Draft Watcher Knightmare's 2013 phantom draft

[Knightmare]

Been to a couple of Gippy Power games this year ,keep an eye on 2 overagers in Muir and Josh Scott and of those just coming into draft age this year Jack Leslie (197cm Ruckman) and of course Aaron Heppell as well next year there will be a kid called Bodey Walker ,grandson of ex-saint Rob Muir excellent athlete and tremendous kick off either foot played some brilliant footy last year for Sale in the seniors as a 15yr old.

Josh Scott has been playing some good footy early season and Aaron Heppell is improving so there is some talent in that group.

Will keen an eye out for Leslie and Walker.

 

[Bremner20]

Josh Scott has been playing some good footy early season and Aaron Heppell is improving so there is some talent in that group.

Will keen an eye out for Leslie and Walker.

Leslie played countryvic as a bottom age last year.

 

[thesource]

19 y.o's can play in the u18 champs.

As I understand it you can include as many 19 y.o's on your list as you like but then from memory you can only play the two in your squad each week (someone correct me if I'm wrong - probably am).

You are.

If that were the case it would be the u/19's carnival.

It's four, and they can only be key position or ruck.

 

[Knightmare]

You are.

If that were the case it would be the u/19's carnival.

It's four, and they can only be key position or ruck.

Is the key position and ruck rule a new one?

A number of smalls have certainly been played in the past. Jamie Elliott is one example off the top of my head of a small who played as a 19 year old only a couple of years ago now.

 

[thesource]

Is the key position and ruck rule a new one?

A number of smalls have certainly been played in the past. Jamie Elliott is one example off the top of my head of a small who played as a 19 year old only a couple of years ago now.

Fell into the late birthday category I believe, don't quote me.

 

[GrandBlue]

Finding it very hard to believe Luke McDonald is a better kick than Goddard, as mentioned in the style comparison. Goddard's probably the best kick in the AFL, do you really think McDonald will take that title right off him the moment he's selected?

Also, think it's time you change the order. No way are Port gonna finish second from bottom.

 

[philthy05]

i would imagine that the order is just there only so people dont ask, where are the teams?

and the rough order / comments of the players are more important at this early stage.

i imagine by the time champs come knights will have port higher up the ladder , and sadly, many sa boys at the pointy end of the draft outside of port's reach

 

[Knightmare]

Finding it very hard to believe Luke McDonald is a better kick than Goddard, as mentioned in the style comparison. Goddard's probably the best kick in the AFL, do you really think McDonald will take that title right off him the moment he's selected?

Also, think it's time you change the order. No way are Port gonna finish second from bottom.

Perhaps I underrated Goddard's kicking. I'd regard him as a high quality kick but certainly not in my top five. In any case I'm keeping a close eye on Essendon this year so I'll re-evaluate during the year.

Luke McDonald is more a Trent McKenzie style kick with that cannon, just has a much better rounded game.

You don't have to worry about my ladder order. When I get around to updating it, it will be exceptionally different, top to bottom. So different in fact Essendon will kick West Coast out of first place on my predicted ladder finishes with West Coast no longer in my top 4.

Port Adelaide are looking good though aren't they? Haven't beaten any big dogs just yet (note: Adelaide I don't consider a top 8 side this year) but certainly a more competitive unit this year.

i would imagine that the order is just there only so people dont ask, where are the teams?

and the rough order / comments of the players are more important at this early stage.

i imagine by the time champs come knights will have port higher up the ladder , and sadly, many sa boys at the pointy end of the draft outside of port's reach

There are some strong SA boys this year certainly. In saying that Dunstan may slip out of that top 4 selections depending on how he goes during the champs so he may be a chance to be available if Port pick somewhere around 6/7 again. Dumont and Sharenberg depending on how high he rises could also be in the picture around that point.

 

[philthy05]

dunstan dominates against boys his own age from what i hear. i expect champs will only increase his rankings.

your right though he could slip back as other kids step up and clubs like them more. port could snag a good local player as there seem to be quite a few. im just a bit sad boyd wont be around our pick. we could do with a big key forward for life after shultz (i rate butch but think he will be an x-factor up and down type player).

port has been lucky to add some quality local talent lately in wingard/broadbent/ebert/hartlett. would love a top class really classy mid to top off our midfield too. aish would be nice. we have a lot of grunt and some real class would be good. dumont sounds like a very similar player to ebert or broadbent, probably not what we need again unless his footskills are exceptional or he is too hard to pass up at a certain pick.

 

[Sin City]

Wines, Boak and Dumont starting in the square together would be deadly.

 

[Zach Package]

Also, was thinking about what Essendon 'needs'. I certainly think we need a real utility type who can play anywhere. A McPhee type would be handy, someone who can play tall, but run like the wind as well. A ruckmen has to be selected as David Hille probably wont see out the year IMO. A small roving forward may also be needed. On top of that, a medium forward and perhaps a key position player may also be looked at (should Pears and Gumby not see out the year due to injury/form).

IMO we also need a small lock down defender (18-19 year old) in the next couple of drafts, as well as a ruck and a crumbing forward first and foremost.
Hibberd was drafted for that role but has proved his worth as a rebounder, which has opened the door for Baugley, but he's pushing 27 and doesn't instill me with the most confidence (although he has the perfect attitude for a back pocket).

What do you think of Steinberg or Davis for what is basically the NLM role?

As far as the bolded goes (and this is directed at anyone who'll listen), who in this draft is shaping as the lewis jetta/andrew gaff type outside wingman? We haven't really had a true speedster since Lovett and I think it's a part of our midfield that could improve.

 

[Super Hans]

Knightmare, besides obviously Boyd, who do you think the dogs would be after the most? The only area we don't need to draft for is inside mid really. Also presuming Aish is gone by our pick.

I really like the look of Sheed for us. And would be hoping Lewis Taylor slides to the second round.

 

[JR95]

Hey Knightmare,,

As you probably know Josh Toy is playing for the Essendon reserves this year,, do you think Essendon are considering picking him up come years end? I really hope so.

 

[Zach Package]

Hey Knightmare,,

As you probably know Josh Toy is playing for the Essendon reserves this year,, do you think Essendon are considering picking him up come years end? I really hope so.

are you hearing/seeing something i'm not? he wont be given a prominent role in the 2s unless we have injuries. ATM our list is too fit to fit in any vfl listed guys. Tippa hasn't been sighted.

On the topic of players essendon might be watching, apparently dodoro and alessio stayed behind on friday to watch a certain Swan Districts pothead play, apparently he went alright at the weekend as well.

 

[RedmanWasHere]

Hey Knightmare,,

As you probably know Josh Toy is playing for the Essendon reserves this year,, do you think Essendon are considering picking him up come years end? I really hope so.

Would also love to have Duscher as a mature-ager.

 

[JR95]

are you hearing/seeing something i'm not? he wont be given a prominent role in the 2s unless we have injuries. ATM our list is too fit to fit in any vfl listed guys. Tippa hasn't been sighted.

On the topic of players essendon might be watching, apparently dodoro and alessio stayed behind on friday to watch a certain Swan Districts pothead play, apparently he went alright at the weekend as well.

Yes apparently he was BOG. Can't help but think we are really interested since we are crying out for a speedy quick efficient mid/fwd with great skills.

Hopefully he clears up his off-field issues so we can take another look at him.

 

[Yoda_]

What do you think of Steinberg or Davis for what is basically the NLM role?

To be honest, both may be on there last legs.. Strindberg has shown some improvement however, how long will they persist?

 

[JR95]

To be honest, both may be on there last legs.. Strindberg has shown some improvement however, how long will they persist?

Don't hold much hope for Davis.

Don't see a spot for him in the 22 unfortunately.

 

[Zach Package]

To be honest, both may be on there last legs.. Strindberg has shown some improvement however, how long will they persist?

To be honest the writing was on the wall when they downgraded steinberg, although he's actually been pretty impressive in defence. Davis (while being talented) has been passes by too many because of that ankle.

I think both of them will go unfortunately. As for the tall utility, Mason Wood would've fit perfectly last year

 

[Yoda_]

Don't hold much hope for Davis.

Don't see a spot for him in the 22 unfortunately.

To be honest the writing was on the wall when they downgraded steinberg, although he's actually been pretty impressive in defence. Davis (while being talented) has been passes by too many because of that ankle.

I think both of them will go unfortunately. As for the tall utility, Mason Wood would've fit perfectly last year

No, saw him a few times last year (post leg injury) and he was never the same player. Just hasn't picked up the tempo or his fitness to where he was last year.,

As Jack Package has said, Steinberg hasn't been to bad in defense this year. Wonder if they will persist with him for one more year on the rookie list.

I get a gut feeling we may completely clear out our rookies (all of Steinberg, Hunter, Del, Dalgleish) at years and completely start afresh.

We have shown a tendency to go for mature aged guys in the rookie draft, we may change our strategy towards this at years end.

What would you guys number Essendon's deficiencies? For mine
1. Raw, young Ruckmen
2. Small forward
3. Medium utility
4. KPP (still to many questions on our KPP's for mine).

 

[Zach Package]

Basically the rookies have one shot (obviously there may be a LTI) which is to play out of their skins for the next 10 weeks and win that mid year upgrade, sofar dell looks the most likely, but still not absolutely killing it.

The only situation I can see where a rookie stays on is if Davey plays 100 games and decides to call it a day, in which case I think dell will get upgraded.

 

[Yoda_]

Basically the rookies have one shot (obviously there may be a LTI) which is to play out of their skins for the next 10 weeks and win that mid year upgrade, sofar dell looks the most likely, but still not absolutely killing it.

The only situation I can see where a rookie stays on is if Davey plays 100 games and decides to call it a day, in which case I think dell will get upgraded.

Doubt Davey calls it a day at 100 games (this year you mean he retires?), seems like genuinely loves playing the game.

We probably need to assess who we delist before we can look at who to recruit.

 

[JR95]

No, saw him a few times last year (post leg injury) and he was never the same player. Just hasn't picked up the tempo or his fitness to where he was last year.,

As Jack Package has said, Steinberg hasn't been to bad in defense this year. Wonder if they will persist with him for one more year on the rookie list.

I get a gut feeling we may completely clear out our rookies (all of Steinberg, Hunter, Del, Dalgleish) at years and completely start afresh.

I think it may be for the best in this case. Our 22 won't really be changed a hell of a lot from now on though I wouldn't imagine and I think we will only be looking for players who could possibly come into either a back pocket or a forward pocket for instance where we really need some productivity from right now.

So getting rid of those rookies and going for someone like Garlett and Tippa and some younger guys who could play that back pocket position.

We may look to rookie list a ruck also I would think.

I don't see any of the rookies ever getting a chance let alone cement a spot.

Dell'Olio hasn't impressed me that much. Not quick enough for what we need and not the most skillful either.

 

[Zach Package]

Doubt Davey calls it a day at 100 games (this year you mean he retires?), seems like genuinely loves playing the game.

We probably need to assess who we delist before we can look at who to recruit.

I don't think its likely either, but then again, this time last year Baugley wasn't lighting it up either.

 

[Knightmare]

IMO we also need a small lock down defender (18-19 year old) in the next couple of drafts, as well as a ruck and a crumbing forward first and foremost.
Hibberd was drafted for that role but has proved his worth as a rebounder, which has opened the door for Baugley, but he's pushing 27 and doesn't instill me with the most confidence (although he has the perfect attitude for a back pocket).

What do you think of Steinberg or Davis for what is basically the NLM role?

As far as the bolded goes (and this is directed at anyone who'll listen), who in this draft is shaping as the lewis jetta/andrew gaff type outside wingman? We haven't really had a true speedster since Lovett and I think it's a part of our midfield that could improve.

Lewis Jetta and Andrew Gaff are entirely different. Jetta breaks the lines. Gaff is more an outside receiver and linkup player who runs all day and uses it well but won't burn anyone off with pace.

It's a very outside player heavy draft so there are options a plenty. Josh Kelly is that best endurance beast and the closest to Gaff. A Lewis Jetta is more difficult to find with Elijah Edwards the closest thing to him with that same freak pace but in saying that he's 15cm shorter and doesn't influence games as frequently each week.

Knightmare, besides obviously Boyd, who do you think the dogs would be after the most? The only area we don't need to draft for is inside mid really. Also presuming Aish is gone by our pick.

I really like the look of Sheed for us. And would be hoping Lewis Taylor slides to the second round.

The Dogs likely look hard at Josh Kelly. You've got the inside group complete with such depth now but they are lacking something outside the contest so he likely is one of the first guys on their list. Jack Billings with his skills and ability to play forward likely also comes strongly into consideration.

Hey Knightmare,,

As you probably know Josh Toy is playing for the Essendon reserves this year,, do you think Essendon are considering picking him up come years end? I really hope so.

I'm a big Josh Toy fan and have always liked his game. One of the best kicks going around with the penetration and accuracy combination he has.

My sense is clubs aren't super interested unless he absolutely takes over at VFL level. Too many questions as to whether he'll ever be able to run a full game out for the four quarters which is his issue due to his health issues.

I hope he receives that second chance though. He just needs to dominate in the VFL and produce big numbers to make it happen.

are you hearing/seeing something i'm not? he wont be given a prominent role in the 2s unless we have injuries. ATM our list is too fit to fit in any vfl listed guys. Tippa hasn't been sighted.

On the topic of players essendon might be watching, apparently dodoro and alessio stayed behind on friday to watch a certain Swan Districts pothead play, apparently he went alright at the weekend as well.

Young Dayle Garlett is incredibly impressive. Still playing some exceptionally good footy. There are worse people in football clubs and with his talent but then production to evidence that he can play, you can't count him out.