Phantom Draft Eth's 2018 Phantom Draft

[Prochard123]

This will be completed over the next few days or weeks when I have the time to do so, life is pretty busy right now. This is not a "where I think players should go" phantom, it's where I think they will go. The first round will have draft choice explanations in there, the second through fourth will just be straight up and down. Also please remember that my area of expertise is the VFL side of things rather than under 18's, and whilst I have watched a few of the prospects live and on TV, most of that will be from the real experts of this board, in particular Pie 4 Life and D_P_S.

Another note is that I will be trying to construct a "true" phantom draft, including point reshuffles as to where players move. Every year I get people whinging that I got the draft order wrong. I haven't. READ THE DAMN BOLDED PART!


Pick 1, Carlton: Sam Walsh, (Victoria Country, 183 cm/74 kg, Balanced Midfielder). Walsh is an absolute jet and a clear cut choice for Carlton at pick 1. The reasoning behind Walsh over Lukosius is that despite how highly rated the latter is, Carlton have oodles of talented key forwards, especially with the acquisition of Mitch McGovern during trade period.

Pick 2, Gold Coast: Jack Lukosius (South Australia, 194/82, Key Forward). Lukosius is one of the best talents you will see in the draft. Despite the rumours surrounding his homesickness, a talent like this with Gold Coast's need of it all over the ground, this man will have to get drafted by the Suns.

Pick 3, Gold Coast: Connor Rozee (SA, 185/72, Outside Midfielder): Rozee is a draft bolter for many, he seemed to be rated around the fringes of the top 10 for most of the season before shooting right up the rankings in August and September with impressive performances for North Adelaide

Pick 4, Sydney: Nick Blakey (Allies, 194/75, KF. Bid by St. Kilda, matched by Sydney with picks 26, 33 and 38, which moves back to pick 62). Sydney are no chance of not matching a bid on Blakey, and I believe the bid will be early. St. Kilda have shown their interest in key forwards so that's why I have them bidding here.

Pick 5, St. Kilda: Max King (Victoria Metro, 201/86, KF/Ruck). St. Kilda obviously bid on Blakey before and despite my thinking that getting King would be a waste given their already strong KPP stocks at both ends it seems as though they really want Max there for a long time.

Pick 6, Port Adelaide: Izak Rankine (SA, 180/76, Midfielder/Forward). There is one reason and one reason alone Port wanted pick 5, and that was because they wanted the nephew of club great Gavin Wanganeen. Rankine will slot straight into Chad Wingard's spot across Half Forward and excel.

Pick 7, Gold Coast: Bailey Smith (VM, 184/79, BM). Smith is a guy that does everything well without being particularly outstanding at any particular trait, apart from finding the ball. He's got a good head on his shoulders and I feel he'll be the right man for Gold Coast to grab here.

Pick 8, Western Bulldogs: Jye Caldwell (VC, 184/78, M/F). Caldwell is a player that will appeal to the Dogs because he can play a variety of positions, something that Luke Beveridge loves. He's a good ball winner and more than good enough forward of centre, so expect him to do well here.

Pick 9, Adelaide: Jackson Hately (SA, 192/80, Inside Midfielder). The best of the big bodied inside midfielders of the draft, Hately will likely stay in Adelaide as he fits the bill perfectly for the Crows here, who were keen to get one or two of the highly rated South Australian boys in the draft.

Pick 10, North Melbourne: Tarryn Thomas (Allies, 187/68, M/F. Bid by GWS, matched by North with picks 42, 47, 48 and 49 which gets moved back to pick 57). I think that Thomas will be bid on by GWS because they have a few first round picks to play with and a talent like Thomas can fit the bill around this mark to also make sure that North pay full toll for picking him up.

Pick 11, Greater Western Sydney: Ben King (VM, 201/85, KF/Ruck). I honestly can't believe I still had him on the board here, King is a dead set gun and GWS would jump all over the chance to lock away this forward ruck to replace Rory Lobb straight away. King is a perfect fit for the Giants here.

Pick 12, Port Adelaide: Luke Valente (SA, 186/80, BM). Valente is a guy that just does everything well, much like Smith ealier, and has leadership in spades to boot. Being a South Australian boy here again, I feel like Port will take him due to his strength and size.

Pick 13, Greater Western Sydney: Ian Hill (Western Australia, 176/66, OM). After missing on Thomas earlier, I feel like the Giants will get their hands around the highly rated Western Australian as a nippy outside midfielder with good kicking skills, much like his cousins with the potential to go forward.

Pick 14, Western Bulldogs: Rhylee West (VM, 180/81, IM. Bid by Geelong, Western Bulldogs match with picks 32 and 38, which moves back to pick 63). Rhylee is a carbon copy of his father, tough, strong at the contest and wins clearances aplenty. There is no way the Dogs don't match the bid here.

Pick 15, Geelong: Xavier Duursma (VC, 185/71, BM). Not entirely sure what the Cats need so I decided to go with the safe option here in Duursma, who can pretty much play anywhere. His movement in traffic is impressive and I like him for the Cats here because of that.

Pick 16, Adelaide: Riley Collier-Dawkins (VM, 193/88, IM). Well with going for Hately earlier, I think that Adelaide may go for the second best big bodied midfielder in this draft class to try to get that 1-2 punch going. RCD's movement in traffic is very impressive and he has very good hands.

Pick 17, Fremantle: Liam Stocker (VM, 183/83, IM). Stocker is a good player here, just a good all rounder for the Dockers to attain, especially with the loss of Lachie Neale to Brisbane.

Pick 18, Port Adelaide: Curtis Taylor (VM, 186/79, M/F). Taylor is a player that I've seen rated as high as 9 earlier in the year and as low as 25. He's a guy that doesn't really have a lot of outstanding attributes but you know what you'll get from him as well.

Pick 19, Adelaide: Chayce Jones (Allies, 180/74, BM). Jones is a guy that I don't particularly rate from my two full games of watching him. In both games he never really gave it to the first option whether it be by handball or kick which resulted in pressure being applied. I'd have him much lower on my board but a lot of people disagree with me on this one.

Pick 20, Richmond: Xavier O'Hallaran (VM, 187/83, IM). O'Hallaran is simply the best available here in my opinion, the midfielder plays a strong contested game which Hardwick will love.

Pick 21, Brisbane: Zak Butters (VM, 178/70, M/F). Brisbane's list is in pretty good shape right now but I feel like they need some more speed in the team and Butters can play well in that role either forward or on a wing.

Pick 22, Greater Western Sydney: Jordan Clark (182/78, Half Back). I heavily considered giving the Giants Williams at this pick but with having them take King earlier in the draft I can see them opting for the cleanly skilled Clark who could eventually replace Heath Shaw.

Pick 23, West Coast: Bailey Williams (VC, 198/95, KF/Ruck). I'm honestly as shocked that Williams lasted this long as you are. Williams is the perfect fit for West Coast who's ruck troubles are well publicised, Williams is the man who can eventually replace Vardy as their forward/ruck.

Ben King is not a Forward/Ruck. Or at least that's not where he played so far.

 

[Stifler's mom]

I reckon if Rankine is still there at Saints pick, they will do a deal with port to swap picks and gain something else.

 

[Newatthis]

Keen for Essendon to draft Ely Smith or Jack Bytel so like this draft, what happen to Bytel was so highly rated at the start of the year


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he has played 10 TAC Cup games and 1 Vic Metro game in two years. Suffering from a back issue (stress fractures) also had a number of different issues last season.

 

[harro92]

he has played 10 TAC Cup games and 1 Vic Metro game in two years. Suffering from a back issue (stress fractures) also had a number of different issues last season.

Didn’t no it had been that bad is he worth the gamble


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[Obeanie1]

Why would the Eagles not match the bid on Cameron at 35?

Hoping they will pick up someone better with their next pick, 61?

Every club must use three picks and the Eagles have four spots to fill.

One will be a mature ruck such as Zac Clarke.

 

[theGav56]

Why would the Eagles not match the bid on Cameron at 35?

Hoping they will pick up someone better with their next pick, 61?

Every club must use three picks and the Eagles have four spots to fill.

One will be a mature ruck such as Zac Clarke.

Would you look at Strnadica? Not mature of course, but shown some promise.

 

[Obeanie1]

Would you look at Strnadica? Not mature of course, but shown some promise.

We just axed a rookie ruck so I can see the Eagles taking one mature age ruck and a younger development ruck as a rookie.so possibly.

Did Strnadica get moved on due to Lobb?

How was he going?

 

[theGav56]

We just axed a rookie ruck so I can see the Eagles taking one mature age ruck and a younger development ruck as a rookie.so possibly.

Did Strnadica get moved on due to Lobb?

How was he going?

For sure Lobb changes things, and I think forms pretty much the perfect post-Sandilands combo with Darcy. I also think after next season one of Meek or Jones would be retained, and the other dropped. Strnadica seems to have been doing well, but he is the out contract player.

 

[Johnny Bananas]

Where did you get the info that Rankine is related to Wanganeen?

If it was true I'm sure I would have read it somewhere before now.

 

[rainwizard39]

I reckon if Rankine is still there at Saints pick, they will do a deal with port to swap picks and gain something else.

No Port have just enough list spots for those 3 picks and don't want to affect next years draft picks.

 

[rainwizard39]

Don't think Port takes Valentine at 12 thats stretching heaps and for what? Too take a player where the positions are filled already, RCD is far better and would be picked before him.

 

[Mr MysteryGuest]

So why do you think this is the way clubs will go?

 

[Newatthis]

Didn’t no it had been that bad is he worth the gamble


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I have seen him play as a 16 and 17 year old and he was good at that age. I am not sure what issue he has but most boys do suffer some form of stress fractures around the L5 to L3 region. Some never even know they have had an issue; however some suffer really badly from it. Since he has hardly played this year and was unable to do the combine testing, I can only assume his case is more serious. I doubt you will see him running around in the AFL next season until he has proven himself in the VFL.

I don't rate him as highly as some do. His disposal of the ball by foot is not or was not at the required level. He can take a good mark but is not overly quick. Others see him in the top 20, for me it's more like mid 40's when you consider what is available without injury.

 

[gothedons]

he has played 10 TAC Cup games and 1 Vic Metro game in two years. Suffering from a back issue (stress fractures) also had a number of different issues last season.

Not quiet right
2017: 10games for Calder... 1 game for Vic Meteo
2018: 6 games for Calder... 3 games for Vic Metro

 

[Newatthis]

Not quiet right
2017: 10games for Calder... 1 game for Vic Meteo
2018: 6 games for Calder... 3 games for Vic Metro

I didn't see him in any of the championship games so not sure there.
My numbers show he played 5 games this year but I could be mistaken.

 

[wayb2912]

I'd love Port to draft both Rankine and Hill

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[eth-dog]

David Noble has said we’re looking for two things this draft, to add to our midfield and a running defender. And Fagan prioritises elite disposal.

Witherden is an elite kick out of defence, we have Cox as one running defender, Nobble wants another.

From rumours we’ve heard, Clark is right up there on Brisbane’s draft board.

That's fair enough. I'm still going with Butters, but this is all opinion

Why not?

Gold Coast compensation pick does.

I'm not sure but I tought I read it somewhere on here and just took at as gospel

Where did you get the info that Rankine is related to Wanganeen?

I read it somewhere, or heard it somewhere, or perhaps it's all in my head.

Ben King is not a Forward/Ruck. Or at least that's not where he played so far.

Because his brother is a better chop out than he is.

I reckon if Rankine is still there at Saints pick, they will do a deal with port to swap picks and gain something else.

Why would Port do that? He'll be there a pick later in all likelihood, especially with their hard on for King by all accounts.

Why would the Eagles not match the bid on Cameron at 35?

Hoping they will pick up someone better with their next pick, 61?

Every club must use three picks and the Eagles have four spots to fill.

One will be a mature ruck such as Zac Clarke.

I just like the romance of the brothers going to the same team.

Don't think Port takes Valentine at 12 thats stretching heaps and for what? Too take a player where the positions are filled already, RCD is far better and would be picked before him.

I think Port want leaders as well as good players and Valente is the best leader in the draft IMO, so I can definitely see Port "reaching" for him here.

So why do you think this is the way clubs will go?

Rumours, what I think their list needs, etc.

I'd love Port to draft both Rankine and Hill

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Not sure that Port need Hill. Leadership seems like an issue at Port and I think they'll take the chance to get Valente rather than risk Adelaide taking him at 16

 

[PMBangers]

I think our first two picks will be dedicated to midfielders, RCD seems most likely for Pick 8 and Pick 11 I imagine would be used on Stocker or Duursma, but think Clark is another we'll consider there but we got him with 19 in your phantom

 

[Teeso]

I think our first two picks will be dedicated to midfielders, RCD seems most likely for Pick 8 and Pick 11 I imagine would be used on Stocker or Duursma, but think Clark is another we'll consider there but we got him with 19 in your phantom

Whilst midfielders are the priority, feel if Ben King is really on the board at 11, will be hard to pass on that. Patton is potentially an injury away from retirement and King is much more mobile and will be a force once he grows into his frame. A forward line with Cameron, Himmelberg and potentially King (can play forward, defence and ruck) in the future and a defence with Davis, Corr and Taylor means our key posts are well stocked for a good while yet. Our key position reserves will be thin with Keefe, Stein, Spoule, J. Buckley, Flynn and maybe Briggs in the future. Whilst midfielders should be first and foremost, adding King if available at pick 11 would not be a terrible idea.

 

[AsterixTheGaul]

You have only 3 places separating Jordan Clark and Luke Foley which is very odd. I would say it will be closer to 23 come draft night as I think you have underestimated the interest in still 17 year old Clark and overstated the value in the over-age Foley.

If Clark is still on the boards within a couple of thd Eagles picks, expect them to trade up.

 

[Carbine Chaos]

I just like the romance of the brothers going to the same team.

This is not a "where I think players should go" phantom, it's where I think they will go.

Which one is it?

 

[eth-dog]

I think our first two picks will be dedicated to midfielders, RCD seems most likely for Pick 8 and Pick 11 I imagine would be used on Stocker or Duursma, but think Clark is another we'll consider there but we got him with 19 in your phantom

You don't pass on a talent like King there IMO.

You have only 3 places separating Jordan Clark and Luke Foley which is very odd. I would say it will be closer to 23 come draft night as I think you have underestimated the interest in still 17 year old Clark and overstated the value in the over-age Foley.

If Clark is still on the boards within a couple of thd Eagles picks, expect them to trade up.

I rate Clark, I just have a lot of players in that 12 to 26 ish region where I'm not sure who goes where. West Coast trading up wouldn't shock me. Freo taking Clark at 17 wouldn't either though honestly.

Which one is it?

The former, I also think you might be saving that pick for Zac Clarke.

 

[mad-saint-guy]

I reckon if Rankine is still there at Saints pick, they will do a deal with port to swap picks and gain something else.

I certainly think we'd bring it up. I'd be saying to Port that we're going to take Rankine or if they want him they can trade 5 and 15 to us for 4 and 36.

I also think too much has been made of the fact that King has done his rehab at St Kilda. Membrey has a spot locked in as a marking forward so that leaves only 2 spots in our 22 available for Bruce, McCartin, Marshall and Battle so I don't see why we would be going after another tall to add to the list. Our midfield stocks on the other hand are seriously lacking. Rankine or Smith please.

 

[eth-dog]

I certainly think we'd bring it up. I'd be saying to Port that we're going to take Rankine or if they want him they can trade 5 and 15 to us for 4 and 36.

I also think too much has been made of the fact that King has done his rehab at St Kilda. Membrey has a spot locked in as a marking forward so that leaves only 2 spots in our 22 available for Bruce, McCartin, Marshall and Battle so I don't see why we would be going after another tall to add to the list. Our midfield stocks on the other hand are seriously lacking. Rankine or Smith please.

I agree, but the Saints have a hard on for King and won't pass on him.

 

[mad-saint-guy]

I agree, but the Saints have a hard on for King and won't pass on him.

Where have you heard this? All I've heard is that he's at the club a couple of times a week to rehab his knee. And this arrangement would have started much earlier in the year when St Kilda would have been expecting to push for the finals and thus not have a draft pick high enough to take King.

Maybe they just entered into this arrangement to create a relationship with the club and give us an advantage to lure him to St Kilda in a couple of years after being drafted by an interstate team.