overhead mark, good kick, sticks to his man, tackles and always kicks to advantage.

i never saw that footage of polec, only the footage from the U'18s. he certainly looks alot more impressive in that video, you can see why TFLUA rates him so highly.

and now i can see how he plays, he certainly fits both ours and westcoasts needs. his kicking is not the best, but he is still a pretty good kick, with the exception of that spray at the end (but morton did the same thing against port adelaide and we all know how good a kick he is).

I think Polec is a terrific kick - he won't spear them - but he kicks to advantage. Sprays the odd one - but he makes things happen. The epitome of your 70/80 metre player.

 

[THE_GUN]

GREAT POST TFLUA-TIGER

i would love to know who you think may be available with our 2nd & 3rd pick
and also who you would like with these picks & in order.

it looks like this year that the top 5-6 are standouts then the next 15 are about even & looks like there will be quality all the way down to 50.

if this is the case we could get 4 very very good players & will of been able to reasonably rebuild even with the gc coming in.

 

[tugga]

Great stuff TLFU.
How do you rate Pitt?

 

[THE_GUN]

Great stuff TLFU.
How do you rate Pitt?

tugga i really struggle reading your post mate.
















selma is so distracting !!

 

[folester41]

This shall be a mammoth post.



Did you see Mark Hutchings got the flick from the St Kilda rookie list this week? I'm not saying Caddy's a Hutchings - he's got a few more strings to the bow - but Hutchings captained WA in the champs last year and was expected to go top 30 before he slid. Absolute clearance machine.

There were a lot of inside midfielders in last years draft - and inside mids are not quite the commodity a key position player or gun two-way midfielder are.

I like Caddy - but I wouldn't be surprised to see him fall into the mid-teens.

Quayle had him behind Gaff, Polec, Smith and Atley. There's a lot of midfield talent in this draft - it doesn't make Caddy anything but a top prospect.



Polec's your class on the top - you'd have no real issue with his competitiveness or hunger, but he's not as driven as Gaff, Atley or Caddy are.

He stands up when you need him to - and whilst his defensive game isn't a strength - you'd think he'd develop that more with a bigger body and tank.

I think comparisons to Young are off - he's got a much bigger ceiling than Young does. Comparisons in that they're outside lefties with not much of a right foot - but Young won't start in the square, and he certainly can't dance around a player like Polec can.

I think Polec is a terrific kick - he won't spear them - but he kicks to advantage. Sprays the odd one - but he makes things happen. The epitome of your 70/80 metre player.

I recall seeing a little bit of hutchings, but id be lieing if i remember him inside and out. i can see what your saying though, and i guess unless that type of midfielder has sublime skills, they probably dont give value to a top 10 pick. much like i didnt think cunnington was worth a top 10 pick last season.

polec certainly is a class act, and when i compared him young i meant in terms of the mentality and impact on a game, polec has the ability to become a genuine gun of the competition, whereas young will be an icing on the cake player in a good team.

ive noticed you love those 80 metre players, and in todays game they are valuable. he will certainly excite the fans aswell, and we need an x factor player who is capable of turning a game on its head.

polec and morton on the wings, with martin in the centre, and foley and cotchin in the centre square, certainly has a nice ring to it.

with regards to our second rounder, who would you prefer out of jacobs, green, michie, young and karnezis?

they are the type of players that would warrant that selection and who i think would be valuable addition to our team.

id prefer one of michie or young myself, i like michie's kicking skills and i see young replacing collins as that hff type player who can go into the midfield, except young is probably more athletic and has more of an impact on a game up foward, while collins is the superior kick.

 

[TFLUA-Tiger]

GREAT POST TFLUA-TIGER

i would love to know who you think may be available with our 2nd & 3rd pick
and also who you would like with these picks & in order.

it looks like this year that the top 5-6 are standouts then the next 15 are about even & looks like there will be quality all the way down to 50.

if this is the case we could get 4 very very good players & will of been able to reasonably rebuild even with the gc coming in.

29:
(1) Ben Newton - Classy midfielder who has great disposal, and isn't afraid to run and carry. He's a lefty like Polec, and has good contested marking, and is clean in traffic. Has no troubles burrowing under packs and retrieving the ball. He's very inside/out. Issues: gets caught a bit - a tendency to try and get onto his left.
(2) Josh Green - Nuggety midfielder who breaks the lines, and evades opposition with ease. Arches the back and streaks away. He's comfortable in traffic, and his disposal is neat. Lacks a bit of penetration, isn't the most piercing, but it hits targets and won't be a big issue. Clean round goals, doesn't miss. Midfielder who can play inside/out and then chime in with goals is exactly what we want.
(3) Luke Mitchell - Big gorilla full-forward who outbodies his opponents, and is strong on the lead. There's a few kinks to iron out - but he's a really nice size, and he contests well in the air. Kicking at goal is a bit hit and miss. A little bi inconsistent, but great when he's up and about.
(4)Patrick Karnezis - Lead up forward in the ROK mold - but taller. He's got great mobility, gets lots of his marks leading to the right spots and out-thinking/moving his opponent. Not the strongest overhead/defensive pressure needs a little work, but he makes superb decisions and his disposal is pretty good. Dangerous around goals. I really like him.
(5) Dion Prestia - Yes he's short - shorter than Green - but he's the kind of kid i like - as consistent as any junior footballer, but he's not a one trick pony. He's inside and outside and got genuine strings to his bow. Good contested grab, strong in the clinches, quick first few steps, beautiful hands (Mitch Wallis like), penetrating kick. Floats a few of his short kicks every now and then, but it generally hits the target. Almost the complete package. Baulks like Green/Polec - the nitty gritty is done like Wallis/Caddy. MAJOR DOWNSIDE - He's under 180 cm. It won't stop Dion, and I hope it won't stop us either.

46:
(1)Patrick Karnezis
(2)Viv Michie - Another medium sizer. Can play half-forward, half back and in the middle. Is a goal kicker, skills are good, and he's good overhead. There's a fair bit of flash there but he works hard. Skillsets good, but needs a little cleaning up. If his endurance is as good as it looks at times, why does he seem to fall so hard some games? Intensity maybe an issue? Busts a gut sometimes, seems not bothered the next. I like him - but i'd work out whether it's a tank/weight problem first.
(3) Sam Crocker - Oakleigh boy like Karnezis and Michie. Played very few TAC matches last year and missed the VM cut this year after making the squad. He's coming from a long way back. Listed in DC as a small forward - but he's more a wingman/half back flanker to me. Not because he can't play forward (he can take a grab and isn't short of pace) but he plays better elsewhere. Good pace - especially first few steps - especially decisive. The kicking of his left is beautifully - nicely weighted kicks that are never short of penetration.
(4) Seb Tape - RATD's talked him up enough for the whole board I reckon. Let me know if you want more - but RATD's a very good judge.
(5)Ben Brown - Just chucking the name out there. Doesn't get enough press. Ask for more if you want. Big gorilla forward. New to the game. Overage. Overcoming injury.

Let me know if you want any more analysis.

Great stuff TLFU.
How do you rate Pitt?

String bean - another one of those wing/centre/flanker types who's reasonably tall and very athletic. Best disposal in the draft crop for mine - and he's just silky - there's a LOT to like. I'd be pretty happy with him at 6.

I recall seeing a little bit of hutchings, but id be lieing if i remember him inside and out. i can see what your saying though, and i guess unless that type of midfielder has sublime skills, they probably dont give value to a top 10 pick. much like i didnt think cunnington was worth a top 10 pick last season.

polec certainly is a class act, and when i compared him young i meant in terms of the mentality and impact on a game, polec has the ability to become a genuine gun of the competition, whereas young will be an icing on the cake player in a good team.

ive noticed you love those 80 metre players, and in todays game they are valuable. he will certainly excite the fans aswell, and we need an x factor player who is capable of turning a game on its head.

polec and morton on the wings, with martin in the centre, and foley and cotchin in the centre square, certainly has a nice ring to it.

with regards to our second rounder, who would you prefer out of jacobs, green, michie, young and karnezis?

they are the type of players that would warrant that selection and who i think would be valuable addition to our team.

id prefer one of michie or young myself, i like michie's kicking skills and i see young replacing collins as that hff type player who can go into the midfield, except young is probably more athletic and has more of an impact on a game up foward, while collins is the superior kick.

I've done who I'd take with 29 and 46 earlier in this post.

In order.

Green, Karnezis, Jacobs, Michie, Young.

 

[Tomnat Tigers]

Thanks for another great write up TLFUA.


Also just watched the ariel steinberg highlights and he reminds me of arron cornilues from brisbane would consider him with a 3rd rounder.

 

[folester41]

cheers TFLUA, if prestia is available at 29 we would be crazy not to take him, we probably cant play him and foley in the team, but it gives us depth and even some currency at the trade table if he develops into a good player.

 

[McGun]

Pick 6 - Jarred Polec
Pick 29 - Dion Prestia
Pick 46 - A Tall

 

[_RT_]

29:
String bean - another one of those wing/centre/flanker types who's reasonably tall and very athletic. Best disposal in the draft crop for mine - and he's just silky - there's a LOT to like. I'd be pretty happy with him at 6.

After spending the weekend reading up and watching videos, I've slotted in Pitt as my second choice behind Gaff for pick 6. Everyone of the descriptions of read about him says the same thing, best disposal in the draft and the bonus is he can do it off both feet as well. Needs to put on a bit of weight but given our desire for a good outside option Pitt could be just what we're looking for.