Draft Watcher SMYTHES 2025 Draft Thread

[Smythe]

Good to be back, albeit a little later than usual.
Im not as enthused about this years crop as i am most years, however, there are some great top enders and some gems to be found in the second half of the year.
I see lots of role players instead of champion standouts in the crop of 2025.

My Current top 30

1. Cooper Duff-Tytler
2. Zeke Uwland
3. Willem Duursma
4. Dylan Patterson
5. Daniel Annable
6. Oli Greeves
7. Dyson Sharp
8. Josh Lindsay
9. Fred Rodriguez
10. Sam Grjl
11. Jacob Farrow
12. Sam Cumming
13. Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves
14. Mitch Marsh
15. Max King
16. Harley Barker
17. Lochie Dovaston
18. Jevan Phillipou
19. Cody Curtain
20. Koby Coulson
21. Beau Addinsall
22. Archie Ludowyke
23. Aidan Schubert
24. Harry Dean
25. Blake Oudshoorn-Bennier
26. Lachie Carmichael
27. Toby Whan
28. Riley Onley
29. Thomas Burton
30. Louis Emmett

Currently 30+ (in no particular order)

Matt Leray
Louis Kellaway
Xavier Taylor
Zac Harding
Taj Murray
Wes Walley
Hunter Holmes
Tairon Ah-mu
Hussan El-Achkar
Rory Wright
Jack Miller
Koby Evans
Jesse Mellor
Cameron Nairn
Kye Fincher
Jack Cook
Phillips
Adam Sweid
Blake Kelly
Aaron Sharkie
Hugh White
Sam Swadling
Charlie McKinnon
Jack Ison
Jai Saxena
Noah Roberts-Thompson
Zane Puecker
Noah Chamberlain
Jett Dahlitz
Ryder Corrigan
Zac McCarthy
Avery Thomas
Mitch Stevens
Kalani White
Ben Rongdit
Charlie Banfield
Toby Sinnema

 

[RedmanWasHere]

Seems like, to use an analogy, last year's draft was like the Sanity of 20+ years ago while this year's the Sanity of 5 years ago.

I don't feel excited by this crop.

Not sure why but I've felt the same the last 3 years.

 

[Futbolista]

Seems like, to use an analogy, last year's draft was like the Sanity of 20+ years ago while this year's the Sanity of 5 years ago.

I don't feel excited by this crop.

Not sure why but I've felt the same the last 3 years.

Hoops mate. Kids are playing basketball around these parts. I don't see kids kicking footballs anymore. Not sure if it's the same all over Australia?

 

[M Malice]

Plenty of kids kicking footballs around up here in Brisbane, I live near a junior club and there are massive numbers at training nights, their 2 full size fields are barely enough.

However not so much just random kids kicking a footy around in local parks in their own time, basketball a lot more convenient for that.

 

[Hazardinho]

Good to be back, albeit a little later than usual.
Im not as enthused about this years crop as i am most years, however, there are some great top enders and some gems to be found in the second half of the year.
I see lots of role players instead of champion standouts in the crop of 2025.

My Current top 30

1. Cooper Duff-Tytler
2. Zeke Uwland
3. Willem Duursma
4. Dylan Patterson
5. Daniel Annable
6. Oli Greeves
7. Dyson Sharp
8. Josh Lindsay
9. Fred Rodriguez
10. Sam Grjl
11. Jacob Farrow
12. Sam Cumming
13. Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves
14. Mitch Marsh
15. Max King
16. Harley Barker
17. Lochie Dovaston
18. Jevan Phillipou
19. Cody Curtain
20. Koby Coulson
21. Beau Addinsall
22. Archie Ludowyke
23. Aidan Schubert
24. Harry Dean
25. Blake Oudshoorn-Bennier
26. Lachie Carmichael
27. Toby Whan
28. Riley Onley
29. Thomas Burton
30. Louis Emmett

Currently 30+ (in no particular order)

Matt Leray
Louis Kellaway
Xavier Taylor
Zac Harding
Taj Murray
Wes Walley
Hunter Holmes
Tairon Ah-mu
Hussan El-Achkar
Rory Wright
Jack Miller
Koby Evans
Jesse Mellor
Cameron Nairn
Kye Fincher
Jack Cook
Phillips
Adam Sweid
Blake Kelly
Aaron Sharkie
Hugh White
Sam Swadling
Charlie McKinnon
Jack Ison
Jai Saxena
Noah Roberts-Thompson
Zane Puecker
Noah Chamberlain
Jett Dahlitz
Ryder Corrigan
Zac McCarthy
Mitch Stevens
Kalani White
Ben Rongdit
Charlie Banfield
Toby Sinnema

Dylan Patterson should be 1, you have Lindsay, Cumming, Marsh, Phillipou way too low.

 

[Smythe]

Dylan Patterson should be 1, you have Lindsay, Cumming, Marsh, Phillipou way too low.

There are a bunch that could be number one.
Dylan has been one of my favorites for a few years now.
In regards to the others, no, I do not think I have them too low. Your opinion is yours and mine is mine.
Josh is a player that will need to be quicker at the next level or be in a system that suits his play. When pressured or having to make quick decisions in tight his effectiveness drops. I have 2 similar players also, along with Josh, in the top 8, that in itself is not low. I do believe that phillipou though, could rise in the second half of the year though.

 

[Jack Richards]

Would be stoked if we dont get a bid on Sweid or El-Akchar until after the top 30. Both easily top 30 based on their current form.

 

[Smythe]

Would be stoked if we dont get a bid on Sweid or El-Akchar until after the top 30. Both easily top 30 based on their current form.

That would be great for you guys, but this is also my list of where I rank them, NOT a mock draft. I can see both being bid on from mid second round onwards.
If you are referring to today's game against the Allies as 'current' form, that was the most bruise free, run freely wherever you want game I have seen in a long time. Sweid WAS good regardless.

 

[MP_]

Harley Barker has done is acl and mcl and possibly other knee damage you reckon he’ll still get drafted

 

[Thunderstruck]

Harley Barker has done is acl and mcl and possibly other knee damage you reckon he’ll still get drafted

Absolutely and I'd still be taking him in the first round

 

[Mr north man]

Can you tell me what players that currently not playing in the under 18 competition who have had major knee injuries or concussions problems as a North supporter just want to know as more then likely will be at North next year going on past history.

 

[Yoda_]

any Coates Talent League kids you like that haven't been in the championships?

ive got some but keen to hear your thoughts mate

 

[Smythe]

any Coates Talent League kids you like that haven't been in the championships?

ive got some but keen to hear your thoughts mate

Been focusing on champs recently so outside of that, not really. There are a few that I like but none that really have pushed their case (in my mind) into draft contention yet, second half of the year will be very important for them.
Have noticed, and am keeping an eye on Luke Cheffers from Gippy, he uses the ball generally quite well, loves to link up and shows a lot of team first play, averaging 22 disp per game, 3.5 marks, 8.3 tackles, and 3.4 clearances to go along with a goal per game as an in and under mid / small forward.

 

[Saintscomemarchingin]

What's your take on Kye Fincher?

 

[Smythe]

What's your take on Kye Fincher?

I like his game, in the right environment and role he could excel. He has great athleticism and drive through the legs plus he uses the ball well. If somebody bids and saints match he would be a great half back addition maybe moving up to the wing to support ball movement from backs to the forwards. His perfect role would be the deliverer of the ball from the back line or wing as I just mentioned. Probably sitting around second round contention but we know people don’t bid as early as they should on these guys so he may end up being a bargain get for the saints. Has good defending capabilities but would do well in strengthening that area and as mentioned he could become really damaging if moved up the ground a little bit.

 

[Anythings_sipposible]

I like his game, in the right environment and role he could excel. He has great athleticism and drive through the legs plus he uses the ball well. If somebody bids and saints match he would be a great half back addition maybe moving up to the wing to support ball movement from backs to the forwards. His perfect role would be the deliverer of the ball from the back line or wing as I just mentioned. Probably sitting around second round contention but we know people don’t bid as early as they should on these guys so he may end up being a bargain get for the saints. Has good defending capabilities but would do well in strengthening that area and as mentioned he could become really damaging if moved up the ground a little bit.

That seems like a similar draft profile to our own Angus Hastie, is that a fair comparison?

 

[Smythe]

That seems like a similar draft profile to our own Angus Hastie, is that a fair comparison?

Similar traits, but, from memory Angus was and i guess still is taller. Kye gets more of the ball and IMO uses it better. But yes, both run and gun and can be damaging, I see Hastie’s future as more of a stay across half back defender, exiting the ball out of defence while fincher could possibly move up the ground further and be the next link in the chain and help deliver the ball into the forward line. Overall I would rate finchers football IQ and ball use slightly better then Hasties.

 

[txbyhull]

Hey mate, looking at the Eagles list and available spots assuming we want to bring in most/all of our F/S and NGA kids we have 3-5 spots, 1 and 2 barring trades go towards mids (hoping Sharp and Duursma but if Phillipou ends up in the top 5 by the draft then I'd go him and Sharp), do you see any KPD being a realistic FRP after Dean? Kondogiannis has been on the rise lately and Carmichael is tied to Sydney. Really one of our main holes unless we reach for Emmett in the ruck or add another small forward in the Byrne mould (absolute dog pressure i50). Curtin best position is clearly forward even if he looks a bit slow. Vague feeling Taj Murray could get turned into a KPD.

Seems like we could look to trade out any of (including band 1 and 2 compos) 14, 23, 34, and 52 into next year or out for a bigger backman. Love to hear your thoughts.

P.S dont know if you browse r/afl but would love to see your thoughts on a silly mock draft I wrote up the other day. u/txbyhull

 

[Kiama Chris]

I see you haven't rated Harry Kyle who did pretty well later with the Allies. Rookie potential?

 

[Howzat1]

I see you haven't rated Harry Kyle who did pretty well later with the Allies. Rookie potential?

Definitely will be drafted. He has great left foot disposal and runs the lines. Swans might have to match a bid probably in the 40s or see him go elsewhere.

 

[Smythe]

Definitely will be drafted. He has great left foot disposal and runs the lines. Swans might have to match a bid probably in the 40s or see him go elsewhere.

Saying he will 'definitely' get drafted, and they may have to match a bid in the 40's?
so you think he is on the verge of not getting nationally drafted and may get picked up as a rookie.
Same here
Harry has got a few traits that are worthy of attention, i disagree with his disposal, he has a big kick yes, but when pressured his disposal by hand and or foot is not great, could be a system based issue, where, if an afl standard player was in the play and running to the right spot or calling for a handball in the right area harry might be able to get it to them better, at 18's and even in the vfl, that may not be happening. i must say the games i have watched when harry was playing i did not take much away from any of them apart from 'that guy gets to good spots and dares to carry the ball'. I, personally see him as a prospect who is 3rd round onwards, could easily slip to rookie pick. May be wrong on the night but at the moment that is where i stand.

 

[Smythe]

Hey mate, looking at the Eagles list and available spots assuming we want to bring in most/all of our F/S and NGA kids we have 3-5 spots, 1 and 2 barring trades go towards mids (hoping Sharp and Duursma but if Phillipou ends up in the top 5 by the draft then I'd go him and Sharp), do you see any KPD being a realistic FRP after Dean? Kondogiannis has been on the rise lately and Carmichael is tied to Sydney. Really one of our main holes unless we reach for Emmett in the ruck or add another small forward in the Byrne mould (absolute dog pressure i50). Curtin best position is clearly forward even if he looks a bit slow. Vague feeling Taj Murray could get turned into a KPD.

Seems like we could look to trade out any of (including band 1 and 2 compos) 14, 23, 34, and 52 into next year or out for a bigger backman. Love to hear your thoughts.

P.S dont know if you browse r/afl but would love to see your thoughts on a silly mock draft I wrote up the other day. u/txbyhull

i can start you off by saying wce are interested in Jacob Blight from Richmond, and Jacob Blight, if he does not hit his games played clause will be interested to go back to Wa, and a trade would cost almost nothing giving the fact he is out of contract.

There are a few kpds around but also a few kpp's that could fill that need. for instance, Mitch Marsh and Zac McCarthy (coll nga) both have all the traits to play in defence and would do very well. kondogiannis and xavier taylor (not exactly kpp) are both thereabouts. Farrow can play across the h/b line and wing, again not a true kpp, but in terms of true kpd there is not much around in this draft. You should be talking with Busslinger!! Come home, we can get the trade done, you would play every week, building a core young group together, we can set you up with a hot partner like we did with Judd etc etc.

 

[Yoda_]

You doing a post champs 30 Smythe ?

 

[Mutineer]

i can start you off by saying wce are interested in Jacob Blight from Richmond, and Jacob Blight, if he does not hit his games played clause will be interested to go back to Wa, and a trade would cost almost nothing giving the fact he is out of contract.

There are a few kpds around but also a few kpp's that could fill that need. for instance, Mitch Marsh and Zac McCarthy (coll nga) both have all the traits to play in defence and would do very well. kondogiannis and xavier taylor (not exactly kpp) are both thereabouts. Farrow can play across the h/b line and wing, again not a true kpp, but in terms of true kpd there is not much around in this draft. You should be talking with Busslinger!! Come home, we can get the trade done, you would play every week, building a core young group together, we can set you up with a hot partner like we did with Judd etc etc.

Blake Thredgold would be worth a look speaking of KPD's, would have been a mainstay in SA's backline if not suffering a broken hand that kept him out for a couple of months and only got to play the last game of the Nationals.Has an invite to the National Combine so recruiters are very well aware of him.

This from last year

 

[Smythe]

You doing a post champs 30 Smythe ?

Yes I am. Posting it tonight actually.