Draft Expert PMBangers 2025 Draft Thread

[PMBangers]

More just general draft related, but why has Grlj barely been playing?

School footy bs?

AGSV as well so far less coverage than APS

 

[Mattman93]

AGSV as well so far less coverage than APS

Urgh. So prohibitive for evaluating players.

 

[tigs2010]

Urgh. So prohibitive for evaluating players.

Played his last game Friday. Will be VM and Oakleigh from here.

 

[jumperfan]

Hey Bangers, just wondering what you see the draft ranges of Mitch Marsh and Sam Swadling as?

 

[eth-dog]

Hey Bangers, just wondering what you see the draft ranges of Mitch Marsh and Sam Swadling as?

Probably ideal in night games with a lighter coloured ball that doesn't swing as much

 

[PMBangers]

Hey Bangers, just wondering what you see the draft ranges of Mitch Marsh and Sam Swadling as?

Think Marsh is firmly in the top 15 and potentially back half of the top 10. Swadling I'd say is 25+

 

[jumperfan]

Think Marsh is firmly in the top 15 and potentially back half of the top 10. Swadling I'd say is 25+

Cheers!

 

[PMBangers]

Quick Summary of thoughts on SA/ WA prospects with their Champs done with;

SA top enders shouwed up consistently with a few of the lesser spoken about prospects also doing their chances no harm, for me Cumming, Marsh and Barker are all players I'm taking with no reservations or worries about how they adapt to the top level. Marsh and Barker I see pretty much staying in their current roles as a forward/ wing respectively, but I think Marsh will be a relatively slow burn as it could take some time for him to nail his craft as a third tall (will be required to get up the ground more). Cumming I can see as a midfielder at the next level but feel he's more likely to be a forward that pushes up to stoppage or rotates through the midfield

Schubert, Sharp and LeRay I still have some reservations about but lean towards them being more likely than not to have good AFL careers even if they are more role players than stars. Schubert's contested marking and mobility are undeniable, but his ball use is a concern and something I can see holding him back from ever being a top end KPF, I think kicking has been shown to be one of the harder skills to improve and I don't think he's AFL standard there. Sharp is an interesting one, weight of performance will have everyone second guessing having him in the teens or later even with his traits, but he's not the type of player I traditionally like as a prospect, once the Champs are done I'm going to have to rewatch and spend time just on Sharp to get a clearer picture myself, if he really is AFL elite at ground level and with his hands then there's definitely a long term piece there. LeRay I like and probably just need to watch on replay to gain more confidence in him, a lot of untapped potential there given the heavy cricket background and think a lot of his traits transfer to a transition focused AFL team.

I'm watching Kellaway, BOB and Dahlitz as guys that have something but again I need to focus on, Kellaway I'm almost more confident with than Schubert as guy that does everything well but not sure if it's AFL standard, and if so where his best position is.

WA was almost the opposite story, felt like the main few that were spoken about heading in didn't do justice to the hype and the lesser spoken about prospects stepped up to keep them competitive. Farrow's the only WA name I'm taking without any reservations after Champs, think the Hayden Young

26

Hayden Young

Age

24

Ht

189cm

Wt

88kg

Pos.

Mid

Career

Season

Last 5

D

10.0

3star

K

6.6

3star

HB

3.4

3star

M

3.2

3star

T

1.4

3star

CL

0.2

2star

D

10.0

3star

K

6.6

3star

HB

3.4

2star

M

3.2

3star

T

1.4

2star

CL

0.2

2star

D

10.0

3star

K

6.6

3star

HB

3.4

3star

M

3.2

4star

T

1.4

4star

CL

0.2

2star

comparisons are quite apt with his kicking and solidity overhead, although I don't see Farrow transitioning into a midfielder.

Felt Williams, Sutherland and Banfield were the others to genuinely improve their draft stocks, and I imagine Evans would've done the same had he played, but Walley, Fred, Whan, Swadling and Curtin were all underwhelming to the point I'm not sure I'd consider them as worthwhile draft picks. With the top level trending more and more towards players with speed the 3 mids aren't bringing that, and Swadling's the only one I think has traits for other roles (Half Forward mostly). Will be interesting to see their last parts of the year from here, hoping to see Fred and Whan given more opportunity outside the centre square, but don't think that'll happen at Colts level

 

[eDPS]

Quick Summary of thoughts on SA/ WA prospects with their Champs done with;

SA top enders shouwed up consistently with a few of the lesser spoken about prospects also doing their chances no harm, for me Cumming, Marsh and Barker are all players I'm taking with no reservations or worries about how they adapt to the top level. Marsh and Barker I see pretty much staying in their current roles as a forward/ wing respectively, but I think Marsh will be a relatively slow burn as it could take some time for him to nail his craft as a third tall (will be required to get up the ground more). Cumming I can see as a midfielder at the next level but feel he's more likely to be a forward that pushes up to stoppage or rotates through the midfield

Schubert, Sharp and LeRay I still have some reservations about but lean towards them being more likely than not to have good AFL careers even if they are more role players than stars. Schubert's contested marking and mobility are undeniable, but his ball use is a concern and something I can see holding him back from ever being a top end KPF, I think kicking has been shown to be one of the harder skills to improve and I don't think he's AFL standard there. Sharp is an interesting one, weight of performance will have everyone second guessing having him in the teens or later even with his traits, but he's not the type of player I traditionally like as a prospect, once the Champs are done I'm going to have to rewatch and spend time just on Sharp to get a clearer picture myself, if he really is AFL elite at ground level and with his hands then there's definitely a long term piece there. LeRay I like and probably just need to watch on replay to gain more confidence in him, a lot of untapped potential there given the heavy cricket background and think a lot of his traits transfer to a transition focused AFL team.

I'm watching Kellaway, BOB and Dahlitz as guys that have something but again I need to focus on, Kellaway I'm almost more confident with than Schubert as guy that does everything well but not sure if it's AFL standard, and if so where his best position is.

WA was almost the opposite story, felt like the main few that were spoken about heading in didn't do justice to the hype and the lesser spoken about prospects stepped up to keep them competitive. Farrow's the only WA name I'm taking without any reservations after Champs, think the Hayden Young comparisons are quite apt with his kicking and solidity overhead, although I don't see Farrow transitioning into a midfielder.

Felt Williams, Sutherland and Banfield were the others to genuinely improve their draft stocks, and I imagine Evans would've done the same had he played, but Walley, Fred, Whan, Swadling and Curtin were all underwhelming to the point I'm not sure I'd consider them as worthwhile draft picks. With the top level trending more and more towards players with speed the 3 mids aren't bringing that, and Swadling's the only one I think has traits for other roles (Half Forward mostly). Will be interesting to see their last parts of the year from here, hoping to see Fred and Whan given more opportunity outside the centre square, but don't think that'll happen at Colts level

Brilliant summary

 

[Polkinghorne]

Great summary of SA & WA Bangers,

With 1 game to go for CV, are Duursma, Lindsay & Onley all top 10 locks and has Harding put himself in first round calculations

 

[PMBangers]

Great summary of SA & WA Bangers,

With 1 game to go for CV, are Duursma, Lindsay & Onley all top 10 locks and has Harding put himself in first round calculations

Duursma yes, Lindsay is in the range in my view but could see why some clubs may not be that high on him, definitely not, also definitely not

 

[Snuffaluphagus]

Quick Summary of thoughts on SA/ WA prospects with their Champs done with;

SA top enders shouwed up consistently with a few of the lesser spoken about prospects also doing their chances no harm, for me Cumming, Marsh and Barker are all players I'm taking with no reservations or worries about how they adapt to the top level. Marsh and Barker I see pretty much staying in their current roles as a forward/ wing respectively, but I think Marsh will be a relatively slow burn as it could take some time for him to nail his craft as a third tall (will be required to get up the ground more). Cumming I can see as a midfielder at the next level but feel he's more likely to be a forward that pushes up to stoppage or rotates through the midfield

Schubert, Sharp and LeRay I still have some reservations about but lean towards them being more likely than not to have good AFL careers even if they are more role players than stars. Schubert's contested marking and mobility are undeniable, but his ball use is a concern and something I can see holding him back from ever being a top end KPF, I think kicking has been shown to be one of the harder skills to improve and I don't think he's AFL standard there. Sharp is an interesting one, weight of performance will have everyone second guessing having him in the teens or later even with his traits, but he's not the type of player I traditionally like as a prospect, once the Champs are done I'm going to have to rewatch and spend time just on Sharp to get a clearer picture myself, if he really is AFL elite at ground level and with his hands then there's definitely a long term piece there. LeRay I like and probably just need to watch on replay to gain more confidence in him, a lot of untapped potential there given the heavy cricket background and think a lot of his traits transfer to a transition focused AFL team.

I'm watching Kellaway, BOB and Dahlitz as guys that have something but again I need to focus on, Kellaway I'm almost more confident with than Schubert as guy that does everything well but not sure if it's AFL standard, and if so where his best position is.

WA was almost the opposite story, felt like the main few that were spoken about heading in didn't do justice to the hype and the lesser spoken about prospects stepped up to keep them competitive. Farrow's the only WA name I'm taking without any reservations after Champs, think the Hayden Young comparisons are quite apt with his kicking and solidity overhead, although I don't see Farrow transitioning into a midfielder.

Felt Williams, Sutherland and Banfield were the others to genuinely improve their draft stocks, and I imagine Evans would've done the same had he played, but Walley, Fred, Whan, Swadling and Curtin were all underwhelming to the point I'm not sure I'd consider them as worthwhile draft picks. With the top level trending more and more towards players with speed the 3 mids aren't bringing that, and Swadling's the only one I think has traits for other roles (Half Forward mostly). Will be interesting to see their last parts of the year from here, hoping to see Fred and Whan given more opportunity outside the centre square, but don't think that'll happen at Colts level

Having been at the game, if you told me Whan was tanking his price for Freo's sake id believe you. I refuse to believe the gap from Colts to Champs is so big as to make Whan look a superstar in one to undraftable in another.

Dude just jogged around doing cardio for most of the game. This is as polite as I can be on his last two games so either a, thanks for tanking for us Toby and/or b, apologies to any friends and family reading this.

 

[PMBangers]

Having been at the game, if you told me Whan was tanking his price for Freo's sake id believe you. I refuse to believe the gap from Colts to Champs is so big as to make Whan look a superstar in one to undraftable in another.

Dude just jogged around doing cardio for most of the game. This is as polite as I can be on his last two games so either a, thanks for tanking for us Toby and/or b, apologies to any friends and family reading this.

I'd argue he never looked an out and out superstar at Colts but I probably didn't see as much as you have.

For mine the gap is huge, particularly in weaker drafts, so I genuinely look for traits when watching Colts/ CTL/ SANFL 18s, then performance at Champs becomes more important. If a kids getting drafted early they should be dominating their state league regardless

 

[Snuffaluphagus]

I'd argue he never looked an out and out superstar at Colts but I probably didn't see as much as you have.

For mine the gap is huge, particularly in weaker drafts, so I genuinely look for traits when watching Colts/ CTL/ SANFL 18s, then performance at Champs becomes more important. If a kids getting drafted early they should be dominating their state league regardless

I get the gap is big, probably phrased it wrong but hes aggressive at Colts and drives away from packs with power then when I've watched him the last two games he borderline isn't going for a contested ball and would possibly make Erasmus look like Chris Judd.

I dont watch as much as you overall but from watching WA kids a bit the last few years I dont think I remember seeing such a difference for a player between the two comps.

 

[doug85]

Duursma yes, Lindsay is in the range in my view but could see why some clubs may not be that high on him, definitely not, also definitely not

What are the knocks on Lindsay? A few on the bombers board are keen to draft him (myself included).

 

[PMBangers]

What are the knocks on Lindsay? A few on the bombers board are keen to draft him (myself included).

Not overly physical and his ball use can dip when under pressure, not the strongest tackler either. Think it'll depend on if clubs see him as a Whitfield level talent as to how high theyre willing to take him

 

[The Talent Scout]

Quick Summary of thoughts on SA/ WA prospects with their Champs done with;

SA top enders shouwed up consistently with a few of the lesser spoken about prospects also doing their chances no harm, for me Cumming, Marsh and Barker are all players I'm taking with no reservations or worries about how they adapt to the top level. Marsh and Barker I see pretty much staying in their current roles as a forward/ wing respectively, but I think Marsh will be a relatively slow burn as it could take some time for him to nail his craft as a third tall (will be required to get up the ground more). Cumming I can see as a midfielder at the next level but feel he's more likely to be a forward that pushes up to stoppage or rotates through the midfield

Schubert, Sharp and LeRay I still have some reservations about but lean towards them being more likely than not to have good AFL careers even if they are more role players than stars. Schubert's contested marking and mobility are undeniable, but his ball use is a concern and something I can see holding him back from ever being a top end KPF, I think kicking has been shown to be one of the harder skills to improve and I don't think he's AFL standard there. Sharp is an interesting one, weight of performance will have everyone second guessing having him in the teens or later even with his traits, but he's not the type of player I traditionally like as a prospect, once the Champs are done I'm going to have to rewatch and spend time just on Sharp to get a clearer picture myself, if he really is AFL elite at ground level and with his hands then there's definitely a long term piece there. LeRay I like and probably just need to watch on replay to gain more confidence in him, a lot of untapped potential there given the heavy cricket background and think a lot of his traits transfer to a transition focused AFL team.

I'm watching Kellaway, BOB and Dahlitz as guys that have something but again I need to focus on, Kellaway I'm almost more confident with than Schubert as guy that does everything well but not sure if it's AFL standard, and if so where his best position is.

WA was almost the opposite story, felt like the main few that were spoken about heading in didn't do justice to the hype and the lesser spoken about prospects stepped up to keep them competitive. Farrow's the only WA name I'm taking without any reservations after Champs, think the Hayden Young comparisons are quite apt with his kicking and solidity overhead, although I don't see Farrow transitioning into a midfielder.

Felt Williams, Sutherland and Banfield were the others to genuinely improve their draft stocks, and I imagine Evans would've done the same had he played, but Walley, Fred, Whan, Swadling and Curtin were all underwhelming to the point I'm not sure I'd consider them as worthwhile draft picks. With the top level trending more and more towards players with speed the 3 mids aren't bringing that, and Swadling's the only one I think has traits for other roles (Half Forward mostly). Will be interesting to see their last parts of the year from here, hoping to see Fred and Whan given more opportunity outside the centre square, but don't think that'll happen at Colts level

Very nice summary Bangers, you've pretty much nailed it in one. Marsh reminds me in a way of Zane Duursma, but while he's good, Zane has him well & truly for class and being that Nat Fyfe type player that some recruiters might have had an opinion on, a lot of players in this draft can take good marks, but their decision making & foot skills are below average at the moment, now that can improve, but would need to.

These first two rounds this year are going to surprise a lot of people on where players will go, and while this draft is not very strong I feel early in the second round , maybe the first five or six selections could be a very comfortable place to get some nice talent.

 

[Yoda_]

Is a low possession mid sized forward going to translate to the highest level?

I don't see "it" with Marsh to consider him a top 10 prospect. What he does do is very good, he looks to not have enough strings imho

 

[Headless]

I'm not sure Headless approves.

Huge call!

 

[PMBangers]

Is a low possession mid sized forward going to translate to the highest level?

I don't see "it" with Marsh to consider him a top 10 prospect. What he does do is very good, he looks to not have enough strings imho

We're drafting on traits at the end of the day, with Marsh he's an elite mark and field kick in the forward half of the ground with well developed craft for his role, I'm taking him with confidence i can teach him to move up the ground a bit more and become a connector when required if I'm with a team that focuses on transition play.

 

[Yoda_]

We're drafting on traits at the end of the day, with Marsh he's an elite mark and field kick in the forward half of the ground with well developed craft for his role, I'm taking him with confidence i can teach him to move up the ground a bit more and become a connector when required if I'm with a team that focuses on transition play.

fair summary. Is the Patrick Voss comparison fair? maybe with a little less grunt

 

[Hawker399]

Perhaps Zurhaar is a Marsh comparison.

 

[PMBangers]

fair summary. Is the Patrick Voss comparison fair? maybe with a little less grunt

Marsh is far more athletic

 

[Mutineer]

Perhaps Zurhaar is a Marsh comparison.

Zurhaar is far more physical and aggressive.

 

[SSSSSS]

Is this the most underwhelming draft in a long time?

Can't think of a more uninspiring top 10. Usually when you're struggling to figure out a top 10 it's because there are so many good prospects but I can barely find 10 players that excite me.