Phantom Draft txbyhull's Phantom Draft 2025

[txbyhull]

Interesting. It might have been easier to put an asterix next to the Hawks and note they’ve been excluded due to the fact you don’t like how they keep stealing Eagles players..

I’ve no problem with them getting Barrass, I just don’t like them as a club. Didn’t get in the way of the drafting though

 

[Milanista28]

Looks bang on, good job.

 

[Westlo]

Even then, I don't see there is any way that we would swap out3. Possibly 4 for a F1 IF we knew that we still get our man a little later. But Essendon would never offer up a F1 knowing where they will likely land next year.

There's a lot of posting on these drafts on swapping of high end picks but historically, it just doesn't happen. And for people to think that this will be the year where high picks are even more valuable because of the shallow pool. There will likely be swaps happening outside the top 10. Won't happen within though...imo.

Yeah no shit Essendon's not offering a F1, because you're guaranteed to get your guy in a trade back with Essendon so you have zero risk. At least if you trade Robey to Melbourne you'll be sweating on us not taking the sizzler.

What will end up being 9 and an early 20s pick in 2026 for pick 8 isn't a bad deal, geelong got 11 and 31 from Essendon for 10 in a far stronger draft than this years.

And like I don't give a **** if this trade happens, i'm happy with 2 out of robey, taylor, cummings, sharp, grlj etc and would rather have our second next year in a stacked draft.

 

[THE_GUN]

I won't jump into the discussion side of things in this thread but I will say that if the Tigers / Essendon trade goes ahead as listed above, I will walk from Sydney to Melbourne backwards and naked over Christmas. That trade simply won't go ahead. At a minimum, it simply just doesn't make sense for the Tigers to accept that.

I've said this numerous times already but here goes again...clubs have historically not traded high end live picks. Very few (maybe one???) has occurred. Why do posters on BF think this year they will start to happen? In a shallow draft of all years. Clubs will keep their high picks this year...like almost every other year.

People forget who Richmond's list manager is
Blair Hartley very rarely loses when trading out an asset that other clubs want

 

[THE_GUN]

Yeah this trade is trash for you guys but if you're taking Taylor and Sizzler anyway why would you not exploit Essendon for a 2026 second which will probably give you a better player next year than some of the picks in the teens this year?

Geelong did it to us a few years ago and picked up a handy player with the second...

Most likely because there will be better offers from other clubs wanting that same player that the Bombers rate so highly
You never know which club is infatuated with that same player and offers a ridiculous offer when still available at pick #3
e.g Melbourne might want that same player and #3+F2 for #7+F1

But if it is a trade with bombers that would be a similar trade i would be asking
But the Bombers would be crazy to do that

 

[Triniboy]

Put together a little something something during my day off today. Tried my best to account for open list spots and intentions re: elevating rookies, SSP train ons, DFAs etc. Won't pretend I have any itk word, just a fella that enjoys following the draft and having NFI what other clubs need as an arm-chair expert.

View attachment 2471319

I aim to write out my thoughts re picks and fits. Like I said I'm no genius, just a fun exercise for discussion and my own enjoyment.

Notable players to slip through:

Dahlitz
Banfield
Coulson
Mellor
Whan
Atkins
Swadling
Kellaway
Harding
Kelly
Raso (VFL)
Riley (VFL)

I did genuinely forget some players during the drafting itself, and so had to fit them in at awkward positions unfortunately

Here's my ranking as well to use for reference to the draft itself, which also points out who I missed (pretty sure its Jack Ison only but he would have fit into the Tier 6):

View attachment 2471312

well done !
I’d be happy with your selections …

 

[Westlo]

Most likely because there will be better offers from other clubs wanting that same player that the Bombers rate so highly
You never know which club is infatuated with that same player and offers a ridiculous offer when still available at pick #3
e.g Melbourne might want that same player and #3+F2 for #7+F1

But if it is a trade with bombers that would be a similar trade i would be asking
But the Bombers would be crazy to do that

I think Melbourne would be beyond stupid to give up potentially Cochrane and one of Cumming, grlj, sharp etc for just Robey.

I don’t see any club paying up that sort of cost that suits you guys. You need a pick high enough to make sure you still get the player you want and you want a decent pick next year.

If Melbourne trades a f1 it will be gold coasts and that won’t be far from Essendon f2 and you’re again sweating on Essendon not taking sizzler.

There’s no downside to taking essendons f2 apart from Richmond fans not being able to say they destroyed Essendon in a trade on Bigfooty and twitter.

 

[THE_GUN]

I think Melbourne would be beyond stupid to give up potentially Cochrane and one of Cumming, grlj, sharp etc for just Robey.

I don’t see any club paying up that sort of cost. If Melbourne trades a f1 it will be gold coasts and that won’t be far from Essendon f2 and you’re again sweating on Essendon not taking sizzler.

Thats why its usually impossible to get top picks traded and clubs keep them
But would need a pretty impressive offer to get the picks inside top 3-4

 

[King Patty]

Put together a little something something during my day off today. Tried my best to account for open list spots and intentions re: elevating rookies, SSP train ons, DFAs etc. Won't pretend I have any itk word, just a fella that enjoys following the draft and having NFI what other clubs need as an arm-chair expert.

View attachment 2471319

I aim to write out my thoughts re picks and fits. Like I said I'm no genius, just a fun exercise for discussion and my own enjoyment.

Notable players to slip through:

Dahlitz
Banfield
Coulson
Mellor
Whan
Atkins
Swadling
Kellaway
Harding
Kelly
Raso (VFL)
Riley (VFL)

I did genuinely forget some players during the drafting itself, and so had to fit them in at awkward positions unfortunately

Here's my ranking as well to use for reference to the draft itself, which also points out who I missed (pretty sure its Jack Ison only but he would have fit into the Tier 6):

View attachment 2471312

Love what you have done for Essendon. Robey, Sharp, pickett, Sweid, El-Achkar. They would all be my choices.
Only thing i would do different is bid on Annable before Robey.

 

[THE_GUN]

View attachment 2471320
View attachment 2471321

For those curious

Edit: Just realised I forgot to draft Josh Lindsay somewhere. Probably goes to GWS after their bidding spree, really low on him. Rest of the board would be shuffling down obviously and Nairn probably goes to the next team that needs a hybrid forward or can afford to take a punt on him as a defender

Richmond traded a pick to essendon for a F3 to F2 upgrade at the top of the draft and a 2 place upgrade from33 to 31 ?
Thats a very light trade when you consider what has been traded in the past.

maybe a straight out trade for an F2 without the other parts would be more realistic

 

[LOZWILDA]

Best go back and try again!

 

[txbyhull]

Best go back and try again!

womp womp

 

[LoBu]

I'd be happy if Cumming made it to Adelaide, the trade with Carlton for pick 9 is pretty interesting too, Adelaide put a whole lot of picks in, including 16 and F1 and F2, and get Sydney's F1 back. I like it.

 

[Johnny Bananas]

Who the fuzz is Mikunda

Well, according to the Rookie Me Central draft guide, he appears to be a small forward whose weaknesses are... pressure and scoring. The two things you most want out of small forwards. Colour me unimpressed.

But regardless, good on you txbyhull for giving it a go.

 

[txbyhull]

Well, according to the Rookie Me Central draft guide, he appears to be a small forward whose weaknesses are... pressure and scoring. The two things you most want out of small forwards. Colour me unimpressed.

But regardless, good on you txbyhull for giving it a go.

He’s more of a creative type who’s played along all 3 lines afaik. Better prospect than a Prindable for example. Link up, damage for every touch kind of guy. Unfortunately there’s no many high volume small forward threats this year in terms of scoreboard impact. IMO at least. Jack Miller is interchangeable as a more lethal forward, but I’m of the opinion that he’ll be off to tassie first chance he gets. Vibe based opinion though that last bit. Miller kicked 2 a game across champs for the Allies, but I’m worried about his athleticism as a small at this level, let alone AFL level

 

[Johnny Bananas]

He’s more of a creative type who’s played along all 3 lines afaik. Better prospect than a Prindable for example. Link up, damage for every touch kind of guy. Unfortunately there’s no many high volume small forward threats this year in terms of scoreboard impact. IMO at least. Jack Miller is interchangeable as a more lethal forward, but I’m of the opinion that he’ll be off to tassie first chance he gets. Vibe based opinion though that last bit. Miller kicked 2 a game across champs for the Allies, but I’m worried about his athleticism as a small at this level, let alone AFL level

Fair points, though is Mikunda's contested game comparable to Prindable's? Prindable didn't look out of place when he got a run in our VFL team.

I like the look of Tom Matthews as a small forward, myself.

 

[txbyhull]

Fair points, though is Mikunda's contested game comparable to Prindable's? Prindable didn't look out of place when he got a run in our VFL team.

I'd say Prindable probably has an edge but I see him at u18 level as a midfielder who can rotate forward rather than a forward that can rotate into the midfield like Mikunda. I think that Mikunda's athleticism sets him apart from Prindable particularly from the viewpoint of an AFL club. Prindable probably a lower risk but not nearly as much potential reward.

I like the look of Tom Matthews as a small forward, myself.

Would've liked to see a full season out of him, quite the shame.

 

[rioli brownlow]

As an Essendon supporter. I so hope you are spot on with our picks. That would be amazing

 

[txbyhull]

Johnny Bananas another one that I forgot from my draft was Zane Peucker out of (I believe) Woodville West Torrens, same club as Pou Jr. He’s got a little something something about him as that contest winner forward of centre / midfield chop out small forward. Fantastic blend of athleticism and skill. I think he’s a better like for like for Prindable than Mikunda is. Would be taking him above Tyan and Mikunda here in a redraft

 

[WilloTree]

Put together a little something something during my day off today. Tried my best to account for open list spots and intentions re: elevating rookies, SSP train ons, DFAs etc. Won't pretend I have any itk word, just a fella that enjoys following the draft and having NFI what other clubs need as an arm-chair expert.

View attachment 2471319

I aim to write out my thoughts re picks and fits. Like I said I'm no genius, just a fun exercise for discussion and my own enjoyment.

Notable players to slip through:

Dahlitz
Banfield
Coulson
Mellor
Whan
Atkins
Swadling
Kellaway
Harding
Kelly
Raso (VFL)
Riley (VFL)

I did genuinely forget some players during the drafting itself, and so had to fit them in at awkward positions unfortunately

Here's my ranking as well to use for reference to the draft itself, which also points out who I missed (pretty sure its Jack Ison only but he would have fit into the Tier 6):

View attachment 2471312

Good stuff.

Still think Eagles should split pick 1 or 2.

They're so far behind the rest of the competition. Historically bad and just lost Allen, McGovern, Barrass, Darling and Ryan.

eeeeek. 3 picks is better than 2 in this draft. Take Duursma, then get a grab-bag and hope for the best.

 

[txbyhull]

Good stuff.

Still think Eagles should split pick 1 or 2.

They're so far behind the rest of the competition. Historically bad and just lost Allen, McGovern, Barrass, Darling and Ryan.

eeeeek. 3 picks is better than 2 in this draft. Take Duursma, then get a grab-bag and hope for the best.

Thanks mate.

I do agree with your sentiment, however in practice it doesn’t really work out for this draft class. Not including the fact we have 13 and likely plan to try to upgrade it to 9, the blanket over the top 6 or so non-Duursma prospects means that the chance of splitting 2 and getting 2 reasonably attractive talents is low.

Essendon for example wouldn’t do a trade of 2 and 13 for 5 and 6. They’d likely rather just take the 2 prospects that are say within 85% of pick 2 rather than 100% of pick 2 and 65% of it, as is the gap in elite talent here.

2 and 9 for 5 and 6 is probably more palatable, but Eagles would need to be getting more out of that deal for it to be palatable for our fans.

Unfortunately it’s not one of those Harley years when you’d be getting 2 and 3 for 1 offers

 

[WilloTree]

Thanks mate.

I do agree with your sentiment, however in practice it doesn’t really work out for this draft class. Not including the fact we have 13 and likely plan to try to upgrade it to 9, the blanket over the top 6 or so non-Duursma prospects means that the chance of splitting 2 and getting 2 reasonably attractive talents is low.

Essendon for example wouldn’t do a trade of 2 and 13 for 5 and 6. They’d likely rather just take the 2 prospects that are say within 85% of pick 2 rather than 100% of pick 2 and 65% of it, as is the gap in elite talent here.

2 and 9 for 5 and 6 is probably more palatable, but Eagles would need to be getting more out of that deal for it to be palatable for our fans.

Unfortunately it’s not one of those Harley years when you’d be getting 2 and 3 for 1 offers

Yes, good point,

Maybe grab Duursm at 1, then split pick 2 and get Sharp and another?

 

[Barrybran]

Yes, good point,

Maybe grab Duursm at 1, then split pick 2 and get Sharp and another?

The main issue with this is Essendon and Richmond would need to want the same players and for us to want someone different. Otherwise, we're potentially missing ALL of our targets.

 

[Johnny Bananas]

Johnny Bananas another one that I forgot from my draft was Zane Peucker out of (I believe) Woodville West Torrens, same club as Pou Jr. He’s got a little something something about him as that contest winner forward of centre / midfield chop out small forward. Fantastic blend of athleticism and skill. I think he’s a better like for like for Prindable than Mikunda is. Would be taking him above Tyan and Mikunda here in a redraft

I do like Peucker and wonder why he isn't considered draftable by some. Good call, he apparently models his game on Zac Bailey and you can see that in the highlights.

 

[THE_GUN]

Thanks mate.

I do agree with your sentiment, however in practice it doesn’t really work out for this draft class. Not including the fact we have 13 and likely plan to try to upgrade it to 9, the blanket over the top 6 or so non-Duursma prospects means that the chance of splitting 2 and getting 2 reasonably attractive talents is low.

Essendon for example wouldn’t do a trade of 2 and 13 for 5 and 6. They’d likely rather just take the 2 prospects that are say within 85% of pick 2 rather than 100% of pick 2 and 65% of it, as is the gap in elite talent here.

2 and 9 for 5 and 6 is probably more palatable, but Eagles would need to be getting more out of that deal for it to be palatable for our fans.

Unfortunately it’s not one of those Harley years when you’d be getting 2 and 3 for 1 offers

Personally i wouldnt do #5+#6 for #2 +#9
#9 just falls out of the range to get the mid that they would want

#1-Duursma
#2-CDT
#3-Robey
#4-Taylor
#5-Sharp
#6-Cumming
#7-Grlj
#8 ??
#9 ??

They would have to rate players like Dovaston , Farrow , Schubert , Lindsay or Phillipou to do that trade
Not sure they LOVE CDT that much to give up a player like Cumming/Sharp which going by the bombers board
they would be happy with that combo