Potential Draftee Watch - Version 2007

rizzo · Jul 3, 2007

Hopefully the mods can sticky this.

This is for everyone to post information/Articles/Match Reviews etc about draftees for this year.

I guess the aim of this is so when the club drafts these players we can get a bit of background straight away.

Ill be at the under 18 carnival at skilled so will do a bit of review there. But until then post any articles etc that we can find!

rizzo · Jul 3, 2007

Re: Potential Draftee Watch

THE NAB AFL Under-18 Championships showcase the stars of tomorrow in Australian Football, and AFL Talent Manager Kevin Sheehan runs through some of the players most likely to catch the eye of spectators and clubs alike.

Division one players:

Brad Ebert (South Australia)
Born: April 2, 1990
Height: 187cm
Weight: 86kg
From: Port Adelaide Magpies/Henley

Brad Ebert is the nephew of one of the greatest ever players to come out of South Australia, Russell Ebert, and Sheehan says he’s certainly a player to keep an eye on.

“He's already taken all before him in the last couple of years,” Sheehan said.

“He was a star player in the midfield at under-16 level last year and he's a prolific ball winner.

“He's strong overhead, can win it in the air, and is powerful in the contest. He can also play as an inside midfielder or a wingman.

“He was a star for the Australian side on its tour to South Africa earlier in the year and he was a leader in that group.

“He's played some senior matches for the Port Magpies already this year, so he's just about ticked all of the boxes in seeming destined to join his cousin Brett, who is playing for Port Adelaide at AFL level.

“A genuine player to watch.”

Ben McEvoy (Vic Country)
Born: July 11, 1989
Height: 199cm
Weight: 90kg
From: Murray Bushrangers/Dederang-Mt Beauty

A two-metre prospect from the Murray Bushrangers, McEvoy is a one of a number of potential ruckmen looming as outstanding prospects for the AFL according to Sheehan.

“Ben can also play up forward and occasionally down back, but he's got outstanding AFL qualities,” he said.

“He's played at this level in 2006 and has continued to develop as an outstanding player in the TAC Cup this year.

“He has got the height, athletic ability, nous and leadership qualities to be a top player in the ruck in the AFL.”

Trent Cotchin (Vic Metro)
Born: April 7, 1990
Height: 184cm
Weight: 81kg
From: Northern Knights/Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School

Sheehan says Trent Cotchin is a strongly-built midfielder with all the attributes required for a medium-sized midfielder/forward.

“He is strong in the contest and strong overhead and is super smart around the goals,” he said.

“He reminds me a bit of [Essendon midfielder] Brent Stanton as a player with that speed/endurance combination.

“Trent has been dominant at TAC Cup level and representing Vic Metro at under-16 level and was a standout in Vic Metro's trials.

“His work on both sides of his body was a feature. He uses the ball so beautifully and one of the goals he kicked from the boundary was all class, while he is also freakish up forward.

“Trent's quick, strong at the ball and clean with his hands and is a really exciting prospect.”

Chris Masten (Western Australia)
Born: May 2, 1989
Height: 179cm
Weight: 78kg
From: East Fremantle

Chris Masten will be representing Western Australia for the third consecutive season.

“Chris was a star at under-18 level last year and under-16s in 2005,” Sheehan said.

“He wasn't eligible for the draft last year, but he's also played senior footy for East Fremantle.

“He's an outstanding running machine and was a state-ranked middle distance runner and that continues to show in his play. He is especially suited to the modern game with his great running ability.

“He uses his hands very well and is smart around goals. He's a leader and prolific ball winner.”

Division two players:

Craig Bird (New South Wales/Australian Capital Territory)
Born: January 21, 1989
Height: 178cm
Weight: 76kg
From: Nelson Bay

Craig Bird is one of eight players representing NSW/ACT that are already listed by an AFL club. He holds a scholarship as part of the AFL's greater Sydney scholarship scheme with the Sydney Swans.

“Craig’s is an interesting story,” Sheehan said.

“He is the captain of NSW/ACT and last year he was an All-Australian.

“His great ability is to keep finding the footy. He is brilliant at winning the ball and makes great decisions with it.

“He sets the play up and kicks important goals and he's had a great season this year in the lead-up to the championships.

“He's really put his stamp on some impressive performances for NSW/ACT, including a win over the Calder Cannons, who are probably the benchmark in the TAC Cup.

“His leadership and form has been outstanding in recent times.”

Cyril Rioli (Northern Territory)
Born: July 14, 1989
Height: 178cm
Weight: 74kg
From: St Marys

The nephew of both Maurice Rioli and Michael Long, Sheehan said Cyril can be considered very unlucky not to have received All-Australian honours last year, but continues to take all before him.

“Earlier this year, Cyril even represented the Indigenous All Stars team against Essendon, giving him a taste of what will be before him.

“He's now at Scotch College in Melbourne and has been a dominant player for its senior team.

“He's kicked bags of seven and five goals and can play as a midfielder or medium-sized forward or defender.

“He's a left-footer and a great ball-winner. He has that beautiful Rioli sidestep to get through traffic and an outstanding ability around goal.”

Sam Reid (Queensland)
Born: November 7, 1989
Height: 185cm
Weight: 75kg
From: Zillmere

“Sam is a great example of how people can really improve their footy,” Sheehan said.

“He missed the cut last year as a 17-year-old in a very strong Queensland [side], but he has improved out of sight this year and has really developed.

“He has been in outstanding form in the lead-in games and he has been dominant against some of the TAC Cup sides, winning 30-plus disposals in the midfield on several occasions.

“He's a rangy type and is strong overhead, while he kicks well on both his left and right foot.

“He makes great decisions, is courageous and has great running ability.

“He was part of the AIS/AFL Academy which went to South Africa, so that helped mature him and helped convince him that he could play at the highest level.

“He has also played senior footy in the AFLQ and looms as another Queenslander destined for the AFL.”

Tom Collier (Tasmania)
Born: March 25, 1989
Height: 192cm
Weight: 86kg
From: Lauderdale

According to Sheehan, Tom Collier is the athletic model of a modern-day player and can perform in nearly every position.

“Tom’s lightly-framed at the moment, but he could play in a key position in the future,” Sheehan said.

“He's got the athletic ability to play out wider, with his pace, while he is also suited to a back-flank or up forward.

“Tom has also played senior football with the Tassie Devils in the VFL this year, having had experience against older players.

“He also played in a senior state game for Tasmania against Queensland this year, so he's had a range of experiences.

“He played in last year's championships, and had the disappointment of being overlooked in last year's NAB AFL Draft, but he's come on in leaps and bounds this year.

“He is certainly an exciting prospect from the Apple Isle.”

rizzo · Jul 3, 2007

Re: Potential Draftee Watch

The 2007 NAB AFL under-18 championships are being played from 23 June to 11 July. Over the championships, afl.com.au will highlight the 10 players who stand out after each block of matches. The assessments are made purely on their performance in the carnival – regardless of their drafting prospects and eligibility in 2007. The blocks will be assessed after matches are played in Sydney, Perth/Adelaide, Geelong and Carlton.

On Saturday, two matches were played in Sydney. In Game One, Tasmania fought back to defeat Queensland by 25 points at the SCG, while NSW/ACT comfortably took the honours over Northern Territory by 46 points in their match at Telstra Stadium. Here are afl.com.au's top 10 players from those two games…

1 – Loccy McGregor – NSW/ACT – 174cm, 72kg
One of the smaller players at this year's championships, McGregor played a blinder against the Thunder, booting four goals and claiming 30 touches. Busy and tenacious, McGregor also had 11 inside 50s, a great result for the little fella.

2 – Aaron Joseph – Tasmania – 178cm, 75kg
Very impressive, Joseph was the leading ball-winner in the match against Queensland, winning 34 disposals – including 22 kicks. His work-ethic was super, emphasised by his centre clearance work, while he pumped the ball inside 50 on 10 occasions.

3 – Craig Bird – NSW/ACT – 178cm, 75kg
The NSW/ACT captain and 2006 under-18 All-Australian was outstanding with a match-high 32 disposals against the Northern Territory. He has already been listed as a Sydney scholarship holder and looms as one to watch for the remainder of the carnival.

4 – Jay Bowden – Tasmania – 184cm, 74kg
A midfielder/half-forward, Bowden shone with five goals against Queensland, enhancing his status as one of Tasmania's best prospects. He also finished with 21 disposals and six inside 50s. He will be one to monitor closely for the rest of the championships.

5 – Tom Bellchambers – Tasmania – 199cm, 91kg
Standing at 199cm, Bellchambers was a telling figure against Queensland, clearly having the better of Scorpions' ruck duo David Hill and Jake Spencer. He won a whopping 33 disposals and was excellent in the centre hit outs. It was a most impressive display.

6 – Aaron Cornelius – Tasmania – 191cm, 80kg
Too young to be drafted this year, but certainly one to watch out for in 2008, Cornelius starred against Queensland with five goals and showed plenty of spark in his game. He also grabbed seven marks – including a sensational pack mark in front of goal.

7 – Darin Stewart – Queensland – 191cm, 87kg
Stewart's performance against Tasmania could not be questioned after bagging five goals, which included an excellent goal tucked on a difficult angle in the pocket. His unusual kicking style certainly stands out and has raised some the eyebrows of recruiters.

8 – Trevor Oliver – Northern Territory – 181cm, 88kg
One of a handful of "overage" 19 year olds Territorians, Oliver was one of his side's standouts, despite NSW/ACT's comfortable 46-point win. He was the Thunder's leading possession winner with 24 touches off half-back, while he rebounded eight times.

9 – Patrick Fittock – Northern Territory – 185cm, 71kg
A mid-sized player, Fittock plucked some nice marks against NSW/ACT, taking 11 marks, on top of his 21 touches. Like Oliver, Fittock is a 19-year-old. He also laid five tackles.

10 – Taylor Walker – NSW/ACT – 188cm, 81kg
One of several Rams' players to already be tied to an AFL club via the scholarship program – he is with Adelaide – Walker booted five goals in an impressive display against the Northern Territory.

For more information about the 2007 NAB AFL Under 18 championships visit our special NAB AFL Under 18 Championship section on afl.com.au.

rizzo · Jul 3, 2007

Re: Potential Draftee Watch

The 2007 NAB AFL under 18 championships kicked off in Sydney on Saturday with Tasmania upsetting Queensland by 25 points at the SCG and NSW/ACT easily accounting the Northern Territory by 46 points at Telstra Stadium.

afl.com.au was fortunate to spend the day with an AFL club's recruiting group and record an account of the process through their eyes.

In the second of our three-part series on recruiting, this AFL club's recruiting group gives an honest assessment of several players involved in the matches. The players commented on were nominated by "Recruiter 1" and "Recruiter 2".

To read the rest of our 2007 NAB AFL under 18 championships coverage, click here.

Tasmania v Queensland – post match assessments

TASMANIA
Jay Bowden
Recruiter 1: Bowden was looked at closely by clubs last year. He played well across half-forward booting five goals.

Recruiter 2: He booted five goals and I liked the way he set the game up. He's got a little bit of class.

Aaron Cornelius
Recruiter 1: Aaron Cornelius kicked five goals for Tasmania, but he isn't eligible for this year's draft. There are good wraps on him moving forward.

Recruiter 2: Cornelius has got a bit of excitement about him. He plays from behind a bit too much and plays with some arrogance, but he's got natural talent.

Tom Bellchambers
Recruiter 1: Bellchambers was quite impressive in the ruck – particularly the use of his body and his centre tap work. He dominated the centre ruck contests. He hadn't been that impressive earlier in the season – despite the level that many thought he would play at entering this year – but today he was very, very good.

Recruiter 2: Bellchambers was excellent in the ruck. He dominated around the ground with his tap work. He took a few marks, but I still worry about his ability to run.

Tom Collier
Recruiter 1: When he was moved onto the ball, he made a big impact in the second quarter. This got Tasmania back into the game. Coming into the championships, Collier had played in the senior state game for Tasmania against Queensland. He was widely considered to be the player to watch entering these championships for them.

Recruiter 2: Collier was really good for three quarters, but probably dropped off a bit in the last term. He plays a rugby-style of game, he's not a great decision-maker, but he is developing a strong body.

Aaron Joseph
Recruiter 1: Joseph was another player who worked really hard, particularly around the stoppages. He was the main player in close for them.

Recruiter 2: I thought Joseph was the best player for Tasmania. I liked the way he put his head over the ball and set up the play. He worked pretty hard, although I'm not sure if he's going to be to tall enough to genuinely play through the midfield.

QUEENSLAND
Sam Reid
Recruiter 1: Coming into the championships, Sam Reid was considered a very good player and probably Queensland's best. He played OK today, but he didn't have the impact many would've thought. He does have pace but he didn't find enough of the footy. In the last three quarters, Queensland was chasing opponents and although he started alright, he faded.

Recruiter 2: Reid is Queensland's most talented player. He's a Luke Power or Xavier Ellis clone – he's very light on his feet. He's clever in traffic and a good decision-maker.

Matthew Davis
Recruiter 1: Mathew Davis was very impressive. He played half-forward/wing and played particularly well across the whole match.

Recruiter 2: Davis is a nice balanced player. He's got good pace and is a good decision- maker. He is developing nicely.

Darin Stewart
Recruiter 1: Darin Stewart did his job at full-forward, although there are obvious concerns about his kicking. It certainly wasn't evident today, but he has an awkward technique. The fact he kicked five goals was quite impressive.

Recruiter 2: Stewart was good, although he's got an awkward kicking action, but his contested marking was impressive today.

Brendan Whitecross
Recruiter 1: Whitecross has ability and he's definitely got talent, but his execution today wasn't as good as it normally is – more so his decision-making than his actual kicking.

Shane Rogerson
Recruiter 1: Rogerson is predominantly a backman, but he struggled up forward early, before he went down back. It was good to see him play in another position, regardless of whether they won or lost.

Recruiter 2: Rogerson was very disappointing. He was very good in the trial games and even when he went down back he lacked a bit of pace.

David Hill
Recruiter 1: David Hill is another ruckman who has got quite good athletic qualities, but Bellchambers' body strength really made it hard for him in the ruck. Bellchambers won the contest today.

Mitch Enright
Recruiter 1: Mitch Enright played well on the wing, although he didn't enter the championships with much of a reputation. He won plenty of footy, but didn't hurt the opposition with his disposal. Still, at least he put his name forward, as he can find the footy – he's just got to do more with it.

Joseph Daye
Recruiter 1: Daye is an athlete. He's left-sided but has no right-side at all, so that does limit his ability going forward. Tasmania tried to force him onto his right foot and he always tried to get back onto his left. He was inconsistent across the game and his kicking can be erratic. He has talent, but he needs to play four quarters before people can be confident that he should be drafted.

Recruiter 2: I thought he was a bit disappointing today. He can certainly kick the ball with his left foot and is very athletic, but I don't think he works hard enough or reads the play well at all.

rizzo · Jul 3, 2007

Re: Potential Draftee Watch

The 2007 NAB AFL under 18 championships kicked off in Sydney on Saturday with Tasmania upsetting Queensland by 25 points at the SCG and NSW/ACT easily accounting the Northern Territory by 46 points at Telstra Stadium.

afl.com.au was fortunate to spend the day with an AFL club's recruiting group and record an account of the process through their eyes.

In the final of our three-part series on recruiting, this AFL club's recruiting group gives an honest assessment of several players involved in the matches. The players commented on were nominated by "Recruiter 1" and "Recruiter 2".
To read the rest of our 2007 NAB AFL under 18 championships coverage, click here.

NSW/ACT v Northern Territory – post match assessments

NSW/ACT
Taylor Walker
Recruiter 1: Walker is nice type who is currently an Adelaide scholarship player from NSW.

Mitchell Colvin
Recruiter 1: Mitchell shows a bit at times, although he tends to drift in and out of games. He does have good hand skills.

Tim McIntyre
Recruiter 1: Tim is a good player, but he is small and he's going to have to get a lot of the footy to be recognised. He kicked three goals in the first 35 minutes of the game, but then he didn't do a lot after that.

Dean Terlich
Recruiter 1: Terlich certainly has good skills, although his pace needs to improve.

Recruiter 2: Dean Turlich is a player that I really like. He didn't do much today and in the last month he's been down on form, but he lives in country New South Wales in Osborne – where Adam Schneider is from. He's got a burst of pace, so I'll watch him closely for the rest of the carnival.

Jay Koehler
Recruiter 1: Koehler is a Murray Bushrangers kid with nice size and speed, but his kicking isn't good enough at the moment.

Loccy McGregor
Recruiter 2: Loccy McGregor was really good today. He's only 174cm but he shows plenty of dash.

Ryan Davis
Recruiter 2: Davis was good against the Northern Territory today, although he lacks some pace.

Aaron Bruce
Recruiter 2: Bruce was good at centre half-back. He's strong and has got good hands, but he's not going to play a key position (in the AFL) at 188cm. He's been playing senior footy for a couple of years in the Canberra competition for Eastlake and has been good.

NORTHERN TERRITORY
Cyril Rioli
Recruiter 1: Rioli was good today. He's grown a little bit, while he is very, very quick and clever. He looked very good with his left and right foot and was good front-and-centre. Cyril's been out with both a shoulder and ankle injury, so it was a really good to see him perform well despite a poor preparation.

Recruiter 2: Cyril lacked the ability to play a consistent game due to injury coming into the championships, but he's certainly a classy player.

Marlon Motlop
Recruiter 1: Marlon is a bottom-aged kid who was very good last year in the under 16s. He's a skilful Aboriginal boy who knows what to do with the footy and it's good to have seen him grow a little more to 182cm.

Trevor Oliver

Recruiter 1: Oliver was another boy to play well today. But Trevor's a 19-year-old top-age kid, so he should be playing well at this level. He used the ball well off the half-back line.

Recruiter 2: I liked Trevor Oliver today, although he's a top-age player. He's got some pace and he finds the footy well.

Jethro Calma-Holt
Recruiter 2: Calma-Holt is a player that I like, but he tends to get stuck at full-forward while I'd like to see him play further up the ground.

rizzo · Jul 3, 2007

Re: Potential Draftee Watch

Rhys Palmer

Had 34 touches and kicked 5.2 against vic metro out of the middle.

His club profile is: http://www.effc.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=328

cat_fanatic · Jul 3, 2007

Re: Potential Draftee Watch

Thanks for the info Riz. :thumbsu:

Palmer sounds like a bit of a gun, but what should we be looking for in a player this year? This draft is meant to be good for rucks; should we be looking to secure another project ruckman or go for needs?

I think we need a pacey backman (Gilbee-esk) and another KP back to replace Harls and Scarlo when they retire.

Thoughts?

CF · Jul 3, 2007

Re: Potential Draftee Watch

Good work Rizzo, hope you don't mind I stickied it in Cat Scan

OverRated · Jul 3, 2007

Re: Potential Draftee Watch

You have Wojinscky. Dont be greedy you dont need another pacy BP. We need one!

rizzo · Jul 3, 2007

Re: Potential Draftee Watch

Think we will only take 3 picks this year (and upgrade Grima)

First Round: Best Availible
Second Round: Tall Defender
Third Round: Tall Defender/ Ruck

Think we really need to stock up on talls. Getting rid of Specer/Playfair at the same time will need we need to boost up. I think west is enough as a back up (And king if he keeps going). However ive always been in favour of putting rucks on a rookie list, because they won't play for two years anyway so they are just blocking up your list.

year of the cat · Jul 3, 2007

Re: Potential Draftee Watch

I would have thought at this early stage some of the names that may be looked at include McEvoy and Bellchambers (ruckmen) and Levi Greenwood and Collier (running backmen).

CF · Jul 3, 2007

Re: Potential Draftee Watch

where does Adam Donohue fit into the picture. I thought some were talking him up as a F/S next year?

thejester · Jul 3, 2007

Re: Potential Draftee Watch

Well, we drafted Blake in 2003 and West in 2005, so it would make sense that they'll be looking for another ruck prospect. King's not getting any younger (or less prone to injury), and Ottens is no spring chicken. Recruit a guy now, and he'll potentially be in West's position now once West has graduated to the big time.

We've got small defenders coming out of ears - DJ, Hunt and Callan are all sitting in the twos, and Owen has been showing a lot playing on the half-back flank - but in the KPP stakes we're pretty light on. Sam Hunt is a good enough back-up but he's never going to step up and replace the likes of Harley and Scarlett. We need to get a tall, mobile backman in this draft and probably another one next draft. However, at the moment I think everyone agrees our draft priorities probably go best available - ruck - KPP defender.

Budda 230 · Jul 3, 2007

Re: Potential Draftee Watch

Thanks Rizzo. This is a great idea.

What do you think of Ryan Normington? Beautiful kick of the footy. Could he slide to our second pick?

Turbocat · Jul 3, 2007

Re: Potential Draftee Watch

I thinks a tad early to nail our exact tactical position.
The number of picks etc will really depend on a lot of variables

Does Grima get elevated? Probably !

Does Lonergan get elevated? Not sure

Do we lose an Out of contract player or two via the poaching of other clubs like a Thurley? Probably !

Do we trade players in our best 22 to get higher picks.! Probably not

Do we trade on of our players/draft picks for a player at another club. Maybe

Do we take any Father/Sons?What will they cost under the new bidding system? No idea !

Its all very early but its not too hard to imagine 5 names that could depart thru delisting/poaching/trading.

I do agree that we need to look at options for our Rucks and back talls but Im not convinced that we have to get them with early picks. Think Egan and Harley , they were not highly rated. Now maybe we have been lucky , so if the right players is there I suppose we should pick them but there are probably players not picked for the U18 champs that could develop into the type of player we need.

Its also debatable about the merits of using early picks on ruckman
David Hale , Hamish MacIntosh , Jason Laycock were all early picks yet although handy players they certainly aren’t dominating ruckmen in the AFL. Id say put a 20year old Ruck on the Rookie list and use our early picks more quality kids what ever his position

GeeCat · Jul 3, 2007