35-Brent Hall
(South Fremantle) 7 January 1986, 198cm, 94kg
After the versatile Bradley, the most sought after ‘traditional’ ruckman in this year’s National AFL Draft is the emerging Hall. A Western Australian co-vice-captain at this year’s National AFL under 18 championships, he will figure prominently in the first round, due to the lack of genuine young ruckmen. Adelaide has also declared its interest in Hall, having openly admitted that it wants to bolster its rucks/talls department, but with Fremantle having two selections before the Crows, the Dockers are likely to pounce on one of their most promising home grown talents. They too are looking to form one of the most formidable rucking combinations in the competition and Hall fits that into that criteria. But don’t be surprised if Fremantle pulls an early surprise with the selection of Gippsland Power tall Ryan Murphy. Best tap ruckman in the draft. “He’s a kid with outstanding pace, and a very strong, mature body, and we just think, in time, he could be a future centre half back or centre half forward, and play some ruck work, too.” Was tipped to go top 15.
67 Brent Hall South Fremantle Jan 7, 86 198 94 21
Tall, inside ruckman with terrific athletic ability and courage. Good below his knees for a tall player. Vice-captain of the WA U/18 Championships team in 2003. AIS-AFL Academy member in 2003. From Williams FC
17–Bill Morrison
(Tassie Mariners) 6 June 1986, 193cm, 90kg
Another intriguing selection in this year’s National AFL Draft will be the whereabouts of Morrison. An outstanding tall, key forward, Morrison was a member of the AIS/AFL academy squad in 2003, but injured his shoulder against Ireland in the under 17 series, which forced him to miss the rest of the year. His rating early in 2003 was right up there among the best, but he remains one of the tantalising prospects of this year’s meeting. He kicked nine goals on debut for the North Hobart seniors at just 14 and is one of those players that ‘could be anything’. Clubs are aware of his ability, but after an injury-riddled year, it will be interesting to see where he lands. The Lions are reported to be interested in him, as a possible replacement for when Lynch retires, but because of injuries, Spaanderman could be their preferred option. Hawthorn is also keen, but could just miss out at No.25, while Geelong is continuing to bolster their big-man brigade. Due to the nature of his year, he could fall anywhere from a first-round selection to the back-end of the draft, but he is certainly one to watch out for. Similar to Barry Hall. “We’re pretty happy to get him at 17,” Judkins said. “He is a big boy, big legs, kicks the ball well, keeps presenting at the ball all the time and he could end up playing centre half back or centre half forward, even full forward.” Was tipped to go top 25.
46 Bill Morrison Tassie Mariners 6 Jun 86 193 90 18
Tall, inside key forward who kicked nine goals on debut for North Hobart seniors aged 14. Can play back if needed. AIS-AFL Academy member in 2003. Had an interrupted year with injury. North Hobart FC.
32. Collingwood – Brayden Shaw (father/son)
(Northern Knights) 16 September 1985, 180cm, 84kg
Shaw has already been claimed by the Magpies under the father-son rule – he is the son of 1990 Collingwood premiership captain Tony. An onballer, who is strong through the hips, Shaw has fine leadership qualities and was captain of the Vic Metro side at this year’s National AFL under 18 championships. He was rewarded for a fine carnival with All-Australian selection. Shaw possesses good disposals and looms as a ‘value’ pick for the club as many believe he would have been a first round draftee. He is the first of the father/son selections and the only player to be taken in the second round.
48. Collingwood – Heath Shaw (father/son)
(Northern Knights) 27 November 1985, 181cm, 77kg
The Shaw dynasty continues at Collingwood, with Heath joining brother Rhyce and cousin Brayden on the Magpies list. Heath, who is the son of former Collingwood skipper Ray, also joins Brayden on the Pies’ list via the father/son rule. The Magpies have now used two of their five selections on father/son players in 2003. Shaw had a few niggling injuries in 2003, but he has showed enough skill to suggest that he will be a solid recruit for the Pies. A midfield type, Shaw is a good reader of play who is tough in the contests.
60.–Julian Rowe
(Oakleigh Chargers) 25 May 1985, 186cm, 72kg
A talented athletic midfielder, Rowe is a clean ball-handler who represented Vic Metro in this year’s National AFL under 18 championships. Although he injured his knee at the carnival, he impressed to suggest he is right in with a chance of being drafted. Richmond is one team that has monitored his progress and he is certain to come into their mix on Saturday. “He’s a thumping kick either foot and he’s got good pace,” said Judkins. “At pick 60, geez we couldn’t have been happier. We had him rated about 20, and we got him at 60, so we were really happy.” Was tipped to go around 75.
16 Julian Rowe Oakleigh Chargers May 25, 85 186 72 9
Medium, outside midfielder who finds space well. Kicks the ball accurately on both sides and is a clean ball handler. Athletic type who is strong overhead. Vic Metro U/18 representative in 2003. From Carey Old Boys FC.
