Lachlan Brown's Mock Free Agency, Trade, Draft and Rookie Draft period

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Giant Strides would you like me to make you owner of the OP - or pin your post to the top of every page - so you can continue to update the order in a more prominent position?
Thanks Jeremias, I don't want to take it over, but if you'd like to pin it so I have access to it to update. (Just trying to keep some order!)

1 - Jamarra Ugle-Hagan / Western Bulldogs (matched bid) [cost = 2400 pts; picks 26, 33, 41, 42, 54 used + 81 pts carryover into Rd 1 2021]
2 - Elijah Hollands / Adelaide
3 - Logan McDonald / North Melbourne
4 - Will Phillips / Sydney
5 - Braeden Campbell / Sydney (matched bid) [cost = 1502 pts; picks 31, 33, & 40 used with 96 pts residual, revised pick #65]
6 - Oilver Henry / Hawthorn
7 - Riley Thilthorpe / Adelaide
8 - Denver Grainger-Barass / Essendon
9 - Maurice Rioli Jr / Richmond (matched bid) [cost = 1175 pts; picks 19 & 34 used with 215 pts residual, revised pick #55]
10 - Blake Coleman / Hawthorn (unmatched)
11 - Reef McInnes / Essendon (unmatched)
12 - Nik Cox / Gold Coast
13 - Heath Chapman / GWS
14 - Tanner Bruhn / North Melbourne
15 - Eddie Ford / Freo
16 - Lachie Jones / Port Adelaide (matched bid) [cost = 854 pts; picks 33 & 41 used with 121 pts residual, revised pick #63]
17 - Jack Carroll /GWS
18 - Archie Perkins / Collingwood
19 - Finlay Macrae / Carlton
20 - Zach Reid / Collingwood
21 - Errol Gulden / Sydney (matched bid) [cost = 681 pts; picks 53 & 64 (all remaining) expended & 392.5 carryover pts in first round 2021]
22 - Bailey Laurie / Melbourne
23 - Nathan O'Driscoll / Melbourne
24 - Caleb Poulter / GWS
25 - Tom Powell / St Kilda
___________________________End of round 1

26 - Zane Trew / Adelaide
27 - Brayden Cook / North Melbourne
28 - Kaine Baldwin / Essendon
29 - Jake Bowey / Brisbane
30 - Zavier Maher / North Melbourne
31 - Brandon Walker / Fremantle (matched bid) [cost = 409 pts; pick 34 used, 133 pts residual new pick #62]
32 - Zac Dumesny / Melbourne
33 - Isiah Winder / GWS
34 - Jackson Callow / North Melbourne
35 - pass / Gold Coast Suns
36 - Jack Ginnivan / GWS
37 - Corey Durdin / North Melbourne
38 - Oliver Davis / Adelaide
__________________________End of round 2

39 - Joel Western / Fremantle (matched bid) [cost = 249 pts; pick 49 used, 38 pts residual new pick 71]
40 - Sam Berry / Essendon
41 - Will Papley / Hawthorn
42 - Connor Downie / Hawthorn
43 - Sam Collins / Carlton
44 - Daniel Gorringe / Hawthorn
45 - Jye Bolton / Melbourne
46 - Charlie Lazzaro / Geelong
47 - pass / GWS
48 - Carter Michael / Brisbane
49 - Luke Pedlar /Adelaide
50 - Ollie Lord / Port
51 - Henry Walsh / Brisbane
52 - Shannon Neale / Port
53 - Matthew Parker / Fremantle
54 - Clayton Gay / St Kilda
__________________End of round 3

55 - Jarrod Pickett / West Coast
56 - pass / Brisbane
57 - Tom Highmore / Richmond
58 - Fraser Rosman / Collingwood
59 - pass / Adelaide
60 - Jesse Lonergan / Richmond
61 - Brisbane
62 - Fremantle [remnant of Western bid match]
63 - Port [remnant of Jones bid match]
64 - Brisbane
65 - Collingwood
66 - North Melbourne
67 - Hawthorn
68 - Port
69 - St Kilda-->Fremantle

(This is where Lore's spreadsheet says no more picks - does any club think they need - or want - any more picks?)


NOTE: The draft order is the full draft order from Lore's spreadsheet, which doesn't account for the reduction in draft picks once available list spots are considered, which has now been complicated by the AFL decision to allow clubs with FS & Academy picks to hold extra picks. I think it is safer to include all picks and leave individual club choosers to determine when their picks run out.

Selection summary:

Adelaide: Hollands (2), Thilthorpe (7), Trew (26), Davis (38), Pedlar (49)
Brisbane: Bowey (29), Michael (48), Walsh (51)
Carlton: Macrae (19), Collins (43)
Collingwood: Perkins (18), Reid (20), Rosman (58)
Essendon: DGB (8), McInnes (11 - unmatched), Baldwin (28), Berry (40) + Hawthorn's 2021 first round
Fremantle: Ford (15), B Walker (31 - match), Western (39 - match), Matthew Parker (53) + St Kilda's 2021 fourth round
Geelong: Lazzaro (46)
Gold Coast: Cox (12) + Davies, Jeffrey, Lake (prelisted) + North Melbourne's second round in 2021
GWS: Chapman (13), Carroll (17), Poulter (24), Winder (33), Ginnivan (36) + Carlton's 2021 first round
Hawthorn: Henry (6), Coleman (10 - unmatched), Papley (41), Downie (42), Gorringe (44)
Melbourne: Laurie (22), O'Driscoll (23), Dumesny (32), Bolton (45)
North Melbourne: McDonald (3), Bruhn (14), Cook (27), Maher (30), Callow (24), Durdin (37)
Port: Jones (16 - match) Ollie Lord (50)
Richmond: Rioli (9 - match) Highmore (57)
St Kilda: Powell (25) Clayton Gay (54) + Fremantle's 2021 3rd sound
Sydney: Phillips (4), Campbell (5 - match), Gulden (21 - match) + 392.5 carryover pts in first round 2021
West Coast: Jarrod Pickett (55)
Western Bulldogs: JUH (1 - match), + 81 carryover pts in first round 2021
 
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Brisbane up after Essendon - a long time to wait for your first pick getgaff (although you did have to decide about Coleman).

Hey Smythe - I'm just trying to understand what this trade was (on page 6):

To whoever is picking for north I am offering GC 2nd round plus 23 for your future 2nd 👍
after which you said:
Gold Coast have now concluded their draft hand this year

and gained North Melbourne’s 2021 2nd round

Confirm the ''Gold Coast 2nd round pick'' you referred to - was that 2020 2nd round i.e. which started as pick #27? So, Norths has that pick now (currently #30).
 

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1 - J Ugle-Hagan / Western Bulldogs (matched bid)
2 - E Hollands / Adelaide
3 - L McDonald / North Melbourne
4 - W Phillips / Sydney
5 - B Campbell / Sydney (matched bid)
6 - O Henry / Hawthorn
7 - R Thilthorpe / Adelaide
8 - D Grainger-Barass / Essendon
9 - M Rioli Jr / Richmond (matched bid)
10 - B Coleman / Hawthron (unmatched)
11 - R McInnes / Essendon (unmatched)
12 - N Cox / Gold Coast
13 - H Chapman / GWS
14 - T Bruhn / North Melbourne
15 - E Ford / Freo
16 - L Jones / Port Adelaide (matched bid)
17 - J Carroll /GWS
18 - A Perkins / Collingwood
19 - F Macrae / Carlton
20 - Z Reid / Collingwood
21 - E Gulden / Sydney (matched bid)
22 - B Laurie / Melbourne
23 - N O'Driscoll / Melbourne
24 - C Poulter / GWS
25 - T Powell / St Kilda
___________________________End of round 1!
26 - Z Trew / Adelaide
27 - B Cook / North Melbourne
28 - K Baldwin / Essendon
29 - Brisbane
30 - North Melbourne
31 - Melbourne
32 - GWS
33 - North Melbourne
 
Wrap up of Essendon picks - profiles courtesy of draft central.

Pick 8 - Denver Grainger-Barrass (DGB as he will be known to the Essendon faithful)

POSITION:
Key Defender

DRAFT ANALYSIS: “Grainger-Barras is a defender’s defender who possesses terrific athleticism and intercept marking ability.” – Michael Alvaro

The leading key position defender among 2020’s potential AFL Draft pool is Grainger-Barras, a lean and versatile prospect who does his best work aerially. Having been a mainstay throughout the West Australian pathways and represented his state Under 18s already, the Swan Districts product has long been pegged as a top-end talent among a cohort stacked with tall stocks. The 18-year-old made his WAFL League debut as a bottom-ager, though it proved a short-lived outing as he had his season ended by a severe shoulder injury. Fast-forward to 2020, and Grainger-Barras picked up right where he left off, maintaining his senior spot for all eight of Swan Districts’ regular season games. Able to play a variety of roles down back, he looms as a safe pick well within the top 10 of the upcoming draft.

STRENGTHS:

  • Reading the play
  • Intercept marking
  • Vertical leap
  • Agility
  • Defensive versatility
  • Composure
IMPROVEMENTS:

  • Strength
  • Offensive output
It is no secret that Grainger-Barras’ MO is aerial domination, with his combination of athleticism and a high footy IQ allowing him to intercept almost at will. At 195cm and with a sizeable vertical leap, Grainger-Barras looms as an ideal third tall option down back who can be let off the chain and allowed to float to each incoming contest. He is not restricted to that role though, with his closing speed and defensive nous also seeing him suit lockdown roles, as well as matchups against all body types. It serves as a massive tick to his defensive versatility, an important factor given he has seldom been tried on other lines.

Grainger-Barras showcased his range of skills in a particularly memorable clash with fellow top five draft candidate, Logan McDonald, as the two went head-to-head at WAFL League level. After McDonald booted three first half goals for Perth, Grainger-Barras was switched onto him and kept his statesman goalless after the main break. Not only did he quell his direct opponent’s influence en route a Swans’ victory, but Grainger-Barras also provided a series of individual highlights with his incredible courage and ability to mark overhead.

In that same game, and at times throughout the season, Grainger-Barras had been outmuscled by some of the competition’s bigger bodies. He is quite light for a key position player and that is certainly an area of growth for him, though he makes up for it in spades with shrewd positioning, sheer athleticism, and the willingness to compete. There’s a difference between being outmuscled and overawed, and Grainger-Barras takes it all in his stride, hitting the next contest even harder despite whatever heat may come his way. Another big tick, this time for his character.

With such a sound and well-rounded defensive game down pat, Grainger-Barras may also look to develop his offensive output over time. His eye-catching combine testing results (see below) in speed and agility do not always translate to his form going both ways, on-field. Sure, his vertical leap and closing speed are often utilised defensively, but further employing those traits going forward could take his game to the next level. Given he is so composed on the ball and uses it well, taking full toll with that mix of athleticism and footy smarts would make him one of the best defenders in the competition. He has shown signs of this, so hopefully there’s more to come.

DRAFT PROJECTION: 1-10

On talent alone, Grainger-Barras is a top five prospect. When it comes to potential suitors in that range, Sydney (pick three) and Hawthorn look the most likely candidates, while Essendon would surely pounce on his services if he slipped down to their pick six. The 1-10 range is quite deliberately generous, though it is difficult to see the West Australian moving all the way down into double digits. He will be as safe a pick as any within that range and could well be one of two Sandgropers snapped up within the first five selections.

WA COMBINE HIGHLIGHTS:

Running Vertical Jump (L) – 87cm
Speed (20m) – 2.993 seconds
Agility – 8.13 seconds

Pick 11 - Reef McInness

POSITION:
Inside Midfielder

DRAFT ANALYSIS: “McInnes is a strong inside midfielder with great athletic capabilities and tied to Collingwood through the Next-Generation Academy.” – Peter Williams

Reef McInnes is a big-bodied inside midfielder who is tied to Collingwood through the Next Generation Academy and one that Pies fans have been talking about for 12 months. Whilst he will naturally progress through to become that inside midfielder – he has all the traits to do so – McInnes spent the majority of his bottom-age year as either a marking forward or rebounding defender, showing off his versatility. It is no surprise he could slot into just about any role and is one that is tipped to cost the Pies a top 30 pick.

STRENGTHS:

  • Contested work
  • Clean hands
  • Strength
  • Marking
  • Versatility
  • Acceleration
IMPROVEMENTS:

  • Consistency
  • Kicking
McInnes has quite a number of impressive traits that standout when on the field. For starters, his strength and power on the inside is a big plus for his role in the future, particularly when he already has the size at 192cm and 84kg in the preseason. Many might cite his 36.2 per cent contested ball-winning rate as not reflective of an inside midfielder and they would be right. McInnes predominantly played outside, usually forward or even in defence for the finals series last year, as the likes of Matt Rowell, Noah Anderson and Will Phillips took the prime inside roles at Oakleigh Chargers. Make no mistake, McInnes would have teamed up with Phillips on-ball this season and made a pretty damaging duo – when they did not have school football commitments – and by not playing in 2020 the Pies might be able to get him for value.

His hands on the inside are as clean as they come, averaging 89.5 per cent efficiency and often he is quick-thinking with his ability to win the ball in close and pick the right exit with a teammate running on the outside. He has a long handball projection which can be placed just perfectly for teammates to run onto, preferring to keep his teammates on the move rather than handballing to stationary targets. When it comes to his kicking, it could improve. He is not a ball butcher as such, but it is inconsistent in the sense that he has the penetration by foot, but sometimes the execution can be off. It is an area that is not too great of a concern for the future, but it will be something the Magpies look at building – along with his consistency – if and when he lands there.

Aside from the on-field strengths, McInnes also has some great athletic prowess for a bigger bodied player. His agility and speed in particular is very impressive, and whilst he did not test in the 2020 preseason due to injury, he clocked a mid-boggling 2.78-second 20m sprint at the AFL Draft Combine. Whilst his agility test was not great at 8.68 seconds, it was not indicative of what he can do on the field, with his evasion and power able to work his way through congestion. Overall, he has that nice blend of athleticism and strength that make him tough to contain on the inside, and then add his versatility to be thrown just about anywhere on the ground and he has a lot going for him.

DRAFT PROJECTION: 15-30

McInnes’ range has been a real talking point, and at the time of publishing, the Magpies held picks 14 and 16. It is anticipated he will slide past both, though Collingwood is expected to complete some more deals to move up the order, and potentially grab another pick later in the top 30 to be able to match the inside midfielder. It might be little solace to Magpies fans after a disappointing trade period, but it is worth noting McInnes shares similar traits to Adam Treloar, though is bigger and stronger, just without the runs on the board. If he can be given a chance as a forward and then develop into a midfielder, McInnes could develop into a top talent given his size and upside.



HIGHLIGHTED TESTING RESULTS:

Victorian Draft Combine:

20m sprint:
2.78 seconds
Running vertical leap (R/L): 80/78cm
2km time trial: 7:10 minutes

Pick 28 - Kaine Baldwin

POSITION:
Key Forward

DRAFT ANALYSIS: “Baldwin is a physical key forward with terrific contested marking and the ability to impact further afield.” – Michael Alvaro

One of the hard luck stories out of this year’s potential draft crop is Baldwin, a talent with first round potential who has been sidelined for two years due to repeat long-term knee injuries. The high-marking forward burst onto the scene having played an integral role in South Australia’s 2018 Under 16 National Championships triumph. He earned a Reserves berth to kick off the 2019 season, but tore the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee. After a successful recovery and preseason testing stint in 2020, the youngster again partially tore the same ligament as his knee buckled in a tackle during a trial game on the eve of his top-age campaign. Despite his extended stints on the sidelines, Baldwin remains one of the brightest prospects available this year, and should have little trouble finding a home at the next level.

STRENGTHS:

  • Contested marking
  • Aggression
  • Strength
  • Impact
  • Ground coverage
IMPROVEMENTS:

  • Post-injury durability
  • Untapped versatility
Based on the limited vision and gametime attached to Baldwin, there is still a fair bit to unpack about how he plays. Although he measures up at slightly under the true key position height (193cm), the Glenelg product plays much like a modern day centre half-forward. While some of his most eye-catching plays occur as he crashes packs and clunks big marks closer to goal, Baldwin is also capable of floating further afield and racking up plenty of possessions as a key link into forward 50.

The way in which he attacks the ball in flight and holds onto contested marks with his vice-like grip is truly special, making him one of the top pure markers among his peers – if not, the best. Baldwin has trimmed his frame a touch from preseason – from 93kg to 90kg – but still possesses the right amount of strength and aggression to translate this side of his game to the next level.

But that slightly trimmed figure, Baldwin’s high-level endurance, and his own suggestion that midfield time may be in the offing all point towards plenty more stings to his bow. Fresh off his first ACL recovery, Baldwin recorded a 20.8 Yo-yo test score during preseason, so just imagine the level he could get to with an extended run and some gametime. He gathered 18 disposals and seven marks in his SANFL Under 18s debut, after averaging 21.8 disposals, 9.6 marks, and 2.8 goals throughout a dominant Under 16s campaign in 2018.

That kind of versatility, and the potential to truly dominate games by covering the ground and owning the airways makes Baldwin such an exciting prospect. It remains largely untapped, though, and clubs will need to provide the right support to help the youngster get pack to peak fitness while nurturing that positional transition. Still, the likes of Nick Riewoldt and Charlie Curnow measure up at the same height, so with a similar running capacity, Baldwin may well be able to stick to his roots and carve out an equally successful career up forward.

A knock on that kind of progress further afield could also be his speed and agility after two long-term knee injuries, the pace and pressure of AFL level will likely heighten anything lacking in that department. It obviously would have been handy to see him out there to properly gauge his true ability in those areas, and just how much he has improved. But Baldwin could be a surprise packet out of this draft yet, and turn his hard luck story into a feel-good one.

DRAFT PROJECTION: 20-60

Perhaps the most difficult player to place due to a lack of football over the past two years, Baldwin’s range is quite vast. As mentioned, he could well be a first round talent in this draft, but it would require a steely club to take the punt on securing his services that early. Akin to Port Adelaide snapping up Mitch Georgiades in the first round of last year’s draft with no top-age footy under his belt, a very keen club could select Baldwin late in the first round, but that is increasingly unlikely. Should he slide past his value due to durability concerns and the like, he would be a steal anywhere within the second or third rounds. A likely slider.

HIGHLIGHTED TESTING RESULTS:

2020 Preseason Testing:

Standing Vertical Jump – 62cm
Running Vertical Jump (R/L) – 77cm/71cm
Speed (20m) – 3.18 seconds
Agility – 8.54 seconds
Endurance (Yo-yo) – 20.8

So far, the Dons have selected 2 key position pillars and a big inside midfielder. I feel these are the most needed position to fill on our list, and to walk away with Hawthorn's 1st in a bumper 2021 draft, I feel this would be a good result on draft night. Make it happen Dodo!
 
Bid matched Sydney - Errol Gulden
Madswan - did you crunch the numbers on your bid match? I'm not an expert on the Swans picks & available list places, but matching Braeden Campbell left you with your original #60 and the remnants of your original #43 ... so Swans would be looking at about a 380 point deficit off their 2021 first round pick. Is that how you calculate it?
 
PICK 29: Jake Bowey
OM / SF out of the Sandringham Dragons

HEIGHT: 175 cm
WEIGHT: 67 kg
DOB: 12/9/2002
RATIONALE: Highly skilled outside leaning mid who I’ve been eyeing off for Brisbane’s pick for a few days.

DRAFT ANALYSIS THANKS TO AFL DRAFT CENTRAL: “Bowey is one of the more skilful players in this year’s AFL Draft crop, with some terrific athletic traits.” – Peter Williams

A talented smalerl midfielder who impacts the scoreboard when forward.

Small in size but has a hard edge, competitiveness and courage to rule that out more. These traits will see his size get overlooked when clubs look at the full package including his skills and athleticism, though more will be needed. Can see him as a long term winger whose skills by foot are much desired at Brisbane.

STRENGTHS:
  • Skill
  • Speed/Agility
  • Vertical leap
  • Toughness
  • Decision making
  • Scoreboard impact
IMPROVEMENTS:
  • Strength
  • Inside game
Bowey is a highly talented prospect with some elite athletic traits, great skills and sound decision making. He might not be big, but he attacks every contest and shows no fear, then when he wins it, is able to dispose of it well to teammates down the field. Often, Bowey provides more scoring opportunities for his teammates than himself, averaging almost two scoring assists per game in the NAB League last year. When playing deeper inside 50, Bowey showed he could kick multiple goals with two hauls of three goals in Rounds 5 and 10. What makes Bowey such a great prospect is he has an all-round balance of top traits and is one of those that falls under the category of “if he was 10cm taller he would be rated a lot higher”, which is true because he is clearly first round talent on ability, and arguably pushing for top 10 with the skillset he has at his disposal.

In 2019, Bowey used the ball well by hand or foot with a 68 per cent efficiency despite running at 39.5 per cent contested rate. That’s pretty solid contested rate for an outside midfielder/forward, but no doubt he would have loved to have moved inside which was the goal for 2020 touted during preseason. He has the traits to play inside, though at 174cm, it is unlikely he will play there at the top level. He is a player who could take a lot from the likes of Lachie Neale despite being different players, as he has that elite speed and agility where he clocked 2.95 seconds in the 20m sprint and 8.07 seconds in the agility test preseason. Throw in his running vertical leap of 88cm and he has the whole athletic package. Most importantly, Bowey shows it out on the ground and can really blast away from would-be tacklers.

Having the athletic ability to burst away is important considering he can get knocked off the ball by bigger bodies or brought down because he is lighter. He is not afraid to win the contested ball, but his speed and smarts close to goal would be very handy at the elite level around stoppages. He is a player who could quickly make his way into a senior team at the elite level because of the tools he has, and between his ball use, aggression and athleticism, he is a real value pick-up in the second round. He is one who has a very impressive highlights package and considering his areas of improvement are easily tweaked at AFL level over time, there is not a great deal to fault about the talented speedster.

DRAFT PROJECTION: 15-35

Bowey certainly represents value in the second round, but it would not be a surprise in the slightest if he found his way into the first round. He is not big, but he has all the traits that clubs are looking for, and would be a player who could standout on the big stage. It is hard seeing him slip out of the second round and no doubt whichever club selects him will add that touch of class and hardness to the line-up.
 
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PICK 29: Jake Bowey
OM / SF out of the Sandringham Dragons

HEIGHT: 175 cm
WEIGHT: 67 kg
DOB: 12/9/2002
RATIONALE: Highly skilled outside leaning mid who I’ve been eyeing off for Brisbane’s pick for a few days.

Has a toughness and hard edge to his game that makes a mockery of his size.

Complete write up to follow.

Junior11 North Melbourne are up at pick 30


On iPhone using BigFooty.com mobile app
Zorko replacement.

I mentioned him on our draft board today.
 

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With pick #33 (originally #29), GWS select Isiah Winder.

I seem to be fascinated by WA players this year, but it's hard not to be excited by the possibilities of this kid. The potential to pair him up with Bobby Hill in the forward line is a salivating thought. Specifically I'm filling the small/medium forward position that GWS is lacking, but Isiah could play HBF, wing, or forward in time. He would add to a small but significant WA enclave at Giants: Captain Cogs, Bobby, Sam Taylor that would hopefully bond and remain with the club. I would select him because of an enticing mixture of speed, athleticism, and creative kicking.


POSITION: Midfielder/Small Forward

DRAFT ANALYSIS:Winder is one of the, if not the, most explosive, dynamic and game-changing smalls in this year’s AFL Draft Pool.” – Lenny Fogliani

Isiah Winder is a leading small midfielder-forward prospect among 2020’s potential AFL Draft Pool. In 2020, Winder certainly enhanced his draft prospects with a stunning season. In five games for Peel’s Colts team, Winder averaged 28 possessions, seven marks, five tackles and three inside 50s to finish eighth in the WAFL Colts Coaches and Award and win Peel’s Colts Players’ Player Award. His best performances for Peel’s Colts team came against Perth in Round 1 (32 possessions, seven marks, seven tackles), East Fremantle in Round 2 (26 possessions, seven tackles, five marks, two goals) and Swan Districts in round six (28 possessions, five inside 50s). He also played three games for Peel’s League team, and looked comfortable in a variety of positions, including half-back. In 2019, he finished ninth in the Jack Clarke Medal and ninth in Peel Thunder’s Best and Fairest, capping off his year with a big Grand Final performance. The crafty small also took part in the West Australian Under 18 All-Star fixtures in 2020, further staking his claim as a draft prospect.

STRENGTHS:
  • Athleticism
  • Speed/agility
  • Vertical leap
  • Kicking/creativity
  • Clean hands
  • Football smarts
IMPROVEMENTS:
  • Consistency
A player who has come on strongly over the past 18 months, Winder has a vast array of weapons which catch the eye of onlookers. Winder’s athletic strength was highlighted at the WA Draft Combine, where he finished in the top five of every test, including winning the vertical jump test and the 20-metre sprint. Something which sets him apart it his ability to use his athleticism on the field; bursting away from stoppages with speed, zipping around opponents, and rising to take some terrific aerial marks for a player of his size.

Winder also has one of the best kicks going inside 50, often lowering his eyes to spot up a team-mate on the lead or in space. The 180cm prospect is low to the ground and clean in his delivery, able to spear or weight his passes to avoid intercepts. He has also demonstrated an ability to be a threat whenever he is stationed inside the forward 50. He is smart with his leading patterns, strong overhead and is a solid kick for goal. That kind of attacking acumen makes him such a dangerous and impactful player, though he can certainly work on more consistently applying himself defensively.

As exemplified by his roles up either end of the ground at League level, Winder will most likely start outside of his now favoured midfield position in the AFL system. While his speed and skill could combine to apply a great spark when required, he seems a touch more suited to either the classy half-back type, or a small forward role which he has previously taken on. His numbers at Colts level stack up consistently in terms of accumulation, but remaining in the hunt once the ball has gone the other way, and maintaining his intensity will allow him to further showcase his best attributes.

Winder has shown he can adapt well to multiple roles, and his steep rate of improvement suggests he can develop even further in an elite environment. His senior berths were tough going considering Peel’s struggles, but maintaining a competitive edge while showcasing that obvious attacking flair will be important going forward. At his best, he is very difficult to stop and is capable of those fabled 25-disposal, two-goal games.

DRAFT PROJECTION: 40-60

Winder’s senior experience in 2020 and quite a steep rise in form has put him well within draft calculations. While not a pure small forward this year, he is certainly capable of playing such a role and that may be the position he is drafted in, at least to begin his career. The outside may also be a home for him should he improve his endurance a touch, so there are plenty of options for recruiters in terms of roles he may suit if given a shot. Round 3 seems about the range he may be taken in, and he could provide great value later on given his exciting athleticism and football smarts.

HIGHLIGHTED TESTING RESULTS:

WA Draft Combine:

Running Vertical Jump (R/L) – 92cm/90cm
Speed (20m) – 2.873 seconds
Agility – 8.18 seconds
Endurance: 6:51 minutes

OK, next up should be North Melbourne again Junior11 .
 
Round 2 update:

__________________________End of round 1!
26 - Z Trew / Adelaide
27 - B Cook / North Melbourne
28 - K Baldwin / Essendon
29 - J Bowey / Brisbane
30 - Z Maher / North Melbourne
31 - Brandon Walker / Fremantle (matched bid)
32 - Zac Dumesny / Melbourne
33 - Isiah Winder / GWS
34 - North Melbourne
35 - Gold Coast Suns - Smythe - I presume that you'll pass on this when it comes given your previous post?
36 - GWS
37 - North Melbourne
38 - Adelaide
__________________________End of round 2
 
Thanks Jeremias, I don't want to take it over, but if you'd like to pin it so I have access to it to update. (Just trying to keep some order!)

Should be pinned now to the top of every page.
 

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