Our Rookie Draft Picks

[Turbocat]

I'm quite happy with the picks. My question mark is over Hunt because I don't know much about why he didn't get a run at Essendon. Obviously Fletcher is one of their first picked and Bradley is up and coming but other than that I would have though they could have used another tall defender. Maybe injuries played a part...

Slade deserved another crack. As many have mentioned he was a real goer before getting injured and could still prove worthwhile. My lasting memory of him is throwing himself on the line and doing the team things. Every team needs that.

Grima sounds like he was well worth the punt. Anyone who can kick 10 straight has some obvious talent and he is the right size to make it at this level. Someone mentioned he was a Mackie type but I disagree. At 88kg he is well on the way where as Mackie is still only 83kg and I can't see him getting much bigger.

Overall, I think the rookie draft is about taking calculated risks on players who play in positions you need to fill and that's what we've done.

My comment. Yes, he may well have more of a chance to bulk, hes starting from 88.It was more his style as much as his body. He was another forward that looked to me will be far happier on the lead than pack marking. I may be wrong but thats my memory of his performance against NT . Wish I'd kept the tape now.

 

[Dasher39]

My comment. Yes, he may well have more of a chance to bulk, hes starting from 88.It was more his style as much as his body. He was another forward that looked to me will be far happier on the lead than pack marking. I may be wrong but thats my memory of his performance against NT . Wish I'd kept the tape now.

From what I remember of that game, I do think he took a couple of nice pack marks! I may be wrong, but I seem to remember him bringing down a few!

Also can kick well on both feet, which is always a big bonus for a forward!

 

[catempire]

From what I remember of that game, I do think he took a couple of nice pack marks! I may be wrong, but I seem to remember him bringing down a few!

Also can kick well on both feet, which is always a big bonus for a forward!

I read somewhere the 10 goals came with 6 contested marks. I'll try and find the link.

Edit: Found it - http://afl.com.au/default.asp?pg=risingstarprogram&spg=u18champsdisplay&articleid=211331

 

[Turbocat]

From what I remember of that game, I do think he took a couple of nice pack marks! I may be wrong, but I seem to remember him bringing down a few!

Also can kick well on both feet, which is always a big bonus for a forward!

I've been looking around for some other reviews from other posts
here are a couple of previews in Phantom Drafts-

Picked to go 43. - Todd Grima - 192/87 (Northern Bombers – Tasmania) – Right Foot – Draft camp – XXX for 20m adds weight to the theory that he doesn’t have explosive pace his agility test and 3km time trial were guite good and again an average leap from a potential tall forward- very accurate kick at goal, can use his left as well – All Australian U18 Interchange, 14 goals for the championships including 10 in game one against NT. Tall key position forward. Great balance and good work ethic, hands are reasonably strong in the contest, although he does not have the strongest grip on the ball which is why he double grabs marks. Attacks the fall of the ball with purpose. It appears as if he reads the fall of the ball exceptionally early which allows him to get to the fall of the ball better than most. Looks like he will fill out and have a strong upper body. Has a good leap if he can have room to take a couple of steps. Lacks a powerful lead. Carried an ankle injury during the carnival and still moved well. Has a habit of giving away free kicks when tackling to his over enthusiasm and lack of technique. VFL 3 games, 3 goals, TAC 3 games, 14 goals. CHF

Picked to go 25. Todd Grima
Grima has a lot of similar qualities to Barry Hall, quick on the lead, needs to learn to mark more in his hands because chest marking will take him only so far in the AFL. Tends to struggle to be involved when he is not the go-to guy. Needs to find a way to stay involved. Would be a good complement to Brown playing closer to goals. May prefer the local Michael West if they have good medical reports on him. Concern is that most of his good games were on C-grade opponents.

It was Weavers remarks about the chest marking , that made me think he reminded me a bit of Matt Little only taller.Thing is Ive found several thought he would be picked a lot earlier than Rookie, 17 Lingsface and Cursed Cat at 33 , must have liked what they had seen.I hope he can become the goto forward we have lacked for sometime,we will see.

 

[Rosso]

I'm quite happy with the picks. My question mark is over Hunt because I don't know much about why he didn't get a run at Essendon. Obviously Fletcher is one of their first picked and Bradley is up and coming but other than that I would have though they could have used another tall defender. Maybe injuries played a part...

Slade deserved another crack. As many have mentioned he was a real goer before getting injured and could still prove worthwhile. My lasting memory of him is throwing himself on the line and doing the team things. Every team needs that.

Grima sounds like he was well worth the punt. Anyone who can kick 10 straight has some obvious talent and he is the right size to make it at this level. Someone mentioned he was a Mackie type but I disagree. At 88kg he is well on the way where as Mackie is still only 83kg and I can't see him getting much bigger.

Overall, I think the rookie draft is about taking calculated risks on players who play in positions you need to fill and that's what we've done.

Read through a recent article written by Robert Shaw (former Essendon Assistant Coach) in regards to delisted players and what they offer. He wrote a small bit on Sam Hunt saying that the key defender had developed greater confidence over the last part of 05. What he has got is great pace, especially for a guy standing 6'5. Could possibly play on a wing if given the chance.

Spoke to a mate who barracks for the Bombers and he said that he's probably more suited to a back flank taking the third tall rather than standing CHB. He has 12 months to prove himself.

Interesting to note that Batchelor, Sherringham, Slade & Hunt will need to be delisted or upgraded come the end of the 2006 season so pressure will be on to perform.

 

[cats2rise]

Looking at our list we were lacking small defenders who could man up, hence Will Slade. With Egan looking like a regular in the seniors, Spencer is our only genuine tall defender in the VFL side, hence Sam Hunt. Lacking quality tall forwards it was good to see them take a punt on Todd Grima who we were apparently looking at drafting in the National Draft.

Overall I think they have drafted to cover areas that we were difficient in, so well done.

I think your on to something there jack