Admittedly, I'm not a huge follower of the draft outside of Western Australia, so if there is a little WA bias, I apologize in advance, although, they won the championships so there should be a large contingent from the side being drafted. However I do love doing a mock draft, I did it last year and have been telling myself to not do it this year, there is no need, the urge overcame me, so here it is.
Neng's Top 30
PP 1 - Tom Scully (Melbourne)
Has been touted as the number one pick for over a year now and while Jack Trengove has made an impressive late run for it through the SANFL, Scully will be picked here. He is an all-round star, he has no real weaknesses... apart from having small hands
2 - Jack Trengove (Melbourne)
After the championships numerous players were being put in this spot, however Trengove put his hand out and stamped this spot by playing an outstanding SANFL finals series. He an Scully together will make a very dangerous combination through the midfield, and both should be automatic round one selections.
3 - Dustin Martin (Richmond)
After getting rid of Terry Wallace, I believe Richmond won't be making the same mistakes again. Dustin Martin is a hard working inside midfielder and will give the Tigers great service for many years. His impressive draft camp will only emphasize his ability. Would be considered at pick 2.
4 - Anthony Morabito (Fremantle)
No surpises here if you follow WA football. It is no secret Fremantle are keen to pick up this versatile and athletic star. Partnering with Palmer, Ibbotson, Hill and Suban, the wide open spaces of Subi will begin to wreak havoc on 'slower' sides if the Dockers can get the most out of this man. Anyone who is compared to Adam Goodes has to have something special about them.
5 - Ben Cunnington (North Melbourne)
John Butcher would be considered here but I belive Brad Scott's entrance into the club and his emphasis on the 'shinboner spirit' will have Cunnington landing at the Kangas for 2010. He is a gutsy and courageous player who will suit the Kangas midfield and mantra. An advanced replacement for Daniel Harris.
6 - Gary Rohan (Sydney)
John Butchher would again be considered here, but the pending entrance of Daniel Bradshaw, the development of Jesse White and last year's selection of Lewis Johnston will cause the hand of the selectors to go the exciting Rohan. He has copious amounts of X-factor and will give the Swans some speed, which they have lacked.
7 - Lewis Jetta (West Coast)
As a West Coast supporter, this is just about the toughest selection I had to make in this draft. I think all the evidence from Woosha has indicated Jetta will be heading to the Eagles. Lucas would be oh so close to this selection, however with the Eagles taking many midfielders in previous drafts, I think a bit of pace and class from Jetta is exactly what we need to make our way back up the ladder.
8 - John Butcher (Port Adelaide)
The slide of Butcher has been expected after his mediocre carnival. IIRC he was injured, but he rarely impressed throughout the year. However the recruiters will know how good he could be and his magnificent hands will sway Port to take him here.
9 - Daniel Talia (Port Adelaide)
A player that can play either end of the park and has a great attitude from all accounts. A fit for Port Adelaide who have the decent midfield, but lack a bit of quality spine. In 3 years when Talia, Butcher and Westhoff are all on the same park they could be quite potent.
10 - Kane Lucas (Essendon)
If the Eagles don't pick Lucas at 7, many believe he will slide further to the mid teens. However I believe Essendon will swoop here. He has been a standout in the junior ranks for numerous years, a proven ball winner in the champs who can also kick a goal. Was given senior experience at East Fremantle this year and performed valiantly, and even when dropped back to Colts level, he shone brightly. Also performed well at the draft camp.
11 - Aaron Black (Melbourne)
With Watts taken last year, a remodel of the midfield this year (and later in the draft last year), I believe this late bolter will be taken here. Many Basketball prodigies have come through and hit the football scene with a bang, I belive Black will too. Once Brad Miller is overtaken by Watts and Black, Melbourne will have an extremely mobile and potent forward line.
12 - Jake Carlisle (Carlton)
Next best big man, will need to replenish after the loss of Fevola
13 - Brad Sheppard (Adelaide)
I heard that Port were extremely keen on Sheppard, but I think he will be taken at Adelaide, who have some ageing rebound defenders in McLeod and Johncock. After a full season of WAFL League, I have no doubt he can step straight into AFL, I see him as a similar player to James Kelly or Sam Fisher. A player like this will be damaging with a strong developing midfield that Adelaide have.
14 - Koby Stevens (Sydney)
A solid player who was an AIS scholarship holder. He will add to the Sydney midfield.
15 - James Melksham (Western Bulldogs)
A player who seems to have so much time. Has been compared to Lenny Hayes, who plays inside and out. Bulldogs will want to keep the ball rolling and not bottom out, by selecting quality mids now, will save them from doing emergency drafting in a few years if they were to bottom out with Akermanis, Eagleton, Johnson and Hall all coming into the twilight o their careers.
16 - Luke Tapscott (Port Adelaide)
After going tall with their first two picks, it would be smart for them to go smaller now. Tapscott physically will be able to step into AFL football and the loss of Burgoyne will empty more spots. I doubt Port Adelaide will waste time by leaving Tapscott in the SANFL, and with a penetrating kick that Tapscott does, he is a tempting option earlier.
17 - Mitch Duncan (Geelong)
Versatile man who could plug any holes in the side
18 - Ryan Bastinac (Melbourne)
Best midfielder available. It is said that a strong midfield generally beats strong spine ie; West Coast in 06, Geelong of recent. By building a strong midfield in the past two drafts, Melbourne may look ominous in years to come.
19 - Matthew Panos (Richmond)
I think if Richmond drafted correctly in the last two years, the spine is what they need to focus on. Jack Reiwoldt has talent, but has shown little. Panos proved he could kick goals at the carnival, and has that aggressive temperament that good forwards have.
20 - Troy Taylor (Fremantle)
Damn, I really want this boy at West Coast, because I have a feeling he may just tear us up in years to come. A player with such X-factor is going to be formidable if Freo develop him right. With a developing midfield, if they could top that off with a spark in the forwardline. Who knows, maybe the Dockers could do something further up the ladder.
21 - Andrew Moore (North Melbourne)
Very good inside mid
22 - Travis Colyer (West Coast)
Forget his size, when has that stopped Kerr or Mitchell? Colyer has a burst of speed that many will salivate over. He could potentially plug the small forward hole, then later move into the midfield. I think the Eagles will love this pick.
23 - Nat Fyfe (West Coast)
Yes, the Eagles have McKinley already, but Fyfe won't be a straight up starter into the Eagles side. I believe it will take him a good 3 years to put muscle on and ply his trade in the WAFL but many of his coached have sung his praise by saying he has the best hands on a youngster they have ever seen. A skill that contestedly West Coast are lacking. I believe at his size, he could be a hard match up.
24 - Allen Christensen (Essendon)
Could serve to enhance the small contingency that Essendon already have. He may go missing but when he does get noticed, it shows. He can be used on the flanks and be creative, probably in a similar role to Monfries.
25 - Nathan Vardy (North Melbourne)
The best ruckman in the draft will have to wait a little while for his name to be read out. IMO he is one of the best available at this pick, and although the Kangas have McIntosh and Goldstein, he could be useful in years to come.
26 - Jesse Chrichton (Essendon)
Hard inside mid
27 - Callum Bartlett (Brisbane)
I don't know much about this boy but recommended by Alexlol92
28 - Alex Carey (Geelong)
A physically ready player who would need to work hard on his game to break into the Geelong midfield, may just help him improve that bit extra to become a good pick up here. AIS graduate.
29 - Andrew Hooper (Adelaide)
Larke Medallist, size won't matter, he is a gun
30 - Jordan Gysberts (Collingwood)
AIS graduate, and will add some talent into the Collingwood midfield. I originally thought it wasn't the best time for Collingwood to enter the draft here, but by attaining Gysberts they're not doing too bad.
There is my top 30, too a long time to think about. Please leave your comments, but I won't appreciate direct criticism. If you have criticism, make it constructive and I may fix it.
Changes are in Italics
Neng's Top 30
PP 1 - Tom Scully (Melbourne)
Has been touted as the number one pick for over a year now and while Jack Trengove has made an impressive late run for it through the SANFL, Scully will be picked here. He is an all-round star, he has no real weaknesses... apart from having small hands
2 - Jack Trengove (Melbourne)
After the championships numerous players were being put in this spot, however Trengove put his hand out and stamped this spot by playing an outstanding SANFL finals series. He an Scully together will make a very dangerous combination through the midfield, and both should be automatic round one selections.
3 - Dustin Martin (Richmond)
After getting rid of Terry Wallace, I believe Richmond won't be making the same mistakes again. Dustin Martin is a hard working inside midfielder and will give the Tigers great service for many years. His impressive draft camp will only emphasize his ability. Would be considered at pick 2.
4 - Anthony Morabito (Fremantle)
No surpises here if you follow WA football. It is no secret Fremantle are keen to pick up this versatile and athletic star. Partnering with Palmer, Ibbotson, Hill and Suban, the wide open spaces of Subi will begin to wreak havoc on 'slower' sides if the Dockers can get the most out of this man. Anyone who is compared to Adam Goodes has to have something special about them.
5 - Ben Cunnington (North Melbourne)
John Butcher would be considered here but I belive Brad Scott's entrance into the club and his emphasis on the 'shinboner spirit' will have Cunnington landing at the Kangas for 2010. He is a gutsy and courageous player who will suit the Kangas midfield and mantra. An advanced replacement for Daniel Harris.
6 - Gary Rohan (Sydney)
John Butchher would again be considered here, but the pending entrance of Daniel Bradshaw, the development of Jesse White and last year's selection of Lewis Johnston will cause the hand of the selectors to go the exciting Rohan. He has copious amounts of X-factor and will give the Swans some speed, which they have lacked.
7 - Lewis Jetta (West Coast)
As a West Coast supporter, this is just about the toughest selection I had to make in this draft. I think all the evidence from Woosha has indicated Jetta will be heading to the Eagles. Lucas would be oh so close to this selection, however with the Eagles taking many midfielders in previous drafts, I think a bit of pace and class from Jetta is exactly what we need to make our way back up the ladder.
8 - John Butcher (Port Adelaide)
The slide of Butcher has been expected after his mediocre carnival. IIRC he was injured, but he rarely impressed throughout the year. However the recruiters will know how good he could be and his magnificent hands will sway Port to take him here.
9 - Daniel Talia (Port Adelaide)
A player that can play either end of the park and has a great attitude from all accounts. A fit for Port Adelaide who have the decent midfield, but lack a bit of quality spine. In 3 years when Talia, Butcher and Westhoff are all on the same park they could be quite potent.
10 - Kane Lucas (Essendon)
If the Eagles don't pick Lucas at 7, many believe he will slide further to the mid teens. However I believe Essendon will swoop here. He has been a standout in the junior ranks for numerous years, a proven ball winner in the champs who can also kick a goal. Was given senior experience at East Fremantle this year and performed valiantly, and even when dropped back to Colts level, he shone brightly. Also performed well at the draft camp.
11 - Aaron Black (Melbourne)
With Watts taken last year, a remodel of the midfield this year (and later in the draft last year), I believe this late bolter will be taken here. Many Basketball prodigies have come through and hit the football scene with a bang, I belive Black will too. Once Brad Miller is overtaken by Watts and Black, Melbourne will have an extremely mobile and potent forward line.
12 - Jake Carlisle (Carlton)
Next best big man, will need to replenish after the loss of Fevola
13 - Brad Sheppard (Adelaide)
I heard that Port were extremely keen on Sheppard, but I think he will be taken at Adelaide, who have some ageing rebound defenders in McLeod and Johncock. After a full season of WAFL League, I have no doubt he can step straight into AFL, I see him as a similar player to James Kelly or Sam Fisher. A player like this will be damaging with a strong developing midfield that Adelaide have.
14 - Koby Stevens (Sydney)
A solid player who was an AIS scholarship holder. He will add to the Sydney midfield.
15 - James Melksham (Western Bulldogs)
A player who seems to have so much time. Has been compared to Lenny Hayes, who plays inside and out. Bulldogs will want to keep the ball rolling and not bottom out, by selecting quality mids now, will save them from doing emergency drafting in a few years if they were to bottom out with Akermanis, Eagleton, Johnson and Hall all coming into the twilight o their careers.
16 - Luke Tapscott (Port Adelaide)
After going tall with their first two picks, it would be smart for them to go smaller now. Tapscott physically will be able to step into AFL football and the loss of Burgoyne will empty more spots. I doubt Port Adelaide will waste time by leaving Tapscott in the SANFL, and with a penetrating kick that Tapscott does, he is a tempting option earlier.
17 - Mitch Duncan (Geelong)
Versatile man who could plug any holes in the side
18 - Ryan Bastinac (Melbourne)
Best midfielder available. It is said that a strong midfield generally beats strong spine ie; West Coast in 06, Geelong of recent. By building a strong midfield in the past two drafts, Melbourne may look ominous in years to come.
19 - Matthew Panos (Richmond)
I think if Richmond drafted correctly in the last two years, the spine is what they need to focus on. Jack Reiwoldt has talent, but has shown little. Panos proved he could kick goals at the carnival, and has that aggressive temperament that good forwards have.
20 - Troy Taylor (Fremantle)
Damn, I really want this boy at West Coast, because I have a feeling he may just tear us up in years to come. A player with such X-factor is going to be formidable if Freo develop him right. With a developing midfield, if they could top that off with a spark in the forwardline. Who knows, maybe the Dockers could do something further up the ladder.
21 - Andrew Moore (North Melbourne)
Very good inside mid
22 - Travis Colyer (West Coast)
Forget his size, when has that stopped Kerr or Mitchell? Colyer has a burst of speed that many will salivate over. He could potentially plug the small forward hole, then later move into the midfield. I think the Eagles will love this pick.
23 - Nat Fyfe (West Coast)
Yes, the Eagles have McKinley already, but Fyfe won't be a straight up starter into the Eagles side. I believe it will take him a good 3 years to put muscle on and ply his trade in the WAFL but many of his coached have sung his praise by saying he has the best hands on a youngster they have ever seen. A skill that contestedly West Coast are lacking. I believe at his size, he could be a hard match up.
24 - Allen Christensen (Essendon)
Could serve to enhance the small contingency that Essendon already have. He may go missing but when he does get noticed, it shows. He can be used on the flanks and be creative, probably in a similar role to Monfries.
25 - Nathan Vardy (North Melbourne)
The best ruckman in the draft will have to wait a little while for his name to be read out. IMO he is one of the best available at this pick, and although the Kangas have McIntosh and Goldstein, he could be useful in years to come.
26 - Jesse Chrichton (Essendon)
Hard inside mid
27 - Callum Bartlett (Brisbane)
I don't know much about this boy but recommended by Alexlol92
28 - Alex Carey (Geelong)
A physically ready player who would need to work hard on his game to break into the Geelong midfield, may just help him improve that bit extra to become a good pick up here. AIS graduate.
29 - Andrew Hooper (Adelaide)
Larke Medallist, size won't matter, he is a gun
30 - Jordan Gysberts (Collingwood)
AIS graduate, and will add some talent into the Collingwood midfield. I originally thought it wasn't the best time for Collingwood to enter the draft here, but by attaining Gysberts they're not doing too bad.
There is my top 30, too a long time to think about. Please leave your comments, but I won't appreciate direct criticism. If you have criticism, make it constructive and I may fix it.
Changes are in Italics
