Draft Watcher Knightmare's 2015 Draft Almanac

[dewah07]

Balic in the grand final preview last year really put on a show so I'm hardly the only one who will be talking about him this year. Along with another really 6-8 guys, Balic is one of that group who at this stage could plausibly prove a potential number one overall selection with a strong season.

I've been his no.1 supporter for over a year now as pick1, he's got the pendels wingard gene in him

 

[Knightmare]

I've been his no.1 supporter for over a year now as pick1, he's got the pendels wingard gene in him

You're definitely right about the impact he can have. It's right up there. He's just so damaging and has that something to him.

If he can find more of the footy more often this year while still having that same impact per disposal. That's what's going to get him to a top pick.

Once the nationals come around and some highlight tapes start going up and people start taking notice you'll get a lot of others joining the Balic bandwagon.

 

[rhaz]

Knightmare, have you seen much of Jake Lovett? Always happy to have a F/S prospect, generally gives good value. I see you have him around the 50s, any more thoughts on him at this stage?

 

[Knightmare]

Knightmare, have you seen much of Jake Lovett? Always happy to have a F/S prospect, generally gives good value. I see you have him around the 50s, any more thoughts on him at this stage?

Lovett played probably half of last season in the TAC and showed some signs as a hard bodied inside mid. He showed some signs without dominating. At this stage he looks more a latter half of draft prospect, so he'll need to continue improving to get drafted but none the less he is one to look out for as a possible late draft father son pick with continued improvement.

 

[RedmanWasHere]

Knightmare.

Is Yestin Eades the highest draft prospect with an awesome name?

 

[ROYAL EAGLE]

Knightmare keep a eye on Quinten Narkle from Perth colts a lot of talk,
saying he is a gun from my perth friends.

 

[Knightmare]

Knightmare.

Is Yestin Eades the highest draft prospect with an awesome name?

Dan Houston, Blake Hardwick - although Hardwick is a well known footballing name it's still a great name. Will Combe, Jacob Hopper maybe. Bryce Batty.

There's always some good names.

 

[Knightmare]

Knightmare keep a eye on Quinten Narkle from Perth colts a lot of talk,
saying he is a gun from my perth friends.

A new name to me. Will keep an eye out.

 

[Wizard17]

Karl Brown got put into the Metro squad after that 8 goal game of his big strong marking key forward with a december b'day and vice like hands might be one to look out for.

 

[Knightmare]

Karl Brown got put into the Metro squad after that 8 goal game of his big strong marking key forward with a december b'day and vice like hands might be one to look out for.

Northern are very beatable this year so some teams will take advantage of them.

Will look out for Brown, yet to see Calder play to comment but if he has more 8 goal hauls then he'll no doubt work his way onto my draft board.

 

[Seedsfan]

Knight while I don't think the Pies will have an amazing year they are better than 5 last. I think we will finish most likely between 9th and 12th. Giving us a first pick between 7-10. With that pick I think we need to go for a key forward as that is where we have a big hole on our list. I would like to see us take Weidamen with that pick as my mates who have played against him rate him very highly

 

[Knightmare]

Knight while I don't think the Pies will have an amazing year they are better than 5 last. I think we will finish most likely between 9th and 12th. Giving us a first pick between 7-10. With that pick I think we need to go for a key forward as that is where we have a big hole on our list. I would like to see us take Weidamen with that pick as my mates who have played against him rate him very highly

I initially projected a 12th placed finish for Collingwood going into the NAB Challenge but I'm not so confident now. I'm watching a group at the moment unable to correctly execute the game-plan, without after Pendlebury enough veteran leadership then too many too users of the footy through the midfield and down back. It's going to be a very up and down year winning a few we shouldn't but losing a lot more than we should.

Collingwood fans will be all over Weideman given the name but I'm not much of the romanticism side of things and would only pick him at whatever pick we have if he is deemed best available. And that could in reality be any number of players, with Weideman just someone who would likely feature on the short-list given he shows promise and is a player of a position and type the club needs. But at this stage he has a long way to prove to me that he is a genuine first rounder, having mostly only shown glimpses to this point with that early 2014 form probably his highlight to this point.

 

[Seedsfan]

I initially projected a 12th placed finish for Collingwood going into the NAB Challenge but I'm not so confident now. I'm watching a group at the moment unable to correctly execute the game-plan, without after Pendlebury enough veteran leadership then too many too users of the footy through the midfield and down back. It's going to be a very up and down year winning a few we shouldn't but losing a lot more than we should.

Collingwood fans will be all over Weideman given the name but I'm not much of the romanticism side of things and would only pick him at whatever pick we have if he is deemed best available. And that could in reality be any number of players, with Weideman just someone who would likely feature on the short-list given he shows promise and is a player of a position and type the club needs. But at this stage he has a long way to prove to me that he is a genuine first rounder, having mostly only shown glimpses to this point with that early 2014 form probably his highlight to this point.

That's fair enough if not Weidamen I would want us to take another tall forward and also we have never been a club that performs that well in the nab cup we will be stronger up forward and down back than last year but will be weaker in the middle

 

[Knightmare]

That's fair enough if not Weidamen I would want us to take another tall forward and also we have never been a club that performs that well in the nab cup we will be stronger up forward and down back than last year but will be weaker in the middle

Overall I really respect the contributions of those guys who have gone. Beams, Lumumba, Ball and Maxwell. They were all best 10 players from our list and Ball, Maxwell and Lumumba probably best 4 leaders after Pendles, with Beams in my view our number two player.

For a young team. It's really hard to win, win consistently or even improve all that much without the quality of coaching and veteran leadership. I'd like to be more optimistic about my own team than I am, but in critically assessing what we have, I'm not seeing it with this group this year.

In terms of need though, key forward is my big one. With some outside types - kickers/speedsters that other element I'd be looking keenly for in terms of type. Otherwise more quality experience (not depth) is needed.

 

[mattyc75]

thanks for the early write up.
could see the eagles pick up a KPF at some stage this year
possibly a zippy small forward and a ruckman in the rookie draft

 

[Turboman1994]

Highlight plays I take it.

If he can offer some Tom Nicholls type glimpses with a high enough frequency, that would be a huge outcome.



With father son selections and same goes with academy selections my opinion is you want all of them to have the best possible years in their draft year. Have them as advanced as possible when they come into your club so that you can pick them with confidence beyond doubt and have them come into your team most able to have an impact.

We saw last year with Alec Waterman as a West Coast father son selection go into the year as a potential first round selection and end up dropping to West Coast's final national draft selection. It would be terrific for West Coast if he developed into an absolute monster last year and would be AFL ready for this year as a really big bodied midfielder. Instead they've just got a guy late draft who is a questionable to even make it at AFL level.

With the academy and father son, you're still relatively getting a discount and getting an opportunity to get in Sydney's case extreme level talents that would not be available normally. I'd love in Sydney's position to see them both become consensus top two overall selections in this years draft and perform to such a level that it is clear beyond doubt that they are those top two players in the country and can step into the team in round one 2016 and have an impact.

In any case it will be interesting to see at the top end who raises their draft stocks and who eventually bids on Mills and Dunkley and what picks they eventually bid.

Im going to dispute that Waterman Developed quite nicely last year and showed a lot of promise. was troubled by groin injuries and stacked on to much mass in one season. he got 28 touches and 2 goals playing only his second game of league footy on the weekend. you would think after darling people would learn not to trust our recruiting department as far as question marks go

 

[Wizard17]

Who do you rate as the better athletic rucks who can play forward KM? With the dogs new game plan under Bev I could see us going for one this year later in the draft or as a rookie.

 

[Knightmare]

Who do you rate as the better athletic rucks who can play forward KM? With the dogs new game plan under Bev I could see us going for one this year later in the draft or as a rookie.

Tim Sullivan if he can learn to play forward might be one if you're looking national draft.

More as late/rookie picks: Dylan Atkins, Dylan Smith, Blair Della Francis, Ryan Hearn and Eddie Simpson could all be possibles in that type of role.

 

[Knightmare]

Im going to dispute that Waterman Developed quite nicely last year and showed a lot of promise. was troubled by groin injuries and stacked on to much mass in one season. he got 28 touches and 2 goals playing only his second game of league footy on the weekend. you would think after darling people would learn not to trust our recruiting department as far as question marks go

One comment on West Coast's recruits that probably not too many would be aware of, though likely a number of West Coast fans have observed this if they're draft followers.

Consistently I'm seeing a theme towards guys who as underagers really projected as top picks - with West Coast really valuing that past performance from earlier seasons.

This year really all those picks fit that theme. Duggan. Lamb some considered top 5 coming into the season. Jackson Nelson was considered a potential first rounder coming into the season. Cavka was well performed in his own right. Then Waterman was yet another potential first rounder coming into the season.

And you'll see bits of that creep in every year from the West Coast recruiters with that preference towards performance and past performance over potential/perceived upside, even if they've stalled in that particular year. Rightly or wrongly, it's West Coast's way. It's had a mix of results overall, but Darling as you already stated obviously has been that example of how it can go really right.

 

[Procrastinator35]

Have seen & heard a few mentions about 2 S/A boys in Riley Bonner & Will Snelling, but I can't find them on your list Knightmare?

Any chance you could find out some info on them?

 

[Forward We Go]

2015 Phantom Draft:


1. Western Bulldogs – Darcy Parish (VIC – MID/DEF)
Height: 179.8cm, Weight: 72.7kg, DOB: 25/07/1997
Recruited from: Geelong Falcons
Range: 1-15
Profile: Skillful midfielder.


2. St Kilda – Jacob Weitering (VIC – KPD/MID)
Height: 193.3cm, Weight: 88.7kg, DOB: 23/11/1997
Recruited from: Dandenong Stingrays
Range: 1-15
Profile: Rebounding key defender with versatility.


3. Melbourne – Harley Balic (VIC – MID/FWD)
Height: 186cm, Weight: 80kg, DOB: 05/01/1997
Recruited from: Sandringham Dragons
Range: 1-15
Profile: Damaging midfielder/forward.


4. West Coast – Callum Ah Chee (WA – FWD/MID)
Height: 182.5cm, Weight: 72kg, DOB: 09/10/1997
Recruited from: South Fremantle
Range: 1-15
Profile: Damaging forward/midfielder.


5. Collingwood – Darcy Tucker (VIC – MID/DEF)
Height: 182.4cm, Weight: 75.6kg, DOB: 23/01/1997
Recruited from: North Ballarat Rebels
Range: 1-15
Profile: Athletic midfielder.


6. GWS – Nicholas O’Kearney (VIC – MID)
Height: 180.4cm, Weight: 69.1kg, DOB: 13/02/1997
Recruited from: Calder Cannons
Range: 1-15
Profile: High production midfielder.


7. Essendon – Rhys Mathieson (VIC – MID)
Height: 184.7cm, Weight: 79.3kg, DOB: 10/01/1997
Recruited from: Geelong Falcons
Range: 1-15
Profile: High production midfielder.


8. Adelaide – Joshua Schache (VIC – KPP)
Height: 197.2cm, Weight: 92.5kg, DOB: 21/08/1997
Recruited from: Murray Bushrangers
Range: 1-15
Profile: Promising key position player.


9. Brisbane – Ben Keays (QLD – Bris – Academy –MID/FWD)
Height: 182cm, Weight: 76.3kg, DOB: 23/02/1997
Recruited from: Brisbane Lions
Range: 1st round
Profile: Strong marking, goalkicking midfield.


10. Carlton – Luke Partington (SA – MID/FWD)
Height: 181cm, Weight: 74kg, DOB: 05/03/1997
Recruited from: Port Adelaide
Range: 3-30
Profile: Goalkicking midfielder.


11. Geelong – Ryan Burton (SA – FWD)
Height: 190cm, Weight: 82kg, DOB: 31/01/1997
Recruited from: North Adelaide
Range: 3-25
Profile: Marking medium forward.


12. Fremantle – Tom Cole (VIC – MID/DEF)
Height: 184.8cm, Weight: 75.4kg, DOB: 28/08/1997
Recruited from: Bendigo Pioneers
Range: 1-15
Profile: High production midfielder.


13. North Melbourne – Will Combe (SA – MID/FWD)
Height: 180cm, Weight: 74.6kg, DOB: 15/07/1997
Recruited from: North Adelaide
Range: 3-35
Profile: Dominant inside midfielder.


14. Gold Coast – Gregory Clark (WA – MID)
Height: 191cm, Weight: 81.3kg, DOB: 24/05/1997
Recruited from: Subiaco
Range: 5-35
Profile: Promising tall midfielder.


15. Sydney – Callum Mills (NSW - Syd – Academy –MID)
Height: 186cm, Weight: 76.8kg, DOB: 04/02/1997
Recruited from: Sydney Swans
Range: 1st round
Profile: Dominant, well rounded midfielder.


16. Hawthorn – Sam Weideman (VIC – KPF)
Height: 195.1cm, Weight: 87.7kg, DOB: 26/06/1997
Recruited from: Eastern Ranges
Range: 5-30
Profile: Strong marking power forward.


17. Richmond – Matthew Nunn (SA – MID)
Height: 181cm, Weight: 72.1kg, DOB: 18/04/1997
Recruited from: Norwood
Range: 5-35
Profile: Well performed midfielder.


18. Port Adelaide – James Parsons (VIC – MID/DEF)
Height: 188.3cm, Weight: 75.1kg, DOB: 12/04/1997
Recruited from: Eastern Ranges
Range: 10-50
Profile: Excellent through the midfield or down back.


19. Western Bulldogs - Sam Skinner (VIC – KPP)
Height: 195.3cm, Weight: 87.5kg, DOB: 29/06/1997
Recruited from: Gippsland Power
Range: 5-45
Profile: Promising key position player.


20. St Kilda - Kieran Collins (VIC – KPD)
Height: 192.5cm, Weight: 90.6kg, DOB: 14/12/1997
Recruited from: Dandenong Stingrays
Range: 10-50
Profile: Promising key defence prospect who can provide some rebound.


21. Melbourne - Jake Sushames (TAS – MID/FWD)
Height: 184.2cm, Weight: 63.8kg, DOB: 23/09/1997
Recruited from: North Launceston
Range: 5-45
Profile: Quick, light bodied midfielder/forward.


22. West Coast - Jordan Snadden (WA – MID)
Height: 187cm, Weight: 75kg, DOB: 02/08/1997
Recruited from: East Fremantle
Range: 5-45
Profile: Promising tall midfielder.


23. Collingwood - Matthew Allen (SA – KPF)
Height: 191cm, Weight: 88.5kg, DOB: 18/10/1997
Recruited from: Glenelg
Range: 10-50
Profile: Marking key forward.


24. GWS - Jacob Hopper (NSW - GWS Academy - MID)
Height: 185.5cm, Weight: 78.9kg, DOB: 06/02/1997
Recruited from: North Ballarat Rebels
Range: 1st – 2nd round
Profile: Strong contested ball winning midfielder with some pace.


25. Essendon – Kieran Agius (SA – FWD)
Height: 187cm, Weight: 83.9kg, DOB: 01/10/1997
Recruited from: North Adelaide
Range: 10-50
Profile: Goal kicking medium forward.


26. Adelaide – Jordan Hayden (TAS - MID)
Height: 185cm, Weight: 79kg, DOB: 26/05/1997
Recruited from: Glenorchy
Range: 10-50
Profile: Athletic outside midfielder.


27. Brisbane - Eric Hipwood (QLD – Brisbane Academy - KPP)
Height: 195cm, Weight: 76kg, DOB: 13/09/1997
Recruited from: Caloundra
Range: 2nd round – 4th round
Profile: Promising key position prospect.


28. Carlton - Charlie Curnow (VIC – UTIL)
Height: 187cm, Weight: 88kg, DOB: 03/02/1997
Recruited from: Geelong Falcons
Range: 10-60
Profile: Versatile and athletic late bloomer.


29. Geelong - Kade Stewart (WA – MID)
Height: 180cm, Weight: 69kg, DOB: 16/01/1997
Recruited from: South Fremantle
Range: 10-50
Profile: Well performed, hard inside midfielder.


30. Fremantle - Luke Shepherd (WA – DEF)
Height: 188.6cm, Weight: 81kg, DOB: 31/08/1997
Recruited from: Peel Thunder
Range: 10-50
Profile: Medium defender.


31. North Melbourne – Aaron Francis (SA – DEF)
Height: 190cm, Weight: 86kg, DOB: 10/08/1997
Recruited from: West Adelaide
Range: 10-50
Profile: Medium defender.


32. Gold Coast - Stephen Tahana (SA – MID/DEF)
Height: 182.5cm, Weight: 76.6kg, DOB: 02/02/1997
Recruited from: North Adelaide
Range: 15-65
Profile: Hard working negating midfielder/defender.


33. Sydney – Josh Dunkley (VIC – Syd – F/S –MID)
Height: 188.1cm, Weight: 84.5kg, DOB: 09/01/1997
Recruited from: Gippsland Power
Range: 1st round – 2nd round
Profile: Dominant contested ball winning midfielder.


34. Hawthorn - Maris Olekalns (SA – MID)
Height: 179.8cm, Weight: 69.5kg, DOB: 29/10/1997
Recruited from: North Adelaide
Range: 10-50
Profile: Damaging midfielder.


35. Richmond - Tim Sullivan (SA – RUCK)
Height: 198cm, Weight: 83.8kg, DOB: 28/02/1997
Recruited from: Glenelg
Range: 20-60
Profile: Ruck prospect with ability around the ground.


36. Port Adelaide - Liam Jeffs (VIC – UTIL)
Height: 192cm, Weight: 76.9kg, DOB: 30/03/1997
Recruited from: Eastern Ranges
Range: 15-65
Profile: Tall, versatile type.


37. Western Bulldogs - Blake Hardwick (VIC – FWD)
Height: 179.9cm, Weight: 73.5kg, DOB: 05/02/1997
Recruited from: Eastern Ranges
Range: 15-65
Profile: Damaging forward.


38. St Kilda - Matthew Stillman (VIC – DEF/MID)
Height: 180.8cm, Weight: 75.7kg, DOB: 04/04/1997
Recruited from: Calder Cannons
Range: 10-60
Profile: Quality ball user.


39. Melbourne - Zak Wunhym (VIC – MID)
Height: 170.5cm, Weight: 71.6kg, DOB: 22/08/1997
Recruited from: Calder Cannons
Range: 15-65
Profile: Small, high production midfielder.


40. West Coast - Dan Houston (VIC – FWD)
Height: 185.5cm, Weight: 78.4kg, DOB: 12/05/1997
Recruited from: Oakleigh Chargers
Range: 15-65
Profile: Leadup forward who provides strong scoreboard impact.


41. Collingwood - Bryce Batty (VIC – MID)
Height: 181.9cm, Weight: 75.5kg, DOB: 16/01/1997
Recruited from: Eastern Ranges
Range: 20-60
Profile: Hard inside mid.


42. GWS - Dylan McDonald (NSW – GWS Academy - MID)
Height: 183cm, Weight: 68kg, DOB: 17/01/1997
Recruited from: Murray Bushrangers
Range: 2nd round – 4th round
Profile: Outside running midfielder.


43. Essendon – Ben Crocker (VIC – UTIL)
Height: 184.7cm, Weight: 77.5kg, DOB: 19/02/1997
Recruited from: Oakleigh Chargers
Range: 20-rookie
Profile: Versatile player with contested ball winning ability.


44. Adelaide – Brendan Dew (SA – MID/FWD)
Height: 177.5cm, Weight: 65.5kg, DOB: 08/05/1997
Recruited from: Central Districts
Range: 15-65
Profile: Small goal kicking midfielder.


45. Brisbane - Liam Moseley (QLD – Brisbane Academy - MID)
Height: 178cm, Weight: 79kg, DOB: 08/03/1997
Recruited from: Brisbane Lions
Range: 2nd round - rookie
Profile: Inside midfielder with a ferocious tackling game.


46. Carlton - Brayden Fiorini (VIC – MID)
Height: 185.2cm, Weight: 75.6kg, DOB: 22/08/1997
Recruited from: Northern Knights
Range: 15-65
Profile: Outside midfielder.


47. Geelong - Theo Thompson (VIC – DEF/MID)
Height: 186.3cm, Weight: 82.3kg, DOB: 25/07/1997
Recruited from: Sandringham Dragons
Range: 30-rookie
Profile: Hard, contested ball winner.


48. Fremantle – Thomas Bennett (WA – MID)
Height: 183.5cm, Weight: 74kg, DOB: 30/04/1997
Recruited from: East Fremantle
Range: 25-rookie
Profile: High production midfielder.


49. North Melbourne – Jack Watson (WA – KPD/DEF)
Height: 191cm, Weight: 81kg, DOB: 19/03/1997
Recruited from: Swan Districts
Range: 20-60
Profile: Promising rebounding key defender.


50. Gold Coast – Logan Reynolds (TAS – DEF/MID)
Height: 180cm, Weight: 67.2kg, DOB: 19/10/1997
Recruited from: North Launceston
Range: 30-rookie
Profile: Promising rebounding defender.


51. Sydney – Nick Dodge (TAS - FWD)
Height: 181.5cm, Weight: 79.2kg, DOB: 06/02/1997
Recruited from: Lauderdale
Range: 30-rookie
Profile: Promising forward.


52. Hawthorn - Jacob Turner (WA – DEF)
Height: 188cm, Weight: 85kg, DOB: 05/01/1997
Recruited from: West Perth
Range: 25-rookie
Profile: Medium defender.


53. Richmond –Levi Ridley (WA – MID/FWD)
Height: 183cm, Weight: 74kg, DOB: 17/02/1997
Recruited from: Swan Districts
Range: 25-rookie
Profile: Goalkicking midfielder.


54. Port Adelaide – Bailey Rogers (WA – MID)
Height: 184cm, Weight: 76kg, DOB: 22/03/1997
Recruited from: Claremont
Range: 25-rookie
Profile: High production midfielder.


55. Western Bulldogs – Dylan Atkins (VIC – KPP/RUCK)
Height: 196.4cm, Weight: 86.2kg, DOB: 22/04/1997
Recruited from: Sandringham Dragons
Range: 30-rookie
Profile: Developing tall.


56. St Kilda – Bailey Rice (VIC – St Kilda F/S MID)
Height: 183cm, Weight: 81kg, DOB: 10/02/1997
Recruited from: Dandenong Stingrays
Range: 3rd round - rookie
Profile: Strong bodied midfielder.


57. Melbourne – Jake Lovett (VIC – Melbourne F/S – MID)
Height: 181.4cm, Weight: 79.9kg, DOB: 09/01/1997
Recruited from: Dandenong Stingrays
Range: 3rd round – rookie
Profile: Promising inside midfielder.


58. West Coast – Jordan Matera (VIC – WCE F/S – FWD)
Height: 179.5cm, Weight: 76.5kg, DOB: 11/04/1997
Recruited from: Sandringham Dragons
Range: 30-rookie
Profile: Talented forward.


59. Collingwood – Yestin Eades (VIC – FWD/MID)
Height: 182cm, Weight: 73.7kg, DOB: 10/02/1997
Recruited from: North Ballarat Rebels
Range: 30-rookie
Profile: Talented forward.


60. GWS - Jock Cornell (NSW – GWS Academy – UTIL)
Height: 185cm, Weight: 79kg, DOB: 04/02/1997
Recruited from: UWS Giants
Range: 2nd round – 4th round
Profile: Versatile outside type.


61. Essendon – Tom Wallis (VIC – Essendon F/S – MID)
Height: 181.5cm, Weight: 70.4kg, DOB: 14/02/1997
Recruited from: Calder Cannons
Range: 3rd round - rookie
Profile: Talented outside midfielder.


62. Adelaide – Aidyn Johnson (VIC – MID)
Height: 181.5cm, Weight: 76.5kg, DOB: 31/10/1997
Recruited from: Bendigo Pioneers
Range: 25-rookie
Profile: Athletic midfielder.


63. Brisbane - Nate Dennis (QLD – Brisbane Academy - RUCK/KPD)
Height: 200cm, Weight: 79kg, DOB: 19/08/1997
Recruited from: Kawana Park
Range: 2nd round - undrafted
Profile: Talented project ruckman.


64. Carlton - Jack Silvagni (VIC – Carlton F/S - KPP)
Height: 190cm, Weight: 81kg, DOB: 17/12/1997
Recruited from: Oakleigh Chargers
Range: Late-rookie
Profile: Promising key position player.


65. Geelong - Jade Gresham (VIC – MID)
Height: 175.2cm, Weight: 71.5kg, DOB: 24/08/1997
Recruited from: Northern Knights
Range: 25-rookie
Profile: Dominant small midfielder.


66. Fremantle – Ethan Burnett (WA – MID)
Height: 182.4cm, Weight: 80kg, DOB: 02/02/1997
Recruited from: Subiaco
Range: 30-rookie
Profile: Talented midfielder.


67. North Melbourne - Chad Daniels (WA – MID/FWD)
Height: 178.5cm, Weight: 70.3kg, DOB: 13/04/1997
Recruited from: Swan Districts
Range: 30-rookie
Profile: Goalkicking midfielder.


68. Gold Coast – Mitch Antonio (WA – MID/FWD)
Height: 186.4cm, Weight: 62kg, DOB: 18/03/1997
Recruited from: West Perth
Range: 30-rookie
Profile: Light bodied but damaging player.


69. Sydney – Hisham Kerbatieh (VIC – FWD)
Height: 176.3cm, Weight: 73.1kg, DOB: 16/05/1997
Recruited from: Calder Cannons
Range: 25-rookie
Profile: Talented small forward.


70. Hawthorn – Kieran Malone (VIC – FWD)
Height: 184.8cm, Weight: 83.1kg, DOB: 16/02/1997
Recruited from: Northern Knights
Range: 30-rookie
Profile: Tackling specialist forward.


71. Richmond - Max Augerinos (VIC – MID)
Height: 176.4cm, Weight: 72.8kg, DOB: 31/03/1997
Recruited from: Geelong Falcons
Range: 30-rookie
Profile: Small ball winning midfielder.


72. Port Adelaide – Daniel Robertson (WA – FWD/MID)
Height: 181.6cm, Weight: 82kg, DOB: 11/03/1997
Recruited from: West Perth
Range: 30-rookie
Profile: Strong bodied ball winner.


73. Western Bulldogs – Darcy Macpherson (VIC – WBD F/S – FWD)
Height: 172.7cm, Weight: 67.5kg, DOB: 29/10/1997
Recruited from: Northern Knights
Range: 30-rookie
Profile: Small pressure forward.


74. St Kilda – James Coghlan (VIC – St Kilda F/S – MID/DEF)
Height: 180.2cm, Weight: 70.7kg, DOB: 14/07/1997
Recruited from: Bendigo Pioneers
Range: 3rd round - rookie
Profile: Negating midfielder.


75. Melbourne – Nicholas Pavlou (VIC – FWD)
Height: 174cm, Weight: 70kg, DOB: 28/07/1997
Recruited from: Sandringham Dragons
Range: 30-rookie
Profile: Lively small forward.


76. West Coast – Jesse Mirco (WA – KPP/MID)
Height: 190.5cm, Weight: 89kg, DOB: 24/01/1997
Recruited from: South Fremantle
Range: 20-rookie
Profile: Versatile tall.


77. Collingwood – Tate Marsh (VIC – MID)
Height: 175.8cm, Weight: 68.5kg, DOB: 17/02/1997
Recruited from: Gippsland Power
Range: 30-rookie
Profile: Fast, flashy midfielder.


78. GWS – Ben Beioley (SA – FWD)
Height: 188cm, Weight: 94.1kg, DOB: 17/01/1997
Recruited from: Port Adelaide
Range: 30-rookie
Profile: Strong bodied forward.


79. Essendon – Harvey Daniher (VIC – Essendon F/S – KPP)
Height: 188cm, Weight: 78kg, DOB: 03/10/1997
Recruited from: Calder Cannons
Range: 3rd round - rookie
Profile: Undersized key forward.


80. Adelaide – Leigh Spiteri (VIC – FWD)
Height: 172.9cm, Weight: 66.8kg, DOB: 30/06/1997
Recruited from: Western Jets
Range: 30 - rookie
Profile: Small pressure forward.


81. Brisbane - Corey Wagner (QLD – Brisbane Academy - MID)
Height: 179cm, Weight: 67.2kg, DOB: 23/03/1997
Recruited from: Sandgate
Range: 3rd round - rookie
Profile: Classy midfielder.


82. Carlton – Jake Bradley (VIC – Carlton F/S - FWD)
Height: 175.3cm, Weight: 66kg, DOB: 04/10/1997
Recruited from: Northern Knights
Range: 3rd round - rookie
Profile: Developing small forward.


83. Geelong - Dylan Smith (WA – KPP)
Height: 197cm, Weight: 81kg, DOB: 07/02/1997
Recruited from: Swan Districts
Range: 30-rookie
Profile: Versatile tall.


84. Fremantle - Blair Della Francis (WA – RUCK)
Height: 197cm, Weight: 89kg, DOB: 17/01/1997
Recruited from: West Perth
Range: 30-rookie
Profile: Developing ruckman.


85. North Melbourne – Andre Parella (SA – RUCK)
Height: 203cm, Weight: 96.8kg, DOB: 21/09/1997
Recruited from: Sturt
Range: 30-rookie
Profile: Tall tap ruckman.


86. Gold Coast - Brandon Coletta (VIC – FWD)
Height: 190.5cm, Weight: 79.5kg, DOB: 12/03/1997
Recruited from: Western Jets
Range: 30-rookie
Profile: Tall forward.


87. Sydney – Eddie Simpson (WA – RUCK/KPP)
Height: 194cm, Weight: 88kg, DOB: 10/02/1997
Recruited from: Claremont
Range: 30-rookie
Profile: Versatile tall.


88. Hawthorn – Ryan Hearn (VIC – KPP/RUCK)
Height: 196.5cm, Weight: 87kg, DOB: 22/06/1997
Recruited from: Gippsland Power
Range: 30-rookie
Profile: Developing tall.


89. Richmond - Harry Witts (VIC – FWD)
Height: 183cm, Weight: 75kg, DOB: 19/04/1997
Recruited from: Sandringham Dragons
Range: 30-rookie
Profile: Medium forward.


90. Port Adelaide – Vinnie Rocca (SA – FWD)
Height: 168cm, Weight: 61kg, DOB: 14/02/1997
Recruited from: North Adelaide
Range: 30-rookie
Profile: Goalkicking small forward.

 

[Forward We Go]

OMG. The real contenders will show their selves throughout the year. To be predicting who will be in the first/second/third round of picks now is crazy. ALL these boys are 17-18 and still have many years of development ahead of them. Some will take big leaps this year and others may take another 2-3 years to show they have what it takes. All of these boys show potential but a full footy season will be a huge test that some will shine & others will fail miserably for many reasons. Bring on the full season and good luck to all the young fellas that will be on show.

 

[TheLastEmperor]

As always, good work Knightmare . One of my favourite aspects of your write-ups is your player comparisons. Are you looking to do that again this year?

 

[Knightmare]

Have seen & heard a few mentions about 2 S/A boys in Riley Bonner & Will Snelling, but I can't find them on your list Knightmare?

Any chance you could find out some info on them?

Will Snelling particularly and to a lesser extent Riley Bonner both have a case for being a part of my phantom draft.

Snelling is a well performed mid who split his time between Maccas Cup and Reserves footy.

Bonner is a tallish type who I've mostly seen in the front half and seems to be growing which from a developmental perspective makes him interesting. He played Maccas Cup last year and has just started this year playing reserves footy. So it will be interesting to see how he progresses this year.

OMG. The real contenders will show their selves throughout the year. To be predicting who will be in the first/second/third round of picks now is crazy. ALL these boys are 17-18 and still have many years of development ahead of them. Some will take big leaps this year and others may take another 2-3 years to show they have what it takes. All of these boys show potential but a full footy season will be a huge test that some will shine & others will fail miserably for many reasons. Bring on the full season and good luck to all the young fellas that will be on show.

My intent at this early stage is to get some names out there, with fans generally interested in that.

I'm not interested in just putting up a simple first round. Anyone can do that.

But in saying that you can bet by seasons end my draft board and phantom draft will look completely different and have a lot of different names. That happens when some guys develop from nowhere, and others drop off.

As always, good work Knightmare . One of my favourite aspects of your write-ups is your player comparisons. Are you looking to do that again this year?

I was strongly considering fazing out player comparisons this year, but given people rarely do them properly comparing everyone to Scott Pendlebury, Chris Judd and Matt Suckling or whoever is the flavour of the month, as players who they're just not going to be, I think I may just have to.

 

[KissKiss]

I was strongly considering fazing out player comparisons this year, but given people rarely do them properly comparing everyone to Scott Pendlebury, Chris Judd and Matt Suckling or whoever is the flavour of the month, as players who they're just not going to be, I think I may just have to.

Personally I like the style comparisons as it does give you a feel of what type of player they are. Understand that it can be tough to do properly though and some people do seem to take it out of context and overrate what is meant by it