WEEVZ 2015 Phantom Draft

[WEEVZ]

So I've decided to have another go at a phantom draft this year. This time around I'll have a crack at doing a top 25. Its a bit difficult to choose who goes where after the top 5 or so, so I hope I've done your club justice. Have removed explanations for why I think players will go where I have them as most people would know a bit about the players available by now. No idea if I've gotten the order right after bids or not but we probably won't know till the draft itself.

Edited to reflect final draft order and potential bids.

I'll adjust this after the trade/draft period to accomodate for the final draft order.

So hear goes nothing...

#1 - CARL - Jacob Weitering

#2 - BRIS - Joshua Schache

#3 - SYD - Callum Mills (assumed bid by MELB)

#4 - MELB - Darcy Parish

#5 - ESS - Aaron Francis

#6 - GWS - Jacob Hopper (assumed bid by ESS)

#7 - GWS - Matthew Kennedy (assumed bid by ESS)

#8 - ESS (via STK) - Charlie Curnow

#9 - GCS (via MEL) - Wayne Milera

#10 - MELB (via GWS) - Sam Weideman

#11 - BRIS - Eric Hipwood (assumed big by CARL)

#12 - BRIS - Ben Keays (assumed bid by CARL)

#13 - CARL (via GWS) - Clayton Oliver

#15 - ADEL (via GEEL) - Rhys Mathieson

#16 - WBD - Keiran Collins

#17 - RICH - Harley Balic

#18 - ADEL - Darcy Tucker

#19 - STK (via SYD) - Callum Ah Chee

#20 - HAW (via NTH) - Harrison McKay

#21 - GCS (via FRE) - Mitchell Hibberd

#22 - FRE - Ben McKay

#23 - HAW - Ryan Clarke

#24 - RICH - Jade Gresham

#25 - STK - Bailey Rice (assumed bid CARL)

#25 - CARL - Riley Bonner

#26 - GWS - Harrison Himmelberg (assumed bid by CARL)

#27 - CARL - Jack Silvagni (F/S)

#28 - FRE - Luke Partington

#29 - SYD - Josh Dunkley (F/S - open draft no bid)

#30 - ESS - Ryan Burton

#31 - ESS - Keiran Lovell

#32 - NTH - Daniel Rioli

#33 - COLL - Callum Moore

#34 - NTH - Sam Skinner

#35 - GCS - Ben Crocker

#36 - WBD - Nicholas O'Kearney

#37 - WCE - William Snelling

#38 - PTA - David Cunningham

#39 - FRE - Jesse Glass-McAsker

#40 - MELB - Josh Schoenfield

 

[eagle eyed]

West Coast to beat Freo in the GF? I'll take that, the stuff dreams are made of!!!

 

[WEEVZ]

West Coast to beat Freo in the GF? I'll take that, the stuff dreams are made of!!!

Freo are looking tired, I just did the ladder predictor and based this phantom draft off of that. If you guys can beat Sydney and Hawthorn in your next 3, you'll probably finish on top. As to whether or not you'll win the Grand Final, remains to be seen.

 

[1990crow]

So I've decided to have another go at a phantom draft this year. This time around I'll have a crack at doing a top 25. Bare in mind this is before potential free agency compo, trades, etc. and draft picks are based purely on where I think teams will finish on the ladder at the end of the season. For the purposes of this I am not taking the new bidding system (just the old one where teams match a bid with their next pick) into account. Its a bit difficult to choose who goes where after the top 5 or so, so I hope I've done your club justice.

I'll try to give reasons as to why I think the clubs with pick inside 10 might take the players I have them taking.

I'll adjust this after the trade/draft period to accomodate for the final draft order.

So hear goes nothing...

FIRST ROUND

#1 - Brisbane - Joshua Schache
Brisbane are in desperate need of a "franchise key forward", and Schache is easily the best tall forward available. I also don't see Brisbane winning another game this year. They may go Weitering but for mine they need a KPF more than they do a KPD.

#2 - Gold Coast - Jacob Weitering
The opposite to Brisbane in that they probably have the key forwards to work with but need someone down back and this is where Weitering comes in as he is the best of the tall defenders by a fair way. Could Parish also be an option if the Suns decide the midfield needs more depth?

#3 - Carlton - Darcy Parish
The Blues need to rebuild, and they'll probably start with the midfield. And Parish would fit the bill for them as he is arguably the best non F/S or academy midfielder available. They may also look to Aaron Francis at this pick but it all depends on SOS.

#4 - Melbourne - Aaron Francis
If Parish is available here I don't think the Dees will let him slide past their pick, same goes for Francis who adds some real flexibility to the Dees, who could use him to work in tandem with Jeremy Howe up forward or down back as a 3rd tall type player.

#5 - Essendon - Charlie Curnow
While it could be argued that the Bombers midfield also needs to be rejuvenated with youth, we've all seen that their forwardline has been a shambles all year and Carlisle is not the answer, he's a key defender people! As a result the Bombers need to target a KPF early and Curnow as the best available this year after Schache.

#6 - St Kilda - Kieran Collins
Might be a little bit of a stretch here but with the Saints having put together a midfield and forwardline full of future stars its time to focus on their back half, and with Gilbert and Fisher (Fisher especially) not getting any younger it wouldn't hurt to bring in another young KPD to partner Hugh Goddard for the next 10+ years.

#7 - Geelong - Rhys Mathieson
A bit more inside grunt couldn't hurt right? Not really sure what the Cats will look to do at their pick if Collins is gone and a host of their defenders soon to enter retirement soon, so best available here really.

#8 - Port Adelaide - Luke Partington
May be stretch and they may also look to life post-Schulz with a young key forward, but Partington would add to an already impressive relatively young midfield at Port. They could probably use another damaging sort.

#9 - North Melbourne - Sam Weideman
This is a needs based selection, with Waite and Petrie soon to be finishing their careers you'd think the Roo's need to look to bring in a young key forward to develop who can come in soon when one or the other retires.

#10 - Adelaide - Callum Ah Chee
Could form quite the deadly small forward partnership with Eddie Betts who it has to be said has possibly been the best small forward this year. They may go tall, but another exciting small to have crumbing off Walker and Jenkins would be a good thing.

#11 - Collingwood - Harley Balic

#12 - Western Bulldogs - Darcy Tucker

#13 - GWS - Jacob Hopper

#14 - Richmond - Ryan Clarke

#15 - Sydney - Callum Mills

#16 - Hawthorn - Harrison McKay

#17 - Fremantle - Ryan Burton

#18 - West Coast - Nicholas O'Kearney

#19 - Gold Coast - Compo Selection - Jade Gresham

#20 - Brisbane - Ben Keays

#21 - Gold Coast - Thomas Cole

#22 - Carlton - Bailey Rice

#23 - Melbourne - Mitchell Hibberd

#24 - Essendon - Josh Dunkley

#25 - St Kilda - Ben Crocker

We already have Charlie Cameron

 

[WEEVZ]

We already have Charlie Cameron

Forgot about him my bad.

 

[WEEVZ]

Updated to reflect the final ladder order.

 

[Will Chan]

Ryan Clarke?

Nah he can't kick, no good

 

[Wizard17]

#13 - Western Bulldogs - Darcy Tucker
An impressive year for the Dogs, not sure what they'll take but adding some midfield depth is rarely a bad thing

When the dogs draft mid sized players they genuinely go with guys with a genuine x factor in their game. I can't remember the last time we took someone like Tucker more likely to be Wayne Milera or Riley Bonner. We are likely to go tall at some point though.

 

[Will Chan]

Nah he can't kick, no good

Just kidding lol draft him he's good

 

[Blackas87]

Not a bad effort but no way Josh Dunkley ends up at Melbourne.
Paul Roos and Andrew Dunkley had a huge falling out. Andrew never once went back to the Swans post retirement while Roos was still at the club. Was talk about Josh not being a father son pick for the SWANs a few years back while Roos was still there.

 

[WEEVZ]

Not a bad effort but no way Josh Dunkley ends up at Melbourne.
Paul Roos and Andrew Dunkley had a huge falling out. Andrew never once went back to the Swans post retirement while Roos was still at the club. Was talk about Josh not being a father son pick for the SWANs a few years back while Roos was still there.

Fair enough, would Sydney even have the picks to be able to get Mills and Dunkley is the big question. You'd think Mills would be bid on very early which I reckon pushes their 2nd rounder back into mid-3rd round at the very least.

 

[Blackas87]

Fair enough, would Sydney even have the picks to be able to get Mills and Dunkley is the big question. You'd think Mills would be bid on very early which I reckon pushes their 2nd rounder back into mid-3rd round at the very least.

I reckon they might be able to get both players but not 100% sure. If they don't get Dunkley I'm pretty certain he won't be coming to Melbourne, Would love him though as he's the type of player we are after. Here's an article on Roos and Dunkleys fall out http://m.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl...son-joshson-spat/story-e6frf9jf-1226577393183

 

[Ticky009]

Fair enough, would Sydney even have the picks to be able to get Mills and Dunkley is the big question. You'd think Mills would be bid on very early which I reckon pushes their 2nd rounder back into mid-3rd round at the very least.

Strong & reliable word on our board says we won't be picking Dunkley via F/S.

 

[Jeffcrowe]

So I've decided to have another go at a phantom draft this year. This time around I'll have a crack at doing a top 25. Bare in mind this is before potential free agency compo, trades, etc. and draft picks are based purely on where I think teams will finish on the ladder at the end of the season. For the purposes of this I am not taking the new bidding system (just the old one where teams match a bid with their next pick) into account. Its a bit difficult to choose who goes where after the top 5 or so, so I hope I've done your club justice.

Edited to take final ladder into account.

I'll adjust this after the trade/draft period to accomodate for the final draft order.

So hear goes nothing...

#1 - Carlton - Jacob Weitering
The Blues have a massive rebuild on their hands but taking the best key defender in this draft pool seems a good idea. And given Weitering is widely touted as potentially being the best player in this draft, its hard to get this pick wrong.

#2 - Brisbane - Joshua Schache
The Lions need a key forward, and Schache is by far and away the best available this year. The Lions will probably have holes everywhere with players walking out, but Schache is the type of player you can build a team around. It should be noted however if Kreuzer leaves the Blues and they end up with Pick 2 as compensation the Lions may have cost themselves the draft rights to Schache with their Round 23 win over the Bulldogs.

#3 - Gold Coast - Aaron Francis
Francis adds some definite flexibility to the Suns lineup, able to play in just about any position. But may have to be developed in a clearly defined role to begin with.

#4 - Essendon - Darcy Parish
Looking at the Bombers side, they need more speed, class and ball winning ability in the middle, but also desperately need to find a player to take the heat off Daniher up forward so deciding what the Bombers do here is difficult. But Parish is the best of the non-Academy mids this year so its likely he goes here. Charlie Curnow, Sam Weideman, etc. are also options for the Bombers, it'll all depends on who gets cut and what they do at the trade table.

#5 - St Kilda - Harley Balic
The Saints need a key defender but I'm not sure you'd stretch to any at this pick. So Balic adds to an already impressive group of young midfielders.

#6 - Melbourne - Charlie Curnow
Being an Essendon supporter I admit I'm annoyed about this because I want both Parish and Curnow at the Bombers but oh well. Curnow would form a pretty impressive rotation with Petracca through the midfield and forwardline.

#7 - Collingwood - Sam Weideman
One would think the Pies would be looking to the post-Cloke era within the next year or two to partner Darcy Moore up forward, and Weideman fills that role pretty well.

#8 - GWS - Jacob Hopper
Probably the 2nd best of the academy mids coming through this year behind Callum Mills but a gun all the same. Matt Kennedy will probably come under consideration around this point in the draft too, so the Giants will have to consider which they'll take first.

#9 - Geelong - Keiran Collins
Given the Saints need young key defenders too Collins may not last this long but this may be the furthest he goes. While the Cats look likely to bring in the now former Blue Lachie Henderson, their key defensive stocks will likely take a bit of a whack soon with Mackie, Taylor, Lonergan and Rivers all nearing the end of their respective careers you'd think. If they choose to look to the midfield however Rhys Mathieson could be looked at here.

#10 - Port Adelaide - Callum Ah Chee
Before today's announcement that Charlie Dixon is seeking a move to Port, I'dve said the Power could look to draft a key forward here, but thats no longer the case. So a small forward to crumb off the likes of Dixon and Ryder, etc. would definitely be beneficial and also free up Chad Wingard to move up the ground more often.

#11 - North Melbourne - Harry McKay
Difficult to pick with North as they have the 2nd oldest list in the AFL behind Fremantle. Given this and the older blokes are in pretty much every position it's difficult to tell who they'd take here, but for mine the biggest worry they'd have would be the ageing forwardline with Petrie and Waite having a season (maybe two) left in them so a key forward seems a must.

#12 - Adelaide - Rhys Mathieson
This selection is entirely dependant on whether or not Dangerfield leaves, if he doesn't the Crows may look to take a key defender if they judge one to be worth this pick.

#13 - Western Bulldogs - Darcy Tucker
An impressive year for the Dogs, not sure what they'll take but adding some midfield depth is rarely a bad thing.

#14 - Richmond - Ryan Burton
If the Tigers truly are Adam Treloar's preferred destination, then they probably won't have a Pick in the 1st round this year. But if not who knows. The Ninthmond joke doesn't apply this year.

#15 - Sydney - Callum Mills
Signed, sealed and delivered. Guaranteed to be a Swan in 2016.

#16 - Hawthorn - Riley Bonner

#17 - West Coast - Luke Partington

#18 - Fremantle - Wayne Milera

#19 - Gold Coast - Compo Selection - Mitchell Hibberd

#20 - Carlton - Bailey Rice

#21 - Brisbane - Ben Keays

#22 - Gold Coast - Jade Gresham

#23 - Essendon - Ben McKay

#24 - St Kilda - Keiran Lovell

#25 - Melbourne - Josh Dunkley

Don't reckon Adelaide goes inside mid here even if danger goes as have crouch brothers thompson CEY Lyons Sloane . Tucker , Bonner , milera , ahchee more likely and even harry Mckay
if still there

 

[WEEVZ]

Updated again, I realise the top 25 draft order may change more tomorrow given its the final day of the trade period but anyway...

 

[Jell]

Would be happy getting Milera at 8.

Is that meant to be Harry instead of Ben to Freo? Also, reckon Rioli will be gone before Essendon's rd 2 picks.

 

[WEEVZ]

Would be happy getting Milera at 8.

Is that meant to be Harry instead of Ben to Freo? Also, reckon Rioli will be gone before Essendon's rd 2 picks.

Yeah meant to be Harry, I had him higher up but then heard about the Dees-Suns trade so changed it and forgot to put him back in somewhere. Either way Freo (you'd think) would be desperate for talls at both ends.
As far as Rioli goes you never know!

 

[Andy_Mac]

WEEVZ i highly doubt we traded up for Parish.

Francis is almost the prototype Roo's selection. Big body with foot skills. He is Josh Kennedy.

 

[dwoody15]

An inside midfielder such as Oliver would be handy but the Crows need tall forwards, such as Burton, and ruckmen. Zero chance of taking Tucker, after drafting Lever last year we have plenty of defenders.

 

[C4[2]Yo`DooR]

#9 - Adelaide (via GEEL) - Clayton Oliver
After losing Dangerfield and with Thompson (one would think) being close to retirement, the Crows would probably be looking to add some more ball-wining ability. They've still got the guys that can do it (Sloane, the Crouch brother's, etc.) but adding another big body is always helpful.

#10 - GWS (via MELB) - Jacob Hopper
Giants bound. Lock him in.

#11 - Western Bulldogs - Keiran Collins
With Talia likely gone (probably to the Swans, via the PSD or as a DFA), the Dogs surely will look to bolster their key defensive stocks. And behind Weitering, Collins would have to be the 2nd best key defender available in the draft.

Carlton have Pick #11.

 

[WEEVZ]

Carlton have Pick #11.

I know I won't be updating it for a couple of weeks. I have a lot on.

 

[Mighty_sainter]

If the saints went to bolster midfield stocks or went small depending on what strategy they go who do you think they would go for?

 

[WEEVZ]

If the saints went to bolster midfield stocks or went small depending on what strategy they go who do you think they would go for?

Really depends on who's available at your pick. Oliver, Tucker, Ah Chee, etc. could all be available just depends on what Bains thinks you'll need for mine your midfield is pretty well set, could maybe use some more outside speed but other than that its pretty good. I'd be looking to your backline and forwardline personally. You've probably got one of the oldest backlines in the league. You could use a 3rd tall up forward too (I don't think Membrey has worked out for you). Then in the ruck its a bit wait and see to tell if Longer and Hickey come on or not, either way you probably need depth there.

 

[WEEVZ]

Final adjustment, have included bids. Hopefully order is correct, etc.

 

[Balony_pony16]

Academy bidding will be very interesting for a number of reasons
1) clubs will know that after the trade period the Academy Clubs have maneuvered to pick up their top Academy Prospects at any cost
2) So.. Clubs know they have zero chance of securing Academy prospects early in the draft
3) Clubs will either just focus on taking their picks...or making the academy clubs honest with bids
4) But they clubs that bid early will do it without fear they will miss a target they truely want

For instance...

Hipwood & keays from the Lions really arent that great a talent and certainly dont warrant top 15 bids... Going off this Phantom Draft, if Carlton had to take either Hipwood, Keays or Oliver they would take Oliver in a heart beat!!!

It will be interesting to see how the academy bids go, as I think outside Hopper & Millls there is a fair bit of over rating going on as the Academy Kids are the hot topic and all of them have been focused on