Discussion Rookie Draft

[sainter]

I particularly enjoyed the footage of McGarry running through the centre of the ground before hitting Gaertner on the lead. Gaertner likes to run doesn't he? During those highlights it often meant running himself into trouble but he definitely looks like someone to work with. I like the Buddy comparisons and I'll focus on that because unfortunately the player he most reminds me of is Kepler Bradley.

Michael Turner at the Geelong Falcons expected Simpkin to go in the third round of the national draft and he looks fairly impressive and I'm excited to see Ross Tungatulum as well. The transition from Darwin will hopefully be made easier with X and Raph being from St Mary's as well.

Like a few of you I'm not sure if we needed to take Dawson with the first pick and Howard with our third pick but it appears that we targeted Gaertner and were able to pick him relatively late.

There doesn't seem to be many clashes with Saints games this season and we get free entry with our Saints memberships so it should be well worth getting down to the Trevor Barker Oval this season.

 

[Armitage2Riewoldt]

Haha Sainter, at least we didn't use our first round pick on Gaertner!

Thanks for the info CHB. Twas a good read.

 

[goodie23]

Wow, we went defender crazy.

So basically in summary:

Defenders: Gaertner (18, 199cm), Dawson (22, 195cm), Simpkin (18, 191cm),

Midfield/half back flank: McGarry (18, 186cm), Howard (21, 180cm)

Small forward (?): Ross Tungatalum (?, ?)

Blakezilla: Blake McGrath (18, 208cm)

 

[SaintsSeptember]

All rookies, lets just hope one or two make it through to our list.

 

[CHBench]

Saints bag seven new rookies

By Luke Holmesby 12:42 PM Tue 16 December, 2008
WE SPOKE to St Kilda recruiting manager John Peake about the Saints’ seven new rookie-list players

13. Zac Dawson (Hawthorn)

It was to complement who we drafted. When we looked at it, we were still short down back. Zac’s still in his early 20s and has a fair bit of footy ahead of him but he could play straight away if anything happened to Max (Hudghton). Zac has been at one club already and there is still a bit of an upside to him. He is tall and can play full-back, which we feel is a special position.

29. Tom Simpkin (Geelong Falcons)

Tommy is a 190cm boy. He is more for the future. He is a medium/tall back but can play that role well. He played for Vic Country and played well on some of the boys that got drafted. We feel he is more down the track but once again he addresses a real need area as a tall defender.

44. Brad Howard (St Kilda)

We wanted to get Brad back because we still feel there is a bit of development for Brad. We waited til where we thought we could still get him but didn’t want to leave it too long because we thought another club might sweep in.

58. Steven Gaertner (Dandenong)

Steven is elite with his speed. He has got some things to work on in his game. I think it has been well-documented that we have considered him for two years. We have him training and we feel there is a lot of upside. There is something really special with Steven but he has a bit of work to do. With his height and speed he could be that tall back that plays on the fast leading forward.

71. Ross Tungutulum (St Marys)

Ross is a small indigenous forward who we feel we need. Ross hasn’t been in the elite system. He played with the Northern Territory Under-18 team. We got a bit of feedback he was best on ground in the grand final in Darwin and kicked a few magical goals. Ross has a fair way to go but he’s got the speed and a few tricks that we feel we’re missing down the forward line.

80. Sam McGarry (Sandringham Dragons)

Sam’s a local boy. He is a gut-running midfielder and whilst that wasn’t our No.1 need, you just can’t have enough of them. We felt we’d gone through our need areas and filled those up so we thought we’d take another gut-running midfielder. In time he could end up better than some of the boys who are already there.

84. Blake McGrath (NSW)

Blake was already locked away as part of the NSW scholarship. He is a developing ruckman. He’s 202cm and hasn’t played a lot of footy but he will take time. We imagine he will play a lot of VFL reserves footy next year but you just don’t know what will happen down the track with injuries and you might find that Blake plays a few VFL senior games. We’ve been very happy with him so far but he will take some time as a lot of big blokes do.

 

[THEROO 09]

Saints bag seven new rookies

By Luke Holmesby 12:42 PM Tue 16 December, 2008
WE SPOKE to St Kilda recruiting manager John Peake about the Saints’ seven new rookie-list players

13. Zac Dawson (Hawthorn)

It was to complement who we drafted. When we looked at it, we were still short down back. Zac’s still in his early 20s and has a fair bit of footy ahead of him but he could play straight away if anything happened to Max (Hudghton). Zac has been at one club already and there is still a bit of an upside to him. He is tall and can play full-back, which we feel is a special position.

29. Tom Simpkin (Geelong Falcons)

Tommy is a 190cm boy. He is more for the future. He is a medium/tall back but can play that role well. He played for Vic Country and played well on some of the boys that got drafted. We feel he is more down the track but once again he addresses a real need area as a tall defender.

44. Brad Howard (St Kilda)

We wanted to get Brad back because we still feel there is a bit of development for Brad. We waited til where we thought we could still get him but didn’t want to leave it too long because we thought another club might sweep in.

58. Steven Gaertner (Dandenong)

Steven is elite with his speed. He has got some things to work on in his game. I think it has been well-documented that we have considered him for two years. We have him training and we feel there is a lot of upside. There is something really special with Steven but he has a bit of work to do. With his height and speed he could be that tall back that plays on the fast leading forward.

71. Ross Tungutulum (St Marys)

Ross is a small indigenous forward who we feel we need. Ross hasn’t been in the elite system. He played with the Northern Territory Under-18 team. We got a bit of feedback he was best on ground in the grand final in Darwin and kicked a few magical goals. Ross has a fair way to go but he’s got the speed and a few tricks that we feel we’re missing down the forward line.

80. Sam McGarry (Sandringham Dragons)

Sam’s a local boy. He is a gut-running midfielder and whilst that wasn’t our No.1 need, you just can’t have enough of them. We felt we’d gone through our need areas and filled those up so we thought we’d take another gut-running midfielder. In time he could end up better than some of the boys who are already there.

84. Blake McGrath (NSW)

Blake was already locked away as part of the NSW scholarship. He is a developing ruckman. He’s 202cm and hasn’t played a lot of footy but he will take time. We imagine he will play a lot of VFL reserves footy next year but you just don’t know what will happen down the track with injuries and you might find that Blake plays a few VFL senior games. We’ve been very happy with him so far but he will take some time as a lot of big blokes do.

Great run down on all the rookies C.H. Can't wait to see them running around next season

 

[Persevering Saint]

just in case you're interested, I grew up in Colac, and both my brothers still live there. One of them is a low-level footy coach, and my nephew apparantly knows Tommy pretty well. I spoke to my brother, and he described Tom as "a solid, good kid, who was pretty disappointed not to be picked up in the main draft." He was genuinely happy - both for Tom and for the Saints (my bro's been a Saints member for years) - from our picking him up.

I'll FB-chat with my nephew about him next time we're both on, and give you the inside word. My nephew's a good judge of players.

 

[Kildonan]

It is always nice to get the inside goss

I'm very pleased with the players we picked up.

Our club has become one of the premium users of the rookie draft after years of being one of the worst.

All of the players have a valid reason for being included on our list and I'd go so far to say that they are all bargains; diamonds in he rough - just waiting for our coaching staff to cut and polish them.

 

[Winmar2Lockett]

Wow, we went defender crazy.

So basically in summary:

Defenders: Gaertner (18, 199cm), Dawson (22, 195cm), Simpkin (18, 191cm),

Midfield/half back flank: McGarry (18, 186cm), Howard (21, 180cm)

Small forward (?): Ross Tungatalum (?, ?)

Blakezilla: Blake McGrath (18, 208cm)

A pretty versatile lot too. Gaertner can play key defence, forward, on a wing & pinch hit in the ruck.

Dawson has played forward in the VFL with some success, Simpkin looks like one of those junior key defenders that becomes a running half back/midfielder in the AFL. McGarry ditto.

Having depth in defence is huge for us as we have the flexibility to swing other blokes into the midfield or up forward when needed.

An excellent outcome for a rookie draft.

 

[HoldenMCaulfield]

Sounds like a good result for us.

But - even if it sounds like a broken record and I will (or rather have already) get over it, I am not ashamed to say that I'm looking at Tigerland with a bit of envy.

Our board will have had its reasons and I accept them, of course, but ... gee, I just can't help thinking what could have been...

Anyway, can't wait to see the Choo Choo Train - if he is only half as good as the Davey brothers whom people compare him with, I'll be enjoying exciting times down at Trevor Barker Oval (or Etihad Stadium - you never know...) next year.

And I do like MCG games - albeit I prefer the Saints to be in them, I will certainly not miss the Judd vs Cousins spectacle in Rd 1 !

 

[CHBench]

But - even if it sounds like a broken record and I will (or rather have already) get over it, I am not ashamed to say that I'm looking at Tigerland with a bit of envy.

Our board will have had its reasons and I accept them, of course, but ... gee, I just can't help thinking what could have been...

Meh, 15 other clubs passed on him for a reason, 3 of which did extensive investigating. I'm happy for them, but geez it could blow up in their face big time. Sheeds pretty much boned TerryTan and took control.

HS Profiles:

13. St Kilda - Zac Dawson
Former Hawthorn key defender. Dawson fell out of favour at the Hawks in 2007 after playing 12 games the previous year and experiencing one of the toughest apprenticeships of any youngster. Well known for being left on Anthony Rocca as he kicked eight goals in a game early in 2006, Dawson failed to make an appearance at AFL level last year, instead playing 17 games for Box Hill in the VFL.

29. St Kilda - Tom Simpkin
Strong marking and durable type with good mobility which he showed in solid performances for Vic Country at U18 level this year. From Colac FC.

43. St Kilda - Bradley Howard
Re-drafted by the Saints after failing to play a game last season. It was a mixed bag for Howard in his first season at the Saints in 2007. He played at all levels - VFL seniors, VFL reserves and even two AFL games when the Saints were struggling with injuries. He is an outside midfielder who was recruited from Queensland at pick No.27 of the 2006 NAB AFL Draft.

57. St Kilda - Steven Gaertner
Steven finished the season 2008 off very well playing at CHB. Was very capable when going forward and occasionally into the ruck. His pace and run and carry were the standout features of his game. He represented Vic Metro in the 2008 NAB AFL U18 Championships, displaying his versatility playing at CHB and on the wing on occasions. The athletic tall recorded 2.87sec for 20m speed test and an outstanding beep test result of 14.3 at the Victorian NAB AFL State screening session. Steven was an AIS/AFL Academy graduate in 2007.

70. St Kilda - Ross Tungatulum
Small forward who is dangerous around goal and displays electrifying speed. Exceptional skills on both sides.

79. St Kilda - Samuel McGarry
Agile defender with good ball winning ability and high work rate. Vic Metro U18 Representative in 2008. From St Peters FC

83. St Kilda - Blake McGrath
New to the sport, the ex-AIS basketballer is a running tap ruckman still learning the game. Has run sub three minutes for 20m, generally quick, has a good running pedigree from his family.

 

[Look2Me4Guidance]

83. St Kilda - Blake McGrath
New to the sport, the ex-AIS basketballer is a running tap ruckman still learning the game. Has run sub three minutes for 20m, generally quick, has a good running pedigree from his family.

Bloody hell. I guess that means my family is related to Usain Bolt?

 

[Armitage2Riewoldt]

Sub 3 minutes for 20 metres?

Shite, thats like 6 metres per minute!

 

[sainter]

Sounds like a good result for us.

But - even if it sounds like a broken record and I will (or rather have already) get over it, I am not ashamed to say that I'm looking at Tigerland with a bit of envy.

Our board will have had its reasons and I accept them, of course, but ... gee, I just can't help thinking what could have been...

Anyway, can't wait to see the Choo Choo Train - if he is only half as good as the Davey brothers whom people compare him with, I'll be enjoying exciting times down at Trevor Barker Oval (or Etihad Stadium - you never know...) next year.

And I do like MCG games - albeit I prefer the Saints to be in them, I will certainly not miss the Judd vs Cousins spectacle in Rd 1 !

You're not alone on that Holden.

At least it's come on a day where we've picked 7 rookies who'll be desperate to impress.

But yes, I've allowed myself a few moments today to think what might have been.

 

[I wuz there in 66]

Sub 3 minutes for 20 metres?

Shite, thats like 6 metres per minute!

I have a pet tortoise that can almost match that.

 

[Persevering Saint]

This from my nephew about Tom Simpkin.

he is a tall backman that is gonna get better and better as he gets older. he still needs to fill out a fair bit but he is very fit and strong

he probably was very unlucky not to be takin in the draft

he's an out going bloke, but not that loud

i havent seen him play heaps but he seems to keep his head under pressure. he was center halfback in the VIC under 18s but i would say he would be more like fisher

i was very suprised to see that he didnt get drafted!

no no injuries yet... the only thing i know is that he is lactosed intolerant but other than that, nothing

Jack Stephen is also from Colac/Lorne.

Lactose intolerant... you heard it first here folks! (Don't say I never get you the big scoops!!)

 

[I wuz there in 66]

This from my nephew about Tom Simpkin.



Lactose intolerant... you heard it first here folks! (Don't say I never get you the big scoops!!)

I guess that means he won't be joining the boys for a latte in Brighton.

 

[stfan]

Sub 3 minutes for 20 metres?

Shite, thats like 6 metres per minute!

Might give Kingy some competition speed wise then

 

[Armitage2Riewoldt]

Haha, yeah would be a great race to watch.

Saw Stevey G at the Edgy last night. Sure he was a happy man. Would have gone up and said hello and wish him all the best, cept I probs woulda made a fool of myself.

What? I hadn't been drunk in a week man.

 

[blues2010]

Haha, yeah would be a great race to watch.

Saw Stevey G at the Edgy last night. Sure he was a happy man. Would have gone up and said hello and wish him all the best, cept I probs woulda made a fool of myself.

What? I hadn't been drunk in a week man.

Should have done it. Very easy going guy and will talk to anyone, is very happy to be at the Saints

 

[sammm]

just in case you're interested, I grew up in Colac, and both my brothers still live there. One of them is a low-level footy coach, and my nephew apparantly knows Tommy pretty well. I spoke to my brother, and he described Tom as "a solid, good kid, who was pretty disappointed not to be picked up in the main draft." He was genuinely happy - both for Tom and for the Saints (my bro's been a Saints member for years) - from our picking him up.

I'll FB-chat with my nephew about him next time we're both on, and give you the inside word. My nephew's a good judge of players.

so 1 year later.

what do does your nephew think?

 

[Persevering Saint]

Dunno Sammmy - I'm having Christmas with them a few weeks early in December 6th, but I probably won't get to speak to him until then. But when I see him, I'll see what he thinks.