Getgaff's 2016 draft thread

[getgaff]

UPDATE: 19/11/2016

Under a week and the draft will be done and dusted for 2016 and I'll get a lot more free time on my hands.

I've researched a few different mock drafts here but also used footyprophet.com, Knightmare's phantom draft updates and analysis on ESPN (highly recommend if you haven't checked these out), Cal Twomey's updates on AFL.com and the SEN Inside Football mag draft edition.

I don't consider myself a draft guru but enjoy putting my thoughts out there and generating discussion. Am more than willing to receive and appreciate any feedback or criticism regarding my predictions.

1st ROUND (TOP 10)

Pick 1: ESSENDON - Hugh McCluggage / 186 cm, 76 kg / MIDFIELDER/ FWD from North Ballarat Rebels
Pick 2: GWS - Andrew McGrath / 178, 77 / DEFENDER/ MID from Sandringham Drangons
Pick 3: BRISBANE - Ben Ainsworth / 178, 76 / SMALL FORWARD/ MID from Gippsland Power
Pick 4: GWS (bid match/ 1628 points = forfeit of 1 x first round and 1 x second round pick) - Will Setterfield / 190, 80 / INSIDE MIDFIELDER from Sandringham/ GWS Academy
Pick 5: GOLD COAST - Jack Scrimshaw / 193, 84 / TALL DEF/ MID from Sandringham Dragons
Pick 6: CARLTON - Sam Petrevski Seton / 180, 73 / OUTSIDE MID/ FWD from Claremont Tigers
Pick 7: GOLD COAST - Tim Tarranto / 186, 84 / MID/ FWD from Sandringham Dragons
Pick 8: FREMANTLE - Griffin Logue / 191, 94 / KPD / UTILITY from Swan Districts
Pick 9: GOLD COAST - Will Brodie / 189, 82 / INSIDE MIDFIELDER from Murray Bushrangers
Pick 10: GOLD COAST (bid match/ forfeit fourth top 10 live draft pick) - Jack Bowes / 187, 78 / MIDFIELDER from Surfers Paradise/ GC Academy

1st ROUND (REST OF)

Pick 11: SYDNEY - Jarrod Berry / 191, 82 / TALL DEF/ MID from North Ballarat Rebels
Pick 12: NORTH MELBOURNE - Oliver Florent / 182, 74 / MIDFIELDER from Sandringham Dragons
Pick 13: WEST COAST - Sam Powell Pepper / 187, 90 / INSIDE MIDFIELDER from East Perth Royals
Pick 14: ADELAIDE - Daniel Venables / 185, 82 / MIDFIELDER from Western Jets
Pick 15: PORT ADELAIDE - Will Hayward / 185, 77 / MID/ FWD from North Adelaide Roosters
Pick 16: BRISBANE - Alex Witherden / 186, 80 / MEDIUM DEFENDER from Geelong Falcons
Pick 17: PORT ADELAIDE - Josh Battle / 192, 89 / TALL FORWARD from Dandenong Stingrays
Pick 18: WESTERN BULLDOGS - Tim English / 205, 90 / RUCKMAN from South Fremantle Bulldogs
Pick 19: SYDNEY - Jy Simpkin / 182, 75 / SMALL FORWARD from Murray Bushrangers

2nd ROUND

Pick 20: ESSENDON - Todd Marshall / 197, 86 / TALL FORWARD from Murray Bushrangers
Pick 21: GWS (bid match - pushes them further out draft order) Harry Perryman / 184, 79 / MIDFIELD UTILITY from Collingullie
Pick 22: BRISBANE - Jordan Galluci / 180, 78 / MID/ FWD from Eastern Ranges
Pick 23: BRISBANE - Jordan Ridley / 192, 80 / TALL UTILITY from Oakleigh Chargers
Pick 24: ST. KILDA - Shai Bolton / 175, 69 / MID/ FWD from South Fremantle Bulldogs
Pick 25: GEELONG - Patrick Kerr / 194, 93 / KPF from Oakleigh Chargers
Pick 26: CARLTON - Cedric Cox / 181, 79 / MID / DEF from North Ballarat Rebels
Pick 27: WESTERN BULLDOGS - Brennan Cox / 194, 90 / KPD from Woodville West Torrens Eagles
Pick 28: RICHMOND - Josh Rotham / 192, 79 / TALL HB from West Perth Falcons
Pick 29: GWS (matched bid) - Harrison Macreadie / 196, 91 / KPD from Henty
Pick 30: COLLINGWOOD - Jack Maibaum / 193, 92 / KPD from Eastern Ranges
Pick 31: ESSENDON - Willem Drew / 188, 79 / INSIDE MIDFIELDER from North Ballarat Rebels
Pick 32: PORT ADELAIDE - Sam Walker / 185, 79 / MEDIUM DEFENDER from Glenelg
Pick 33: PORT ADELAIDE - Jonty Scharenberg / 183, 81 / INSIDE MIDFIELDER from Glenelg
Pick 34: NORTH MELBOURNE (GWS un matched bid) - Kobe Mucth / 186, 84 / BALANCED MIDFIELDER from Bendigo Pioneers
Pick 35: COLLINGWOOD (Matched North Melbourne bid) - Callum Brown / 177, 72 / MID/ FORWARD
Pick 35: GWS (North Melbourne matched bid) - Zach Sproule / 196, 89 / KEY FORWARD from Murray Bushrangers
Pick 37: NORTH MELBOURNE - Dylan Clarke / 187, 85 / INSIDE MIDFIELDER from Eastern Ranges
Pick 38: WEST COAST (GWS un matched bid) - Issac Cumming / 184, 74 / DEFENDER/ MIDFIELDER from North Broken Hill
Pick 39: FREMANTLE - Zac Fisher / 175, 70 / INSIDE MIDFIELDER from Perth Demons
Pick 40: GOLD COAST (St. Kilda matched bid) - Brad Scheer / 183, 84 / INSIDE MIDFIELDER from Palm Beach / Currumbin
Pick 41: ST. KILDA - Myles Poholke / 184, 82 / INSIDE MIDFIELDER from Dandenong
Pick 42: GEELONG - Jack Graham / 180, 81 / INSIDE MIDFIELDER from North Adelaide Roosters
Pick 43: FREMANTLE - Luke Ryan / 186, 83 / ATTACKING HALF BACK from Coburg (VFL)

 

[getgaff]

PROFILES UPDATED: 19/11

For my profiles I’ve used snippets of profile write ups from FootyProphet.com, followed Knightmare’s work on ESPN , followed Cal Twomey’s work on afl.com, taken some info from the SEN Inside Football mag Draft Special and added some of my own information particularly with the WA talent.

ROUND 1

Pick 1: ESSENDON – Hugh McCLUGGAGE
POSITION: Midfielder/ Half Forward – CLUB FROM: North Ballarat Rebels & VIC COUNTRY
HEIGHT: 186 cm, WEIGHT: 76 kg.
DRAFT RANGE: 1 – 3
PLAYS LIKE: Robbie Gray (thanks to Footy Prophet for player comparisons)



In what has been perceived as an open draft where as many as 3 players have been genuinely linked to pick 1 and even more as top 5 prospects it seems the race for the coveted number 1 selection has shortened with 2 weeks to go, and it is a 2 player race between North Ballarat’s Hugh McCluggage and Sandringham’s Andrew McGrath.

There are a number of top end prospects that will have enticing playing traits for Essendon. McCluggage described as the “Rolls Royce” midfielder, accumulating the ball in mass numbers and is dangerous when moved forward hitting the scoreboard regularly,

McGrath brings a different dimension to Essendon’s back six which recently lost Michael Hibberd. Plays his best footy as a rebounding defender with plenty of dash who sets the play and breaks lines with the ball. Has a great defensive and offensive balance to his game and can nullify a dangerous opponent in a shutdown role for one quarter while breaking midfield lines the next. McGrath’s leadership traits are highly regarded as well and his chosen team will see future captain material in him.

After them is the contested bull Will Brodie who is a bull at a gate when it comes to a contest, he thrives on the hard stuff and would ease the inside midfield pressure at Essendon post Jobe Watson. Real long shot to land at pick 1 now but. Could even slide to outside the top 10 after a draft year that has seen him miss games and draft testings with nagging injuries. Had his final fitness test under the watchful eye of AFL recruiters this weekend.

As a real smokey there is Ben Ainsworth and possible Academy bids on Jack Bowes (Gold Coast) or Will Setterfield (GWS). Sam Petrevski Seton has probably missed to much footy in 2016 to be considered a genuine contender anymore.

Looking in particular at the three major names mentioned I’m nominating Brodie as the “safe bet” of the group but with injuries and a perceived lack of versatility in his game when compared to McCluggage, McGrath and Ainsworth he has fallen from a top 2 – 3 prospect mid-year to a pick possibly outside the top 5 depending on Academy bids and the way Carlton draft with their first pick.


So why McCluggage at 1? In a short sentence that you can’t fault his draft year individually. Didn’t achieve the ultimate team success but was the 2016 Morrish Medal winner, accumulated plenty of the ball averaging 29 touches and better than a goal a game for North Ballarat Rebels and was also named the MVP for Vic Country at the Championships.

Hugh accumulates the ball, is a one touch player – doesn’t fumble which will assist in making him a more rounded midfielder, has game smarts and knows how to use them effectively and is a fast thinker but for me and this is where he becomes a prime target for the Bombers his point of difference is the ability to hit the scoreboard which, allowing his chosen team (Essendon or Brisbane presumably) the luxury of letting him mature physically early in his career as a half forward/ midfielder rather than throwing him into the midfield straight away.


Pick 2: GWS – Andrew McGrath
POSITION: Defender/ Midfielder – CLUB: Sandringham Dragons & VIC METRO
HEIGHT: 178 cm, WEIGHT: 77 kg.
DRAFT RANGE: 1 – 2
PLAYS LIKE: Jason Johannisen




There is a reason why GWS pushed so hard in the trade period to improve their early draft position. They were obviously keen to get a look in at the talent pool before any Academy bids came and with pick 2 (unless a bid is made on Setterfield) there plan has worked a treat with at least one of Andrew McGrath (preferred option) and Gippsland’s Ben Ainsworth still available.

It’s not a guarantee that McGrath will be available at selection 2 however should the cards fall that way than McGrath will become a Giant without any hesitation. What he brings is versatility to play in the back half or the midfield, be attacking out of defence and the midfield or play a lock down role on a dangerous small forward (see Ben Ainsworth in 2016 Championships). McGrath plays with maturity and leadership beyond his youth and post Heath Shaw the transition to another smaller rebounding defender is complete in McGrath. They share some distinct similarities in playing styles.

If McGrath is unavailable than GWS will have a good hard look at Ben Ainsworth and would arguably consider him before Hugh McCluggage, with a small forward being an area which GWS have said they were keen to target in the draft.

A natural leader on and off the field and he isn’t afraid to back his talents and take risks which can lead to defensive errors but being that attacking defensive weapon you need that dash of dare, line breaking ability and desire to be creative rather than take the safe option every time. Get him in at GWS and I’m sure he’d learn some good lessons from experienced campaigners like Shaw and Davis.


Pick 3: BRISBANE – Ben AINSWORTH
POSITION: Small Forward/ Midfielder – CLUB: Gippsland Power & VIC COUNTRY
HEIGHT: 178 cm, WEIGHT: 76 kg.
DRAFT RANGE: 2 – 5
PLAYS LIKE: Jamie Elliott



Suits Brisbane’s needs in the draft to a tee and importantly for player retention has expressed a desire to get to the Lions and play along side his Vic Country mate from 2015 in Josh Schache again.

For his size Ainsworth is a terrific contested mark and with his agility and evasiveness at ground level, makes him a tough player to defend. Was seen more as a dynamic small forward before this season began but in his draft year has added another string to his game with increased midfield time, winning more of the ball higher up the ground and proving to be a strong player in the clearances with his smaller but bulky physique.

Would most likely start his early senior career as part of that “mosquito fleet” of smalls that Brisbane have and stay at the feet of the tall forwards and provide spark, creativity, x-factor and goal sense inside the forward 50 that the Lions want and haven’t had as consistently as they’d like from Lewis Taylor and Josh Green.


Pick 4: GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY (Matched Gold Coast bid) – Will SETTERFIELD
POSITION: Tall Midfielder/ Utility – CLUB: Sandringham Dragons & NSW/ ACT
HEIGHT: 190 cm, WEIGHT: 80 kg.
DRAFT RANGE: 1st ROUND BID
PLAYER COMPARISON: David Mundy



Predicting a GWS matched bid here on the Academy listed midfielder Will Setterfield. Thus losing live pick 15 and causing a reshuffle of some second round picks. Re-entering the draft at Pick 39 which will likely get pushed back further after other predicted Academy bid matches on Perryman, Macreadie, Sproule and possibly Cumming.

Setterfield is a classy midfielder who wouldn’t look out of place inside the top few players drafted. Fits the mould of the modern day midfielder and with Gold Coast looking to increase their midfield presence having lost O’Meara, Prestia and Jarrod Garlett, Setterfield ticks the boxes.

Is composed with the ball and skilled in disposal. Belies his lack of physical strength by not being afraid to be an inside midfield presence with high numbers in clearances and tackles.


Pick 5: GOLD COAST – Jack SCRIMSHAW
POSITION: Defender/ Midfielder – CLUB: Sandringham Dragons & VIC METRO
HEIGHT: 193 cm, WEIGHT: 84 kg.
DRAFT RANGE: 4 – 10
PLAYER COMPARISON: Marcus Bontempelli

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKW0ueuWVTM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QAbfATuI1Y

Sat out the first half of the year with injury but when included in the Vic Metro team for the National Championships didn’t look like he’d missed a beat. Had his most effective game against the cross town rivals from Country finishing with 15 touches at an efficiency of 80% with half his touches contested ball. Followed that with a strong performance against South Australia again showing recruiters what they’d missed in the first half of the year and that he was still one of the more talented draftees in this crop.

After the champs at club level with Sandringham he picked up where the left off and found his niche as a rebounding defender where the ball seemed safe in his hands, was calm and composed when under pressure and over the rest of the year averaged 13 handball receives game, second to his team mate McGrath so his team mates look for him, a good quality to have.

There’s a lot of Marcus Bontempelli in Scrimshaw and not just because of the left foot and headband, is agile around the ground for his size and is a quick thinker in traffic, has a burst of speed that creates separation between him and his opposition as a defender peels off and reads the flight of the ball well before rebounds strongly with his penetrating left boot. As a midfielder has great vision and awareness of what’s around him, shows clean hands and ball use and for a taller player he is exceptional below his knees, better at ground level than in the air.

The knock on Scrimshaw would be his ability for his height to play man on man in defence, thus not making a key position option right now because of his slighter body and tending to get out bodied when engaged. Similar to Bontempelli when drafted he is tall and raw, needs some time in the weights room. For a taller player you would expect his overhead game to be stronger as well.


Pick 6: CARLTON – Sam PETREVSKI SETON
POSITION: Outside Midfielder/ half forward – CLUB: Claremont Football Club – WA
HEIGHT: 180 cm, WEIGHT: 73 kg.
DRAFT RANGE: 4 – 10
PLAYER COMPARISON: Shaun Burgoyne

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CriKtUbX4Cw

With Petrevski Seton, Will Brodie and Tim Taranto still available the Blues have a number of quality midfield options to add in for some extra star power behind Cripps, Murphy and Gibbs. The question is whether they look for a contested beast to give Cripps support like Brodie, in the knowledge that with some refining of kinks Charlie Curnow can add that, a balanced midfielder/ forward and like Tarranto or the silk of Petrevski Seton who has openly expressed a desire to play in the home of footy.

In Petrevski Seton Carlton find a silky midfielder that suits their needs, he wants to play in Victoria and Carlton is a team where he can fulfill his potential in that side.

Sam’s been a highly rated player since his efforts in the Under 16 Carnival earlier this decade and was spotted by Kevin Sheehan a noted recruiter as someone that AFL clubs would pursue when eligible. His draft year was interrupted with injuries after a standout bottom age year causing him not to meet his full potential and not being able to gain great exposure at senior level with Claremont in the WAFL. That lack of exposure gives him a distinct disadvantage over someone like a Sam Powell Pepper but his final game in the All Stars clash was a strong and balanced performance, winning 23 disposals, laying 8 tackles and gaining 6 clearances.

Comes in as arguably the most skilled player by foot in the draft, on both sides of the body as well. He has a slighter body but has a burst of speed and creates time and space for himself which leans to think he will play more as an outside wing / half forward early in his senior career but for an attacking player also brings a strong defensive and tackling element to his game.


Pick 7: GOLD COAST – Will BRODIE
POSITION: Inside Midfielder – CLUB: Murray Bushrangers & VIC COUNTRY
HEIGHT: 189 cm, WEIGHT: 82 kg.
DRAFT RANGE: 5 - 10
PLAYER COMPARISON: Josh P. Kennedy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3vB_ILx2mI

Brodie is the most intriguing pick of the early draft. If you want a contested ball winner, who is dependable and can lift his team mates than Brodie is the man you want. Could go anywhere from Carlton’s first pick down to Adelaide and Port’s picks but wouldn’t last much longer than that.

Having lost some youthful midfield power if the Suns can add Scrimshaw, Tarranto, Bowes and Brodie inside the first 10 picks they will be mighty pleased given they’ve also added the senior experience of Barlow and the youthful energy of Jarryd Lyons.

What he does he does extremely well, is a modern day midfielder, his strengths and reliability makes him an attractive option because you can tell what you’ll get from him. Runs to the right areas and supports his team mates as a strong ball winner and extractor for his outside midfielders however my knock on Brodie is the lack of versatility in his game which he will need to get better at. With his already powerful body he needs to develop his forward craft more to be a more damaging player there and add as many different dimensions to his game as possible.


Pick 8: FREMANTLE – Griffin LOGUE
POSITION: KPD/ TALL UTILITY – CLUB: Swan Districts & WESTERN AUSTRALIA
HEIGHT: 191 cm, WEIGHT: 94 kg.
DRAFT RANGE: 1st ROUND
PLAYER COMPARISON: Phil Davis

For a while now my thought process for the Dockers has been behind drafting Tim English but the more attention that Logue has got over the past few weeks it’s hard to see the Dockers passing over the versatile and AFL ready Logue than looking for a ruckman to develop later in the draft.

Logue now has a good season behind him at WAFL level with Swan Districts in 2016 and didn’t look out of his depth playing against older and more mature bodies, being thrown around in different positions to test his skill set even being used as an undersized ruckman.

Arguably the best KPD in the draft but his athleticism, dual position capability as a strong bodied midfielder (ran a 15.1 beep test, finished top 5 in the 3K time trial) and his ability to intercept the play and be a defensive general, has generated a lot of love for him inside the top 10 – 15 picks with a few teams interested including Gold Coast at pick 10, and Sydney showing keen interest.


PICK 9: GOLD COAST – Tim TARRANTO
POSITION: Midfielder/ Forward – CLUB: Sandringham Dragons & VIC METRO
HEIGHT: 186 cm, WEIGHT: 84 kg.
DRAFT RANGE: 4 – 10
PLAYER COMPARISON: Luke Parker

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYCbkaNH0_Q

Tarranto has been a big mover in draft rankings post the final juniors game of the season (NAB All Stars game). The reasoning is largely due to his last 5 games, 4 for the Dragons where they went from winning elimination finalists to premiers (PF: 23 disposals, GF: 31 disposals & 11 tackles) and then a stand out performance in the All Stars game where he not only showed his ability to find the ball but also hit the scoreboard finishing with 19 touches and 4 goals.

His strength is his dual role capacity, something that is viewed very highly by recruiters in a game when players are required to have added dimensions to their game. Is a good size already, is clean and creative around stoppages, something the Suns can use after losing O’Meara and Prestia. In the forward half is where he becomes a weapon that can be used effectively earlier in his senior career rather than throwing him into the midfield mix regularly while his body is still developing.

Doesn’t have breakaway midfield pace and will need to add more size to become a more permanent midfielder however his endurance base is strong, important aspect to consider with fewer rotations and is known to run his opponents into the ground.

Pick 10: GOLD COAST (Matched Carlton bid) – Jack BOWES
POSITION: Balanced Midfielder – CLUB: Surfers Paradise/ Gold Coast Academy & QUEENSLAND
HEIGHT: 187 cm, WEIGHT: 78 kg.
DRAFT RANGE: 1st ROUND BID
PLAYER COMPARISON: Scott Pendlebury

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBKCvmLQE6U

I’m imagining a bid match here from the Suns on the talented midfielder Jack Bowes who has the traits to play senior footy already in 2017. Gold Coast sacrifice their 4th live top 10 pick (between Sydney and North Melbourne) and leave some points up there sleeve for later.

With the Suns aiming to increase midfield depth having lost Prestia and O’Meara in the trade period it’s a no brainer for them to match a Bowes bid and thus forfeit their live pick number 10 in the draft.

Bowes is a top end prospect and ranks highly in the best midfielders of the draft crop – is composed, a clean user of the footy and has a great sense for the game and what’s around him.

Bowes has been around the Suns Academy for a few years now, knows the system well and made the move to the Gold Coast in the last couple of years to be closer to the home base and facilities attached to it and to gain some senior exposure at NEAFL level.

His Under 18 Division 2 Championships saw him named Queensland’s MVP in the Division Two, he copped greater attention from better opposition midfielders when he played for the Allies in Division 1 but wasn’t overwhelmed.


Pick 11: SYDNEY – Jarrod BERRY
POSITION: Tall HBF – CLUB: North Ballarat Rebels – VIC COUNTRY
HEIGHT: 191 cm, WEIGHT: 82 kg.
DRAFT RANGE: 9 – 18
PLAYER COMPARISON: Corey Enright

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=765aSQmYI7w

It does pain me to see “my boy” Berry go before West Coast’s pick however with the emergence of Logue, sliding of Logue and unknown element of Florent I can see the Swans bringing in the general defender Berry here to solidify the back line.

My reasoning for interest at West Coast are the same with why I have him going a couple of picks earlier to Sydney. Berry is a versatile player, best suited to a set up half back type despite his height, his strong performances in combine testing and his impressive leadership qualities.

Athletically strong as proven in the combine testing results he can play half back, midfield and be a marking target in the forward half well. Provides great run and carry with his burst of speed and endurance, is a strong aerialist and intercept marker and wins his own ball.

Placed top 10 at the combine for 3k time trial, repeat sprints, agility, clean hands and kicking tests.


Pick 12: NORTH MELBOURNE – Oliver FLORENT

POSITION: Outside Midfielder/ Half Forward – CLUB: Sandringham Football Club – VIC METRO
HEIGHT: 182 cm, WEIGHT: 74 kg.
DRAFT RANGE: 4 – 13
PLAYER COMPARISON: Josh Kelly

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzR8BRD4RAA

Florent is a smooth moving midfielder who would add pace and class to the North team that has lost a lot of that outside run and classy disposal through being unable to retain Wells and retiring Dal Santo and Harvey.

Florent’s under 18 carnival was quieter than expected, however he still played all 4 games and finished the “grand final” against South Australia with a couple of late sealing goals. Was named best on ground for Team O’Loughlin in the All Stars game and it was arguably his most consistent 4 quarter performance of the year racking up 28 touches, seven clearances and seven inside 50 entries showing his x factor and outside running power.

Florent’s strength is his class and versatility to change from forward to midfield. On the outside and inside 50 he finds space and is a weapon as a link up player. When playing forward he isn’t a goal kicker of note and his radar can be off but he creates space, marks strongly overhead and uses his team mates.

In the midfield particularly on the inside he has great awareness and vision of what’s around him and is prepared to send the ball to attacking areas. His a clean ball handler below his knees and largely a one touch player who is evasive around the ground. Has the ability to lift when a game is on the line and wants to be involved in the big moments.


Pick 13: WEST COAST EAGLES – Sam POWELL PEPPER
POSITION: Inside Midfielder – CLUB: East Perth Football Club – WA
HEIGHT: 187 cm, WEIGHT: 90 kg
DRAFT RANGE: 1st to 2nd ROUND
PLAYER COMPARISON: Dustin Martin

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEMMhc6krYk

The time has arrived for me to put my Eagles cap on. In an ideal situation for me West Coast land Jarrod Berry but in a wat Freo’s non drafting of English stuffs that plan royally.

I’m a big Jy Simpikin fan as well and West Coast’s needs for a genuine small forward are apparent so the possibility of Simpkin landing here is genuine but obviously comes with the risk of Simpkin missing the majority of 2016 with a broken leg that has hasn’t led to a smooth recovery and rehabilitation period.

West Coast’s needs to add some midfield power are also apparent however and with local boy Sam Powell Pepper or affectionately known as “The Shaker” he will be hard to bypass. Already a powerful size which gives him a good chance of an early debut and had some good exposure at senior WAFL level in 2016 with East Perth, the West Coast feeder WAFL club and kept AFL listed players in the reserves.

A real bull at a gate midfielder who loves a contest and works hard to get the ball moving in his team’s direction Sam tested well at the Combine being the only potential draftee to rack up a perfect score in the goal kicking test, running a 14.7 beep test so his gut running power is good and he ranked third for the agility test.

His weakness is a common thing in young midfielders who specialise in contested work and that is his disposal efficiency. With his bash and crash style and desire to move the ball forward at all opportunities it can be risky and cause turnovers.


Pick 14: ADELAIDE – Daniel VENABLES
POSITION: Balanced Midfielder/ HFF – CLUB: Western Jets – VIC METRO
HEIGHT: 185 cm, WEIGHT: 82 kg
DRAFT RANGE: 1st to 2nd ROUND
PLAYER COMPARISON: Luke Shuey

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsQNphr8aGI

Been well documented that Adelaide are looking to bolster there midfield early in the draft. They have honest hard workers on the inside like Matt Crouch, Scott Thompson who is probably heading into his final season, the injury prone but very talented Brad Crouch and the star factor in Rory Sloane but what they seem to lack is genuine x factor and a burst of speed from the contest like they lost when Patrick Dangerfield went to Geelong and can’t get enough of that consistently from Brad Crouch.

A challenging season for Venables due to injury which ruled him out of combine testing and inconsistent form, however showed genuine excitement and x factor with his speed, ability to burst away from the midfield and hit the scoreboard. Loves to be involved in the big moments and played a hand in the final 2 goals of Metro’s win against Country in the Championships.

That speed and ability to burst away and take the game on is something that the Crows will be looking to inject into their 2017 playing roster and he will be able to make an immediate impact in that midfield alongside the fleet of foot Brad Crouch. Likely starts his senior career as a half forward with the capacity to spend minutes in the midfield.


PICK 15: PORT ADELAIDE – Will HAYWARD
Position: Midfielder/ Forward – CLUB: North Adelaide & SA
Height: 185 cm, Weight 77 kg.
DRAFT RANGE: 1st to 2nd ROUND
PLAYER COMPARISON: James Siciliy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUNxdrn6OY0

Think the Power will feel comfortable selecting the local South Australian lad in Hayward here with the view of a succession plan in the forward half for Angus Monfries.

Hayward seems to be a player who thrives on the contest and loves to deliver on the big stage, finishing his Under 18 season with North Adelaide strongly playing predominantly as a medium sized forward who creates separation off the mark, gets to the front position, reads the flight of the ball and marks strongly overhead for a 6’2ish player. At ground level he is clean and agile providing strong scoreboard impact.

9 goals in the SANFL Under 18 Preliminary final got his side into the Grand Final and then kicked 4 goals in the Grand Final when his tea were beaten in bizarre circumstances after the final siren. With his size he could slot into the Power’s best 22 in 2017 and will certainly put pressure on someone like Monfries from SANFL level.


PICK 16: BRISBANE – Alex WITHERDEN
POSITION: Rebounding Defender – CLUB: Geelong Falcons
HEIGHT: 186 cm, WEIGHT: 80 kg.
DRAFT RANGE: 1st to 2nd ROUND
PLAYER COMPARISON: TBA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGFxw2GS8U4

With Brisbane already lacking quality rebounders from the back half than on top of that the loss of Hanley who could play that role also than Witherden would add much needed class by foot to Brisbane’s back half and midfield when ready physically.

Will need some time and patience as he builds up his endurance again having missed the majority of season 2016 after a broken leg in school football. His recovery has been straight forward and by the start of pre-season he will be ready to take part.

Due to his time out of the game he will need to improve his running but as an attacking half-back he brings polish and class with his ball use and loves to have the ball in his hands. Is a nice size already with his height making him available to play on medium to small forwards.


PICK 17: PORT ADELAIDE – Josh BATTLE
POSITION: KPF/ 3rd tall forward – CLUB: Dandenong Stringrays & VIC COUNTRY
HEIGHT: 192 cm, WEIGHT: 90 kg.
DRAFT RANGE: 1st to 2nd ROUND
PLAYER COMPARISON: Jack Darling

Not your typical KPF size and arguably isn’t the best KPF in the draft either with Todd Marshall likely to hold that title but any club that drafts Marshall, like Tim English, need to be prepared to be patient and give them time to develop physically. You can argue that the Power don’t have that time on their side right now after the delisting/ retirement of Schulz and are wanting a player that they can consider if Dixon, Ryder or Westhoff are missing hence the interest in mature age SANFL product Brett Eddy later on in the draft as well.

What Battle lacks in height he makes up for in endurance and works his defender up and down the ground which will be more efficient on larger AFL grounds rather than shorter TAC Cup ovals.

Is an efficient set shot for goal and used his larger body and endurance to his advantage for the Stringrays and Vic Country, slotting 24 goals from 8 games for Dandenong and 11 goals in the Nationals for Vic Country.


PICK 17: WESTERN BULLDOGS – Tim ENGLISH
POSITION: Ruck – CLUB: South Fremantle & WA
HEIGHT: 205 cm, WEIGHT: 90 kg.
DRAFT RANGE: 1st ROUND
PLAYER COMPARISON: Dean Cox, Current: Rory Lobb (when drafted)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9UBcgRKTXk

The reigning premier will welcome back some class in 2017 with Rob Murphy ready early in the season however with players like Murphy, Matt Boyd and Morris nearing the end of there careers a general defender who can kick and control the back six will be viewed as a need. If available they won’t go past a Jarrod Berry or Alex Witherden, maybe even Coburg’s Luke Ryan is a second round option.

I think English is a good fit for the Bulldogs however particularly with Minson now delisted, there only other senior listed ruckman is Tom Campbell. Jordan Roughead and Tom Boyd have battled well and long term I can see Roughead continuing as a ruckman and working closely under assistant coach and former Cats ruckman Steven King at the Bulldogs after being tried and tested as a KPD in the past. No doubt the duke Darce will try and get in his ear to but I digress.

English is the definition of a raw ruckman in this draft but has ground level ability and skill set of another midfielder. Crafted his junior game as a midfielder before a large growth spurt in his developing teenage years led to a role change. That role change hasn’t impacted his knowledge and craft of the midfield game, his skills for a big man are superb and he hasn’t lose the agility or ground level work as a ruckman but that will be tested more regularly on larger grounds and against men. For a raw ruckman still learning the craft his tap work has developed well, it still requires work and with extra body size that will come to.

Will need the time and chance to develop properly so the Bulldog’s won’t pin all there future ruck hopes on English from this draft, they will probably need to bring in another ready-made ruckman later in the draft or as a rookie, but his raw ability and game sense make him an enticing project ruck that is worth the first round punt.


PICK 18: SYDNEY – Jy SIMPKIN
POSITION: Small Forward/ Outside Midfielder – CLUB: Murray Bushrangers
HEIGHT: 182 cm, WEIGHT: 75 kg.
DRAFT RANGE: 1st to 2nd ROUND
PLAYER COMPARISON: Shane Edwards

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gY9w6QfKiwA

What I've read links Sipkin to the Swans already pick 9 so for him to be availbale still at 19 will be a blessing for the Swans.

Like Witherden it is hard to assess Simpkin’s draft range because of a broken leg and the complication of it that have caused him to miss the majority of his draft year and the combine testing, as such has fallen down phantom draft pecking orders where before the season he was a genuine top 5 – 10 prospect.

Will require time, patience and exposure at NEAFL level before promotion to the senior side but is a creative smaller forward with ability in time to play outside midfield, possesses breakaway speed, x factor, good vision and sense around goal and makes good decisions with the ball in hand.

 

[getgaff]

Pick 20: ESSENDON – Todd MARSHALL
Position: Key Position Forward – CLUB: Murray Bushrangers & NSW/ ACT
Height: 197 cm, Weight 86 kg.



Why: The Bombers need some high quality tall forwards to partner longer term with Daniher.

This has been addressed somewhat with the acquisition of James Stewart from GWS who has age on his side, they’ll get Hooker back from suspension in 2017 and for what its worth I rate Mitch Brown (not the ex Eagle) as a forward swingman also.

Marshall is very raw and will need time and patience to mature physically but when he gets it right he will be able to deliver in spades. On talent alone is the best KPF in the draft crop while for a player of his size his ability at ground level is exceptional and a rare trait for someone that size and his contested overhead marking is strong.


Pick 21: GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY (Brisbane bid) – Harry PERRYMAN
Position: Midfielder/ Half Forward – CLUB: Collingullie Football Club – NSW/ ACT
Height: 184 cm, Weight 76 kg.



The second of what I’m predicting to be 4 match bids from GWS.

Has become known as the most natural footballer of the draft crop and if they happen to miss McGrath with pick 2 they have a ready-made midfielder/ defender in Perryman to add to the list.

Not overly quick by foot but makes up for the lack of speed with game smarts and an ability to play midfield, forward or as a general defender.

Winner of not only the MVP for NSW/ ACT at the Division 2 Championships but also for the Allies in Division One.


Pick 22: BRISBANE – Jordan GALLUCI
Position: Midfield Utility – CLUB: Eastern Ranges Football Club & VIC METRO
Height: 180 cm, Weight 78 kg.



Galluci is a player that will add some explosive pace and damaging star power to the future Lions midfield.

Long term probably becomes more of an outside wing/ half forward type where his breakaway speed on the inside and outside to generate clearances, agility and dual position ability around the ground and his ability accumulate the ball make him an attractive midfield prospect for Brisbane.

Athletically strong he tested well at the combine, breaking the record for the standing vertical leap and won the repeat sprint tests. His repeat sprinting and strength in the standing vertical leap could mean he is capable of filling multiple future roles.


Pick 23: BRISBANE – Jordan RIDLEY
POSITION: Tall Utility – CLUB: Oakleigh Chargers & VIC METRO
HEIGHT: 192 cm, WEIGHT: 80 kg.



A mobile defender similar in a way to Tom Cutler, Ridley is already a good size and has the ability to play multiple defensive roles or move through the midfield.

What will attract him as a player to Brisbane is that he makes good decisions with the ball in hand and is a good disposer of the ball by foot, lending to think in time he will become either a distributing defender or midfielder and allowing Alex Witherden (if drafted) more time to fully recover from his broken leg.

His versatility and athleticism are key parts of his game and make him an exciting player in that late first to early second round group. As a defender he reads the play well and chops out his fellow defenders as an intercept marker or by providing numbers to the contest.

Rounds out Brisbane’s 4 picks inside the top 25 well however like a lot of the taller draftees will look to add some size to his body early and develop in the NEAFL against men.


Pick 24: ST. KILDA – Shai BOLTON
POSITION: Half Forward/ Midfielder – CLUB: South Fremantle & WESTERN AUSTRALIA
HEIGHT: 175 cm, WEIGHT: 69 kg.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45RcgmItFoA

St. Kilda enter the draft here and after adding some inside midfield power with Jack Steele and Koby Stevens during the trade period they hunt a high quality outside midfielder with a bit of toe that can hit the scoreboard as well in Bolton.

Not afraid to back in his talents Bolton loves to run and carry with the ball. Has that burst of early speed that is common in young indigenous players and can make the impossible goal or freakish moment happen.

A one touch player who can collect the ground level ball at speed he is still light bodied and his kicking efficiency could do with some tidying up but his rapid improvement in 2016 has made clubs stand and take notice of him.


Pick 25: GEELONG – Cedric COX
Position: Small Defender/ Midfielder – CLUB: North Ballarat Rebels & VIC COUNTRY via WA
Height: 181 cm, Weight 79 kg.
DRAFT RANGE: 1st to 2nd ROUND



Geelong enter the draft at 25 with some needs to meet. One is for a key forward, one for some younger midfield star power and another for a defensive general to replace the recently retired Corey Enright and the veteran defender Andrew Mackie. They’ll welcome back Jackson Thurlow in 2017 and gained Zach Tuohy from Carlton but with the “local” product Cedric Cox from Camperdown available they can add to this list of defenders while gaining some possible outside midfield star power to go alongside Nakia Cockatoo.

His draft year, from where he came from has been super impressive and has largely come about from a move of states from Halls Creek in WA to Camperdown in Victoria where he was able to slot into the North Ballarat TAC Cup and VFL system easily.

Works hard and has some serious speed generating a lot of forward attacks with run and carry followed by a neat kick on both sides of the body. Can be used higher up the ground as well where his game sense and that run and carry game style make him a dangerous player.


Pick 26: CARLTON – Patrick KERR
POSITION: Key Position Forward – CLUB: Oakleigh Chargers & VIC METRO
HEIGHT: 194 cm, WEIGHT: 93 kg.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJQYJnRhLSI

The final of the big three 18 year old tall forwards there’s a romance in Kerr landing at Carlton with the family being involved around club for a couple of generations past. Another key tall forward to support Charlie Curnow (becomes a possible midfielder), Harry McKay and Jack Silvagni (medium/ tall) from the 2016 draft will see Carlton interested in drafting one of Battle, Marshall and Kerr if still available in the mid 20’s.

He has a strong forward presence about him but despite his size is more of a lead up to the footy tall forward than one who will want to engage his defender physically. Took the most marks on the lead in the State 18’s carnival and is a strong mark and kick for goal.

The knock on him is his pace which could play against him at the draft but did run a 3.03 second over 20 metres at the combine, his agility didn’t rate high either.


Pick 27: WESTERN BULLDOGS – Brennan COX
POSITION: Key Position Defender – CLUB: Woodville West Torrens & SOUTH AUSTRALIA
HEIGHT: 193 cm, WEIGHT: 92 kg.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJ85ihuZjKw

Went for the ruckman early at the Bulldogs now searching for a general defender and the athletic Cox who is big enough to play Key Position Defence while intercept marking and providing run from the back half fits the bill.

All Australian defender in 2016 and with his powerful body gets to the front position and isn’t beaten in one on one contests regularly, making good decisions under pressure and showing composure beyond his youth. Adding him into the Bulldogs key defensive stocks provides some insurance that was lost in Joel Hamling and gives good reasoning to persevere with Jordan Roughead as a mobile ruckman.

Got some good exposure at SANFL reserves level in 2016 playing against more mature bodied playing around half a season there and although he has the body to make an immediate impact can be developed more and tailored to use as a lock down and or general defer post the careers of Murphy, Morris and Matt Boyd.


Pick 28: RICHMOND – Josh ROTHAM
POSITION: Tall Defender – CLUB: West Perth Football Club & WESTERN AUSTRALIA
HEIGHT: 192 cm, WEIGHT: 77 kg.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63Ke_C3Xqzs

Richmond enter the draft here after what turned out to be a fruitful trade period in the end. They lost Vickery but gained Nankervis who is probablt a stronger ruck prospect but had limited exposure as a forward compared to Vickery. Losing Deledio is a sour pill to swallow but the facts are that he was very open to a trade and in my opinion the Togers were compensated well by GWS. The additions of Caddy and Prestia into their midfield is big and takes a lot of pressure off Cotchin and Martin in particular.

Rotham ticks a couple of boxes for the Tigers being a quality young player and has attributes that can make him another general defender to work with Bachar Houli and possibly Chris Yarran.

Although a taller defender he is flexible and athletic enough to play tall or small and more importantly breaks lines with run and carry and uses the ball well from defence, lending to think he could transform into a more taller outside wingman in the future. Isn’t rushed with the ball in hand and could be a steal at pick 28 after being passed over by a number of clubs earlier in the second round.

Will need to build his endurance if he wants to become a more permanent midfielder but did run a sub 3 second 20 metre sprint at the combine.


Pick 29: GWS (match Collingwood bid) – Harrison MACREADIE
POSITION: Key Position Defender – CLUB: Henty & NEW SOUTH WALES
HEIGHT: 196 cm, WEIGHT: 91 kg.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzj0audEs8g

A bid around here sits right and would be enough to cause a matched bid from GWS. Think the 4 bid matches without question are Setterfield, Perryman, Macreadie and Sproule. The rest are wait and see where a bid lands and if it’s too early a bid or stockpiling an already strong area e.g. midfield than an unmatched bid is OK.

Macreadie who has been a slider in the draft boards during his draft year due to injury and inconsistent form. Earlier in the year was rated a top 5 – 10 prospect and expected an early bid to match for GWS but at pick 29 having already locked in McGrath (smaller defender), Perryman (utility) and Setterfield (tall midfielder) another area to add is a key defender for the post Phil Davis era.


Pick 30: COLLINGWOOD – Jack MAIBAUM
POSITION: Key Position Defender – CLUB: Eastern Ranges & VIC METRO
HEIGHT: 192 cm, WEIGHT: 91 kg.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2FeViNgyag

The Magpies enter the draft with some needs to fix including finding some young key position players to develop at both ends, add some leadership and midfield star power but can expect a bid to be matched for Macreadie. Wouldn’t surprise me either to see the Magpies draft an “inside midfielder” like Drew, Scharenberg or Clarke here also or have used the pick to match a second round bid for Callum Brown if it comes.

Maibum is a lock and load key defender who the Magpies can build a defence around for the next 10 – 15 years. His strength is in one on one contests having held his own against bigger bodied forwards like Schache and Curnow as an under ager in 2015.

Having lost taller defenders in Brown and Frost (trade/ free agency) and Marsh (to the WAFL is my guess) there stocks are lower in key defence but will be boosted by the return of Lachlan Keeffe from suspension, a player capable of playing key position defence.

 

[getgaff]

THIRD ROUND RESERVED

 

[getgaff]

FOURTH ROUND RESERVED

 

[getgaff]

FIFTH ROUND RESERVED

 

[getgaff]

LATER ROUNDS

 

[adammania9]

I like it (one thing I don't like is Collingwood finishing 14th )

Ainsworth to Suns is interesting, a year after they drafted Ah Chee in the first round. I see GC sorting out some defensive issues instead by selecting a Scrimshaw, Berry or Rotham

Jonty is perfect for Hawthorn and I'd be very worried should he land at their feet.

 

[getgaff]

I like it (one thing I don't like is Collingwood finishing 14th )

Ainsworth to Suns is interesting, a year after they drafted Ah Chee in the first round. I see GC sorting out some defensive issues instead by selecting a Scrimshaw, Berry or Rotham

Jonty is perfect for Hawthorn and I'd be very worried should he land at their feet.

Cheers for the feedback Adam, don't worry about the ladder positioning either as the Pies now have an extra win I hadn't factored for against GWS.

Ainsworth was one i mulled over a bit but am nowhere near settled on. I'd be more inclined to prodict Ben in the navy blue of Carlton than Gold Coast red, white and blue but it depends largely on where bids land to.

Went against McCluggage there because of the likely Academy inclusions of Bowes and Scheer and if recent drafts are anything to go on (Martin, Garlett, Ah Chee) than Ainsworth is a Scott Clayton special.

Suns have form in picking those type of players early but again I'd have a few others in the mix and wouldn't be surprised if it was Dan Venables as a mid/ forward, taller defenders in Jack Scrimshaw or Jarrod Berry or even a smaller lock down defender (stocks are low) like Andrew McGrath.

 

[blueiris]

As much I'd love SPS is he considered a flight risk? We need to get our pick right we can't afford to let another top 10 pick leave the Lions in 2 years

 

[mattyc75]

Would be happy if the eagles pick Powell pepper, we need some more power through the midfield.

Sent from my E6653 using Tapatalk

 

[getgaff]

As much I'd love SPS is he considered a flight risk? We need to get our pick right we can't afford to let another top 10 pick leave the Lions in 2 years

Your right in your assumption about SPS and the flight risk talk. My opinion is right now its between Brodie and SPS at pick 1 if Brisbane holds it.

In SPS you get the "sexier" pick whereas Brodie is a safe and dependable option that you can bank on to play straight away. A player who if there was a first clearance winner market would be short priced regularly and will allow his chosen team midfield ascendancy whereas SPS is the more outside and flashy HF/ wingman excitement machine, particularly early in his AFL career.

My mind will change numerous times between now and the draft but it all depends on what Brisbane want I guess.

 

[coniglio_number1]

I thought SPS was a lions supporter and already said he would like to play for brisbane

 

[Hutchy Jnr]

FIRST ROUND

Selection 1: BRISBANE - Sam Petrevski Seton
Position: Midfielder/ half forward ~ CLUB: Claremont Football Club, WA
Height: 181 cm, Weight 76 kg.

Think the early draft will be filled more with midfielders/ smaller players apart from Todd Marshall and Harrison MacReadie (GWS ACAD).

My leaning for Brisbane if they hold pick one is that it will come down to the bankable, contested ball winning midfielder in Will Brodie or the midfielder with a bit of x factor but possibly taking more of a risk in Sam Petrevski Seton.

If there was a betting market for things like first effective clearance in a game than Brodie would always be favoured highly in that market. His the modern day midfielder, taller and with a strong body, hard at the contest and competitive with his bigger size making him even harder to bring down at juniors level. Uses his strength to great effect by manoeuvring through contested situations and stoppages and sets his team mates up with fast hands. His a bankable number one pick, ready made to move into a senior midfield and will be a big game player around the contest for many years to come.

You look at Petrevski Seton and you see brilliance and daring play but in a much smaller package size. His smaller size makes him more of a outside HF/ wing prospect initially but his class by foot on both sides and pressure both offensively and defensively make him a damn exciting player, arguably the most exciting in the draft crop.

SPS is the development pick so a punt would be taken with pick 1 and also comes with the anticipation of being a “flight risk” away from his loved ones but right now I’d say Brisbane need to do their best to factor that equation out and select the player they think is the best available. Will bring much needed outside class, x factor and sharpness to a team in need of a spark.


Other possibilities: Obviously Will Brodie is the most likely other midfield option along with the potential for McCluggage but he is a work in progress.

Looking at non-midfield options there is Todd Marshall the key forward from NSW who impressed in the Division 2 championships for NSW/ ACT, then played also for the Allies in the Division 1 Championships or Harrison Macreadie the key defender also from NSW linked with the Giants via their Academy.

Another academy prospect to be considered is QLD’s Jack Bowes from the Gold Coast Academy but I’d imagine any bid placed would be swiftly matched by the Gold Coast recruiting staff.


Selection 2: ESSENDON - Will Brodie
Position: Inside Midfielder ~ CLUB: Murray Bushrangers, VIC COUNTRY
Height: 189 cm, Weight 82 kg.

If the Bombers happen to secure and hold pick 2 and Brodie is still on the boards than they have a decision to make on whether to go midfield or tall forward in a plan to work alongside Joe Daniher.

I’ve covered Brodie’s qualities in the Brisbane Lions at pick 1 but I think to get Parish (2015) and Brodie (2016) with their first selections in the past two drafts that goes a long way to securing a midfield future, when you consider Zach Merrett who is relatively young in age also.

A really bankable type, you know what you’ll get from Will and for a midfield that may end up without the inside work of Jobe Watson in 2017 than in Brodie they get a Watson type inside midfielder that they can can either chose to develop through the VFL or he can play senior footy straight away as shown in a couple of AFL Academy games against VFL sides. Not blessed with outside dash but he will hunt the ball and feed it to his team mates.

The other midfield option for the Bombers to consider is Hugh McCluggage from the North Ballarat Rebels. Like Brodie doesn’t have that outside burst of electric speed but is elusive and difficult to bring down in a tackle. Had an interrupted pre season due to a back injury but found his groove in the TAC Cup early in 2016. Not the bankable pick that Brodie is due to a smaller body size but is a smart and smooth midfield operator.

Other possibilities: Hugh McCluggage, Todd Marshall - KPF from NSW to work alongside Daniher

Selection 3: GWS (Fremantle bid) - Harrison Macreadie
Selection 4: FREMANTLE - Todd Marshall
Selection 5: GOLD COAST - Ben Ainsworth
Selection 6: GOLD COAST (St. Kilda bid) - Jack Bowes
Selection 7: St. KILDA - Hugh McCluggage
Selection 8: RICHMOND - Andrew McGrath
Selection 9: CARLTON - Daniel Venables
Selection 10: PORT ADELAIDE - Jarrod Berry

Selection 11: GWS (North Melbourne bid) - Will Setterfield
Selection 12: GWS (North Melbourne bid) - Harry Perryman
Selection 13: NORTH MELBOURNE - Jordan Galluci
Selection 14: WEST COAST - Sam Powell Pepper
Selection 15: SYDNEY - Josh Rotham
Selection 16: WESTERN BULLDOGS - Jack Scrimshaw
Selection 17: GOLD COAST (Hawthorn bid) - Bradley Scheer
Selection 18: HAWTHORN - Jonty Scharenberg
Selection 19: ADELAIDE - Jack Graham

**ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION PICKS**

Great Phantom!
Graham to Adelaide will be happen if he is available! Thompson on the outer, not sure how long left. Thinking 2 max years. Graham straight swap? I don't think the Crouch Brothers will hang around much longer. With Graham in the mid, he will be their number 1 inside/in and under/knees muddy player. The new age Thomo

 

[JD Tomahawk]

What caught my eye straight away is jonty to the Hawks. This can't happen. They've had a good run at it. Would like to see him land at Brisbane or even Richmond. My pick of the draft.

 

[getgaff]

What caught my eye straight away is jonty to the Hawks. This can't happen. They've had a good run at it. Would like to see him land at Brisbane or even Richmond. My pick of the draft.

Cheers for the feedback Tomahawk. How i'm seeing it right now is Hawthorn will target an inside midfielder with there first pick to restock a midfield that is ageing. The other option particularly with the uncertainty around Roughead's future is they target another genuine tall forward.

Might be just my opinion but they are heavily reliant upon Gunston as the tall forward at the moment, he's fortunate to have small forward dynamos around him like Rioli, Puopolo and Bruest along with the undersized but strong overhead Sicily and a resting ruck.

I'm still waiting on my judgement of O'Brien who has the x factor but is inconsistent at the moment. If he stays fit they're on a good thing with Ryan Burton and than you have Fitzpatrick and Schoenmakers who are handy depth but particularly in Fitzpatrick they are not key targets. Maybe the Hawks will make a big play for an out of favour key forward or even Jenkins?

 

[getgaff]

Great Phantom!
Graham to Adelaide will be happen if he is available! Thompson on the outer, not sure how long left. Thinking 2 max years. Graham straight swap? I don't think the Crouch Brothers will hang around much longer. With Graham in the mid, he will be their number 1 inside/in and under/knees muddy player. The new age Thomo

Cheers Hutchy and I agree with your thoughts on Graham. Versatile enough to play off HB also but has been a hard body at the contests and was a strong leader of the SA state 18s side.

If Graham's available I can't see the Crows recruiting staff sitting on the decision for long, same with Jonty Scharenberg if he is available, they like getting into the local talent but have had rewards from punts on Vic Country players in recent drafts like the Crouch boys and Lever to name a few.

For me the Crows have a well rounded side right now. Powerful forward line, good talent in tall defence (possibly lack of depth in numbers but), lock down players, distributors and ball magnets in the back half in Laird, Smith, Brown and Seedsman to name a few. A fit Curtly Hampton who is a very exciting player wouldn't get a shot in there strongest 22 right now.

The midfield is maybe a focus area where they can look at getting some more outside run and carry or a inside midfielder with breakaway pace. There's another two contested, big bodied mids from SA that came out of the 2013 draft in Luke Dunstan and Trent Dumont. These guys will both be looked at and linked strongly to the Crows when there current contracts expire.

 

[getgaff]

I thought SPS was a lions supporter and already said he would like to play for brisbane

I'm aware of that being the case with Schache but hadn't heard that about SPS. If its true than its a massive boost for the Lions.

 

[JD Tomahawk]

Cheers for the feedback Tomahawk. How i'm seeing it right now is Hawthorn will target an inside midfielder with there first pick to restock a midfield that is ageing. The other option particularly with the uncertainty around Roughead's future is they target another genuine tall forward.

Might be just my opinion but they are heavily reliant upon Gunston as the tall forward at the moment, he's fortunate to have small forward dynamos around him like Rioli, Puopolo and Bruest along with the undersized but strong overhead Sicily and a resting ruck.

I'm still waiting on my judgement of O'Brien who has the x factor but is inconsistent at the moment. If he stays fit they're on a good thing with Ryan Burton and than you have Fitzpatrick and Schoenmakers who are handy depth but particularly in Fitzpatrick they are not key targets. Maybe the Hawks will make a big play for an out of favour key forward or even Jenkins?

Yeh they do need both an inside mid and another key forward, just to develop in the magoos for a year or two. I think they will go inside mid first because they don't have much coming up in that area really, might try sneak up the draft order to snag one of the forwards that fall through to the 2nd round. as you said they do have some young guys coming on in the forward line, O brien could be a gun if he can find consistency. Would be good to see Burton. Jenkins age may be a factor unless the Hawks think their next crop of mids can keep the dynasty going. Which I don't think they can.

 

[Leuy LongerCombo]

What caught my eye straight away is jonty to the Hawks. This can't happen. They've had a good run at it. Would like to see him land at Brisbane or even Richmond. My pick of the draft.

Was only looking him up the others day thinking he'd be a good fit for us too, looks like a great prospect. Would like to see us go class with our first selection McCluggage / Petrevski Seton and try and land Jonty with our second.

The draft seems to be shaping really nicely, looks like it's going to have decent prospect all through out.

 

[JD Tomahawk]

Was only looking him up the others day thinking he'd be a good fit for us too, looks like a great prospect. Would like to see us go class with our first selection McCluggage / Petrevski Seton and try and land Jonty with our second.

The draft seems to be shaping really nicely, looks like it's going to have decent prospect all through out.

It is. Whatever pick the lions end up with and whoever they use it on will be the right choice at the time. Only in hindsight could it be viewed as wrong/unlucky. All 18 would love one of those 2 prospects I'd recon.

 

[getgaff]

Was only looking him up the others day thinking he'd be a good fit for us too, looks like a great prospect. Would like to see us go class with our first selection McCluggage / Petrevski Seton and try and land Jonty with our second.

The draft seems to be shaping really nicely, looks like it's going to have decent prospect all through out.

If you don't get to land Jonty you have a real beauty in Rhys Mathieson as an inside mid. Won't offer much class and skill on the outside but inside as a tackling machine and clearance winner he rates highly from the 2015 draft crop in my opinion.

There's some definite areas of improvement in his game but getting him when you did in the 2015 draft was a steal.

 

[Leuy LongerCombo]

It is. Whatever pick the lions end up with and whoever they use it on will be the right choice at the time. Only in hindsight could it be viewed as wrong/unlucky. All 18 would love one of those 2 prospects I'd recon.

McCluggage is getting hard to ingnore with his performances, but I personally still like SPS, his added speed and tackling pressure is something we really lack, would be happy with either with how they're going thou.

If you don't get to land Jonty you have a real beauty in Rhys Mathieson as an inside mid. Won't offer much class and skill on the outside but inside as a tackling machine and clearance winner he rates highly from the 2015 draft crop in my opinion.

There's some definite areas of improvement in his game but getting him when you did in the 2015 draft was a steal.

Mathieson is showing early signs and looking like a decent bargain, happy with his selection. Would still like to add a couple of similar types over the next few drafts thou.

 

[avishka5]

getgaff do you think jonty would be on the eagles radar. if we finish say top 5 or 6, he should go around then. Classy inside mid with good disposals and great clearance player. at 185cm he should fill out to a priddis size. I have seen a comparison to sheed somewhere and i think thats the type we need. SPP looks awesome but his kicking is questionable and the more i read about him, the less im convinced that he will make it as a full time mid at AFL. What we need now and going into the future is some really classy on ballers.

 

[getgaff]

avishka5 Jonty is someone we will have to consider thoughtfully and do our due recruiting diligence on before the draft.

I'm also really keen on Jy Simpkin but given his interrupted draft year there is a risk in going that way.

My next mock update won't have SPP in the 1st Round anymore. Been overtaken by Scrimshaw in my draft