Potential Draftee Watch - Version 2007

[rizzo]

Re: Rizzo's Mock Draft

No S.Dew ?

not in the top 20

 

[cat_fanatic]

Re: Rizzo's Mock Draft

Nice work Riz. I think if Bellchambers is still available at 17 we will grab him, but would be happy with Gaetner.

 

[year of the cat]

Re: Rizzo's Mock Draft

Tend to agree that there is a real chance of us taking Bellchambers if the draft pans out as you have it Rizzo. Am hoping one of Collier, Pears or Grant slip to our pick but don't hold out much hope. Dangerfield is the other that may be considered and is the late firmer in a few other mock drafts as well as in todays Age.

 

[catattack]

Re: Rizzo's Mock Draft

The man with his finger on the pulse has just emerged with another quality draft preview - well done rizzo!

 

[rizzo]

Re: Rizzo's Mock Draft

Pick #21 - Melbourne – Brendan Whitecross – Zillmere – Midfielder
To Compliment their forward stocks the demons add another talented midfielder to their ranks. Missed the first half of the season with an injury, however had a stellar end to the year. Really vocal out on the ground and has excellent disposal.

Pick #22 - West Coast – Levi Greenwood – Port Adelaide – Medium Defender
West Coast would love another hard at it running defender/midfielder and Greenwood is just that. Loves to hit the packs and create run and carry. From what I have seen he is very hard to beat one on one and has a long penetrating kick.

Pick #23 - Essendon – Patrick McGinnity – Claremont – Midfielder
Essendon will take another classy midfielder to replace its aging stars. McGinnity came second in the Colts best and fairest and is a real tough nut. He is very hard at the ball and player and wins lots of the football.

Pick #24 - Fremantle – Tony Notte – Tall Forward – Swan Districts
Fremantle will look to add another tall forward to their brigade. Notte is a very athletic and mobile CHF/FF. He is a very reliable kick on goal and is a very strong overhead mark.

Pick #25 - Brisbane – Tom McNamara – Tal Defender – South Adelaide
Another tall defender to Brisbane is a possibility as they sort out their issues down back. Tom will develop into a CHB. He reads the play well and is cool under pressure. He has the ability to win contested footy. He is also very disciplined.

Pick #26 - Sydney – Addam Maric – Calder – Medium Forward
With the loss of the some small forwards, and with the others starting to kick on, Addam seems the perfect fit for the Sydney siders. He is a great crumber and has excellent goal sense. Can use both his left and right foot equally and has a good footy nous.

Pick #27 - Adelaide – Dawson Simpson – Murray Bushrangers – Ruck
With the departure of Hudson and Meesen, the Crows will be looking for another midfielder. Struggled earlier in his career, then put on 20kgs and is now one of the top ruck prospects. His ability to improve got him into the Vic Country team as starting ruck. Great height and a solid build.

Pick #28 – Port Adelaide – Patrick Veszpremi – Northern – Small Defender
Absolute steal for Port Adelaide at 28. Broke his thumb and missed the championships, however he was a bottom aged AA the year before. Highlight of the year was when he kicked 8 goals in a half against Gippsland. Can play either up forward or down back. Is a great kick over 50 meters. He has a real touch of class about him that is for sure.

Pick #29 – Hawthorn – Stewart Dew – Port Adelaide – Midfield
The Hawks seem pretty keen on Stewwy, however could go to Adelaide at pick 27.

Pick #30 – Adelaide – Ashley Arrowsmith – Calder – Midfield
Adelaide will want another goal kicking midfielder and Arrowsmith is as good as they come. Can play on a wing or on a flank and kick goals. Had a terrific finish to the season. Very dangerous when near goal and is pretty accurate.

Pick #31 - Collingwood – Andy Otten – Oakleigh – Tall Forward
Very athletic player who can go down back or up forward. His height is good and so is his weight. One of those players who could go high or drop low. Collingwood will show interest as they look to reform their back line.

Pick #32 - Kangaroos – Chris Kangas – Geelong – Midfield
More of an athlete than a footballer. He runs 400m quicker than Cathy Freeman. The Roos need a genuine runner of the football and Kangas fits that bill. Not the best skill wise but the potential and the development is there for all to see.

Pick #33 – Port Adelaide – Steven Browne – West Perth – Small Defender
Port again will look for a new batch of smaller players with Browne. Played some senior football towards the end of the year and was BOG in his second game. Reads the play well off half back, and found that extra level when moving up from the Colts. He has a good ability to become the third man up and a contest.

Pick #34 - Geelong – Joel Smouha – Mt Gravatt – Ruck
The loss of King will mean Geelong will be looking for a young ruckman to develop. The Development of Blake and West into handy footballers means there is less pressure on the player who the cats take, and also allows them to take another risk with high reward. Joel Smouha played his first season of football and was able to hold his own in the premiership winning Mt Gravatt side. Coming from a soccer background he has great athleticism and endurance. His skill by foot are a little off, however he is super at ground level.

Pick #35 – Western Bulldogs – Scott Simpson – Tall Forward – Dandenong
The dogs need another forward and Simpson is the best available now. He comes from a rugby background and has only played footy for 3 years. Is a tireless worker who presents up the ground similar to Reiwoldt. Is very professional in his work ethic and continues to improve every time I see him.

Pick #36 - Carlton – Sam Ried – Zillmere – Midfield
Carlton need some more quality ball winners and Reid is a decent player. Had a disappointing carnival, however was good every other time played. Could easily settle onto a flank or in the backline. His disposal is pretty good and is a decent ball carrier.

Pick #37 - Kangaroos – Patrick Dangerfield – Geelong – Midfield
The Kangaroos will look to add some versatility to their team and Dangerfield will do just that for them. Can play either tall or small and any position on the ground. Has a good work ethic, great endurance and very good speed. Could easily be a pick early in the 20’s.

Pick #38 – Western Bulldogs – Aaron Joseph – Tasmania Mariners – Midfield
Became the first player to win back to back MVP’s for Tasmania. The dogs would love another classy player who can win his own ball. He is a high possession getter who is very competitive and has a never say die attitude. Average 27 touches in 9 games at the under 18’s. He recorded the best time at draft camp for agility and also had a pretty good sprint test.

Pick #39 - Essendon – Darcy Daniher – Calder – Tall Defender
Essendon are guaranteed this player under father son. Considering there was a bid for this player, you would expect many teams to rate him.

Pick #40 - Fremantle – Will Sullivan – Western – Ruck
Fremantle will look to fill the void left by Longmuir with the recruitment of Sullivan. A bit of a risk however he does have a lot of upside. Will have to work hard to make it at AFL Level. However his ability to run. His best game was against Bendigo where he had 40 hit outs, 22 possessions and 12 marks.

More Tomorrow

 

[Budda 230]

Re: Rizzo's Mock Draft

Good work Rizzo.

Just a couple of things. I can't see Smouha going that early. Yes, he had a fantastic draft camp, but he is still a massive risk (a risk that Geelong can take admittedly). I'd rather see Geelong take that sort of risk with a lower pick (eg pick 50.).

I can't see Dew going that high either. He isn't young and won't be considered until the 3rd or 4th round IMHO.

 

[rizzo]

Re: Rizzo's Mock Draft

Good work Rizzo.

Just a couple of things. I can't see Smouha going that early. Yes, he had a fantastic draft camp, but he is still a massive risk (a risk that Geelong can take admittedly). I'd rather see Geelong take that sort of risk with a lower pick (eg pick 50.).

I can't see Dew going that high either. He isn't young and won't be considered until the 3rd or 4th round IMHO.

I see your points. Smouha while he had a good draft camp will be drafted on more than just that. He has some serious talent. A ruckman that can run like a midfielder is gold! If we don't take him with that pick he won't be at our next pick.

Dew is an interesting one. Both Adelaide and Hawthorn are in a race to get him first. I feel with the Hawks abundence of young talent they may be tempted to take him earlier rather than take a risk with Adelaide.

 

[thejester]

Re: Rizzo's Mock Draft

Mmm not so sure about taking 'athletes-cum-footballers' with picks that high...but as had already been said in numerous threads, Wells knows what he is doing. Excellent reading rizzo!

 

[Turbocat]

Re: Rizzo's Mock Draft

Rizzo , what do think of Brent Connelly. We probably will be looking to draft a good sized ruck , and reading another profile he sounds like he played in a similar vane to Ottens. At 202 he has the height for the ruck but is able to go forward.
Whereas Joel Smouha seems very athletic he is smallish for the ruck at 196ish , I suppose White has spent 10 years as a small ruckman but that position seems to be drawing taller and taller kids and it may be he may struggle at less than 200.

Very good phantom by the way

 

[Reg Hickey]

Reg Hickey's Phantom Draft

I just posted this on the Drafts & Trading Board, and thought I might add it here too.

My picks for the Cats:

#17 Geelong – Tom Collier
The Cats don’t have any real deficiencies, and should be thinking about succession plans. Their three oldest players are tall rebounding defenders in Milburn, Harley and Scarlett, so they would be licking their lips to pick up Collier here.

# 34 Geelong – Tony Notte
Many think he will go higher than this, but I’m not so sure. With his stick-insect build, whoever takes him will need to invest some years before he will have a significant impact at senior level, and in my opinion will be taking a greater-than-average risk that he won’t make it at all. The Cats will see him as a potential successor to Mooney, and is one of the very few clubs with the list strength and depth to take the risk and leave him in the VFL for a few years.

#44 Geelong – Dawson Simpson
After giving King away the Cats have only three ruckmen on the list, and Ottens will be 28 by the start of the 2008 season. So they will be looking for a new young ruckman. Simpson will need a couple of years, but that’s fine for the Cats and in the end he will be a monster (and could be a very good ruckman too).

# 50 Geelong – Jack Steven
The Cats need talls, but with three already in the bag by here they may be tempted by a local boy here. Steven is a tough, quick, bottom aged midfielder who won the Falcons B&F this year despite missing a few games. Hasn’t really shown up on anyone’s radar (that I have seen), but the Cats love tough local boys, and could get an absolute bargain here.

# 60 Geelong – Adam Donohue (F/S)

Thoughts?

 

[Reg Hickey]

Re: Reg Hickey's Phantom Draft

#1 Carlton – Matthew Kreuzer

Blues get to pick up the final quarter of their future premiership “fab four” midfield – Kreuzer, Judd, Gibbs, Murphy. No side has ever had three consecutive number one draft picks AND the undisputed best player in the competition running through their midfield. It scares me.

#2 Richmond – Trent Cotchin

I’ve had Morton here for weeks, but in the end I had to go with Cotchin. In the end I was swayed by the fact that he spent some time at Punt Rd and they liked him, and he’s just the best and most obvious option. And I seriously couldn’t cope if (1) Richmond dudded themselves with a top ten pick again, and the (2) Eagles got the best player in the draft with the third pick. Again.

#3 West Coast – Chris Masten

West Coast will be after class midfielders, and Masten is about as good as anyone else outside Cotchin (who they will be disappointed to miss out on). I also suspect that Masten being a local boy will be a big plus, as they will be a little gun-shy re go-home factor after the Judd experience.

#4 Melbourne – Cale Morton

Demons will be stoked that Morton falls this far. Has a big chunk of the class they will be looking for to replace Johnstone. Don’t be surprised to see some reckless high-fiving at the Demons’ table when this pick comes up.

#5 Western Bulldogs – Jarrad Grant

Dogs have said they will go tall, and the strong rumour is that they are super keen on Grant. I’m happy with that.

#6 Essendon – David Myers

Bombers lack class in the middle, and with Fletcher and Michael almost at the end of the road they will soon lack class down back too. Myers might not end up a true key defender – he more shapes as a running third defender who could go into the midfield – and is ideal.

#7 Fremantle – Rhys Palmer

Fremantle are desperate for some run and carry in the midfield, and although not overly quick he will run hard all day, provide some spark and kick goals. The Dockers have said that they will be surprised if their first pick is not a local boy, and he is the best left.

#8 Brisbane – Jack Grimes

This one will probably surprise a few people, but I really rate Grimes. Having lost Voss, both Scotts, Johnson and Aker in the last two years, Grimes’ inside ability and quality leadership will really appeal to the Lions.

#9 St Kilda – Alex Rance

The Saints will be on the lookout for a key defender, and Rance is pretty much the best in this draft.

#10 Adelaide – Brad Ebert

Adelaide will be stoked with this pick, and not just because they can stick one up Port. The Crows’ midfield is ageing quickly, and Ebert is an all-round quality midfielder and leader who could lead their midfield into the next decade.

#11 Sydney Swans – Lachlan Henderson

The Swans won’t be able to believe their luck. They need a good young key forward, especially as they have just delisted Vogels, and they will think Henderson is manna from heaven.

# 12 Hawthorn – Tayte Pears

The Hawks don’t need much, but another tall defender would certainly be handy and Pears is the best in this draft (along with Rance).

# 13 West Coast Eagles – Cyril Rioli

Shapes as a forward who will likely go into the midfield as his career progresses, and will probably be in the mix from about pick 6 onwards. West Coast will be very happy if he falls through to here. Oh, and Armstrong is a dud.

#14 Melbourne – Ben McEvoy

Melbourne are in need of a lot of things, and ruckmen and tall forwards would be high on the list. McEvoy I think could turn out to be an Ottens-style ruckman who can go forward, which is ideal for the Dees.

#15 Kangaroos – Callan Ward

The Roos would love an injection of class into the midfield, especially with Harvey and Grant getting towards the end. I think they will be all over Ward if he is still available here.

#16 Port Power – David Gourdis

Outside of a quickly ageing Tredrea and a disappointing Damon White, Port’s tall forward stocks are thin (geddit?!?). Gourdis is ideal for them.

#17 Geelong – Tom Collier

The Cats don’t have any real deficiencies, and should be thinking about succession plans. Their three oldest players are tall rebounding defenders in Milburn, Harley and Scarlett, so they would be licking their lips to pick up Collier here.

#18 Richmond – Steven Gaertner

Despite drafting a lot of talls in the last few years, the Tigers are still in need of some quality in the height department, and after picking up the best midfielder in the draft with pick 2 they will be seduced by this bloke’s upside. Athletic freak who could be anything.

#19 Western Bulldogs – Robbie Tarrant

Big, strong power forward who meets the Dogs needs nicely. This is a bit high for Tarrant for mine, but Scott Clayton has said he is looking for key forwards with the first two picks and has two in mind that will definitely be there, and Grant and Tarrant are my guesses.

#20 West Coast – Patrick Veszpremi

One of the real quality midfielders in this draft, and with Masten and Rioli already in the bag the Eagles will be absolutely stoked with the midfield quality they will walk away from this draft with. Looks and plays to me like the living reincarnation of Dean Solomon.

#21 Melbourne – Addam Maric

Imagine Davey and Maric running around in your forward line – talk about a nightmare for opposition defences.

#22 West Coast – Steven Browne

As much a specialist back pocket as anyone in the draft. Eagles could do with a small defender, and they will like his class and the fact he is a local boy. I was tempted to go for a ruckman here, but I think they might wait until the rookie draft.

#23 Essendon – Scott Selwood

Tough, talented midfielder who will go a long way towards filling the hole that Dean Solomon and Mark Johnson have left.

#24 Fremantle – Patrick McGinnity

Quality midfielder who will appeal to the Dockers because he is a real hard-nut but can also add some much-needed pace through the middle. Could become a very good run-with player (just ask Trent Cotchin).

#25 Brisbane Lions – Brendan Whitecross

I really rate this kid. Came into the draft camp with some questions over his athleticism, but top tens in agility, 20m sprint, repeat sprints and beep test laid those to rest (at least for me). Lethal has said they need tough inside mids, and Whitecross is just that. Has great onfield presence and is very hard at it.

#26 Sydney Swans – Andy Otten

Sydney has a blue collar midfield with plenty of grunt. Otten projects as a tall, athletic midfielder with a touch of class, which would complement the Swans nicely.

#27 Adelaide – Levi Greenwood

Another part of the answer to Adelaide’s ageing midfield. Physical, competitive, running player who is AFL ready.

#28 Port Power – Sam Reid

Port have addressed their primary need with Gourdis, and here will just be looking for the best player available. Reid is a tallish, balanced, classy midfielder from Queensland with good pace and skills, who should become a very good player.

#29 Hawthorn – Patrick Dangerfield

Hawthorn have loads of tough inside midfielders and could do with some elite run and carry. Dangerfield delivers that, and is also tough and smart which will appeal to the Hawks.

#30 Adelaide – Jackson Hall

Ebert and Greenwood are very high quality midfielders but neither is particularly quick. Hall is a tallish wingman with good pace, and will add some much-needed young leg-speed to the Crow midfield.

#31 Collingwood – Aaron Joseph

Pies supporters have been telling me that they will be looking for an inside clearance specialist, and with Buckley gone and Burns going I agree with them. Joseph is exactly that. Not 100% convinced about his kicking, but he’s been Tassie MVP and the champs for the last two years running, made AA this year, and is quick, agile, and very hard at it. Great pick up here.

#32 Kangaroos – Chris Kangars

The Roos will be in the market for a tall defender. Couldn’t pass up Ward at 15, but will definitely look to take the best tall back here. Kangars is more athlete than footballer, but with a bit of development could be a very good defender. Won the repeat sprints easily at the draft camp and has a better 400m PB than Cathy Freeman.

#33 Port Adelaide – Tom McNamara

Talented player from Adelaide who could be a good key defender if he adds a couple of cms, and a quality tall running defender if not. He was considered higher than this at the start of the year, and Port will be happy to steal him here.

# 34 Geelong – Tony Notte

Many think he will go higher than this, but I’m not so sure. With his stick-insect build, whoever takes him will need to invest some years before he will have a significant impact at senior level, and in my opinion will be taking a greater-than-average risk that he won’t make it at all. The Cats will see him as a potential successor to Mooney, and is one of the very few clubs with the list strength and depth to take the risk and leave him in the VFL for a few years.

#35 Western Bulldogs – Thomas Bellchambers

The Dogs are still very shaky in the ruck, especially with Darcy gone. Bellchambers is a quality tap ruckman, and although he needs to improve around the ground, he is the best ruck prospect still available at this point.

#36 Carlton – Scott Simpson

After picking up Judd and Kreuzer, the Blues won’t really care if they end up with Richard Lounder or Lachlan Veale here. That said, Fat Lance is gone and they had to give up Josh Kennedy to get Judd, so I think Simpson – who some have tipped to go first round – will certainly appeal.

#37 Kangaroos – Mitch Farmer

Will inject some more class into their midfield, and they will love his toughness.

#38 Adelaide – Marlon Motlop

Bottom aged small forward who was a gun at U/16 level. The Crows struggled to kick goals this year and Motlop will add plenty of pace and zing to their forward line.

#39 Essendon – Darcy Daniher (F/S)

#40 Fremantle –Ashley Arrowsmith

As mentioned before the Dockers are desperate for speed, and in Arrowsmith they will get a tall, quick, classy goalkicking midfielder who will fit the bill nicely. His stocks will have been hurt by his performance (or lack thereof) at the champs, but he will be a quality addition to the Dockers’ list at pick 40.

#41 Brisbane – Guy O’Keefe

O’Keefe is a classy midfielder who reads the game well and is a good decision-maker. Will make another great addition to Brisbane’s emerging midfield.

#42 St Kilda – Brett Meredith

The Saints desperately need some class and disposal skills in the midfield, and that is where Brett Meredith comes in. He is reliable, clean and a great kick.

#43 Western Bulldogs – Jared Petrenko

With two key forwards already in the bag, the Dogs will be looking for best available. Petrenko is small, but very adaptable, and could be a very classy player.

#44 Geelong – Dawson Simpson

After giving King away the Cats have only three ruckmen on the list, and Ottens will be 28 by the start of the 2008 season. So they will be looking for a new young ruckman. Simpson will need a couple of years, but that’s fine for the Cats and in the end he will be a monster (and could be a very good ruckman too).

# 45 Hawthorn – Stuart Dew

You know this bloke. Will be taken, and the Hawks are the favourite, but not before the third round.

# 46 Carlton – Lachlan Hill

Will add some real zip to the Blues.

# 47 Collingwood – Edward Curnow

Quick, tough midfielder with great endurance. Could develop into a run-with player, which would fit well with Collingwood’s needs. They also need a tall defender and a young ruckman, but for those I think they are likely to go for project players in the rookie draft.

# 48 Western Bulldogs – Haelen Kay

Having filled their tall forward and ruck needs earlier in the draft, I expect Scott Clayton to revert to his fetish and pick up some quick outside midfielders. Like Haelen Kay. After all, they did trade Jordan McMahon so there is a hole in the list.

# 49 Port Power – Todd Grima

Surprised a few Cats supporters when dropped off the rookie list after coming second in the VFL goalkicking. Tough marking forward with loads of endurance. Not quick, but uses his body very well. Now training with Port, and could step into their forward line straight away while Gourdis develops in time to replace Tredders.

# 50 Geelong – Jack Steven

The Cats need talls, but with three already in the bag by here they may be tempted by a local boy here. Steven is a tough, quick, bottom aged midfielder who won the Falcons B&F this year despite missing a few games. Hasn’t really shown up on anyone’s radar (that I have seen), but the Cats love tough local boys, and could get an absolute bargain here.

# 51 Richmond – Alistair Neville

The Tigers would have seen a lot of this bloke this year, and know that he will add some much needed class and leadership to their midfield.

# 52 Brisbane Lions – Joseph Daye

The Lions don’t really need too many more key position players, but could probably do with an extra tall defender. Daye is a mobile 194cm local boy, who fits the bill nicely.

# 53 Melbourne – Dan McKenna

Solid, skilful, strong marking tall who has played primarily in attack but could also play at CHB. Melbourne could use him at either end of the ground, but may prefer him as a defender.

# 54 Essendon – Andrew Renton

The Dons are definitely after a project ruckman and could pick between five or six here. Have heard Putt mentioned, but Renton is a very talented player and will appeal to them.

# 55 Fremantle – Jarrhan Jacky

Jacky is a very exciting small forward from WA with great goal sense. Could well go earlier than this, but I can’t fit him in. Would be a great addition to the Dockers forward line, and also insurance in case the Wiz goes off the rails. Again.

# 56 Brisbane – Joel Smouha

Having lost Wood during trade week, the Lions may well be on the lookout for another ruckman, and local boy Smouha could be the one. Undersized at 196cm, but blew the draft camp away with his athleticism. Could be a gun in the ruck especially if he grows a few more cms.

# 57 St Kilda – Will Sullivan

Key forward or ruckman? Gehrig gone, Watts delisted, Steven King picked up = another marking forward? Then again, King is only a short term fix and gives them the flexibility to pick up a quality young ruckman here to develop, and that’s how I think they’ll go. Sullivan shapes as a smart, mobile ruckman and could be a good bet. Maybe a project tall forward in the rookie draft?

# 58 Adelaide – Clayton Hinkley

Showed elite speed and agility at the draft camp, which may tempt the Crows (who need as much as they can get) to take him late.

# 59 Sydney – Craig Bird (scholarship)

# 60 Geelong – Adam Donohue (F/S)

# 61 Collingwood - Jaxson Barham (F/S)

# 62 Kangaroos – John McCarthy

After Ward, Kangars and Farmer, a speedy outside midfielder will be ideal for the Roos. Hello John McCarthy.

# 63 Bulldogs – Jay Bowden

We’re getting a bit speculative this far down, but Bowden is a clever forward/midfielder who deserves to get drafted, and probably higher than this. Could be a quality pick up for the Dogs.

# 64 Richmond – Matthew Lobbe

The Tigers will be looking for a ruckman, and Lobbe may be the best ruck prospect available here (despite playing forward a lot this year in the TAC Cup).

# 65 Carlton – Travis Dulic

A bit of depth in the tall defender stakes won’t go astray for the Blues, and Dulic shapes as a steal this late.

# 66 Melbourne – Shane Valenti

The Demons would have seen a lot of this bloke at Sandy this year, and would have liked what they saw. Small, but quick, skilful and finishes well.

# 67 Bulldogs – Pass

# 68 Essendon – Pass

# 69 Fremantle – Brent Connelly

The Dockers have only two ruckmen on their list, and so I think will be looking at one in the main draft and possibly another in the rookie draft. Given the depth of rucks this year it would not surprise to see them wait this long, and in Connelly they will get a solid long term prospect who can ruck and play forward.

# 70 St Kilda – David Zaharakis

The Saints are still on the slow side through the middle, and Zaharakis will certainly improve them in that regard.

# 71 Adelaide – Taylor Walker (scholarship)

# 72 Kangaroos – PASS

# 73 Melbourne – PASS

# 74 Fremantle – Kepler Bradley

Tall dud who Freo seem to want for some reason. Don’t ask me why.

# 75 Adelaide – PASS

 

[rizzo]

Re: Reg Hickey's Phantom Draft

Top work mate, love it.

but IMHO Callan Ward is one of the most overrated players going around on these boards. I've seen him a few times and while he has improved has shown me nothing.

 

[rizzo]

Re: Rizzo's Mock Draft

Mmm not so sure about taking 'athletes-cum-footballers' with picks that high...but as had already been said in numerous threads, Wells knows what he is doing. Excellent reading rizzo!

Yeah, however if we are going to take a punt it may as well be now. I mean its not like we will miss out on much given out late picks.

Rizzo , what do think of Brent Connelly. We probably will be looking to draft a good sized ruck , and reading another profile he sounds like he played in a similar vane to Ottens. At 202 he has the height for the ruck but is able to go forward.
Whereas Joel Smouha seems very athletic he is smallish for the ruck at 196ish , I suppose White has spent 10 years as a small ruckman but that position seems to be drawing taller and taller kids and it may be he may struggle at less than 200.

Very good phantom by the way

He is questionable IMHO. Played both in the ruck and up forward for gippy. I agree with you assesment re ottens. He doesn't have that contested mark that Ottens has. That being said i didn't have him in my Phantom. Think he will be rookie listed instead.

Smouha is an interesting one. He is the type of player you will either love or hate. Personally i think he is a gun. Have seen him a couple times on video and impressed me everytime he walked out onto the ground. His draft camp was bloody impressive to:

10th in repeat 30m sprint at 24 seconds
2nd with a 15.1 in the shuttle run
1st in the 3km time tira with a 10.23 min time

He is a little small at 196, but he is only 17, so he will grow some more and will peak at around 199 you would think.

He is taller than Jeff white, and the same height as simmonds so his longevity because of height shouldn't be an issue

 

[Reg Hickey]

Re: Reg Hickey's Phantom Draft

Top work mate, love it.

but IMHO Callan Ward is one of the most overrated players going around on these boards. I've seen him a few times and while he has improved has shown me nothing.

Yeah, I saw he didn't crack a guernsey in your top 40.

I like him, but I didn't find him very easy to place. I don't quite have the raging for him that the likes of sinepari and Thunderstruck do, bit I think he is a natural footballer who has a lot of the qualities clubs will be looking for, and could well come into consideration by the end of the first round.

 

[Budda 230]

Re: Reg Hickey's Phantom Draft

Like I said on the drafts board, I really like your Geelong selections Reg. They are logical and very well thought out. As I said, if Bellchambers was available come selection 34, I don't think Geelong would pass on him. I know next to nothing on Jack Steven.

I really think that this PD could end up being the most accurate of the bigfooty efforts. Great job Reg.

 

[rizzo]

Re: Reg Hickey's Phantom Draft

Like I said on the drafts board, I really like your Geelong selections Reg. They are logical and very well thought out. As I said, if Bellchambers was available come selection 34, I don't think Geelong would pass on him. I know next to nothing on Jack Steven.

I really think that this PD could end up being the most accurate of the bigfooty efforts. Great job Reg.

Jack Steven won the falcons B&F this year. He can play in a variety of spots down back and even drift through the midfield with no problems. He is tough and quick. He has good decision making skills and disposal, however not great.

Will surely be a chance to get a gig at an AFL Club, however i have him down for a rookie spot.

Hope that helps

 

[Budda 230]

Re: Reg Hickey's Phantom Draft

Jack Steven won the falcons B&F this year. He can play in a variety of spots down back and even drift through the midfield with no problems. He is tough and quick. He has good decision making skills and disposal, however not great.

Will surely be a chance to get a gig at an AFL Club, however i have him down for a rookie spot.

Hope that helps

Thanks Rizzo. You and Reg have been very helpful with your draft knowledge this year. You wouldn't happen to have weight and height for Steven would you? Cheers.

 

[rizzo]

Re: Reg Hickey's Phantom Draft

Thanks Rizzo. You and Reg have been very helpful with your draft knowledge this year. You wouldn't happen to have weight and height for Steven would you? Cheers.

Surely do, this bloody book i write in has copped a pounding the last few weeks.

181cm and 80kgs on my records

 

[rizzo]

Re: Rizzo's Mock Draft

My final post picks 41 - 75. Ive decided to go with a few more surprise picks and picking late in the draft is very hard. THis means a lot of VFL, WAFL and SANFL players are included. Just gives this draft something different

Pick #41 - Brisbane – Callan Ward – Western – Defender
Rated by a lot of people, but just doesn’t do it for me. Really good user of the ball and is always improving. Brisbane will love to add another midfielder to its ranks. I can see why a lot of people rate him. Could go anywhere.

Pick #42 – St Kilda – Robbie Tarrant – Bendigo – Tall Forward
Seems a fair bit injury prone (something St Kilda don’t need), however with the retirement of Gehrig and Watts’ departure I think the Saints will swoop on Robbie. Is a very athletic CHF, and has a lot of expectations. Can he live up to it? I’m not so sure.

Pick #43 – Western Bulldogs – James Mulligan – South Port– Ruck
Very skilled and Athletic ruckman who is just new to the game. Can play down forward and as some similarities to Matthew Richardson. Will develop a lot in the next few years and will be a good pick up for the Dogs.

Pick #44 - Geelong – Dan McKenna – Gippsland – Tall Forward
Floats between CHF and CHB. Geelong may look for another tall now that Playfair, Hunt and Gardiner are now gone. McKenna dominated in the first 5 rounds, however struggled to some extent to adapt to the wetter conditions.

Pick #45 - Hawthorn – Ashley Hockey – Murray Bushrangers – Small Defender
Likes to win his own football, and can really give a link option out of defense. Floated a lot through the midfield and has shown that he has clean hands and overall skills. The hawks will love another polished midfielder to come into the team in a few years time.

Pick #46 - Carlton – Luke Sampey – East Perth – Tall Forward
The loss of Kennedy and Whitnall means that they are a little short on Key talls. Sampey is the best available at this stage. Very consistent goal kicker throughout the year. Doesn’t have the bells and whistles that many have, but you know you will get a good hard honest player.

Pick #47 - Collingwood – Scott Meyer – Williamstown – Tall Back
Scott is a tall defender out of Williamstown. Mick Malthouse is a massive fan of this kid and with the Retirement of Clement and the aging of its stars down back Meyer may just earn a spot on the list. Not well built but has a lot of potential.

Pick #48 – Western Bulldogs – Mitchell Farmer – Calder – Midfield
Can play at either end of the field and well. Is tough as nails and a good user of the ball. Has some real leadership qualities that the Doggies will also look at. Pretty highly rated so the doggies will get a bargain.

Pick #49 – Port Adelaide – Adam Iacobucci – Williamstown – Midfield
A hard at it midfielder who earns another spot on an AFL list. Adam and Todd Grima will fight it out for this spot. Adam loves the contest and hitting the packs hard. Didn’t get a shot at Collingwood and Williams can turn hacks into decent players.

Pick #50 - Geelong – Scott Thompson – Geelong VFL – Tall Defender
Had a sensational end to the season did Scotty. Dominated for the cats in the VFL with his rebound and usage off the backline. Can play a nullifying role or can be used as a create option. The cats will be laughing all the way to the bank with this pick.

Pick #51 - Richmond – Jarrod Silvester – Coburg – Tall Back
Very similar player to Scott. Both are great users of the ball out of defense. Richmond will have had a good look at him this year and surely must be in calculations if Richmond are serious about winning games of football.

Pick #52 - Brisbane – Jackson Hall – Gippsland – Medium Forward
Steal for Brisbane this late in the draft. Hall can do it and pretty well. Went forward and kicked 4 goals in one game, however was mostly seen creating run off the half back line. Not a player that the lions really need, however to good to go past this late.

Pick #53 - Melbourne – Alistar Neville – Coburg – Midfield
Freak midfielder who tore WA a new hole when he played them. Was Coburgs’ best player for the year. Very classy disposal and never has an off day. Attacks the packs with his first and second efforts.

Pick #54 – Essendon – James Polkinghorne – Calder – Midfield
Showed some poise when he went down back, however he made his name in the midfield this year. He has good hands and is excellent at ground level. His skills are good and is a leader. Essendon will take him and give him time to develop in the VFL.

Pick #55 - Fremantle – Kepler Bradley – Essendon – Tall Back
Kepler has been training with the Dockers and looks set to get another life line in the west.

Pick #56 - Brisbane – Ryan Normington – Murray Bushrangers – Medium Forward
A little injury prone and that will make him available late. Another versatile Forward who can play all over the ground. Nice disposal and a good goal sense, a real snap up late in this draft especially if he can keep out of the physio room.

Pick #57 – St Kilda – Matthew Lobbe – Eastern – Ruck
King isn’t the safest bet and McEvoy could be used else where. Lobbe won the B&F last year for Eastern playing out of the ruck. Spent this year at CHF where he was patchy at times. He will ideally play Ruck at an AFL club. His draft camp tests were good and he is on the way to becoming an AFL player.

Pick #58 – Adelaide– Jarrhan Jacky– Subiaco– Small Forward
Has only played footy for a few years, and has a great goal sense. Still learning the game in many ways and has only just started to step up into the midfield. The talent Adelaide have recruited means they can afford to take a punt on players later in the draft.

Pick #59 - Sydney – Craig Bird – Nelson Bay – Midfield
Sydney get their first scholarship player in their ranks.

Pick #60 - Geelong – Adam Donohue – Geelong – Small Defender
Geelong get him F/S

Pick #61 - Collingwood – Jaxon Braham – Geelong – Midfielder
Collingwood get him F/S

Pick #62 - Kangaroos – Ian Callinan – Central Districts – Small Forward
Ian has done preseasons with AFL teams before, and did one last year with the Kangaroos. The moving on of Whyman leaves the door open for a mature goalsneak. He is clinical in his finishing and is very hard to stop once he starts to get on a bit of a roll.

Pick #63 - Bulldogs – Brett Meredith – Northern – Medium Defender
Missed the start of the year with shoulder injuries, however came back and averaged 33 touches in the TAC. He has excellent skills on either side of his body and can float forward and kick goals.

Pick #64 - Richmond – Patrick Rose – Williamstown – Small Forward
A small leading forward with a lot of potential. Kicks goals when they are needed and rarely goes missing as some players do. A real bargain this late in the draft.

Pick #65 - Carlton – Josephy Daye – Zillmere – Tall Defender
Never going to be a big option as a defender however will play a 3rd Darren Milburn type role. Really athletic and is at his best when he is running and carrying the ball off half back.

Pick #66 - Melbourne -Andrew Renton - Eastern – Ruck
Tall Ruckman who showed some signs this year. The dees will add another ruckman to develop and may as well take one with a bit of potential.

Pick #67 – Western Bulldogs – Guy O’Keefe– Geelong Falcons – Midfield
Needs to build his aerobic capacity to play more in the midfield. However will make a really good half forward or half back. Skill wise is very dangerous. He works hard to get to the packs and gives lots of 2nd and 3rd efforts.

Pick #68 - Essendon – Clayton Hinkley – North Ballarat – Midfield
Express speed which will see Essendon dribble at the mouth. Is a genuine link player in the midfield and put in an impressive draft camp. Essendon need a bit more pace and he will deliver it.

Pick #69 - Fremantle – Michael Dell Aquila – Eastern – Midfield
Good on his feet and good one on one. Spent most of his time in the midfield but also spent time in the forward line. Was unlucky because he did a hamstring at draft camp meaning he couldn’t do all the tests. If you want a word that sums him up then think smart.

Pick #70 – St Kilda – Harry Taylor – East Fremantle – Tall Back
Can play almost everywhere. He has great agility and endurance which sets him apart from many other players. AFL clubs are interested, its just hard to see where he will go. This late in the draft he is worth the punt.

Pick #71 - Adelaide – Matthew Westhoff– Central District – Medium Forward
His brother will help him get drafted here, however he will head to opposition ranks. Adelaide are looking for more forward options and Westhoff is as good as they come here. Very similar player to his brother. Very good on the lead and excellent infront of goal.

Pick #72 - Kangaroos – Trent Dennis - Lane – Subiaco – Small Forward
Exciting and quick small forward. The Roos will love this player because he could develop into a very handy footballer in the future.

Pick #73 - Melbourne – Shane Valenti – Sandringham – Midfielder
Runner up in the VFL B&F as well as taking the Fothergill – Round medal for the best young prospect. Valenti is making waves into AFL circles. A player that will be to good for VFL and is still young. Melbourne have seen him all year with their VFL affiliate and look like they will take him.

Pick #74 - Fremantle – Edward Curnow – Geelon Falcons – Midfielder
He is a Brett Kirk type tagger with great endurance. Can run all day and nullify him opponent. The dockers don’t really have a real tagger so Curnow will fit in well there.

Pick #75 - Adelaide – Taylor Walker – North Broken Hill – Medium Forward
Adelaide’s Scholarship player

 

[Budda 230]

Re: Reg Hickey's Phantom Draft

Surely do, this bloody book i write in has copped a pounding the last few weeks.

181cm and 80kgs on my records

Thanks Rizzo, you are a star!

 

[Budda 230]

Re: Rizzo's Mock Draft

I like the Geelong selections for the later part of the draft here. Although you may have gone one to many defenders.

Interesting to see you have gone for a lot of VFL/SANFL players. Rose and Callinan are very interesting. Good read again.

 

[year of the cat]

Re: Reg Hickey's Phantom Draft

I just posted this on the Drafts & Trading Board, and thought I might add it here too.

My picks for the Cats:

#17 Geelong – Tom Collier
The Cats don’t have any real deficiencies, and should be thinking about succession plans. Their three oldest players are tall rebounding defenders in Milburn, Harley and Scarlett, so they would be licking their lips to pick up Collier here.

# 34 Geelong – Tony Notte
Many think he will go higher than this, but I’m not so sure. With his stick-insect build, whoever takes him will need to invest some years before he will have a significant impact at senior level, and in my opinion will be taking a greater-than-average risk that he won’t make it at all. The Cats will see him as a potential successor to Mooney, and is one of the very few clubs with the list strength and depth to take the risk and leave him in the VFL for a few years.

#44 Geelong – Dawson Simpson
After giving King away the Cats have only three ruckmen on the list, and Ottens will be 28 by the start of the 2008 season. So they will be looking for a new young ruckman. Simpson will need a couple of years, but that’s fine for the Cats and in the end he will be a monster (and could be a very good ruckman too).

# 50 Geelong – Jack Steven
The Cats need talls, but with three already in the bag by here they may be tempted by a local boy here. Steven is a tough, quick, bottom aged midfielder who won the Falcons B&F this year despite missing a few games. Hasn’t really shown up on anyone’s radar (that I have seen), but the Cats love tough local boys, and could get an absolute bargain here.

# 60 Geelong – Adam Donohue (F/S)

Thoughts?

Your picks certainly address our future loss of tall backmen and the need for another ruckman. If the draft pans out as you have it going I would think we would also take Bellchambers in front of Notte. That way you have taken both a highly rated tall and backman with your first 2 picks.

With Notte's physical attributes, or lack thereof, being an issue he well be around for either of our last two picks anyway.

 

[Reg Hickey]

Re: Reg Hickey's Phantom Draft

Jack Steven won the falcons B&F this year. He can play in a variety of spots down back and even drift through the midfield with no problems. He is tough and quick. He has good decision making skills and disposal, however not great.

Will surely be a chance to get a gig at an AFL Club, however i have him down for a rookie spot.

Hope that helps

Agree with all of that, except that being very bottom aged I don't think he can be rookied. So it will be ND or back to the TAC next year. Have also heard that the Pies are seriously considering him with pick 47, so he might not even be there for us.

Biggest issue is definitely his disposal.

 

[rizzo]

Re: Reg Hickey's Phantom Draft

Agree with all of that, except that being very bottom aged I don't think he can be rookied. So it will be ND or back to the TAC next year. Have also heard that the Pies are seriously considering him with pick 47, so he might not even be there for us.

Biggest issue is definitely his disposal.

He would benefit from another year in the system, he has so much more to learn. Another year in the TAC = 2nd round pick next year imho

 

[Reg Hickey]

Re: Reg Hickey's Phantom Draft

Your picks certainly address our future loss of tall backmen and the need for another ruckman. If the draft pans out as you have it going I would think we would also take Bellchambers in front of Notte. That way you have taken both a highly rated tall and backman with your first 2 picks.

With Notte's physical attributes, or lack thereof, being an issue he well be around for either of our last two picks anyway.

Yeah, we might well take Bellchambers if he is still there at #34. My reasoning for not doing so was that we are short of all types of talls - forwards, defenders and rucks - and this draft is shaping as a very, very deep one for ruckmen. So if someone like Notte is still there at #34 we should jump on him because there are unlikely to be too many other quality tall forwards from the third round onwards, but it is a pretty safe bet that there will be some promising ruck prospects to choose from. Perhaps not as accomplished as Bellchambers at the moment, but I think that rucks tend to develop later and be harder to assess as 17yos than pretty much any other position, and I would back our recruiting team to have a decent shot at getting a real gem at #44 or #50.

And I agree with you that Notte's Mackie-ness will probably see him slide, but he really is a very talented player - so much so that many are rating him a first rounder despite his build. I think he could be a steal at #34 and while he might not make it, he has the potential to be a gun and we have the time, list depth and history of developing kids to give him a real chance.