Phantom Draft 2013 - getgaff

[eaglespremiers]

Marsh player comparison Ryan O'Keefe?

 

[getgaff]

PICK 19: GOLD COAST (ACTIVATED COMPENSATION)– BLAKE ACRES

Height: 188cm
Weight: 84kg
Team/Club: West Perth
Player comparison: Andrew Mackie

Acres is coming off recent shoulder mishaps and because of this may slide outside the top 20 but he is a massive talent especially as an outside player. Offers versatility off a back flank where he sets up play, but can play as an outside mid and as a lively medium sized forward.

Is a ball magnet and moves around the ground freely while collecting disposals with damaging effect. Plays his best footy as a rebounding defender where his talent in link ups, play making and endurance are on show. Is quick off the mark with a burst of speed and ability he loves to run, carry and take the game on than hit targets with sure disposal. Shouldn’t have any problems transitioning into AFL with his senior WAFL experience behind him. What would put a prospective recruiter off him would be his inability to get on the park consistently in the Under 18’s Carnival and was managed during the period

 

[getgaff]

Marsh player comparison Ryan O'Keefe?

Has the chance to be eventually for sure. Will need to work on the endurance side of his game but. Right now I'd say as a forward comparison Jack Darling and as a midfielder taking into considerations body similarities Jobe Watson

 

[getgaff]

PICK 28: CARLTON - PATRICK CRIPPS

Height: 190cms
Weight: 89kgs
Team/Club: East Fremantle
Player Comparison: Luke Ball

Cripps is a professional player and strong bodied inside midfielder whose game is based on hard work and a team-first attitude. Has made his name known as an inside ball winner who excels at clearances and in extracting the footy, while showing capability in stints across half back. Craves the contest where he has been compared to a taller version of Luke Ball he has the body size and shape (almost Watson like) that will stand up to the rigours of AFL football. Has a big engine but won’t damage with breakaway speed. Is more of an inside midfielder who uses his endurance to run to the right spots and offers a lot in the way of hard work largely tackling, clearances and feeding the ball out of packs to a team mate coming past. Has the body size to make an immediate impact but hasn’t has any exposure to senior level football at WAFL level so will be tried early through the VFL you’d presume. The other intriguing thing with Cripps is that he has shot up 20cm in the past 2 years making him a much more taller midfield prospect and if he is still growing could become an Adam Goodes sized midfielder where he would be very hard to match up on.

The weakness in Cripps’s game is his disposal by foot is neat without being polished and he lacks that burst of speed from a pack but his work burrowing the packs make up for that and his kicking will get attention put to it from a chosen club


PICK 29: PORT ADELAIDE – MITCH HARVEY

Height:196cm
Weight: 97kg
Team/Club: North Adelaide
Player Comparison: Kurt Tippett

Harvey was made known as a player initially through a bad circumstance which left him seconds away from death after an attempted slam-dunk on a basketball court went horribly wrong. Is the nephew of former Adelaide and now Collingwood recruiter Matt Rendell whose footy has come on massively in 2013. He is a power forward who can ruck and has the attributes required for a successful AFL career. Standing already at 196cms and 97kgs the features of is game are a strong contested mark, a strong lead, safe hands when marking and a text book technique for a set shot. Is capable to pinch hit in the ruck drawing game style comparisons to current Swan Kurt Tippett. Is strong at the contest and rucked well against Apeness from Vic Metro at the Championships. For a key forward like Tippett also he offers endurance, goal kicking, strong marking inside 50, his skills are rated by hand and foot and is capable below his knees also. His preference is to play deep at Full Forward where he thrives on the contest and with his big body often beats off his opponent. Has already shed 7kg off his frame from the start of the year as well so he is disciplined in that regard.

The concern in his game is that he hasn’t had as much exposure to playing against men in the SANFL preferring to focus on School and Colts Footy in 2013 while sneaking in a couple of Reserves grade games but with his body size already well developed he should be a chance to debut early at whatever club selects him


PICK 30: ESSENDON– DAYLE GARLETT

Height: 180cms
Weight: 78kgs
Team: Upper Swan
Player Comparison: Daniel Wells

We all know Garlett’s rather public and much publicised downfall in season 2012 where he was snubbed completely from all 3 drafts and his life inside and outside of football went off the rails so I won’t go back on that. On the field he is a huge talent as an outside player more so than inside and really provides an X factor with ball in hand. Was previously a small forward who when allowed to play his natural game took control of the game so well. His 14 games have included 2 bags of 5 and a 6 goal effort, 37 goals at close to 3 a game playing against men. Has the evasiveness, endurance and speed he finds space when there seems to be none. His stats show he is a damaging forward but he can be just as damaging a midfielder where he has played full time in 2013 often assigned a lock down player to try and negate his influence. AFL clubs have long memories when it comes to recruiting and they won’t forget the “past sins” but these seem to be behind him. Getting him to a club would just be the start of it as he no doubt would need guidance and a strong support network which I believe Essendon could bring. There a few other Indigenous boys there past and present (Michael Long is the first name to come to my mind) who he could get alongside and work with.

On a footballing note the weakness in his game would his defensive pressure still lacks a bit but this has developed in 2013


PICK 31: COLLINGWOOD – ELI TEMPLETON

Height:182cms
Weight: 67kgs
Team/Club: Burnie
Player Comparison: Dyson Heppell

Templeton is the Dyson Heppell look alike and went into the championships as the player to watch from Tasmania only to be usurped by Kade Koladjashnij. His versatility and well-rounded game style is the biggest asset to his game where he has the capacity to play at either end or through the midfield. Is a smooth mover, competitive and has a good endurance base to run from with a great burst of speed. Has dominated through junior footy in Tasmania playing state level footy at age 14 and has senior level experience at TSL level. Only very skinny so will be considered for more of an outside or flank role early in his career but is a very good user of the ball and plays his best footy when able to control the play off half back while also being able to play defensive on an opposition small forward. Calm under pressure which would come from senior level experience at TSL level as well and leads well. Has the capacity to accumulate high numbers due to his well develop aerobic base allowing him to move across the ground with ease, he is a big kick of the ball and with his run and carry becomes a real 80 to 100 metre player.

The biggest weakness in his game would be that he is sometimes overly defensive and doesn’t take full advantage of open space and the fact that he needs to hit the gym HARD


PICK 32: RICHMOND – LUKE REYNOLDS

Height: 188cm
Weight: 86kg
Team/Club: Port Adelaide
Player Comparison: Stewart Crameri - similar size, left footed KPF

Reynolds’s is renowned for his weapon of a raking left foot. If he gets to Richmond I imagine when his playing AFL he’d act as that mid-size forward alongside Riewoldt and Vickery and has really developed his hit up forward style of play. Despite only being about 6’3 he plays taller and marks like a KPF. 2013 has been a breakout junior year for him and in a draft that is light on for powerful bodied key forward prospects he has bobbed up numerously and asserted himself. Reynolds plays the flanks well and knows where to put the ball to, where to lead and when to play on. His bullet like delivery inside 50 is a feature of his game and for a mid/ tall sized forward has good footy smarts. He leads hard and leads high starting deep and more often than not marking on the flanks or outside 50 and elects to play on often. A strong overhead mark and reliable shot on goal who when he takes off on a lead creates separation from his defender early. Shows clean skills at ground level and often kicks bags of goals. With his body size, shape, burst of pace and ability to read the play he may eventually turn into a midfielder at his chosen club.

The biggest weakness in his game is also considered his strength in that he is very much a left-sided player and needs to U-turn which his chosen club would want to abolish and that sometimes he is in too much of a rush to play on leaving his other forward under pressure if out of position


PICK 33: SYDNEY - LLOYD PERRIS

Height: 179cm
Weight: 74kg
Recruited from: St George
Style: Kieran Jack

Profile thanks to Knightmare

Perris has come from the Swans Academy and is another one of the characteristic Sydney midfielders who fit their drafting outline perfectly. Rated for his character, leadership capabilities and footballing ability his endurance levels are high and is a real “two way runner” who finds the footy and limits his opponents effectiveness. Isn’t a strong body yet but plays with real hardness over the footy winning the ball inside and outside. Neat user of the footy by foot and hand and makes the right decisions when he has it. Perris is one of those high character guys with future leadership potential who just goes about his footy the right way and will almost certainly get the most out of his footballing ability. Perris has elite endurance and is a two real two way runner who can find plenty of the footy but then limit his direct opponents influence on the contest. His not a strong body but he has some real hardness over the footy and can win his own ball while also displaying ability on the outside. He’s also a really nice user of the footy both by hand and foot and seems to make the right decisions so Sydney have really got something in young Perris.


PICK 34: FREMANTLE –DWAYNE WILSON

Height:177cm
Weight: 72kg
Team/Club: Sturt
Player Comparison: Danyle Pearce

Wilson was one of a number of standout performers in SA’s Under 18 Championship winning side. Is a outside midfielder in its pure form in that his a gutsy and determined runner who loves to run with the ball than deliver to a team mate at a high level. The type of player that you’re inside midfielders want to the ball in the hands of as much as possible he is an electrifying type with classy skills and brilliant footy smarts. Will add some real midfield speed to a team where his line-breaking runs set up play. Inside 50 he is a noted goal kicker, often seen having a shot from outside 50, or crumbing the ball at ground level in the forward line, before weaving through a pack and drilling it from nowhere. Has the capacity to play like Chris Yarran off half back utilising his speed, agility, clean hands and disposal to propel his team into attack. With his run and carry is one of those 80 metre + midfielders like Danyle Pearce who can penetrate forward for greater scoring opportunities. Any team looking to inject pace through the middle or inside 50 will have Wilson high on their list.

The biggest weakness in Wilson’s game would be that he needs to build up his frame more allowing him to win more of his own ball instead of from outside of packs. Being able to win his own ball will also help him become more of a four-quarter player as he occasionally drifts in and out of matches a bit


PICK 35: HAWTHORN –ZAC MERRETT

Height: 178cm
Weight: 73kg
Recruited from: Sandringham Dragons
Player comparison:

Merrett is a player blessed with class, accuracy and composure and his footy smarts are rated highly. The younger brother of Essendon’s Jackson is a precise kick who was rated inside the top 3% at the National Championships his disposal by foot. The type of player who team mates want the footy in the hands of he uses it well, has excellent awareness when forward of centre and boasts terrific breakaway speed. Loves to run and carry from the back half or through the midfield than sned a bullet shot on goal or hit up a team mate. Is a real link player in that he gets involved in the defensive 50 than pushes to the next contests again. Bring a real x-factor to the game when he hits the ball at full speed, collects off the ground or takes the ball on the half volley. Has a strong tackling game so his game isn’t solely focused on all-out attack.

The weakness in his game is that he reiles on his team mates to feed him the ball. Has been blessed to work with Salem and Freeman at Sandringham but when they weren’t playing he struggled as a key midfielder and he is still working on his inside game. If he can develop his game into a midfielder who rests forward and hits the scoreboard rather than a forward who plays through the middle and hits the scoreboard he will be an even more damaging player


PICK 36: GEELONG – JARED JANSEN

Height: 188cm
Weight: 91kg
Recruited from: East Fremantle
Style: Jobe Watson

Jansen’s a strong and powerful bodied midfielder who has been getting forward and hitting the scoreboard more in 2013. For an inside mid his strength is not only ball winning and stoppages but he makes his tackles stick and for a teenager they pack a punch. Has added that scoreboard hurt factor to his game in 2013 and links up well as a more outside midfielder who consistently hits his targets and is powerful enough to stand up through tackles and still deliver the footy.

The question mark on Jansen is his pace and hands in close which aren’t as clean as you’d want them to be for an inside mid. But for a stoppage specialist midfielder of his size with the capacity to push forward (likened to Jobe Watson in that way) he has a real chance to be a big time player

 

[roos_fanatic08]

nice effort so far mate, would be very happy with Kennedy-Harris at our 2nd pick but I would love for us to pull the trigger on Garlett, who I believe could have an impact from day dot.

 

[captainrich]

would love it if jono marsh fell to our 2nd pick but would beunlikelyy sigh

 

[getgaff]

ROUND 1 (PICKS 1 – 10)​

PICK 1 – GWS: THOMAS BOYD
PICK 2 – GWS: JOSH KELLY
PICK 3 – ST. KILDA: JACK BILLINGS

The first two picks are pretty straight forward for mine. GWS select another big bodied forward (like 2011) in Tom Boyd at 1. Initially I had GWS selecting Scharenberg at pick 1 but that was during the season when Franklin was expected to end up at GWS. Kelly has firmed to pretty much a lock at pick 2 ever since Melbourne traded it for Dom Tyson. I wouldn’t put my house on this happening come Thursday but I’m pretty confident that’s how the top 2 picks will pan out.

Billings to St. Kilda at pick 3 is a pretty popular pick amongst the mocks and I think St. Kilda wouldn’t waste time in selecting him here. Ideally for them Tom Boyd would be available at pick 3 but I heavily doubt that will be the case.

PICK 4 – WESTERN BULLDOGS: MARCUS BONTEMPELLI
PICK 5 – GOLD COAST: KADE KOLODJASHNIJ
PICK 6 – COLLINGWOOD: JAMES AISH

Pick 4 could see the first curve ball of the draft. James Aish is a popular choice but I’m going for the taller, more versatile Bontempelli. Is just as classy as Aish and would give the Dogs some more outside class and pace off HB, through the wing or as a taller HFF. His inside game Is still a work in progress but is pure class on the outside.

Kolodjashnij to the Suns has been the buzz for weeks now so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Tasmanian go here. GC17 likes the Tasmanian boys also.

Aish I initially had gone at pick 2 (before Melbourne traded it) and comes off the back of 2 years in the SANFL, winning 2 league premierships.

The Magpies traded with West Coast to get a higher pick (initially had 10 and 11) and would have loved Marcus Bontempelli to be available at pick 6. They may still select the bigger bodied Matt Scharenberg however the form of Aish at junior level and senior SANFL level can’t be overlooked by too many more. The Pies are interested in Scharenberg, Ben Lennon and Blake Acres (have it on good authority) at one of the picks. Preference 1 is the best available midfielder but wouldn’t be surprised to hear Matt Scharenberg’s name here either.

PICK 7 – BRISBANE: CAMERON McCARTHY
PICK 8 – NORTH MELBOURNE: LUKE McDONALD
PICK 9 – MELBOURNE: MATT SCHARENBERG
PICK 10 – COLLINGWOOD: BLAKE ACRES

I’ve got McCarthy, McDonald (Father/ Son), Scharenberg and Acres rounding out the top 10.

Brisbane has the choice here. Take (arguably) the second best tall forward in the exciting but raw McCarthy (high risk, potentially high reward) than can look for midfield talent in the second round where they hold 4 picks, or take Scharenberg (safe pick)and use probably 2 of the 4 second round picks on a tall. They have already locked in Jonathan Freeman (a QLD tall fwd via the Academy) so they may look to boost the midfield stocks before chasing a tall.

McDonald is the only father/ son selection of the draft and costs North there first rounder for a player who could have been top 5 in an uncompromised selection. Will add depth to North’s back six.

Paul Roos’s first influence in the draft will be for a midfielder or Scharenberg I think and Scharenberg fits a need for the Demons here, as does midfielders Nathan Freeman and Christian Salem but I see Scharenberg with the upper hand. As a Demons fan you wouldn’t be disappointed with Freeman or Salem.

Acres I’ve got on good authority that Collingwood are keen on but there’s a good chance that local lad Ben Lennon will also be available. Two different players so it may end up being needs based selection. Acres has the footy smarts and versatility but Lennon has the footy smarts, nous around goals and scope to move into the midfield that Collingwood may prefer.

 

[getgaff]

PICK 11 – WEST COAST: NATHAN FREEMAN
PICK 12 – RICHMOND: BEN LENNON
PICK 13 – CARLTON: DOM SHEED
PICK 14 – GWS: LEWIS TAYLOR
PICK 15 – SYDNEY: CHRISTIAN SALEM

West Coast’s first selection has polarized opinion on who is the midfielder we want but I think the consensus is select the best available. Whether it be the sliders Bontempelli or Scharenberg (would love Scharenberg at West Coast), the stand out picks Freeman, Sheed, Acres or Salem just get the best available midfielder. Freeman is my preference here, even over the local boys in Sheed or Acres but can’t see him being available past pick 9 so I’ve settled on the balanced midfielder Sheed who isn’t a bad player to get at 11. This pick really depends a lot on what Brisbane do at pick 7. If they select Scharenberg and Freeman goes to Melbourne at 9 than that screws my plans for Freeman

I can’t imagine Richmond hesitating in selecting Lennon at 12 (if available). If his not there than I think Christian Salem or Lewis Taylor will be selected here. Scharenberg and Freeman are names to consider if still available especially Scharenberg

Carlton would love to steal Fremantle’s thunder and selects the exciting talent McCarthy here if his available but it wouldn’t take much to settle for Sheed who just accumulates the ball without fuss. Lacks the line breaking pace of Freeman or Taylor but runs to the right spots. KPP is an area that Carlton will want to address at some stage and they may select a midfielder here, and punt on getting a tall later. Mitch Thorp has been linked to Carlton, with a 2nd round otherwise Hourigan, Harvey or Conlon will all be in the mix.

Taylor’s name has been linked to GWS’s pick 14 of late and there’s every chance he will be available. I wouldn’t discount GWS selecting Darcy Gardiner here and taking the number one rated bookends in Gardiner and Boyd.

Salem I think fits the Swans mould to a tee and would be a valuable selection. If his available this late they may also consider Blake Acres. Rory Lobb a sneaky chance to be drafted here to stop him landing at GWS's pick 29

 

[eaglespremiers]

PICK 11 – WEST COAST: NATHAN FREEMAN
PICK 12 – RICHMOND: BEN LENNON
PICK 13 – CARLTON: DOM SHEED

Really? WC will take Freeman over Sheed?

 

[getgaff]

Really? WC will take Freeman over Sheed?

Thats my preference yes. The write up will say I doubt it will happen as Sheed is considered a lock so Freeman COULD slide further. Depends a lot on whether McCarthy goes at 7 to BL. If he doesn't than Scharenberg does and Freeman goes to MD at 9, Sheed at 11 to WCE and possibly McCarthy at 13 to CB

 

[getgaff]

PICK 16 – GEELONG: DARCY GARDINER
PICK 17 – FREMANTLE: JONATHAN MARSH
PICK 18 – ST. KILDA: MATT CROUCH
PICK 19 – ST. KILDA: BILLY HARTUNG
PICK 20 – GOLD COAST: ZAK JONES

Geelong would be more than happy with Gardiner as they look to shore up key defensive roles longer term. The best available KPD in the draft and could assist in getting Harry Taylor to play more as a forward. Longer term replacement for Tom Lonergan.

Fremantle would need to settle for fwd/ tall midfielder Jonathan Marsh or another tall forward if Cameron McCarthy is unavailable. Obviously none of the other player’s offers the raw excitement of McCarthy and Fremantle would be filthy on a rival team that pick him but that’s the nature of the beast. Think Marsh would be next in line although they could spring a surprise and select Mitch Harvey, Cameron Conlon or Cameron Giles as a KPD.

St. Kilda’s second pick would net them the best inside mid of the draft. I rate Crouch’s inside work really highly and he could go as early as Carlton’s pick 13, Sydney’s 15, Geelong’s 16 or as late as 2nd round. Ideal replacement in the middle for the ageing Hayes and Montagna.

Hartung to give the Saints some pace on the outside after selecting a small fwd/ mid (Billings) and inside midfielder (Crouch). Wouldn’t discount them selecting a tall here either.

I’ve selected Zak Jones for the Suns even though they may already have Kolodjashnij. Think Jones has the capacity to play as a shut down small defender at the Suns, an area where there small options are limited at the moment and relying more on versatile mid or taller sized defenders. Again I wouldn’t discount the Suns going tall here

 

[getgaff]

RECAP OF MY TOP 20

Tom BOYD - Josh KELLY - Jack BILLINGS - Marcus BONTEMPELLI - Kade KOLODJASHNIJ (1 - 5)
James AISH - Cameron McARTHY - Luke McDONALD - Matthew SCHARENBERG - Blake ACRES (6 - 10)
Nathan FREEMAN - Ben Lennon - Dom SHEED - Lewis TAYLOR - Christian SALEM (11 - 15)
Darcy GARDINER - Jonathan MARSH - Matt CROUCH - Billy HARTUNG - Zak JONES (16 - 20)

 

[getgaff]

ROUND 2​

PICK 21– PORT ADELAIDE: LUKE DUNSTAN
PICK 22 – BRISBANE: TRENT DUMONT
PICK 23 – ADELAIDE: CAMERON GILES
PICK 24 – HAWTHORN: ZAC MERRETT
PICK 25 – BRISBANE: JARMEN IMPEY

Still some good local talent available for Port at pick 21 and I think they will select the best local talent. Dunstan and Dumont are the stand outs to be picked however off the back of a championship winning under 18s carnival there is plenty of SA talent to pick from. Both Dunstan and Dumont would fit in well at Port but I’ve gone for Dunstan with his qualities in leadership standing out and left Brisbane to take Dumont at 22.
Dumont goes at 22 to Brisbane after they went tall with McCarthy at pick 7. Zach Merrett for outside pace and skills, also Patrick Cripps for his inside work and ball winning capability may come into consideration.

I’ve gone for the Crows to select Cameron Giles as a depth tall defender and tall replacement for Ben Rutten. I rate Giles highly and wouldn’t be surprised if he hasn’t been snapped up in Round 1 of the draft. There’s a number of team that will want to add depth to there KPD stocks who think Giles may not be available come there second pick. I think like Port they will go local and still have plenty of talent to select from in Giles, Harvey, Reynolds, Battersby, Hourigan and Karpany to name a few. If Giles is unavailable I can see them going for Mitch Harvey.

Merrett has been a mover of late and due to adding McEvoy there’s no huge pressing need at Hawthorn. Obviously they will miss Franklin but there won’t be too many Franklin’s available at pick 24. Merrett would add some outside pace and skillful ball use to the Hawthorn midfield. Smith and Hill, barring injury, probably have the two wing positions sewn up for Round 1 but Merrett will put pressure on.

Impey adds some outside speed and forward line pressure to the Lions after they went with tall and inside midfielders earlier. Can be likened to Ash McGrath with his capacity to play small in the forward line or back line

 

[getgaff]

PICK 26 – ESSENDON: PATRICK CRIPPS
PICK 27 – GOLD COAST: MITCHELL HARVEY
PICK 28 – BRISBANE: JAMES BATTERSBY
PICK 29 – GWS: RORY LOBB
PICK 30 – NORTH MELBOURNE: DAYLE GARLETT

From what I’ve heard Essendon are into the WA boys in Patrick Cripps and Dayle Garlett but they might look at a ruckman here also in Michael Apeness. All 3 bring something different to the table. Cripps as an inside midfielder, Garlett as a forward/ midfielder and Apeness as a Kurt Tippett like forward/ ruckman. I’m leaning towards Cripps with the Bombers first pick as a taller inside midfielder to give assistance to Jobe Watson. Not an endurance athlete type of midfielder but runs to the right areas to find space and accumulates the ball. Prototype Fremantle Dockers midfielder.

I can’t see the Suns looking past Harvey if he is available. They've gone for defenders in the first round with Kolodjashnij and Jones so the time to go taller has arrived. Harvey offers a tall big bodied target inside 50 with the potential to ruck also. James Battersby a chance to be selected here also.

I don’t think the Lions would take long to snap up Battersby if he is there, to further advance there selections inside the top two rounds. Has the potential to play AFL early through SANFL senior experience in 2013.

Lobb has been a massive mover of late due to the fact that like McCarthy he has come from a different sporting background and showed talent beyond his experience and the scope for improvement is larger still. Has been touted as a potential first round pick to the Swans who are in need of depth in the ruck department. GWS would be content with the current crop of Boyd, Kelly, Taylor and Lobb however if they wanted to draft a young key defender they will need to invest time with Gardiner and Giles both gone so far.


Garlett is an interesting one. North recently recruited Robin Nahas who can be considered a small forward like Garlett and they are a renowned family club who might not like the backlash of selecting a player with previous behavioral issues but he IMO he is to classy a player to pass on. If not Garlett look for Jay Kennedy – Harris to join his mate Luke McDonald at North.

 

[getgaff]

I'm having a punt on the first 5 rounds because after that the rookie elevations kick in more

ROUND 1 reverse order

PICK 20 - GOLD COAST (COMPENSATION PICK): Zac JONES

I’ve selected Zak Jones for the Suns even though they may already have Kolodjashnij. Jones has the capacity to play as a shut down small defender at the Suns, an area where there small options are limited at the moment and relying more on versatile mid or taller sized defenders. Again I wouldn’t discount the Suns going taller here.

PICK 19 - ST. KILDA: Billy HARTUNG

Hartung to give the Saints some pace on the outside after selecting a small fwd/ mid (Billings) and inside midfielder (Crouch). Wouldn’t discount them selecting a tall here either in Jonathan Marsh or Cameron Giles.

PICK 18 - ST. KILDA: Matt CROUCH

St. Kilda’s second pick would net them the best inside mid of the draft. I rate Crouch’s inside work really highly and he could go as early as Carlton’s pick 13, Sydney’s 15, Geelong’s 16 or as late as 2nd round. Ideal replacement in the middle for the ageing Hayes and Montagna. If Patrick Cripps is available St. Kilda will pounce.

PICK 17 - FREMANTLE: Cameron McCARTHY

Like the Gardiner to Geelong pick McCarthy would be a dream pick for the Dockers here as the prepare for the post Pavlich succession plan. Still a raw player but offers excitement plus and comes into the draft as the second best key forward behind Boyd. The fact he is a local WA boy is greater incentive but Brisbane or Carlton may spoil the party with an earlier pick. Don't discount other talls Jonathan Marsh or Cameron Giles if McCarthy isn;t there or Blake Acres as another taller midfielder

PICK 16 - GEELONG: Darcy GARDINER

Gardiner would be a dream pick for the Cats here. Strengthens there KPD stocks post Lonergan and gives the option to throw Harry Taylor forward more often. Wouldn't discount Zac Jones here either

PICK 15 - SYDNEY: Nathan FREEMAN

Probably a case of best available to suit a need here for the Swans. Out of the tall prospects I think there covered enough for forwards but I wouldn't discount them selecting Darcy Gardiner as a KPD or the ruckman Rory Lobb if he is still available.
The pick of the midfielders is arguably the explosive Nathan Freeman but Blake Acres would be in the mix also if not already selected.

PICK 14 - GWS: Blake ACRES

Initially i said Collingwood at 10 but got advised more clearly after saying it. The Giants would love to get a player like Acres on board. The ruckman Rory Lobb is a smokey here before Sydney poaches him

PICK 13 - CARLTON: Patrick CRIPPS

This is the most recent mail of all. Carlton have been linked with the tall forward Cam McCarthy here but with the likelihood of getting mature aged Mitch Thorp second reound they can afford to pick a midfielder here and Cripps would be a valuable inclusion as an inside midfielder. If they are in want of a pure inside mid than don't rule out Matt Crouch as a bolter.

PICK 12 - RICHMOND: Lewis TAYLOR

Taylor’s name has been linked to GWS’s pick 14 more recently but thats because of the expected fall of Lennon. Before that he was largely linked to Richmond at 12.

PICK 11 - WEST COAST: Dom SHEED

West Coast traded later in the first round with the expectation that local boy Sheed would go outside the top 10. May still end up at Brisbane at 7 or Melbourne at 9 but it wouldn’t suprise to see him available at 11 and see West Coast pounce on Sheed who just accumulates the ball without fuss. Lacks the line breaking pace of Freeman or Taylor but runs to the right spots.


PICK 10 - COLLINGWOOD: Ben LENNON

I thought the Pies were really into Acres at 10 but after hearing that he wasn't invited to attend the draft I've gone a bit cold on that pick.

Lennon has been one of the names linked to Collingwood's ever since they knew they'd have that selection. Could be gone to BL @ 7 and if his not there than I think Christian Salem or Lewis Taylor will be selected here. Scharenberg and Freeman are names to consider if still available especially Scharenberg.

PICK 9 - MELBOURNE: Christian SALEM

Paul Roos’s first influence in the draft will be for a midfielder I think and Salem fits a need for the Demons here as a balanced midfielder. Wouldn’t discount Nathan Freeman here for his explosive pace.

PICK 8 - NORTH MELBORNE: Luke McDONALD

McDonald is the only father/ son selection of the draft and costs North there first rounder for a player who could have been top 5 in an uncompromised selection. Will add depth to North’s back six.

PICK 7 - BRISBANE: Matthew SCHARENBERG

Brisbane would be happy to take Scharenberg with there first of 5 picks inside the top 34 picks. Cameron McCarthy’s a bolter here but with 4 upcoming selections plus Jonathan Freeman already locked in they may look to boost the midfield stocks before chasing a tall.

PICK 6 - COLLINGWOOD: James AISH

Aish initially I had at pick 2 (before Melbourne traded it) and comes off the back of 2 years in the SANFL, winning 2 league premierships.

The Magpies traded with West Coast to get a higher pick here (initially had 10 and 11) and would have loved Marcus Bontempelli to be available at pick 6, they may still select the bigger bodied Matt Scharenberg. The form of Aish at junior and senior SANFL level can’t be overlooked by too many more but. The Pies are interested in Scharenberg, Ben Lennon and Blake Acres (have it on good authority) at one of the picks. Preference 1 is the best available midfielder but wouldn’t be surprised to hear Matt Scharenberg’s name here either.

PICK 5 - GOLD COAST: Kade KOLODJASHNIJ

Kolodjashnij to the Suns has been the buzz for weeks now so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Tasmanian go here. GC17 likes the Tasmanian boys also.

PICK 4 - WESTERN BULLDOGS: Marcus BONTEMPELLI

Pick 4 could see the first curve ball of the draft. James Aish is the popular choice but I’m going for the taller, more versatile Bontempelli. Is just as classy as Aish and would give the Dogs some more outside class and pace off HB, through the wing or as a taller HFF.

PICK 3 - ST. KILDA: Jack BILLINGS

Billings to St. Kilda at pick 3 is looking like a pretty popular pick amongst the mocks and I think St. Kilda wouldn’t waste time in selecting him.

PICK 2 - GWS: Josh KELLY
PICK 1 - GWS: Thomas BOYD

The first two picks are pretty straight forward for mine. GWS select another big bodied forward (like 2011) in Tom Boyd at 1. Initially I had GWS selecting Scharenberg at pick 1 but that was during the season when Franklin was expected to end up at GWS. Kelly has firmed to pretty much a lock at pick 2 ever since Melbourne traded it for Dom Tyson. I wouldn’t put my house on this happening come Thursday but I’m pretty confident that’s how the top 2 picks will pan out.

 

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I've got five out of the first five. Better than 2012 where I only got Whitfield from the first 3

ROUND 2​

PICK 21– PORT ADELAIDE: LUKE DUNSTAN
PICK 22 – BRISBANE: TRENT DUMONT
PICK 23 – ADELAIDE: CAMERON GILES
PICK 24 – HAWTHORN: ZAC MERRETT
PICK 25 – BRISBANE: JARMEN IMPEY
PICK 26 – ESSENDON: JONATHAN MARSH
PICK 27 – GOLD COAST: MITCHELL HARVEY
PICK 28 – BRISBANE: JAMES BATTERSBY
PICK 29 – GWS: RORY LOBB
PICK 30 – NORTH MELBOURNE: DAYLE GARLETT
PICK 31 – WEST COAST: JAMES SICILY
PICK 32 – SYDNEY: MICHAEL APENESS
PICK 33 – BRISBANE: MALCOLM KARPANY
PICK 34 – BRISBANE: JAMES TSITAS
PICK 35 – SYDNEY: JAY KENNEDY - HARRIS
PICK 36 – GEELONG: ELI TEMPLETON
PICK 37 – FREMANTLE: DARCY BYRNE - JONES
PICK 38 – HAWTHORN: TOM CUTLER

 

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ROUND 3​

PICK 39 – CARLTON: MITCH THORP
PICK 40 – MELBOURNE: GEORGE HEWETT
PICK 41 – GEELONG: DARCY LANG
PICK 42 – WESTERN BULLDOGS: DANIEL McSTAY
PICK 43 – WEST COAST: NICK BOURKE
PICK 44 – SYDNEY: JAKE PITT
PICK 45 – PORT ADELAIDE: CAMERON CONLON
PICK 46 – ADELAIDE: RILEY KNIGHT
PICK 47 – NORTH MELBOURNE: DARCY CAMERON
PICK 48 – GWS: TOM VADELEUR
PICK 49 – WEST COAST: ALEX SPINA
PICK 50 – RICHMOND: CHRIS CAIN
PICK 51 – CARLTON: ISAIAH MILLER
PICK 52 – PORT: DARCY HOURIGAN
PICK 53 – SYDNEY: SEAN LEMMENS
PICK 54 – GEELONG: FRASER FORT
PICK 55 – ESSENDON – TOBY NANKERVIS
PICK 56 – HAWTHORN – DAVID MIRRA

 

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ROUND 4​

PICK 57 – MELBOURNE: NATHAN GORDON
PICK 58 – FREMANTLE: BEN BROWN
PICK 59 – HAWTHORN: JARED JANSEN
PICK 60 – WESTERN BULLDOGS: MATTHEW FULLER
PICK 61 – WEST COAST: CHARLIE CAMERON
PICK 62 – BRISBANE: JONATHAN FREEMAN
PICK 63 – GEELONG: NATHAN DRUMMOND
PICK 64 – ESSENDON: MATTHEW SULLY
PICK 65 – COLLINGWOOD: LUKE REYNOLDS
PICK 66 – RICHMOND: NATHAN BATSANIS
PICK 67 – CARLTON: JAKE KOLODJASHNIJ
PICK 68 – PORT: NICK HOLMAN
PICK 69 – SYDNEY: JOEL TIPPETT
PICK 70 – FREMANTLE: NICK ROBERTSON
PICK 71 – HAWTHORN: DALLAS WILLSMORE

 

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ROUND 5​

PICK 72 - GWS: MAX KING
PICK 73 – GWS: MITCH HONEYCHURCH
PICK 74 – WEST COAST: KANE LAMBERT
PICK 75 – BRISBANE: ISSAC CONWAY
PICK 76 – ADELAIDE: ORAZIO FANTASIA
PICK 77 – COLLINGWOOD: LOUIS HERBERT
PICK 78 – RICHMOND: KARL AMON
PICK 79 – CARLTON: THOMAS SHANAHAN
PICK 80 – SYDNEY: MARK SEABY