After watching the praccie match I just wanted to add my 2 bobs worth:
I rate Flint is ahead of Bannister, Sporn, Wiggins and maybe Teague. Looks like a 190cmish type, needs bulk as pointed out but knows excatly how to play down back, both deep and up the ground, which Livo, Bannister, Wiggins, Sporn, Prendergast and Deluca don't seem be able to do when down there in the past.
Blackwell looks good against Bentick - they are fighting for the same spot and are similar types but I rate both. I like the look of Blackwell and his development is impressive thus far. Not far off is Blackwell.
Batson needs times. Leave it at that. Huge though!
Jackson is only 80kg so ofcourse he's not big enough and strong enough yet so let's just give him a go first. He can play and will be a very good midfielder in a year or two, maybe earlier. First rate attack, endurance and attitude. Skills are fine but was probably rushed too much in a step up from the TAC Cup. He will adjust. Again, I don't find his pace or skill an issue.
Walker's kicking still looks wobbly, he looks great and is big at 190cm and 91kg now. Will have a fine year but some need to be a bit more realistic when appraising his kicking and general skills earlier in the season. They aren't sublime and need lots of work, but that goes for most youngsters. No need to panic with AW, he's a gem! A big plus with him is his confidence is up and it looks like he will get the chance early to settle on a back-flank and wing and play an attacking brand.
Russell doesn't need to go into packs just yet. Not his style and wasn't when we drafted him so we shouldn't be asking him to do it now. He may become more inside as he develops. Does look bigger and taller and confidence is up. Ready.
Aisake looks awesome, very impressive. can see what TD was telling me about with him. Is a jet! His brother looks good, very explosive and contests well. Both are much better than Deluca. Both are rapidly improving.
Bryan is going very well. Just my opinion and I know many will disagree with me but I rate him ahead of Deluca and McLaren for the back-up ruck and tall forward roles. I think he has more natural ability than those two and looks better when up forward and in the ruck. Is bigger and stronger now and learning quickly.
Betts to play more midfield this year. He, Simpson, Russell and Walker have real toe and I just hope they all remain injury free and develop well.
Some struggling players are Teague, Sporn, Deluca, Wiggins, Bannister, Davies. Prendergast is still the same - mobile, fit, big, tall but skills are shabby and doesn't mark much above his head. None are in my best 22 at this stage. Livo is in this category too but sneeks in because of his height and size and fact that Saddington is injured and Hartlett, Bower and Edwards are still developing.
Would love to see Bower and Edwards given some decent time during the NAB Cup, they are very impressive youngsters who have slotted in nicely. I'm sure the Pagan and his band are excited by them. Both different but have nice size, attack on the footy, pace and versatility.