Potential Draftee Watch - Version 2007

[year of the cat]

Re: Potential Draftee Watch

Really I can't disagree with any of your post Reg. The only thing I'd say is I'm not sure the quality of the hard ball players on our list is at the same level as the outside players. Byrnes , Prismall , Varcoe all used this year , all have something to offer but all have deficiencies that make them less than the perfect fit as our outside goal kicking mid. I just don't any kid like Thomas on our list. Davenport is getting better and may well become a player but he will never be a Riccardi. Maybe there is another Stokes out there , over looked and awaiting his chance.

Lonergan has shown he has the ability to play back at AFL level.At 197 he would add some height and versatility to our side. A player who can play on tall forwards and kick goals when switched is gear we haven't got. I wouldn't mind adding a young athletic tall to our list as well ,say someone like Kangas.
Thompson looks to be a Scarlett clone. I'm not sure what he would be worth in the draft but one would think a few clubs could do a lot worse. If he is still there late , we could do a lot worse.

I totally agree with your ruck idea. Put a kid on as a Rookie and give him time.Most ruckmen are so under developed at 18 so any kid over looked could well be a top player at 22 , especially if we pick a basketball convert. I know G like the big Mc , but he has nailed a couple big bags in the TAC as well as shown form as a ruckman. If he has an outstanding GF, he may well go earlier than our 1st pick

McEvoy will definitely go top 10, well before our pick anyway. I was of the opinion earlier in the season that a quality ruckman was a must at this draft but having witnessed both Blake and West's development this year I think the higher priority is for a key position defender to replace Harley. Thompson, in the few games i've seen, looks promising. He should be drafted. You would expect that other clubs such as the bulldogs and demons would have noticed him and be interested as well.

The rookie elevations and delistings will be fascinating this year. I'm still not convinced yet about Davenport, but Grima is a versatile tall who should be given a chance. I would also consider Lonergan as he offers more than Playfair. Glad its not my job!!

 

[GeeCat]

Re: Potential Draftee Watch

McEvoy may suffer from not having a "true" position, much like Sellar from last year. Not quite there as a full-time ruck in the AFL, and not quite there as a permanent fixture in either key position post.

My boy, Alex Rance, is the one I'm hoping falls (unlikely, I know, but we can dream).

 

[Turbocat]

Re: Potential Draftee Watch

McEvoy may suffer from not having a "true" position, much like Sellar from last year. Not quite there as a full-time ruck in the AFL, and not quite there as a permanent fixture in either key position post.

My boy, Alex Rance, is the one I'm hoping falls (unlikely, I know, but we can dream).

Have you changed horse G , I thought you wanted the Big Mac? I didn't see a lot of the GF , obviously he didn't have a day out

Describe Rance for me will you?I think he is related to the Rance from WC but not sure what type of player he is.

 

[GeeCat]

Re: Potential Draftee Watch

Have you changed horse G , I thought you wanted the Big Mac? I didn't see a lot of the GF , obviously he didn't have a day out

Describe Rance for me will you?I think he is related to the Rance from WC but not sure what type of player he is.

Not so much changed horse Turbo, but if I had to pick one kid now, I'd be leaning toward Rance (given his own prospects and the needs of the club right now).

That's not to say I've gone cold on McEvoy, still a fan. I've yet to see the TAC GF myself, but from all accounts so far he didn't exactly put on a show (although if you listen to those same people, they'll tell you the delivery to him in the forward line was appalling).

Rance is a key defender - nice, good size for a modern day fullback or CHB (around the 194cm/88kg neighbourhood). Shows good defensive mechanics already, but what really gets many salivating is his mobility and skills. Very nice pace for a lad his size, and coupled with his handy mindset to not only defend but provide constant, meaningful rebound, he suits the modern game very well (not to mention, he'd be a perfect understudy to Scarlett). His kicking skills are clean as well. The shame is, given all this, and the lack of other key position players in this draft (not to mention the need for KPP's by clubs holding early picks this year), it's unlikely he'll freefall to pick 17.

 

[giantroo]

Re: Potential Draftee Watch

Not so much changed horse Turbo, but if I had to pick one kid now, I'd be leaning toward Rance (given his own prospects and the needs of the club right now).

That's not to say I've gone cold on McEvoy, still a fan. I've yet to see the TAC GF myself, but from all accounts so far he didn't exactly put on a show (although if you listen to those same people, they'll tell you the delivery to him in the forward line was appalling).

Rance is a key defender - nice, good size for a modern day fullback or CHB (around the 194cm/88kg neighbourhood). Shows good defensive mechanics already, but what really gets many salivating is his mobility and skills. Very nice pace for a lad his size, and coupled with his handy mindset to not only defend but provide constant, meaningful rebound, he suits the modern game very well (not to mention, he'd be a perfect understudy to Scarlett). His kicking skills are clean as well. The shame is, given all this, and the lack of other key position players in this draft (not to mention the need for KPP's by clubs holding early picks this year), it's unlikely he'll freefall to pick 17.

I think we will pick him up before you guys unless u can get an earlier pick.

 

[Team Chemistry]

Re: Potential Draftee Watch

I think we will pick him up before you guys unless u can get an earlier pick.

He'll be gone before your pick comes rolling by. Saints are very keen on him and i have a feeling that IF (and they most likely wont) but if Carlton manage to keep 1 and 3 i feel they would take him at 3 due to their woeful defence.

TC

 

[DanA]

Re: Potential Draftee Watch

I love to see us take Gourdis. KP player who is very quick over 20 meters with a 2.88 in the draft camp.

 

[Turbocat]

Re: Potential Draftee Watch

I love to see us take Gourdis. KP player who is very quick over 20 meters with a 2.88 in the draft camp.

But can he play?

***

Guys with the knowledge that we will take Donohue ( as long as nobody bids a stupid pick) does this effect our players going and the players we will be looking at?

For a start if Donohue is a 182 HalfBack/Sweeper who can run forward and kick goals , it would make sense to make space for him on the list with DJ and Callan or both going.Taking another small backman to go with Dujerkura , would surely mean we are more likely go for a tallish player with our first pick.

This year there is a heap of promising rucks and considering the age of Ottens/King , considering Blake's future is clouded we look light in the ruck. I admit ,the ruck is probably the hardest position to get right. Not enough coverage and your sure to get injuries and too much coverage .. well just look at our selection nightmare in the GF.The one thing that can not be denied , a ruckman usually takes 4 years plus to be worth his salt. In 4 year from now , I'd say Ottens and King will be gone. I heard about a kid called Mulligan going well at the Camp does anyone know about him?

The need for another keyback is another common feeling. With Scarlet , Harley being two of the older player there does not appear any immediate replacement. Yet I'd day Lonergan may well be able to do the job and it appears that he has been told that we will promote him. Lonergan looked really good across the back, he is 197 and has the ability to switch forward.
On the other hand , If a kid like Henderson is available , who may just fall to our pick , should we pick him. He had big wraps at one stage but the injuries have lowered his status. Could he play back?


I really think we are more vulnerable up forward. Have a look at where we got our goals , Steve Johnson was absolutely crucial and he played a fantastic year. But do we all have confidence that he will be able to repeat it. He probably played more games on end this year than ever before , played at consistent level like never before , so can he maintain this level and even if he can for how long?I doubt his ankles will allow him to be a 300 game player. So do we look at medium sized goal sneak forwards at some stage?

 

[thejester]

Re: Potential Draftee Watch

Still got Gamble sitting in the twos, who could potentially play a similar role, as well as an elevated Grima.

 

[DanA]

Re: Potential Draftee Watch

But can he play?

***

Guys with the knowledge that we will take Donohue ( as long as nobody bids a stupid pick) does this effect our players going and the players we will be looking at?

For a start if Donohue is a 182 HalfBack/Sweeper who can run forward and kick goals , it would make sense to make space for him on the list with DJ and Callan or both going.Taking another small backman to go with Dujerkura , would surely mean we are more likely go for a tallish player with our first pick.

This year there is a heap of promising rucks and considering the age of Ottens/King , considering Blake's future is clouded we look light in the ruck. I admit ,the ruck is probably the hardest position to get right. Not enough coverage and your sure to get injuries and too much coverage .. well just look at our selection nightmare in the GF.The one thing that can not be denied , a ruckman usually takes 4 years plus to be worth his salt. In 4 year from now , I'd say Ottens and King will be gone. I heard about a kid called Mulligan going well at the Camp does anyone know about him?

The need for another keyback is another common feeling. With Scarlet , Harley being two of the older player there does not appear any immediate replacement. Yet I'd day Lonergan may well be able to do the job and it appears that he has been told that we will promote him. Lonergan looked really good across the back, he is 197 and has the ability to switch forward.
On the other hand , If a kid like Henderson is available , who may just fall to our pick , should we pick him. He had big wraps at one stage but the injuries have lowered his status. Could he play back?


I really think we are more vulnerable up forward. Have a look at where we got our goals , Steve Johnson was absolutely crucial and he played a fantastic year. But do we all have confidence that he will be able to repeat it. He probably played more games on end this year than ever before , played at consistent level like never before , so can he maintain this level and even if he can for how long?I doubt his ankles will allow him to be a 300 game player. So do we look at medium sized goal sneak forwards at some stage?

Re: Gourdis - Has phenomenal athleticism, big leap very quick off the mark and good agility. Has good hands but not the best foot skills. I reckon he will be a very good fullback or CHB. He is 194 cm. A little speculative but I reckon we are in a position to take that sort of gamble.

Picking up Donohue sure make me question going for Selwood with our 1st pick. Both can play similar types.

Mulligan is from QLD and is a very good ruckmen. Has excellent tap work but not as good around the ground as McEvoy, Bellchambers or Kruezer.

Regarding forwardline I think we have a lot of talent coming through.
Smalls;
Stokes
Varcoe
Djerkurra
Byrnes
Davenport

Utilities
Steve Johnson
Chapman
Grima
Gamble
Owen

Talls:
Mooney
N.Ablett
Hawkins
Lonergan


That gives us plenty of support however if A KP backmen goes down Playfair is currently first in line.

 

[Pav for AA]

Re: Potential Draftee Watch

Re: Gourdis - Has phenomenal athleticism, big leap very quick off the mark and good agility. Has good hands but not the best foot skills. I reckon he will be a very good fullback or CHB. He is 194 cm. A little speculative but I reckon we are in a position to take that sort of gamble.

Picking up Donohue sure make me question going for Selwood with our 1st pick. Both can play similar types.

Mulligan is from QLD and is a very good ruckmen. Has excellent tap work but not as good around the ground as McEvoy, Bellchambers or Kruezer.

Regarding forwardline I think we have a lot of talent coming through.
Smalls;
Stokes
Varcoe
Djerkurra
Byrnes
Davenport

Utilities
Steve Johnson
Chapman
Grima
Gamble
Owen

Talls:
Mooney
N.Ablett
Hawkins
Lonergan


That gives us plenty of support however if A KP backmen goes down Playfair is currently first in line.

He plays as a lead-up CHF and plays that role extremely well, his set shot is fantastic and yes he has to work on his field kicking but it is not a huge concern.

 

[DanA]

Re: Potential Draftee Watch

He plays as a lead-up CHF and plays that role extremely well, his set shot is fantastic and yes he has to work on his field kicking but it is not a huge concern.

So what is McPharlin?

 

[Turbocat]

Re: Potential Draftee Watch

Re: Gourdis - Has phenomenal athleticism, big leap very quick off the mark and good agility. Has good hands but not the best foot skills. I reckon he will be a very good fullback or CHB. He is 194 cm. A little speculative but I reckon we are in a position to take that sort of gamble.

Very hard to make an informed comment , having not seen him , but I think the days of just average kicks on the backline are coming to an end. Field kicking m and being cool in traffic is just so important. The way we play in our backline , we back our skills. On the other hand , Harley is just an average kick but is generally so good with his hands etc. so maybe you may have something. The thing is if he is that promising as a key forward there will be other teams willing to go much earlier than P17.

I agree with your concerns on Selwood but on ething that I did like the sound of was he is a real hard kid , that would rather run thru you than around you. Match that his results from the camp and he is still probably worth considering.

Mulligan is from QLD and is a very good ruckmen. Has excellent tap work but not as good around the ground as McEvoy, Bellchambers or Kruezer.

Is that so , then maybe he isn't our boy.Still coming from QLD he could end up being a rookie chance

Regarding forwardline I think we have a lot of talent coming through.
Smalls;
Stokes
Varcoe
Djerkurra
Byrnes
Davenport

Utilities
Steve Johnson
Chapman
Grima
Gamble
Owen

Talls:
Mooney
N.Ablett
Hawkins
Lonergan


That gives us plenty of support however if A KP backmen goes down Playfair is currently first in line.

No doubt we should look at Keybacks , I'm sure we will but a fit Lonergan will give us coverage that we haven't had this year. I presume Spencer and poss. Sam Hunt will go so there will be a spot for the right kid.

Up forward , I'm not so sure we have it covered. Chapman is quality but really he is more a small forward than a legit medium. I'm not yet totally convinced by Grima or Gamble. From what I've seen neither look likely to be a replacement for Johnson. Owen , well he could be dropped of the list and who knows what his future holds. I'm not even sure if the right player is around but I still feel we have spot for a 190 guy who has a bit magic about him.

Without a doubt I'm being picky but unless they have something real special I can see guys like Grima stuggling to get a game. Hawkins, Nablett , Mooney will be getting games next year so unless you have Johnno moves I'm pretty sure we will play guys like Varcoe,Chapman, Stokes etc to ensure we have speed in the forwardline. Maybe Gamble is our man, I know he can jump.

 

[Norm Johnson20]

Re: Potential Draftee Watch

I am very very excited about Gamble. The guy is the epitome of 'too good for VFL'. He hasn't been tried at AFL level seriously, and I think we should really try to get him in from Round 1 2008. He would take Byrnes' spot in a heartbeat, and I reckon he wasn't too far off it late this year.

He is as slippery as Gaz, you just cannot tackle him. He is composed under pressure, even in the defensive 50, and he has plenty of goal sense.

Great pickup by Wells yet again.

 

[WE Are Geelong]

Re: Potential Draftee Watch

I am very very excited about Gamble. The guy is the epitome of 'too good for VFL'. He hasn't been tried at AFL level seriously, and I think we should really try to get him in from Round 1 2008. He would take Byrnes' spot in a heartbeat, and I reckon he wasn't too far off it late this year.

He is as slippery as Gaz, you just cannot tackle him. He is composed under pressure, even in the defensive 50, and he has plenty of goal sense.

Great pickup by Wells yet again.

When we picked him up at 47 I think Wells' comment was along the lines of we didnt give much thought to Gamble still being around at that stage of the draft and were pleasantly surprised to see that he was. He looks more likely every time I see him play.

 

[Reg Hickey]

Re: Potential Draftee Watch

Who we draft has got to depend a lot on the outcome of trades, delistings and rookie elevations.

If we get rid of most or all of Spencer, Playfair, S Hunt and Gardiner, then we need to look seriously at key defenders. Lonergan must almost be a lock to go up and if the club is serious about Scotty Thompson then that probably gives us good coverage, although we could probably still use a promising but raw 17yo who can develop in the VFL for a couple of years. If we don't pick up Thompson, I would be keen to use our first pick on one of the highly rated young tall defenders such as Rance, Pears or Collier.

I think we need another ruck, even if both Blake and King stay. We're pretty well covered for the next couple of years, so I'd definitely go for a raw kid with plenty of upside who won't need to be played in the ones for at least three years. Rookie list probably best place to pick him up. I don't know who we might look at because Kreuzer and McEvoy will be gone and Bellchambers would proably need our first pick. I saw a yound kid from Qld called Joel Smouha did really well at the draft camp - is he any good?

I reckon Callan will go, but it sounds like Donohue might be a replacement for him, so fine there.

The other one to think about is another key forward, particularly if we choose not to promote Grima. Or maybe even if we do promote Grima, as a further back up. Again, not likely to be needed for a year or two. Maybe Gourdis, or a more risky but potentially rewarding option like Gaertner?

Midfielders I think we're doing OK, even if we lose Prismall. That said, with at least 3 draft picks and 2-3 rookie picks, we're bound to get at least one. Never know, we might be surprised to find someone we really rate available later than we thought, like we did with Gamble and J Selwood. Young Scott Selwood looks like a reasonable prospect, although I've heard he's a hard nut without exceptional speed or skills. Not sure we need another one of those, so the only reason I'd look at him ahead of some others would be if we thought he would combine well with Joel (like the Cornes boys) or help us keep Joel.

 

[Reg Hickey]

Re: Potential Draftee Watch

Actually, one who we might take if he's still around for our first pick is Jack Grimes. Not saying I think we should get him, but if he's around for our first pick don't be surprised to hear his name called.

Doesn't seem to have anything special athletically which will put a lot of people off, but has three characteristics than Steven Wells will literally drool over - reads the play superbly, is uber-competitive, and has great leadership skills. Sounds a touch like J Selwood to me.

 

[Norm Johnson20]

Re: Potential Draftee Watch

"We're expecting to have four picks in the draft at this stage, but that could obviously change. We're obviously very keen to keep our list together at the moment, so they'll be some standard changes going on, but there won't be a lot of players leaving the club and we won't be in the position to bring in a high profile player to the club via the trade period because our salary cap at the moment is taken up by the players we already have."

National recruiting manager Stephen Wells.

Interesting he says we are looking to go with four picks. Might mean Grima is not so likely to get promoted? Not sure.

I'm a big believer in footballers over athletes, so Grimes would be a from me. I'll have a look around at info on him.

 

[thejester]

Re: Potential Draftee Watch

Could we get rid of six players?

Spencer, Gardiner, Playfair, S Hunt all seem to be gone at the moment. Rookie Owen and if Callan goes to the Dogs...it's possible.

 

[Turbocat]

Re: Potential Draftee Watch

Who we draft has got to depend a lot on the outcome of trades, delistings and rookie elevations.

..

Midfielders I think we're doing OK, even if we lose Prismall. That said, with at least 3 draft picks and 2-3 rookie picks, we're bound to get at least one. Never know, we might be surprised to find someone we really rate available later than we thought, like we did with Gamble and J Selwood. Young Scott Selwood looks like a reasonable prospect, although I've heard he's a hard nut without exceptional speed or skills. Not sure we need another one of those, so the only reason I'd look at him ahead of some others would be if we thought he would combine well with Joel (like the Cornes boys) or help us keep Joel.

I wouldn't rule out SW pulling one of the cards he usually plays , a mature player that was missed eg, Thurley & Stokes. So is there a mid out there , maybe an ex All-Aust. U18 kid who has been missed the last couple of years? Another one of his favorites is if all else fails , draft a Falcon. I'd be interested to see if the kid call Jack Steven gets drafted , a bit of pace apparently

 

[Rosso]

Re: Potential Draftee Watch

Best available with no.1, then Chris Kangars, Scott Thompson and Adam Donohue. That'll sure us up defensive wise and odds are that our first round pick will be used on either a mid or a ruck that slid down the pecking order a bit.

I like the look of Thompson, really plays the modern day defender to a tee. Kangars is a good size but it is his athletic abilities that may appeal more as a running backman. Donahue will define why we are using 4 picks. If another club bids for him, it's likely not to be in the first two rounds so we should be able to sew him up with our 4th rounder.

 

[sarah.13]

Re: Potential Draftee Watch

Could we get rid of six players?

Spencer, Gardiner, Playfair, S Hunt all seem to be gone at the moment. Rookie Owen and if Callan goes to the Dogs...it's possible.

Looks to me that Tenace is a definite trade possibility.
Owen would be stiff to be delisted,but if he is I think they would Rookie him later on.

 

[DanA]

Re: Potential Draftee Watch

I like the look of Grimes but to say he is not a good athlete is not strictly true. He has probably the best work rate I have seen in a young kid, he isn't a rocket but has amazing endurance.

 

[Turbocat]

Re: Potential Draftee Watch

By the looks of it , we will probably loose a ruckman to trades.
If so we will probably need to pickup another ruck in the draft. Depending on the compensation we get , who gos out of Blake and King but , if we assume Blake gos to the Saints (they are offering $800 over 3 years) and probably would give their R1 pick which brings us into a top 10 pick.
Do we use the pick to get a ruckman or do we get the key backman and top up with the ruck at 17 OR do we get into the market for a player like Troy Selwood who the Roos are after.

 

[DanA]

Re: Potential Draftee Watch

By the looks of it , we will probably loose a ruckman to trades.
If so we will probably need to pickup another ruck in the draft. Depending on the compensation we get , who gos out of Blake and King but , if we assume Blake gos to the Saints (they are offering $800 over 3 years) and probably would give their R1 pick which brings us into a top 10 pick.
Do we use the pick to get a ruckman or do we get the key backman and top up with the ruck at 17 OR do we get into the market for a player like Troy Selwood who the Roos are after.

Can't afford to get a player like Troy Selwood although he would fill our weak back pocket nicely. If we pick him up it could end up costing us a player like Corey, S.j, Enright or Kelly.