Rookie Draft

[Crow_68]

So now we have loaded up on talls for the future, what should our strategy be for the Rookie Draft? Are there any hidden gems out there at SANFL level?

 

[Gets!]

You would think like last year the majority of our rookies will be from SA bar maybe one exception. SA players who didn't get drafted who would be worth at chance at being a rookie on our list are as follows:

Sam Jacobs
Tom Hurley
Daniel Caire
Todd Pfeiffer
Caolan Buckley
Adam Cockshell
Roury Kirkby
Zac Hier
Gavin Hughes
Zac Millar

Those in bold would be my choices.

 

[Stiffy_18]

Just pick the kids with most upside and give it a go developing them. If we limit ourselves to only going local or going for someone who can play straight away, we could miss out on a good kid.

We already picked up 2 mature players in the draft so Rookie list should be used to pick up kids who we think can develop into genuine AFL players. Last "superdraft" we got Mattner, Bock and Rutten. Hopefully we can repeat that effort this time around as well :thumsbu:

 

[GoSarge]

Just pick the kids with most upside and give it a go developing them. If we limit ourselves to only going local or going for someone who can play straight away, we could miss out on a good kid.

We already picked up 2 mature players in the draft so Rookie list should be used to pick up kids who we think can develop into genuine AFL players. Last "superdraft" we got Mattner, Bock and Rutten. Hopefully we can repeat that effort this time around as well :thumsbu:

Good call. Go for best available, regardless of position/weight/height etc and give ourselves the best chance of picking up a quality footballer.

 

[- PC -]

Just pick the kids with most upside and give it a go developing them. If we limit ourselves to only going local or going for someone who can play straight away, we could miss out on a good kid.

There is a kid in Qld called Gavin Grose I wouldnt mind looking at. Thats if hsi profile stands up

 

[RooDog]

Millar wont be a rookie he is ineligible... already in the state 18s squad next year though

 

[CrowMagnum]

Will be interesting. Given we're already 2 down through injury, do we go for at least 2 who will be AFL ready - to upgrade if necessary through injury, or do we go more speculative and therefore younger?

 

[- PC -]

Will be interesting. Given we're already 2 down through injury, do we go for at least 2 who will be AFL ready - to upgrade if necessary through injury, or do we go more speculative and therefore younger?

Isnt that what Gill and Campbell are?

 

[macca23]

Just pick the kids with most upside and give it a go developing them. If we limit ourselves to only going local or going for someone who can play straight away, we could miss out on a good kid.

We already picked up 2 mature players in the draft so Rookie list should be used to pick up kids who we think can develop into genuine AFL players. Last "superdraft" we got Mattner, Bock and Rutten. Hopefully we can repeat that effort this time around as well :thumsbu:

Right on the money Stiffmeister.

We've got the two mature age recruits to cover our injury status, although it wouldn't totally surprise if they did rookie list another mature age player frpm left field.

If you have a look at the draft board, there's some pretty useful Vic lads who missed out as well.

Whether it be 3 or 4 youngsters that we rookie list, they must be the best available - where they come from is totally irrelevant.

 

[Crow_68]

Isnt that what Gill and Campbell are?

Spot on. If we hadn't have picked them up in the main draft, I have no doubt Port would have done so with one of their late picks, or if not in the Rookie Draft. This now frees our Rookie picks up to take gambles on a few youngsters.

 

[KUNG FU]

Dean Kelly

 

[CrowMagnum]

Isnt that what Gill and Campbell are?

Yes but we're still numerically down 2 overall as Hentschell and Biglands remain on the main list. Do we upgrade 2 rookies to fill the list or not.

 

[RoosterLad]

Zac Millar is a gun. Only played a few games at North this year due to playing for St Peter's College but he impressed when he played ressies and then played ok and kicked a goal with his first kick in the prelim final. Unfortunately that meant he was unable to play in the Bs Grand Final the following week but he is an awesome player.

 

[Eggzoi]

Chad Gibson anyone? Could do worse.

 

[Crow-mo]

the rookie list is like the lotto.

you can try and get all scientific about your numbers, but really you just pick and hope - the odds are the same.

 

[King Elvis]

I hope we pick up Hier.

 

[RooDog]

I hope we pick up Hier.

so do i ready made replacement for hart

 

[Mego Red]

the rookie list is like the lotto.

you can try and get all scientific about your numbers, but really you just pick and hope - the odds are the same.

You refuse to get into the spirit with this stuff.

Willoughby? Gibson? Obst?

 

[Mad Dog]

Will be interesting. Given we're already 2 down through injury, do we go for at least 2 who will be AFL ready - to upgrade if necessary through injury, or do we go more speculative and therefore younger?

IMO the approach to the Rookie draft should be to treat it as an extension of the ND.

We should draft the next 3 or 4 confused: ) players who were on our ND short list who qualify......ie just the next available talent.

Given 2 could be elevated immediately - we can't afford to go "ultra project"

 

[PsyCrow23]

Tom Hurley & Chad Gibson would be my choices wouldnt have a clue about anyone else

 

[Blue Red and Gold]

I like the quick aboriginal lad from North Adelaide, Cambell is it? H ewould be worth a punt.

 

[GoSarge]

Well the talent in the lot that are left is not as obvious so it makes it even harder to get right.

A young talent that has played SANFL seniors could be a good pick. Hurley, Hier, Millar etc. These guys obviously have what it takes to play SANFL but are missing something to earn selection at the ND. Any one of these guys could blossom from an average SANFL footballer to a classy SANFL player with another solid pre season or 2 (a la Jason Porplyzia). Wasn't Millar supposed to have some 'D.Jarman' in him ? This is the road I'd go down as opposed to choosing some project, u/19 player, who you hope comes good.

Whatever happens, history shows that we have probably a 5% chance of a player being anything more than average at AFL.

 

[WaynesWorld19]

Well the talent in the lot that are left is not as obvious so it makes it even harder to get right.

A young talent that has played SANFL seniors could be a good pick. Hurley, Hier, Millar etc. These guys obviously have what it takes to play SANFL but are missing something to earn selection at the ND. Any one of these guys could blossom from an average SANFL footballer to a classy SANFL player with another solid pre season or 2 (a la Jason Porplyzia). Wasn't Millar supposed to have some 'D.Jarman' in him ? This is the road I'd go down as opposed to choosing some project, u/19 player, who you hope comes good.

Whatever happens, history shows that we have probably a 5% chance of a player being anything more than average at AFL.

I'll be surprised if Hurley or Millar get rookied ....the former gets plenty of the ball but very like Skipworth is not a long kick, not quick and his disposal is hit and miss...not a good recipe. Millar looks to have the skills but having watched his U18 games I'd suggest he's either not terribly fit OR he's slow and probably aerobically defficient (guesswork).

No use rookie listing guys if they don't have the capacity to make it.

 

[Crow-mo]

You refuse to get into the spirit with this stuff.

Willoughby? Gibson? Obst?

I want us to select Gibson, but not convinced it's imperative.

willoughby you just like cause he was a first rounder and you're convinced there must be something there. of which you could be right.

 

[macca23]

Some suggestions from Matt Burgan on the AFL site:


Now for the Rookie Draft
10:06:41 AM Mon 27 November, 2006
Matt Burgan
Exclusive to afl.com.au

When previous NAB AFL drafts have been completed, invariably there have been a number of players surprisingly overlooked and without an AFL club.

Last November, two players Ryan Jackson and Alan Toovey were overlooked to the surprise of many. Yet it was no coincidence that in last December's NAB AFL Rookie Draft, the first two players selected were Jackson (No.1) by Carlton and Toovey (No.2) by Collingwood.

Both players have been retained for the 2007 season, with Jackson remaining a second-year rookie with the Blues, while Toovey has been promoted to Collingwood's senior list.

Interestingly, after last Saturday's Draft there were no major surprises, in terms of players overlooked. Sure there were a number of 'chances' and 'players in the mix' that could have equally been selected as some others that were drafted, but in reality there were no massive shocks.

But the positive aspect is that a number of those borderline draftees will get an opportunity - potentially via the NAB AFL Pre-Season Draft - but more likely the Rookie Draft, held immediately after the final senior-list draft.


This year's Rookie Draft will be a fascinating meeting. There are a number of players similarly rated around the same mark by AFL recruiters, yet the order or mix that they will get drafted will be difficult to predict.

And the high number of Queensland talent on offer this year will prove a windfall for the Brisbane Lions, as they will be able to select its local rookie talent prior to the official Rookie Draft beginning.

Yet the Rookie List - one of the great AFL initiatives of the past decade - is viewed as a tremendous opportunity to rake in some 'alternative' talent.

Whether it's the short midfielder that dominated his respective competition, a tall gangly type with long-term potential or a recycled AFL player still eligible, the Rookie Draft is an excellent opportunity for both clubs and players alike.

When you consider the likes of Dean Cox, Aaron Davey and Ben Rutten have come from the Rookie Draft, you realise the importance of this recruiting vehicle.

Here are 10 names to watch out for in upcoming 12 December Rookie Draft

Leigh Adams Prolific ball winner who captained Vic Metro in NAB AFL U18 Championships to title, winning All-Australian honours (averaging 24 disposals per match). Quick, tough, a fine leader and clever around goals. NAB MVP Player for Vic Metro at NAB AFL U18 championships. From Woori-Yallock F.C.

Nathan Batsanis: Small midfielder with good skills. Possesses a penetrating kick. Oakleigh Chargers best and fairest for 2006 completing an outstanding year which included representing Vic Metro in U18 Championships and selection in the TAC Cup Team of the Year.

Daniel Dzufer Left footed midfielder/forward who is good overhead and smart around goal. Won McLean medal (Division two - U16s) in 2004 and All-Australian U18 honours this year. AIS/AFL Academy graduate.

Gavin Grose Rebounding full-back with plenty of dash and excellent left foot kick. Queensland U18 representative in 2006 and impressive for U18 Allies.

Tom Hurley Small midfielder who is a genuine ball winner. Captain of South Australian U18 team at NAB AFL U18 championships. Played 16 league games for Sturt in the SANFL in 2006.

Sam Jacobs Developing ruckman who progressed to senior level football in SA this year and was a state U18 representative. Sound in the air and has a good awareness and football sense. From Adrossan F.C.

Alex Lee Naturally athletic, versatile player who has had a frustrating run with injuries this year curtailing his development. AIS/AFL Academy Graduate.

Haydyn Kiel Run with type who can play as a small forward or ball winning midfielder. Hard at the ball and well balanced. QLD U18 representative in 2005/2006.

Chris Smith Enthusiastic and versatile type who made an impact in NAB AFL U18 Championships as a medium forward on the lead. Can also played midfield or defence.

Nick Smith Left footed, courageous player who wins plenty of the football. Athletic and versatile player who makes good decisions. Vic Metro U18 representative in 2006. From Scotch College.