PICK 1 – GWS: LACHIE WHITFIELD,
Height: 184cm, Weight: 77kg, DOB: 18/7/1994
Whitfield is locked and loaded as the number selection in the 2012 draft. He will help add outside and inside class to the likes of Ward, Tyson, Shiel, Scully, Palmer, Greene, and Coniglio.
Classy medium midfielder with rare awareness and decision-making ability complemented by skills either side with hands and feet. Is naturally gifted with speed and endurance and is strong overhead. All-Australian at U18 level in 2011 and winner of AFL Life Members Scholarship. Backed it up this year winning the Larke Medal and All-Australian honours averaging 23.2 disposals. Another graduate of the AIS-AFL Academy.
NAB AFL Combine Results: Nathan Buckley Kicking Test – Ranked equal 14th (26/30), Didn’t test at the National Combine in fitness testing due to illness, however has previously tested at the TAC Cup Testing in March 2012 where he recorded a Beep Test of 16.2.
“His rare game sense, elite disposal and endurance are all factors which highlight his great potential.”
PICK 2 – GWS: JIMMY TOUMPAS,
Height: 182cm, Weight: 78kg, DOB: 2/1/1994
I selected Jimmy hear due to the fact he is best available player hear at pick 2. Toumpas can play half back, midfield, half forward and has good leadership qualities. Toumpas had a great under 18 championships, but he was also carrying a hip injury. No doubt in my mind if it wasn't for that hip injury he was carrying then he could of gave Whitfield a run for his money for the number 1 selection.
Energetic medium midfielder with outstanding work ethic and big aerobic capacity. Terrific ball winner and weights his kicks extremely well. Impressive for SA in 2011 NAB AFL Under 18 Championships and in the senior SANFL Grand Final, when he was among the best for 2011 Premiers, Woodville West Torrens. Won All Australian honours this year averaging 22.2 disposals. AIS-AFL Academy Graduate.
NAB AFL Combine Results: Didn’t test due to recent hip surgery, however previously tested with the AIS-AFL Academy. Beep Test – 14.5
X-factor: “Has super ability to break the lines with his pace and agility, is also able to then finish with neat foot skills.”
PICK 3 – GWS: OLIVER WINES,
Height: 188cm, Weight: 90kg, DOB: 7/10/1994
I know Melbourne fans would be turning purple hear, but again I went with best available player hear. GWS has good core of inside midfielders, but there is a chance they will lose couple of those talented midfielders in the future to others teams, like what happened to Gold Coast this year with Josh Caddy, Josy Toy, etc. The level of consistency Wines demonstrated this year was outstanding. 53% of his possessions were contested and there is no questions in mind that Sheedy loves big strong contested beast midfielders. This kid is ready to go round 1 next year.
Strong medium midfielder with a distinct hard edge that wins him contested ball, including at the stoppages. Has elite endurance and can push forward and hit the scoreboard. Ferocious tackler who is a good overhead mark and prolific ball winner. Averaged 24.2 disposals for Vic Country in the NAB AFL Under 18 Championships this year winning All-Australian honours. AIS-AFL Academy Graduate.
NAB AFL Combine Results: Beep Test – 14.2
X-factor: “His competitive nature and footy smarts make him a consistent high level ball winner and performer for his team.”
PICK 4 – MELBOURNE: BRODIE GRUNDY,
Height: 202cm, Weight: 100kg, DOB: 15/4/1994
With Wines gone, Grundy is the best player available hear. The only established ruckman on Melborunes list is Mark Jamar, now that Stefan Martin has joined the Brisbane Lions. The likes of Fitzpatrick, Spencer, and the injury prone Gawn are long term prospects and are not established AFL ruckman. Jamar is 30 years old and will not be there when Melbourne start challenging for a flag, hence why they need the best available ruckmen to feed the ball to the likes of Viney, Jones, Trengove, Grimes, Blease, Davey and Sylvia.
Ruckman who imposes himself on games with his physical presence. Excels in directing the ball at stoppages and can be a dangerous marking target up forward. Won All Australian Under 18 honours in 2011 and has played senior football with Sturt. Backed it up this year becoming a dual All Australian, averaging 15 disposals and 24.2 hit outs in 2012. Graduate of the AIS-AFL Academy.
NAB AFL Combine Results: Matthew Lloyd Clean Hands Test – Ranked equal 5th (27/30)
X-factor: “His ability in the art of ruck work is exceptional for a young player. This allows him to influence the contest so often in games.”
PICK 5 – WESTERN BULLDOGS: JONATHAN O’ROURKE,
Height: 184cm, Weight: 73kg, DOB: 21/4/1994
Jonathan O'Rourke would be the perfect fit for the Western Bulldogs. He will add outside class that the Bulldogs really need and should complement the likes of Libertatore, Wallis, Smith, and Stevens.
Medium midfielder who is a prolific ball winner and smart user of the ball. Runs all day and makes good decisions with the football in heavy traffic. Has good game sense and an excellent mix of speed and endurance. Classy type who averaged 18.5 disposals at 77% efficiency for Vic Metro in the NAB AFL Under 18 Championships and was rewarded with All Australian honours. AIS-AFL
Academy Graduate.
NAB AFL Combine Results: Beep Test – 14.3, 20m Sprint – 2.97 secs
X-factor: “His use of the ball by both hand and foot is elite. Has a real touch of class.”
PICK 6 – WESTERN BULLDOGS: TROY MENZEL,
Height: 187cm, Weight: 78kg, DOB: 22/9/1994
I went with Troy Menzel hear on the bias of pure talent. I know everyone is saying he has bad knees, but look at Joel Selwood, Dyson Heppell and Chris Judd back when they were drafted and had injury concerns. Plus he had an injury interrupted (carrying a hip injury) under 18 championship season. Menzel would add X-factor and goal scoring power that the Bulldogs need and can also rotate through the midfield. With Daniel Giansiracusa nearing to the back end of his career and the delisting of Sherman and Hooper, Menzel would also suit the needs of the Bulldogs is well.
Left-footed medium forward with exceptional goal sense both on the run and with set shots. Kicked nine goals vs Tasmania and six goals vs NT in sensational fashion in first two games of the 2012 NAB AFL Under 18 Championships before a groin injury interrupted his season. He starred for the Australian U18 team on the European tour earlier this year. Brother of Geelong Cats’ Daniel and
member of the AIS-AFL Academy.
NAB AFL Combine Results: Didn’t test due to recent knee injury however have previously tested with the AIS-AFL Academy. 20m Sprint - 3.07 secs, Agility - 8.36 secs
X-factor: “His vision and awareness are elite, which helps him win the ball and make quick accurate decisions with his disposal.”
PICK 7 – PORT ADELAIDE: SAM MAYES,
Height: 187cm, Weight: 78kg, DOB: 20/5/1994
Port Adelaide declared they would draft the best available SA boy. I have no doubt that will be Sam Mayes. The player Sam Mayes that reminds me of is Andrew Walker. Mayes has good marking, kicking, and athlete qualties. He has all the bells and whistle to be an outstanding player.
Medium forward who has good speed and elite agility and is a good set shot for goal. Reads the game well as a lead-up forward and starred for SA at the NAB AFL Under 18 Championships level in 2011, winning All Australian honours. Played midfield roles also in U18s this year to continue his development which already sees him playing senior football for North Adelaide. Graduate of
the AIS-AFL Academy.
NAB AFL Combine Results: Didn’t test due to minor knee injury. However has previously tested with AIS-AFL Academy Running Vertical Jump Right - 80cm, 20m Sprint - 2.95 secs, Agility - 7.92 secs, Beep Test - 14.4
X-factor: “A one touch player on the lead and at ground level with an innate ability around
goals.”
PICK 8 – BRISBANE: JACKSON MACRAE,
Height: 189cm, Weight: 76kg, DOB: 3/8/1994
I have Macrae going to the Lions because simply he is the best available player at this selection. I know Kristan Kaksch has been linked to the Lions, but at pick 8, I'm sure everyone would select a gun midfielder over an above average KPP. I know Kristan kicked 6 goals against Tasmania, but so did Macrae and at this point of time Macrae showed more potential to be A grade AFL player. The Lions need run and carry, scoring power and x-factor. That is what Macrae will provide and bring to the team.
Versatile medium midfielder who can also go back or forward. Big improver this year and is a long left foot kick. Shows great courage in the air and at ground level in his attack on the ball. Kicked six goals vs TAS in an outstanding performance and averaged 19.4 disposals at 78.4% efficiency in the NAB AFL Under 18 Championships this year. Averaged 24 disposals in eleven TAC Cup games this year, having an outstanding season overall.
NAB AFL Combine Results: 20m Sprint - 2.95 secs (Top 24%) Agility - 8.40 secs (Top 20%)
X-factor: “Uncanny ability to win the ball in the air as well as at ground level. Works well in tight.”
PICK 9 – RICHMOND: JAKE STRINGER,
Height: 191cm, Weight: 94kg, DOB: 25/4/1994
If it wasn't for Stringers broken leg, then he would be going at number 1. High risk, high reward pick hear. Richmond could potentially end up with another version of Dustin Martin. End of the day he is worth the risk based on talent wise.
Tall forward/defender that excels one-on-one with his marking and body positioning. His kicking is both penetrating and precise, whether forward or back, and he has good speed off the mark. Thrives on the contest and tackles strongly. Overcome serious leg injury last season to play some excellent football for Bendigo Pioneers this year and represent Vic Country in the NAB AFL Under 18
Championships. AIS AFL Academy Graduate.
NAB AFL Combine Results: Ranked equal 3rd – Matthew Lloyd Clean Hands Test (28/30) & Ranked equal 1st in Brad Johnson Goal Kicking Test (30/30).
X-factor: “His hard edge in winning the contested ball either in the air or at ground level separates him from many others his size.”
PICK 10 – ESSENDON: JOE DANIHER (FATHER-SON),
Height: 201cm, Weight: 89kg, DOB: 4/3/1994
Left-footed tall forward/ruckman that is exceptional overhead and an accurate set shot for goal. Has rare mobility for a player of his size and can win the ball at ground level up the field. Will become choice number 10 as father/son to Essendon, where father Anthony played. Excelled in final game of NAB AFL Under 18 Championships, taking 11 marks and kicking four goals. Won All
Australian honours. Graduate of the AIS-AFL Academy.
NAB AFL Combine Results: Didn’t test, however has previously recorded with the AIS-AFL Academy. 20m Sprint – 3.02 secs
X-factor: “His ability to reach and mark the ball at its highest point makes him such a difficult player to match up on.”
Height: 184cm, Weight: 77kg, DOB: 18/7/1994
Whitfield is locked and loaded as the number selection in the 2012 draft. He will help add outside and inside class to the likes of Ward, Tyson, Shiel, Scully, Palmer, Greene, and Coniglio.
Classy medium midfielder with rare awareness and decision-making ability complemented by skills either side with hands and feet. Is naturally gifted with speed and endurance and is strong overhead. All-Australian at U18 level in 2011 and winner of AFL Life Members Scholarship. Backed it up this year winning the Larke Medal and All-Australian honours averaging 23.2 disposals. Another graduate of the AIS-AFL Academy.
NAB AFL Combine Results: Nathan Buckley Kicking Test – Ranked equal 14th (26/30), Didn’t test at the National Combine in fitness testing due to illness, however has previously tested at the TAC Cup Testing in March 2012 where he recorded a Beep Test of 16.2.
“His rare game sense, elite disposal and endurance are all factors which highlight his great potential.”
PICK 2 – GWS: JIMMY TOUMPAS,
Height: 182cm, Weight: 78kg, DOB: 2/1/1994
I selected Jimmy hear due to the fact he is best available player hear at pick 2. Toumpas can play half back, midfield, half forward and has good leadership qualities. Toumpas had a great under 18 championships, but he was also carrying a hip injury. No doubt in my mind if it wasn't for that hip injury he was carrying then he could of gave Whitfield a run for his money for the number 1 selection.
Energetic medium midfielder with outstanding work ethic and big aerobic capacity. Terrific ball winner and weights his kicks extremely well. Impressive for SA in 2011 NAB AFL Under 18 Championships and in the senior SANFL Grand Final, when he was among the best for 2011 Premiers, Woodville West Torrens. Won All Australian honours this year averaging 22.2 disposals. AIS-AFL Academy Graduate.
NAB AFL Combine Results: Didn’t test due to recent hip surgery, however previously tested with the AIS-AFL Academy. Beep Test – 14.5
X-factor: “Has super ability to break the lines with his pace and agility, is also able to then finish with neat foot skills.”
PICK 3 – GWS: OLIVER WINES,
Height: 188cm, Weight: 90kg, DOB: 7/10/1994
I know Melbourne fans would be turning purple hear, but again I went with best available player hear. GWS has good core of inside midfielders, but there is a chance they will lose couple of those talented midfielders in the future to others teams, like what happened to Gold Coast this year with Josh Caddy, Josy Toy, etc. The level of consistency Wines demonstrated this year was outstanding. 53% of his possessions were contested and there is no questions in mind that Sheedy loves big strong contested beast midfielders. This kid is ready to go round 1 next year.
Strong medium midfielder with a distinct hard edge that wins him contested ball, including at the stoppages. Has elite endurance and can push forward and hit the scoreboard. Ferocious tackler who is a good overhead mark and prolific ball winner. Averaged 24.2 disposals for Vic Country in the NAB AFL Under 18 Championships this year winning All-Australian honours. AIS-AFL Academy Graduate.
NAB AFL Combine Results: Beep Test – 14.2
X-factor: “His competitive nature and footy smarts make him a consistent high level ball winner and performer for his team.”
PICK 4 – MELBOURNE: BRODIE GRUNDY,
Height: 202cm, Weight: 100kg, DOB: 15/4/1994
With Wines gone, Grundy is the best player available hear. The only established ruckman on Melborunes list is Mark Jamar, now that Stefan Martin has joined the Brisbane Lions. The likes of Fitzpatrick, Spencer, and the injury prone Gawn are long term prospects and are not established AFL ruckman. Jamar is 30 years old and will not be there when Melbourne start challenging for a flag, hence why they need the best available ruckmen to feed the ball to the likes of Viney, Jones, Trengove, Grimes, Blease, Davey and Sylvia.
Ruckman who imposes himself on games with his physical presence. Excels in directing the ball at stoppages and can be a dangerous marking target up forward. Won All Australian Under 18 honours in 2011 and has played senior football with Sturt. Backed it up this year becoming a dual All Australian, averaging 15 disposals and 24.2 hit outs in 2012. Graduate of the AIS-AFL Academy.
NAB AFL Combine Results: Matthew Lloyd Clean Hands Test – Ranked equal 5th (27/30)
X-factor: “His ability in the art of ruck work is exceptional for a young player. This allows him to influence the contest so often in games.”
PICK 5 – WESTERN BULLDOGS: JONATHAN O’ROURKE,
Height: 184cm, Weight: 73kg, DOB: 21/4/1994
Jonathan O'Rourke would be the perfect fit for the Western Bulldogs. He will add outside class that the Bulldogs really need and should complement the likes of Libertatore, Wallis, Smith, and Stevens.
Medium midfielder who is a prolific ball winner and smart user of the ball. Runs all day and makes good decisions with the football in heavy traffic. Has good game sense and an excellent mix of speed and endurance. Classy type who averaged 18.5 disposals at 77% efficiency for Vic Metro in the NAB AFL Under 18 Championships and was rewarded with All Australian honours. AIS-AFL
Academy Graduate.
NAB AFL Combine Results: Beep Test – 14.3, 20m Sprint – 2.97 secs
X-factor: “His use of the ball by both hand and foot is elite. Has a real touch of class.”
PICK 6 – WESTERN BULLDOGS: TROY MENZEL,
Height: 187cm, Weight: 78kg, DOB: 22/9/1994
I went with Troy Menzel hear on the bias of pure talent. I know everyone is saying he has bad knees, but look at Joel Selwood, Dyson Heppell and Chris Judd back when they were drafted and had injury concerns. Plus he had an injury interrupted (carrying a hip injury) under 18 championship season. Menzel would add X-factor and goal scoring power that the Bulldogs need and can also rotate through the midfield. With Daniel Giansiracusa nearing to the back end of his career and the delisting of Sherman and Hooper, Menzel would also suit the needs of the Bulldogs is well.
Left-footed medium forward with exceptional goal sense both on the run and with set shots. Kicked nine goals vs Tasmania and six goals vs NT in sensational fashion in first two games of the 2012 NAB AFL Under 18 Championships before a groin injury interrupted his season. He starred for the Australian U18 team on the European tour earlier this year. Brother of Geelong Cats’ Daniel and
member of the AIS-AFL Academy.
NAB AFL Combine Results: Didn’t test due to recent knee injury however have previously tested with the AIS-AFL Academy. 20m Sprint - 3.07 secs, Agility - 8.36 secs
X-factor: “His vision and awareness are elite, which helps him win the ball and make quick accurate decisions with his disposal.”
PICK 7 – PORT ADELAIDE: SAM MAYES,
Height: 187cm, Weight: 78kg, DOB: 20/5/1994
Port Adelaide declared they would draft the best available SA boy. I have no doubt that will be Sam Mayes. The player Sam Mayes that reminds me of is Andrew Walker. Mayes has good marking, kicking, and athlete qualties. He has all the bells and whistle to be an outstanding player.
Medium forward who has good speed and elite agility and is a good set shot for goal. Reads the game well as a lead-up forward and starred for SA at the NAB AFL Under 18 Championships level in 2011, winning All Australian honours. Played midfield roles also in U18s this year to continue his development which already sees him playing senior football for North Adelaide. Graduate of
the AIS-AFL Academy.
NAB AFL Combine Results: Didn’t test due to minor knee injury. However has previously tested with AIS-AFL Academy Running Vertical Jump Right - 80cm, 20m Sprint - 2.95 secs, Agility - 7.92 secs, Beep Test - 14.4
X-factor: “A one touch player on the lead and at ground level with an innate ability around
goals.”
PICK 8 – BRISBANE: JACKSON MACRAE,
Height: 189cm, Weight: 76kg, DOB: 3/8/1994
I have Macrae going to the Lions because simply he is the best available player at this selection. I know Kristan Kaksch has been linked to the Lions, but at pick 8, I'm sure everyone would select a gun midfielder over an above average KPP. I know Kristan kicked 6 goals against Tasmania, but so did Macrae and at this point of time Macrae showed more potential to be A grade AFL player. The Lions need run and carry, scoring power and x-factor. That is what Macrae will provide and bring to the team.
Versatile medium midfielder who can also go back or forward. Big improver this year and is a long left foot kick. Shows great courage in the air and at ground level in his attack on the ball. Kicked six goals vs TAS in an outstanding performance and averaged 19.4 disposals at 78.4% efficiency in the NAB AFL Under 18 Championships this year. Averaged 24 disposals in eleven TAC Cup games this year, having an outstanding season overall.
NAB AFL Combine Results: 20m Sprint - 2.95 secs (Top 24%) Agility - 8.40 secs (Top 20%)
X-factor: “Uncanny ability to win the ball in the air as well as at ground level. Works well in tight.”
PICK 9 – RICHMOND: JAKE STRINGER,
Height: 191cm, Weight: 94kg, DOB: 25/4/1994
If it wasn't for Stringers broken leg, then he would be going at number 1. High risk, high reward pick hear. Richmond could potentially end up with another version of Dustin Martin. End of the day he is worth the risk based on talent wise.
Tall forward/defender that excels one-on-one with his marking and body positioning. His kicking is both penetrating and precise, whether forward or back, and he has good speed off the mark. Thrives on the contest and tackles strongly. Overcome serious leg injury last season to play some excellent football for Bendigo Pioneers this year and represent Vic Country in the NAB AFL Under 18
Championships. AIS AFL Academy Graduate.
NAB AFL Combine Results: Ranked equal 3rd – Matthew Lloyd Clean Hands Test (28/30) & Ranked equal 1st in Brad Johnson Goal Kicking Test (30/30).
X-factor: “His hard edge in winning the contested ball either in the air or at ground level separates him from many others his size.”
PICK 10 – ESSENDON: JOE DANIHER (FATHER-SON),
Height: 201cm, Weight: 89kg, DOB: 4/3/1994
Left-footed tall forward/ruckman that is exceptional overhead and an accurate set shot for goal. Has rare mobility for a player of his size and can win the ball at ground level up the field. Will become choice number 10 as father/son to Essendon, where father Anthony played. Excelled in final game of NAB AFL Under 18 Championships, taking 11 marks and kicking four goals. Won All
Australian honours. Graduate of the AIS-AFL Academy.
NAB AFL Combine Results: Didn’t test, however has previously recorded with the AIS-AFL Academy. 20m Sprint – 3.02 secs
X-factor: “His ability to reach and mark the ball at its highest point makes him such a difficult player to match up on.”
