Overall Draft Thoughts?

[master bate]

I'm not a Craig Cameron apologist, in fact I've had disagreements with him both publicly and privately, but let's have a bit of perspective when analysing his drafts. He had a terrible 2001, but when one goes through many of the years in which he was recruiting they were shocking drafts. I've done the exercise.

We certainly weren't the only ones to miss in the first round of the 'superdraft'. 2002 I think he made some mistakes that cost us big time. 2003 is such a dud draft we should be happy with Sylvia alone and getting something for McLean. It was the worst year to have picks 3 and 5. 04 and 05 we still have Bate, Dunn, Jones and Bartram on the list. None of those are superstars, but if they were on the saints list this year I would have given them a good chance of playing in grand finals. They are all around the mark and 2011 will be vital to see if they make it or not.

I certainly have no problem with his 06 and 07.

But I see development as so vital. A lot of the guys we've drafted in the last few years have had an advantage of early games. The most promising pick ups over the next few years should still get that, but getting our development structure worked out will be vital. We're all excited about Jack Viney, but it's Todd who can really make a difference to this teams progression.

 

[Hannabal]

We certainly weren't the only ones to miss in the first round of the 'superdraft'. 2002 I think he made some mistakes that cost us big time. 2003 is such a dud draft we should be happy with Sylvia alone and getting something for McLean. It was the worst year to have picks 3 and 5. 04 and 05 we still have Bate, Dunn, Jones and Bartram on the list. None of those are superstars, but if they were on the saints list this year I would have given them a good chance of playing in grand finals. They are all around the mark and 2011 will be vital to see if they make it or not.

I certainly have no problem with his 06 and 07.

So you're agreeing with me.

 

[bing181]

33 really doesn't bother me, just really surprised in this day and age an unknown smokey can be this high in the draft.

Sums up much of this discussion: unknown ... to who(m)?

We don't know what goes on within the FD. That's especially the case with regard to drafting, where the club(s) play their cards pretty close to their chests. Did anyone know Howe had been flown up by Melbourne? I don't believe I've seen that mentioned anywhere. How about invited up to trial with Richmond last year, Collingwood had him across for a day, Hawthorn had apparently spoken to him etc. etc.

Unknown?? Perhaps on the Bigfooty boards.

 

[LITTLE STINGA]

That was Richmond and Conca.

It happened to Essendon as well I saw it with my own eyes. It was either on demonland, ology or here. I know about what happened with Conca but I haven't seen that footage.

 

[LITTLE STINGA]

Good point but Cook has a whole lot more tricks in his bag than Panos.

You would hope so. Cook was recruited because of his height and his kicking, but it still doesn't hide his flaws, in the end though when you have pick 12 you should expect flaws because if they didn't have flaws they would have been picked in the first few picks of the draft.

Panos is only 191cms, the same height as Darling who we were never going to go for because of his height. I think Panos would of went a lot higher if he was 3 to 5cms taller.

 

[master bate]

So you're agreeing with me.

Yes. He wasn't perfect but wasn't horrible is my general view point. Also got made to look bad by Scott Thompson leaving, and whilst Moloney is serviceable Thompson would be our star if still with us.

 

[Flyswatter]

when do we get some photos of the newbies running around in their Dees training gear, trying hard to make a good first impression

 

[Punchy Demons]

With this year draftee's we will need to wait a minimum of two years but more likely three - four years to see how this lot pan out, with perhaps the exception of Howe who is slightly older and therefore slightly more physically developed.
The other three, will need to show at least glimpse's of ability and impact games over that period to last the 3 -4 year period, but first of all they need to knuckle down & physically develop to give themselves the best chance of cutting it as AFL footballers.

 

[davey_magik]

Have to disagree Dez.

Frawley always had the wide shoulders, his body was always going to put the muscle on.

Cook is in the Watts, maybe even Morton mould sadly.

Watts isn't in one of those 'always skinny' moulds. He has already put on weight and will continue to do so.

I don't think anyone on this board can accurately judge how players will fill out after seeing them at 18 years of age.

 

[cannons]

Yeah, Watts is no Dustin Fletcher, he will definitely fill out, no question about that.

 

[Demon 16]

You would hope so. Cook was recruited because of his height and his kicking, but it still doesn't hide his flaws, in the end though when you have pick 12 you should expect flaws because if they didn't have flaws they would have been picked in the first few picks of the draft.

Panos is only 191cms, the same height as Darling who we were never going to go for because of his height. I think Panos would of went a lot higher if he was 3 to 5cms taller.

Most likely yes, but Panos was incredilbly one-dimensional - and like Darling, had a mans body by the age of 16.

LS what do you think Cooks flaws are out of interest?

 

[Andy_Mac]

Yeah, Watts is no Dustin Fletcher, he will definitely fill out, no question about that.

He looks to be putting weight on nicely. The ones you have to worry about are the 18yo that already have bulk as they are more likely to struggle to keep their weight in check later in their careers. Conversely you can have blokes like Cale and Dustin...

 

[LITTLE STINGA]

LS what do you think Cooks flaws are out of interest?

Pace & strength.

 

[ThePuppetMaster]

Pace & strength.

oh you mean two physical attributes that are relatively easy to work on??? massive faults there


lolk

 

[Demon 16]

Pace & strength.

Fair call from me.

Strength will come - and his ability to read the game/flight will combat the other.

Should be ok IMO.

 

[stretcharmstrong]

Pace & strength.

So really it's just pace...

 

[LITTLE STINGA]

So really it's just pace...

No, he has to put on a minimum 15kgs and improve his pace. I think that would be tough for anyone.

 

[Demon 16]

Does look pretty slim - he'll be fine but dont think he'll ever be a monster..

 

[The Professor]

Haven't followed the draft as closely as the last 3 years so would like to have a closer look at cook's strengths n weakness first hand. There are a few question marks in my mind about him.

With only highlights to go on, howe looks ok, (always like clean one take marks)m Taylor looks good with his confidence/dash (not bad for 50), McDonald, i might need a closer look but looks a pick 53.

I can really only take their word for it that those talls were the best available small or big. I hope they were true to their word. I'm a big fan of Crows pick BSmith.

 

[Demon 16]

Haven't followed the draft as closely as the last 3 years so would like to have a closer look at cook's strengths n weakness first hand. There are a few question marks in my mind about him.

What are your question marks related to Professor?

 

[Gazza_11]

Haven't followed the draft as closely as the last 3 years so would like to have a closer look at cook's strengths n weakness first hand. There are a few question marks in my mind about him.

With only highlights to go on, howe looks ok, (always like clean one take marks)m Taylor looks good with his confidence/dash (not bad for 50), McDonald, i might need a closer look but looks a pick 53.

I can really only take their word for it that those talls were the best available small or big. I hope they were true to their word. I'm a big fan of Crows pick BSmith.

Not sure how you got Taylor from Troy Davis

 

[Andy_Mac]

Pace & strength.

Tom Lynch was the slowest bloke tested at the DC. By a fair margin...

 

[Demon 16]

when do we get some photos of the newbies running around in their Dees training gear, trying hard to make a good first impression

Check out the AFL website Flyswatter. There are also some good new pics on the MFC facebook page.

 

[Gazza_11]

Would have loved Alex Keath at the Demons. Probably a first round prospect, CHF. Gold Coast snagged him as a 17 year old anyway, before he chose cricket.