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Phantom Draft Draftables' 2020 draft guide
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Draftables
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Draftables’ 2020 AFL Draft Review – Draftables (wordpress.com)
#1 – Western Bulldogs
Selections: Pick 1. Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, 55. Dominic Bedendo
Rookies: Lachlan McNeil, [PLAYERCARD]Roarke Smith[/PLAYERCARD]
The Western Bulldogs were always coming away winners from the 2020 draft with Jamarra Ugle-Hagan deemed the best product of this year’s crop. The Dogs took just 14 seconds to match the Adelaide Crow’s bid at pick one and were well prepared with a swag of picks they acquired during the trade period. The clean, high-leaping forward Dominic Bedendo was also added to provide a different dynamic inside 50 and Lachlan McNeil is a neat, overaged midfield from South Australia who can play inside or out.
#2 – Gold Coast
Selections: Pick 7. Elijah Hollands, Alex Davies (Pre-Selection), Joel Jeffery (Pre-Selection). Rookies: Jacob Townsend, [PLAYERCARD]Jack Hombsch[/PLAYERCARD], [PLAYERCARD]Jordan Murdoch[/PLAYERCARD], Aiden Fyfe, Rhys Nicholls, Paul Hewago (Cat B)
Due to the AFL concessions Gold Coast received at the conclusion of the 2019 season, the Suns had very little to do on draft night. Leading up to the event they automatically added contested mid, Alex Davies, and dynamic utility, Joel Jeffery, to their senior list thanks to those allowances. That left the Suns with just one senior list spot that was filled by their pick 7 selection, Elijah Hollands. The class of Hollands will compliment the in-and-under grunt of Gold Coast’s midfield beautifully, while he can also play a role forward alongside young stars [PLAYERCARD]Ben King[/PLAYERCARD] and [PLAYERCARD]Izak Rankine[/PLAYERCARD]. Jacob Townsend was selected by the Suns at the rookie draft and will provided some maturity and leadership to their squad.
#3 – Carlton
Selections: Pick 37. Corey Durdin, 41. Jack Carroll
Rookies: Luke Parks
Carlton were one of the big winners of last month’s trade period and again the Blues came away from the draft at the top end with some very savvy picks. Corey Durdin could be a round one small forward option after a competitive season at SANFL senior level for Central Districts. While Jack Carroll proved to be one of the draft sliders after making it all the way to pick 41. Carroll is a strong contested minded midfielder who has the ability to play on the outside or half-back flank when needed.
#4 – Sydney
Selections: Pick 4. Logan McDonald, 5. Braeden Campbell, 32. Errol Gulden.
Rookies: Malachy Carruthers, Marc Sheather
At pick 4 the Swans were left with a decision to make. Do they take key position forward Logan McDonald or opt for his Western Australian teammate Denver Grainger-Barass to sure up their back half? Ultimately Sydney selected McDonald, who many rated as being the best available player on the open draft. McDonald should fit seamlessly into the Swans’ forward line as life after Buddy Franklin dawns on the harbour city. The Swans were able to comfortably match academy bids for their two prospects in Braeden Campbell and Errol Gulden.
#5 – Adelaide
Selections: Pick 2. Riley Thilthorpe, 11. Luke Pedlar, 25. Brayden Cook, 28. Sam Berry, 38. James Rowe
Pre-Season Draft: Jackson Hately
Rookies: Bryce Gibbs, James Borlase, Tariek Newchurch
After much conjecture, the Crows finally settled on South Australian prospect Riley Thilthope with their first selection of the night. Thilthorpe will offer a target inside forward 50 but is also capable of rolling through the ruck to support Riley O’Brien. The Crows kept the South Australian flavour coming by selecting draft bolter and tenacious midfielder Luke Pedlar. While some considered Pedlar an early reach, the Crows made up for it with value selections at 25 and 28 selecting versatile wingman/forward Brayden Cook and highly rated midfielder Sam Berry. James Rowe is a ready-made small forward who could see games early in 2021 and Jackson Hatley finally made his way to the club via the pre-season draft. Bryce Gibbs was re-rookied for administrative purposes and will be placed on the inactive list to provide Adelaide with an extra selection during the supplemental selection period or mid-season draft.
#6 – Greater Western Sydney
Selections: Pick 12. Tanner Bruhn, 15. Conor Stone, 18. Ryan Angwin, 58. Cam Fleeton, 59. Jacob Wehr
Rookies: Sam Reid, Zach Sproule, Will Shaw
After the exodus of players during the trade and free agency period, the GWS recruitment team were set a task of rebuilding their list from the ground up. The Giants did nicely to secure the services of classy mid Tanner Bruhn and marking forward Conor Stone, while also selecting project player Ryan Angwin as a lightly-built but gut-running winger in the [PLAYERCARD]Xavier Duursma[/PLAYERCARD] mold. The real jewel in the Giants crown draft night though was securing Collingwood’s 2021 first round pick as the Pies looked to bolster their draft hand. Cam Fleeton and Jacob Wehr were selected late to sure up the Giants’ defensive stocks.
#7 – Port Adelaide
Selections: Pick 16. Lachie Jones, 49. Ollie Lord
Rookies: Tyson Goldsack, Taj Schofield
There was little drama at the Port Adelaide table as the Power executed a no-fuss, low-maintenance night. The club had spent the trade period recruiting mature aged players in Allir Allir and [PLAYERCARD]Orazio Fantasia[/PLAYERCARD] while loading up on draft points to match a bid on their Next Generation Academy (NGA) prospect Lachie Jones. The bid for Jones came slightly later than expected at pick 16, leaving Port Adelaide with pick 49 to draft tall forward Ollie Lord. The Power also added former Pie’s premiership defender Tyson Goldsack and father-son option Taj Schofield at the rookie draft.
#8 – Fremantle
Selections: Pick 14. Heath Chapman, 27. Nathan O’Driscoll, 50. Brandon Walker, 54. Joel Western
Rookies: Josh Treacy, [PLAYERCARD]Bailey Banfield[/PLAYERCARD]
The Dockers draft haul had a very local vibe come the end of the night with all four of their selections hailing from West Australia. Their first selections in Heath Chapman and Nathan O’Driscoll offer [PLAYERCARD]Justin Longmuir[/PLAYERCARD] plenty of flexibility with both players able to fill various roles. Chapman is suited as an attacking third tall defender but can also push up onto a wing due to his running capabilities, while O’Driscoll is a balanced, hard-working mid that can go inside or outside the contest. Fremantle were able to finish the night by securing academy duo Brandon Walker and Joel Western for very little collateral in the 50s.
#9 – Collingwood
Selections: Pick 17. Oliver Henry, 19. Finlay Macrae, 23. Reef McInnes, 30. Caleb Poulter, 31. Liam McMahon, 44. Beau McCreery
Rookies: Jack Ginnivan, Isaac Chugg
The Pies were one of the busiest players draft night, selecting six players and executing six trades along the way and Derkek Hine’s team should be happy with the haul they have come away with. After a disastrous trade period finally Collingwood had a few wins on the board. The biggest sigh of relief would have come when NGA prospect Reef McInnes avoided a bid until after the Pies had already secured Oliver Henry and Finlay Macrae with their first two selections of the night. Collingwood were then able to nab tall midfielder Caleb Poulter and key forward Liam McMahon, although this came at the expense of their 2021 first round pick. Beau McCreery can add pace to a depleted forward line and small forward Jack Ginnivan was one of the bargains at the rookie draft.
#10 – Essendon
Selections: Pick 8. Nik Cox, 9. Archie Perkins, 10. Zach Reid, 39. Josh Eyre, 53. Cody Brand
Rookies: Martin Gleeson, [PLAYERCARD]Dylan Clarke[/PLAYERCARD]
After the exit of Joe Daniher as well as [PLAYERCARD]Michael Hurley[/PLAYERCARD] and [PLAYERCARD]Cale Hooker[/PLAYERCARD] becoming aging stalwarts in defence there was no doubt on draft night the Bombers are building their spine for the future. Nik Cox is a versatile tall who can play forward, back or on a wing with his athletic running capabilities. While Zach Reid is most suited down back as a tall intercepting defender. Archie Perkins is a player the Bombers will develop as a powerful, x-factor midfielder or half forward. Josh Eyre is a strong marking key forward with elite endurance and Cody Brand is a developing lockdown key defender.
#11 – Hawthorn
Selections: Pick 6. Denver Grainger-Barass, 29. Seamus Mitchell, 35. Connor Downie, 46. Tyler Brockman
Rookies: Jack Saunders
The Hawks were able to fill a major void with their first pick selecting key defender Denver Grainger-Barass. The West Australian could make an instant impact down back for Hawthorn as they scramble to assemble a backline after the retirement of Ben Stratton, the move of [PLAYERCARD]James Frawley[/PLAYERCARD] to St Kilda and devastating knee injury to star [PLAYERCARD]James Sicily[/PLAYERCARD] that will see him miss most of 2021. The club were also able to add the pacey Seamus Mitchell to their list before a later-than-expected bid came for NGA prospect Connor Downie. Tyler Brockman is another speedy injection to the forward line that will complement the current mix.
#12 – North Melbourne
Selections: Pick 3. Will Phillips, 13. Tom Powell, 36. Charlie Lazzaro, 42. Phoenix Spicer, 56. Eddie Ford
Rookies: Patrick Walker, [PLAYERCARD]Connor Menadue[/PLAYERCARD]
North Melbourne pulled off the first major shock of the night when they selected inside-bull Will Phillips at pick 3. The Oakleigh Chargers product is a hard-running, two-way midfielder who oozes leadership and professionalism. Tom Powell will join Phillips in the midfield mix as an in-and-under ball winner who took out the SANFL u18’s best-and-fairest award in 2020. The club failed to address it’s lack of key forward stocks after the departure of [PLAYERCARD]Ben Brown[/PLAYERCARD] but were able to add Phoenix Spicer and Eddie Ford who offer their own tricks inside the forward line. Half-back Patrick Walker joins the club as a rookie from Tasmania and former Tiger Connor Menadue was another surprise selection by the Roos.
#13 – West Coast
Selections: Pick 52. Luke Edwards, 57. Isiah Winder.
Rookies: Zane Trew, Daniel Venables
West Coast were the last team to enter the fray on draft night but that did not mean the Eagles went home without a few wins. With pick 52 they selected Luke Edwards. The half-back ball-magnet was passed up by Adelaide who had priority rights to the father-son prospect after his dad Tyson played 321 for the Crows. But the Eagles were more than happy to take Edwards who can also take his ball winning abilities through the midfield. They then went on to take athletic project player Isiah Winder. The West Australian put up some of the best numbers when tested at the combine and will continue to develop as a crafty forward or explosive midfielder. Zane Trew was a bargain pick in the rookie draft after the highly rated midfielder slipped through the national draft the night before.
#14 – Brisbane
Selections: Pick 24. Blake Coleman, 43. Harry Sharp, 48. Henry Smith
Rookies: Grant Birchall, Carter Michael, Deividas Uosis (Cat B)
The Lions were unable to avoid an early bid on academy player Blake Coleman however the club will be thrilled with what he can offer as a dangerous small forward. After a shuffle of picks due to that bid, Brisbane drafted to need as running wingman Harry Sharp joined the club alongside ruck prospect Henry Smith. They also added academy aligned player Carter Michael at the rookie draft.
#15 – Melbourne
Selections: Pick 21. Jake Bowey, 22. Bailey Laurie, 34. Fraser Rosman
Rookies: N/A
With two back-to-back picks in the 20s the Demons opted to invest in some smaller, skillful forward/mids to complement their on-ball brigade and top heavy forward line. Jake Bowey is a speedy small forward that can be utalised as an outside midfielder to make the most of his precise kicking. Bailey Laurie posses a natural forward craft, getting front and square to make the most of any crumbing opportunities inside 50. The 193cm tall Fraser Rosman will take some time but has the height to either develop as an athletic key forward or a towering wingman.
#16 – Richmond
Selections: Pick 40. Samson Ryan, 51. Maurice Rioli Jnr
Rookies: Mate Colina (Cat B)
Richmond’s first pick came from left-field when lesser-known ruck prospect Samson Ryan’s name was read out at pick 40. The 206cm ruckman was a graduate of Brisbane’s academy program and spent 2020 playing senior football in the QAFL. The club then went on to match Essendon’s bid for father-son player Maurice Rioli Jnr. Despite the small draft haul, Richmond’s real draft prize was coming away with Geelong’s 2021 first round pick which they exchanged for pick 20 on the night.
#17 – St Kilda
Selections: Pick 26. Matt Allison, 45. Tom Highmore
Rookies: N/A
It was a quiet night for St Kilda on the back of a second successive bumper trade period. The Saints acquired some key position depth with the selection of Matt Allison. Allison is a mobile forward who possess a quick lead and strong overhead mark, making him an ideal partner for established young gun [PLAYERCARD]Max King[/PLAYERCARD]. They then opted for mature-aged South Australian Tom Highmore. The 22-year-old intercepting defender is versatile in his ability to shutdown opponents of any size.
#18 – Geelong
Selections: Pick 20. Max Holmes, 33. Shannon Neale, 47. [PLAYERCARD]Nick Stevens[/PLAYERCARD]
Rookies: Paul Tsapatolis (Cat B)
After a trade period of mature-aged recruiting, the Cats plan of selecting long-term, developing prospects was clearly on show come draft night. They flashed their hand early when they exchanged their 2021 first round selection with Richmond to take Max Holmes at pick 20. The rangy winger is very raw and does not have a lot of football under his belt but what he does possess is athleticism and upside. With elite speed and endurance there’s enough scope with Holmes to suggest he has the tools to make it at AFL level. Shannon Neale will prove some much needed ruck depth and Nick Stevens is a good decision maker coming out of the back half as a third tall sized defender.
#1 – Western Bulldogs
Selections: Pick 1. Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, 55. Dominic Bedendo
Rookies: Lachlan McNeil, [PLAYERCARD]Roarke Smith[/PLAYERCARD]
The Western Bulldogs were always coming away winners from the 2020 draft with Jamarra Ugle-Hagan deemed the best product of this year’s crop. The Dogs took just 14 seconds to match the Adelaide Crow’s bid at pick one and were well prepared with a swag of picks they acquired during the trade period. The clean, high-leaping forward Dominic Bedendo was also added to provide a different dynamic inside 50 and Lachlan McNeil is a neat, overaged midfield from South Australia who can play inside or out.
#2 – Gold Coast
Selections: Pick 7. Elijah Hollands, Alex Davies (Pre-Selection), Joel Jeffery (Pre-Selection). Rookies: Jacob Townsend, [PLAYERCARD]Jack Hombsch[/PLAYERCARD], [PLAYERCARD]Jordan Murdoch[/PLAYERCARD], Aiden Fyfe, Rhys Nicholls, Paul Hewago (Cat B)
Due to the AFL concessions Gold Coast received at the conclusion of the 2019 season, the Suns had very little to do on draft night. Leading up to the event they automatically added contested mid, Alex Davies, and dynamic utility, Joel Jeffery, to their senior list thanks to those allowances. That left the Suns with just one senior list spot that was filled by their pick 7 selection, Elijah Hollands. The class of Hollands will compliment the in-and-under grunt of Gold Coast’s midfield beautifully, while he can also play a role forward alongside young stars [PLAYERCARD]Ben King[/PLAYERCARD] and [PLAYERCARD]Izak Rankine[/PLAYERCARD]. Jacob Townsend was selected by the Suns at the rookie draft and will provided some maturity and leadership to their squad.
#3 – Carlton
Selections: Pick 37. Corey Durdin, 41. Jack Carroll
Rookies: Luke Parks
Carlton were one of the big winners of last month’s trade period and again the Blues came away from the draft at the top end with some very savvy picks. Corey Durdin could be a round one small forward option after a competitive season at SANFL senior level for Central Districts. While Jack Carroll proved to be one of the draft sliders after making it all the way to pick 41. Carroll is a strong contested minded midfielder who has the ability to play on the outside or half-back flank when needed.
#4 – Sydney
Selections: Pick 4. Logan McDonald, 5. Braeden Campbell, 32. Errol Gulden.
Rookies: Malachy Carruthers, Marc Sheather
At pick 4 the Swans were left with a decision to make. Do they take key position forward Logan McDonald or opt for his Western Australian teammate Denver Grainger-Barass to sure up their back half? Ultimately Sydney selected McDonald, who many rated as being the best available player on the open draft. McDonald should fit seamlessly into the Swans’ forward line as life after Buddy Franklin dawns on the harbour city. The Swans were able to comfortably match academy bids for their two prospects in Braeden Campbell and Errol Gulden.
#5 – Adelaide
Selections: Pick 2. Riley Thilthorpe, 11. Luke Pedlar, 25. Brayden Cook, 28. Sam Berry, 38. James Rowe
Pre-Season Draft: Jackson Hately
Rookies: Bryce Gibbs, James Borlase, Tariek Newchurch
After much conjecture, the Crows finally settled on South Australian prospect Riley Thilthope with their first selection of the night. Thilthorpe will offer a target inside forward 50 but is also capable of rolling through the ruck to support Riley O’Brien. The Crows kept the South Australian flavour coming by selecting draft bolter and tenacious midfielder Luke Pedlar. While some considered Pedlar an early reach, the Crows made up for it with value selections at 25 and 28 selecting versatile wingman/forward Brayden Cook and highly rated midfielder Sam Berry. James Rowe is a ready-made small forward who could see games early in 2021 and Jackson Hatley finally made his way to the club via the pre-season draft. Bryce Gibbs was re-rookied for administrative purposes and will be placed on the inactive list to provide Adelaide with an extra selection during the supplemental selection period or mid-season draft.
#6 – Greater Western Sydney
Selections: Pick 12. Tanner Bruhn, 15. Conor Stone, 18. Ryan Angwin, 58. Cam Fleeton, 59. Jacob Wehr
Rookies: Sam Reid, Zach Sproule, Will Shaw
After the exodus of players during the trade and free agency period, the GWS recruitment team were set a task of rebuilding their list from the ground up. The Giants did nicely to secure the services of classy mid Tanner Bruhn and marking forward Conor Stone, while also selecting project player Ryan Angwin as a lightly-built but gut-running winger in the [PLAYERCARD]Xavier Duursma[/PLAYERCARD] mold. The real jewel in the Giants crown draft night though was securing Collingwood’s 2021 first round pick as the Pies looked to bolster their draft hand. Cam Fleeton and Jacob Wehr were selected late to sure up the Giants’ defensive stocks.
#7 – Port Adelaide
Selections: Pick 16. Lachie Jones, 49. Ollie Lord
Rookies: Tyson Goldsack, Taj Schofield
There was little drama at the Port Adelaide table as the Power executed a no-fuss, low-maintenance night. The club had spent the trade period recruiting mature aged players in Allir Allir and [PLAYERCARD]Orazio Fantasia[/PLAYERCARD] while loading up on draft points to match a bid on their Next Generation Academy (NGA) prospect Lachie Jones. The bid for Jones came slightly later than expected at pick 16, leaving Port Adelaide with pick 49 to draft tall forward Ollie Lord. The Power also added former Pie’s premiership defender Tyson Goldsack and father-son option Taj Schofield at the rookie draft.
#8 – Fremantle
Selections: Pick 14. Heath Chapman, 27. Nathan O’Driscoll, 50. Brandon Walker, 54. Joel Western
Rookies: Josh Treacy, [PLAYERCARD]Bailey Banfield[/PLAYERCARD]
The Dockers draft haul had a very local vibe come the end of the night with all four of their selections hailing from West Australia. Their first selections in Heath Chapman and Nathan O’Driscoll offer [PLAYERCARD]Justin Longmuir[/PLAYERCARD] plenty of flexibility with both players able to fill various roles. Chapman is suited as an attacking third tall defender but can also push up onto a wing due to his running capabilities, while O’Driscoll is a balanced, hard-working mid that can go inside or outside the contest. Fremantle were able to finish the night by securing academy duo Brandon Walker and Joel Western for very little collateral in the 50s.
#9 – Collingwood
Selections: Pick 17. Oliver Henry, 19. Finlay Macrae, 23. Reef McInnes, 30. Caleb Poulter, 31. Liam McMahon, 44. Beau McCreery
Rookies: Jack Ginnivan, Isaac Chugg
The Pies were one of the busiest players draft night, selecting six players and executing six trades along the way and Derkek Hine’s team should be happy with the haul they have come away with. After a disastrous trade period finally Collingwood had a few wins on the board. The biggest sigh of relief would have come when NGA prospect Reef McInnes avoided a bid until after the Pies had already secured Oliver Henry and Finlay Macrae with their first two selections of the night. Collingwood were then able to nab tall midfielder Caleb Poulter and key forward Liam McMahon, although this came at the expense of their 2021 first round pick. Beau McCreery can add pace to a depleted forward line and small forward Jack Ginnivan was one of the bargains at the rookie draft.
#10 – Essendon
Selections: Pick 8. Nik Cox, 9. Archie Perkins, 10. Zach Reid, 39. Josh Eyre, 53. Cody Brand
Rookies: Martin Gleeson, [PLAYERCARD]Dylan Clarke[/PLAYERCARD]
After the exit of Joe Daniher as well as [PLAYERCARD]Michael Hurley[/PLAYERCARD] and [PLAYERCARD]Cale Hooker[/PLAYERCARD] becoming aging stalwarts in defence there was no doubt on draft night the Bombers are building their spine for the future. Nik Cox is a versatile tall who can play forward, back or on a wing with his athletic running capabilities. While Zach Reid is most suited down back as a tall intercepting defender. Archie Perkins is a player the Bombers will develop as a powerful, x-factor midfielder or half forward. Josh Eyre is a strong marking key forward with elite endurance and Cody Brand is a developing lockdown key defender.
#11 – Hawthorn
Selections: Pick 6. Denver Grainger-Barass, 29. Seamus Mitchell, 35. Connor Downie, 46. Tyler Brockman
Rookies: Jack Saunders
The Hawks were able to fill a major void with their first pick selecting key defender Denver Grainger-Barass. The West Australian could make an instant impact down back for Hawthorn as they scramble to assemble a backline after the retirement of Ben Stratton, the move of [PLAYERCARD]James Frawley[/PLAYERCARD] to St Kilda and devastating knee injury to star [PLAYERCARD]James Sicily[/PLAYERCARD] that will see him miss most of 2021. The club were also able to add the pacey Seamus Mitchell to their list before a later-than-expected bid came for NGA prospect Connor Downie. Tyler Brockman is another speedy injection to the forward line that will complement the current mix.
#12 – North Melbourne
Selections: Pick 3. Will Phillips, 13. Tom Powell, 36. Charlie Lazzaro, 42. Phoenix Spicer, 56. Eddie Ford
Rookies: Patrick Walker, [PLAYERCARD]Connor Menadue[/PLAYERCARD]
North Melbourne pulled off the first major shock of the night when they selected inside-bull Will Phillips at pick 3. The Oakleigh Chargers product is a hard-running, two-way midfielder who oozes leadership and professionalism. Tom Powell will join Phillips in the midfield mix as an in-and-under ball winner who took out the SANFL u18’s best-and-fairest award in 2020. The club failed to address it’s lack of key forward stocks after the departure of [PLAYERCARD]Ben Brown[/PLAYERCARD] but were able to add Phoenix Spicer and Eddie Ford who offer their own tricks inside the forward line. Half-back Patrick Walker joins the club as a rookie from Tasmania and former Tiger Connor Menadue was another surprise selection by the Roos.
#13 – West Coast
Selections: Pick 52. Luke Edwards, 57. Isiah Winder.
Rookies: Zane Trew, Daniel Venables
West Coast were the last team to enter the fray on draft night but that did not mean the Eagles went home without a few wins. With pick 52 they selected Luke Edwards. The half-back ball-magnet was passed up by Adelaide who had priority rights to the father-son prospect after his dad Tyson played 321 for the Crows. But the Eagles were more than happy to take Edwards who can also take his ball winning abilities through the midfield. They then went on to take athletic project player Isiah Winder. The West Australian put up some of the best numbers when tested at the combine and will continue to develop as a crafty forward or explosive midfielder. Zane Trew was a bargain pick in the rookie draft after the highly rated midfielder slipped through the national draft the night before.
#14 – Brisbane
Selections: Pick 24. Blake Coleman, 43. Harry Sharp, 48. Henry Smith
Rookies: Grant Birchall, Carter Michael, Deividas Uosis (Cat B)
The Lions were unable to avoid an early bid on academy player Blake Coleman however the club will be thrilled with what he can offer as a dangerous small forward. After a shuffle of picks due to that bid, Brisbane drafted to need as running wingman Harry Sharp joined the club alongside ruck prospect Henry Smith. They also added academy aligned player Carter Michael at the rookie draft.
#15 – Melbourne
Selections: Pick 21. Jake Bowey, 22. Bailey Laurie, 34. Fraser Rosman
Rookies: N/A
With two back-to-back picks in the 20s the Demons opted to invest in some smaller, skillful forward/mids to complement their on-ball brigade and top heavy forward line. Jake Bowey is a speedy small forward that can be utalised as an outside midfielder to make the most of his precise kicking. Bailey Laurie posses a natural forward craft, getting front and square to make the most of any crumbing opportunities inside 50. The 193cm tall Fraser Rosman will take some time but has the height to either develop as an athletic key forward or a towering wingman.
#16 – Richmond
Selections: Pick 40. Samson Ryan, 51. Maurice Rioli Jnr
Rookies: Mate Colina (Cat B)
Richmond’s first pick came from left-field when lesser-known ruck prospect Samson Ryan’s name was read out at pick 40. The 206cm ruckman was a graduate of Brisbane’s academy program and spent 2020 playing senior football in the QAFL. The club then went on to match Essendon’s bid for father-son player Maurice Rioli Jnr. Despite the small draft haul, Richmond’s real draft prize was coming away with Geelong’s 2021 first round pick which they exchanged for pick 20 on the night.
#17 – St Kilda
Selections: Pick 26. Matt Allison, 45. Tom Highmore
Rookies: N/A
It was a quiet night for St Kilda on the back of a second successive bumper trade period. The Saints acquired some key position depth with the selection of Matt Allison. Allison is a mobile forward who possess a quick lead and strong overhead mark, making him an ideal partner for established young gun [PLAYERCARD]Max King[/PLAYERCARD]. They then opted for mature-aged South Australian Tom Highmore. The 22-year-old intercepting defender is versatile in his ability to shutdown opponents of any size.
#18 – Geelong
Selections: Pick 20. Max Holmes, 33. Shannon Neale, 47. [PLAYERCARD]Nick Stevens[/PLAYERCARD]
Rookies: Paul Tsapatolis (Cat B)
After a trade period of mature-aged recruiting, the Cats plan of selecting long-term, developing prospects was clearly on show come draft night. They flashed their hand early when they exchanged their 2021 first round selection with Richmond to take Max Holmes at pick 20. The rangy winger is very raw and does not have a lot of football under his belt but what he does possess is athleticism and upside. With elite speed and endurance there’s enough scope with Holmes to suggest he has the tools to make it at AFL level. Shannon Neale will prove some much needed ruck depth and Nick Stevens is a good decision maker coming out of the back half as a third tall sized defender.
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Enjoyed reading your profiles and phantom. Difficult year for it so a big difference between the speculation and the outcome at times but yours was pretty damn good.
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Thanks mate, as difficult as it was at times I definitely enjoyed it and I'm looking forward to getting stuck into some more content for 2021.
I know I won't always get it right and love a bit of back and forth when someone has a differing opinion as I think it's a great way to gain a greater perspective on things.
Anyway I appreciate the positive feedback, I'll try keep it up
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Ones to watch: 2021’s top AFL draft prospects – Draftables (wordpress.com)
2021 is shaped to be an intriguing year as clubs, recruiting staff and players all try to re-familiarise themselves with the ‘new normal’ the football community is faced with. The state of the game has changed, the protocol’s are different and in Victoria’s case, there is a year’s worth of development to catch up on.
So with a new year on the horizon, here are some of the leading prospects for 2021.
Sam Banks – Defender/Midfielder – Tasmania
186cm – 72kg – 02/04/2003
The skillful Tasmanian is developing into one of the Apple Isle’s leading talents in 2021. Banks is a good distributor of the ball off the half-back flank or wing and has been exposed at senior level playing for Clarence in the TSL.
Arlo Draper – Midfielder – South Australia
185cm – 71kg – 30/01/2003
One of many top prospects hailing from South Adelaide, Draper is a clever footballer who more often than not finds himself in the best position to win the football. He has a nice burst of speed to break away from a stoppage or opponent and uses the ball well when going forward.
Jason Horne – Midfielder/Forward – South Australia
182cm – 75kg – 21/06/2003
Horne is the early favourite to go at pick one in next year’s draft and it’s not hard to see why. The South Australian possess line-breaking pace and a ferocious attack on the ball. He is neat by hand when distributing the footy and utalises his springy leap when thrown forward. Horne was the SA u16 MVP in 2019 and looked more than comfortable when promoted at senior level in the SANFL this season.
Cooper Murley – Midfielder – South Australia
177cm – 66kg – 20/06/2003
With a mid-year birthday Murley is one of the younger talents that has so far proven to be ahead of the pack in his class and has plenty of improvement to come. The Norwood u18s premiership player is one of 2021’s better stoppage operators with strong contested ball winning ability and a hunger to tackle. Murley navigates his way through traffic with ease as his blistering pace sees him burst out of congestion.
Josh Rachele – Foward/Midfielder – Vic Country
179cm – 77kg – 11/04/2003
Rachele’s steller 2019 season saw him claim the division one and Vic Country MVP award at the carnival while also booting 8 goals from 4 games at NAB league level for the Murray Bushrangers. Rachele’s ability to rack up the ball as a midfielder and craftiness around goals when playing forward has him in the conversation as a potential number one pick.
Matthew Roberts – Midfielder/Forward – South Australia
183cm – 72kg – 28/01/2003
The third of the South Adelaide trio, Roberts is an accumulator who will run all day from stoppage to stoppage. With an outstanding work rate he can push forward from the midfield to trouble the scoreboard as well.
Tyler Sonsie – Midfielder – Vic Metro
181cm – 73kg – 27/01/2003
The MVP for Vic Metro at last years u16 carnival, Sonsie is a creative midfielder with good skills. He has the ability to win the ball and feed teammates into good positions with meaningful disposals from stoppages. Also has a knack around goals to get himself onto the scoresheet.
Jacob Van Rooyen – Key Forward – Western Australia
194cm – 88kg – 16/04/2003
The club house leader for key position prospects heading into 2021. Van Rooyen had a prosperous 2020 in the WAFL colts snagging 19 goals in 10 games for Claremont. The West Australian has solid size and strength as well as an exciting aerial ability when the ball comes his way.
Other notables: Campbell Chesser, Nick Daicos, Neil Erasmus, Josh Sinn (Unwatched)
