Knightmare
Brownlow Medallist
- Sep 22, 2010
- 19,533
- 19,542
- AFL Club
- Collingwood
- Other Teams
- Chicago Bulls
- Banned
- #1
2014 draft power rankings:
-- Potential A-graders --
1. Peter Wright (VIC - KPF/Ruck)
2. Sam Durdin (SA - KPP)
3. Patrick McCartin (VIC - KPF)
4. Darcy Moore (Coll - F/S – VIC – KPF/Ruck)
5. Hugh Goddard (VIC - KPF)
-- Potentially high level footballers --
6. Angus Brayshaw (VIC – Mid)
7. Alec Waterman (WCE – F/S - WA - Mid)
8. Jake Lever (VIC – Def/KPD)
9. Lachlan Weller (QLD – Mid)
10. Jarrod Pickett (WA – Util)
11. Tom Lamb (VIC – Fwd/KPF)
12. Kyle Langford (VIC –Fwd/Mid)
13. Brayden Maynard (VIC – Def/Mid)
14. Tyler Keitel (WA - KPF)
15. Matthew Hammelmann (Bris – Academy - QLD – KPF/KPD)
16. Clem Smith (WA - Util)
17. Mac Bower (SA – Fwd/Def)
18. Christian Petracca (VIC - Fwd)
19. Liam Dawson (Bris – Academy - QLD – Util)
20. Jaden McGrath (VIC – Mid/Fwd)
21. Liam Duggan (VIC – Def/Mid)
22. Isaac Heeney (Syd – Academy - NSW – Mid)
23. Dean Gore (SA – Mid/Def)
24. Peter Bampton (SA – Mid)
25. Matthew Ah Siu (WA – Fwd/KPF)
26. Liam Griffiths (GWS – Academy - NSW – Mid)
27. Jackson Nelson (VIC - Mid)
28. Bradley Walsh (WA – Mid)
29. Nakia Cockatoo (NT – Mid)
30. Jermaine Miller-Lewis (WA – Fwd)
-- In with a chance of making it --
31. Dylan Winton (WA – Mid/Util)
32. Jack Hayes (SA – KPF)
33. Jake Maher (VIC – Mid)
34. Daniel Capiron (VIC – Def/Mid)
35. Jordan Cunico (VIC – Fwd/Mid)
36. Billy Stretch (Melb – F/S - SA – Mid/Fwd)
37. Jesse Watchman (SA - KPF)
38. Daniel Nielson (VIC – KPD)
39. Alex Urban (VIC – Mid)
40. Harry Dear (Haw – F/S - VIC – KPF)
41. Jack Cripps (WA – KPF/Ruck)
42. Sam Bevan (WA – KPF)
43. Jack Donkersley (SA – Util)
44. Warrick Wilson (WA – Mid/Fwd)
45. Ben Hancock (WA – Def/Mid)
46. Joshua Deluca (WA – Fwd/Mid)
47. Garrett McDonagh (VIC – Def)
48. Ryan Lim (WA – Mid/Fwd)
49. Tyler Roos (Bris – F/S - VIC – Util)
50. Jarrod Garlett (WA –Mid)
51. Touk Miller (VIC – Mid)
52. Bodhi Walker (VIC – Mid)
53. Nicholas Coughlan (GWS - NSW – KPF/KPD)
54. Jayden Short (VIC – Mid)
55. Joe Maishman (VIC – Mid)
56. Caleb Daniel (SA – Mid)
57. Josh Clayton (Bris – F/S - VIC – Mid/Fwd)
58. Reece McKenzie (VIC – KPF)
59. Jake Johansen (SA – Fwd)
60. Sean McLaren (VIC – KPD/Ruck)
#1 Melbourne – Peter Wright (VIC - KPF/Ruck)
Height:203cm, Weight: 102kg, DOB: 08/09/1996
Recruited from: Calder Cannons
Style:
Player comparison: Joe Daniher/Charlie Dixon
Range: 1-3
Profile: Wright is a super tall, strong marking key forward who can also play some ruck. He has the ability to take the big contested mark and win his 1v1s but he’s also excellent on the lead as one of those near impossible key forwards to defend with that sheer reach and ability to take it at the highest point. He can be in and out of games but for the periods he dominates he really takes over games like few others can. Through the ruck he’s reasonably good with his tap work above average but if you take him you take him because he’s a rare quality forward with rare height. The major concern with Wright is his back he’s had some bad back issues which have kept him out for a period but if that causes him no issues then he has the ability to be the best player in this draft. He’ll need to improve his core strength and build that flexibility to prevent further back issues, the earlier he can do this the better.
#2 St Kilda – Sam Durdin (SA - KPP)
Height: 197cm, Weight: 89kg, DOB: 06/06/1996
Recruited from: West Adelaide
Style:
Player comparison: Jake Carlisle/Lachie Henderson
Range: 1-5
Profile: Durdin is the better of the key defenders available this year. He’s got the versatility to play forward and through the ruck when required but he’s to this point played his best footy down back. He’s a good mover for a key position player with his athleticism and mobility at his height. He’s also one of the best users of the footy for a key position player you’ll find with his footskills particularly excellent. He’s also got a nice balance between ability to take the mark overhead but then the co-ordination below the knees and at ground level to compliment it and make him a real threat.
#3 Brisbane – Patrick McCartin (VIC - KPF)
Height: 193cm, Weight: 95kg, DOB: 19/04/1996
Recruited from: Geelong Falcons
Style: Alistair Lynch
Player comparison:
Range: 1-5
Profile: McCartin is an interesting case. He’s an absolute top end talent but has his health issues which complicates the analysis of his playing ability. McCartin has diabetes so he’s done exceptionally well to manage that to this point and adjust his diet and practices to allow it not to affect his football. As a result of this McCartin has been especially careful with his diet and his body and has developed a great level of professionalism towards his football. As a footballer McCartin is a strong unit for his age. He’s already shown that he can take over games both through the TAC Cup but also through the u18 champs. McCartin is an effective mark on the lead but his real point of difference is his ability to take 1v1 marks. He has incredible strength and can go to the goal square and take advantage of his direct opponent with his superior ability to read the drop of the ball and his superior strength and ability to take a grab. The major weakness in McCartin’s game at this point is his set shot goalkicking and it’s definitely a mental thing with him. I’ve never seen a key forward who likes a goal less than McCartin. He can shank those set shots more than most and quickly loses confidence in his kick and more often than not elects to go the unselfish option and find team mates in better positions but on the positive his field kicking is good and his vision finding those inside 50 targets is as good as you’ll see from a player of his type. He’ll also often opt to play on or snap instead of drop punt with his shots on goal understanding that his conversion from set shots is below average. As a smallish key forward I also hope McCartin develops a better ground level game as Roughead has to be better rounded and maximise his chances of becoming a dominant forward at the next level.
#4 GWS – Hugh Goddard (VIC - KPP)
Height: 196cm, Weight: 93kg, DOB: 24/08/1996
Recruited from: Geelong Falcons
Style:
Player comparison: Sam Day
Range: 1-10
Profile: Goddard is the star tall key position athlete this year. He’s got exceptional pace, agility and an excellent leap. Has a long kick for his age. And has some ability at ground level, so there is plenty to work with. There is just that little bit of something dominant missing to his game. As a forward Goddard in the TAC can kick three goals a game but it’s almost always a quiet three goals. He just doesn’t feel like he’s going to take over games and you don’t really notice his impact as more a component to winning rather than a centrepiece and a reason for winning. He just lacks the presence to his game that the other premier key forwards of the competition have and doesn’t have that same feel that he’ll go off as a goalkicking threat like those other real high end key forwards have which is why I rate him lower than others probably will. Perhaps Goddard makes it as an athletic key defender, he can take on the game with his pace and with his size and athleticism he has the ability to go with most other key forwards, so it will be interesting to see whether a club see him more as a key forward or defender at the next level.
#5 Carlton – Angus Brayshaw (VIC – Mid)
Height: 186cm, Weight: 87kg, DOB: 09/01/1996
Recruited from: Sandringham Dragons
Style: Andrew Swallow/Sam Mitchell
Player comparison:
Range: 1-10
Profile: Low flash but high substance midfielder who will produce every week. Brayshaw is the dominant midfield in this draft. He’s a big time accumulator through the midfield and one of the best volume tacklers you’ll ever find. Brayshaw has absolutely dominated the TAC and has the proven performances on the board to suggest he can take the next step and become one of the elite midfielders in the competition. He’s got clean hands and is a sound user of the footy by both hand and generally makes good decisions with ball in hand. Strong mark overhead and can push back behind the ball to take an intercept mark or push forward to take a grab and provide scoreboard impact.
#6 West Coast – Alec Waterman (WCE – F/S): Height: 183cm, Weight: 87kg, DOB: 19/08/1996
Recruited from: Claremont
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: 1st round/2nd round
Profile: One of the better performed midfielders and one for West Coast fans to get excited about. Waterman is a big bodied, hard midfielder who can win his own ball inside the contest, has clean hands and distributes well by hand but also find it outside the contest. He’s a high volume accumulator and by foot can use both sides but looks best on his left side and has above average penetration on his kick and some nice vision finding good targets up the field at times. He’s got an effective running game as someone who can run all day but then also be an effective burst runner.
#7 Adelaide – Jake Lever (VIC – Def/KPD)
Height:192cm, Weight: 84kg, DOB: 05/03/1996
Recruited from: Calder Cannons
Style: Nick Maxwell (more talented – stronger in the contest and better kicking version)
Player comparison: Lachie Plowman
Range: 3-15
Profile: Lever is a really natural rebounding key defender with a real hardness and aggression to him with his approach to the contest. He’s a high level intercept mark reading it so well in the air and getting to the drop of the ball consistently. He’s also very capable of winning his 1v1s holding his position well and taking marks 1v1 down back making him a real weapon down back. Lever is also an exceptional run and carry player and moves incredibly well for his height. He isn’t afraid to take on the game and push up the field and be a part of linkup chains as essentially another running defender despite his position. By foot Lever by position is excellent and a real playmaker with his ability to find targets up the field. He’s considered a hard working, high character guy so it’s highly likely that he’ll get the best out of himself.
#8 Richmond – Tom Lamb (VIC - Fwd/Mid)
Height:192cm, Weight: 83kg, DOB: 19/10/1996
Recruited from: Dandenong Stingrays
Style: Jared Brennan
Player comparison:
Range: 5-20
Profile: Lamb is a tall, athletic half forward/wingman with some real talent to him. For his height he’s unusually talented when the ball hits the ground with his pickups incredibly clean. From a second and third effort standpoint he’s also impressive. He’s excellent at ground level for his height and very clean with his pickups from the deck at his size and can even be an effective crumber at times at the front of the pack. He’s also a fair marking threat in the air and on the lead with his leap and ability and also has elite pace and ability to create separation with his pace real factors in his game. He’s not afraid to play on when the opportunity is there. He’s also someone who can provide some strong scoreboard pressure. With the value clubs are increasingly putting on versatility and ability to play a number of different types of roles Lamb will be in high demand as someone who has no trouble as a deep forward, flanker or up the field. He just needs to improve his consistency by foot to targets and become more one grab with his marks to better round out his game.
#9 Western Bulldogs – Jarrod Pickett (WA – Utility/Mid)
Height:179cm, Weight: 74kg, DOB: 18/08/1996
Recruited from: South Fremantle
Style: Lewis Jetta (less explosive)
Player comparison: Danyle Pearce
Range: 3-15
Profile: Jarrod Pickett is a speedy type who can play anywhere and inject some real pace and energy into the game. He really enjoys taking on the game with ball in hand and can some offensive damage with his pace and footskills. I also really enjoy his tendency after a mark when the opportunity is there to work out quickly that he has the opportunity to take off then he just goes and generates some instant offense and meaningful drive rather than just going back behind the mark and moving the ball slowly forward. He’s not only damaging when he gets the ball but for an outside type he’s also an above average accumulator which is a real positive and is what suggests to me he has a future in this game when you combine that with his ability to do damage.
#10 Sydney – Kyle Langford (VIC – Fwd/Mid)
Height: 190, Weight: 73kg, DOB: 01/12/1996
Recruited from: Northern Knights
Style:
Player comparison: Marcus Bontempelli
Range: 5-35
Profile: Langford is a very damaging tall forward flanker who is playing some really exciting footy and doesn’t need a whole lot of the footy to do his damage. Langford has a light body but some real pace to him, a willingness to take on the game, a damaging kick and strong overhead marking ability making him a big threat up forward. Langford has a late year birthday and his rate of development you’d think he has lots of physical and footballing growth left.
#11 Collingwood – Darcy Moore (Coll - F/S – VIC – KPF/KPD/Ruck)Height: 199cm, Weight: 93kg, DOB: 25/01/1996
Recruited from: Oakleigh Chargers
Style:
Player comparison: Nathan Vardy (without the injury issues)
Range: 1st – 2nd round.
Profile: Highly touted big man who has struggled these past couple of seasons with back injuries. Moore is a contested marking threat, reads the ball well in the air and moves very well for someone his height. He has played a bit of everywhere featuring as a key defender, key forward and ruckman at various stages. While Moore can play a bit of everywhere he feels most at home as a centre half forward where he can use his strong running game and also be a factor as a contested marking target.
#12 Gold Coast – Lachlan Weller (QLD – Mid)
Height:180cm, Weight: 71kg, DOB: 23/02/1996
Recruited from: Broadbeach
Style: Sam Mitchell
Player comparison:
Range: 5-20
Profile: Small midfielder who can play both inside and outside the contest. He’s nothing like his brother and not nearly the physical beast his brother Maverick but a much better skilled player. Lachie has a damaging 55m kick on him and has excellent vision picking out targets up the field or inside 50 at will. He’s got a nice balanced game with ability both inside and outside the contest. He can win it inside the contest and is an effective stoppage player and has good hands inside the contest and finds targets inside by hand but then on the outside can also accumulate and use the ball really well. He from reports approaches the game professionally and is someone who will put in the work required to achieve success at the next level.
#13 Port Adelaide – Brayden Maynard (VIC – Util)
Height: 186cm, Weight: 88kg, DOB: 20/09/1996
Recruited from: Sandringham Dragons
Style: Ryan O’Keefe/Marley Williams
Player comparison:
Range: 5-15
Profile: Maynard really gives you options with his ability to play midfield, forward or back and the variety of different roles he can perform in each region of the field. He has a real hard edge to him that you like to see. As a midfielder he is a strong contested ball winner with a strong tackling game as well as the ability to beat his direct opponent. As a forward he can be a goal scoring factor and can just as easily play down back and beat his direct opponent and win the ball back off the opposition side.
#14 North Melbourne – Clem Smith (WA - Util)
Height:177cm, Weight: 74kg, DOB: 03/02/1996
Recruited from: Perth
Style: Byron Pickett
Player comparison:
Range: 10-30
Profile: Clem Smith is as hard as you’ll find and has electric pace making him a big time weapon and someone with a really unique game. He’s not a big guy and not tall but he has a real presence with the way he hits guys, bumps, tackles and hits the contests harder than anyone else on the field at any time. He can do the undisciplined and sometimes goes over the line but he’s got some real fight to him and you love to see that old fashion footballer, particularly when they have some special footballing talent to go with that. The other real point of difference with Smith is the way he takes on the game. He has excellent pace and can break the lines. He’ll need to iron out his footskills but he’s got some talent and is someone you notice out on the field with the hardness he plays with.
#15 Geelong – Mac Bower (SA – Fwd/Def)
Height: 190cm, Weight: 79kg, DOB: 27/01/1996
Recruited from: Norwood
Style: Sam Mayes/Beau Waters
Player comparison:
Range: 10-30
Profile: Bower is a tallish type with some aggression to him and the ability to play both forward and back to a high standard. As a forward Bower is excellent on the lead and a real goalscoring threat who on the lead with his pace can create separation and also use his leap to take a mark in the air. He’s also excellent down back as someone who can take intercept marks and set up play with his damaging footskills while also being able to beat his direct opponent.
#16 Gold Coast (Via Compensation Pick from Geelong) - Liam Duggan (VIC – Def/Mid)Height: 183cm, Weight: 76kg, DOB: 11/12/1996
Recruited from: Western Jets
Style:
Player comparison: Martin Gleeson
Range: 10-30
Profile: Duggan is a classy back flanker with some real pace and the ability to push through the midfield at times. With ball in hand Duggan is all class using it well on his left foot, doing damage and seeming to have more time than most to deliver and chooses the right options up the field and then making the right decision. He also has an above average burst of speed and some linebreaking ability. Duggan has excellent ability down back to read the ball and take the intercept mark.
#17 Hawthorn - Tyler Keitel (WA – KPF/KPD)
Height: 191cm, Weight: 80kg, DOB: 07/02/1996
Recruited from: East Perth
Style: Jarryd Roughead
Player comparison:
Range: 5-30
Profile: Keitel is a talented key position player who can play both forward and back well. He’s got ability both overhead but moves well for someone of his type with his agility and at ground level making him a real threat up forward but then down back can play a role and not look out of place. He has unusually clean hands for someone his height and has a natural dexterity with unusually clean hands and a co-ordination you don’t see in many key position players. Call me crazy but I’d like to see Keitel become player who splits his time forward and on the ball once he puts some size onto his frame. With his ability at ground level and clean hands at his height I don’t think he’s restricted to just playing as a key position player so there are some exciting possibilities for Keitel down the road if he can put it all together and fulfil his potential.
#18 Fremantle - Christian Petracca (VIC - Fwd)
Height:186cm, Weight: 92kg, DOB: 04/01/1996
Recruited from: Eastern Ranges
Style: Stewart Crameri (less athletic)
Player comparison:
Range: 10-50
Profile:Strong unit who is a real physically imposing marking presence up forward. Despite his limited height for his type he plays like a real key position player and just outbodies anyone in the TAC and also outmarks them thanks not only to that extra size on his frame but also his superior marking ability and ability to read the drop of the ball. At this level he hits the scoreboard like few others can with the way he takes over games and is just a manchild. The next step in his development is showing that he can push into the midfield. He’s from a basketball background and he seems to have relatively clean and quick hands at ground level as well as a very big body so that potential may be there for him to develop an inside game and if he can and add that to his already exceptionally handy ability to go forward, take a mark and kick a goal then he can become a big weapon for a team. He’ll just need to drop his skinfolders and build his endurance first if he wants to take that step into the midfield. Petracca has been noted for his leadership taking young key forward Sam Weideman under his wing and has also been noted for his technical understanding of body positioning and how to play forward to a high level.
#19 Essendon (to be taken at end of first round) – Dylan Winton (WA – Mid/Def)
Height:190cm, Weight: 85kg, DOB: 27/07/1996
Recruited from: Peel Thunder
Style: David Mundy
Player comparison:
Range: 15-45
Profile: Winton is a tall, strong bodied midfielder who improved as the season progressed last season and can play wherever you need him. Late season he broke into the seniors for Peel Thunder and I expect we’ll see plenty more senior footy from Winton this coming year. He’s got some ability at his size. He’s a strong mark. Uses it well by foot. He’s not an athlete and doesn’t have a great deal of pace but he’s a smart runner who doesn’t require pace to cover the ground and you can trust him to run back in transition.
#20 GWS (end of first round compensation) - Jackson Nelson (VIC – Def/Mid)Height: 187cm, Weight: 80kg, DOB: 15/03/1996
Recruited from: Geelong Falcons
Style:
Player comparison: Paul Seedsman
Range: 10-50
Profile: Nelson is rebounding back flanker who can also play on a wing. He’s got some pace to him, uses it well by foot and can beat his direct opponent. He’s very much an uncontested ball player but one of the better outside types in this draft.
-- Potential A-graders --
1. Peter Wright (VIC - KPF/Ruck)
2. Sam Durdin (SA - KPP)
3. Patrick McCartin (VIC - KPF)
4. Darcy Moore (Coll - F/S – VIC – KPF/Ruck)
5. Hugh Goddard (VIC - KPF)
-- Potentially high level footballers --
6. Angus Brayshaw (VIC – Mid)
7. Alec Waterman (WCE – F/S - WA - Mid)
8. Jake Lever (VIC – Def/KPD)
9. Lachlan Weller (QLD – Mid)
10. Jarrod Pickett (WA – Util)
11. Tom Lamb (VIC – Fwd/KPF)
12. Kyle Langford (VIC –Fwd/Mid)
13. Brayden Maynard (VIC – Def/Mid)
14. Tyler Keitel (WA - KPF)
15. Matthew Hammelmann (Bris – Academy - QLD – KPF/KPD)
16. Clem Smith (WA - Util)
17. Mac Bower (SA – Fwd/Def)
18. Christian Petracca (VIC - Fwd)
19. Liam Dawson (Bris – Academy - QLD – Util)
20. Jaden McGrath (VIC – Mid/Fwd)
21. Liam Duggan (VIC – Def/Mid)
22. Isaac Heeney (Syd – Academy - NSW – Mid)
23. Dean Gore (SA – Mid/Def)
24. Peter Bampton (SA – Mid)
25. Matthew Ah Siu (WA – Fwd/KPF)
26. Liam Griffiths (GWS – Academy - NSW – Mid)
27. Jackson Nelson (VIC - Mid)
28. Bradley Walsh (WA – Mid)
29. Nakia Cockatoo (NT – Mid)
30. Jermaine Miller-Lewis (WA – Fwd)
-- In with a chance of making it --
31. Dylan Winton (WA – Mid/Util)
32. Jack Hayes (SA – KPF)
33. Jake Maher (VIC – Mid)
34. Daniel Capiron (VIC – Def/Mid)
35. Jordan Cunico (VIC – Fwd/Mid)
36. Billy Stretch (Melb – F/S - SA – Mid/Fwd)
37. Jesse Watchman (SA - KPF)
38. Daniel Nielson (VIC – KPD)
39. Alex Urban (VIC – Mid)
40. Harry Dear (Haw – F/S - VIC – KPF)
41. Jack Cripps (WA – KPF/Ruck)
42. Sam Bevan (WA – KPF)
43. Jack Donkersley (SA – Util)
44. Warrick Wilson (WA – Mid/Fwd)
45. Ben Hancock (WA – Def/Mid)
46. Joshua Deluca (WA – Fwd/Mid)
47. Garrett McDonagh (VIC – Def)
48. Ryan Lim (WA – Mid/Fwd)
49. Tyler Roos (Bris – F/S - VIC – Util)
50. Jarrod Garlett (WA –Mid)
51. Touk Miller (VIC – Mid)
52. Bodhi Walker (VIC – Mid)
53. Nicholas Coughlan (GWS - NSW – KPF/KPD)
54. Jayden Short (VIC – Mid)
55. Joe Maishman (VIC – Mid)
56. Caleb Daniel (SA – Mid)
57. Josh Clayton (Bris – F/S - VIC – Mid/Fwd)
58. Reece McKenzie (VIC – KPF)
59. Jake Johansen (SA – Fwd)
60. Sean McLaren (VIC – KPD/Ruck)
#1 Melbourne – Peter Wright (VIC - KPF/Ruck)
Height:203cm, Weight: 102kg, DOB: 08/09/1996
Recruited from: Calder Cannons
Style:
Player comparison: Joe Daniher/Charlie Dixon
Range: 1-3
Profile: Wright is a super tall, strong marking key forward who can also play some ruck. He has the ability to take the big contested mark and win his 1v1s but he’s also excellent on the lead as one of those near impossible key forwards to defend with that sheer reach and ability to take it at the highest point. He can be in and out of games but for the periods he dominates he really takes over games like few others can. Through the ruck he’s reasonably good with his tap work above average but if you take him you take him because he’s a rare quality forward with rare height. The major concern with Wright is his back he’s had some bad back issues which have kept him out for a period but if that causes him no issues then he has the ability to be the best player in this draft. He’ll need to improve his core strength and build that flexibility to prevent further back issues, the earlier he can do this the better.
#2 St Kilda – Sam Durdin (SA - KPP)
Height: 197cm, Weight: 89kg, DOB: 06/06/1996
Recruited from: West Adelaide
Style:
Player comparison: Jake Carlisle/Lachie Henderson
Range: 1-5
Profile: Durdin is the better of the key defenders available this year. He’s got the versatility to play forward and through the ruck when required but he’s to this point played his best footy down back. He’s a good mover for a key position player with his athleticism and mobility at his height. He’s also one of the best users of the footy for a key position player you’ll find with his footskills particularly excellent. He’s also got a nice balance between ability to take the mark overhead but then the co-ordination below the knees and at ground level to compliment it and make him a real threat.
#3 Brisbane – Patrick McCartin (VIC - KPF)
Height: 193cm, Weight: 95kg, DOB: 19/04/1996
Recruited from: Geelong Falcons
Style: Alistair Lynch
Player comparison:
Range: 1-5
Profile: McCartin is an interesting case. He’s an absolute top end talent but has his health issues which complicates the analysis of his playing ability. McCartin has diabetes so he’s done exceptionally well to manage that to this point and adjust his diet and practices to allow it not to affect his football. As a result of this McCartin has been especially careful with his diet and his body and has developed a great level of professionalism towards his football. As a footballer McCartin is a strong unit for his age. He’s already shown that he can take over games both through the TAC Cup but also through the u18 champs. McCartin is an effective mark on the lead but his real point of difference is his ability to take 1v1 marks. He has incredible strength and can go to the goal square and take advantage of his direct opponent with his superior ability to read the drop of the ball and his superior strength and ability to take a grab. The major weakness in McCartin’s game at this point is his set shot goalkicking and it’s definitely a mental thing with him. I’ve never seen a key forward who likes a goal less than McCartin. He can shank those set shots more than most and quickly loses confidence in his kick and more often than not elects to go the unselfish option and find team mates in better positions but on the positive his field kicking is good and his vision finding those inside 50 targets is as good as you’ll see from a player of his type. He’ll also often opt to play on or snap instead of drop punt with his shots on goal understanding that his conversion from set shots is below average. As a smallish key forward I also hope McCartin develops a better ground level game as Roughead has to be better rounded and maximise his chances of becoming a dominant forward at the next level.
#4 GWS – Hugh Goddard (VIC - KPP)
Height: 196cm, Weight: 93kg, DOB: 24/08/1996
Recruited from: Geelong Falcons
Style:
Player comparison: Sam Day
Range: 1-10
Profile: Goddard is the star tall key position athlete this year. He’s got exceptional pace, agility and an excellent leap. Has a long kick for his age. And has some ability at ground level, so there is plenty to work with. There is just that little bit of something dominant missing to his game. As a forward Goddard in the TAC can kick three goals a game but it’s almost always a quiet three goals. He just doesn’t feel like he’s going to take over games and you don’t really notice his impact as more a component to winning rather than a centrepiece and a reason for winning. He just lacks the presence to his game that the other premier key forwards of the competition have and doesn’t have that same feel that he’ll go off as a goalkicking threat like those other real high end key forwards have which is why I rate him lower than others probably will. Perhaps Goddard makes it as an athletic key defender, he can take on the game with his pace and with his size and athleticism he has the ability to go with most other key forwards, so it will be interesting to see whether a club see him more as a key forward or defender at the next level.
#5 Carlton – Angus Brayshaw (VIC – Mid)
Height: 186cm, Weight: 87kg, DOB: 09/01/1996
Recruited from: Sandringham Dragons
Style: Andrew Swallow/Sam Mitchell
Player comparison:
Range: 1-10
Profile: Low flash but high substance midfielder who will produce every week. Brayshaw is the dominant midfield in this draft. He’s a big time accumulator through the midfield and one of the best volume tacklers you’ll ever find. Brayshaw has absolutely dominated the TAC and has the proven performances on the board to suggest he can take the next step and become one of the elite midfielders in the competition. He’s got clean hands and is a sound user of the footy by both hand and generally makes good decisions with ball in hand. Strong mark overhead and can push back behind the ball to take an intercept mark or push forward to take a grab and provide scoreboard impact.
#6 West Coast – Alec Waterman (WCE – F/S): Height: 183cm, Weight: 87kg, DOB: 19/08/1996
Recruited from: Claremont
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: 1st round/2nd round
Profile: One of the better performed midfielders and one for West Coast fans to get excited about. Waterman is a big bodied, hard midfielder who can win his own ball inside the contest, has clean hands and distributes well by hand but also find it outside the contest. He’s a high volume accumulator and by foot can use both sides but looks best on his left side and has above average penetration on his kick and some nice vision finding good targets up the field at times. He’s got an effective running game as someone who can run all day but then also be an effective burst runner.
#7 Adelaide – Jake Lever (VIC – Def/KPD)
Height:192cm, Weight: 84kg, DOB: 05/03/1996
Recruited from: Calder Cannons
Style: Nick Maxwell (more talented – stronger in the contest and better kicking version)
Player comparison: Lachie Plowman
Range: 3-15
Profile: Lever is a really natural rebounding key defender with a real hardness and aggression to him with his approach to the contest. He’s a high level intercept mark reading it so well in the air and getting to the drop of the ball consistently. He’s also very capable of winning his 1v1s holding his position well and taking marks 1v1 down back making him a real weapon down back. Lever is also an exceptional run and carry player and moves incredibly well for his height. He isn’t afraid to take on the game and push up the field and be a part of linkup chains as essentially another running defender despite his position. By foot Lever by position is excellent and a real playmaker with his ability to find targets up the field. He’s considered a hard working, high character guy so it’s highly likely that he’ll get the best out of himself.
#8 Richmond – Tom Lamb (VIC - Fwd/Mid)
Height:192cm, Weight: 83kg, DOB: 19/10/1996
Recruited from: Dandenong Stingrays
Style: Jared Brennan
Player comparison:
Range: 5-20
Profile: Lamb is a tall, athletic half forward/wingman with some real talent to him. For his height he’s unusually talented when the ball hits the ground with his pickups incredibly clean. From a second and third effort standpoint he’s also impressive. He’s excellent at ground level for his height and very clean with his pickups from the deck at his size and can even be an effective crumber at times at the front of the pack. He’s also a fair marking threat in the air and on the lead with his leap and ability and also has elite pace and ability to create separation with his pace real factors in his game. He’s not afraid to play on when the opportunity is there. He’s also someone who can provide some strong scoreboard pressure. With the value clubs are increasingly putting on versatility and ability to play a number of different types of roles Lamb will be in high demand as someone who has no trouble as a deep forward, flanker or up the field. He just needs to improve his consistency by foot to targets and become more one grab with his marks to better round out his game.
#9 Western Bulldogs – Jarrod Pickett (WA – Utility/Mid)
Height:179cm, Weight: 74kg, DOB: 18/08/1996
Recruited from: South Fremantle
Style: Lewis Jetta (less explosive)
Player comparison: Danyle Pearce
Range: 3-15
Profile: Jarrod Pickett is a speedy type who can play anywhere and inject some real pace and energy into the game. He really enjoys taking on the game with ball in hand and can some offensive damage with his pace and footskills. I also really enjoy his tendency after a mark when the opportunity is there to work out quickly that he has the opportunity to take off then he just goes and generates some instant offense and meaningful drive rather than just going back behind the mark and moving the ball slowly forward. He’s not only damaging when he gets the ball but for an outside type he’s also an above average accumulator which is a real positive and is what suggests to me he has a future in this game when you combine that with his ability to do damage.
#10 Sydney – Kyle Langford (VIC – Fwd/Mid)
Height: 190, Weight: 73kg, DOB: 01/12/1996
Recruited from: Northern Knights
Style:
Player comparison: Marcus Bontempelli
Range: 5-35
Profile: Langford is a very damaging tall forward flanker who is playing some really exciting footy and doesn’t need a whole lot of the footy to do his damage. Langford has a light body but some real pace to him, a willingness to take on the game, a damaging kick and strong overhead marking ability making him a big threat up forward. Langford has a late year birthday and his rate of development you’d think he has lots of physical and footballing growth left.
#11 Collingwood – Darcy Moore (Coll - F/S – VIC – KPF/KPD/Ruck)Height: 199cm, Weight: 93kg, DOB: 25/01/1996
Recruited from: Oakleigh Chargers
Style:
Player comparison: Nathan Vardy (without the injury issues)
Range: 1st – 2nd round.
Profile: Highly touted big man who has struggled these past couple of seasons with back injuries. Moore is a contested marking threat, reads the ball well in the air and moves very well for someone his height. He has played a bit of everywhere featuring as a key defender, key forward and ruckman at various stages. While Moore can play a bit of everywhere he feels most at home as a centre half forward where he can use his strong running game and also be a factor as a contested marking target.
#12 Gold Coast – Lachlan Weller (QLD – Mid)
Height:180cm, Weight: 71kg, DOB: 23/02/1996
Recruited from: Broadbeach
Style: Sam Mitchell
Player comparison:
Range: 5-20
Profile: Small midfielder who can play both inside and outside the contest. He’s nothing like his brother and not nearly the physical beast his brother Maverick but a much better skilled player. Lachie has a damaging 55m kick on him and has excellent vision picking out targets up the field or inside 50 at will. He’s got a nice balanced game with ability both inside and outside the contest. He can win it inside the contest and is an effective stoppage player and has good hands inside the contest and finds targets inside by hand but then on the outside can also accumulate and use the ball really well. He from reports approaches the game professionally and is someone who will put in the work required to achieve success at the next level.
#13 Port Adelaide – Brayden Maynard (VIC – Util)
Height: 186cm, Weight: 88kg, DOB: 20/09/1996
Recruited from: Sandringham Dragons
Style: Ryan O’Keefe/Marley Williams
Player comparison:
Range: 5-15
Profile: Maynard really gives you options with his ability to play midfield, forward or back and the variety of different roles he can perform in each region of the field. He has a real hard edge to him that you like to see. As a midfielder he is a strong contested ball winner with a strong tackling game as well as the ability to beat his direct opponent. As a forward he can be a goal scoring factor and can just as easily play down back and beat his direct opponent and win the ball back off the opposition side.
#14 North Melbourne – Clem Smith (WA - Util)
Height:177cm, Weight: 74kg, DOB: 03/02/1996
Recruited from: Perth
Style: Byron Pickett
Player comparison:
Range: 10-30
Profile: Clem Smith is as hard as you’ll find and has electric pace making him a big time weapon and someone with a really unique game. He’s not a big guy and not tall but he has a real presence with the way he hits guys, bumps, tackles and hits the contests harder than anyone else on the field at any time. He can do the undisciplined and sometimes goes over the line but he’s got some real fight to him and you love to see that old fashion footballer, particularly when they have some special footballing talent to go with that. The other real point of difference with Smith is the way he takes on the game. He has excellent pace and can break the lines. He’ll need to iron out his footskills but he’s got some talent and is someone you notice out on the field with the hardness he plays with.
#15 Geelong – Mac Bower (SA – Fwd/Def)
Height: 190cm, Weight: 79kg, DOB: 27/01/1996
Recruited from: Norwood
Style: Sam Mayes/Beau Waters
Player comparison:
Range: 10-30
Profile: Bower is a tallish type with some aggression to him and the ability to play both forward and back to a high standard. As a forward Bower is excellent on the lead and a real goalscoring threat who on the lead with his pace can create separation and also use his leap to take a mark in the air. He’s also excellent down back as someone who can take intercept marks and set up play with his damaging footskills while also being able to beat his direct opponent.
#16 Gold Coast (Via Compensation Pick from Geelong) - Liam Duggan (VIC – Def/Mid)Height: 183cm, Weight: 76kg, DOB: 11/12/1996
Recruited from: Western Jets
Style:
Player comparison: Martin Gleeson
Range: 10-30
Profile: Duggan is a classy back flanker with some real pace and the ability to push through the midfield at times. With ball in hand Duggan is all class using it well on his left foot, doing damage and seeming to have more time than most to deliver and chooses the right options up the field and then making the right decision. He also has an above average burst of speed and some linebreaking ability. Duggan has excellent ability down back to read the ball and take the intercept mark.
#17 Hawthorn - Tyler Keitel (WA – KPF/KPD)
Height: 191cm, Weight: 80kg, DOB: 07/02/1996
Recruited from: East Perth
Style: Jarryd Roughead
Player comparison:
Range: 5-30
Profile: Keitel is a talented key position player who can play both forward and back well. He’s got ability both overhead but moves well for someone of his type with his agility and at ground level making him a real threat up forward but then down back can play a role and not look out of place. He has unusually clean hands for someone his height and has a natural dexterity with unusually clean hands and a co-ordination you don’t see in many key position players. Call me crazy but I’d like to see Keitel become player who splits his time forward and on the ball once he puts some size onto his frame. With his ability at ground level and clean hands at his height I don’t think he’s restricted to just playing as a key position player so there are some exciting possibilities for Keitel down the road if he can put it all together and fulfil his potential.
#18 Fremantle - Christian Petracca (VIC - Fwd)
Height:186cm, Weight: 92kg, DOB: 04/01/1996
Recruited from: Eastern Ranges
Style: Stewart Crameri (less athletic)
Player comparison:
Range: 10-50
Profile:Strong unit who is a real physically imposing marking presence up forward. Despite his limited height for his type he plays like a real key position player and just outbodies anyone in the TAC and also outmarks them thanks not only to that extra size on his frame but also his superior marking ability and ability to read the drop of the ball. At this level he hits the scoreboard like few others can with the way he takes over games and is just a manchild. The next step in his development is showing that he can push into the midfield. He’s from a basketball background and he seems to have relatively clean and quick hands at ground level as well as a very big body so that potential may be there for him to develop an inside game and if he can and add that to his already exceptionally handy ability to go forward, take a mark and kick a goal then he can become a big weapon for a team. He’ll just need to drop his skinfolders and build his endurance first if he wants to take that step into the midfield. Petracca has been noted for his leadership taking young key forward Sam Weideman under his wing and has also been noted for his technical understanding of body positioning and how to play forward to a high level.
#19 Essendon (to be taken at end of first round) – Dylan Winton (WA – Mid/Def)
Height:190cm, Weight: 85kg, DOB: 27/07/1996
Recruited from: Peel Thunder
Style: David Mundy
Player comparison:
Range: 15-45
Profile: Winton is a tall, strong bodied midfielder who improved as the season progressed last season and can play wherever you need him. Late season he broke into the seniors for Peel Thunder and I expect we’ll see plenty more senior footy from Winton this coming year. He’s got some ability at his size. He’s a strong mark. Uses it well by foot. He’s not an athlete and doesn’t have a great deal of pace but he’s a smart runner who doesn’t require pace to cover the ground and you can trust him to run back in transition.
#20 GWS (end of first round compensation) - Jackson Nelson (VIC – Def/Mid)Height: 187cm, Weight: 80kg, DOB: 15/03/1996
Recruited from: Geelong Falcons
Style:
Player comparison: Paul Seedsman
Range: 10-50
Profile: Nelson is rebounding back flanker who can also play on a wing. He’s got some pace to him, uses it well by foot and can beat his direct opponent. He’s very much an uncontested ball player but one of the better outside types in this draft.
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. In 2011, we were predicted to slide and what happened? Premiers baby 
