Hey guys ill be doing an updated and in-depth Phantom Draft after trade week finishes here is a preview of the 2 favorites for our pick.
Hugh McCluggage
Team: North Ballarat Rebels
Height: 185 Weight: 75
DOB: 3/3/98
TAC Games: 12
AVG Disposals: 28.1
Goals: 25
Player Traits: Scott Pendelbury, Robbie Gray, Garry Ablett Jnr
Bio: Hugh is all class. Makes footy look easy with his clean hands and balance. He can cleanly take a footy in any situation whether that's at his feet, in the air he just never seems to fumble. When he does get his hands on the footy you can expect him to hit a target his hands are super clean and fast for that tight handball and when carrying the footy is balanced and composed(Scott Pendelbury).
The major trait he has is that he just never seems flustered he is always calm and can think ahead of the game. His ability to find the footy in a chain starting from a stoppage in the backline to potentially kicking a goal in the same passage is due to his smart running.
These are all good traits but the main one that has him rated so high is his goalkicking ability. He has a lovely approach to goal staying well balanced and composed with his head over the footy(Garry Ablett Jnr). But he can also do it overhead up forward as well he isn't afraid of flying for a mark and if he doesn't mark it he can keep his feet and continue winning the footy and snapping a goal(Robbie Gray).
Some knocks on his game are his contested ability most comes from his light frame getting bumped of the ball easily from stoppages and doesn't seem to have the hunger to win the contested footy he would rather work of his opponent and receive the football on the outside of his opponent in space. His kicking in general play is tidy and effective at times but it isn't overly penetrating but his kicking is hardly a weakness it just isn't a major strength.
Hugh's footy IQ and goal kicking ability to go with his consistency over the year see's him as a worthy number 1 pick.
Andrew McGrath
Team: Sandringham Dragons
Height: 179 Weight: 75
DOB: 2/6/98
TAC Games: 10
AVG Disposals: 32.4
Goals: 2
Player Traits: Zac Merrett, Jason Johannisen
Bio: Andrew uses his elite pace to his advantage whether that's carrying the footy, chasing for a tackle or spoil he likes to speed up the play. He will take the game on at every opportunity and work hard to win the footy first.
His best trait is his ability both in the midfield and in defense to be able to attack and defend to a high quality. When he gets the footy he will either take the ball under his arm and run or fire a quick and clean handball to the advantage of his teammate then work hard to receive in that chain(Jason Johannisen). When in the midfield he likes to put body on his opponent and once the ball is tapped he will push of and use his elite speed to win the footy first(Zac Merrett).
He will usually switch to defense for a few reasons. For leadership, run and drive if it has been lacking and to stop a dangerous player who is on fire. Not only has he beaten every player he has been sent to but he has also provided meaningful rebound.
Size is an issue but has an elite jump to make up for it. He can rush his kicks sometimes but when he is in full flight he can do some well weighted kicks to advantage.
For a team crying out for leadership, speed and work rate he is the best in the draft and a worthy Top 5 pick.