Matt Burgan's Phantom Draft 2009

[silverscope]

http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/87451/default.aspx

Our Selections:

4 - FREMANTLE - Anthony Morabito
DOB: 29/10/91, Height: 190cm, Weight: 90kgRecruited from: Harvey Brunswick/Peel Thunder (WA)Draft range: 4-7
Meet Anthony Morabito
Although Geelong Falcons Ben Cunnington and Gary Rohan have seriously come under consideration, expect Fremantle to select the best player from its own backyard. A quick run-and-carry winger (think Adam Goodes when he plays midfield), Morabito is perfectly suited to the wide open spaces of Subiaco Oval. He shone at this year's under-18 championships, winning All-Australian honours and Western Australia's most valuable player award.

20 - FREMANTLE - Nat Fyfe
DOB: 18/09/91, Height: 186cm, Weight: 73kg
Recruited from: Aquinas College/Claremont (WA)
Draft range: 20-39
Meet Nat Fyfe
If Gawn is - pardon the pun - gawn, expect Fremantle to snap up Fyfe ahead of Troy Taylor. Fyfe has flown up the chart in recent times, particularly on the back of his six-goal performance for Claremont in the WAFL colts grand final. Noted for his strong marking, Fyfe has attracted strong interest and would provide Freo with a valuable new dimension up front. North Melbourne and West Coast have four of the following five picks and are also keen on his services.

36 - FREMANTLE - Travis Colyer
DOB: 24/08/91, Height: 175cm, Weight: 73kg
Recruited from: Trinity College/Claremont (WA)
Draft range: 20-39
Meet Travis Colyer
Fremantle's interest in Colyer is such that it will consider spending its No.20 pick on him. He has exceptional pace, would add plenty of bite to its midfield and is perfectly suited to Subiaco Oval. An attacking midfielder, Colyer has been compared to North Melbourne skipper Brent Harvey. He is viewed by some recruiters as a top-20 pick and has been linked with Essendon, Melbourne and Hawthorn. Will go no lower than 39.

48 - FREMANTLE - Jack Fitzpatrick
DOB: 26/06/91, Height: 201cm, Weight: 85kg
Recruited from: Wyndhamvale/Western Jets (VIC)
Draft range: 34-rookie
Meet Jack Fitzpatrick
Exactly where Fitzpatrick sits in the draft remains a mystery, but it is known Fremantle is keen on his ability to play ruck and hold down a key post at either end. Melbourne and Adelaide are also contenders. Fitzpatrick is an excellent contested mark and is hard to stop on the lead. He is super quick - he topped the repeat sprints at draft camp - and agile for his size.

49 - FREMANTLE - Trent Dennis-Lane
DOB: 30/08/88, Height: 182cm, Weight: 74kg
Recruited from: Subiaco (WA)
Draft range: 22-rookie
Meet Trent Dennis-Lane
Dennis-Lane had an outstanding year in the WAFL kicking 57 goals, including four in the senior grand final, to finish second on the league goalkicking table. Fremantle is more than interested in the quick crumbing forward given he has started training with the club. His defensive pressure inside 50 is also excellent. There has been speculation West Coast may pounce, but it would have to be with one of its last two picks at No.22 or No.23.

52 - FREMANTLE - Ben Stratton
DOB: 01/03/89, Height: 190cm, Weight: 83kg
Recruited from: Augusta-Margaret River/East Perth (WA)
Draft range: 46-rookie
Meet Ben Stratton
The versatile, rebounding defender is right on Fremantle's radar, with Collingwood and St Kilda in the mix. Freo sees him as a mature-age defender who can step up to the pace of AFL football quickly. Stratton played WAFL seniors in 2009 and impressed with his one-on-one contests, strong overhead marking and good pace. Perth's Cameron Kickett, East Fremantle's Kyle Hardingham and West Perth's Josh Donaldson and Andrew Strijk have also been linked with Fremantle.

68 - FREMANTLE - Pass
Fremantle will hold over a choice for the pre-season draft to welcome utility Adam McPhee back from Essendon.

79 - FREMANTLE - Greg Broughton
(Promoted rookie selection)
Profile: Greg Broughton

 

[silverscope]

So What do you guys think?

Morabito, Fyfe, Colyer, Fitzpatrick,Dennis-Lane and Stratton. (with a pass + elevation)


Interesting to not that WC took Shepphard ahead of Lucas/Jetta and also Chris25 Melbourne went Troy Taylor before our 3rd rounder.

 

[Chris25]

Burgan is usually pretty accurate with who each club is interested in, so these are the other guys who he mentioned as Fremantle being interested...

18 - MELBOURNE - Max Gawn
DOB: 28/12/91, Height: 208cm, Weight: 104kg
Recruited from: Ormond/Sandringham Dragons

The tallest player to have come through draft camp in 16 years, Gawn has come right into top 20 calculations in recent weeks and is firming for the Dees at No.18. With just Mark Jamar, Paul Johnson and rookie Jake Spencer on Melbourne's list, the club will target a ruckman. Gawn suffered a knee injury just before the under-18s, but remains one of the most sought-after players in this draft. If Port Adelaide doesn't take the athletic giant at No.16 and Melbourne looks elsewhere - perhaps to the Northern Territory's Troy Taylor - Fremantle will snap him up at No.20. Despite strong speculation, don't expect the Dees to head down the Luke Ball path.

34 - MELBOURNE - Troy Taylor
DOB: 12/09/91, Height: 189cm, Weight: 77kg
Recruited from: South Alice Springs/NT Thunder (NT)

Likened by some recruiters to Michael O'Loughlin and Daniel Motlop, Taylor is regarded as one of the most exciting players in the draft. He has also been strongly linked to Fremantle (at No.20), North Melbourne and Collingwood. The Dees are on the hunt for forwards and may even consider him at 18, but he will go no lower than this pick. Skilful and smooth moving, Taylor can play tall, mark against bigger opponents and win the contested ball.

59 - CARLTON - Jordan Williams
DOB: 06/05/91, Height: 185cm, Weight: 80kg
Recruited from: Echuca/Bendigo Pioneers (NSW)

It wouldn't be a surprise if Williams is plucked earlier than the Blues' final 'live' selection as his credentials have lifted since he displayed a fine blend of speed and endurance at the draft camp. The Blues admire the half-back/winger's run-and-carry style and contested ball-winning ability. Hawthorn, the Western Bulldogs, Fremantle and North Melbourne are also keen on the NSW/ACT representative. Other chances include Andrew Hooper and Sturt mature-ager Michael Coad.

Perth's Cameron Kickett, East Fremantle's Kyle Hardingham and West Perth's Josh Donaldson and Andrew Strijk have also been linked with Fremantle.

As for the draft itself, it's not too bad for Fremantle. Throw in Fyfe and Dennis-Lane and are forward line is looking very dangerous. While Morabito and Colyer would both add a lot to the midfield. I don't know much about Stratton though, is he another Greg Broughton or can he actually hold down a key position?

Fitzpatrick is an interesting one, and although I don't mind him, I think he will frustrate a lot of Fremantle supporters if we were to draft him....

 

[silverscope]

oh and Matthew Panos is #54......

He is apparently going to slide a fair way.... wow.

 

[silverscope]

Houghton maybe a rookie selection Chris?


Out of what's left in that phantom draft who do you think may come into contention for rookie spots?

 

[Chris25]

From first look, my big two for the rookie list would be Joel Houghton and Chris Luff. I was hoping for them to at least get a mention as to being on Fremantle's radar....

Kyle Hartigan is another KPP (bit of a BigFooty special), Brock McCauley as a big bodied ruckman and Mark Hutchings is another one. Also as Burgan mentioned guys like Kickett and Hardingham.

 

[Clay Davis]

Still light on talls, for mine.

 

[cp3_jr]

Yeah, not that impressive for us imo and I would hope it pans out differently. I would expect us to take more mids as there was an article the other day saying we would take them as a priority along with a few Kpps due to pav moving up front.

Would be more keen on Panos or Houghton before the likes of Stratton/Fitzpatrick and would think 20 is a reach for Fyfe. The likes of Bartlett/Taylor/Bastinac etc would be better options out of what was left. Dont mind Colyer at 36 although I am not as big a wrap on him as most. Wouldn't mind Sumner at pick 52 instead of going Colyer at 36 though. Hope we dont take Gawn either and Craig if he lasts til 36 would be perfect.

Interesting that there were a few different names raised in Gunston/O'Dea etc who have not been around in any phantom drafts.

 

[Chris25]

Also, found it interesting that he had Port selecting Vardy with pick 16. Earlier this week, Port came out and essentially dismissed any chance of them taking a ruckman.

So if that were to happen, it wouldn't surprise me if Vardy was available at Melbourne's pick 18. And he is a better pure ruckman than Gawn, so I'd be interested if that would change things. Because as Burgan said, Fremantle would snap Gawn up at 20 if he was there. And that then could change the Fitzpatrick selection....

As for Troy Taylor, I find it unlikely that Melbourne will draft both Taylor and Liam Patrick. And I think for the Jurrah factor alone, Patrick will be their main target. So it wouldn't surprise me if we saw a Gawn/Taylor combination instead of Fyfe/Colyer.

 

[Ysaye]

So What do you guys think?

Morabito, Fyfe, Colyer, Fitzpatrick,Dennis-Lane and Stratton. (with a pass + elevation)


Interesting to not that WC took Shepphard ahead of Lucas/Jetta and also Chris25 Melbourne went Troy Taylor before our 3rd rounder.

In itself it is a good range of talent for such a weak draft (I like Fyfe and Dennis Lane as forward options), and I would be pretty happy if that was the result tomorrow BUT a "pure" midfielder at pick 20 (Bastinac or Bartlett) or a Key Forward (Griffiths) would sit a bit better.

 

[Chris25]

In itself it is a good range of talent for such a weak draft (I like Fyfe and Dennis Lane as forward options), and I would be pretty happy if that was the result tomorrow BUT a "pure" midfielder at pick 20 (Bastinac or Bartlett) or a Key Forward (Griffiths) would sit a bit better.

That pretty well sums it up.

The draftees all have talent, but it also seems like versatility is the main focus. None of them are genuine midfielders of KPP's. Dennis-Lane as a forward pocket is probably the closest to having a certain position.

 

[Scham]

As for the draft itself, it's not too bad for Fremantle. Throw in Fyfe and Dennis-Lane and are forward line is looking very dangerous. While Morabito and Colyer would both add a lot to the midfield. I don't know much about Stratton though, is he another Greg Broughton or can he actually hold down a key position?
Fitzpatrick is an interesting one, and although I don't mind him, I think he will frustrate a lot of Fremantle supporters if we were to draft him....

With Stratton, think Steven Dodd but classier. He's played KP at WAFL level and whilst he's lightly framed he's done extremely well shutting down players much bigger than him. But I doubt he could hold down a KP at the next level. He'd take the 3rd tall forward, shut them down and create attacks from defense.

 

[Scham]

That pretty well sums it up.

The draftees all have talent, but it also seems like versatility is the main focus. None of them are genuine midfielders of KPP's. Dennis-Lane as a forward pocket is probably the closest to having a certain position.

Exactly! And it flys in the face of what Bond said this week about mainly targeting KP and midfielders and addressing holes in our list.
Fitzpatrick may be effective as a KPP, and Colyer may become a damaging mid, but both are really unproven as yet. The rest are flankers except TDL and he's a FP which I don't think we need more of?

 

[purplepassion82]

I'm getting excited now.

 

[Dormammu]

I'm getting excited now.

Yeah, me too. Colyer at 36 would be fantastic (though biased, played with his uncle, and his dad was a handy player too).

Reckon he'll go earlier which would free up Taylor - either way, win/win

 

[Lach72]

Exactly! And it flys in the face of what Bond said this week about mainly targeting KP and midfielders and addressing holes in our list.
Fitzpatrick may be effective as a KPP, and Colyer may become a damaging mid, but both are really unproven as yet. The rest are flankers except TDL and he's a FP which I don't think we need more of?

...and Fitzpatick and Colyer both have questionable disposal

 

[free at last]

Yeah, me too. Colyer at 36 would be fantastic (though biased, played with his uncle, and his dad was a handy player too).

Reckon he'll go earlier which would free up Taylor - either way, win/win

i hope it is morabito,bastanic,colyer

 

[Lach72]

i hope it is morabito,bastanic,colyer

If we take bastinac then Colyer, that would be some sort of Muppetry when we are crying out for talls.

I'm all for 2 mids at the front end as we need them, but we should be loading up on talls for the next three and maybe a TDL or Silvagni at the end...even Mark Hutchings

 

[Sabtaj]

Stratton was always a wingman until going to east perth where he was developed in a back pocket role before bulking up a bit more and having a bit more responsibility in the back line in relation to more of the key forwards. Very good evasive skills, just hope he doesnt go the way that keplar went - was developed into a key postion player when he was a good wingman and it had a negative effect on him. One thing going for Stratton and fremantles recruiting is his aplitude to keep improving.

 

[Lach72]

What if it went something like this?

4 Morabito
20 Bastinac/Tapscott/Vardy
36 Fitzpatrick
48 Houghton/Donaldson/Hartigan
49 Silvagni/Luff
52 Hutchings

 

[4n20]

Was just about to ask the question...why would we consider a ruckman(Gawn) at pick 20?....until i saw his vid. Not a bad set of hands on him, certainly mobile enough.

Dunno about Fyfe at pick 20, prefer Bastinac or Bartlett if the top line KPP's are gone.

Interesting to see that Panos is the big slider in his eyes. I would snare him earlier.

Do u think if Dennis-Lane wasnt snapped up by West Coast at 22 or 23 that he could slide to rookie status.?

TBH, i hope Burgan has it wrong. Im not sure if its really addressing our needs. Then again, what would i know.

 

[Freo Blood]

Few too many small/mid forwards for my liking. We have Mayne, Balla, Headland (not for long), Walters, Ruffles, Roger (early last year), MJ, is that all.... TDL and Colyer would be more of the same in my opinion. I would prefer mids, preferably goalkiciking ones and some KPP height. It is more important now to be able to run through the midfield and those listed above have not proved that yet.

 

[sabre_ac]

oh and Matthew Panos is #54......

He is apparently going to slide a fair way.... wow.

Bigfooty is a predictable consistent place, every year one draftie is massively overhyped on this site and people get caught up in the rush...

 

[Lach72]

Few too many small/mid forwards for my liking. We have Mayne, Balla, Headland (not for long), Walters, Ruffles, Roger (early last year), MJ, is that all.... TDL and Colyer would be more of the same in my opinion. I would prefer mids, preferably goalkiciking ones and some KPP height. It is more important now to be able to run through the midfield and those listed above have not proved that yet.

I agree with this...I don't understand the fascination, although Colyer is a mid and likes a goal...but 2 mids at the front will get us the class.
Hutchings at the end will get us some workhorse quality and we can take 3 talls, who could do the job...

 

[Chris25]

Matt Burgan is doing a live chat on the AFL website, I think it has about 20 more minutes left. Hasn't really said anything all that interesting yet, but he does seem pretty certain on Sheppard/West Coast.

Had this to say on Houghton...

Houghton was an interesting one. There was some talk on him, but not enough aligned to a specific club. He is in the mix though as a late/rookie chance

Burgan also thinks Mitch Thorp will be a rookie selection.