Assuming the cats take a midfielder at pick #7, which of the following three kids would you be most happy to draft come the 25th?
Leroy Jetta
Incredible talent, but another one who suffered from OP. Probably has the best combination of pace, evasiveness and mobility of anyone to come through the draft in the last 5 years or so. There are question marks over his ability to play midfield, but I see very little to suggest he can’t play there full-time. Maybe a lack of accountability and defensive pressure could be argued, but if he works on that aspect of his game, he’ll become an elite midfielder. Despite his size he can get his own ball, however because he looks flashy his hardball gets tend to go a little unnoticed.
Travis Boak
Classy outside midfielder with pace, excellent skills who loves a goal. Had a shocking run with injuries (stress fractures in his back I believe), but will be a first round selection regardless. Despite his injury trouble he has shown on occasions this year that he has genuine match winning ability.
Joel Selwood
Outstanding leader and as well credentialed a junior as there is. His vertical leap result at DC suggest he is over his knee injury which is a positive, however his 20m time suggests he’s lost pace due to his knee injury, which is a worry, given he wasn’t initially quick. Despite being not quick and having average disposal, he isn’t a pure inside midfielder. However, he is a natural leader and a very smart player and has an amazing work-rate. This allows him to rack up the pill. Personally with the direction the game is going, I wouldn’t use an early pick on a player who doesn’t possess very good skills and/or genuine pace, although I can see why clubs would make an exception in Selwood’s case as despite not being a pure inside midfielder he has the ability to bring others into the game.
(Description of players courtesy of Macca69)
Leroy Jetta
Incredible talent, but another one who suffered from OP. Probably has the best combination of pace, evasiveness and mobility of anyone to come through the draft in the last 5 years or so. There are question marks over his ability to play midfield, but I see very little to suggest he can’t play there full-time. Maybe a lack of accountability and defensive pressure could be argued, but if he works on that aspect of his game, he’ll become an elite midfielder. Despite his size he can get his own ball, however because he looks flashy his hardball gets tend to go a little unnoticed.
Travis Boak
Classy outside midfielder with pace, excellent skills who loves a goal. Had a shocking run with injuries (stress fractures in his back I believe), but will be a first round selection regardless. Despite his injury trouble he has shown on occasions this year that he has genuine match winning ability.
Joel Selwood
Outstanding leader and as well credentialed a junior as there is. His vertical leap result at DC suggest he is over his knee injury which is a positive, however his 20m time suggests he’s lost pace due to his knee injury, which is a worry, given he wasn’t initially quick. Despite being not quick and having average disposal, he isn’t a pure inside midfielder. However, he is a natural leader and a very smart player and has an amazing work-rate. This allows him to rack up the pill. Personally with the direction the game is going, I wouldn’t use an early pick on a player who doesn’t possess very good skills and/or genuine pace, although I can see why clubs would make an exception in Selwood’s case as despite not being a pure inside midfielder he has the ability to bring others into the game.
(Description of players courtesy of Macca69)
