List Mgmt. Pick 9

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Mac Daddy17

Rookie
Sep 18, 2016
27
53
AFL Club
Carlton
THE TOP 30 PLAYERS

1. MATT ROWELL

Clubs: Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro

Position: Midfielder

Size: 178cm, 74kg

Bio: Matt Rowell has been keeping an eye on the AFL ladder all season, but it’s almost certain he will land up on the Gold Coast in November. The midfielder stands out for the colour of his hair - red - but his ability to impact the play and rack up numbers. It’s no surprise he’s in pole position to go Pick 1, following an outstanding Under 18 Championships, school football season and NAB League form. During the carnival, the 18-year-old averaged 24.8 disposals and 6.0 tackles, winning the ball at the stoppages and helping Metro move the ball forward. His form for the Chargers since returning after school football has only solidified his No. 1 credentials.

2. NOAH ANDERSON

Clubs: Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro

Position: Midfielder

Size: 188cm, 86kg

Bio: Rowell might get all the plaudits, but Anderson continues to just go about his business as an attacking midfielder. His selling point is his ability to hit the scoreboard, with 14 goals from his six NAB League appearances, including 23 touches and three goals against the Dragons on the weekend. Goalkicking midfielders are worth their weight in gold and he was rewarded for his good carnival with an All-Australian guernsey. Anderson averaged 23.5 disposals and 5.3 clearances, which arguably would’ve been more if he didn’t spend most of the second half against eventual winners Western Australia on the bench. Anderson is far from reaching his potential ceiling, meaning he’ll be heavily considered with Pick 1 - Gold Coast sure would love a priority pick to grab him as well as Rowell.

Matt Rowell is in pole position to head to Gold Coast. Photo: Mike Owen/AFL Photos via Getty Images.
Matt Rowell is in pole position to head to Gold Coast. Photo: Mike Owen/AFL Photos via Getty Images.Source: Getty Images
3. HAYDEN YOUNG

Clubs: Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country

Position: Half Back

Size: 188cm, 82kg

Bio: Some recruiters argue you can’t take a half back flanker with a top three selection in the draft. And while they might be right, you can’t doubt Young’s ability to break open a match with his classy left foot kick. His vision to find a target in the middle of Marvel Stadium in the final minutes of the match against Western Australia just screamed elite decision making. The 18-year-old averaged 22 disposals and 5.3 marks during the carnival, playing behind the ball and controlling the play in the back half for Vic Country. He has remained consistent in the back-half of the year, with three consecutive strong outings against the Dragons, Power and Ranges — collecting 25 or more touches in each game.

4. CALEB SERONG

Clubs: Gippsland Power/Vic Country

Position: Midfielder/Half Forward

Size: 178cm, 83kg

Bio: Serong’s ball-winning ability might’ve been his sole question mark coming into the year, but he’s a player who doesn’t need a big 25 disposal-plus game to hurt opposition teams. He’s one of the more damaging forward half players in this crop, plus his disposals and clearance work help his team get the ball forward and attack on goal. Serong booted three goals against the Allies in Tasmania as he finished the carnival with an average of 23.5 disposals and 8.5 tackles. It’s his tenacious approach around the ball that makes him such an important player.

5. TOM GREEN

Clubs: GWS Giants Academy/Allies

Position: Midfielder

Size: 188cm, 85kg

Bio: The Giants will have to get creative in October and November, with all the signs pointing to Green receiving a top-five bid. They’ve re-signed Stephen Coniglio, and they drafted three midfielders in the first round last year, but it would be a shock to see them overlook Green. The big-bodied inside midfielder is in the same mould of a Patrick Cripps or Clayton Oliver, bashing and crashing his way through the stoppages to win the contested ball. No player had more contested possessions than Green in the Under 18 Championships, with the 18-year-old averaging 23.8 disposals and 8.0 clearances. A knee injury curtailed the second half of his season.

6. LACHIE ASH

Clubs: Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country

Position: Half Back

Size: 186cm, 80kg

Bio: You wouldn’t have missed Ash’s eye-catching runs if you tuned in to the Under 18 Championships during the middle of the year. The 18-year-old loves the take the ball under his arm and run his 15 metres, often taking another bounce before banging the ball long inside 50. He set up Vic Country’s victory against South Australia, with a pinpoint kick to hit up Brodie Kemp in the dying seconds, with Kemp slotting the goal. Ash averaged 23 disposals in the carnival and has been one of the better Murray Bushranger players in the NAB League. Recruiters would’ve been impressed at his increased tackle numbers in the final month of the year as well.

7. SAM FLANDERS

Clubs: Gippsland Power/Vic Country

Position: Midfielder/Half Forward

Size: 182cm, 81kg

Bio: Flanders has had a number of consistent performances this year, but he saved one of his best games for the NAB League finals, dominating the Oakleigh Chargers with an impressive first half burst. Flanders had 27 touches and booted four goals in Gippsland’s loss, laying a number of hard tackles in the contest. He is the perfect player to rotate from the midfield and play deep as a forward, given he has a strong pair of hands overhead and can clunk contested marks. Flanders averaged 22.4 disposals and 6.0 tackles during the Under 18 Championships, named in the All-Australian squad.

Caleb Serong is a powerful midfielder. Photo: Graham Denholm/AFL Photos via Getty Images.
Caleb Serong is a powerful midfielder. Photo: Graham Denholm/AFL Photos via Getty Images.Source: Getty Images
8. BRODIE KEMP

Clubs: Bendigo Pioneers/Vic Country

Position: Utility

Size: 192cm, 82kg

Bio: Kemp really lifted his output when the Under 18 Championships came to Victoria, finishing with two strong outings in the attacking half of the ground. Kemp booted the matchwinning goal against South Australia, while two third quarter goals against Western Australia got his team back into the contest last Wednesday. Kemp can play through the midfield and in defence, averaging 20 disposals and 6.5 marks during the carnival. Unfortunately, Kemp ruptured his ACL at school football for Geelong Grammar and missed majority of the second half of the season. Kemp also won’t be tested at the national combine. He’s certainly shown top 10 qualities at stages, but how his injury will affect his draft position remains to be seen.

9. FISCHER MCASEY

Clubs: Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro

Position: Key Defender

Size: 195cm, 86kg

Bio: McAsey was one of a number of players who pushed their draft credentials during the Under 18 Championships, intercepting at will in the defensive half of the ground. The key defender averaged 6.5 marks during the carnival as he locked down his spot as the best tall in the draft pool. McAsey has the ability to play up forward, as shown by his three goal haul against the Dandenong Stingrays in Round 14, but his strong work in the air down back means it will be the position AFL recruiters will likely be expecting him to play at the next level.

10. DYLAN STEPHENS

Clubs: Norwood/South Australia

Position: Midfielder

Size: 183cm, 69kg

Bio: Stephens projects as one of South Australia’s best draft prospects following a strong carnival playing through the midfield. The left footer uses his pinpoint kicking to spot targets inside 50, likened to West Coast’s Andrew Gaff and GWS midfielder Josh Kelly. Stephens averaged 23.5 disposals during the Under 18 Championships and was named in the All-Australian team. He might only be lightly framed, but he held his spot in Norwood’s SANFL League team, winning the ball on the outside.

11. LUKE JACKSON

Clubs: East Fremantle/Western Australia

Position: Ruck

Size: 198cm, 94kg

Bio: The gun junior basketballer came into the Under 18 Championships neck and neck with Nick Bryan to claim the mantle of the No. 1 big man in the competition. And Jackson’s standout carnival meant not only was he selected in the All-Australian squad as a ruck, but he continues to be talked about as a potential top-ten pick. Fox Footy’s Ben Dixon declared he played in a similar fashion to Collingwood’s Brodie Grundy, given his good follow-up around the ground. No player had more hit-outs during the carnival, with Jackson dominating the hit-outs to advantage. The East Fremantle tall continued to star in the WAFL Colts throughout 2019 and will be the first ruck drafted.

12. LIAM HENRY

Clubs: Claremont/Western Australia

Position: Half Forward

Size: 179cm, 67kg

Bio: Henry saved his best performance for the final game of the carnival as he collected 25 disposals and laid five tackles in WA’s win over Vic Country. The Fremantle next-generation academy prospect pushed his first round credentials, standing out in his flashy red boots. He creates a spark across half forward and can get up and down the wing on the outside. Henry has plenty of X-Factor and certainly is one to keep an eye on for years to come. Like a number of other draft prospects, his season was halted prematurely after suffering nasty knee injury at school football in WA.

Liam Henry is a Fremantle next-generation academy prospect. Photo: Michael Dodge/AFL Photos via Getty Images.
Liam Henry is a Fremantle next-generation academy prospect. Photo: Michael Dodge/AFL Photos via Getty Images.Source: Getty Images
13. TRENT RIVERS

Clubs: East Fremantle/Western Australia

Position: Midfielder/Half Back

Size: 188cm, 85kg

Bio: Rivers has had a consistent year at WAFL Colts level, and when tested at Under 18 Championships level he continued his good start to the season, ending as Western Australia’s third-highest ball winner. Rivers averaged 21.8 disposals and five marks playing across half back, showing composure and spotting targets well on his right boot. Impressively, Rivers was able to hit the scoreboard in the second half of the year at East Fremantle, adding another string to his bow. Rivers should find a home inside the top 30 on draft night.

14. WILL DAY

Clubs: West Adelaide/South Australia

Position: Half Back

Size: 187cm, 70kg

Bio: Day has been one of the big risers in 2019 following a great carnival playing across half back. He still has a light build meaning a Round 1 debut in 2020 is very unlikely, but he remains composed and effective with ball in hand under pressure. He was mighty impressive during the second quarter of South Australia’s clash against the Allies finishing with 20 disposals. His strong carnival means he is certainly in the mix to be a top 25 selection.

15. DEVEN ROBERTSON

Clubs: Perth/Western Australia

Position: Midfielder

Size: 182cm, 80kg

Bio: Going back and watching the vision from Robertson’s Under 18 carnival, it’s clear to see why he won the Larke Medal as the best player. While he still has areas of his game that can be improved, his ball-winning and impact in the contest throughout 2019 has been profound. The midfielder broke Sam Walsh’s record for the most touches in a four-game Under 18 carnival, averaging 30 disposals, 6.8 tackles and 4.8 clearances. Shoulder surgery ended Robertson’s season, with the nephew of West Coast great Darren Glass appearing unlikely to test at the national combine.

16. JOSH WORRELL

Clubs: Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro

Position: Utility

Size: 195cm, 74kg

Bio: Where Worrell ends up at AFL level is a major unknown, given his ability to virtually play anywhere on the ground. He’s been used as a key position target at either end, while he has also played on the wing and across either flank. He ended as Vic Metro’s leading goalkicker, booting four goals against Western Australia. Worrell has good agility and is an effective kick. Shoulder surgery ended Worrell’s season early and is another prospect that is likely to have a quiet national combine.

Finn Maginness is a Hawthorn father-son prospect. Photo: Graham Denholm/AFL Photos via Getty Images.
Finn Maginness is a Hawthorn father-son prospect. Photo: Graham Denholm/AFL Photos via Getty Images.Source: Getty Images
17. FINN MAGINNESS

Clubs: Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro

Position: Midfielder

Size: 187cm, 80kg

Bio: The Hawthorn father-son prospect - his dad being dual premiership Hawk Scott - has pushed into first round contention after a superb finish to 2019. Maginness had a number of standout matches following the Under 18 Championships where he averaged 18.3 disposals and 7.5 tackles, including a big 26 disposal performance against Geelong being one of the highlights. As the Dragons went deeper into September, Maginness showed his class and strong ball winning capabilities. His draft range appears to be 15 to 25 at the moment, with bids often coming behind where players are ranked by many.

18. WILL GOULD

Clubs: Glenelg/South Australia

Position: Defender

Size: 191cm, 98kg

Bio: Gould won dual All-Australian honours as he finished with his two best games of the carnival in Geelong and at Marvel Stadium. Given his big frame, it’s no surprise Gould has held his own at SANFL League level for Glenelg playing alongside some experienced heads. The 18-year-old racked up an average of 21.5 disposals and 4.5 marks, as well as leading the competition for rebounds. It’s unlikely Gould will hold down a No. 1 key defender role at the next level, more likely to be a third tall that rebounds, given he can mark overhead and get it going forward. A number of recruiters are split on where they rank Gould, with the tall still in the mix as a first-round selection.

19. CODY WEIGHTMAN

Clubs: Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country

Position: Forward

Size: 177cm, 73kg

Bio: The small forward was part of Haileybury College’s split schoolboy premiership and is one of the smarter players around goal. Weightman reads the ball well in the air and gets to the right positions when he is required to crumb the ball. Weightman booted nine goals in four outings for Vic Country and is being talked as a potential first round selection. At this stage he is a forward, but he has the capabilities to push further up the ground and can use the ball on either foot.

20. MILES BERGMAN

Clubs: Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro

Position: Midfielder/Half forward

Size: 186cm, 75kg

Bio: Bergman has been one of the big risers with a solid Under 18 Championships being the springboard for a great end to 2019. With a good burst of speed, Bergman can play right around the ground, but has looked his best at the attacking end. It was his four goal and 18 disposal performance against Geelong towards the latter part of the year that really caught the eye, while his impact with the ball in hand is always noticed by club recruiters. Bergman can break the lines and has a future role at AFL level.

21. CAMERON TAHENY

Clubs: Norwood/South Australia

Position: Forward

Size: 185cm, 80kg

Bio: Injury effected Taheny throughout the carnival, with the hybrid forward missing one game. He ended his Under 18 Championships with a strong 21 disposal, six mark and one goal performance. The left footer impressed early in the season at SANFL League level with a number of multiple goal efforts for Norwood, including a five-goal haul against West Adelaide. It certainly hasn’t been a complete season by the medium forward, but he has some traits that will appeal to AFL clubs.

22. DYLAN WILLIAMS

Clubs: Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro

Position: Utility

Size: 185cm, 79kg

Bio: Williams came into the season as a potential No.1 pick candidate and while he has slipped in some regards, he certainly has shown his top class qualities. Injuries affected his Under 18 Championships, but if there’s a player who could be a bargain for a club outside the top ten, he could be it. His craft and smarts around goal make him extremely damaging as he turns onto his left foot going forward. He has shown some ability as a key defender, while also winning the clearances in the midfield for the Chargers. He is one of the great unknowns, but with plenty of X-factor, he might just become one of the better players out of this draft pool.

23. TRENT BIANCO

Clubs: Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro

Position: Half Back

Size: 178cm, 70kg

Bio: Bianco spent all his time for Vic Metro playing behind the ball and racked up 74 disposals in four outings in the carnival. He showed off his ability to use the ball off either foot, rebounding the ball effectively. Bianco has some tricks and has shown his capabilities through the midfield at NAB League level and also was trusted with some responsibilities in the back half of the Australia U18 game against Casey. While he doesn’t possess express speed, his class for the Chargers in recent weeks has been on show, with 34, 28, 24 and 27 disposals from his last four games.

24. JACKSON MEAD

Clubs: Woodville-West Torrens/South Australia

Position: Midfielder

Size: 184cm, 83kg

Bio: The Port Adelaide father-son prospect - dad Darren won the Power’s best and fairest award in 1997 - looks best suited to an inside midfielder role, following an Under 18 Championships where he averaged 21.3 disposals and five tackles. Mead has played two SANFL League matches, but has spent most of the season in the Reserves, averaging 21.6 disposals. Mead has plenty of improvement in him, showing glimpses of strong capabilities at the stoppages.

Dylan Stephens in action against Adelaide. Photo: Sarah Reed.
Dylan Stephens in action against Adelaide. Photo: Sarah Reed.Source: News Corp Australia
25. ELIJAH TAYLOR

Clubs: Perth/Western Australia

Position: Forward

Size: 185cm, 75kg

Bio: The West Australian is a lively forward who can do plenty of things that others cannot around goal. He has great agility and speed around the ball, with clear X-factor . He is far from a finished product, so he seems unlikely to play AFL next year. But with a number of pre-seasons under his belt, Taylor could develop into one of the more talented players in the 2019 draft pool.

26. COOPER STEPHENS

Clubs: Geelong Falcons/Vic Country

Position: Midfielder

Size: 188cm, 83kg

Bio: All the time we see players who suffer season ending injuries in their draft year, but bounce back to show the doubters wrong upon reaching AFL. And Cooper Stephens might just be that. A broken leg ended his season after just three NAB League appearances for the Geelong Falcons, meaning he wouldn’t take part in the Under 18 Championships. But the midfielder showed his wares when he did play, averaging 26 disposals and 4.0 clearances, as well as running at more than 60 per cent contested possession percentage to start the year. Stephens remains in the hunt to be a top-30 selection.

27. HARRISON JONES

Clubs: Calder Cannons/Vic Metro

Position: Key Forward

Size: 194cm, 75kg

Bio: With a lack of tall prospects in the 2019 draft pool, Jones has rocketed up the draft boards and is firmly in the mix as being one of the first handful of players over the size of 190cm drafted. His mobility inside 50 indicates he will develop into a strong tall that can collect the ball in the air and on the ground. While he only booted four goals in the Under 18 Championships, the signs were there in small glimpses. Jones will take some time to develop, but the athletic tall will be one to watch.

28. DARCY CASSAR

Clubs: Western Jets/Vic Metro

Position: Midfielder

Size: 183cm, 75kg

Bio: The Vic Metro onballer had a strong opening half at the MCG in the first clash of the carnival, finishing with 16 disposals and three inside 50s in the loss. Cassar collects the ball on the outside and has the ability to spot up the key forwards inside 50. He possesses good agility and has averaged 23 disposals playing for the Western Jets in the NAB League. Clubs will notice a number of key areas Cassar can improve at, making him a player for the future.

29. MITCH O’NEILL

Clubs: Tasmania/Allies

Position: Midfielder

Size: 181cm, 70kg

Bio: O’Neill will be the first Tasmanian drafted this year, and is one of the few invited to any of the draft combines. In the NAB League season, O’Neill averaged just under 20 disposals and five clearances, standing out when he was standing in at the centre bounces. He might be slightly framed, but he is willing to crack in hard and win the contested ball. The 18-year-old had yet another consistent Under 18 Championships, leading from the front.

30. JEREMY SHARP

Clubs: East Fremantle/Western Australia

Position: 187cm, 79kg

Size: Midfielder

Bio: Sharp was a bottom-age star for WA in the Under 18 Championships, winning All-Australian honours in a team that included a number of top 2019 Rising Star candidates. And while the wingman might not have been as influential as he did in his bottom-age year, he still managed to averaged 21.7 disposals. The wingman has been playing in the WAFL League for East Fremantle, indicating how highly they rate him, given they have a number of top draft prospects this year.


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Pafloyul

Premiership Player
Oct 6, 2004
3,762
2,801
Somewhere else
AFL Club
Carlton
Other Teams
Carlton
You may keep this pick, sell it, or stick it up Rick’s bottom.

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Kemp if he is still available. Almost big enough for key position, showed enough playing in the midfield.

Can never have enough big solid mids who can play in other positions.

Good kid from a good family too.
 

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smashbox gill

Premiership Player
Jun 25, 2008
4,773
14,233
Donnie
AFL Club
Carlton
Pretty sure Flanders will be pocked by Melbourne at pick 8 considering they already said they will be looking for a small forward.

Not sure I’d want Kemp who will be coming off an ACL. Risky.

Luke Jackson could be a good pick up who would be able to rotate with TDK but feel we are sorted for KPP.
 

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