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Priority
1. Richmond: Brett Deledio (188cm, 80kgs).
Bottom age player who can go forward or back. Has terrific pace off the mark (4th in 20m sprint at DC), is skilful with both feet. Has been compared to Chris Judd, but IMO he is a different player. Doesn’t play a traditional midfield role, more a flanker/winger role. Deledio will be a very good player, is a better mark than Judd and has a good spring (4th vertical leap at DC). The biggest query is his AFL position. Certainty for pick 1.
2. Hawthorn: Richard Tambling (180cm, 68kgs).
Mid-age player with super pace (2nd in 20m sprint at DC) and spring (3rd running vertical leap at DC). Highly skilled especially around goal. Has all the terrific Aboriginal traits combined with consistency rarely seen by these types. He is also hard at the ball and very courageous for a guy his size. No doubt the biggest query is his size, mainly weight. He would want to put on 12kgs to play in the centre square consistently. I think he has the ability to show the Tigers up and do a Hodge/Judd. A certainty for pick #2.
3. Western Bulldogs: Ryan Griffin (186cm, 78kgs).
Nearly top age midfielder with class. Perfect size for a middy, strong hips and beautiful disposal. Has the most leadership potential out of the top 3 and is basically plug’n play for next year. He isn’t a renowned athlete but certainly isn’t a poor one. Primarily an outside midfielder, doesn’t have a huge physical presence but this wont impede him at all. The dogs would be mad to overlook Griffin for a KPP. He is as sure a bet as you can get, and alot surer than either Roughead or Franklin. Will be interesting to see if the dogs can resist one of the KPP duo, with neither of them likely to be available at 6.
Round 1
4. Richmond: Jarryd Roughead (193cm, 85kgs).
Bottom age left footed key defender/ forward who is a one-grab mark. He is a nice size for KPP and has good endurance. Can be a little inconsistent as shown at the u18 carnival and he can have the occasional ‘brain freeze’ and make a poor decision. Being bottom age has good scope for improvement especially considering he is a KPP. He is a more of a pure KPP than Franklin and while he may not have the natural talent of Franklin they are both pretty equal when their pro’s and con’s are placed against each other. The aspect that will sway the Tigers IMO is the fact he is Victorian. A guaranteed 10-year player.
5. Hawthorn; Franklin (195.9cm, 89kgs)
Bottom age KPP with pace, agility and long penetrating kick. Sound too good to be true? Well it is! Lance can get a little temperamental (not as bad that has been reported), lacks intensity and is no certainty to play KPP even though he has the size. Has been reported he hasn’t stopped growing and doctors predict he will grow to about 198cm+. Has talent to burn and is worth pick #5. From WA but his family is moving to Victoria with him so that shouldn’t be an issue, although it didn’t stop Des Headland leaving the Lions. Will go top 5, reading in between the lines from his comments in the paper he has been told by one of the clubs in this range they will pick him up. Pick #4 or #5 most likely. His position simply depend on where Roughead goes.
6. Western Bulldogs: Angus Monfries (180cm, 70kgs)
Bottom age ball magnet. Works very hard both ways and tackles hard. Clean hands and good endurance. I think he has the potential to be one of the best pure midfielders from this draft. His size is an small issue but shouldn’t impede his AFL development. (Ben Cousins is 178cm, 78kgs). This pick is where the draft gets tricky, the Dogs are hard to predict at the best of times let alone when there is no clear distinction in ability. They have 3 options IMO; a safe bet in Monfries, a development ruckman in Wood who will take 3 yrs or the raw un-tapped ability in Williams. Considering they will more than likely take Griffin at 3, perhaps that may sway them away from Monfries? I cant see them taking Wood as the time taken to get him ready for AFL doesn’t justify their need for a ruckman. If any club would take a gamble on guy like Williams, the doggies would be the one. I just think the player you are foregoing in taking such a risk is too large.
7. Hawthorn: John Meeson (199.3cm, 88kgs)
Top age ruckman who is mobile (top 10 in 3km at DC) with a great work rate. Had the biggest hand span at the DC and is a good overhead mark. His skills will need work but there is no glaring technical deficiency. The hawks have flagged their intention to go for a ruckman and pick 7 is the perfect time to get the one they rate the highest. Will take less time to make an impact than Wood, this combined with the fact he is a Victorian will probably mean the Hawks will take him at 7. I wouldn’t be at all surprised though if they take Wood. It just comes down to who they rate higher.
8. Adelaide: Cameron Wood (203.9cm, 86kg)
Bottom age beanpole ruck prospect who is the best tap ruckman in the draft. From a baseball background, he is athletic for his size. He has a lot of development left and could blossom into a fine player. He will need to put on a lot of weight to compete in the hurly burly of AFL ruckwork, I think he will be AFL ready year 3 to 4. The crows need a ruckman; they have no options after Clarke & Biglands and it would seem this is the perfect time to invest in a quality development ruckman to put ‘in the bank’ ready for maturity in 3 years. If Monfries is available at 8, the crows will have a tough decision to make. In that scenario, I think they will go with Monfries simply because he will instantly add youth to their league side especially their ageing midfield.
9. Carlton: Matthew Bate (190cm, 85kg)
This is the hardest pick to predict in the draft. Carlton simply need quality young players, any position will do. The degree of difficultly is increased by the fact the draft is so even at this stage, there are no standouts. Matthew Bate is as good a guess as any other player. He is very bottom age, a nice height and very versatile. Ironically, it’s his versatility that is his biggest query – where will he play in AFL land? The blues will look at DeLuca pretty keenly, although I don’t think they will get caught up in the romance of selecting a brother for the sake of it. Having said that, if they are after a ruckman he is the best on offer at this stage of the draft. As I said, this is a very hard pick to guess.
10. Collingwood: Ben Eckerman (177cm, 74kgs)
The pies have made no secret of the fact they want to add pace to their side, especially midfield and Eckerman fits the bill. He is bottom age, highly skilled, uses the ball well and breaks the game up with run. The biggest query is his height; 177cm isn’t tall especially in this modern day of 6ft + midfielders. The pies will look at Eckerman pretty closely but don’t be surprised if they take his SA counter part Jordan Russell at this pick. Russell is taller but doesn’t play on ball like Eckerman.
11. Port Adelaide: Danny Meyer (183, 70kgs)
It just happens that the best available is Meyer who is a mid-age classy midfielder/forward from SA. He will add to the Port midfield down on strength after loosing Schofield and Carr. Eckerman and Rusell will be in the mix aswell.
12. Richmond: Fabian Deluca (203.1cm, 96kgs)
The tigers will be on the lookout for a ruckman after picking up a KPP and midfielder earlier in the draft. With Meeson and Wood gone, Deluca is next in line. He is bottom age, athletic and has a penchant for drifting forward to kick a goal or 2 from the ruck. Will be looked strongly consider by the Blues at 9.
13. Melbourne: Heath Grundy (190cm, 86kgs)
In an ideal world I think the demons would like to draft a key backman to slot into full back but unfortunately for them there isn’t one available. Heath Grundy has played key position at either end of the ground for both SANFL and underage competitions. He is top age with a strong mark. Question mark over his height for AFL key positions. Melbourne could look at Williams, Toovey or Russell for this pick.
14. Essendon: Jordan Russell (186cm, 80kgs)
Like the pies, the bombers will be on the lookout for some pace on draft day. Therfore like the Pies they will be looking at Jordan Russell is who exceptionally quick, coming 3rd at the DC over 20m. He also placed top 10 in the agility run. A nice height at 186cm he isn’t a pure midfielder, more like a flanker/ winger. His value is rising each day the draft gets nearer. Will go around this stage in the draft.
15. Melbourne: Alan Toovey (188cm, 78kgs)
Melbourne want a key backman, this guy is as close as your going to get at this stage of the draft if you want quality. He is short for AFL key position, but he is bottom age so could have some growth left. Quick off the mark, neatly skilled and disciplined – he is a good get at 15.
16. Richmond: Tom Williams (196cm, 86kg)
This guy has made an already tough phantom draft nearly impossible. He could go anywhere from pick 6 to 40. I don’t know much about him other than he is a fine athlete over nearly every measurement and has only played footy for a year. There is no reason why a club like Carlton wouldn’t take him at 9 or infact the doggies at 6. However, Richmond will be in a good position to take a risk with someone like him at pick 16 because they have already picked up 3 highly touted juniors covering all positions on the field. If #16 was their first pick then the risk would be greatly increased. I cant help but think back to Billy Morrison from last years draft who was injured all last year but still highly rated and thought to be a chance of going pick 8 onwards. He ended up going at 18. Similar to Williams in that he was a raw KPP who was hard to get a gauge on. I cant see many clubs willing to risk a high first round pick on a guy like Williams. Also, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Jordan Lewis being a target at this stage for the Tigers as well.
17. St Kilda: Jordan Lewis (187cm, 87kgs)
I would imagine the Saints would be after one of the 3 ruckman already taken before this first pick. However, with those 3 guys gone I think they will go best available and that guy at this stage is Jordan Lewis. He is top-age, hard at the ball and good in clearances. The only ruckman in-play at this stage is Maric. I don’t think he is worth this first round pick. Ryan Willits wouldn’t be a stupid selection either.
18. Brisbane Lions: Ryan Willits (197.3cm, 99.9kgs)
A huge unit for a kid turning 18 next year. Possibly the most encouraging thing is his willingness to use this ample frame to his advantage. I see him as a bit of a slider because I’m not sure clubs would be overly taken by his size. However, he is deceptively quick and a nice height. I cant help but think back to Paul Johnson sliding to pick 24 after being thought of as a top 10 pick at the least, they are similar types. I think clubs are now looking for the more athletic, agile KPP. However, I think the Lions will see him as a perfect replacement for Lynch. The thought of Willits and Brown lining up at FF and CHF respectively is a rather confronting and worrying thought for opposition players.
19. Port Adelaide: Bennet Copping (191cm, 75kgs)
A mid-age skinny CHB from SA. A good all round player, good in the air, good at the reading the play and good skills. Clubs will be thinking Jarred Rivers mark 2. Both very similar IMO. Port do have an ageing backline, especially in those key positions. They would be hoping Chaplin and Copping form a defence that will hold strong for the next 10yrs.
Round 2
20. Richmond: Ryan Jackson (186cm,77kgs)
With this being their 5th pick they will just go best available. Jackson has been injured for the most of this year, possibly barring injury he would have gone quite abit higher. A classy bottom age flanker who could be anything. Could go anywhere upwards from 11.
21. Hawthorn: Ben Sharp (187cm, 81kgs)
The hawks have already taken a midfielder, KPP and ruckman. I think they will take the best available at this pick. Sharp offers run, link and skill to their midfield. To be honest I’m not a big fan, I think he is too outside to be much at AFL.
22. Western Bulldogs: Ruory Kirkby (192cm,81kgs)
Top age KPP who has come out of the blue over the last half of the year. I have him sliding a little because I think clubs will be cautious considering he hasn’t done much until the u18 carnival. The dogs have taken 2 quality midfielders, they will more than likely try and get a tall with this selection. Kirkby is another guy very hard to place, could conceivably go from # 12 upwards.
23. Collingwood: Chris Egan (187cm, 78kgs)
Mid-age flanker with pace, clean hands and a strong mark. Can be inconsistent but could be something special he puts the work in. The pies will have probably taken Eckerman or Russell and they have enough young talls so Egan could had some flash to their line-up. Whether they want a guy who is similar to Cole and Davis is too hard predict.
24. Adelaide: Danyle Pearce (178cm, 72kgs)
Top-age midfielder with brilliant athletic ability as demonstrated at the DC. He was 1st in 20m sprint, 1st agility, 1st vertical leap and top 10 for 3km time trial. I have a feeling he may go later than this but the crows have said they want youth and pace, something Pearce offers in spades. If they hadn’t taken Wood at 8 then I think Ivan Maric would be on the cards.
25. Carlton: Ivan Maric (197cm, 93kgs)
Top-age ruckman new to footy. He is athletic and works hard. There are a lot of ruckman available at the top end of this draft, which should satisfy the huge demand in the AFL for ruckman. Carlton need a young ruckman, they could take DeLuca at 9, if they don’t then I think Maric will be strongly considered here at 25. He is the last of the higher quality ruckman in the draft.
26. Hawthorn: Adam Harlett (194cm, 83kgs)
Top-age KPP capable at either end. Overlooked last year, which surprised many, I think the Hawks will be keen to add to their KPP stocks decimated even more by the loss of Thompson. This is their 5th pick in the draft, they can afford to keep an eye on players for specific needs – which they wont admit publicly. Hawks may also look at Wilkes, Redden or Murphy.
27. Brisbane Lions: Andrew McQualter (180cm, 75kgs)
Lions have picked up a KPP in Willits, they will now be looking to add to their midfield. They stated publicly they will use this draft to get one of every type of player and McQualter is a good fit for the midfield. He is top-age, small but gutsy and surprised many by a very strong showing at the DC; making top 10 in 3km time trial, shuttle run and agility tests.
28. Adelaide: Thomas Redden (190cm, 74kgs)
The crows 3rd pick in the draft they will just try and take the best available IMO (unless they haven’t got a ruckman yet). Redden is another one of those tricky selections, a club that likes what they see could take him in the teens without any hesitation. The Cats took a huge gamble on the similar Andrew Mackie 2 years ago taking him at pick 8., its seems worthwhile at this stage. Redden is the type of guy who could go anywhere, early or late.
29. West Coast: Andrew Swallow (182cm, 75kgs)
West Coasts first pick in the draft, they have stated publicly they will take the best available no matter what position. They will probably have the pick of Van Berlo, Le Cras and Swallow. Swallow will take time, but its time the Eagles can afford to give him. He is very bottom age and quick with a great kick. He captained the WA u16’s last year and got 24 possessions in the final round of WAFL earlier this year. He had a disappointing u18 carnival which may have lowered his stocks but clubs could still be tempted earlier than this. He is a surprise packet who I will be keenly watching on draft day.
30. Essendon: Mark LeCras (183cm, 74kgs)
A mid- flanker age forward who played senior footy for West Perth this year. Had a good carnival winning AA selection. He is a slippery type who isn’t overly athletic but has poise and skill. Reminds me of a HFF Paul Medhurst. I would say this is about the range clubs would consider him. Essendon don’t have any desperate need for a certain type of player. I think Sheedy would like him.
31. Sydney: Troy Bartlett (186cm, 77kgs)
Swans probably need a young midfielder and a young KPP. Bartlett covers both options adequately despite being too short for an AFL KP. He is mid-age, athletic, strong overhead and nicely skilled for a guy new to footy. And he is from NSW which makes him even more attractive to the swans. Could go 10 selections earlier or later.
32. Geelong: Thomas Murphy (190cm, 84kgs)
I think Geelong with look to draft the best available and Murphy is that player at this stage in the draft. I have him sliding alittle just because I don’t think clubs would be overly taken by his relatively small stature for AFL CHF’s and him being top-age. Traditionally top-age players tend to slide a few positions down the draft.
Hard enough for the first round, let alone the second. From here on is basically impossible.
i have tried to match up possible club wants with the notion of 'best player available'.
This draft will be a great way of judging respective recruiters. This draft gives them a time to shine.
1. Richmond: Brett Deledio (188cm, 80kgs).
Bottom age player who can go forward or back. Has terrific pace off the mark (4th in 20m sprint at DC), is skilful with both feet. Has been compared to Chris Judd, but IMO he is a different player. Doesn’t play a traditional midfield role, more a flanker/winger role. Deledio will be a very good player, is a better mark than Judd and has a good spring (4th vertical leap at DC). The biggest query is his AFL position. Certainty for pick 1.
2. Hawthorn: Richard Tambling (180cm, 68kgs).
Mid-age player with super pace (2nd in 20m sprint at DC) and spring (3rd running vertical leap at DC). Highly skilled especially around goal. Has all the terrific Aboriginal traits combined with consistency rarely seen by these types. He is also hard at the ball and very courageous for a guy his size. No doubt the biggest query is his size, mainly weight. He would want to put on 12kgs to play in the centre square consistently. I think he has the ability to show the Tigers up and do a Hodge/Judd. A certainty for pick #2.
3. Western Bulldogs: Ryan Griffin (186cm, 78kgs).
Nearly top age midfielder with class. Perfect size for a middy, strong hips and beautiful disposal. Has the most leadership potential out of the top 3 and is basically plug’n play for next year. He isn’t a renowned athlete but certainly isn’t a poor one. Primarily an outside midfielder, doesn’t have a huge physical presence but this wont impede him at all. The dogs would be mad to overlook Griffin for a KPP. He is as sure a bet as you can get, and alot surer than either Roughead or Franklin. Will be interesting to see if the dogs can resist one of the KPP duo, with neither of them likely to be available at 6.
Round 1
4. Richmond: Jarryd Roughead (193cm, 85kgs).
Bottom age left footed key defender/ forward who is a one-grab mark. He is a nice size for KPP and has good endurance. Can be a little inconsistent as shown at the u18 carnival and he can have the occasional ‘brain freeze’ and make a poor decision. Being bottom age has good scope for improvement especially considering he is a KPP. He is a more of a pure KPP than Franklin and while he may not have the natural talent of Franklin they are both pretty equal when their pro’s and con’s are placed against each other. The aspect that will sway the Tigers IMO is the fact he is Victorian. A guaranteed 10-year player.
5. Hawthorn; Franklin (195.9cm, 89kgs)
Bottom age KPP with pace, agility and long penetrating kick. Sound too good to be true? Well it is! Lance can get a little temperamental (not as bad that has been reported), lacks intensity and is no certainty to play KPP even though he has the size. Has been reported he hasn’t stopped growing and doctors predict he will grow to about 198cm+. Has talent to burn and is worth pick #5. From WA but his family is moving to Victoria with him so that shouldn’t be an issue, although it didn’t stop Des Headland leaving the Lions. Will go top 5, reading in between the lines from his comments in the paper he has been told by one of the clubs in this range they will pick him up. Pick #4 or #5 most likely. His position simply depend on where Roughead goes.
6. Western Bulldogs: Angus Monfries (180cm, 70kgs)
Bottom age ball magnet. Works very hard both ways and tackles hard. Clean hands and good endurance. I think he has the potential to be one of the best pure midfielders from this draft. His size is an small issue but shouldn’t impede his AFL development. (Ben Cousins is 178cm, 78kgs). This pick is where the draft gets tricky, the Dogs are hard to predict at the best of times let alone when there is no clear distinction in ability. They have 3 options IMO; a safe bet in Monfries, a development ruckman in Wood who will take 3 yrs or the raw un-tapped ability in Williams. Considering they will more than likely take Griffin at 3, perhaps that may sway them away from Monfries? I cant see them taking Wood as the time taken to get him ready for AFL doesn’t justify their need for a ruckman. If any club would take a gamble on guy like Williams, the doggies would be the one. I just think the player you are foregoing in taking such a risk is too large.
7. Hawthorn: John Meeson (199.3cm, 88kgs)
Top age ruckman who is mobile (top 10 in 3km at DC) with a great work rate. Had the biggest hand span at the DC and is a good overhead mark. His skills will need work but there is no glaring technical deficiency. The hawks have flagged their intention to go for a ruckman and pick 7 is the perfect time to get the one they rate the highest. Will take less time to make an impact than Wood, this combined with the fact he is a Victorian will probably mean the Hawks will take him at 7. I wouldn’t be at all surprised though if they take Wood. It just comes down to who they rate higher.
8. Adelaide: Cameron Wood (203.9cm, 86kg)
Bottom age beanpole ruck prospect who is the best tap ruckman in the draft. From a baseball background, he is athletic for his size. He has a lot of development left and could blossom into a fine player. He will need to put on a lot of weight to compete in the hurly burly of AFL ruckwork, I think he will be AFL ready year 3 to 4. The crows need a ruckman; they have no options after Clarke & Biglands and it would seem this is the perfect time to invest in a quality development ruckman to put ‘in the bank’ ready for maturity in 3 years. If Monfries is available at 8, the crows will have a tough decision to make. In that scenario, I think they will go with Monfries simply because he will instantly add youth to their league side especially their ageing midfield.
9. Carlton: Matthew Bate (190cm, 85kg)
This is the hardest pick to predict in the draft. Carlton simply need quality young players, any position will do. The degree of difficultly is increased by the fact the draft is so even at this stage, there are no standouts. Matthew Bate is as good a guess as any other player. He is very bottom age, a nice height and very versatile. Ironically, it’s his versatility that is his biggest query – where will he play in AFL land? The blues will look at DeLuca pretty keenly, although I don’t think they will get caught up in the romance of selecting a brother for the sake of it. Having said that, if they are after a ruckman he is the best on offer at this stage of the draft. As I said, this is a very hard pick to guess.
10. Collingwood: Ben Eckerman (177cm, 74kgs)
The pies have made no secret of the fact they want to add pace to their side, especially midfield and Eckerman fits the bill. He is bottom age, highly skilled, uses the ball well and breaks the game up with run. The biggest query is his height; 177cm isn’t tall especially in this modern day of 6ft + midfielders. The pies will look at Eckerman pretty closely but don’t be surprised if they take his SA counter part Jordan Russell at this pick. Russell is taller but doesn’t play on ball like Eckerman.
11. Port Adelaide: Danny Meyer (183, 70kgs)
It just happens that the best available is Meyer who is a mid-age classy midfielder/forward from SA. He will add to the Port midfield down on strength after loosing Schofield and Carr. Eckerman and Rusell will be in the mix aswell.
12. Richmond: Fabian Deluca (203.1cm, 96kgs)
The tigers will be on the lookout for a ruckman after picking up a KPP and midfielder earlier in the draft. With Meeson and Wood gone, Deluca is next in line. He is bottom age, athletic and has a penchant for drifting forward to kick a goal or 2 from the ruck. Will be looked strongly consider by the Blues at 9.
13. Melbourne: Heath Grundy (190cm, 86kgs)
In an ideal world I think the demons would like to draft a key backman to slot into full back but unfortunately for them there isn’t one available. Heath Grundy has played key position at either end of the ground for both SANFL and underage competitions. He is top age with a strong mark. Question mark over his height for AFL key positions. Melbourne could look at Williams, Toovey or Russell for this pick.
14. Essendon: Jordan Russell (186cm, 80kgs)
Like the pies, the bombers will be on the lookout for some pace on draft day. Therfore like the Pies they will be looking at Jordan Russell is who exceptionally quick, coming 3rd at the DC over 20m. He also placed top 10 in the agility run. A nice height at 186cm he isn’t a pure midfielder, more like a flanker/ winger. His value is rising each day the draft gets nearer. Will go around this stage in the draft.
15. Melbourne: Alan Toovey (188cm, 78kgs)
Melbourne want a key backman, this guy is as close as your going to get at this stage of the draft if you want quality. He is short for AFL key position, but he is bottom age so could have some growth left. Quick off the mark, neatly skilled and disciplined – he is a good get at 15.
16. Richmond: Tom Williams (196cm, 86kg)
This guy has made an already tough phantom draft nearly impossible. He could go anywhere from pick 6 to 40. I don’t know much about him other than he is a fine athlete over nearly every measurement and has only played footy for a year. There is no reason why a club like Carlton wouldn’t take him at 9 or infact the doggies at 6. However, Richmond will be in a good position to take a risk with someone like him at pick 16 because they have already picked up 3 highly touted juniors covering all positions on the field. If #16 was their first pick then the risk would be greatly increased. I cant help but think back to Billy Morrison from last years draft who was injured all last year but still highly rated and thought to be a chance of going pick 8 onwards. He ended up going at 18. Similar to Williams in that he was a raw KPP who was hard to get a gauge on. I cant see many clubs willing to risk a high first round pick on a guy like Williams. Also, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Jordan Lewis being a target at this stage for the Tigers as well.
17. St Kilda: Jordan Lewis (187cm, 87kgs)
I would imagine the Saints would be after one of the 3 ruckman already taken before this first pick. However, with those 3 guys gone I think they will go best available and that guy at this stage is Jordan Lewis. He is top-age, hard at the ball and good in clearances. The only ruckman in-play at this stage is Maric. I don’t think he is worth this first round pick. Ryan Willits wouldn’t be a stupid selection either.
18. Brisbane Lions: Ryan Willits (197.3cm, 99.9kgs)
A huge unit for a kid turning 18 next year. Possibly the most encouraging thing is his willingness to use this ample frame to his advantage. I see him as a bit of a slider because I’m not sure clubs would be overly taken by his size. However, he is deceptively quick and a nice height. I cant help but think back to Paul Johnson sliding to pick 24 after being thought of as a top 10 pick at the least, they are similar types. I think clubs are now looking for the more athletic, agile KPP. However, I think the Lions will see him as a perfect replacement for Lynch. The thought of Willits and Brown lining up at FF and CHF respectively is a rather confronting and worrying thought for opposition players.
19. Port Adelaide: Bennet Copping (191cm, 75kgs)
A mid-age skinny CHB from SA. A good all round player, good in the air, good at the reading the play and good skills. Clubs will be thinking Jarred Rivers mark 2. Both very similar IMO. Port do have an ageing backline, especially in those key positions. They would be hoping Chaplin and Copping form a defence that will hold strong for the next 10yrs.
Round 2
20. Richmond: Ryan Jackson (186cm,77kgs)
With this being their 5th pick they will just go best available. Jackson has been injured for the most of this year, possibly barring injury he would have gone quite abit higher. A classy bottom age flanker who could be anything. Could go anywhere upwards from 11.
21. Hawthorn: Ben Sharp (187cm, 81kgs)
The hawks have already taken a midfielder, KPP and ruckman. I think they will take the best available at this pick. Sharp offers run, link and skill to their midfield. To be honest I’m not a big fan, I think he is too outside to be much at AFL.
22. Western Bulldogs: Ruory Kirkby (192cm,81kgs)
Top age KPP who has come out of the blue over the last half of the year. I have him sliding a little because I think clubs will be cautious considering he hasn’t done much until the u18 carnival. The dogs have taken 2 quality midfielders, they will more than likely try and get a tall with this selection. Kirkby is another guy very hard to place, could conceivably go from # 12 upwards.
23. Collingwood: Chris Egan (187cm, 78kgs)
Mid-age flanker with pace, clean hands and a strong mark. Can be inconsistent but could be something special he puts the work in. The pies will have probably taken Eckerman or Russell and they have enough young talls so Egan could had some flash to their line-up. Whether they want a guy who is similar to Cole and Davis is too hard predict.
24. Adelaide: Danyle Pearce (178cm, 72kgs)
Top-age midfielder with brilliant athletic ability as demonstrated at the DC. He was 1st in 20m sprint, 1st agility, 1st vertical leap and top 10 for 3km time trial. I have a feeling he may go later than this but the crows have said they want youth and pace, something Pearce offers in spades. If they hadn’t taken Wood at 8 then I think Ivan Maric would be on the cards.
25. Carlton: Ivan Maric (197cm, 93kgs)
Top-age ruckman new to footy. He is athletic and works hard. There are a lot of ruckman available at the top end of this draft, which should satisfy the huge demand in the AFL for ruckman. Carlton need a young ruckman, they could take DeLuca at 9, if they don’t then I think Maric will be strongly considered here at 25. He is the last of the higher quality ruckman in the draft.
26. Hawthorn: Adam Harlett (194cm, 83kgs)
Top-age KPP capable at either end. Overlooked last year, which surprised many, I think the Hawks will be keen to add to their KPP stocks decimated even more by the loss of Thompson. This is their 5th pick in the draft, they can afford to keep an eye on players for specific needs – which they wont admit publicly. Hawks may also look at Wilkes, Redden or Murphy.
27. Brisbane Lions: Andrew McQualter (180cm, 75kgs)
Lions have picked up a KPP in Willits, they will now be looking to add to their midfield. They stated publicly they will use this draft to get one of every type of player and McQualter is a good fit for the midfield. He is top-age, small but gutsy and surprised many by a very strong showing at the DC; making top 10 in 3km time trial, shuttle run and agility tests.
28. Adelaide: Thomas Redden (190cm, 74kgs)
The crows 3rd pick in the draft they will just try and take the best available IMO (unless they haven’t got a ruckman yet). Redden is another one of those tricky selections, a club that likes what they see could take him in the teens without any hesitation. The Cats took a huge gamble on the similar Andrew Mackie 2 years ago taking him at pick 8., its seems worthwhile at this stage. Redden is the type of guy who could go anywhere, early or late.
29. West Coast: Andrew Swallow (182cm, 75kgs)
West Coasts first pick in the draft, they have stated publicly they will take the best available no matter what position. They will probably have the pick of Van Berlo, Le Cras and Swallow. Swallow will take time, but its time the Eagles can afford to give him. He is very bottom age and quick with a great kick. He captained the WA u16’s last year and got 24 possessions in the final round of WAFL earlier this year. He had a disappointing u18 carnival which may have lowered his stocks but clubs could still be tempted earlier than this. He is a surprise packet who I will be keenly watching on draft day.
30. Essendon: Mark LeCras (183cm, 74kgs)
A mid- flanker age forward who played senior footy for West Perth this year. Had a good carnival winning AA selection. He is a slippery type who isn’t overly athletic but has poise and skill. Reminds me of a HFF Paul Medhurst. I would say this is about the range clubs would consider him. Essendon don’t have any desperate need for a certain type of player. I think Sheedy would like him.
31. Sydney: Troy Bartlett (186cm, 77kgs)
Swans probably need a young midfielder and a young KPP. Bartlett covers both options adequately despite being too short for an AFL KP. He is mid-age, athletic, strong overhead and nicely skilled for a guy new to footy. And he is from NSW which makes him even more attractive to the swans. Could go 10 selections earlier or later.
32. Geelong: Thomas Murphy (190cm, 84kgs)
I think Geelong with look to draft the best available and Murphy is that player at this stage in the draft. I have him sliding alittle just because I don’t think clubs would be overly taken by his relatively small stature for AFL CHF’s and him being top-age. Traditionally top-age players tend to slide a few positions down the draft.
Hard enough for the first round, let alone the second. From here on is basically impossible.
i have tried to match up possible club wants with the notion of 'best player available'.
This draft will be a great way of judging respective recruiters. This draft gives them a time to shine.
