Draft Watcher Knightmare's 2014 Phantom Draft

[TradeDraft]

I just really didn't like what Moore did in the back end of 2012/2013.

He's playing better footy now that he's healthy and I'm only starting to come around to the consensus that Moore is a 1st round talent.

My power rankings are floating so there will be other crazy fluctuations in ratings over the season I'm sure as I see more and notice more things about particularly guys.

Well That can Happen that players at 17 years old would not even be on the Radar then be top 10 Picks the next year

 

[I am Jack]

Knightmare is an absolute credit to big footy.
Keep up the good work champ.

 

[Ian Dunross]

KM, cheers for the excellent insight.

Assuming Wright goes to Brisbane at 1 (my tip for the spoon) and the Saints have pick 2, in your opinion, would they likely choose Durdin and is he the 2nd best tall?

Would he be the key forward they are looking for or would he more likely be drafted as a backman/swingman?

Cheers.

 

[Knightmare]

KM, cheers for the excellent insight.

Assuming Wright goes to Brisbane at 1 (my tip for the spoon) and the Saints have pick 2, in your opinion, would they likely choose Durdin and is he the 2nd best tall?

Would he be the key forward they are looking for or would he more likely be drafted as a backman/swingman?

Cheers.

I like Durdin for his extra height and versatility when comparing him to McCartin and he's a more threatening player than Goddard so I'd have him as that second guy picked after Wright regardless of who is picking and I'd certainly be recommending him to the Saints.

Durdin does have that swingman ability. Looks good both forward and back in a similar way to what Carlisle does for Essendon.

 

[blueiris]

Knights if Brisbane take Wright as the 1st pick (time will tell if we finish last) what happens to Freeman who we picked last year with Wright and Hammelmann as our key forwards

 

[Knightmare]

Knights if Brisbane take Wright as the 1st pick (time will tell if we finish last) what happens to Freeman who we picked last year with Wright and Hammelmann as our key forwards

If all three were to develop that would be a great situation and leave an optimal forward structure. It would mean a three key forward front half with Wright as the key forward who relieves Leuenberger in the ruck for that 15% of gametime.

I'm just not as confident as you are that Freeman firstly develops and Hammelmann I'd like to see more of before I'm convinced though I've been encouraged with the bits I've seen to this point.

 

[L_W_P]

Knightmare

If the Saints were to finish outside the bottom 4, and they had the choice, do you think they would be better taking a the last remaining 'obvious' KPP or should they grab Brayshaw and complete their midfield? It looks like there might be a few decent KPP options there at about 25 for our (potential) second pick and i can't help but think how good an inside midfield of Ross, Dunstan and Brashaw would be going forward.

I only rate Wright as being clearly bette than Brayshaw so I'm torn as to what I want the team to target. Alot of time to go yet though obviously haha

 

[Knightmare]

Knightmare

If the Saints were to finish outside the bottom 4, and they had the choice, do you think they would be better taking a the last remaining 'obvious' KPP or should they grab Brayshaw and complete their midfield? It looks like there might be a few decent KPP options there at about 25 for our (potential) second pick and i can't help but think how good an inside midfield of Ross, Dunstan and Brashaw would be going forward.

I only rate Wright as being clearly bette than Brayshaw so I'm torn as to what I want the team to target. Alot of time to go yet though obviously haha

Quality key position players are hard to come by and not liking the talls the Saints have I'd lean towards going tall as firstly finding a quality tall is hard but secondly I don't see a great difference if any between the fourth of the key position players (Goddard) or Brayshaw so I'd lean towards at this point going tall in that scenario.

 

[BigGib]

It will be interesting to see firstly when GWS are willing to let go of O'Rourke and if so then what the price will be.

Clubs will want his running ability.

Jono never wanted to go interstate and has not fitted in at all at the GWS.

His professionalism is severely lacking and would not be surprised that he asks for a move at seasons end.

Real talk.

 

[Masked Magician]

Kyle Langford to bolt, he is the most impressive 'pendlebury' or 'bontempelli' type

Will bolt

 

[Knightmare]

Jono never wanted to go interstate and has not fitted in at all at the GWS.

His professionalism is severely lacking and would not be surprised that he asks for a move at seasons end.

Real talk.

Interesting to see if something happens with O'Rourke at seasons end.

Kyle Langford to bolt, he is the most impressive 'pendlebury' or 'bontempelli' type

Will bolt

He's started the season on fire and I'm looking forward to his continued improvement. He's not Pendlebury but Bontempelli is an apt comparison. He's improved a lot and he's a late year birthday so lots of development left I think you are right that he'll rise up the draft board very quickly with his talent if he continues stringing together strong performances.

 

[Yoda_]

Knightmare, hope your keeping an eye on the VFL this year because quite a few boys have stood out early in the season. From recent TAC graduates, players who have taken non traditional paths to the known quantities. My pet love will once again sport a number of potential draftees I imagine.

Jake Owen (Williamstown)
Ali Kefferd (VFL Bombers)
Ant Anastasio (Williamstown)
Josh Sciopone (Port Melbourne)
Dan Connors (Port Melbourne)
Adam Marcon (Williamstown)
Matt Farrely (Bendigo)
Alik Magin (Bendigo)
Shane Hockey (Frankston)
Shannon Taylor (Frankston)

just to name a few my friend.

 

[Masked Magician]

Interesting to see if something happens with O'Rourke at seasons end.



He's started the season on fire and I'm looking forward to his continued improvement. He's not Pendlebury but Bontempelli is an apt comparison. He's improved a lot and he's a late year birthday so lots of development left I think you are right that he'll rise up the draft board very quickly with his talent if he continues stringing together strong performances.

In terms of build he is 190 odd tall but at this stage lanky player

I have no doubts about the kid

 

[The Dr]

FWIW, Callum Twomey's had a look at who could be the no.1 this year and it's a reasonably open field:

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-04-18/whos-the-next-no1-pick

 

[Knightmare]

Knightmare, hope your keeping an eye on the VFL this year because quite a few boys have stood out early in the season. From recent TAC graduates, players who have taken non traditional paths to the known quantities. My pet love will once again sport a number of potential draftees I imagine.

Jake Owen (Williamstown)
Ali Kefferd (VFL Bombers)
Ant Anastasio (Williamstown)
Josh Sciopone (Port Melbourne)
Dan Connors (Port Melbourne)
Adam Marcon (Williamstown)
Matt Farrely (Bendigo)
Alik Magin (Bendigo)
Shane Hockey (Frankston)
Shannon Taylor (Frankston)

just to name a few my friend.

Thanks for the list of names.

Is Shannon Taylor the ex WA forward who was overlooked a few years back?

I do like to sneak in some VFL games here and there but tend to take in more games late season.

I liked the look of Josh Toy the other week for Essendon with his footskills as it always has been absolutely a class above but looking at his stats it's probably the only good game he's played these past couple of seasons.
Any idea how he is progressing and if he's got his heart in order?

In the same game also enjoyed watching Tipungwuti and Duscher with Oliver Tate and Lachlan George also showing plenty with George particularly impressive with that tank of a body and big kick on him.

The other player, other than Toy I'm really interested to track is Joel Wilkinson for Northern Blues. From what I understand he's playing midfield or went to Northern Blues with the intent to play midfield but haven't had the chance to watch him. Physically he's the best specimen in all of the state leagues and would quite possibly be the best athlete in the AFL is still on a senior list. Endurance, speed, leap, physical strength and power. He's got it all plus the professionalism to make something happen with that.
Just watching the way to the game is going if he can develop he'd be so suited to the way the game is going.

 

[Eastern Rangers]

FWIW, Callum Twomey's had a look at who could be the no.1 this year and it's a reasonably open field:

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-04-18/whos-the-next-no1-pick

He could have just said I don't know.

 

[The Dr]

He could have just said I don't know.

Or he could give us his insight as to why there's no clear number 1 as yet…. Or do you want journos to just make bold statements and guess?

 

[Eastern Rangers]

Or he could give us his insight as to why there's no clear number 1 as yet…. Or do you want journos to just make bold statements and guess?

Err? Saying I don't know would require some reasoning. But it's not just the number one pick that is up in the air IMO. It's the whole first round.

Instead he just farted out the usual names with zero analysis as is his style.

 

[tigs2010]

Thanks for the list of names.

Is Shannon Taylor the ex WA forward who was overlooked a few years back?

Yep, that's the one.

 

[Yoda_]

Thanks for the list of names.

Is Shannon Taylor the ex WA forward who was overlooked a few years back?

I do like to sneak in some VFL games here and there but tend to take in more games late season.

I liked the look of Josh Toy the other week for Essendon with his footskills as it always has been absolutely a class above but looking at his stats it's probably the only good game he's played these past couple of seasons.
Any idea how he is progressing and if he's got his heart in order?

In the same game also enjoyed watching Tipungwuti and Duscher with Oliver Tate and Lachlan George also showing plenty with George particularly impressive with that tank of a body and big kick on him.

The other player, other than Toy I'm really interested to track is Joel Wilkinson for Northern Blues. From what I understand he's playing midfield or went to Northern Blues with the intent to play midfield but haven't had the chance to watch him. Physically he's the best specimen in all of the state leagues and would quite possibly be the best athlete in the AFL is still on a senior list. Endurance, speed, leap, physical strength and power. He's got it all plus the professionalism to make something happen with that.
Just watching the way to the game is going if he can develop he'd be so suited to the way the game is going.

Shannon Taylor is the ex - WAFL forward. Moved to the Dolphins this season in somewhat of a coup for the seaside town. Played the one game (ironically a TV game versus Sandringham) and just looked a class above. Moves well, kicks well, smart and has a willingness to harass and tackle.

I think the Josh Toy train has sailed. Will be in and out of the VFL Bombers side this year, won't star but do his job whenever asked upon.

Tippa is a completely different kettle of fish, the highlights real is awesome and is doing more this year (possession count, tackle count etc.), is progressing well.

Duscher is too good for VFL but isn't quick enough to make the grade at AFL level IMHO. I know Dwyer and Barlow in particular aren't blessed with pace but they have other standout qualities. Duscher's tenacity gets him by at VFL level. He revels in the hard ball.

Been a big Lach George fan for a few years now. Absolute bull - at - a - gate midfielder. Big boy too (185ish cm and 90+ kg's).

I mentioned Jake Owen ! keep an eye on the former Calder Cannons midfielder who has moved into a goal kicking half forward for Williamstown. 6 goals in 4 games as a lead up forward. Has shown a willingness to chase and tackle (ave 3.3 tackles per game).


As I mentioned, there is a plethora of 18 - 21 year olds strutting there stuff in the VFL seniors this year that will surely be on people's radar later in the year. The list may shrink to a select few but there are options.

 

[Knightmare]

Shannon Taylor is the ex - WAFL forward. Moved to the Dolphins this season in somewhat of a coup for the seaside town. Played the one game (ironically a TV game versus Sandringham) and just looked a class above. Moves well, kicks well, smart and has a willingness to harass and tackle.

Been a big Lach George fan for a few years now. Absolute bull - at - a - gate midfielder. Big boy too (185ish cm and 90+ kg's).

I mentioned Jake Owen ! keep an eye on the former Calder Cannons midfielder who has moved into a goal kicking half forward for Williamstown. 6 goals in 4 games as a lead up forward. Has shown a willingness to chase and tackle (ave 3.3 tackles per game).


As I mentioned, there is a plethora of 18 - 21 year olds strutting there stuff in the VFL seniors this year that will surely be on people's radar later in the year. The list may shrink to a select few but there are options.

Do you have any insight as to why Taylor moved to VIC? I'm not even aware if he played any footy last year so it sounds like a sudden decision that he wants to pursue an AFL career. I'm a little concerned about whether he'll stick it out but he'll be interesting to track over the season.

Lachlan George is made of AFL stuff. He's an easy rookie choice in my mind for a team needing a bigger body - great fit for Melbourne and what they want to achieve under Roos.

Owen I am very aware of. Been excellent in the TAC the past few years and he's draftable and one of thedraft snubs and I wouldn't be at all surprised to see him have a strong VFL season and get onto an AFL list next season. Nice height. Versatile - mid/fwd/def he can play. Strong 1v1. And has some scope through the midfield with his ability to win his own footy, clean hands and good decision making.
He could very possibly be this years Tom Langdon so I agree he is one to watch.

 

[Yoda_]

Do you have any insight as to why Taylor moved to VIC? I'm not even aware if he played any footy last year so it sounds like a sudden decision that he wants to pursue an AFL career. I'm a little concerned about whether he'll stick it out but he'll be interesting to track over the season.

Lachlan George is made of AFL stuff. He's an easy rookie choice in my mind for a team needing a bigger body - great fit for Melbourne and what they want to achieve under Roos.

Owen I am very aware of. Been excellent in the TAC the past few years and he's draftable and one of thedraft snubs and I wouldn't be at all surprised to see him have a strong VFL season and get onto an AFL list next season. Nice height. Versatile - mid/fwd/def he can play. Strong 1v1. And has some scope through the midfield with his ability to win his own footy, clean hands and good decision making.
He could very possibly be this years Tom Langdon so I agree he is one to watch.

Shannon Taylor I'm still trying to find out more on how it came about. Have heard he has impressed since he arrived at Frankston park so won't need to worry why he isn't playing. The other Dolphin is Ben Cavarra who is doing some nice things already at senior VFL level already, but you know about him already.

Not sure Lachlan George would be much of an improvement on guys like James Magner ant Tom Couch whom they (Melbourne) delisted last year. Agree he is a bull and a gun at VFL level.

I was keen on Jake Owen as one of the leading ball winners at TAC cup level, he impressed enormously and has in the VFL to date.

Quick heads up that little Anthony Anastasio has kicked two bags of 4 in two games after snagging 3 in the reserves for Williamstown this season. Definitely one to watch in my eyes.

 

[hayes]

Top 3 classiest players mate?

 

[Knightmare]

Top 3 classiest players mate?

It's not a year with the silk we see some other years with the better players the talls this year.

But to answer your question:
Jaden McGrath
Liam Duggan
Lachlan Weller

 

[Gee Dub]

It's not a year with the silk we see some other years with the better players the talls this year.

But to answer your question:
Jaden McGrath
Liam Duggan
Lachlan Weller

I'd put Duggan out ahead of both of those guys. Very outside though so Weller is probably more impressive in that he hits targets under pressure.