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cosby

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Thread starter #1
Xavier Ellis
(Gippsland Power), 28 February 1988, 186.3cm, 71.7kg

Ellis looms as the second most likely player to be selected this year, although make no mistake Collingwood's first choice will be a fascinating one. The Magpies also rate Ellis' Gippsland teammate Dale Thomas enormously and he too will come into calculations at No.2. Should Thomas be taken at this pick, expect Hawthorn to pounce immediately on Ellis at No.3. A medium-sized defender/midfielder, Ellis had a terrific season, which was capped off with a premiership with Gippsland. He also represented Vic Country and achieved All-Australian selection in 2005, while he was a member of the AIS/AFL Academy. Although he will be attending Melbourne Grammar next year and school will be high on the agenda, this won't deter the Pies, as he is also just a stone's throw away from Collingwood's Swan St headquarters. The highly-talented left-footer will be given time, but it will be worth the wait


Beau Dowler
(Oakleigh Chargers), 16 December 1987, 194.6cm, 84kg

One of the most sought after talls in this draft, Dowler is also one of several highly-rated players to be struck down with injury or illness in the lead-up to this meeting. The key forward suffered a fractured pelvis in a car accident last month, but he still firmly remains a top-10 draftee. Richmond is set to pounce at No.8, although Carlton and Hawthorn are not out of the equation in the top six. The Tigers are prepared to think long-term rather just his immediate future, in relation to his injury. He is still on crutches, although he is hoping to be walking without them by Christmas. A strong lead and accurate kick at goal, Dowler also possesses good speed for his size. He had a terrific season, representing Vic Metro at under-18 level this year, while he was rewarded with All-Australian status and was named in the TAC Cup team of the year. Dowler was also an AIS/AFL Academy member.


Grant Birchall
(Devonport), 28 January 1988, 191.9cm, 84.4kg

Tasmania's best prospect in this year's pool, Birchall will be claimed in the top 15 - make no question about that. If the Lions do not pounce with their first pick, expect him to last no further than West Coast (No.13) or Geelong (No.15). Both the Eagles and Cats are eager for his services. Birchall's statue has grown in recent weeks, and on reflection, it's not hard to see why. The tall defender/midfielder - he can play either role effectively - runs the lines, contests hard and has a raking left-foot. He won the Harrison Medal for the best player in division two of this year's under 18 carnival, while he was named in the All-Australian team. An AIS/AFL Academy graduate, Birchall also shone at the recent draft camp, recording 2.92 seconds in the 20-metre sprint. His height and ability to play back will be a strong consideration for the Lions, particularly with the likes of triple-premiership defender Justin Leppitsch now in the veteran status.

Max Bailey
(West Perth), 23 October 1986, 205.8cm, 93kg

One of best young rucks in this year's pool, Bailey has the ability to be selected much earlier in the draft and could even figure in Collingwood's plans at No.21 or No.23. West Coast and Geelong will be in contention, while Melbourne and Sydney are believed to be keen, although he is unlikely to be selected in the fourth round, when the latter two clubs are more prominent in the draft. At a whopping 205cm, Bailey is mobile for his size, while he is good in contested marking situations. He is surprisingly quick off the mark and has clean hands for a big man.


Beau Muston
(Murray Bushrangers), 1 March 1987, 189cm, 78.8kg

Muston is yet another talent-laden youngster to be struck down due to injury or illness, but like his contemporaries Kennedy, Clark and Dowler, he remains right in the top 10 or first round mix. After a stunning start to 2005, Muston injured his knee mid-way through the season and recently underwent a knee reconstruction. Many astute judges believe Muston, had it not been for his set-back, would have been a top-five selection. And it would not surprise if Collingwood (No.5), Brisbane Lions (No.9) and Fremantle (No.10) were still options. But his injury has pushed his ranking down, but that won't worry Hawthorn. Although the Hawks are unlikely to claim Muston at No.3 or No.6, they will be prepared to punt on his prodigious talent and back their medical staff, in order to help Muston through his rehabilitation. With his pace, ball-winning ability and fine skills, he has the ability to be a genuine match-winner. If available, Hurn, Pendlebury and Stanley are others being closely considered by Hawthorn at No.14.
 

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mattyc2422

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#3
From the Inside Footy Draft Liftout.

Xavier Ellis - medium defender
28/2/88. 187cm, 73kg.

A private school boy from Melbourne Grammar so he didn't play every game for us. A left-footer who is a ery classy player. Reads the play very well, whether it's down back, on the wing or half-forward. Had a terrific finals series." - Gippsland regional manager Peter Francis.

Vic Country rep, All Australian 2005. AIS-AFL Graduate.

Beau Dowler - tall forward
16/12/87. 192cm, 82kg.

"A key forward who is a good mark and a really good kick for goal. His running capacity is spot on so you could play him anywhere" - Oakleigh coach Rohan Welsh.

Vic Metro and All Australian 2005. AIS-AFL Academy graduate.

Grant Birchall - tall defender
28/1/88. 192cm, 86kg.

"A tall midfielder who is a fantastic kick of the footy. Has good size and is sub 3 seconds for 20 metres. Performed really well in the under-17 tour of Ireland and was emergency for the Tasmanian VFL side about five times" - Tassie U-18 coach Hamish Ogilve.

Max Bailey - ruckman
23/10/86. 205cm, 85kg.

"Max is an agile ruckman who had an interrupted year with illness and injury. For a big bloke, his ball handling and football brain are first rate. He got better with more game time and fitness as the year wore on. One thing about Max is that he's a very mature boy with a good head on his shoulders." - West Perth football manager, Ryan Lascock.

Beau Muston - medium mid
1/3/87. 188cm, 71kg.

Beau played the first seven games then he did his knee and required a full reco, but I suspect if he kept playing they way he was then he would ahve been a top 5 selection. He went to the draft camp and was interviewed by all clubs except Essendon, which is the team he barracks for. I think he could well be a bit of a dark horse and be Murray's first picked. Plays midfield, he's tall, he runs like the wind, kicks beautifully both feet. If I was to compate him I would say he has greater potential than Marc Murphy because he's taller and more versatile. I reckon he might go top 10" - Murray coach Xavier Tanner.
 

amos

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#4
Great read. Thanks boys. l hadn't seen that one before, mattyc2422, so thanks. I'm really excited about Muston's prospects. He sounds the goods.
 

Gary Shadforth

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#5
Which of these youngsters will make their senior debut in 2006?

Considering we had 8 new boys do it last season, most of them thrown in at the deep-end, I would imagine Bailey will for reasons proffered, "... a whopping 205cm, Bailey is mobile for his size, while he is good in contested marking situations. He is surprisingly quick off the mark and has clean hands for a big man." Another who will be seen in the seniors sooner rather than later is Xavier Ellis, the top pick of this year's crop I reckon.
 

mattyc2422

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#6
From Shifters top 30.

Grant Birchall
Tall Def
State: TAS, Club: Devonport, Height: 191.9cm, Weight: 84.4kg, DOB: 28-Jan-88

Tall midfielder/defender who wins contested ball and runs the lines. Long left foot kick. Had an exceptional NAB AFL U18 Championships winning Harrison Medal (Div 2) and All-Australian honours. AIS/AFL Academy graduate in 2005. His speed and endurance were both impressive features at the NAB AFL Draft Camp recording 2.92sec for 20m (Top 6%) and 14.1 Beep Test (Top 22%).

Beau Dowler
Tall Fwd
State: VIC, Club: Oakleigh, Height: 194.6cm, Weight: 84.0kg, DOB: 16-Dec-87

Tall forward who leads quickly, has excellent hands and accurate kick at goal. All-Australian at U18 level this year and graduate of the AIS/AFL Academy in 2004. TAC Cup Team of the Year in 2005 and third in Chargers Best and Fairest. Reads ball well through the air and has a real passion for the game. Showed good speed (5m - 1.05sec, Top 17%) and endurance (3km - 11mins - Top 21%) at NAB AFL Draft Camp. Recent accident will curtail his pre-season progress but expected to make a full recovery. From Noble Park FC.

Xavier Ellis
Medium Def
State: VIC, Club: Gippsland, Height: 186.3cm, Weight: 71.7kg, DOB: 28-Feb-88

Medium Defender/midfielder who carries ball well and uses it smartly on preferred left side. AIS/AFL Academy in 2005 and All-Australian at U18 level. Mixed his football between Melbourne Grammar and Gippsland Power, topping off a great year with Premiership success at the MCG where he was a key player for Power. His 2.98sec for 20m and 80cm vertical jump showed his natural attributes were in top bracket at NAB AFL Draft Camp. From Lakes Entrance FC.

Beau Muston
Medium Mid
State: VIC, Club: Murray, Height: 189.0cm, Weight: 78.8kg, DOB: 01-Mar-87

Medium midfielder with pace, clean hands, good awareness and kicking skills. Injured knee mid year after outstanding start to 2005 but is making good progress in his recovery. Can sweep on the ball at pace and maintain momentum. Capable of turning a game. From Shepparton United.
 

mattyc2422

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#7
Gary Shadforth said:
Which of these youngsters will make their senior debut in 2006?
I'd say Birch is a cert. Dowler and Muston will obviously be recovering and Ellis might be playing school footy. Bailey might, Tucky might late...
 

cosby

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Thread starter #8
yeah, have to agree mattc. i reckon dowler might crack it for a game midway thru next year and hopefully muston can get a late game next year also, but even if he doesn't that fact that he'll be in the wieghts room and doin all sorts of other work at the club is a good thing. muston is a special prize we were able to get for having so many picks.
i'm feeling pretty stoked about what bucky and pelchen achieved today.

oh, and cosby = theScabman @ HHQ
 

macca_2111

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#9
:thumbsu:
mattyc2422 said:
Beau Muston - medium mid
1/3/87. 188cm, 71kg.

Beau played the first seven games then he did his knee and required a full reco, but I suspect if he kept playing they way he was then he would ahve been a top 5 selection. He went to the draft camp and was interviewed by all clubs except Essendon, which is the team he barracks for. I think he could well be a bit of a dark horse and be Murray's first picked. Plays midfield, he's tall, he runs like the wind, kicks beautifully both feet. If I was to compate him I would say he has greater potential than Marc Murphy because he's taller and more versatile. I reckon he might go top 10" - Murray coach Xavier Tanner.
Thats a huge wrap up, sounds like the goods:thumbsu:
 

Main Man

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#10
Yeah Muston does have some big wraps on him, sounds very impressive to me looks as though he has all the attributes, it is a question of whether or not he can come back to his best after his knee reconstruction..
 

mattyc2422

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#11
Given we have a terrific fitness guru in Andrew Russell and first class facilities forming at Waverley, I think we are in a good position to give B1 and B2 a full recovery.
 

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cosby

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Thread starter #13
saw highlights of xavier ellis on the channel 10 coverage. i realise it was highlights but reminded me alot of nick dal santo and has a great leap too. impressive.
 

HAWKS HEROES

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#14
welcome to the mighty fighting hawks men may your many years at hawthorn be prosperous with many a final, grand final and rarely out of the 8 if we are lucky
 

Gary Shadforth

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#17
DynamoUltra said:
Patience is a virtue. Shame, I want to see them in action in round 1. :(
Considering how many made their debuts right from round 1 last season, and the selectors policy on fast tracking the development of youth, we may well see most our new recruits blooded to some degree during the 2006 season - albeit providos such as school football and studies, injuries and physical stature.
 

Scribe

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#21
Back Pocket Rocket said:
Are you kidding? When did this happen? Why would we draft someone with a broken pelvis?:eek:
For the same reason WCE drafted Chris Judd with two shoulder reconstructions and we took Hodge with a history of osteitis pubis....need I elaborate further? (please say no as it's not supposed to be another bloody comparison thread!!)

I think a few considerations are at play here...

1. the selection panel are punting on our 2nd year group consolidating well, rather than going backwards;

2. Ellis is viewed as a Ball/Dal Santo hybrid (handy!!) who will play school footy next year, but slot straight into senior footy in 2007.

3. Dowler should be fine, unlike Courtney Johns, as he suffered a non-footy impact injury which the doctors believe will heal completely and he will only be 2 months' behind in preparation;

4. Muston is a touch more 'iffy' but younger players recover better from knee reconstructions than older ones. I believe he's only had one, but with complications, so they may have to reverse it and go again. If he's as good as they say he is, no-one will give a toss that he sat out for a year as he was a steal at pick #22

5. The bigger units in Mad Max and Birchall are the most likely to play in the 1st half of the season if their VFL form warrants

6. expect Tuck to just run around at Box Hill too....

Given the above, I think we can only expect a very modest contribution from the class of 2005 next year. Perhaps Clarko is already drafting his 'pitch' about building on youth to Jeff which he'll deliver in August of next year, hoping to secure another two years to nurture this next crop.

Better send a draft of it to any overly optimistic supporters who expect the young brigade to drag us further up the ladder than a couple of rungs....;)
 

mattyc2422

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#22
Scribe said:
5. The bigger units in Mad Max and Birchall are the most likely to play in the 1st half of the season if their VFL form warrants
Dunno if we'll see much of Max at AFL level next year. He's our 4th string ruckman, behind Spide, Taylor and Robbie.
 

Katthawk

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#23
Just my small opinion. We dont need to see much of the young guns. Just get them well. Kudos to Hawthorn for picking the injured ones. It'd be interesting to know what happens in the future when they get well.

Welcome indeed!!
 

Gary Shadforth

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#24
Back Pocket Rocket said:
Are you kidding? When did this happen? Why would we draft someone with a broken pelvis?:eek:
I was reading somewhere a comment by Clarko that very full-on thorough medical assessments have been made on the physical recovery prognosis of the two Beaus - Messrs Dowler and Munson. I have a feeling under our coach's style and policy both will debut sometime over the 2006 season as a crucial part of our developing U-turn back up the ladder.
 

Gary Shadforth

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#25
Scribe said:
...... younger players recover better from knee reconstructions than older ones.
You can say that again Scribe. Today, November 29 is my first anniversary of having a total left knee replacement in the John Flynn Hospital.

Why did I have the problem no one will ask? My reply would be kicking too many goals over my long career :D .
 
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