Dukes Of Hurley
Team Captain
1. St Kilda – Patrick McCartin
Geelong Falcons
Height: 193 cm
Weight: 95 kg
Position: Key forward
Player comparison: Brendan Fevola (without the baggage)
Strengths: One on one, goal kicking, marking in general
Areas needing improvement: Working up the ground, defensive pressure
McCartin is my favourite of the key position crop this year, as he is consistently the most dominant. As a 17-year-old in the Championships last year, McCartin showed he is one of the better pack marks to come through since Jack Riewoldt. His marking is so strong, as he can win in the air, in a wrestle and on the lead. He’s got a bit of leg speed, so he makes one metre gaps into two or three on the lead. He really showed that against Gippsland, when he kicked 6.4. Many of his shots came from smart leads that became easy uncontested marks. His work rate, timing and special awareness makes him one of those rare forwards who can create easy opportunities for himself. McCartin is also an excellent shot on goal, with set shots being one of his biggest draw cards. His health is of no real concern, as he has dealt with type one diabetes for over 10 years.
2. Melbourne – Christian Petracca
Eastern Ranges
Height: 186 cm
Weight: 92 kg
Position: Forward/midfielder
Player comparison: Chad Wingard/Josh Kennedy (Swans)
Strengths: Contested marking, contested ball winning, hitting the scoreboard, delivery into the 50
Areas needing improvement: Cleaner disposal
Petracca has been my favourite in the draft since the first round of TAC Cup in 2013. There is nothing this man can’t do. He kicked over 40 goals last year in the same forward line as Tom Boyd and Michael Apeness, and he excelled as the first, second or third forward. Now he’s dropped six kilograms and become a full time midfielder. For Metro, he has been consistently dominant, and hasn’t dipped below 25 disposals in that time. His clearance work is first rate and his delivery into the forward 50 is outstanding. My biggest wrap comes from his contested marking. He will easily beat any defender, no matter what size. He is a match winner, and much like Chad Wingard, he’s freakish up forward and through the middle. If he slides past pick three, he will be a steal.
3. GWS – Angus Brayshaw
Sandringham Dragons
Height: 186 cm
Weight: 87 kg
Position: Midfielder
Player comparison: Sam Mitchell
Strengths: Clearances, tackling, ball winning ability
Areas needing improvement: Needs to be a more consistent kick
Brayshaw is under rated for mine. That’s pretty strange considering he is clearly the best pure midfielder in the draft. His ball winning ability on the inside is elite and his clearance work is like watching Chris Judd in his prime. He’s not super quick, but he’s quicker than Sam Mitchell. He uses that speed to chase down players and he racks up an extraordinary amount of tackles, including 21 in one outing. I talked to him about that day, and he just went through it like it was no big deal. For him, defensive effort is what ranks him far above the other midfielders. He is dual-sided, to an extent. Sometimes he can misfire a kick, but his decision making is first class. His delivery into the forward 50 is very classy, as he seems to have a bit more time to just make sure his kick is on point. He’s devastatingly evasive and has so many more tricks than people seem to realise.
4. Brisbane – Peter Wright
Calder Cannons
Height: 203 cm
Weight: 102 kg
Position: Key forward/ruck
Player comparison: Matthew Leuenberger/Mitch Clark
Strengths: Marking, set shots, athleticism
Areas needing improvement: Below the knees
Wright was looking like he could have been the number one pick this year, but Petracca and McCartin have him covered. He can do absolutely anything. His ruck skills are improving and he is starting to get a greater volume of hitouts. Wright’s marking is phenomenal. Obviously he isn’t going to lose many one on one contests with his size, but his aerial skills and work on the lead is better than most key forwards of his size. The most impressive aspect of his game is his accurate goal kicking. Set shots from 55 metres on an angle are Wright’s bread and butter, as he kicks really well through the ball. He doesn’t have trouble kicking the easy ones either.
5. Western Bulldogs – Sam Durdin
West Adelaide
Height: 197 cm
Weight: 89 kg
Position: Key defender/utility
Player comparison: Lachie Henderson
Strengths: Versatility, agility, foot skills
Areas needing improvement: Finding one position to excel in
I believe Durdin is best suited down back, given his exception reading of the play and his just as reliable foot skills. He can create run by himself and he gets himself involved in the game offensively. His agility is great for someone at 197 centimetres and he has all the skills to be an excellent centre half back. He can also ruck and go forward to great effect.
6. Carlton – Jake Lever
Calder Cannons
Height: 192 cm
Weight: 84 kg
Position: Key defender
Player comparison: Harry Taylor
Strengths: Reading the play, rebounding, finds the ball, one on one
Areas needing improvement: Light frame
Lever was – in my mind – the second best prospect coming into 2014. Obviously his season ending injury will allow him to slide, but I’d be surprised if Carlton over looked him. Lever is an excellent key defender, who reads the play better than any I’ve seen at TAC Cup level. Aerially, he will win most contests, even against star forwards. His body positioning in wrestling contests is perfect, so he can get a spoil against stronger bodied forwards. His football IQ is top shelf, which has seen him become an assistant coach to the Vic Metro back line as he recovers from his injury. Lever is similar to Cale Hooker in that he can really find the ball, and runs hard to get easy uncontested marks to help set up a rebound. He is a real weapon down back and, if healthy, could become an A-grade key back.
7. Gold Coast – Jayden Laverde
Western Jets
Height: 189 cm
Weight: 82 kg
Position: Utility
Player comparison: Harley Bennell
Strengths: Explosive, screamer machine, solid mark, hits the scoreboard
Areas needing improvement: Consistency, particularly with his kicking
Laverde will have plenty of suitors on draft day. He is electric with ball in hand, given his propensity to make incredible line breaking runs. His kicking can either be excellent, or terrible. Against Northern Territory, he had a kicking efficiency of 80 per cent, and then against Bendigo, 11 of his 12 kicks hit the target. However, against Dandenong, only 6 of his 19 kicks were effective. He’s kicked a goal in every TAC Cup game bar one so far, and multiple goals in five games. He can run and spread to create a marking option, but at this stage he seems to be unable to put everything together on the same day. Laverde has taken some of the best screamers you have ever seen this year. In seven of his 10 TAC Cup games, he hasn’t hit the 20 disposal mark. He could be an incredible player, it’s just about getting him to pull it out consistently.
8. Collingwood – Darcy Moore (father-son)
Oakleigh Chargers
Height: 199 cm
Weight: 93 kg
Position: Key forward/defender
Player comparison: Michael Hurley/Nick Riewoldt
Strengths: Contested marking, can blanket star players, equally adept at either end, jumping
Areas needing improvement: Needs to kick more goals
Moore is one of the more athletic 199 cm players going around. If you’ve seen his highlight reel, you’ll know he can really jump at the ball. His contested marking reminds me of Joe Daniher, consistently taking it at the highest point. His incredible screamer in the preliminary final just goes to show his leaping talent. He’s a great runner too, and when he’s up forward, he reminds me of Nick Riewoldt, given he works so hard to get to the ball. The problem is that Moore tries to do a little too much, and doesn’t concentrate on what he should be doing when up forward – being a goal kicker. In games where he’s played forward for Oakleigh, he has kicked two bags of three goals. It’s not bad, but he doesn’t dominate like McCartin. I much prefer him as a key defender like Michael Hurley, as he will just blanket his player. His role on Hugh Goddard showed his defensive prowess. He doesn’t have to be a world beater, but rather sticking to his athletic game and covering his man. The Pies may well develop Moore into a key forward as their backline is looking good. He also had that great game up forward late in the Championships, so that may influence the Pies’ thinking.
9. Adelaide – Hugh Goddard
Geelong Falcons
Height: 196 cm
Weight: 93 kg
Position: Utility
Player comparison: Jack Watts
Strengths: Versatility, pace, long kicking
Areas needing improvement: Goes missing, doesn’t have that ‘star factor’
In fairness to Goddard, he could be a star. In any other draft he would have been the first or second key tall taken. However, in big games so far, Goddard has been completely ineffective. Against Metro, Darcy Moore gave him a bath when Goddard was up forward. I prefer him as a backman, but he has the agility and talent to play all over the ground. He reminds me of Jack Watts, as he is athletic and skilled but not dominant. Goddard has a ripping long kick on him and he can take a great contested mark. With those skills, he could become the star forward for a team, but with athleticism and ability to go missing, I believe he’d be best suited to a key defender’s role. He can create run off half back and set up counter attacks, along with swinging forward when needed. Against the Power this year, he proved me wrong. He had several intercept marks and controlled the backline well. He was completely dominant and set up several attacks too. Goddard looked to drop out of the first round at a point this year, but his last six games have been incredible down back. I wouldn’t be surprised if he was taken before Durdin, Marchbank and Lever.
10. West Coast – Jarrod Pickett
South Fremantle
Height: 179 cm
Weight: 76 kg
Position: Forward/midfielder
Player comparison: Chris Yarran
Strengths: Speed, Tackling, damaging by foot
Areas needing improvement: Consistency
Unlike a lot of the highly rated small speedsters from WA over the past few years, Pickett comes with a difference. He is that damaging, hard running Chris Yarran type who screams x-factor, but he also places a lot of emphasis on forward pressure, Against Vic Country, he was well held and struggled to have a great impact. So instead of chasing possessions or cheap goals, he started tackling like a mad man and showed some real quality in his defensive game. He is exciting around goals and he gathers a fair amount of the ball. To me, he has all the qualities to become an AFL standard player and may even become an A-grade talent.
11. Richmond - Paul Ahern
Calder Cannons
Height: 181 cm
Weight: 77 kg
Position: Forward/midfielder
Player comparison: Travis Colyer (better kick)
Strengths: Pace, skilful, game winner
Areas needing improvement: Contested ball winning, two way running
Ahern is a fast half forward who has gradually worked into the midfield. He’s an excellent kick on the run and could become a very damaging player if he can get it all together. He’s a strong mark for a small forward. He can kick a small bag when needed, but he can also be wasteful in front of goal. He kicked 1.5 against Eastern and 0.3 against the Rebels this year. He’s starting to find more of the footy but it’s basically all outside ball. He doesn’t tackle enough in the forward half, averaging just over one per game this year. He’s a strong size and great over head. He is really starting to hit his straps, kicking three goals and being one of if not the best on ground against Western Australia.
12. Fremantle – Lachie Weller
Broadbeach
Height: 181 cm
Weight: 71 kg
Position: Midfielder
Player comparison: David Swallow
Strengths: Great skills, stoppage work, professionalism
Areas needing improvement: Strength
Weller can really find the ball, but I do wonder what he would be like if he played for a stronger team. He’s really silky on the outside and has a booming kick on him. By hand, he is very clean and his decision making skills are first rate. He can win his own ball on the inside and he is excellent at not only getting the clearance, but also placing his kick to a target, rather than just bombing it when he gets it. He’s been plying his trade at the Brisbane Academy, but he doesn’t qualify as an academy player. I’m sold on him now. He has a terrific leap and took a screamer in the final against NSW right in front of my eyes. He has everything going for him. He is a terrific athlete and his skills are sublime. Gold Coast might choose Weller over Laverde, which would be a great choice in my eyes.
13. Geelong - Connor Menadue
Western Jets
Height: 188 cm
Weight: 69 kg
Position: Midfielder
Player comparison: Ryan Griffen
Strengths: Match winner, goal kicker, explosive pace, clearance specialist
Areas needing improvement: Needs to build his frame
Connor Menadue is a really exciting prospect. He’s a smokey for the first round and I rate him highly. He finds the ball enough to always have an impact. Against the Ranges, he read the hitout perfectly four times in a row. Each time he had a centre clearance and found a target in the 50, which saw the Jets kick four quick goals in less than five minutes. And when the Ranges hit back, Menadue kicked a goal to stop the flow, and then kicked the game winner as well: simply, he is ice cold. His speed is terrific, and his kicking is excellent. By foot, he has plenty of penetration. Menadue reminds me a lot of Ryan Griffen as he can break the game open with his speed and skill, but he’s also going to take a while to become that player at AFL level. His height gives him a point of difference compared to others, and his weight shouldn’t be too much of a problem. Menadue kicked 16 goals (a goal per game) and was named in the bests nine times. His tackling has really improved, gathering four or more tackles in 10 games. Menadue has bolted a lot since his elimination final performance. He was a clear best on ground and went on several runs down the field. His 27 disposals at 89 per cent were incredible enough, as were his two goals and an astonishing 18 handball receives.
14. Gold Coast – Connor Blakely (Compensation Pick)
Swan Districts
Height: 186 cm
Weight: 81 kg
Position: Midfielder
Player comparison: Luke Parker
Strengths: Big time ball winner, strong body
Areas needing improvement: Scoreboard impact
I’m a big fan of Blakely’s. He wins a lot of the ball and, on most occasions, uses it to great effect. He can play either inside or outside, and has had stints down back and up forward. He’s excellent by hand and not bad by foot, and for Gold Coast, he immediately adds to their depth. He’s a ready to go prospect, but he also has plenty of room to improve. I’d like to see him improve his running game, as I feel he could become a far more damaging player if he added an extra dimension. Blakely is an exceptional tackler, something that could be very useful when applying pressure up forward, ala Luke Parker. Gold Coast will be happy to add an extra strong body to the midfield.
15. North Melbourne – Caleb Marchbank
Murray Bushrangers
Height: 193 cm
Weight: 85 kg
Position: Key defender
Player comparison: Josh Gibson
Strengths: Leadership, reading the play, stopper
Areas needing improvement: Rebounding
Marchbank can be a little over rated at times, but as a pure stopper, he is a beauty. He does seem like a backline general, as much as I hate using that term. He’ll direct traffic to his team mates and he sees the game very well. Despite getting the best key forward every week, he’s not afraid to leave his man and plug the hole to grab an intercept mark when the opportunity is there. He takes calculated risks. In a one on one contest, Marchbank positions himself to win or at least get a spoil every time. He’s not a massive unit, but with his football intelligence and natural ability, he could easily be a solid centre half back at AFL level. He’s a neat kick, but I’d like to see him expand his role on the counter attack like Jake Lever has.
16. Port Adelaide - Liam Duggan
Western Jets
Height: 183 cm
Weight: 76 kg
Position: Half back/midfielder
Player comparison: Brandon Ellis
Strengths: Kicking, speed, awareness
Areas needing improvement: Winning inside ball
Duggan is your classic sharp kicking left footer. He doesn’t miss too many targets and can be the difference in a game with just 20 possessions. He’s incredibly damaging, as he has the pace to break away from opponents and can deliver a dart under pressure. He’s starting to win a lot more ball through the midfield and he’s willing to put in effort with his tackle count rising rapidly. His decision making is first class, and he also reads the play well. He can play like Luke Hodge and fill the hole in defence, given he simply reads it better than everyone else. A really classy, intelligent player.
17. Hawthorn – Kyle Langford
Northern Knights
Height: 191 cm
Weight: 73 kg
Position: Utility
Player comparison: Matthew Richardson/Marcus Bontempelli
Strengths: Marking, athleticism, goal kicking, versatility
Areas needing improvement: Getting an AFL ready body
Langford might be one of the most influential players I have seen in some time. He can play anywhere on the ground, but I like him most as a second forward. Early in the year, he kicked five goals from eight possessions. In other games, he accumulates 20 disposals and upwards of six tackles. He can do just about everything, particularly his kicking for goal with a really nice action that’s technically sound. His marking is perhaps the best part of his game though. He regularly plays on key backs who have 15-20 kilograms on him, but his long arms and ability to protect the drop zone allow him to win contested marks easily. He takes the ball at the highest point and is very quick on the lead too. Ultimately, he could play a Matthew Richardson of 2008 role where he runs down the wing and provides a link up target, given his athleticism. He’s also an effective backman at TAC Cup level, but he may be exposed at AFL level. Langford has just as much talent as the top five key forwards this year: it’s just a matter of putting on more weight. Langford looks as though he will develop into a Marcus Bontempelli type at AFL level, as his skills as superb. His work rate is good enough to allow him to find the footy up to 20 times a game. He’s bolted quite a bit.
18. Sydney – Isaac Heeney (academy selection)
Cardiff
Height: 186 cm
Weight: 82 kg
Position: Midfielder
Player comparison: Travis Boak
Strengths: Tackling, ball winning, pace
Areas needing improvement: Scoreboard impact
Heeney is almost the perfect midfielder. He doesn’t kick too many goals, but he is freakish in every other aspect. He finds plenty of ball, and is talented as an in and under midfielder and on the outside. He uses his pace to chase down players and racks up tackles, and is excellent by hand and fairly classy by foot. He’s not mind blowingly quick, but he will back himself in a footrace, and doesn’t shank it when running at full tilt. He’s already got an excellent frame, so I can see him making an impact for 17 teams in the AFL straight away. However, Sydney already have an abundance of excellent midfielders so he will more than likely have to bide his time.
19. Essendon – Reece McKenzie
Northern Knights
Height: 196 cm
Weight: 100 kg
Position: Key forward/ruck
Player comparison: Jonathon Patton
Strengths: Contested marking, work rate, strength
Areas needing improvement: Goal kicking consistency, keeping emotions in check
Son of 1987 Carlton premiership player Warren McKenzie, Reece is an incredibly imposing key forward. He has the ability to win the game off his own boot: however, it depends which McKenzie shows up. His 10 goal TAC Cup game really put him on the map, but for a while recruiters were hoping he’d just go along quietly for a draft day steal. He has high expectations of himself and can get a bit frustrated when things don’t go his way, and as a result his goal kicking can be affected. That being said, he will get over that with maturity and his technique when taking set shots is sound. I often see McKenzie at the gym, and he lifts an astounding amount of weight. His body looks like he has had three or four AFL pre-seasons. His body is more than ready to dominate at AFL from day one. He has been interested in body building for a while and played high level basketball as a 17-year-old before coming back to football. McKenzie is a Marcellin College legend, having kicked 10 goals for the A-team as a 16-year-old: his TAC Cup footy proves that wasn’t a fluke. His work rate is enormous. He constantly leads up, and often grabs several uncontested marks on the lead inside 50 as a direct result of his repeat efforts and his willingness to get up towards centre half forward. Despite only playing 10 games, McKenzie came second in the league goal kicking with 35 goals. His highlights included 10 against the Ranges, seven against Northern Territory and six against Bendigo. Mckenzie averaged 7.1 marks per game, and 3.7 of those were contested. He is also more than handy in the ruck, having three games with more than 10 hitouts as a pinch hitter. Against the Eastern Ranges, he had the most incredible one goal game I’ve ever seen. He had kicked four behinds, had nine marks (three of which were contested), 16 disposals and 18 hitouts. He should have been best on ground by a mile, but couldn’t kick straight. McKenzie can be frustrating, but his best is incredible.
20. GWS – Tom Lamb
Dandenong Stingrays
Height: 191 cm
Weight: 83 kg
Position: Midfielder/half forward
Player comparison: Jared Brennan
Strengths: Match winner, speed, marking, hitting the scoreboard
Areas needing improvement: Finding a position, consistency
Tom Lamb could be a really damaging player at AFL level, but I fear he will be tagged out of games too easily. He is one of the most potent outside players in this draft and has the ability to win games off his own boot like Petracca. Lamb can kick bags when he wants and his marking when playing up forward can be unstoppable. His speed and athleticism is incredible for someone just under key forward size, and when the ball hits the deck, you better believe that he will crumb like he is Leon Davis. Lamb is freakish at times, but he will need to learn how to impact the game each and every week at senior level. His first two finals were excellent, and he consistently hit the 25 disposal mark in pressure games.[/B]
Geelong Falcons
Height: 193 cm
Weight: 95 kg
Position: Key forward
Player comparison: Brendan Fevola (without the baggage)
Strengths: One on one, goal kicking, marking in general
Areas needing improvement: Working up the ground, defensive pressure
McCartin is my favourite of the key position crop this year, as he is consistently the most dominant. As a 17-year-old in the Championships last year, McCartin showed he is one of the better pack marks to come through since Jack Riewoldt. His marking is so strong, as he can win in the air, in a wrestle and on the lead. He’s got a bit of leg speed, so he makes one metre gaps into two or three on the lead. He really showed that against Gippsland, when he kicked 6.4. Many of his shots came from smart leads that became easy uncontested marks. His work rate, timing and special awareness makes him one of those rare forwards who can create easy opportunities for himself. McCartin is also an excellent shot on goal, with set shots being one of his biggest draw cards. His health is of no real concern, as he has dealt with type one diabetes for over 10 years.
2. Melbourne – Christian Petracca
Eastern Ranges
Height: 186 cm
Weight: 92 kg
Position: Forward/midfielder
Player comparison: Chad Wingard/Josh Kennedy (Swans)
Strengths: Contested marking, contested ball winning, hitting the scoreboard, delivery into the 50
Areas needing improvement: Cleaner disposal
Petracca has been my favourite in the draft since the first round of TAC Cup in 2013. There is nothing this man can’t do. He kicked over 40 goals last year in the same forward line as Tom Boyd and Michael Apeness, and he excelled as the first, second or third forward. Now he’s dropped six kilograms and become a full time midfielder. For Metro, he has been consistently dominant, and hasn’t dipped below 25 disposals in that time. His clearance work is first rate and his delivery into the forward 50 is outstanding. My biggest wrap comes from his contested marking. He will easily beat any defender, no matter what size. He is a match winner, and much like Chad Wingard, he’s freakish up forward and through the middle. If he slides past pick three, he will be a steal.
3. GWS – Angus Brayshaw
Sandringham Dragons
Height: 186 cm
Weight: 87 kg
Position: Midfielder
Player comparison: Sam Mitchell
Strengths: Clearances, tackling, ball winning ability
Areas needing improvement: Needs to be a more consistent kick
Brayshaw is under rated for mine. That’s pretty strange considering he is clearly the best pure midfielder in the draft. His ball winning ability on the inside is elite and his clearance work is like watching Chris Judd in his prime. He’s not super quick, but he’s quicker than Sam Mitchell. He uses that speed to chase down players and he racks up an extraordinary amount of tackles, including 21 in one outing. I talked to him about that day, and he just went through it like it was no big deal. For him, defensive effort is what ranks him far above the other midfielders. He is dual-sided, to an extent. Sometimes he can misfire a kick, but his decision making is first class. His delivery into the forward 50 is very classy, as he seems to have a bit more time to just make sure his kick is on point. He’s devastatingly evasive and has so many more tricks than people seem to realise.
4. Brisbane – Peter Wright
Calder Cannons
Height: 203 cm
Weight: 102 kg
Position: Key forward/ruck
Player comparison: Matthew Leuenberger/Mitch Clark
Strengths: Marking, set shots, athleticism
Areas needing improvement: Below the knees
Wright was looking like he could have been the number one pick this year, but Petracca and McCartin have him covered. He can do absolutely anything. His ruck skills are improving and he is starting to get a greater volume of hitouts. Wright’s marking is phenomenal. Obviously he isn’t going to lose many one on one contests with his size, but his aerial skills and work on the lead is better than most key forwards of his size. The most impressive aspect of his game is his accurate goal kicking. Set shots from 55 metres on an angle are Wright’s bread and butter, as he kicks really well through the ball. He doesn’t have trouble kicking the easy ones either.
5. Western Bulldogs – Sam Durdin
West Adelaide
Height: 197 cm
Weight: 89 kg
Position: Key defender/utility
Player comparison: Lachie Henderson
Strengths: Versatility, agility, foot skills
Areas needing improvement: Finding one position to excel in
I believe Durdin is best suited down back, given his exception reading of the play and his just as reliable foot skills. He can create run by himself and he gets himself involved in the game offensively. His agility is great for someone at 197 centimetres and he has all the skills to be an excellent centre half back. He can also ruck and go forward to great effect.
6. Carlton – Jake Lever
Calder Cannons
Height: 192 cm
Weight: 84 kg
Position: Key defender
Player comparison: Harry Taylor
Strengths: Reading the play, rebounding, finds the ball, one on one
Areas needing improvement: Light frame
Lever was – in my mind – the second best prospect coming into 2014. Obviously his season ending injury will allow him to slide, but I’d be surprised if Carlton over looked him. Lever is an excellent key defender, who reads the play better than any I’ve seen at TAC Cup level. Aerially, he will win most contests, even against star forwards. His body positioning in wrestling contests is perfect, so he can get a spoil against stronger bodied forwards. His football IQ is top shelf, which has seen him become an assistant coach to the Vic Metro back line as he recovers from his injury. Lever is similar to Cale Hooker in that he can really find the ball, and runs hard to get easy uncontested marks to help set up a rebound. He is a real weapon down back and, if healthy, could become an A-grade key back.
7. Gold Coast – Jayden Laverde
Western Jets
Height: 189 cm
Weight: 82 kg
Position: Utility
Player comparison: Harley Bennell
Strengths: Explosive, screamer machine, solid mark, hits the scoreboard
Areas needing improvement: Consistency, particularly with his kicking
Laverde will have plenty of suitors on draft day. He is electric with ball in hand, given his propensity to make incredible line breaking runs. His kicking can either be excellent, or terrible. Against Northern Territory, he had a kicking efficiency of 80 per cent, and then against Bendigo, 11 of his 12 kicks hit the target. However, against Dandenong, only 6 of his 19 kicks were effective. He’s kicked a goal in every TAC Cup game bar one so far, and multiple goals in five games. He can run and spread to create a marking option, but at this stage he seems to be unable to put everything together on the same day. Laverde has taken some of the best screamers you have ever seen this year. In seven of his 10 TAC Cup games, he hasn’t hit the 20 disposal mark. He could be an incredible player, it’s just about getting him to pull it out consistently.
8. Collingwood – Darcy Moore (father-son)
Oakleigh Chargers
Height: 199 cm
Weight: 93 kg
Position: Key forward/defender
Player comparison: Michael Hurley/Nick Riewoldt
Strengths: Contested marking, can blanket star players, equally adept at either end, jumping
Areas needing improvement: Needs to kick more goals
Moore is one of the more athletic 199 cm players going around. If you’ve seen his highlight reel, you’ll know he can really jump at the ball. His contested marking reminds me of Joe Daniher, consistently taking it at the highest point. His incredible screamer in the preliminary final just goes to show his leaping talent. He’s a great runner too, and when he’s up forward, he reminds me of Nick Riewoldt, given he works so hard to get to the ball. The problem is that Moore tries to do a little too much, and doesn’t concentrate on what he should be doing when up forward – being a goal kicker. In games where he’s played forward for Oakleigh, he has kicked two bags of three goals. It’s not bad, but he doesn’t dominate like McCartin. I much prefer him as a key defender like Michael Hurley, as he will just blanket his player. His role on Hugh Goddard showed his defensive prowess. He doesn’t have to be a world beater, but rather sticking to his athletic game and covering his man. The Pies may well develop Moore into a key forward as their backline is looking good. He also had that great game up forward late in the Championships, so that may influence the Pies’ thinking.
9. Adelaide – Hugh Goddard
Geelong Falcons
Height: 196 cm
Weight: 93 kg
Position: Utility
Player comparison: Jack Watts
Strengths: Versatility, pace, long kicking
Areas needing improvement: Goes missing, doesn’t have that ‘star factor’
In fairness to Goddard, he could be a star. In any other draft he would have been the first or second key tall taken. However, in big games so far, Goddard has been completely ineffective. Against Metro, Darcy Moore gave him a bath when Goddard was up forward. I prefer him as a backman, but he has the agility and talent to play all over the ground. He reminds me of Jack Watts, as he is athletic and skilled but not dominant. Goddard has a ripping long kick on him and he can take a great contested mark. With those skills, he could become the star forward for a team, but with athleticism and ability to go missing, I believe he’d be best suited to a key defender’s role. He can create run off half back and set up counter attacks, along with swinging forward when needed. Against the Power this year, he proved me wrong. He had several intercept marks and controlled the backline well. He was completely dominant and set up several attacks too. Goddard looked to drop out of the first round at a point this year, but his last six games have been incredible down back. I wouldn’t be surprised if he was taken before Durdin, Marchbank and Lever.
10. West Coast – Jarrod Pickett
South Fremantle
Height: 179 cm
Weight: 76 kg
Position: Forward/midfielder
Player comparison: Chris Yarran
Strengths: Speed, Tackling, damaging by foot
Areas needing improvement: Consistency
Unlike a lot of the highly rated small speedsters from WA over the past few years, Pickett comes with a difference. He is that damaging, hard running Chris Yarran type who screams x-factor, but he also places a lot of emphasis on forward pressure, Against Vic Country, he was well held and struggled to have a great impact. So instead of chasing possessions or cheap goals, he started tackling like a mad man and showed some real quality in his defensive game. He is exciting around goals and he gathers a fair amount of the ball. To me, he has all the qualities to become an AFL standard player and may even become an A-grade talent.
11. Richmond - Paul Ahern
Calder Cannons
Height: 181 cm
Weight: 77 kg
Position: Forward/midfielder
Player comparison: Travis Colyer (better kick)
Strengths: Pace, skilful, game winner
Areas needing improvement: Contested ball winning, two way running
Ahern is a fast half forward who has gradually worked into the midfield. He’s an excellent kick on the run and could become a very damaging player if he can get it all together. He’s a strong mark for a small forward. He can kick a small bag when needed, but he can also be wasteful in front of goal. He kicked 1.5 against Eastern and 0.3 against the Rebels this year. He’s starting to find more of the footy but it’s basically all outside ball. He doesn’t tackle enough in the forward half, averaging just over one per game this year. He’s a strong size and great over head. He is really starting to hit his straps, kicking three goals and being one of if not the best on ground against Western Australia.
12. Fremantle – Lachie Weller
Broadbeach
Height: 181 cm
Weight: 71 kg
Position: Midfielder
Player comparison: David Swallow
Strengths: Great skills, stoppage work, professionalism
Areas needing improvement: Strength
Weller can really find the ball, but I do wonder what he would be like if he played for a stronger team. He’s really silky on the outside and has a booming kick on him. By hand, he is very clean and his decision making skills are first rate. He can win his own ball on the inside and he is excellent at not only getting the clearance, but also placing his kick to a target, rather than just bombing it when he gets it. He’s been plying his trade at the Brisbane Academy, but he doesn’t qualify as an academy player. I’m sold on him now. He has a terrific leap and took a screamer in the final against NSW right in front of my eyes. He has everything going for him. He is a terrific athlete and his skills are sublime. Gold Coast might choose Weller over Laverde, which would be a great choice in my eyes.
13. Geelong - Connor Menadue
Western Jets
Height: 188 cm
Weight: 69 kg
Position: Midfielder
Player comparison: Ryan Griffen
Strengths: Match winner, goal kicker, explosive pace, clearance specialist
Areas needing improvement: Needs to build his frame
Connor Menadue is a really exciting prospect. He’s a smokey for the first round and I rate him highly. He finds the ball enough to always have an impact. Against the Ranges, he read the hitout perfectly four times in a row. Each time he had a centre clearance and found a target in the 50, which saw the Jets kick four quick goals in less than five minutes. And when the Ranges hit back, Menadue kicked a goal to stop the flow, and then kicked the game winner as well: simply, he is ice cold. His speed is terrific, and his kicking is excellent. By foot, he has plenty of penetration. Menadue reminds me a lot of Ryan Griffen as he can break the game open with his speed and skill, but he’s also going to take a while to become that player at AFL level. His height gives him a point of difference compared to others, and his weight shouldn’t be too much of a problem. Menadue kicked 16 goals (a goal per game) and was named in the bests nine times. His tackling has really improved, gathering four or more tackles in 10 games. Menadue has bolted a lot since his elimination final performance. He was a clear best on ground and went on several runs down the field. His 27 disposals at 89 per cent were incredible enough, as were his two goals and an astonishing 18 handball receives.
14. Gold Coast – Connor Blakely (Compensation Pick)
Swan Districts
Height: 186 cm
Weight: 81 kg
Position: Midfielder
Player comparison: Luke Parker
Strengths: Big time ball winner, strong body
Areas needing improvement: Scoreboard impact
I’m a big fan of Blakely’s. He wins a lot of the ball and, on most occasions, uses it to great effect. He can play either inside or outside, and has had stints down back and up forward. He’s excellent by hand and not bad by foot, and for Gold Coast, he immediately adds to their depth. He’s a ready to go prospect, but he also has plenty of room to improve. I’d like to see him improve his running game, as I feel he could become a far more damaging player if he added an extra dimension. Blakely is an exceptional tackler, something that could be very useful when applying pressure up forward, ala Luke Parker. Gold Coast will be happy to add an extra strong body to the midfield.
15. North Melbourne – Caleb Marchbank
Murray Bushrangers
Height: 193 cm
Weight: 85 kg
Position: Key defender
Player comparison: Josh Gibson
Strengths: Leadership, reading the play, stopper
Areas needing improvement: Rebounding
Marchbank can be a little over rated at times, but as a pure stopper, he is a beauty. He does seem like a backline general, as much as I hate using that term. He’ll direct traffic to his team mates and he sees the game very well. Despite getting the best key forward every week, he’s not afraid to leave his man and plug the hole to grab an intercept mark when the opportunity is there. He takes calculated risks. In a one on one contest, Marchbank positions himself to win or at least get a spoil every time. He’s not a massive unit, but with his football intelligence and natural ability, he could easily be a solid centre half back at AFL level. He’s a neat kick, but I’d like to see him expand his role on the counter attack like Jake Lever has.
16. Port Adelaide - Liam Duggan
Western Jets
Height: 183 cm
Weight: 76 kg
Position: Half back/midfielder
Player comparison: Brandon Ellis
Strengths: Kicking, speed, awareness
Areas needing improvement: Winning inside ball
Duggan is your classic sharp kicking left footer. He doesn’t miss too many targets and can be the difference in a game with just 20 possessions. He’s incredibly damaging, as he has the pace to break away from opponents and can deliver a dart under pressure. He’s starting to win a lot more ball through the midfield and he’s willing to put in effort with his tackle count rising rapidly. His decision making is first class, and he also reads the play well. He can play like Luke Hodge and fill the hole in defence, given he simply reads it better than everyone else. A really classy, intelligent player.
17. Hawthorn – Kyle Langford
Northern Knights
Height: 191 cm
Weight: 73 kg
Position: Utility
Player comparison: Matthew Richardson/Marcus Bontempelli
Strengths: Marking, athleticism, goal kicking, versatility
Areas needing improvement: Getting an AFL ready body
Langford might be one of the most influential players I have seen in some time. He can play anywhere on the ground, but I like him most as a second forward. Early in the year, he kicked five goals from eight possessions. In other games, he accumulates 20 disposals and upwards of six tackles. He can do just about everything, particularly his kicking for goal with a really nice action that’s technically sound. His marking is perhaps the best part of his game though. He regularly plays on key backs who have 15-20 kilograms on him, but his long arms and ability to protect the drop zone allow him to win contested marks easily. He takes the ball at the highest point and is very quick on the lead too. Ultimately, he could play a Matthew Richardson of 2008 role where he runs down the wing and provides a link up target, given his athleticism. He’s also an effective backman at TAC Cup level, but he may be exposed at AFL level. Langford has just as much talent as the top five key forwards this year: it’s just a matter of putting on more weight. Langford looks as though he will develop into a Marcus Bontempelli type at AFL level, as his skills as superb. His work rate is good enough to allow him to find the footy up to 20 times a game. He’s bolted quite a bit.
18. Sydney – Isaac Heeney (academy selection)
Cardiff
Height: 186 cm
Weight: 82 kg
Position: Midfielder
Player comparison: Travis Boak
Strengths: Tackling, ball winning, pace
Areas needing improvement: Scoreboard impact
Heeney is almost the perfect midfielder. He doesn’t kick too many goals, but he is freakish in every other aspect. He finds plenty of ball, and is talented as an in and under midfielder and on the outside. He uses his pace to chase down players and racks up tackles, and is excellent by hand and fairly classy by foot. He’s not mind blowingly quick, but he will back himself in a footrace, and doesn’t shank it when running at full tilt. He’s already got an excellent frame, so I can see him making an impact for 17 teams in the AFL straight away. However, Sydney already have an abundance of excellent midfielders so he will more than likely have to bide his time.
19. Essendon – Reece McKenzie
Northern Knights
Height: 196 cm
Weight: 100 kg
Position: Key forward/ruck
Player comparison: Jonathon Patton
Strengths: Contested marking, work rate, strength
Areas needing improvement: Goal kicking consistency, keeping emotions in check
Son of 1987 Carlton premiership player Warren McKenzie, Reece is an incredibly imposing key forward. He has the ability to win the game off his own boot: however, it depends which McKenzie shows up. His 10 goal TAC Cup game really put him on the map, but for a while recruiters were hoping he’d just go along quietly for a draft day steal. He has high expectations of himself and can get a bit frustrated when things don’t go his way, and as a result his goal kicking can be affected. That being said, he will get over that with maturity and his technique when taking set shots is sound. I often see McKenzie at the gym, and he lifts an astounding amount of weight. His body looks like he has had three or four AFL pre-seasons. His body is more than ready to dominate at AFL from day one. He has been interested in body building for a while and played high level basketball as a 17-year-old before coming back to football. McKenzie is a Marcellin College legend, having kicked 10 goals for the A-team as a 16-year-old: his TAC Cup footy proves that wasn’t a fluke. His work rate is enormous. He constantly leads up, and often grabs several uncontested marks on the lead inside 50 as a direct result of his repeat efforts and his willingness to get up towards centre half forward. Despite only playing 10 games, McKenzie came second in the league goal kicking with 35 goals. His highlights included 10 against the Ranges, seven against Northern Territory and six against Bendigo. Mckenzie averaged 7.1 marks per game, and 3.7 of those were contested. He is also more than handy in the ruck, having three games with more than 10 hitouts as a pinch hitter. Against the Eastern Ranges, he had the most incredible one goal game I’ve ever seen. He had kicked four behinds, had nine marks (three of which were contested), 16 disposals and 18 hitouts. He should have been best on ground by a mile, but couldn’t kick straight. McKenzie can be frustrating, but his best is incredible.
20. GWS – Tom Lamb
Dandenong Stingrays
Height: 191 cm
Weight: 83 kg
Position: Midfielder/half forward
Player comparison: Jared Brennan
Strengths: Match winner, speed, marking, hitting the scoreboard
Areas needing improvement: Finding a position, consistency
Tom Lamb could be a really damaging player at AFL level, but I fear he will be tagged out of games too easily. He is one of the most potent outside players in this draft and has the ability to win games off his own boot like Petracca. Lamb can kick bags when he wants and his marking when playing up forward can be unstoppable. His speed and athleticism is incredible for someone just under key forward size, and when the ball hits the deck, you better believe that he will crumb like he is Leon Davis. Lamb is freakish at times, but he will need to learn how to impact the game each and every week at senior level. His first two finals were excellent, and he consistently hit the 25 disposal mark in pressure games.[/B]
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