Opinion Pick 30* (snap poll added)

[space_cowboy]

With the trade period behind us, a long four weeks to go until the draft, and plenty of focus on who we should pick with 7 & 8, I thought it might be provide some much needed distraction if we had a thread dedicated to speculation on what hidden nugget we might find in the dirt at pick 37.


Since 1986, pick 37 has produced a number of serviceable to not-too-bad 100 gamers, starting with our own Andrew Obst in ’87, who went on to play 149 games, followed by Matt Rogers (’91, 197), Adam Kingsley (‘96, 170), Mitch Hahn (‘99, 181), Brent Staker (‘02, 160), Zac Clark (’08, 110), Jamie McMillan (’09, 167), Jack Newnes (’11, 207), Alex Pearce (’13, 138), and Riley Bonner (’15, 112).

The pick has also given us a few All Australians in Leigh Montagna (’01, 155, 2 AA), Mark LeCras (’04, 219, 2 AA), Todd Goldstein (’06, 345, 3 AA), and Scott Thompson (’07, 241, 1 AA).

However, the pick hasn’t produced any players on note since… Harrison Petty (’17, 101).


Some of us are clinging to the hope that Pickett will be overlooked by the other clubs, or that academy and father-son picks will push our pick further up so that he is within our reach. But, just in case things go our way, it’s worth taking a look at who else we could add to our list.

Speculative picks, draft sliders, unpolished gems… if they don’t feature in Cal Twomey’s top 30, let us know what you think of them here.

 

[space_cowboy]

Matt LeRay 188cm Mid




Not sure why this guy isn’t in Twomey’s top 30, but only committed to footy instead of cricket a year ago, so maybe needs more time. A tall utility, with good hands, who can kick well off both feet, he’s a few centimetres shorter that Oliver Greeves, but seems to be a similar type of player.



RookieMe Analysis

STRENGTHS:

+ Clean hands

+ Dual-footed

+ Leadership

+ Upside

+ Versatility

+ Work rate



IMPROVEMENTS:

- Decision making

- Endurance



LeRay offers upside in spades, thanks largely to his versatility. He has played in all four roles - defence, midfield, wing, and forward - and could genuinely be moulded into anything. He made his name this year as an All-Australian wingman, but harboured hopes of becoming a genuine big-bodied midfielder coming into the year, and thrived with a late-season move to defence. He has a spread of traits adaptable to each third of the ground.



The 188cm utility has done a power of work on his running ability, and while he returned a modest 2km time trial at the draft combine, exhibited strong work rate throughout the season. Particularly on the outside, he tracks the play well up and back - supporting the defence in facilitating transitional play, and driving the ball into dangerous zones to launch inside forward 50. His repeat efforts and pressure acts also highlight that high work rate.



Another aspect of LeRay's adaptability is his handling. He has the size and frame to be a threat overhead, but is just as clean below his knees. In both phases of play, LeRay is gutsy and willing to put his body on the line, meaning he can reliably win his own ball around the ground. It makes him a handy option when rotating forward, while potentially lending to an intercepting role down back. He can just about do it all.



Further to LeRay's strong fundamentals, he's a skilful dual-footed kicker. While inconsistent with his execution at times, he can deliver neatly on either side and does so best in space. Part of his improvement, though, will come with his decision making. LeRay can tend to blaze away in tight spots or take too much time in picking out an option, so accelerating his option assessment will help him to transfer less pressure to teammates.



An intangible trait which also boosts LeRay's profile is his leadership. He has been captain in several elite programs, skippering club football at Central District and on the school scene with Prince Alfred College. That also extends to his cricketing career having led South Australia at last year's Under 19 championships. He prides himself on that aspect and is a vocal type who enjoys leading by example.



LeRay's upside is observed not only in what he does well, but also in what he could do better. As mentioned, he has sought to work on his endurance and conditioning, which has come along well in an on-field sense. The conditioning aspect could also see him develop as a dominant inside midfielder with his big frame and work rate. Having made so much progress in just one football-devoted year, imagine what he could do with many more.

 

[space_cowboy]

Noah Roberts-Thomson 181cm Mid/Fwd







If King is looking for good ball users then he could do worse than this lad. A neat left-footer who uses the ball well to set up other players… though he might be a little undersized.



RookieMe Analysis

STRENGTHS:

+ Agility

+ Clean hands

+ Contested ball

+ Footy IQ

+ Running capacity

+ Scoreboard impact



IMPROVEMENTS:

- Defensive transition

- Impact-per-possession



Roberts-Thomson's versatility makes him a difficult player to pigeonhole. At the coalface, he is a sturdy ball-winning midfielder with clean hands who generally makes the right decision. Then, as a forward, he has the ability to seize upon slight opportunities and hurt opposition sides with score involvements. He has also had stints across half-back during his junior career, where he utilised his penetrating left boot and aggressive ball use to affect forward forays.



Standing at 181cm, he is not an overwhelming presence across the ground, but he isn’t held back by his relative lack of size. He’s a player who possesses a low centre of gravity and core strength that allows him to explode out of congestion. He demonstrated these attributes at the combine, particularly in the 20m sprint and agility test, where he finished sixth overall in both events, ahead of such highly-touted prospects as Sam Grlj and Zeke Uwland.



His output at Under 18 level was impressive in its consistency, averaging 22 disposals and one goal per game for Sturt. During the National Championships, his numbers were halved due to a lack of midfield exposure and a step-up in competition that challenges many players. But Roberts-Thomson has been open about his deficiencies, signalling his intent to address his defensive transitioning, something he believes he has already made inroads on this season.

 

[space_cowboy]

Liam Heatherton 197cm Fwd







As Lamb clearly knows, if we keep recruiting talls, eventually we’re bound to get one right… eventually. This lad missed most of the season due to injury, but kicked 11 goals in 3 games for Vic Country at the start of the year.



RookieMe Analysis

STRENGTHS:

+ Bodywork

+ Forward craft

+ Mobility

+ Marking

+ Scoreboard impact

+ Vertical leap



IMPROVEMENTS:

- Endurance

- Kicking



Heatherton is a natural forward capable of both owning his space inside 50 and working further up the ground. He also provides a handy chop-out in the ruck and possesses a spread of useful athletic traits. For reference, Heatherton’s preseason vertical leap results (75cm standing and 89cm running) would have comfortably placed him in the top 10 at the National Draft Combine. He also gets a tick for agility via the eye test.



While somewhat overshadowed by star teammates in his bottom-age campaign, Heatherton was able to showcase his goalkicking ability in the early stages of 2025. He booted hauls of 3.1, 5.0, and 3.2 in his only three Coates Talent League appearances, and was able to find the goals from a variety of situations. Whether converting over the mark, following up in open play, or grabbing out of the ruck, he consistently found a way to score.



Heatherton’s scoreboard impact also comes down to his forward craft. When stationed deep inside 50, he reads the cues early and commits to bodywork in one-on-one jostles. From there, he can take low marks on the lead or hold his ground to pluck the ball out of the air. He prides himself on his marking ability, although can work on clunking the ball a little cleaner overhead or out in front, and gaining greater separation from his opponent.



Outside of his contested exploits, Heatherton is decently agile in open play. As mentioned, it allows him to find different avenues to goal, and unlike many key forwards, he is also willing to follow up and apply pressure. Such feats help him exude real presence. Heatherton has identified endurance as his key area for improvement, so a greater running tank will only heighten his ability to impact the game outside of purely scoring.



Heatherton also has room for growth in some of his skill execution. His kicking is a particular area of focus, and to Heatherton’s credit, he straightened up his goal kicking to an extent compared to 2024 - where he managed 7.13 for Murray. He can also develop his decision making and composure when field kicking, as he can tend to run into trouble and dump the ball forward when looking to move the play on quickly

 

[space_cowboy]

Cody Curtin 200cm Fwd







Another tall, Dan’s younger brother, has a similar build, but is a few centimetres taller and kicks with his right… but looks comfortable off both feet. Can take a strong, contested mark and had played forward and back.



RookieMe Analysis

STRENGTHS:

+ Competitiveness

+ Contested marking

+ Physicality

+ Scoreboard impact

+ Strength

+ Versatility



IMPROVEMENTS:

- Running power

- Speed



Curtin is a powerful presence and hardly loses a physical jostle when the ball enters his area. Particularly as a key forward, his sheer size makes opponents panic and if he can't mark, he'll draw free kicks. Not only does he rack up opportunities, but he makes the opposition pay with reliable conversion. He slotted 32.9 in nine WAFL Colts appearances this season, proving an absolute deadeye in front of goal.



His scoreboard impact was profound nearly every week in Claremont colours. Curtin's nine appearances included three hauls of five goals, and two bags of six - including one in the winning Grand Final. There isn't much defenders can do to stop him when on song, as he reads the ball well to get into position early, and is extremely difficult to move off his line. From there, he has vice-like hands and will absorb contact without fuss.



Scoring is a major facet in getting Curtin up and running. He had his share of quieter games throughout the season, but only needed a small sniff to get going. Big contested marks and important goals are central to his confidence in that sense. If he can get a couple early, look out, because he's a difficult player to contain when he builds a full head of steam. It's go big or go home with him, and he celebrates with gusto when on top.



Credit to terrific craft and bodywork, Curtin has made the forwardline his home. Although, such physicality and size has also translated well in a secondary ruck role. He may not cover the ground as quickly as other more athletic types, but provides a contest at 200cm and can clunk marks down the line. He hits hard and can be seen chasing even harder at times, even if speed isn't his strong suit. The intensity and aggression are often there.



Somewhat forgotten is Curtin's proven ability as a key defender. He made his way in the state setup last year by doing solid jobs on eventual draftees like Jack Whitlock and Charlie Nicholls, leaning on his competitiveness and aerial ability to shut them down. Being so physically ready also helped hold up against more senior opposition. That latter factor became even more glaring this year, which is why recruiters wanted to see him at senior level.



The main concern with Curtin revolves around his speed, and ability to cover the ground. While he performed well in the national combine's 2km time trial, he can sometimes rely on his size to impact games or dine out on less developed opponents. Not through a lack of effort to get up the ground, he does much of his work deep inside 50 and will be tested once matched for size and strength at senior level.



As much was evident when he stepped up to take on VFL-level opposition with the AFL Academy, or in two games against East Fremantle where over-ager Jye Sander kept him to a single goal each time. He will need to find other ways to get involved when his marking and goalkicking are shut down, and being able to move with the increasing pace of the game will be central to that. Still, he's so dangerous one-out close to goal.

 

[Lord Nev]

Josiah Landy is a name I've heard mentioned around this mark for us. Don't know a lot about draftees, so only really know he's a shorter mid who's a good tackler and can impact the scoreboard. Others might have better info/more details.

 

[Proper Gander]

With the trade period behind us, a long four weeks to go until the draft, and plenty of focus on who we should pick with 7 & 8, I thought it might be provide some much needed distraction if we had a thread dedicated to speculation on what hidden nugget we might find in the dirt at pick 37.


Since 1986, pick 37 has produced a number of serviceable to not-too-bad 100 gamers, starting with our own Andrew Obst in ’87, who went on to play 149 games, followed by Matt Rogers (’91, 197), Adam Kingsley (‘96, 170), Mitch Hahn (‘99, 181), Brent Staker (‘02, 160), Zac Clark (’08, 110), Jamie McMillan (’09, 167), Jack Newnes (’11, 207), Alex Pearce (’13, 138), and Riley Bonner (’15, 112).

The pick has also given us a few All Australians in Leigh Montagna (’01, 155, 2 AA), Mark LeCras (’04, 219, 2 AA), Todd Goldstein (’06, 345, 3 AA), and Scott Thompson (’07, 241, 1 AA).

However, the pick hasn’t produced any players on note since… Harrison Petty (’17, 101).


Some of us are clinging to the hope that Pickett will be overlooked by the other clubs, or that academy and father-son picks will push our pick further up so that he is within our reach. But, just in case things go our way, it’s worth taking a look at who else we could add to our list.

Speculative picks, draft sliders, unpolished gems… if they don’t feature in Cal Twomey’s top 30, let us know what you think of them here.

Love it! Thank you!

I’ve been worrying about how we best use pick 37. It’s good to have an opportunity to really break it down.

 

[MarcMaverick]

Latrelle Pickett?

 

[space_cowboy]

Latrelle Pickett?

I'm hoping that we can grab Pickett too, but Twomey currently has him at pick 24 (up from 30 last month). Hopefully he slides a few spots.

 

[space_cowboy]

Josiah Landy is a name I've heard mentioned around this mark for us. Don't know a lot about draftees, so only really know he's a shorter mid who's a good tackler and can impact the scoreboard. Others might have better info/more details.

I haven’t noticed Landy in any of the footage that I watched, but there was some commentary on him on RookieMe after his performance in the Coates Talent League Grand Final…

‘Among the mainstays with perhaps less fanfare is midfielder Josiah Landy, whose crash and bash style allowed others to shine.’

And this write up after his performance for the Eastern Ranges against the Western Jets…

#9 Josiah Landy

Midfielder/Forward | 179cm | 27/01/2007

Stats: 25 disposals, 7 tackles, 2 goals

Landy set the tone early with his strong tackling pressure in the midfield and coverage around the ground, using his vision and proficiency with his disposal especially by hand to release teammates. Landy kicked two goals in the opening quarter, the first after receiving a push in a contest and converting the set shot kick from close range, then the second where he broke away on a lead on an angle and converted the set shot that looked like a cross-field kick. While more opportunities may have gone begging, Landy would eventually set up Jaden Lawerence from close range, keeping his composure at a fast pace under pressure.

 

[Bluelegs]

LeRay is a great name.

 

[SugarHealey]

I want us to be busy in the rookie/preseason draft space this off-season.

 

[Lord Nev]

I want us to be busy in the rookie/preseason draft space this off-season.

We don't have a ton of space to do that though as it stands.

 

[dylan93]

How has this pick already got its own thread and 7 and 8 don't?

 

[SugarHealey]

We don't have a ton of space to do that though as it stands.

I never really keep up with how many list spots and picks spaces we have available. But it seems to me in a said
very-even-draft, where many players are hard to distinguish between... There could be many who fall between the cracks, that we like the look of.

Also, its like the opposite of Oli and Tracca, and other players who might have gotten ahead of themselves, in the stardom of the AFL.

Those who have missed the draft boat might have the wake-up call required, for them to go even-harder, to try for their dream.
In these type drafts, i am sure their will be a few gems fall thru to the rookie draft.
Maybe we need to free up more spots.?

 

[Lord Nev]

I never really keep up with how many list spots and picks spaces we have available. But it seems to me in a said
very-even-draft, where many players are hard to distinguish between... There could be many who fall between the cracks, that we like the look of.

Also, its like the opposite of Oli and Tracca, and other players who might have gotten ahead of themselves, in the stardom of the AFL.

Those who have missed the draft boat might have the wake-up call required, for them to go even-harder, to try for their dream.
In these type drafts, i am sure their will be a few gems.
Maybe we need to free up more spots.?

I think the top 15 are relatively even but then it drops off - From what people say anyways, not something I follow super closely these days.

As it stands, we have 3-5 senior spots available, and 2 rookie spots available, and given we're paying Clarry, I wouldn't be shocked to see us not use the maximum number of spots.

I would say 4 draftees - picks 7, 8, 37 and White with a late pick. Then 1 rookie in Sinnema. We then have an open rookie spot if we want to use it later on. Can be tricky with flexible list sizes, but that's my guess.

 

[Proper Gander]

How has this pick already got its own thread and 7 and 8 don't?

It could be a game changer

 

[mrmonkey]

 

[Dory_77]

Nice research space_cowboy . I don't follow drafts as closely but some interesting options here.

 

[Scythe]

How has this pick already got its own thread and 7 and 8 don't?

I've been way too busy to get the previews up. If somebody wants to have a crack, they're more than welcome to

 

[stEdy]

Really want Latrelle Pickett.

Double Pickett will be fun even if he's shit

 

[MarcMaverick]

Well now that our first two picks are done, this is now our focus.

 

[Bluelegs]

Greeves

 

[mrmonkey]

Greeves

I recall you liking Greeves a while back. Hadn't seen much of him until before, gee he looks good, would be stoked if he pick him up as well.

 

[dazzledavey36]

I reckon we may put a bid in for Kye Fincher.