Our first pick

[James23]

Ok, so our first draft pick is looking likely to be around the 7-10 mark.

Over the past few years we've found some quality midfielders in Dangerfield, Knights, Mackay, Porplyzia, van Berlo and Vince.. which blend well with the middle-aged Reilly and Thompson. On top of this we have a few unknown but exciting prospects in Otten and Cook who IMO, could prove to be something special.

Our young KP forwards include Tippett, Walker and Sellar. 2 out of 3 of these look to be excellent prospects that should hopefully hold us in good stead for the next decade. Sellar being the great unknown who could be anything. And of course Hentschel who, more than 2 years after his injury, is struggling to get out on the park.

Our young rucks include Griffin, Maric and Moran. With Tippett and Sellar the pinchhitters.

The upcoming draft is said to be one of the greatest of all time, with 25 players having the potential to be first-rounders. And with the inclusion of the new teams in the following years, I cant remember a more important draft.

What do you think we'll be looking for with our first pick? Where are our weaknesses? Matt Rendell's stategy seems to be 'best available', given we should be looking at around pick 7-10, who do you think we will get?

 

[betterthanu]

Rendel was interviewed at the U18 carnival and said the 1st 2 or 3 picks should always be best avaliable then maybe pick for needs with later picks. Still think we need a genuine CHF though.

Too bad we cant get our hands on Watts, hes exactly what we need

 

[Southerntakeover]

Id think it largely depends on who is still available when we get on the clock.

You wouldnt turn down a guy you think will be special just to draft by position.

 

[Vader]

It's a really depressing thought, but I've got a suspicion we might be getting our hands on pick #5 this year. Pick #6 would be my bet at this stage.

All of the teams immediately below us have better form and we're only 3 wins ahead of 12th placed Essendon. Unless we have a massive form reversal in the next week or two we could quite easily see Richmond, Carlton and possibly even Essendon go past us. Richmond is almost a certainty, Carlton likely, Essendon doubtful. The good news is that Port have already played their Grand Final and seemingly have no desire to win 4 more games for the year, so we're certain to finish outside the bottom 4.

So... who's likely to be available at pick #5 or #6 that we should be looking at? Any chance that Hartlett might slip past Port and into our hands?

 

[Alex99]

So... who's likely to be available at pick #5 or #6 that we should be looking at? Any chance that Hartlett might slip past Port and into our hands?

I would go for the Victorian lad – Hurley as a key defender who potentially could replace either Nathan Bassett (next year) or Scott Stevens (the year after)

Would we gamble on a ruckman again with such a high pick in McKernan? He may be available at 5 or 6. He can play forward and in the Ruck, so the gamble may be worth it.

Wouldn’t mind Hartlett from West Adelaide but Port should grab him with pick 4 or they could quite easily go for Hurley.

One of three for me – Hurley, Hartlett or McKernan

 

[-VC-]

If we're picking as early as #5 or #6 if we are to take the pessimistic (but depressingly possible) scenario then I would be hoping for one of Hartlett or Hurley to slide. I live in the same area as Hurley and there was an article in the local paper on him recently that had a quote from the Vic Metro coach saying that Adelaide (and one other - I think Essendon) are really keen on him. Hartlett is amazingly classy and composed. You know the best thing about these two boys? They are both BEAUTIFUL kicks of the footy. On kicking alone I have them as two of the top three (with Sidebottom being the other).

TBH, like last year when Dangerfield was rated so highly by the club but 'slid' to Pick 10 I reckon we'll get our guy this year, whoever Rendell has in mind. Recruiters truly are spoiled for choice from what I've seen this year. With so much choice this year I predict a lot of clubs Top 20 or so ratings will feature many common names, but in a vastly different order. Some will have Ziebell at 4, others will have him at 15. Some will have Johnston at 6, others will have him at 20.

 

[cocka]

Give it to Carlton with Griffin and get Gibbs.

 

[WALL-e]

If we're picking as early as #5 or #6 if we are to take the pessimistic (but depressingly possible) scenario then I would be hoping for one of Hartlett or Hurley to slide. I live in the same area as Hurley and there was an article in the local paper on him recently that had a quote from the Vic Metro coach saying that Adelaide (and one other - I think Essendon) are really keen on him. Hartlett is amazingly classy and composed. You know the best thing about these two boys? They are both BEAUTIFUL kicks of the footy. On kicking alone I have them as two of the top three (with Sidebottom being the other).

TBH, like last year when Dangerfield was rated so highly by the club but 'slid' to Pick 10 I reckon we'll get our guy this year, whoever Rendell has in mind. Recruiters truly are spoiled for choice from what I've seen this year. With so much choice this year I predict a lot of clubs Top 20 or so ratings will feature many common names, but in a vastly different order. Some will have Ziebell at 4, others will have him at 15. Some will have Johnston at 6, others will have him at 20.

Spot on, I see this happening as well.

I think a lot of clubs will come out of the draft happy.

And Rendell has 'his guys' and will select on his rating list and not the medias. Good to have, got us Dangerfield. He's willing to put the old niagras on line and make his choice.

And on topic I would be very happy as well if Hurley or Hatrlett slipped to us.

A LOT of talent in this pool, very impressed when I watched the U18 champs.

 

[aNty]

I would go for the Victorian lad – Hurley as a key defender who potentially could replace either Nathan Bassett (next year) or Scott Stevens (the year after)

Why would we waste a pick on him, when Kite is being groomed for that role?

I'd personally like a classy mid with our first pick.

 

[KUNG FU]

While I am a strong believer in best available for the first 3 rounds, I have a had hard on for a tall with our first pick this year, there are just too many quality ones that will be available for us. McKernan & Trengrove would be 2 players I'm hoping for that could be available. But there's also the option of Schoenmakers and a few others later on, so again, I'd reiterate, best available. Ziebell shouldn't be sneezed at.

Give it to Carlton with Griffin and get Gibbs.

Frothing. Albeit unlikely cos he's renewed his contract.

 

[-VC-]

Why would we waste a pick on him, when Kite is being groomed for that role?

I'd personally like a classy mid with our first pick.

Hurley would be an interesting one. He's not like Bassett or Stevens at all. He is more like Rutten or Bock. He is dominant at full back and CHB. He is definitely not a third tall. He is too big to waste in that position. He is an absolute monster at 192cm and 92kg. For those playing at home that's 1cm shorter and 1kg lighter than Nathan Bock...at 18 years of age!

Does this mean he's surplus to our needs? I would say no, because he is also a spectacular CHF. One of the best play readers of play in this draft and that offsets some of the question marks over his athleticism. I'm in the minority here, but I actually prefer him as a forward and that's saying something since he's been dual U/18 AA playing out of full back.

Even if he (or anyone else) was considered the same sort as Aaron Kite (or any other player on our list) then we shouldn't shy away just because someone else is being groomed for that role. You can't put all your eggs in one basket.

 

[WALL-e]

Hurley would be an interesting one. He's not like Bassett or Stevens at all. He is more like Rutten or Bock. He is dominant at full back and CHB. He is definitely not a third tall. He is too big to waste in that position. He is an absolute monster at 192cm and 92kg. For those playing at home that's 1cm shorter and 1kg lighter than Nathan Bock...at 18 years of age!

Does this mean he's surplus to our needs? I would say no, because he is also a spectacular CHF. One of the best play readers of play in this draft and that offsets some of the question marks over his athleticism. I'm in the minority here, but I actually prefer him as a forward and that's saying something since he's been dual U/18 AA playing out of full back.

Even if he (or anyone else) was considered the same sort as Aaron Kite (or any other player on our list) then we shouldn't shy away just because someone else is being groomed for that role. You can't put all your eggs in one basket.

Exactly, we've got players being groomed for every position on the field. We have to take the best available. Hurley can play CHF very well and was only playing FB in the U18's as he's the best available at that possy. Remember Rutten and Bock were forward options out out the draft.

 

[Rave Slave]

If we got Hurley I would literally boof Matty Rendell.

You hear that Matty? draft Hurley and Rave Boofs you.

Seriously, This kid will be a champion FB/CHB/CHF at AFL level. 3 possies he could star at, he's literally that gun.

 

[WALL-e]

VC, you seem to have a handle on all things U18 champs.

Does Hurley have the potential athletisism to play a floating KP role ala Pavlich on the weekend? Where he will almost be playing midfield?

 

[Elite Crow]

I think Port will let Hartlett slide, they are in a need of a ruckman and KPPs badly, even more than us.

As for Rendall, didnt he say the best KPP players normally go in the top 5 and after that it is abit of a gamble? So assuming we get picks 5-6, we would have to go for a KPP considering the state of our forward line and the doubts on Sellar. Having said that we need classy midfielders with immaculate skills. We have workman like midfielders, WC built a premiership side on the back of 3 class mids and a shit forward line. I know Im contradicting myself, can we ask the AFL for picks 5&6, Im sure the other clubs wont mind.

 

[-VC-]

VC, you seem to have a handle on all things U18 champs.

Does Hurley have the potential athletisism to play a floating KP role ala Pavlich on the weekend? Where he will almost be playing midfield?

No, I mentioned in my post about him a bit earlier that their are question marks over his athleticism. Endurance, speed, and agility are not his fortes. Strength, kicking and play reading is what his game is all about. Here's a stat for you. 32 kicks and 17 Rebound 50's on the weekend!

It doesn't paint a good picture that he's a bit behind the eight ball in every aspect of athleticism, however it's not like it's horrendously bad. Definitely not good enough to be thrown up the ground like Richo, Buddy or Pav.

 

[KUNG FU]

No, I mentioned in my post about him a bit earlier that their are question marks over his athleticism. Endurance, speed, and agility are not his fortes. Strength, kicking and play reading is what his game is all about. Here's a stat for you. 32 kicks and 17 Rebound 50's on the weekend!

It doesn't paint a good picture that he's a bit behind the eight ball in every aspect of athleticism, however it's not like it's horrendously bad. Definitely not good enough to be thrown up the ground like Richo, Buddy or Pav.

VC is spot on with this one.

I don't think we'll be anywhere near Hurley, but if he is there I doubt they will bat an eye lid at taking him. If NC turned Porps into a quality AFL midfielder with a tank, then he could turn Hurley into an 400m sprinter.

 

[TheLeftFist8]

VC is spot on with this one.

I don't think we'll be anywhere near Hurley, but if he is there I doubt they will bat an eye lid at taking him. If NC turned Porps into a quality AFL midfielder with a tank, then he could turn Hurley into an 400m sprinter.

I am with this Hurley fella as well based on what you guys have said.

I reckon a key defender who is also capable of playing at the other end is a vital pick this year, and your descriptions fit the bill perfectly.

I DO NOT want to tank, but i do want to promote youth for the next 6 weeks and relegate the second-tier middle age blokes. If that means we drop games and finish 11th or 12th then I'll be happy to see the silver lining come draft day

 

[CaptainDangerfield]

I would go for the Victorian lad – Hurley as a key defender who potentially could replace either Nathan Bassett (next year) or Scott Stevens (the year after)

Would we gamble on a ruckman again with such a high pick in McKernan? He may be available at 5 or 6. He can play forward and in the Ruck, so the gamble may be worth it.

Wouldn’t mind Hartlett from West Adelaide but Port should grab him with pick 4 or they could quite easily go for Hurley.

One of three for me – Hurley, Hartlett or McKernan

If this is supposedly a Super Draft why would you use our 1st round pick on a replacement for bassett/stevens. I would have thought this pick would be better served on a key player such as a GENUINE kpp forward or GENUINE gun midfielder. Bassetts role is important but its not as important as a kpp or quality midfielder.

I also hope we don't use the pick on another ruckman/forward who is neither a genuine player in either role ie Sellar.

 

[TheLeftFist8]

If this is supposedly a Super Draft why would you use our 1st round pick on a replacement for bassett/stevens. I would have thought this pick would be better served on a key player such as a GENUINE kpp forward or GENUINE gun midfielder. Bassetts role is important but its not as important as a kpp or quality midfielder.

I also hope we don't use the pick on another ruckman/forward who is neither a genuine player in either role ie Sellar.

It sounds like Hurley could be a kpp forward??

 

[Vince Van Mackay]

If this is supposedly a Super Draft why would you use our 1st round pick on a replacement for bassett/stevens. I would have thought this pick would be better served on a key player such as a GENUINE kpp forward or GENUINE gun midfielder. Bassetts role is important but its not as important as a kpp or quality midfielder.

I also hope we don't use the pick on another ruckman/forward who is neither a genuine player in either role ie Sellar.

Reading is good. You should try it.

 

[CaptainDangerfield]

Does this mean he's surplus to our needs? I would say no, because he is also a spectacular CHF. One of the best play readers of play in this draft and that offsets some of the question marks over his athleticism. I'm in the minority here, but I actually prefer him as a forward and that's saying something since he's been dual U/18 AA playing out of full back.

If he's a spectacular CHF why is he playing at Full Back??

 

[CaptainDangerfield]

Reading is good. You should try it.

Awww come on my little ray of sunshine give us a smile......

"remove all sharp objects, we have a live one"....

 

[CaptainDangerfield]

It sounds like Hurley could be a kpp forward??

So why isn't that his regular position. No disrepect to VC as his knowledge in this area is second to none. But we desperately need a tall KP forward or gun midfielder. I just hope we don't waste another 1st rounder on a player who has played position X for the majority of his career but we think we can turn him into something we so desperately need - ie gun forward - ie Sellar.

Don't get me wrong, if we need a gun tall backman than he sounds a perfect fit. But lets not try and turn a gun backman into a gun forward. We have been there done that many times int eh past and failed ie Rutten/Bock. If we intend to have a quick/painless rebuild, we can't afford to waste anymore 1st round draft picks.

 

[Macca19]

I think Port will let Hartlett slide, they are in a need of a ruckman and KPPs badly, even more than us.

Agreed.

Apparently we are very keen on Hartlett, but i think Port will pick big with its first pick.