This is my first one, so go easy. These are my thoughts as to how the cards will fall on the 21st. Feel free to debate and discuss below.
#1 – Greater Western Sydney
Thomas Boyd (VIC – KPF)
No question with this pick. It’s already locked away and the staff have already got his GWS Guernsey sized up and ready to present on the 21st.
#2 – Greater Western Sydney
Josh Kelly (VIC – MID)
Strong word is that this is the man that will go to GWS at No. 2 in 2013. Very talented midfielder to complement the vast array of pre-existing midfield talent in the Orange/Charcoal strip.
#3 – St Kilda
James Aish (VIC – MID)
Billings could be taken here but Saints need classy midfielders first and foremost and Aish looks the goods. Aish has impeccable footy lineage and is arguably the most composed player in the draft together with his elite skills.
# 4 – Western Bulldogs
Jack Billings (VIC – MID/FWD)
With Gia not getting any younger and the Dogs boasting a heap of talent in their midfield, Billings appears a good fit here and could play senior footy early in 2013 across half forward.
#5 – Gold Coast
Kade Kolodjashnij (TAS – UTI)
I’m expecting to (entertainingly) see this kid’s name read out at #5 this year, with Kade being linked to the Suns for almost half of 2013. Fills a need of theirs and will be a gun.
#6 – Collingwood
Matthew Scharenberg (SA – ULI)
One simply doesn’t say no to a Brendan Goddard clone. If the Pies are confident they’ll get who they want at 10, they would be crazy to overlook this guy at 6, which would certainly verify their call to trade up the order. I’m very envious of Collingwood right now.
#7 – Brisbane
Cameron McCarthy (WA – KPF)
The Lions could go for Lennon here, but their need for quality talls and a future A-grade tall forward may see them pull the trigger on McCarthy here. Would shake up the first round but wouldn’t be a bad pick – 2nd best tall in the draft aint bad.
#8 – North Melbourne (VIC – UTI)
Luke McDonald
Luke is locked away with North’s F/S nomination. Lucky buggers – this kid is a great talent and may well have been taken in the top 5 if not for the fortuitous rule.
#9 – Melbourne
Nathan Freeman (VIC – MID)
Based on recent talk and team needs, I can see the Dees drafting Freeman here as he has the pace and ready-made body to play from R1. The Dees have a ready-set forward line with the addition of Hogan so Lennon may slide out of the top 10.
#10 – Collingwood
Marcus Bontempelli
The Pies want him, and should get him here. A potential Pendlebury 2.0 – will add height and a huge talent to their midfield for years to come.
#11 – West Coast
Dominic Sheed (WA – MID)
The Coasters may want home-grown talent in the first round this year so should do the smart thing and draft the best WA-based midfielder at 11. Close to one of the most certain picks in the first round, although if a big gun falls into their lap, Sheed could be on his way to Victoria.
#12 – Richmond
Christian Salem (VIC – MID)
The Tigers should continue their impressive first round drafting in 2013 as they set out to pick up yet another tough midfielder with pick 12 in the draft. Salem is touted to be top 10 on talent and is the best midfielder available at this point. Salem is a perfectly-rounded midfielder with few perceived weaknesses. Would be an excellent addition to the Yellow and Black.
#13 – Carlton
Ben Lennon (VIC – UTI)
If the above happens as it may, the Blues won’t believe their luck and will read out young Lennon’s name with zero hesitation. One of the ‘surest’ picks in the draft class, Lennon is a brilliant footballer who will be welcomed into the Navy Blue with open arms – bonus that the kid grew up supporting the club.
#14 – Greater Western Sydney
Darcy Gardiner (VIC – KPD)
Blessed with amazing midfield riches and enough gun key forwards to last a lifetime, GWS should do the smart thing here and draft the best tall back following their loss of Bruce to St Kilda in the offseason. Not exactly key position size, he’ll slot in nicely alongside Tim Mohr and Phil Davis at the back.
#15 – Sydney
Lewis Taylor (VIC – MID)
Giving pace for their ageing midfield, LT is a good fit for the Swans and they should grab him if he’s still here. Great skills, racks up the footy and is a leader to boot – he’s top 10 material if not for his height.
#16 – Geelong
Blake Acres (WA – UTI)
It’s hard to see the Cats turning down Acres here as he gives them the polish of a tall midfielder to balance the existing grunt of Selwood and co. Acres could go way earlier so would be a bargain at 16.
#17 – Fremantle
Jonathan Marsh (WA – KPF/UTI)
With McCarthy a possible bolter up the order, Freo’s biggest need of a big forward could see them reach for the next best big forward from WA in Marsh. Not quite the KP size, Marsh’s speed is his biggest weapon. Unless McCarthy slides – there’s no other obvious pick here for the Dockers to jump on with their midfield set for the next 5+ years.
#18 – St Kilda
Matt Crouch (VIC – MID)
Recent talk has the younger Crouch falling in the draft – potentially even to the 2nd round. If available, the Saints should grab him here to sure up their young midfield stocks following the addition of one of classy duo Aish/Billings.
#19 – St Kilda
Billy Hartung (VIC – MID/FWD)
If recent reports are true, the Saints have a huge thing going for running machine Hartung. Smashing the beep-test record at this year’s combine – he’s got the endurance (and footy skills) to suit the modern game and the talent to make it at this level.
#20 – Gold Coast
Zac Merrett (VIC – UTI)
Potentially a late bolter, Merrett could come in and fill the void of retired Sun Jared Brennan on a wing/half forward. Great decision-making and knows how to use the ball, he would complement the likes of O’Meara, Bennell, Martin and Prestia well.
#21 – Port Adelaide
Trent Dumont (SA – MID)
Part of a super South Australian midfield, Dumont represents home grown talent and will add versatility to Port’s midfield in their fast-growing gun midfield. Unlikely to be a star like Wingard or Wines, Dumont will still be a very handy footballer at AFL level.
#22 – Brisbane
Zac Jones (VIC – DEF/MID)
With Yeo gone to West Coast, Jones fulfils a need at the Lions. His flexibility as a shutdown/rebounding defender, added to his hardness at the contest should see him go around this pick.
#23 – Adelaide
Luke Dunstan (SA – MID)
With Adelaide’s first pick, they’d surely want to grab a top SA talent and will be hoping one of Dumont/Dunstan fall to their pick. Dunstan could be the future captain of an AFL club with his leadership a stand-out. Has the potential to take over from Scott Thompson in the next few years as that hard, inside midfielder. Also could help fill the Bernie Vince-shaped hole as early as R1.
#24 – Hawthorn
Patrick Cripps (WA – MID)
I think Hawthorn need a good inside midfielder with their first and Cripps fits the bill. A tall, strong, inside player – Cripps could easily fit into the next wave of Hawthorn talent as the likes of Hodge/Mitchell/Sewell move on.
#25 – Brisbane
Eli Templeton (TAS – UTI)
Possessing possible the cleanest hands in the draft, Templeton won’t have the ‘go-home’ factor being from Tassie (so Brisbane hope) and is a versatile midfielder with a huge tank. Needs some meat on his bones, but otherwise a top talent.
#26 – Essendon
Jay Kennedy-Harris (VIC – FWD/MID)
I like this kid at Essendon’s first pick. The best small forward in the draft, JKH has the ability to push into the mids and is an all-important two way player. Fills a need at the Bombers and has the talent to justify this selection.
#27 – Gold Coast (last pick in ND)
Jake Kolodnashnij (TAS – KPD)
With the Suns unlikely to take more than the 3 picks in the draft (their next is 61), they may look to double their Kolo in the draft – bringing the second of the Tasmanian twins to the Sunshine State. Whilst it may help talented brother Kade settle in, Jake has every right to be drafted on his own merit.
#28 – Brisbane
James Battersby (SA – Mid/Def)
Battersby may be gone by this pick, but is a logical fit for the Lions. He loves the run and carry and rack up the footy – presents another option to replace the talented Yeo and Docherty in Brisbane’s plans following their off-season exodus.
#29 – Greater Western Sydney (last pick in ND)
Luke Reynolds (SA – FWD/MID)
I honestly think GWS may pass on their 3rd pick, however if they opt for a fourth, it seems that Reynolds fits the bill. A class half forward with a touch of speed, he offers a strong-bodied option for the wooden-spooners; and one that could play in 2014.
#30 – North Melbourne
Alex Spina (SA – FWD)
Spina fits the bill here as an exciting half forward. Gives North X-Factor and that speed, agility and goal-kicking ability to complement North’s hardworking midfield.
#31 – West Coast
Jarman Impey (VIC – FWD)
Impey has been talked up a bit around the traps, with his skills and disposal putting him at the top of the small-forward list. Will put real pressure to play in 2014.
#32 – Sydney
Cameron Giles (SA – KPD)
Great get for the Swans if Giles is still available here. The best ‘true’ KPD-sized backman in the draft, Giles could surprise and go as early as the first round and is a good move for Sydney as Richards nears the end of his career.
#33 – Brisbane
Michael Apeness (VIC – RUC/FWD)
Someone has to take this guy in the 2nd round, and it may well be the Lions with their glut of picks in this range. Despite grabbing Trent West to back up Leuenberger, they need another ruck – preferably who can go forward; and Apeness gives them that ability.
#34 – Brisbane
Chris Caine (VIC – MID)
Brisbane needs players that want to play AFL and won’t take their chance for granted. Caine is a 26 year old goal-kicking midfielder who had an outstanding season for Port Melbourne. Would give the Lions immediate depth, as well as a player that is hungry to make his mark at the top level.
#35 – Sydney
Rory Lobb (WA – RUC)
Lobb appears the popular choice around here to fill the void following Mumford’s exit. Being a few years older, Lobb presents an option that could potentially step in to assist #1 ruck Mike Pyke early in 2014.
#36 – Geelong
Isaiah Miller (VIC – DEF/MID)
A creative flanker with a good mark and great skills. Initially touted as top 20 talent, Miller would be a fantastic addition to the Cats – especially with a certain Corey Enright close to retirement.
#37 – Fremantle
Daniel McStay (VIC – KPD)
Probably the next best KPD available at this point, McStay had a good year – showing versatility and strength in attack and his preferred defensive post. Freo need another big man and this kid fits the bill.
#38 – Hawthorn
James Tsitas (VIC – MID)
Is Tsitas the second coming of Ryan Crowley? Maybe not in stature (Tsitas is only 180cm) but his aggression, endurance and ability to find the footy will hold him in good stead at AFL level. Would fit in well at Hawthorn as they look to get some midfield talent in for the years ahead.
#1 – Greater Western Sydney
Thomas Boyd (VIC – KPF)
No question with this pick. It’s already locked away and the staff have already got his GWS Guernsey sized up and ready to present on the 21st.
#2 – Greater Western Sydney
Josh Kelly (VIC – MID)
Strong word is that this is the man that will go to GWS at No. 2 in 2013. Very talented midfielder to complement the vast array of pre-existing midfield talent in the Orange/Charcoal strip.
#3 – St Kilda
James Aish (VIC – MID)
Billings could be taken here but Saints need classy midfielders first and foremost and Aish looks the goods. Aish has impeccable footy lineage and is arguably the most composed player in the draft together with his elite skills.
# 4 – Western Bulldogs
Jack Billings (VIC – MID/FWD)
With Gia not getting any younger and the Dogs boasting a heap of talent in their midfield, Billings appears a good fit here and could play senior footy early in 2013 across half forward.
#5 – Gold Coast
Kade Kolodjashnij (TAS – UTI)
I’m expecting to (entertainingly) see this kid’s name read out at #5 this year, with Kade being linked to the Suns for almost half of 2013. Fills a need of theirs and will be a gun.
#6 – Collingwood
Matthew Scharenberg (SA – ULI)
One simply doesn’t say no to a Brendan Goddard clone. If the Pies are confident they’ll get who they want at 10, they would be crazy to overlook this guy at 6, which would certainly verify their call to trade up the order. I’m very envious of Collingwood right now.
#7 – Brisbane
Cameron McCarthy (WA – KPF)
The Lions could go for Lennon here, but their need for quality talls and a future A-grade tall forward may see them pull the trigger on McCarthy here. Would shake up the first round but wouldn’t be a bad pick – 2nd best tall in the draft aint bad.
#8 – North Melbourne (VIC – UTI)
Luke McDonald
Luke is locked away with North’s F/S nomination. Lucky buggers – this kid is a great talent and may well have been taken in the top 5 if not for the fortuitous rule.
#9 – Melbourne
Nathan Freeman (VIC – MID)
Based on recent talk and team needs, I can see the Dees drafting Freeman here as he has the pace and ready-made body to play from R1. The Dees have a ready-set forward line with the addition of Hogan so Lennon may slide out of the top 10.
#10 – Collingwood
Marcus Bontempelli
The Pies want him, and should get him here. A potential Pendlebury 2.0 – will add height and a huge talent to their midfield for years to come.
#11 – West Coast
Dominic Sheed (WA – MID)
The Coasters may want home-grown talent in the first round this year so should do the smart thing and draft the best WA-based midfielder at 11. Close to one of the most certain picks in the first round, although if a big gun falls into their lap, Sheed could be on his way to Victoria.
#12 – Richmond
Christian Salem (VIC – MID)
The Tigers should continue their impressive first round drafting in 2013 as they set out to pick up yet another tough midfielder with pick 12 in the draft. Salem is touted to be top 10 on talent and is the best midfielder available at this point. Salem is a perfectly-rounded midfielder with few perceived weaknesses. Would be an excellent addition to the Yellow and Black.
#13 – Carlton
Ben Lennon (VIC – UTI)
If the above happens as it may, the Blues won’t believe their luck and will read out young Lennon’s name with zero hesitation. One of the ‘surest’ picks in the draft class, Lennon is a brilliant footballer who will be welcomed into the Navy Blue with open arms – bonus that the kid grew up supporting the club.
#14 – Greater Western Sydney
Darcy Gardiner (VIC – KPD)
Blessed with amazing midfield riches and enough gun key forwards to last a lifetime, GWS should do the smart thing here and draft the best tall back following their loss of Bruce to St Kilda in the offseason. Not exactly key position size, he’ll slot in nicely alongside Tim Mohr and Phil Davis at the back.
#15 – Sydney
Lewis Taylor (VIC – MID)
Giving pace for their ageing midfield, LT is a good fit for the Swans and they should grab him if he’s still here. Great skills, racks up the footy and is a leader to boot – he’s top 10 material if not for his height.
#16 – Geelong
Blake Acres (WA – UTI)
It’s hard to see the Cats turning down Acres here as he gives them the polish of a tall midfielder to balance the existing grunt of Selwood and co. Acres could go way earlier so would be a bargain at 16.
#17 – Fremantle
Jonathan Marsh (WA – KPF/UTI)
With McCarthy a possible bolter up the order, Freo’s biggest need of a big forward could see them reach for the next best big forward from WA in Marsh. Not quite the KP size, Marsh’s speed is his biggest weapon. Unless McCarthy slides – there’s no other obvious pick here for the Dockers to jump on with their midfield set for the next 5+ years.
#18 – St Kilda
Matt Crouch (VIC – MID)
Recent talk has the younger Crouch falling in the draft – potentially even to the 2nd round. If available, the Saints should grab him here to sure up their young midfield stocks following the addition of one of classy duo Aish/Billings.
#19 – St Kilda
Billy Hartung (VIC – MID/FWD)
If recent reports are true, the Saints have a huge thing going for running machine Hartung. Smashing the beep-test record at this year’s combine – he’s got the endurance (and footy skills) to suit the modern game and the talent to make it at this level.
#20 – Gold Coast
Zac Merrett (VIC – UTI)
Potentially a late bolter, Merrett could come in and fill the void of retired Sun Jared Brennan on a wing/half forward. Great decision-making and knows how to use the ball, he would complement the likes of O’Meara, Bennell, Martin and Prestia well.
#21 – Port Adelaide
Trent Dumont (SA – MID)
Part of a super South Australian midfield, Dumont represents home grown talent and will add versatility to Port’s midfield in their fast-growing gun midfield. Unlikely to be a star like Wingard or Wines, Dumont will still be a very handy footballer at AFL level.
#22 – Brisbane
Zac Jones (VIC – DEF/MID)
With Yeo gone to West Coast, Jones fulfils a need at the Lions. His flexibility as a shutdown/rebounding defender, added to his hardness at the contest should see him go around this pick.
#23 – Adelaide
Luke Dunstan (SA – MID)
With Adelaide’s first pick, they’d surely want to grab a top SA talent and will be hoping one of Dumont/Dunstan fall to their pick. Dunstan could be the future captain of an AFL club with his leadership a stand-out. Has the potential to take over from Scott Thompson in the next few years as that hard, inside midfielder. Also could help fill the Bernie Vince-shaped hole as early as R1.
#24 – Hawthorn
Patrick Cripps (WA – MID)
I think Hawthorn need a good inside midfielder with their first and Cripps fits the bill. A tall, strong, inside player – Cripps could easily fit into the next wave of Hawthorn talent as the likes of Hodge/Mitchell/Sewell move on.
#25 – Brisbane
Eli Templeton (TAS – UTI)
Possessing possible the cleanest hands in the draft, Templeton won’t have the ‘go-home’ factor being from Tassie (so Brisbane hope) and is a versatile midfielder with a huge tank. Needs some meat on his bones, but otherwise a top talent.
#26 – Essendon
Jay Kennedy-Harris (VIC – FWD/MID)
I like this kid at Essendon’s first pick. The best small forward in the draft, JKH has the ability to push into the mids and is an all-important two way player. Fills a need at the Bombers and has the talent to justify this selection.
#27 – Gold Coast (last pick in ND)
Jake Kolodnashnij (TAS – KPD)
With the Suns unlikely to take more than the 3 picks in the draft (their next is 61), they may look to double their Kolo in the draft – bringing the second of the Tasmanian twins to the Sunshine State. Whilst it may help talented brother Kade settle in, Jake has every right to be drafted on his own merit.
#28 – Brisbane
James Battersby (SA – Mid/Def)
Battersby may be gone by this pick, but is a logical fit for the Lions. He loves the run and carry and rack up the footy – presents another option to replace the talented Yeo and Docherty in Brisbane’s plans following their off-season exodus.
#29 – Greater Western Sydney (last pick in ND)
Luke Reynolds (SA – FWD/MID)
I honestly think GWS may pass on their 3rd pick, however if they opt for a fourth, it seems that Reynolds fits the bill. A class half forward with a touch of speed, he offers a strong-bodied option for the wooden-spooners; and one that could play in 2014.
#30 – North Melbourne
Alex Spina (SA – FWD)
Spina fits the bill here as an exciting half forward. Gives North X-Factor and that speed, agility and goal-kicking ability to complement North’s hardworking midfield.
#31 – West Coast
Jarman Impey (VIC – FWD)
Impey has been talked up a bit around the traps, with his skills and disposal putting him at the top of the small-forward list. Will put real pressure to play in 2014.
#32 – Sydney
Cameron Giles (SA – KPD)
Great get for the Swans if Giles is still available here. The best ‘true’ KPD-sized backman in the draft, Giles could surprise and go as early as the first round and is a good move for Sydney as Richards nears the end of his career.
#33 – Brisbane
Michael Apeness (VIC – RUC/FWD)
Someone has to take this guy in the 2nd round, and it may well be the Lions with their glut of picks in this range. Despite grabbing Trent West to back up Leuenberger, they need another ruck – preferably who can go forward; and Apeness gives them that ability.
#34 – Brisbane
Chris Caine (VIC – MID)
Brisbane needs players that want to play AFL and won’t take their chance for granted. Caine is a 26 year old goal-kicking midfielder who had an outstanding season for Port Melbourne. Would give the Lions immediate depth, as well as a player that is hungry to make his mark at the top level.
#35 – Sydney
Rory Lobb (WA – RUC)
Lobb appears the popular choice around here to fill the void following Mumford’s exit. Being a few years older, Lobb presents an option that could potentially step in to assist #1 ruck Mike Pyke early in 2014.
#36 – Geelong
Isaiah Miller (VIC – DEF/MID)
A creative flanker with a good mark and great skills. Initially touted as top 20 talent, Miller would be a fantastic addition to the Cats – especially with a certain Corey Enright close to retirement.
#37 – Fremantle
Daniel McStay (VIC – KPD)
Probably the next best KPD available at this point, McStay had a good year – showing versatility and strength in attack and his preferred defensive post. Freo need another big man and this kid fits the bill.
#38 – Hawthorn
James Tsitas (VIC – MID)
Is Tsitas the second coming of Ryan Crowley? Maybe not in stature (Tsitas is only 180cm) but his aggression, endurance and ability to find the footy will hold him in good stead at AFL level. Would fit in well at Hawthorn as they look to get some midfield talent in for the years ahead.
. I would think that Geelong would pick McStay before Miller.
