Draft Expert Knightmare's 2021 Draft Almanac

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Sep 22, 2010
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ESPN articles:

Phantom Drafts:

22/10/2021: AFL 2 round phantom draft:

1. North Melbourne - Jason Horne-Francis
2. Collingwood - Nick Daicos (Collingwood father-son) - bid matched
3. Western Bulldogs - Sam Darcy (Western Bulldogs father-son) - bid matched

https://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_...**********-espn-early-two-round-phantom-draft

23/11/2021: My 2021 AFL phantom draft. Every pick. Every bid:

1. North Melbourne - Jason Horne-Francis
Height, Weight:
185cm, 81kg
Profile: What separates Horne-Francis from the rest of the pool is his application and influence defensively, with his aggression, pressure, tackling, second and third efforts and run back in support elite even by AFL standards. He also plays a high impact per possession game, wins the ball at full speed through the midfield and causes headaches up forward aerially, when the ball hits the deck and when isolated one-on-one.

2. Western Bulldogs - Sam Darcy (Western Bulldogs father-son) - bid matched
Height, Weight:
205cm, 93kg
Profile: In a draft lacking in the way of premier talls, Darcy is the standard of excellence with his long arms and reach, one grab contested marking, attack on the ball aerially, one-touch ground level skills and his speed and agility for someone his height. Given his rapid rate of improvement and mix of rare attributes, he is one of this draft's highest upside choices for the long term.

https://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_...-full-afl-phantom-draft-every-club-every-pick

AFL Trade/Free Agency Content:
1/10/2021: Free agency, trades, draft: Every AFL club's list needs ahead of 2022 and who they should targeting:

Geelong's point of difference through the draft for a long time now has been their mature age talent ID - headlined by the selections of Tim Kelly and Tom Stewart in recent times. Geelong no doubt has paid attention to the state leagues again this year, and Leek Alleer in the SANFL is the ultimate replacement for the retiring Lachie Henderson. Geelong may need to move up a few spots in the draft if they want to ensure Alleer is theirs, but with all the picks they hold and the evenness of the draft, that should be easily achieved.


15/10/2021: AFL Trade Period Wrap (all club trades reviewed and all teams graded):

Not well utilised under David Teague for Carlton, Sam Petrevski-Seton is a bargain get for just pick 52. Playing his best football through the midfield previously for the Blues and struggling with how much he has been thrown around the field in recent years, Petrevski-Seton will add excitement to the Eagles midfield and should, with a permanent midfield role, re-establish himself as a best-22 player.


15/10/2021: ESPN AFL Round Table: Which team won the trade free agency period? Who was the bargain pickup? Jake, Matt and I give our takes:

How would you improve the trade and free agency period?
Chris Doerre: A mid-season window to trade players and picks would give clubs the opportunity to fill needs and allow them to use mid-season draft picks for the best available talent. Similarly, during the National Draft each year, being able to trade players would give clubs an opportunity for greater flexibility and ability to be creative in how they go about improving their lists.


AFL Draft Power Rankings:
2/4/2021: April AFL Draft Power Rankings:
1. Jason Horne
2. Matthew Roberts
3. Matthew Johnson

4/5/2021: May AFL Draft Power Rankings:
1. Jason Horne
2. Nick Daicos
3. Tyler Sonsie

8/6/2021: June AFL Draft Power Rankings:
1. Nick Daicos
2. Jason Horne
3. Tyler Sonsie

5/7/2021: July AFL Draft Power Rankings:
1. Nick Daicos (Collingwood - Father-Son)
2. Jason Horne
3. Sam Darcy
(Western Bulldogs - Father-Son)

2/8/2021: August AFL Draft Power Rankings:

1. Nick Daicos (Collingwood - father-son)
2. Jason Horne
3. Sam Darcy
(Western Bulldogs - father-son)

6/9/2021: September AFL Draft Power Rankings:
1. Nick Daicos (Collingwood - father-son)
2. Jason Horne-Francis
3. Sam Darcy
(Western Bulldogs - father-son)

4/10/2021: October AFL Draft Power Rankings:

1. Jason Horne-Francis
2. Nick Daicos (Collingwood - father-son)
3. Sam Darcy
(Western Bulldogs - father-son)


19/11/2021 November AFL Draft Power Rankings:

1. Jason Horne-Francis
2. Nick Daicos (Collingwood - father-son)
3. Sam Darcy (Western Bulldogs - father-son)



AFL Mid-season Draft:
19/5/2021: AFL Mid-Season Draft Power Rankings:
1. Jacob Edwards
2. Jackson Callow
3. Bailey Lambert
https://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_...htmare-mid-season-draft-top-10-power-rankings

31/5/2021: AFL Mid-Season Draft. How every club can fill their most pressing list need:
North Melbourne
Likely number of picks:
2
Greatest list need: Young stars
Who should they pick: North Melbourne are in need of young stars and there is no better way of finding them through the draft than adding the best available talent. Consensus number one selection Jacob Edwards has nominated for the mid-season draft and should be joining North Melbourne as the first player selected. Had he entered the national draft, Edwards may have featured inside the first round. Edwards is a late bloomer, switching his attention from basketball and has made meaningful strides physically over the past 12 months, looming as an athletic type who can play both as a key forward and through the ruck.
https://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_...y-afl-club-needs-do-2021-mid-season-afl-draft



3/6/2021: AFL Mid-Season Draft review. The biggest surprises, best selections, plug-and-play options and hard luck stories:
THE BIGGEST SURPRISES
Hawthorn had been heavily linked in the leadup to competitive ruckman Ned Moyle given the club's limited ruck youth and how strong Moyle's play had been. A Hawthorn supporter, Moyle would have loved to have been selected by the Hawks, but Jai Newcombe ultimately was Hawthorn's choice. Having been playing as a midfielder for Box Hill in the VFL, ball winning bull Newcombe attracted more attention than Hawthorn would have liked in the leadup to the mid-season draft. A portion of this attention around Newcombe came due to the chatter around his unusual choice to nominate to be taken in the Mid-Season Draft under 'other terms' which led to plenty of speculation in the leadup to the draft that Hawthorn had their eyes on Newcombe and may have had interest in taking him with their second-round selection. With the cat out of the bag and with several other clubs interested in Newcombe in the first round, Hawthorn were forced to select him with their first pick, ultimately prioritising their midfield over their long-term ruck needs.
https://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_...aft-analysis-how-every-club-fared-draft-table

AFL Season Previews:
10/3/2021 - AAMI Community Series Wrap. Covering best first year players, breakout players and rebound season:
Adelaide
Most impactful draftee:
Looking likely to earn Round 1 selection and have an immediate impact as a crumbing forward, James Rowe was the SANFL's leading goal kicker in 2020. He failed to kick a goal against Port Adelaide but did register three behinds and looked lively enough at ground level to suggest he could play in the first round of the season.

Breakout contender: Jordon Butts performed strongly as a key defender against Port Adelaide. An effective ball reader and intercept marker, expect a push from Butts to establish himself as a part of Adelaide's best 22.

Rebound season: After a disappointing 2020, Taylor Walker appeared to move a lot better during his preseason clash against Port Adelaide. Walker kicked three goals and was clearly Adelaide's best forward 50m target. Expect him to play a better brand of football this season.

AFL Draft Previews/Reviews:
24/3/2021 - The biggest 2021 AFL Draft questions answered:
ESPN's AFL Draft expert Chris Doerre is back to answer all the burning draft questions ahead of 2021, including who the standout prospects are, when the state leagues and junior competitions begin and the impact 2020 has had on this crop of players.
[B]How much of an impact are fundi... talent pool and compromising future drafts.


28/7/2021: AFL Draft state of play. The top picks, draft bolters, father-son, Academy and NGA prospects you should be watching out for:
The pick one contenders
At this point in time there are two top contenders and one outside chance.
Collingwood father-son prospect Nick Daicos has starred so far this season and is one of the favourites to feature first overall.
The second contender for the top pick is South Australian midfielder Jason Horne.
The outside chance is Western Bulldogs father-son prospect and son of Luke, Sam Darcy.
https://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_...ghtmare-draft-state-play-everything-need-know

28/10/2021: The real No. 1 draft pick - Nick Daicos vs. Jason Horne-Francis:
While Daicos statistically has achieved numbers never seen before in the junior ranks, the way Horne-Francis exerts his defensively through chasing, pressuring and putting his body on the line is like no top end prospect before him.
https://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_...mber-one-pick-jason-horne-francis-nick-daicos

4/11/2021: Geelong's mature age drafting masterclass - why other clubs should use their blueprint:

The disparity between what clubs are doing and what they should be doing can be easily illustrated by comparing how few mature age selections have been taken inside the top 15 with how few high-quality mature agers have been selected outside the top 15 in the past 20 years. Over this period, only over-agers Lewis Jetta (pick 14 in 2009) and Nick Haynes (pick 7 in 2011) were among the first 15 selected in their draft years.

https://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_...-geelong-cats-defied-father-years-no-accident

11/11/2021: The evolution of key position players in the AFL and why all the top 200cm+ prospects are all key position players rather than ruckmen:

Arguably the most significant change in the talent coming through the junior talent pathways over the past 10 years is the appearance and play of those 200cm or taller. The most talented of these are no longer being developed as ruckmen, but instead as key forwards and in some cases key defenders. Among the competition's premier 200cm or taller key position players, Harris Andrews, Darcy Moore, Harry McKay, Charlie Dixon, Joe Daniher, Max King and Ben King are all among the competition's absolute elite. During the 2020 draft, the trend continued with Riley Thilthorpe, Nik Cox and Zach Reid drafted early and each showing signs that they may join the elite bracket in the future.

https://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_...**********-evolution-key-position-players-afl

17/11/2021: 10 burning AFL Draft questions:

Holding picks 1, 20, 42 and 47 inside the top 50, there wouldn't be a club in the competition that wouldn't switch their draft hand with North Melbourne's. Richmond also have one of the most appealing draft hands, holding picks 7, 15, 26, 27 and 28 inside the top 30. With their concentration of picks inside the top 30, with good talent ID, Richmond should be able to add several quality young pieces this year.

https://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_...aft-************-10-questions-ahead-afl-draft

25/11/2021: My first round 2021 AFL draft review including detailed pick and player thoughts as well as who I would have selected with each pick if I were the selector:

Pick 1, North Melbourne: Jason Horne-Francis
Doerre's Power Rankings: 1
Doerre says: Horne-Francis will greatly complement North Melbourne's list. They've added an influential difference maker who, both through the midfield and up forward, can change the complexion of games with his relentless pressure, tackling and how he imposes himself on games. Often winning the ball on the move at speed and proving difficult to contain aerially, one-on-one and at ground level inside 50, Horne-Francis is worthy of the pick one tag. Given North Melbourne's current strength and depth in the midfield, we can expect to see Horne-Francis to start his career across half-forward with some moments through the midfield and closer to goal as favourable matchups arise in games. A Round 1 debut is the expectation.
If I was North Melbourne list manager: No trade offer would sway me at this point. Jason Horne-Francis is the right pick as the best prospect in the draft. The addition of the. explosive South Australian from a marketing perspective will generate excitement, but as one of those players who influences winning in such a diverse number of ways, it's equally important of a play for North Melbourne's long term list build.

https://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_...draft-************-espn-reviewing-first-round

26/11/2021: AFL Draft 2021 - Every club's draft haul rated and graded:

Adelaide
Picks:
6, 36, 44

Players drafted: Josh Rachele, Jake Soligo, Zac Taylor

Grade: ?

Rationale: Adelaide have added to their mosquito fleet of midfielders and gone from small to smaller, with all three of the club's picks t least 180cm tall. Rachele is one of the few in this draft with genuine capacity to impact games both as a forward and midfielder. Soligo is a buzzy midfielder with speed and someone who tackles aggressively, while Taylor is one of this draft's bargains as a skilful, speedy, high production midfielder. The Crows' trade of their 2022 third round pick to secure the pick that would draft Taylor was well worth it and recognition of the incredible value Taylor represents. While this draft doesn't perfectly help Adelaide's list balance, the quality of players drafted is very strong given where they were picked up.


29/11/2021 My top-10 for 2022:
Will Ashcroft
A Brisbane father-son prospect and the son of Marcus, Will is the early front-runner for the No. 1 pick in 2022. With a ridiculous 33 disposals, 20 contested possessions, 12 clearances, nine inside 50s and two goals for Vic Metro during their Under-17 Championships match against Vic Country, Ashcroft showed he is the complete package. He's not only a first possession winner at stoppages, but displays quick hands, agility and evasion in traffic. Ashcroft hurts teams with his kicks to targets inside 50m and with the ease with which he can hit the scoreboard.


ESPN Podcast involvements:
4/5/2021: ESPN AFL Podcast. First involvement for season 2021 including an approx 15min draft segment:
This week on the podcast, the team discuss how the COVID curveballs came at a lucky time for the AFL, analyse the first half of the year for this week's bye teams, and talk most improved players, while we also debate which Josh Kennedy has had the better career and more!

31/5/2021: Second ESPN podcast appearance for 2021. Covering tomorrow's AFL Mid-Season draft.
This week on the podcast, ESPN's AFL draft expert Chris Doerre joins the teams to give us an insight into how this year's draft crop is shaping up. Christian Joly From Champion Data runs us through the players who are always under pressure (and who is best at dealing with it), and the team talk the worst guernseys of all time, how to fix Collingwood, and play another round of 'justified hype or hyperbole' with some interesting results.

15/10/2021: Trade and free agency review; draft preview with Chris Doerre
In a special offseason episode of the podcast, ESPN's draft expert Chris Doerre joins the team to review the free agency and trade period, while the team also throws forward to the draft, set to be held next month.
First round phantom draft included:
1. North Melbourne - Jason Horne-Francis
2. Collingwood - Nick Daicos (matching GWS bid)

23/11/2021: Final ESPN AFL Draft podcast of the year:
Quick early phantom yesterday afternoons podcast:
1. NM = Horne-Francis
2. WBD = Darcy
3. Coll = Daicos (will this remain the same for my final phantom)
4. GWS = Callaghan
5. GC = Andrew


For my final phantom draft. Stay tuned.


AFL Draft Weekly Wraps:
7/4/2021: AFL Draft wrap with a focus on Josh Rentsch:
Key forward Josh Rentsch provided a strong focal point up forward for Greater Western Victoria in their 23-point win against Geelong Falcons.
https://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_...-josh-rentsch-charlie-dixon-forward-impresses

14/4/2021: AFL Draft wrap with a focus on Nick Daicos:
Playing in a distinctively lively, clean, smart and stylish yet arrogant manor, Nick Daicos for the second successive week starred, consolidating his status as a likely top-5 draft choice and one of Victoria's best.
https://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_...rap-nick-daicos-consolidates-top-five-billing

21/4/2021: AFL Draft wrap with a focus on Josh Gibcus:
After earning AFL Academy squad selection during the week, Josh Gibcus confirmed his status as one of this year's premier key defenders, patrolling the airways for Greater Western Victoria in their 11-point win against Murray.
https://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_...next-nick-haynes-josh-gibcus-stars-nab-league

28/4/2021: AFL Draft wrap with a focus on GWS Giants Academy member Josh Fahey:
Winning the MCC President's Medal, Fahey, the Greater Western Sydney Academy product took the bulk of the kickouts for the AFL Academy and impressed on his left foot with his penetration and precision kicking.
https://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_...josh-fahey-cannon-20-impresses-vfl-opposition

5/5/2021: AFL Draft wrap with a focus on Matthew Roberts:
With one of the dominant displays so far this season in the junior ranks, Matthew Roberts solidified his top-10 draft billing for South Adelaide in their 56-point win against Norwood with 34 disposals, eight marks, nine tackles, eight clearances, 10 inside-50s and three goals.
https://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_...fty-firms-top-10-pick-mid-season-draft-update

12/5/2021: AFL Draft wrap with a focus on Hugh Jackson:
With a season-high 41 disposals, nine marks and eight clearances for North Adelaide's Under 18s in an entertaining draw against Woodville-West Torrens, Hugh Jackson is the early favourite to follow in the footsteps of Tom Powell to win the SANFL's Under-18 MVP.
https://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_...are-weekly-wrap-tyler-sonsie-firms-top-5-pick

26/5/2021: AFL Draft wrap with a focus on mid-season draft prospect Jackson Callow:
Winning best-on-ground honours in Norwood's 48-point win against Adelaide, 18-year-old Jackson Callow played like a man among boys in the SANFL and may be the first key forward taken in this year's mid-season draft.
https://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_...ckson-callow-frame-mid-season-draft-selection

2/6/2021: AFL Draft wrap with a focus on powerful mid/fwd Hugh Stagg:
Starring for Glenelg's U/18s in their four-point loss to West Adelaide on the weekend, mid-forward prospect Hugh Stagg put on an exhibition of strength and power - showcasing his ability to absorb and break tackles, and remain standing and dispose of the ball with bodies hanging off of him.
https://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_...owerful-midfielder-gives-quinton-narkle-vibes

9/6/2021: AFL Draft wrap with a focus on Adelaide NGA Isaiah Dudley:
It's a rare day when the standout player is on the losing side of a 98-point blowout, but that was the case for 168cm midfielder and Adelaide Next-Generation Academy prospect Isaiah Dudley.
https://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_...re-weekly-wrap-isaiah-dudley-next-dayne-zorko

16/6/2021: AFL Draft wrap with a focus on Sam Frost:
Not to be confused with the current Hawthorn key defender, this week's player in focus is 18-year-old Sam Frost who starred in GWS' 78-point NAB League win over the Northern Territory.
https://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_...rap-dashing-half-back-sam-frost-impresses-gws

23/6/2021: AFL Draft wrap with a focus on Finn Callaghan:
Displaying freakish evasion through traffic, Callaghan amassed 31 disposals, 10 contested possessions, seven inside 50s, and four score assists. What was striking with Callaghan was whenever he had ball in hand, there was an immediate sense he was going to make something happen.
https://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_...ielder-enhances-top-10-chances-finn-callaghan

30/6/2021: AFL Draft wrap with a focus on Sam Darcy (Vic Metro v Country u18 trial notes):
With the most dominant display so far this season in the junior ranks, Western Bulldogs father-son prospect Sam Darcy (son of Luke) wowed watchers for Vic Metro in Trial Match 2 against Vic Country. The performance instantly elevated him into the No. 1 pick conversation.
https://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_...er-son-prospect-sam-darcy-dominates-vic-metro

7/7/2021: AFL Draft wrap with a focus on Connor MacDonald:
What was special about MacDonald's performance was how clean he was at ground level, everything he did in close was one-touch in cold slippery conditions on Saturday night.
https://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_...r-macdonald-turning-heads-dandenong-stingrays

14/7/2021: AFL Draft wrap with a focus on Melbourne Next-Generation Academy prospect Mac Andrew:
It was such a commanding performance that the Demons should not expect to be able to match bids for Andrew, as this year any bid inside the top 20 for NGA prospects cannot be matched.
https://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_...ct-mac-andrew-launches-first-round-contention

21/7/2021: AFL Draft wrap with a focus on Blake Schlensog, the best key position player outside the AFL and the solution to your club's key position woes:
The best key position player outside the AFL has emerged and looms as both a plug and play piece and a long-term answer. A former Geelong Category B rookie, Blake Schlensog was unlucky to be delisted at the conclusion of the 2020 season, following rapid improvement in his two-year stint with the Cats.
https://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_...ake-schlensog-looms-elite-key-position-player

4/8/2021: AFL Draft wrap with a focus on Josh Clarke:

The driving force for the Eastern Ranges in their 27-point win against Dandenong, Josh Clarke was the most damaging player afield with both his kicking and running difference-making.
https://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_...-ranges-josh-clarke-damaging-rebound-defender

11/8/2021: AFL Draft wrap with a focus on Jason Horne:

There has never been a footballer past or present who is as special defensively as he is at winning centre bounce ground balls at high speed as pick one contender and consensus first live selection in this year's draft Jason Horne.
https://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_...rne-stuns-again-sanfl-south-adelaide-panthers

18/8/2021: AFL Draft wrap with a focus on Arlo Draper:

What impressed recruiters most though was his kicking, vision and decision making. After taking marks on the wing, Draper more than once located and hit targets by foot in the corridor with precision. He also later in the game showed on the move the composure to take his time, lower his eyes and find the leading inside 50m target.

https://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_...weekly-wrap-hobbs-does-top-10-chances-no-harm

25/8/2021: AFL Draft wrap with a focus on Sam Skinner:

Former Brisbane key position player Sam Skinner looks primed to earn another AFL opportunity. Continuing his strong vein of form with 22 disposals, 10 marks (two contested) and six rebound 50s for South Adelaide in their 13-point loss against Port Adelaide, Skinner has looked a new player since switching into defence. This follows games with 12 marks (four contested) and 11 marks (four contested) in the two weeks prior, proving he can be a plug-and-play piece for AFL sides.

https://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_...afl-defender-sam-skinner-starring-state-level

1/9/2021: AFL Draft wrap with a focus on classy 192cm midfielder Matthew Johnson, the top performers from SA v WA, reaction to Jason Horne-Francis' performance and a Nick Daicos update:

Unusual for a tall midfielder, Johnson appears to think and move faster than others following the ball. He possesses not only a quick first step, but before he even wins or receives the ball, he appears to have already planned how he is going to move and what he's going to do.

https://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_...-impresses-wa-nick-daicos-jason-horne-francis


8/9/2021: AFL Draft wrap with a focus on Jordan Lukac:

Splitting his time between playing up forward and through the ruck, the athletic Jordan Lukac outleapt rival ruckmen regularly at centre bounces, while around the ground displayed a midfielder-like fluidity to his movement. At 196cm, he was also just as threatening forward of centre, creating separation on the lead and looking like a threat whenever he leapt for the ball or had front position one-on-one.

https://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_...ruckman-jordan-lukac-shows-shades-paddy-ryder

15/9/2021: AFL Draft Weekly Wrap with a focus Bailey Rogers:

Earning back-to-back selection across half-back in the 2019 and 2020 WAFL Team of the Year, Bailey Rogers has taken his game up a gear this season and transformed into one of the competition's premier midfielders who can push forward. A Sandover Medal contender as one of the WAFL's best this season, Rogers is an AFL ready, 24-year-old who has not only been finding and winning plenty of the football, but also heavily influencing games.

https://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_...rap-bailey-rogers-star-west-plays-luke-parker


22/9/2021: AFL Draft wrap with a focus on this year's premier outside mid Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera:

The premier outside player in this draft, Wanganeen-Milera has earned a reputation for his precision kicking and his diverse range of tricks with ball in hand. Possessing rare agility, Wanganeen-Milera displayed dancing feet, changed direction at will, speed around players and an ability to wrong foot them to give himself more time and space to dispose of the ball effectively.

https://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_...idfielder-nasiah-wanganeen-milera-catches-eye


29/9/2021: AFL Draft wrap: a detailed look at Jason Horne-Francis' performance of the year and a focus on draft smokie Arthur Jones:

In the individual performance of the season, pick one contender Jason Horne-Francis gave his all for South Adelaide in their SANFL League preliminary final against Glenelg. It's a game he announced himself to the football world and as a player to be feared.

https://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_...ap-jason-horne-francis-turns-performance-year

6/10/2021: AFL Draft wrap with a focus on speedster Ronald Fejo Jr:

Joining West Adelaide this year from Northern Territory, Ronald Fejo Jr has been a highlight reel in the Reserves. Taking part for the Allies (a team composed of talent from NSW/ACT, Queensland, Tasmanian and Northern Territory talent) in their clash with South Australia, Fejo wowed onlookers with his rare speed, agility and evasion.

https://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_...ghlight-reel-player-ronald-fejo-jr-nt-emerges


13/10/2021: AFL Draft wrap with a focus on Angus Sheldrick:

At 179cm and 88kg, Sheldrick is strong over the ball and routinely wins first possession, works hard around the ground to receive loose ball gets, possesses an explosive burst of speed, shrugs tackles and tackles with intent, plays a strong two-way game and hits the scoreboard.

https://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_...p-angus-sheldrick-announces-western-australia

AFL Draft Combine:
18/10/2021: AFL Draft Combine wrap - the standouts, surprises and how to interpret it all:

It's easy to look at draft combine results and get excited about footballers if they're breaking records in particular tests. What clubs do, because they've been watching the players invited throughout the year, is put the results in context of what the footballer does in game to explain what they've been watching during the year.

 
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YouTube videos (2021):



29/12/2020 - Supercoach and AFL Fantasy relevance of all 2020 AFL National Draft selections:
Should you pick
Jamarra - no
Thilthorpe - no
Phillips - yes
McDonald - no
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZd8ehbuDBM&t=25s&ab_channel=AFLDraftExpert

13/1/2021 - A labour of love project. My biggest hits and misses in my 12 years covering the AFL draft:
Biggest hits:

Ben Brown Rated: 2010 - 32 and 2011 - 27. Actually drafted: 2013 - 47.
Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti: 2012 - 36. Actually drafted: 2015 - rookie - 22
Noah Balta: 2017 - 6. Actually drafted: 2017 - 25.
Best avoids:
Lucas Cooke: 2010 - outside 50. Actually drafted: 12.
Jonathon O'Rourke: 2012 - 11. Actually drafted: 2.
Michael Apeness: 2013 - outside 60. Actually drafted: 2013 - 17.
Jack Leslie: 2013 - outside 60. Actually drafted: 2013 - 20.
Paddy McCartin 2014 - 5. Actually drafted: 2014 - 1.
Blaine Boekhorst 2014 - outside 60. Actually drafted: 2014 - 19.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fn3b-ReWkcQ&t=832s&ab_channel=AFLDraftExpert

19/1/2021 - AFL Premiership 2007 - the list management fundamentals learnt and the players I would build around:
The list of 40+4 rookies I would have gone forward with as of the start of 2007:
Todd Goldstein, Sam Jacobs, Dean Cox, Jonathan Brown, Lance Franklin, Tom Hawkins, Jack Riewoldt, Josh Kennedy, Jarryd Roughead, Brian Harris (Lake), Luke McPharlin, Heath Grundy, Tom Lonergan, Matthew Scarlett, Corey Enright, Heath Shaw, Shannon Hurn, Bachar Houli, Jarrod Harbrow, Luke Hodge, Kade Simpson, Brendon Goddard, Jarrad McVeigh, Matthew Pavlich, Adam Goodes, Shaun Burgoyne, Jimmy Bartel, Brett Deledio, David Mundy, Shaun Higgins, Shane Edwards, Eddie Betts, Brent Harvey, Robbie Gray, Gary Ablett, Sam Mitchell, Dane Swan, Chris Judd, Scott Pendlebury, Joel Selwood, Travis Boak, Josh Kennedy, Kieran Jake.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdcTgQE-lxw&t=1s&ab_channel=AFLDraftExpert

26/1/2021 - The list management mistake all 18 AFL clubs make time and time again:
With talls it's about quality over quantity. The less key position players and ruckman on your list the better so as to maximise the quality of your best-22.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mi7S3n0I6iA&ab_channel=AFLDraftExpert

2/2/2021 - 2020-2029 AFL Best 22:
B: Luke Ryan Harris Andrews Jack Lukosius
HB: Andrew McGrath Noah Balta Jordan Ridley
CEN: Hugh McCluggage Matthew Rowell Sam Walsh
HF: Christian Petracca Aaron Naughton Zak Butters
F: Connor Rozee Max King Izak Rankine
FOLL: Brodie Grundy Tom Green Bailey Smith
BENCH: Jy Simpkin Clayton Oliver Jarrod Berry Adam Cerra
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DmL67Y2HTfs&ab_channel=AFLDraftExpert

9/2/2021 - Why Jake Lloyd's production will reduce in 2021:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9MKgRERMWg&ab_channel=AFLDraftExpert
Risks: Braeden Campbell, Jordan Dawson, Will Gould
16/2/2021 - How to win AFL Fantasy - Interview with 2017+2018 AFL Fantasy winner Moreira's Magic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DM4Qga9KODw&ab_channel=AFLDraftExpert

23/2/2021 - The AFL Team everyone is disrespecting in season 2021:
Key finding: there is a bottom-10 team every year breaking into the top-4
The team I'm not sleeping on in 2021: Fremantle
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EaW9Z4V_UBQ&ab_channel=AFLDraftExpert

25/2/2021 - AFL Fantasy and Supercoach keepers rankings from the 2020 AFL Draft:
1. Will Phillips
2. Finlay Macrae
3. Tom Powell
4. Elijah Hollands
5. Braeden Campbell
6. Sam Berry
7. Lachlan Jones
8. Heath Chapman
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YwAuduWn0I&t=934s&ab_channel=AFLDraftExpert

1/3/2021 - Learning Supercoach secrets with Jords Supercoach & AFL over some chess:
Some top tips from Jords:
Captain options recommended: 4
Premium recommendation: take the top priced premiums as durability, reliability and role are built into the price
Mid pricer tip: think about what you want out of the mid-pricer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jKzy04Yna8&ab_channel=AFLDraftExpert

3/3/2021 - The only video Supercoach or AFL Fantasy video you'll need to watch on rookies for season 2021:
Recommended rookies: Flynn, Phillips, Powell, Berry, Gulden, Chapman, Jones, Campbell and Macrae.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Ff8nXWvzxc&ab_channel=AFLDraftExpert

10/3/2021 - Why Geelong's list in 2021 is the most OP on paper since their 2007-2010 list:
6 players: Jeremy Cameron, Isaac Smith, Shaun Higgins, Jordan Clark, Tom Atkins and Josh Jenkins
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQxkfEtLlOs&t=1s&ab_channel=AFLDraftExpert

11/3/2021 - My AFL Fantasy team for 2021 with all round 1 considerations detailed:
Starting with Grundy as captain with Merrett there as the other captain option. No Gawn.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=weSRF3jwTB8&t=703s&ab_channel=AFLDraftExpert

11/3/2021 - My Supercoach team for 2021 with all round 1 considerations detailed:
Starting with Grundy and Merrett as captain options. No Gawn.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVfX_5-E25A&t=476s&ab_channel=AFLDraftExpert

14/3/2021 - I got the 2020 #1 pick wrong. The real #1 pick in the 2020 AFL Draft should have been…:
Logan McDonald over Jamarra.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXcBdDJagqY&ab_channel=AFLDraftExpert

15/3/2021 - AFL Team Power Rankings Season 2021:
My pre-season ladder prediction:
1. Geelong
2. Richmond
3. Port Adelaide
4. Brisbane
--
5. St Kilda
6. Western Bulldogs
7. West Coast
--
8. Fremantle
etc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZ0nUbHZG78&ab_channel=AFLDraftExpert

15/3/2021 - AFL Rising Star Prediction 2021:
1. Matt Rowell
2. Tom Green
3. Hayden Young
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wt2Dk8fYCqQ&ab_channel=AFLDraftExpert

16/3/2021 - 15 AFL moneyball trade targets I will be tracking in season 2021:
Tom Green
Willem Drew
Jack Sinclair
Tom McDonald
Josh Caddy
Deven Robertson
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7tlznEb2ss&t=377s&ab_channel=AFLDraftExpert

17/3/2021 - 2021 Supercoach final team reveal. Essential watch to get your rookie structure and selections right:
Def: + 2 bench
Mid: Campbell, Powell, Gulden, Scott + 2 bench
Ruck: + 1 bench
Fwd: Warner + 2 bench
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7AWaaiYewg&t=144s

17/3/2021 - 2021 AFL Fantasy final team reveal. Essential watch to get rookie structure and selections right:
Def: + 2 bench
Mid: Powell, Gulden + 2 bench
Ruck: Flynn + 1 bench
Fwd: Campbell, Scott + 2 bench
+ 1 extra
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJ0GzFJ-TsE&t=338s

18/3/2021 - 2021 AFL Real Dream Team final team reveal:
Grundy+Merrett as captain options. Walsh as a unique.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTrjEdbPlwk&ab_channel=AFLDraftExpert

24/3/2021 - 1000 subscriber special. Best AFL footballers drafted from 2016 to 2020 top-100 rankings:
1. Jack Lukosius
2. Noah Balta
3. Logan McDonald
4. Jamarra Ugle-Hagan
5. Matt Rowell
6. Bailey Smith
7. Sam Walsh
8. Max King
9. Ben King
10. Jy Simpkin
11. Zak Butters
12. Tom Green
13. Aaron Naughton
14. Nick Blakey
15. Charlie Ballard
16. Sam Taylor
17. Oscar Allen
18. Hugh McCluggage
19. Andrew McGrath
20. Tim Taranto
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkC4QdWYqvg&ab_channel=AFLDraftExpert

30/3/2021 - Supercoach team update and trade ideas ahead of round 3 2021:
Starting team mistakes that need rectification: Dom Tyson, Paddy Dow, Patrick Cripps, Tom Phillips
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8Zp43vpQ80&ab_channel=AFLDraftExpert

7/4/2021: Mason Cox the biggest beneficiary of the AFL's new man on the mark rules?
Types the rule helps:
Leading forwards
Low volume tacklers
Outside runners
Skillful outside types
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KoaiJ0oecL4&ab_channel=AFLDraftExpert

16/4/2021: AFL best 22 under 22 early 2021 edition
First team:
B: Lachie Jones Sam Taylor Charlie Ballard
HB: Heath Chapman Noah Balta Braeden Campbell
CEN: Jack Lukosius Adam Cerra Nik Cox
*The rest of team 1 and team 2 can be found in video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=licjYSe2g8g&ab_channel=AFLDraftExpert

23/4/2021: Was the 2018 AFL Draft a Super Draft? - Podcast:
Top end? Could be the best in draft history?
Depth? Unproven and unclear at this point.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iiMzgUTzvM0&t=21s&ab_channel=AFLDraftExpert

27/4/2021: AFL Draft preview 2021 - putting my draft skills to the test:
My picks:
St Kilda:
6=Matthew Roberts
43=Connor McDonald
61=Ned Moyle
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pu_XF3998Ec&t=1s&ab_channel=AFLDraftExpert

6/5/2021: AFL Draft tier list May 2021:
--Tier 1--
1. Jason Horne
2. Nick Daicos
--Tier 2--
3. Tyler Sonsie
4. Matthew Roberts
5. Josh Rachele
6. Josh Sinn
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9BUXWUhIjI

7/5/2021: How to watch junior footy and state league competitions online:
Youtube, channel 7, SANFL website etc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIGWf5VrB3U

10/5/2021: AFL Mid season draft 2021: The Big Opportunity:
4 overage ruckmen from Victoria: Jacob Edwards, Ned Moyle, Liam Podhajski and Max Heath.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3kjdSebdXE

27/5/2021: AFL Mid-Season Draft Top 20 Power Rankings and the best players at each position ranked
1. Jackson Callow
2. Jacob Edwards
3. Ned Moyle
4. Tyrone Thorne
5. Angus Baker
6. Blake Schlensog
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbXbaRVhF2w&t=1851s

1/6/2021: Why Jackson Callow went undrafted and how he exposes an AFL recruiting blind spot:
Clubs routinely ignore big bodied key position players despite often being better performed than those chosen. Should they be chosen? I think there remains a place for them if they're good enough.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM4Wr52xJtM&t=6s

3/6/2021: AFL Mid-Season Draft review with a Supercoach and AFL Fantasy focus (projected Supercoach and AFL Fantasy scores included as well as likeliness to play in 2021):
The two must get players once named: Jai Newcombe and Connor West.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UISBcVxsDkA

10/6/2021: 2020 AFL Draft re-done mid 2021:
--Tier 1--
1. Logan McDonald
2. Jamarra Ugle-Hagan
3. Riley Thilthorpe
4. Nik Cox
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhlnSPLpqpc

24/6/2021: My Mid-Season AFL All-Australian team:
Different inclusions to ESPN: Tom Stewart, Harris Andrews, Daniel Rich, Brodie Smith, Aaron Naughton, Dayne Zorko, Tom Hawkins, Nic Naitanui, Shai Bolton, Dustin Martin, Nat Fyfe
ESPN's different inclusions: Brandon Starcevich, Steven May, Darcy Moore, Bailey Dale, Hugh McCluggage, Jack Macrae, Jack Darling, Harry McKay, Sam Walsh, Oliver Wines, Bailey Fritsch
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpGcDEiwVXY&t=115s

8/7/2021: The collapse of junior footy in Victoria? Why I’m concerned by the calibre of Victorian prospects coming through. July 2021 AFL Draft Power Rankings Tier List (top-40)
Only 18 of my top-40 power rankings are Victorians. A lower ratio than any draft by comparison either to my power rankings or actual draft outcomes. A worry Victoria having such limited talent compared to a normal draft
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6r3p2UD46U4

22/7/2021: The greatest dynasty since 2000: Brisbane, Geelong, Hawthorn or Richmond?
Most All-Australians: Geelong
Most Premierships: Brisbane/Hawthorn/Richmond
Most Grand Finals: Brisbane/Hawthorn
Home and away wins: Geelong
Home and away percentage: Geelong
Combined best-22 totals: Geelong/Hawthorn

29/7/2021: The real reason why Gold Coast and GWS failed to win a premiership not even AFL clubs understand:
The key numbers and points of discussion:
Of the x12 17 year olds and top-15 picks from 2010-2014 which should have made up a major portion of the club cores:
Gold Coast: 2/25 remain or 8%
GWS: 6/34 remain or 17.6%
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iQEfRggNFU

5/8/2021: The moneyball style disruptive draft and list management focuses all clubs need to implement now
Those disruptive opportunities:
Opposition talent ID
State league talent ID
Overagers
Mature agers over 25
International recruits
Veteran leaders
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJyW9YKxH4k

12/8/2021: A lesson in veteran leadership. Why early picks without sufficient veteran leadership doesn't lead to success. The possible disruptor in the AFL recruiting industry. (Podcast)
Key idea: you can't build a list no matter how many early picks you have without sufficient veteran leadership and established players in place.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iaDw6CdiluY

20/8/2021: The reason there is no excuse for your club not meeting their key defence needs this offseason:
Former AFL players, young out of contract players and veterans - retired, delisted or yet to be contracted are among those I explore.
My favourites I cover: Blake Schlensog, Jake Riccardi and Sam Skinner
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNU0XdDgocE

23/8/2021: Hawthorn just made the mistake of the millennium:
My thesis: Without Al Clarkson Hawthorn will no longer be a destination club for the best staff or players.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOu10rYtKCM

26/8/2021: A best 22 of those not included in the AFL All Australian squad of 40:
The three most unlucky misses in my view: Tom Liberatore, Kysaiah Pickett and Harris Andrews
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1NEEBj1vXc

17/9/2021: September AFL Draft Power Rankings top 50 and tier list:
Key idea: It's not always about who you rate higher than others, but just as much who you feel is overrated and feel will go earlier than you're willing to draft.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAjYGjloLY4&t=1944s

24/9/2021: 2021 AFL Grand Final Preview:
Top reasons each club is successful:
Reasons for Western Bulldogs’ success:
1. All-time greatest midfield I’ve seen from top to bottom – Bont/Macrae/Liber/Dunkley/Treloar/Smith/Hunter with good midfielders outside best-22.
Reasons for Melbourne’s success:
1. Paul Roos coaching 2014-2016. Set up culture for Goodwin to take over. *Unable to finish better than 12th in the 7 years before he arrived.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d08KaumUXxU

1/10/2021: AFL Moneyball Offseason Targets. The best trade and free agency targets 2021:
Preview:
Moneyball rucks: Peter Ladhams, Sam Hayes, Max Lynch, Matthew Flynn
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isQdn0z_97Q

15/10/2021: AFL Moneyball offseason targets. The best trade and free agency gets during the 2021 trade period.
Preview: 3 trades and 2 free agency choices. The first of the names is Max Lynch. Fixes Hawthorn's ruck division and gives them the second young and able ruckman under 30 for a bargain basement price.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tzUQBWab58

2/11/2021: Exposing AFL Draft Central's Power Rankings:
What surprised me the most: No mature age prospects inside the top-40.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVFLqbxfNgU

4/11/2021: The secret to avoiding AFL Draft traps. The key ingredient needed in each position for draft success and to avoid the avoidable mistakes made every year:
Teaser: With midfielders, and Champion Data have rightly written about the success of midfielders with contested ball winning capabilities for those AFL Prospectus readers of the past. That's a point I agree with them on and one where I draw the same conclusion, with that contested ball winning being that essential component with midfielders which can be seen through looking at those best midfielders in the competition past/present and looking at draft success rates. I've created my own checklist of essential components for all the other positions.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjvkCZcdTVA

11/11/2021: 15 AFL delisted free agents worth a second chance:
Some of the key names include: Tyson Stengle, Sam Skinner, Blake Schlensog, Hugh Greenwood and Biggy Nyuon
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXHRHlkqhu4

20/11/2021: My trademark picks for the 2021 AFL Draft:
Some of those include: Leek Alleer, Angus Sheldrick, Zac Taylor and Bodhi Uwland from my top-20. I go through another 10 of my favourites in this year's draft.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wWImhVDyoA

21/11/2021: 2021 AFL Draft top 75 power rankings and tier list:
My top-20 are as per my November Power Rankings on ESPN. Next few include: Roberts, Van Rooyen, Lord, Sinn, Goater.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_Fj530366w

23/11/2021: My 2021 AFL Phantom Draft Every Pick Every Bid as seen on espn.com.au/afl explained:
1. North Melbourne - Jason Horne-Francis
Height, Weight:
185cm, 81kg
Profile: What separates Horne-Francis from the rest of the pool is his application and influence defensively, with his aggression, pressure, tackling, second and third efforts and run back in support elite even by AFL standards. He also plays a high impact per possession game, wins the ball at full speed through the midfield and causes headaches up forward aerially, when the ball hits the deck and when isolated one-on-one.

2. Western Bulldogs - Sam Darcy (Western Bulldogs father-son) - bid matched
Height, Weight:
205cm, 93kg
Profile: In a draft lacking in the way of premier talls, Darcy is the standard of excellence with his long arms and reach, one grab contested marking, attack on the ball aerially, one-touch ground level skills and his speed and agility for someone his height. Given his rapid rate of improvement and mix of rare attributes, he is one of this draft's highest upside choices for the long term.

3. GWS -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4w4ozlFdMk

27/11/2021: The best value picks of the 2021 AFL Draft:

Biggest bargain I had: Zac Taylor - pick 44 but 12 in my rankings.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzj2Z37neLk&t=606s

28/11/2021: How not to trade. The greatest Sinn committed during the 2021 AFL Offseason:

We all know the trade: Port Adelaide moving up two spots to secure Josh Sinn after trading their 2022 2nd round selection to make it happen. And that's following the Ladhams trade during the trade period to move up four spots.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qygMPEItKGo

29/11/2021: 10 AFL Draft snubs AFL clubs should look at in the preseason supplemental period and midseason draft:

29. Kade Dittmar
32. Bailey Rogers.
33. ?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3_VJxm_3HM
 
Last edited:
Sep 22, 2010
19,533
19,542
AFL Club
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Other Teams
Chicago Bulls
Final AFL Draft Power Rankings


19/11/2021: November AFL Draft Power Rankings: https://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_...-jason-horne-francis-locked-draft-night-nears


1. Jason Horne-Francis
Best position:
Inside midfield/general forward
Height, weight: 185cm, 81kg
Recruited from: South Adelaide
Projected draft range: 1-2
Plays like: Toby Greene
October ranking: 1
Rationale: Finishing the SANFL season with a bang, Horne-Francis' preliminary final for the South Adelaide Panthers was the performance of the year, and one that will stick with draft watchers for a long time. Over the last two months of the season, Horne-Francis arguably developed into the SANFL's most influential player. What separates the highly-touted youngster from fellow draft fancy Nick Daicos is his impact per possession and influence defensively, with his aggression, pressure, tackling, second and third efforts and run back in support elite even by AFL standards.
Strengths:
Consistency of application defensively
Pressure applied to the ball carrier
Strong tackler
Defensive run
Aggression
One-touch ground ball winner on the move at speed
Loose ball winning
Impact per possession
Aerial marking
Contested marking
Threat when isolated one-on-one inside 50
Versatility to impact games both through the midfield and up forward
Scoreboard impact
Kicking at full speed on the run to targets inside 50
Proven star against senior state league opposition
AFL ready-to-go game
Weaknesses:
Inconsistent production
Inconsistency of impact offensively
Limited outside accumulation
Inconsistent kick

2. Nick Daicos (Collingwood - Father-Son)
Best position: Balanced midfield/general forward
Height, weight: 183cm, 72kg
Recruited from: Oakleigh Chargers
Projected draft range: 1-5
Plays like: Zach Merrett
October ranking: 2
Rationale: Had the NAB League season continued, Daicos may still be ranked above all. The debate around the real number one has been hotly debated all year and it should come as no surprise that there is no meaningful separation between the two young stars. Daicos is the more productive of the pair and finds the football at will around the ground, but while much improved defensively over the last month of his season, he isn't nearly on the same level, with his impact per possession the lower of the pair.
Strengths:
Composure in traffic
Decision making under pressure
Anticipation of opposition decisions in traffic
Draws free kicks from high tackles
Agility
Evasion
Go-to-guy around the ground
Scoreboard impact
Inside-outside midfield balance
Versatility to impact games both through the midfield and up forward
Stoppage work
Contested ball winning
Consistency
One-touch at ground level
Production
AFL ready-to-go game
Weaknesses:
Inconsistent application defensively
Lack of size or strength

3. Sam Darcy (Western Bulldogs - Father-Son)
Best position: Key forward
Height, weight: 205cm, 93kg
Recruited from: Oakleigh Chargers
Projected draft range: 1-5
Plays like: Max King
October ranking: 3
Rationale: In a draft lacking in the way of star key forwards, Darcy is the standard of excellence. Given his rapid rate of improvement and mix of rare attributes at his height, he is one of this draft's highest upside choices for the long term.
Strengths:
One grab contested marking
Long arms and reach often taking marks fully extended
Attack on the ball aerially
Early reading of the ball in flight
Protects the drop zone
Scoreboard impact
Versatility to impact games as a key forward, key defender or contribute through the ruck
Agility
One-touch at ground level
Instinctive finisher around goal
Speed to create separation on the lead
Rapid rate of improvement
Late growth spurt suggests likelihood he keeps improving as he grows into his body
Weaknesses:
Lack of endurance
Low work rate
Lack of repeat efforts
Inconsistency
Will require time to develop before he can impact AFL games regularly

4. Finn Callaghan
Best position:
Balanced midfielder
Height, weight: 191cm, 86kg
Recruited from: Sandringham Dragons
Projected draft range: 2-7
Plays like: Jack Macrae
October ranking: 4
Rationale: Callaghan's special sauce is his rare movement for someone his height, with his agility, evasion and speed respectively special in traffic. If Callaghan becomes more aggressive with his attack on the ball and his tackle attempts, he has the scope to be as good as any in this draft. Callaghan's ceiling is elevated by his late growth spurt and the hope will be that as he grows into his body the contested side to his game develops with it.
Strengths:
Rare time, space and composure in traffic
Evasion
Agility
Sidestep
Acceleration
Takes the game on at speed with ball in hand
Hits contests at speed and times his moves well to receive on the burst
Work rate
Endurance
Overlap run
Class and composure under pressure to hit his targets by hand and foot
Skill execution by hand and foot
Versatility to play inside or outside midfield
Rapid rate of improvement
Late growth spurt suggests likelihood he keeps improving as he grows into his body
Weaknesses:
Lack of aggression or hardness at the ball
Hesitant contested ball winner
Hesitant tackler

5. Josh Ward
Best position:
Balanced midfielder
Height, weight: 183cm, 79kg
Recruited from: Northern Knights
Projected draft range: 3-15
Plays like: Marc Murphy
October ranking: 5
Rationale: A low risk, ready-to-go midfielder who is one of the very best and most complete players in this draft. His production and impact during the latter part of the NAB League campaign was up there with the play of Daicos.
Strengths:
Skills
Lowers his eyes and places kicks out in front of targets inside 50
Vision
Decision making under pressure
Composure
Go-to-guy around the ground
Contested ball winning
Inside/outside midfield balance
Works hard both ways
Endurance
Work rate
Run and carry with ball in hand
Agility
Acceleration
Rises to the big occasion
AFL ready-to-go game
Production
Consistency
Weaknesses:
Limited scoreboard impact
Unclear scope to impact games forward of centre

6. Neil Erasmus
Best position:
Inside midfield
Height, weight: 190cm, 82kg
Recruited from: Subiaco
Projected draft range: 3-15
Plays like: Elliot Yeo
October ranking: 6
Rationale: With rapidly improving ball winning capabilities, a strong overhead mark and his ability to read the game, Erasmus is clearly one of this year's best midfielders. With Erasmus still growing, improving rapidly and having a December birthday, he is one of the prime upside choices in this draft.
Strengths:
Early reader of the ball in flight who consistently gets to the drop of the ball
Intercepting marking
Aerial marking
Leap
Attack on the ball
Contested ball winning
First possession winner at stoppages
Big game performer
Versatility to impact games through the midfield and up forward
Scoreboard impact
Consistency
Rate of improvement
Endurance
Weaknesses:
Inconsistent kick
Limited exposure against strong opposition
Only average speed

7. Matthew Johnson
Best position:
Inside midfield
Height, weight: 193cm, 81kg
Recruited from: Subiaco
Projected draft range: 5-20
Plays like: Scott Pendlebury
October ranking: 8
Rationale: Finishing the WAFL Reserves season off strongly and named Western Australia's best in their first two clashes against South Australia, Johnson is rapidly progressing up draft boards around the country. A classy tall midfielder, there are few as composed and sound by both hand and foot as Johnson in this pool. Incredibly, Johnson finished third in the agility test, and it shows in game with how freakishly quick his first step is and how he evades opponents so easily with ball in hand. Johnson rises one spot due to the drop of Matthew Roberts.
Strengths:
Composure
Classy and sound decision making with ball in hand
Creates time and space for himself in traffic
Evasion in traffic
Agility
Quick first step
Already knows what he is going to do before he gets ball in hand
Vision in traffic
Long handballs to targets
Reliable ball user who displays vision on his kicks
Places kicks out in front of leading targets inside 50 to lead onto
Makes something happen when he has ball in hand
Weaknesses:
Early season lack of consistency
Limited contested ball winning - can win some ball but prefers to receive at this stage
Lack of strength

8. Mac Andrew (Melbourne Next-Generation Academy)
Best position: Ruck
Height, weight: 201cm, 77kg
Recruited from: Dandenong Stingrays
Projected draft range: 2-15
Plays like: Paddy Ryder
October ranking: 10
Rationale: Andrew is a light-bodied ruckman and long-term project player who is likely to spend his early years developing as a key position player while he adds muscle to his light frame. What is breathtaking with Andrew is how high he leaps at centre bounces, often getting his waist above the head of rival rucks when he gets a clear jump at the ball. The slight rise of Andrew's position on this draft board comes off the back of his commitment to his diet and strength gains in recent months, progressing the expectation around how quickly he is likely to develop.
Strengths:
Leap
Soft hands through ruck
Hitouts to advantage
Long arms and reach
Reading of the ball in flight
Contested marking
Clean below the knees
Mobile and fluid mover
Clean by hand and foot
Tackling
Weaknesses:
Lack of strength
Too light at this stage to play through the ruck and will need to start his career as a key position player
Struggles through the ruck when a body engages him and prevents him from using his leap to advantage
Struggles one-on-one
A long term project who is likely to require a number of years before his play through the ruck translates to AFL performance

9. Leek Alleer
Best position:
Key defence
Height, weight: 196cm, 84kg
Recruited from: Central Districts
Projected draft range: 20-50
Plays like: Aliir Aliir
October ranking: 9
Rationale: Rapidly developing, Alleer has become an intercept marking force in the SANFL and is this year's most exciting mature age prospect. Although he is two years older than his peers, his scope to develop is enormous based on his rapid rate of development and the tools he has at his disposal. Securing a record at the draft combine in the running vertical jump -- having that elite leap in combination with how Alleer reads the game and takes towering intercept marks -- Alleer is this year's most exciting key defender. His Round 16 match against South Adelaide was an eye-opener with five contested marks, seeming to intercept every high ball that went near him.
Strengths:
Reading of the ball in flight
Intercept marking
Contested marking
Aerial marking
Wins one-on-one contests routinely and often turns one-on-one contests into intercept marks
Attack on the ball aerially
Leap
Courage to back into packs and put his body on the line
Rapid rate of improvement
Closing speed
Capacity to lock down tall, medium and small forwards
Weaknesses:
Inconsistent kick
Poor decision maker with ball in hand
Limited as a rebounder
Finds little of the ball in general play
One-dimensional

10. Josh Rachele
Best position:
Utility
Height, weight: 180cm, 81kg
Recruited from: Murray Bushrangers
Projected draft range: 3-15
Plays like: Alan Didak
October ranking: 15
Rationale: Possessing the versatility to play through the midfield, win first possession and hurt teams forward of centre by foot, Rachele is a genuine dual position impact player. There is a case to be made that Rachele while he hasn't had the opportunity could also set up play by foot from defence. Consideration around Rachele's versatility to impact games across several positions elevates his position on this draft board.
Strengths:
Best in class level precision kick with hurt factor
Kicks placed out in front of targets to lead onto
Scoreboard impact
First possession winning at stoppages
Explosive speed
Agility
Leap
Aerial marking threat
Ground level craft
Forward pressure
Tackling
Versatility to impact games both as a forward and through the midfield
Possible versatility to play in defence
AFL ready-to-go game
Weaknesses:
Finds little easy outside ball
Lack of consistency
Relatively limited progression since 2019

11. Angus Sheldrick
Best position:
Inside midfield
Height, weight: 179cm, 88kg
Recruited from: Claremont
Projected draft range: 25-late
Plays like: Lachie Neale
October ranking: Outside-20
Rationale: Building his draft resume late in the season, Sheldrick has earned a reputation as this draft's ultimate competitor. From winning a midfield matchup against Horne-Francis during the Under-19 Championships, to copping a physical beating in the WAFL Colts Grand Final and still playing to an arguably best-afield standard, Sheldrick's close to the season has been among this draft's most impressive. A contested beast, Sheldrick led the Under-19 Championships for contested possessions, averaged two goals per game during the WAFL Colts finals and has displayed a serious burst of acceleration at stoppages.
Strengths:
Performances on the big stage
Competitiveness
Aggression
Toughness
First possession winner at stoppages
Contested ball winning
Distribution by hand
Strength to shrug tackles
Strong tackler
Burst of speed with ball in hand
Receives on the move at high speed
Scoreboard impact
Two-way game
Negates the influence of opponents
Work rate
Weaknesses:
Inconsistent kick
Poor decision maker with ball in hand

12. Zac Taylor
Best position:
Balanced midfielder
Height, weight: 180cm, 78kg
Recruited from: Calder Cannons
Projected draft range: 15-45
Plays like: Jy Simpkin
October ranking: 14
Rationale: With one of the strongest closes to the NAB League season, the only question is what Taylor could have produced had the season extended longer. One of the most productive and complete midfielders in this draft, Taylor ended his campaign with the Cannons with 37 disposals, 22 contested possessions and 11 clearances in a 10-point win against the Murray Bushrangers. With the remaining midfielders not sharing the combination of weapons and completeness to their games Taylor possesses, he moves up two spots.
Strengths:
Production
Precise and damaging kick
Vision to hit meaningful targets around the ground and inside 50
Decision making under pressure
Distribution by hand
Composure with ball in hand
Speed
Agility
Evasion
Endurance
Work rate
Inside/outside midfield balance
Contested ball winning
Weaknesses:
Limited scoreboard impact
Unclear forward capabilities
Lack of physical strength

13. Ben Hobbs
Best position:
Inside midfield
Height, weight: 183cm, 80kg
Recruited from: Greater Western Victoria
Projected draft range: 3-15
Plays like: Andrew Brayshaw
October ranking: 18
Rationale: A dominant contested ball winner and tackler, Hobbs is one of the readiest to play midfielders in this draft. Lacking in the way of speed, athleticism and x-factor, Hobbs doesn't play the most exciting brand of football but is nonetheless effective, dependable, and productive. His improved draft position is based on his high floor and a higher probability of a career relative to the remaining prospects.
Strengths:
First possession winner at stoppages
Contested ball winning
Tackling
Pressure and application defensively
Distribution by hand
Reading of the ball in flight
Overhead marking
Production
AFL ready-to-go game
Scoreboard impact
Outside accumulation and involvement around the ground
Versatility to push forward as part of a large midfield rotation as required
Weaknesses:
A stationary ball winner who rarely wins the ball at speed or on the move
Limited time and space in traffic
Limited hurt-factor by foot
Lack of speed
Lack of athleticism
Lack of agility
Low impact per possession

14. Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera
Best position:
Outside midfield/general defence
Height, weight: 188cm, 71kg
Recruited from: Glenelg
Projected draft range: 5-15
Plays like: Shane Edwards
October ranking: 15
Rationale: Spending most of the season in the SANFL Reserves and playing solid football throughout, Wanganeen-Milera has played a consistently exciting brand of footy with his freakish evasive movement with ball in hand and skills a major highlight. His performances for South Australia against Western Australia to finish the season only elevated his draft stocks as SA's best performer.
Strengths:
Agility
Evasion
Creates time and space with ball in hand
Composure with ball in hand
Precision kicking
Decision making
Vision
Impact per possession
One touch at ground level
Performances on the board
Weaknesses:
Lack of size or strength
Limited contested ball winning
Limited to playing on the outside

15. Josh Gibcus
Best position:
Key defence
Height, weight: 196cm, 87kg
Recruited from: Greater Western Victoria
Projected draft range: 2-15
Plays like: Liam Jones
October ranking: 20
Rationale: On review of Gibcus' early season play where he was aggressive in flying for intercept marks, it's clear he has the capability to intercept to a good level and be an aerial marking threat in defence which sees his position on this draft board rise. With the intercepting and negating components to his game, there is a promising deal of scope for Gibcus to develop into a capable key defender.
Strengths:
Vertical and running vertical jump
Contested marking
Intercept marking
Reading of the ball in flight
One-on-one defence
Shutdown capabilities
Closing speed
Tackling
Weaknesses:
Low frequency of impact
Limited as a rebounder
Intercepts infrequently when focused on locking down his direct opponent
Looks lost when asked to play forward

16. Jye Amiss
Best position:
Key forward
Height, weight: 196cm, 85kg
Recruited from: East Perth
Projected draft range: 5-20
Plays like: Jack Gunston
October ranking: 19
Rationale: A late bloomer, Amiss has this year become the dominant goalkicker in the junior ranks, kicking a WAFL Colts competition high 51 goals from his 15 games and the highest across any of the junior competitions. The intrigue with Amiss is he's a late bloomer who has been living and training in Busselton, over 200km away from East Perth, and given this, the sense with the key tall is there is substantial untapped upside which in an AFL program will surface. With Amiss' height upgraded to 196cm, he rises on the back of an increased likelihood that he will be able to develop into a genuine key forward.
Strengths:
Speed to create separation on the lead
Marking on the lead
Leading patterns
Repeat leads
Set shot conversion
Clean at ground level
Heavy and consistent scoreboard impact
Consistency
Late developer
Limited opportunity to train to date suggests substantial scope to develop in an AFL setting
Weaknesses:
Unclear versatility
Limited contested ball winning
Inconsistent contested marking
Struggles to impact games further afield
Struggles to get involved when the delivery isn't top notch
Lacks composure with ball in hand in general play

17. Arlo Draper
Best position:
Utility
Height, weight: 186cm, 75kg
Recruited from: South Adelaide
Projected draft range: 10-25
Plays like: Robbie Gray
October ranking: 12
Rationale: With his mix of contested ball winning, classy ball use, agility and strong marking, Draper is one of this draft's more appealing and versatile prospects. The key for Draper will be developing his durability and building his body up so that it can withstand play against AFL standard competition. Draper drops down this draft board as others rise.
Strengths:
Contested ball winning
Tackling
Stoppage craft
Composure in traffic
Decision making with ball in hand
Clean hands
Vision
Locating and hitting targets by foot in the corridor
Lowers his eyes for kicks inside 50
Overhead marking
Contested marking
Agility
Evasion
Acceleration
Takes on the game with his run
Positional versatility
Scoreboard impact
Weaknesses:
Lack of physical strength
Lack of outside accumulation
Injury prone
Unclear best position

18. Bodhi Uwland (Gold Coast - Academy)
Best position: Inside midfield/general defence
Height, weight: 185cm, 84kg
Recruited from: Gold Coast
Projected draft range: Pre-listed by the Suns as a rookie
Plays like: Luke Hodge
October ranking: 13
Rationale: One of the lesser-known prospects, Uwland is as aggressive and competitive as any in this draft. Uwland is not just a strong ball winner, but a powerful athlete who shrugs tackles at will and has a penetrating and damaging kick. His drop can be attributed to the rise of others.
Strengths:
Contested ball winning
Powerful shrugging of tackles
Aggression
Physical edge
Penetrating and damaging but reliable kick
Kicks placed out to the advantage side for teammates to lead onto
Decision making with ball in hand
Vision
Evasion
Acceleration
Leap
Versatility to impact games either through the midfield, defence or across half-forward
Proven performer against VFL competition
Weaknesses:
Lack of endurance
Inconsistent work rate
Would benefit from lowering his eyes and looking to hit up shorter targets more often

19. Mitch Owens (St Kilda Next-Generation Academy)
Best position: Utility
Height, weight: 191cm, 87kg
Recruited from: Sandringham Dragons
Projected draft range: 10-30
Plays like: Jarrod Berry
October ranking: 11
Rationale: Growing around 15cm between the start of 2019 and the beginning of 2021, Owens is a late developer who only in the last few months of the NAB League season entered the first-round conversation. His performance as a late call-up for Vic Metro in a trial match against Vic Country was the game that elevated his draft standing, securing 29 disposals, one goal and two score assists. He immediately backed this up with strong NAB League play for Sandringham. With his movement, overhead marking, ball winning capabilities and rapid rate of improvement, Owens is an upside choice who with continued rapid improvement could become one of this draft's best players. Had the season not been cut short, Owens may well be rated higher than this, though with others doing more over the course of the season and having higher ceilings, Owens drops in favour of other better performed, less speculative choices.
Strengths:
Late growth
Rate of development
Agility
Speed
Evasion in traffic
Composure with ball in hand
Courage
Intercept marking
Aerial marking
Versatility
Inside/outside balance
Versatility to play on a wing or through the midfield
Contested ball winning
Weaknesses:
Not as advanced as other top end prospects
Small sample size late in the Victorian campaign of high performance

20. Mitch Knevitt
Best position:
Inside midfield
Height, weight: 194cm, 83kg
Recruited from: Geelong Falcons
Projected draft range: 10-30
Plays like: Patrick Cripps
October ranking: 17
Rationale: A tall, strong bodied midfielder, Knevitt was one of Vic Country's stars in their challenge match against Vic Metro. His second half to the NAB League season was also excellent and elevated his position on draft boards. Knevitt fits firmly in the high risk, high reward basket as a midfielder who doesn't have the volume of impactful games others do, but has the right height, size and athletic tools if his game continues to develop rapidly to become one of this draft's best midfielders. Had the season continued Knevitt may be rated much higher than this, though with the season ending early, he moves down in favour of better performed, relatively less speculative alternatives.
Strengths:
Strength to stand up through tackles
Distribution by hand
Tackling
Pressure applied to the ball carrier
Overhead marking
Contested marking
Contested ball winning
Versatility
High work rate
Endurance
Mobility
Weaknesses:
Lack of consistency or hurt factor by foot
Relatively low impact per possession
Occasionally fumbles at ground level
Small sample size late in the Victorian campaign of high performance
 
Last edited:
Sep 22, 2010
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Final 2021 AFL phantom draft

23/11/2021: My 2021 AFL phantom draft. Every pick. Every bid:

https://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_...-full-afl-phantom-draft-every-club-every-pick

1. North Melbourne - Jason Horne-Francis
Height, Weight:
185cm, 81kg
Profile: What separates Horne-Francis from the rest of the pool is his application and influence defensively, with his aggression, pressure, tackling, second and third efforts and run back in support elite even by AFL standards. He also plays a high impact per possession game, wins the ball at full speed through the midfield and causes headaches up forward aerially, when the ball hits the deck and when isolated one-on-one.

2. Western Bulldogs - Sam Darcy (Western Bulldogs father-son) - bid matched
Height, Weight:
205cm, 93kg
Profile: In a draft lacking in the way of premier talls, Darcy is the standard of excellence with his long arms and reach, one grab contested marking, attack on the ball aerially, one-touch ground level skills and his speed and agility for someone his height. Given his rapid rate of improvement and mix of rare attributes, he is one of this draft's highest upside choices for the long term.

3. Greater Western Sydney - Finn Callaghan
Height, Weight:
191cm, 86kg
Profile: Most dangerous through the midfield, Callaghan is a rare mover with ball in hand possessing elite agility, evasion and speed in traffic. The intrigue with Callaghan is his upside is elevated by his late growth spurt and high rate of improvement.

4. Collingwood - Nick Daicos (Collingwood father-son) - bid matched
Height, Weight:
183cm, 76kg
Profile: The son on Peter and younger brother of Josh, Nick is this draft's most productive and consistent prospect, with averages of 36 disposals and two goals for the Oakleigh Chargers in the NAB League. Daicos is more than just an accumulator, possessing rare composure in traffic, evasion, decision making under pressure and anticipation of opposition decisions in traffic.


5. Gold Coast - Mac Andrew (Melbourne - Next Generation Academy)
Height, Weight:
201cm, 77kg
Profile: Andrew is a light-bodied ruckman and long-term project player with good skills, mobility and a long reach who is likely to spend his early years developing as a key position player while he adds muscle to his light frame. What is breathtaking with Andrew is how high he leaps at centre bounces - often getting his waist above the head of rival rucks when he gets a clear jump at the ball and uses his soft hands to direct his taps to advantage.

6. Adelaide - Josh Rachele
Height, Weight:
180cm, 81kg
Profile: Blessed with a best-in-class level precision kick, Rachele is both a prolific goalkicking forward and playmaker who places his kicks out in front of targets to lead onto. While mostly utilised as a forward, Rachele is just as capable pushing up through the midfield where he is a genuine first possession winner.

7. Hawthorn - Josh Ward
Height, Weight:
183cm, 79kg
Profile: A low risk, ready-to-go midfielder, Ward is one of the very best and most complete midfielders in this draft with his combination of contested ball winning, sound skills, agility and endurance. His production and impact during the latter part of the NAB League season was comparable with the play of Daicos.

8. Fremantle - Jye Amiss
Height, Weight:
196cm, 85kg
Profile: A late bloomer with untapped upside, Amiss has this year become the dominant goalkicker in the junior ranks, kicking a WAFL Colts competition high 51 goals from his 15 games and the highest across any of the junior competitions. Amiss has been a dead eye in front of goal with just 15 behinds and is a strong overhead mark who does his best work leading up at the football.


9. Richmond - Ben Hobbs
Height, Weight:
183cm, 80kg
Profile: A dominant contested ball winner and tackler, Hobbs is one of the readiest to play midfielders in this draft. While Hobbs lacks the kick, speed, athleticism and x-factor of a lot of other top prospects, he plays a consistent brand of football and impacts games with his ferocious attack on the ball and defensive effort.

10. Fremantle - Matthew Johnson
Height, Weight:
193cm, 82kg
Profile: A classy tall midfielder, there are few as composed and sound by both hand and foot as Johnson in this pool. For a tall midfielder, Johnson moves well, has a quick first step and is one of those rare footballers who sees the play unfold before it happens and uses that anticipation in traffic to create time and space for himself in congestion.


11. St Kilda - Josh Gibcus
Height, Weight:
196cm, 87kg
Profile: A high flying key defender, Gibcus is at his best when he backs himself to read the ball in flight and launches for intercept marks. Also adept defensively, Gibcus can equally remain disciplined and negate the influence of opposition key forwards.

12. West Coast - Neil Erasmus
Height, Weight:
190cm, 82kg
Profile: A strong marking, elite ball reader, Erasmus is one of this year's more unique midfielders with the way he impacts games. He has developed into a strong contested ball winner who can push forward, hit the scoreboard and with a late-year birthday and rapid rate of improvement is one of this year's high upside midfield choices.

13. Essendon - Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera
Height, Weight:
188cm, 71kg
Profile: A pure outside player, Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera is the son of Terry Milera and nephew of Gavin Wanganeen. What's special with Wanganeen-Milera is his precision kicking, agility, evasion and ease with which he creates time and space for himself under pressure.

14. Port Adelaide - Josh Sinn
Height, Weight:
187cm, 78kg
Profile: Sinn's strength is his line breaking speed and his sheer speed with ball in hand on the burst out of defence. A rebounding defender who can also hurt opponents with his long penetrating kicking, Sinn's method of impacting games is to break them open with the drive he generates across half-back.

15. Greater Western Sydney - Blake Howes
Height, Weight:
190cm, 79kg
Profile: An athletic utility with the positional range to play forward, back or on a wing, Howes is a high leaping and strong marking prospect. Possessing good speed and agility, Howes at this stage is most accustomed to playing across half-forward but could just as easily develop across half-back given his marking gifts and athletic profile.


16. Brisbane - Darcy Wilmot
Height, Weight:
183cm, 76kg
Profile: A rebounding defender, Wilmot generates drive from defence with his line-breaking run and aggressive work by foot. Playing a competitive brand of football, Wilmot was born on the December 31 and will be the youngest drafted this year, so clubs will back him in as an upside selection with substantial scope to develop.

17. Richmond - Jacob Van Rooyen
Height, Weight:
194cm, 91kg
Profile: Despite spending much of the year up forward -- providing a commanding marking target with his leap and aerial strength -- Van Rooyen's play when utilised in defence has been even better. Van Rooyen in defence takes intercept marks at will and with his one-on-one capabilities has proven difficult to beat.

18. Sydney - Tom Brown
Height, Weight:
186cm, 77kg
Profile: The son of Paul Brown, Tom does his best work as a line-breaking defender. He possesses great speed and agility, often running around opponents like they're traffic cones, while intercepting well and defensively holding his own.


19. Melbourne - Campbell Chesser
Height, Weight:
186cm, 83kg
Profile: An outside midfielder and half-back flanker, Chesser does his best work taking on the game with his run and finding targets by foot. Chesser has endured a frustrating season, with niggling knee injuries potentially restricting our ability to see the best of him.

20. Brisbane - Josh Goater
Height, Weight:
190cm, 80kg
Profile: A high leaping athletic utility who has played his best football to date in defence, Goater is a capable intercept mark behind the ball who generates drive from defence with his run and carry. There is additional intrigue around Goater as a possible midfielder in the future due to his promising distribution by hand, composure and evasion.


21. Fremantle - Corey Warner
Height, Weight:
182cm, 73kg
Profile: Younger brother of Sydney's Chad, Corey plays a contrasting game as a midfielder who does his best work on the outside. Warner's strength is his endurance - demonstrated by how he covers the ground at speed, takes the game on with ball in hand and generates drive by foot.

22. North Melbourne - Jesse Motlop (Fremantle Next-Generation Academy)
Height, Weight:
176cm, 75kg
Profile: The son of Daniel Motlop, Jesse like his father is a talented, one-touch, quick and composed crumbing forward with tricks around goal. How Motlop impacts games most is through his forward pressure, with his tackling and chasing often relentless.

23. Hawthorn - Tyler Sonsie
Height, Weight:
181cm, 77kg
Profile: Sonsie is a speedy midfielder with a burst of acceleration, composure with ball in hand, great vision and kick placement for targets to lead onto. While Sonsie has lacked consistency this year, he made a big impression and won a lot of fans in his VFL debut with a 24-disposal, two-goal performance for Box Hill against Werribee.

24. Geelong - Mitch Knevitt
Height, Weight:
194cm, 83kg
Profile: A tall, ball winning midfielder, Knevitt has the strength to stand up through tackles and does his best work distributing by hand. Knevitt starred at the draft combine -- particularly in the speed and endurance testing -- and finished the season in full flight, demonstrating his endurance, agility, high work rate and contested marking strengths.

25. Hawthorn - Sam Butler
Height, Weight:
184cm, 76kg
Profile: The younger brother of St Kilda's Dan Butler, Sam plays both through the midfield and up forward. As with Dan, Sam is also a very quick, creative and one touch player who heaps on the pressure defensively. The difference between the brothers at the same age, aside from Sam playing more through the midfield, is that his ball winning capabilities appear stronger.

26. Carlton - Arlo Draper
Height, Weight:
186cm, 76kg
Profile: With his mix of contested ball winning, classy distribution, agility and strong marking, Draper is one of this draft's more appealing prospects. Playing his best football through the midfield, Draper is versatile enough to slot into a front half or defence just as easily.


27. Greater Western Sydney - Josh Fahey (Greater Western Sydney Academy) - bid matched
Height, Weight:
187cm, 77kg
Profile: Winning the MCC President's Medal for the AFL Academy's best player against Geelong's VFL side earlier in the year, Fahey has shown he is one of this year's most penetrating and damaging kicks in the pool. Playing his best football in defence, Fahey is a kickout specialist and generates significant drive from defence.

28. St Kilda - Mitch Owens (St Kilda Next-Generation Academy) - bid matched
Height, Weight:
191cm, 87kg
Profile: A late developer, Owens is a tall utility whose overall movement, courage, overhead marking and ball winning capabilities have caught the attention of recruiters. Growing 10cm over the past 12 months and demonstrating a rapid rate of on-field improvement, Owens emerged as a likely early draft choice in Vic Metro's trial match against Vic Country - a game where he was a late call up and one of the best afield with 29 disposals and one goal.

29. Richmond - Rhett Bazzo
Height, Weight:
195cm, 81kg
Profile: When he gets his confidence up, Bazzo is one of the best in this draft flying for intercept marks and chopping off opposition kicks at will. When asked to play a more defensively-oriented role he is also capable of restricting the impact of his opponents.

30. Richmond - Zac Taylor
Height, Weight:
180cm, 78kg
Profile: With one of the strongest closes to the NAB League season, Taylor showed he is one of the most productive and complete midfielders in this draft. Ending his campaign with the Calder Cannons with 37 disposals, 22 contested possessions and 11 clearances in a 10-point win against Murray, Taylor is a precise and damaging kick, speedy and evasive with ball in hand and has a great inside/outside balance to his game.


31. Richmond - Judson Clarke
Height, Weight:
180cm, 72kg
Profile: A speedy forward, Clarke is one of this draft's best crumbers with his speed, agility and kicking both to targets inside 50 and finishing around goal his greatest strengths. With his ability to take on the game and how damaging he is by foot, Clarke is also viable for consideration as a rebounding defender.

32. West Coast - Toby Conway
Height, Weight:
205cm, 97kg
Profile: A strong and competitive ruckman, Conway is an imposing presence who not only wins the hitout count more weeks than not but has made a habit out of winning taking the ball out of the ruck himself with authority. With a current game built around his physical strength, Conway will take time to develop his craft around the ground.

33. Geelong - Leek Alleer
Height, Weight:
196cm, 84kg
Profile: Rapidly developing, Alleer has become an intercept marking force in the SANFL at League level, with his leap, ability to read the ball in flight, aerial aggression and competitiveness one-on-one among his greatest strengths. Creating a new record in the running vertical jump at this year's combine -- albeit two years older than most of his peers -- his scope to develop is enormous based on his rapid rate of development.

34. Sydney - Jake Soligo
Height, Weight:
180cm, 80kg
Profile: A small but speedy midfielder, Soligo wins the ball on the inside, tackles aggressively, provides acceleration out of stoppages and hits the scoreboard. He has good agility and evasion, with his best work coming when in traffic.

35. Geelong - Angus Sheldrick
Height, Weight:
179cm, 88kg
Profile: Winning a head-to-head midfield matchup against Jason Horne-Francis during the first under-19 championships match, Sheldrick finished off season 2021 as hot as anyone with his WAFL Colts and championships display. One of this year's most advanced midfielders, Sheldrick is a strong ball winning midfielder who shrugs tackles, hits the scoreboard and possesses an explosive burst of speed.

36. St Kilda - Marcus Windhager (St Kilda Next-Generation Academy) - bid matched
Height, Weight:
184cm, 85kg
Profile: An explosive midfielder and forward, Windhager is at his best bursting out of stoppages and hitting leading targets inside 50. With his skills and explosive run, there is also future scope for Windhager to develop as a rebounding defender.

37. Adelaide - James Willis
Height, Weight:
181cm, 76kg
Profile: A goalkicking midfielder with explosive speed and power, Willis can break games open. While he is visibly quick, he is also hard at the ball and is a capable contested ball winning mid.


38. Geelong - Alastair Lord
Height, Weight:
181cm, 76kg
Profile: Generating meaningful drive from defence, Lord possesses elite speed and agility and is arguably this draft's most aggressive runner from defence with ball in hand. Lord loves receiving on the outside and while his run and carry are his point of difference, his work by foot is also excellent as a damaging and penetrating yet reliable kick.

39. West Coast - Charlie Dean
Height, Weight:
195cm, 89kg
Profile: Winner of the Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal as the VFL's most promising young talent, Dean has demonstrated resilience after being overlooked as a key forward in 2019 and has transformed this year for Williamstown into one of the best key defenders outside the AFL. Dean is an able interceptor, possesses clean and reliable skills and is ultra competitive defensively.


40. Melbourne - Jack Williams
Height, Weight:
195cm, 95kg
Profile: A strong marking key position player, Williams is difficult to stop one-on-one, on the lead and when leaping at the football. Williams, given his physical strength, is a unique specialist taking ruck contests inside 50, routinely using his strength to grab the ball out of the ruck and take shots on goal.

41. Sydney - Kai Lohmann
Height, Weight:
185cm, 77kg
Profile: A lively and speedy forward, Lohmann possesses good speed and endurance and plays a high impact per possession style of game. A strong contested mark for a smaller type and able to take on the game with his speed, Lohmann could just as easily be developed in defence.

42. Brisbane - Eamon Wilkinson
Height, Weight:
179cm, 75kg
Profile: Considered during the mid-season draft, Wilkinson is a pressure forward specialist who does his best work as a small forward. With speed and capabilities around goal, the mature-ager could be an appealing role-playing pressure forward option for any club.

43. North Melbourne - Sam Banks
Height, Weight:
187cm, 76kg
Profile: Awarded the Division 2 MVP at the 2019 AFL under-16 championships, Banks has been widely regarded as Tasmania's top prospect in this draft for several years now. A rebounding half-back, Banks does his best work by foot and with his run and carry.

44. North Melbourne - Brady Hough
Height, Weight:
189cm, 75kg
Profile: Hough is a hard-working midfielder who has displayed the versatility to play across all lines. Hough has to date looked best suited rotating between wing and half-forward, with his work leading up at the football and ball use his main strengths.

45. Collingwood - Lachlan Rankin
Height, Weight:
184cm, 74kg
Profile: A talented and speedy small forward, Rankin possesses freakish agility and one-touch ground level capabilities. Making something happen whenever he gets his hands on the ball, his best work is done at ground level as a crumber with his finishing around goal and setting up of targets inside 50 both exceptional.

46. Melbourne - Taj Woewodin (Melbourne - Father-Son)
Height, Weight:
183cm, 77kg
Profile: The son of former Brownlow medallist Shane, Taj is a classy midfielder who possesses good skills, speed and work rate. A well-rounded midfielder, Woewodin can win his own ball and has the versatility to play inside or outside.


47. Essendon - Connor MacDonald
Height, Weight:
185cm, 83kg
Profile: A high production midfielder, MacDonald's best work is done at stoppages. He's one-touch at ground level, a strong contested ball winner, busy around the ground, works hard defensively and hits the scoreboard.

48. Essendon - Cooper Murley
Height, Weight:
180cm, 71kg
Profile: A goalkicking midfielder, Murley is one of this year's most damaging players offensively. Murley is a high-volume accumulator who is quick, takes the ball on the move at speed, displays a high work rate and has clean skills.

49. Collingwood - Felix Flockhart
Height, Weight:
202cm, 80kg
Profile: An athletic project ruckman, Flockhart is a mature-ager who can also push forward. In need of time to add muscle to his slender frame, Flockhart is a high leaper and capable marking threat on the lead who covers the ground well.

50. Hawthorn - Paul Curtis
Height, Weight:
185cm, 75kg
Profile: A strong marking lead up forward, Curtis is one of this year's most potent goal-kickers. Strong overhead, Curtis is also adept at ground level and hits the scoreboard both from general play and set shots.

51. Fremantle - Greg Clark
Height, Weight:
193cm, 94kg
Profile: A mature age midfielder who works hard both ways and covers a lot of ground, Clark managed a ridiculous 27 tackles across his two WAFL finals. Ready-to-go, expect Clark to contend for a regular midfield opportunity from season one.

52. Western Bulldogs - Ronald Fejo Jr
Height, Weight:
178cm, 70kg
Profile: The nephew of Gold Coast's Joel Jeffrey, Fejo is a human highlight reel who breaks games open with his speed, agility and run. Doing his best work on the outside, Fejo dances around opponents like they're traffic cones, sells the dummy, then leaves them in his wake before hitting a meaningful target.


53. West Coast - Matthew Roberts
Height, Weight:
184cm, 84kg
Profile: A one touch player, Roberts is a hard-working midfielder and one of this year's most advanced and prolific ball winners. While Roberts does his best work as an inside midfielder, he can also push forward and hit the scoreboard.

54. North Melbourne - Jackson Archer (North Melbourne Father-Son)
Height, Weight:
183cm, 70kg
Profile: The son of Glenn, Jackson while lightly built is like his father - a competitive defender who competes strongly in one-on-one contests and tackles aggressively. While Archer doesn't find a lot of the football, his ball use is generally sound.

55. Port Adelaide - Jase Burgoyne (Port Adelaide Father-Son)
Height, Weight:
186cm, 70kg
Profile: The son of Peter and younger brother of Trent, Jase is a classy utility who has enjoyed success both in the SANFL under-18s and at League level in a brief taste for Port Adelaide. Burgoyne's best play comes in defence with the way he reads the play and intercepts, along with the way he evades opponents and creates time and space for himself.

56. Adelaide - Hugh Jackson
Height, Weight:
182cm, 72kg
Profile: A prolific accumulator, Jackson started 2021 on fire averaging 35 disposals over his first nine SANFL under-18 games. A skilful midfielder, Jackson possesses the versatility to play inside or outside.

57. Gold Coast - Charlie Constable
Height, Weight:
192cm, 86kg
Profile: Starring for Geelong over the years in the VFL through the midfield, Constable has struggled to receive AFL opportunities due to the Cats' senior depth in that area. Constable will be picked up as a strong ball winner with good skills.

58. Gold Coast - Rory Thompson (re-draft)

59. Western Bulldogs - Blake Schlensog
Height, Weight:
199cm, 99kg
Profile: Former Geelong Category B rookie Schlensog has developed rapidly this season and impressed over the first half of the year as a key defender. Mobile, a good kick and one of the premier ball readers behind the play outside the AFL, Schlensog looms as a ready-made option for a club.

60. St Kilda - Corey Preston
Height, Weight:
182cm, 77kg
Profile: An mature-ager with the versatility to play forward or back, Preston late in the NAB League campaign found his best spot across half-back. His kicking and vision is his greatest strength, while his intercepting and one-on-one defensive work was also sound throughout the season.
 
Last edited:
Sep 22, 2010
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briztoon

Wannabe Draft Nuffie
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First piece for the year with ESPN:
Season preview:

Every AFL club's best draftee, breakout prospect and rebound contender: https://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_...t-draftee-breakout-prospect-rebound-contender
In regards to Brisbane.

While Blake and Keidean share some attributes, that don’t play the same way. Blake is a genuine small forward/forward pocket. Keidean is much better playing up the ground as a flanker and delivering the ball in to the forward 50.

Don’t be surprised if Harry Sharp actually plays first. He’s been mightily impressive on the wing. The club is definitely taking it slow with Sharp, as he’s finishing year 12, but he’s been the clear standout draftee during the preseason.

With Rayner going down for the season, I wouldn’t be surprised if Dev Robinson grabs a midfield spot by the middle of the season.
 
Sep 22, 2010
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In regards to Brisbane.

While Blake and Keidean share some attributes, that don’t play the same way. Blake is a genuine small forward/forward pocket. Keidean is much better playing up the ground as a flanker and delivering the ball in to the forward 50.

Don’t be surprised if Harry Sharp actually plays first. He’s been mightily impressive on the wing. The club is definitely taking it slow with Sharp, as he’s finishing year 12, but he’s been the clear standout draftee during the preseason.

With Rayner going down for the season, I wouldn’t be surprised if Dev Robinson grabs a midfield spot by the middle of the season.

It would be great if Dev gets a regular shot for Brisbane. He's underutilised and was ready-to-go last year. He can contribute well once introduced. For mine he just needs that run of games to become a piece. Do you believe he breaks in round 1? Not appearing against Gold Coast, it felt like to me he's further back in calculations. I would have liked to have seen him v Gold Coast to see where he is at, how much he may/may not have improved and to see a commitment to him as a prospect more broadly as someone with in my opinion at least a great deal of scope to improve. Spuds don't win Larke Medals ahead of the likes of Rowell/Anderson/Green/Serong/Young/Ash/Jackson etc.

Keidean I prefer closer to goal because he brings that forward pressure and with all that energy he provides, having the ground level craft and awareness around goal. You're right though that he can deliver i50 so he can do either and does at this stage have the greater ability when playing higher. I find as that guy delivering i50 that Zorko is my preferred guy across half-forward if I was to say there is one guy I want the ball in the hands of doing that predominantly, albeit he's still great rotating through the midfield also for stints.

Sharp had some moments v Gold Coast, and his training no doubt would be through the roof given his athletic capabilities. I can't say having watched his junior play even at that level his skills are remotely close to sound enough, so he'll need a few years to develop that to a consistent enough level. A great first step though and a nice reward for the hard work he has been putting in to get an opportunity to appear.
 
Sep 22, 2010
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How is Isiah Dudley tracking? Seems to have fallen off the radar after 15s and 16s.

I've only seen the one (school) footy game of him that I can think of.

He's an NGA for Adelaide.

Short and sub 170cm. What he has is wheels and he brings good forward pressure. So he'll need to keep developing his forward craft and keep building his game around that.

Rate of improvement and performance this year will be what determines whether he gets drafted, and if so, how high.

If you're sub 170cm, it's unrealistic to go early when then were recruiters in 2014 were saying of Caleb Daniel who was around the same height that he won't make it and that they wouldn't draft him. A good outcome for Dudley would be selection in the 3rd round.

We'll have to see all the talent this year and to see how they all fit against one another.
 
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Well that's an early call.

I'm happy to be the first to call it.

It was a 1a/1b scenario last year for me, and I believe I was the only one saying that, but this is the first time I'm feeling like Jamarra isn't that #1.

The Victorian's broadly, and I was probably more conservative than any judge going into last year's draft with Victorian talent, but I have so many of their stocks in my own mind dropping from where I had them last year. The lack of a season has hurt their development and readiness even more than expected.
 

ummmbont

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Jul 29, 2020
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Lock it in Ugle Hagen will win rising star
Spoke to a lot at the dogs there playing him down sooo bad it’s crazy 😜

Will play from round 4 and dominate 22 goals put your house on it
 
Sep 22, 2010
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Lock it in Ugle Hagen will win rising star
Spoke to a lot at the dogs there playing him down sooo bad it’s crazy 😜

Will play from round 4 and dominate 22 goals put your house on it

If Rowell is winning Gold Coast's B+F, is Ugle-Hagan winning the Dogs' B+F and the Coleman at the same time?
 
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