Draft Watcher Young Talent Time 2017

[Chris25]

November Rankings

1. Jaidyn Stephenson (189cm, 76kg from Eastern Ranges)
2. Luke Davies-Uniacke (187cm, 85kg from Dandenong Stingrays)
3. Darcy Fogarty (192cm, 88kg from Glenelg)
4. Cameron Rayner (187cm, 88kg from Western Jets)
5. Paddy Dow (184cm, 78kg from Bendigo Pioneers)
6. Hunter Clark (186cm, 79kg from Dandenong Stingrays)
7. Adam Cerra (186cm, 85kg from Eastern Ranges)
8. Andrew Brayshaw (183cm, 80kg from Sandringham Dragons)
9. Sam Hayes (203cm, 93kg from Eastern Ranges)
10. Nicholas Coffield (190cm, 83kg from Northern Knights)

11. Aaron Naughton (194cm, 84kg from Peel Thunder)
12. Zac Bailey (180cm, 68kg from Southern Districts)
13. Nathan Murphy (188cm, 83kg from Sandringham Dragons)
14. Oscar Allen (191cm, 83kg from West Perth)
15. Jack Higgins (178cm, 76kg from Oakleigh Chargers)
16. Jordan Houlahan (185cm, 78kg from Sturt)
17. Joel Garner (183cm, 81kg from Eastern Ranges)
18. Ryley Stoddart (183cm, 73kg from Eastern Ranges)
19. Lochie O'Brien (184cm, 75kg from Bendigo Pioneers)
20. Nicholas Shipley (190cm, 90kg from St George/GWS Academy)

21. Aiden Bonar (190cm, 89kg from Dandenong Stingrays)
22. Jarrod Brander (195cm, 90kg from Bendigo Pioneers)
23. Jack Petruccelle (184cm, 73kg from Northern Knights)
24. Matthew Ling (182cm, 74kg from Geelong Falcons)
25. Charlie Ballard (195cm, 81kg from Sturt)
26. Patrick Naish (180cm, 69kg from Northern Knights)
27. James Worpel (185cm, 84kg from Geelong Falcons)
28. Andrew McPherson (186cm, 75kg from Woodville West Torrens)
29. Charlie Constable (190cm, 83kg from Sandringham Dragons)
30. Jake Patmore (182cm, 79kg from Claremont)

31. Charlie Spargo (175cm, 73kg from Murray Bushrangers)
32. Hugh Dixon (195cm, 92kg from Kingborough Tigers)
33. Sam Taylor (196cm, 85kg from Swan Districts)
34. Harry Petty (194cm, 81kg from Norwood)
35. Connor Ballenden (199cm, 96kg from UQLD/Brisbane Academy)
36. Nathan Kreuger (196cm, 86kg from South Adelaide)
37. Ed Richards (184cm, 77kg from Oakleigh Rangers)
38. Jackson Ross (192cm, 75kg from Eastern Ranges)
39. Ben Paton (186cm, 78kg from Murray Bushrangers)
40. Lachlan Fogarty (179cm, 75kg from Western Jets)

41. Dylan Moore (175cm, 66kg from Eastern Ranges)
42. Noah Balta (194cm, 92kg from Calder Cannons)
43. Bayley Fritsch (187cm, 81kg from Casey Scorpions)
44. Will Walker (187cm, 78kg from Sandringham Dragons)
45. Gryan Miers (177cm, 73kg from Geelong Falcons)
46. Tim Kelly (182cm, 81kg from South Fremantle)
47. Flynn Appleby (187cm, 81kg from GWV Rebels)
48. Lloyd Meek (202cm, 106kg from GWV Rebels)
49. Mitch Crowden (175cm, 87kg from Sturt)
50. Jordan Johnston (184cm, 76kg from GWV Rebels)

51. Brandon Starcevich (187cm, 88kg from East Perth)
52. Oskar Baker (182cm, 76kg from Aspley)
53. Patrick Wilson (188cm, 88kg from Sturt)
54. Tom McCartin (193cm, 84kg from Geelong Falcons)
55. Alex Martini (181cm, 78kg from Glenelg)
56. Callum Coleman-Jones (199cm, 98kg from Sturt)
57. Brent Daniels (171cm, 71kg from Bendigo Pioneers)
58. Matthew Day (189cm, 79kg from Oakleigh Chargers)
59. David Handley (183cm, 79kg from Geelong Falcons)
60. Oscar Clavarino (195cm, 86kg from Dandenong Stingrays)

61. Bailey Banfield (189cm, 86kg from Claremont)
62. Tyler Brown (187cm, 72kg from Eastern Ranges/Collingwood)
63. Hayden McLean (196cm, 93kg from Sandringham Dragons)
64. Dom Barry (178cm, 76kg from Glenelg)
65. Joel Amartey (196cm, 95kg from Sandringham Dragons)
66. Mitchell Podhajski (191cm, 84kg from Calder Cannons)
67. Ben Miller (196cm, 93kg from Subiaco)
68. Brayden Ainsworth (184cm, 79kg from Subicaco)
69. Jack Payne (197cm, 96kg from Brisbane Academy)
70. Jackson Edwards (185cm, 77kg from Glenelg)

71. Ethan Floyd (180cm, 70kg from Geelong Falcons)
72. Stefan Giro (175cm, 72kg from Norwood)
73. Jordan Butts (196cm, 82kg from Murray Bushrangers)
74. James Bell (184cm, 79kg from Sydney Academy)
75. Bailey Henderson (188cm, 76kg from Bendigo Pioneers)
76. Sam Davis (192cm, 87kg from Glenelg)
77. Doultan Langlands (187cm, 80kg from Murray Bushrangers)
78. Adam Sambono (184cm, 69kg from Darwin)
79. Jack Roughsedge (186cm, 88kg from Oakleigh Chargers)
80. Jack Powell (181cm, 81kg from Ainslie/GWS Academy)

 

[Chris25]

Phantom Draft (October)

Round 1

1. Brisbane - Paddy Dow (184cm, 78kg from Bendigo Pioneers)
I think Dow will start to firm as the #1 favourite over the next month, for me it's a two horse race between the two Country mids - Dow and Davies-Uniacke. But the added speed and offense of Dow should get him over the line.

2. Fremantle - Adam Cerra (186cm, 85kg from Eastern Ranges)
Like Dow at #1, I expect this will be a popular pick in the lead up to the draft. Arguably the most complete of the midfielders in the draft pool, would have been top of the list for Fremantle at #5 so they won't risk losing him before then.

3. Carlton - Cameron Rayner (187cm, 88kg from Western Jets)
Choice of three here for Carlton, with Davies-Uniacke and Brayshaw both options. I'd be more inclined to go a genuine midfielder here, and hope for Fogarty at #10. But Rayner has the elite talent, and Carlton picked up a couple of average plug and play midfielders in trade week to allow this pick.

4. North Melbourne - Jaidyn Stephenson (189cm, 76kg from Eastern Ranges)
Probably wouldn't have expected Davies-Uniacke to be on the board here, but they need to stand strong and overlook the inside midfielder. Stephenson will go a long way to fixing their one paced midfield, and should also take some pressure off Brown to kick all the goals.

5. Fremantle - Andrew Brayshaw (183cm, 80kg from Sandringham Dragons)
I still think a tall is a chance, and I wouldn't be too surprised if it was a 'bolter' pick in Sam Hayes. He fits a lot of what they're after. But they'll be sensible and recognise the value is in the midfielders. With Cerra to play inside, a more balanced midfielder in Brayshaw should appeal here.

6. Collingwood - Aaron Naughton (194cm, 84kg from Peel Thunder)
For all the talk of Fremantle reaching by taking Naughton at #5, I think he's a genuine chance to go here to Collingwood. They desperately need talls, and intercept marking is all the rage at the moment. Naughton is arguably the best in the draft, and has senior WAFL experience too.

7. St Kilda - Luke Davies-Uniacke (187cm, 85kg from Dandenong Stingrays)
Could make a strong case for Davies-Uniacke at any of the above picks, including the #1 spot. But there's a realistic chance this could happen, with clubs looking in other directions and at other player types. Not a real need at all for the Saints, but best available.

8. St Kilda - Nick Coffield (190cm, 83kg from Northern Knights)
St Kilda continue to add some size to their midfield rotations with another best available pick. Start him off half back, push him up onto the wing. Bonar, Murphy and Clark could all be considered. But Coffield has them beat.

9. Western Bulldogs - Nathan Murphy (188cm, 83kg from Sandringham Dragons)
If you're going to replace Robert Murphy with anyone, then why not just keep the Murphy name going. His strengths are in his kicking and reading of the play, so that fits too. Can play across half forward and be dangerous around goals too. I don't think this'll be too early come draft night.

10. Carlton - Darcy Fogarty (192cm, 88kg from Glenelg)
There's still plenty of talk about Fogarty being the #1 player on some draft boards, and it's certainly a theory I subscribe too. At the very least, I have him top 3 and would be happy for Fremantle to draft him. But in this case, Carlton's earlier gamble pays off and he's still on the board.

11. GWS - Ed Richards (184cm, 77kg from Oakleigh Rangers)
I've read a few people say they like Higgins, and that makes sense from a 2018 premiership sense. But for me, it seems the Giants lack two things - midfield depth and speed. They have some fast players, but nobody line breaking and most of their midfielders are pretty similar. Richards may be better suited to half back, but he's quick.

12. Adelaide - Aidan Bonar (190cm, 89kg from Dandenong Stingrays)
One of the darlings of BigFooty, a top 10 chance or certainty according to some. No doubting his talent and coupled with his size, he can play any number of roles. Outside chance of Fogarty or Naughton slipping to them. Adelaide tend to get more value out of late round draft picks though, so maybe the Gibbs trade wasn't a bad one.

13. West Coast - Charlie Constable (190cm, 83kg from Sandringham Dragons)
Midfield midfield midfield. I have always quite liked Ah Chee, but a lot more needs to be done to replace what they lost. Even armed with a bunch of second round picks, they need to look past the local KPF in Allen and not just settle for midfielders later on. The outside run of O'Brien might be more beneficial, but Constable is the best available.

14. Sydney - Hunter Clark (186cm, 79kg from Dandenong Stingrays)
Lots of different ways for Sydney to go here, yet another who could look at O'Brien or Higgins. Could they swing a surprise and go for Brander? Clark is best available though, can play across half back or through the midfield. Does the hard stuff, but can run and take the game on too.

15. Brisbane - Jack Higgins (178cm, 76kg from Oakleigh Chargers)
Every chance that Higgins goes earlier than this, but he'd be a good pick for Brisbane. With Berry, McCluggage and now Paddy Dow to develop in the midfield, Higgins would start straight away in the forward 50 and make a home there. And his ball winning and pressure will pair well with the speed of Charlie Cameron.

*Western Bulldogs bid #16 on Patrick Naish*

16. Richmond - Patrick Naish (180cm, 69kg from Northern Knights)
A bid somewhere in the 12-20 range seems about right, maybe Brisbane do it to force Richmond's hand before they pick again at #19. It'd be the smart move. Richmond will match, so it's not a particularly big risk. Few Tigers players would be ahead of him, so he can develop for a year and maybe feature on a half forward flank in the mean time.

17. Western Bulldogs - Lochie O'Brien (184cm, 75kg from Bendigo Pioneers)
Bid on Naish, so they may as well look for a similar player here instead and grab a highly rated outside midfielder. They have delisted or traded anyone capable of kicking goals, but they've invested too much in Boyd and Schache to draft a forward here. Although a small/medium goal kicker could be the go.

18. Brisbane - Jarrod Brander (195cm, 90kg from Bendigo Pioneers)
Purely a best available pick for Brisbane here. Yes, they do have Ballenden who'll attract a bid around here, so it's not a massive need but he's too good to pass up on. The talls they have now look okay, but not really reason enough to overlook a quality prospect. Develop him forward now that Schache is gone, or move him back if they want a Hipwood/Ballenden forward line.

*Gold Coast bid #19 on Connor Ballenden*

19. Brisbane - Connor Ballenden (199cm, 96kg from UQLD/Brisbane Academy)
So the bid for Ballenden came sooner than expected, but if there's a good Queensland player then both clubs should try to get them. So why shouldn't Gold Coast make the bid? I'm still not sold on Ballenden but as a #2 ruck and forward, I think he'll prove to be a good pick up. I don't think he'll play down back like he did for the Allies.

20. Gold Coast - Zac Bailey (180cm, 68kg from Southern Districts)
One of my personal favourites, I could be well overrating him here at #20 but he's such a good little player. Gold Coast have a few bigger bodies in their midfield, so Bailey could work around them. He works hard and has good burst from the stoppages, not unlike a player who walked out on them.

Round 2

21. Richmond - Sam Hayes (203cm, 93kg from Eastern Ranges)
Bit hard to judge a player when they'll either go #5 or the second round, I don't see much in between for Hayes. I guess it will depend on the club's analysis of him as a forward, I personally think he's probably the best forward in the draft. Size and contested marking will give him the nod over Allen for Richmond.

22. West Coast - Tim Kelly (183cm, 83kg from South Fremantle)
First of many second rounders for West Coast, so they can afford to take the mature aged Kelly here before another team gets a chance. I don't think the Eagles go as heavy with mature aged draftees as some seem to think, but the home grown WAFL star is too good to pass on with their empty midfield.

23. Geelong - Charlie Ballard (195cm, 81kg from Sturt)
Like a number of players before him, Ballard had a huge growth spurt over the last couple of years - turning him from a fringe state player to a genuine second round draft chance. Cripps and English turned their growth spurts into first round selections. Tall outside runner, could be developed as a tall back or forward. Lots of options with Ballard.

24. North Melbourne - Jack Petruccelle (184cm, 73kg from Northern Knights)
Okay, maybe I'm overdoing this whole speed to North Melbourne thing. But if you're going down that route, then you may as well take the fastest player on offer. Stephenson and Josh Williams on the wings, Simpkin and Petruccelle at half forward. Suddenly I won't be able to complain anymore. Also think North would take Kelly if West Coast passed.

25. Geelong - Gryan Miers (177cm, 73kg from Geelong Falcons)
Geelong did just pick up a reasonable small forward, some kid called Gary Ablett? But apparently he has the body of a 33 year old, so that doesn't discount them from drafting another small. Miers is a local boy, and certainly talented enough to go top 25. His TAC GF performance could even see him go a few spots higher.

26. Richmond - Noah Balta (194cm, 92kg from Calder Cannons)
If it weren't for the bid on Naish, I imagine Richmond would have looked at Hayes and Balta with their first round pick. But they get them both in the end. I personally wonder if this is still too early for Balta, projects as a KPD for mine but he doesn't have the natural instincts that others do. Might be able to get by on athleticism, could be a long development though.

*West Coast bid #27 on Nicholas Shipley*

27. GWS - Nicholas Shipley (190cm, 90kg from St George/GWS Academy)
No doubting whatsoever that GWS will match the Shipley bid, regardless of where it's made. They'll be desperate to get an actual western Sydney kid on their list. But not only that, I really like Shipley and have a first round grade on him. He's performed at every level he's played, a very good inside midfielder with quick hands. Also shown hints of using his size when he pushes forward.

28. West Coast - Oscar Allen (192cm, 83kg from West Perth)
This would be dream scenario stuff for West Coast, as Allen would be on their board for their first round pick at #13. But it's an outside chance if Richmond go with the local boys, while anyone from Geelong to North or one of the QLD teams would also be considering him in the 20-25 range. But now West Coast can start preparing for the future.

29. GWS - Dylan Moore (175cm, 66kg from Eastern Ranges)
The word vanilla is usually considered a bad thing when it comes to draftees, but Moore is vanilla in a good way. He just works hard, does most things well and is consistently above average. He's not big or quick, but keeps on running. I get the feeling clubs rate him higher than I do, but this seems a good range to me. The Giants can let him float around the outside and push forward.

30. Melbourne - Matthew Ling (182cm, 74kg from Geelong Falcons)
I know I've been a bit critical of North for having had a slow midfield in recent years, looks like Melbourne are heading that way too. I appreciate the idea of building a midfield from the inside out, but it gets to a point where you have too many similar players to fit them all in. So for speed and foot skill, it'd be hard to look past Ling in the second round.

31. Carlton - Joel Garner (183cm, 81kg from Eastern Ranges)
I'm a big fan of Garner, I think he should go much higher than this and he should prove to be a good selection looking back on the draft in a few years time. Can go through the midfield, but I think he plays down back. Develop him to play on the opposition small forwards, he'll add some grunt to the back line. Carlton have enough guys who rotate through the forward line, they can look at the other end of the ground now.

32. Melbourne - Jordan Houlahan (185cm, 78kg from Sturt)
If we're drafting on talent alone, then Houlahan is a first round pick. If we're drafting on production, then Houlahan is maybe a third round or fourth rounder. Combine the two, and that makes him a second rounder? Super talented medium forward, his burst work in the midfield has been good but his running lets him down to do it more consistently.

33. West Coast - Brandon Starcevich (187cm, 88kg from East Perth)
One more midfield pick for the Eagles. A touch early for Starcevich in my opinion, but he won't be around at their later picks. And with the amount of second round picks they have, they can take a chance on a local boy who tested very well. Not particularly skilled, but works hard and will give it his all in a number of different positions.

34. Sydney - Charlie Spargo (175cm, 73kg from Murray Bushrangers)
Wouldn't be surprised if GWS take Spargo, they'd know him well from his time in their Academy. But now that he's in the open pool, the Swans can steal him away. If it weren't for injury, then maybe he'd go higher than this. Much like Fremantle with Michael Walters, I think Sydney would like to have Tom Papley rotate through the midfield more often. But to do that, you need someone to replace him up forward.

35. St Kilda - Ryley Stoddart (183cm, 73kg from Eastern Ranges)
Wouldn't have been high on the draft radar last year, but has had a very good season after making the move from forward to half back. He's a good runner out of the back lines, and also a nice kick. So has the two key traits that clubs are looking for. A pick up such as Stoddart here, would allow the earlier pick of Coffield to be developed further up the ground in the midfield and off a wing.

36. Geelong - Oscar Clavarino (195cm, 86kg from Dandenong Stingrays)
There are some people out there who really rate Clavarino, citing his intercept marking and reading of the play is worthy of a first round pick. There are others who don't really seem to share that view, wondering whether he's a true KPD or not. I'm somewhere in between, he's a very good mark but I thought his kicking was always a bit overrated. Give him a couple of years to develop as a defender though, and he should be a good pick up.

37. Melbourne - Tom McCartin (192cm, 86kg from Geelong Falcons)
I said in his draft year, that Weideman was every bit as good as Josh Schache. Maybe I was right, just that maybe neither will be as good as expected. Younger brother of the St Kilda forward, but very different players. Tom is athletic with a good endurance base, but very much a project. Almost the opposite of his brother back in 2014. Bit of talk about Tom going earlier than expected, despite his shocking accuracy this year.

38. West Coast - Andrew McPherson (186cm, 75kg from Woodville West Torrens)
There's always a highly rated kid who misses the season with injury. With players like Burton and Witherden have shown that they can be good value picks. And I think McPherson would have been a top 25 pick if healthy. He's not particularly quick, but is as calm and composed as anyone off half back. Get him back to full fitness, and I think he could slot in pretty early next year and eventually transition to midfield.

Round 3

39. Collingwood - Nathan Kreuger (196cm, 86kg from South Adelaide)
I didn't think Collingwood were serious about moving Darcy Moore to the back lines, but apparently they are? That just highlights how badly they need talls at both ends. If it was me, I'd take Petty to partner with Naughton and keep Moore forward. But I can see Collingwood being fans of the athleticism and versatility that Kreuger offers. Sam Taylor and Toby Wooller would be other options.

40. Adelaide - Harry Petty (194cm, 81kg from Norwood)
If Collingwood pass on Petty, then he's unlikely to make it any further than here. There's talk of Petty going earlier than this, and potentially in the top 25. There was also talk of Brennan Cox doing that last year, and he lasted until the 40s. So it's not guaranteed by any means. He had a very good year for SA, anchored the defense and proved a good all round defender.

41. Gold Coast - James Worpel (185cm, 84kg from Geelong Falcons)
More so a best available selection for the Suns here, Worpel could go anywhere from around 20 to 60 but I like him in the third round. Gold Coast do have a few inside midfielders already, but not all have proven consistent at AFL level yet. Worpel is a quality inside midfielder, and surprisingly impactful on offense. Could be a Round 1 starter.

42. Fremantle - Jackson Ross (192cm, 75kg from Eastern Ranges)
I know what Fremantle fans are thinking, three picks and three Vic Metro kids. What a horrible outcome. But this pick is all about the value. I don't consider any of the WA mids as being top 50 prospects and if we don't need Naughton, then we don't really need Sam Taylor either. Maybe Jake Patmore, but they'll hope he's there at the next pick. Outside midfielder who has improved every week, Ross can be dangerous pushing forward.

43. Hawthorn - Lachlan Fogarty (179cm, 75kg from Western Jets)
The other Fogarty is much higher on some peoples boards than he is on mine, and he's another who could go much higher than this. But I see a small midfielder with no outstanding attributes. He's good at everything he does though, he's clean and wins plenty of the ball. Probably go on to have a long career, just not someone I get excited about.

44. St Kilda - Jordan Johnston (184cm, 76kg from GWV Rebels)
After focusing on the midfield and particular good ball users, the Saints can turn their attention to the forward line. Johnston is one of the few exciting medium forwards in the draft, has the leap and the ability to create from nothing. Reminds a bit of Crozier from his draft year, both have tremendous talent but can go missing at times.

45. Port Adelaide - Sam Taylor (196cm, 85kg from Swan Districts)
Bit of a forgotten man with Naughton getting all the attention. But Taylor also played senior football in the WAFL, and was just as good - if not better than Naughton at times. Long limbed CHB, will probably take a year or two to really develop an AFL body. But it can't all be about now for Port Adelaide.

46. Melbourne - Bayley Fritsch (186cm, 74kg from Casey Demons)
Could probably build a decent team by drafting the Fothergill-Round medallists from the VFL each year, and Fritsch certainly looks to be the next one to join the AFL ranks. The 20 year old kicked 42 goals this year, after injuries have kept him back the past couple of seasons. Has been linked to West Coast in the second round, but Melbourne will have seen as much as anyone if he's available here.

47. Essendon - Ben Paton (185cm, 78kg from Murray Bushrangers)
Coming back as a 19 year old this year, Paton is arguably one of the best medium defenders in the draft. The Combine showed he's quick and athletic, and the stats show he's one of the leading intercept players in the draft pool. Just seems good value here, whether it's a true need or not for Essendon.

48. Port Adelaide - Liam Ryan (184cm, 76kg from Subiaco)
There's no doubting that Port are loading up for a premiership run in 2018, taking any mature aged player they can find. So they might as well continue that into the draft, even if it's a bit early for Ryan in my opinion. There's no doubting his talent though, might take a bit of time to get his conditioning to AFL level but he'd be a better option than Lindsay Thomas.

49. Gold Coast - Oskar Baker (183cm, 76kg from Aspley)
Former Brisbane Academy member, the 19 year old outside midfielder has had a pretty impressive NEAFL season. He's got good speed off a wing, and pushes forward well. And I think it'd be a decent pick up after the selection of Bailey and Worpel for the Suns. Perhaps it's the top of his range, but if a local player is a genuine draft chance then the Queensland teams can afford to go early.

50. Sydney - Toby Wooller (193cm, 90kg from Oakleigh Chargers)
A decent chance to go in the back half of the second round, the likes of Geelong and Collingwood will likely have him on their draft boards there. But I have him slightly further back, being more of a third tall forward - like a Lynch or McGovern at Adelaide. Third round he represents good value though, he's a goal kicker and his game should adapt to the top level.

51. Brisbane - Bailey Henderson (188cm, 75kg from Bendigo Pioneers)
After going inside midfielder, small forward and tall with their first few picks, I like Henderson here for Brisbane. He reminds me a bit of Jacob Allison, and would be a good option to line up opposite him on a wing or flank. He's tall, runs well and has a nice long kick on him. Doesn't have much of an inside game at the moment, but that's okay.

52. Richmond - Jake Patmore (182cm, 79kg from Claremont)
I'm hoping Patmore is available to Fremantle in the fourth round, but I think it's unlikely. He came into the season highly regarded, but his fitness wasn't up to scratch and he struggled early on in the year. He's improved significantly, and I think his natural talent will get him drafted higher than many may expect. He'll start as a rebounding defender, but should move into the midfield eventually.

53. Gold Coast - Hugh Dixon (195cm, 92kg from Kingborough Tigers)
Can't lose a kid to homesickness if there isn't an AFL team in his home state. With all the talk surrounding Tom Lynch, picking up a tall forward would probably be a smart move. Dixon is my favourite in the draft, he just looks a natural forward to me. The likes of McCartin and Wooller may get picked up first, but Dixon would be my pick.

54. Richmond - Tom North (186cm, 87kg from Eastern Ranges)
Not a player who gets spoken about too much, but will likely go in that 30-60 range. So end of third round, he'd be a good pick up for any team. Foot injury cut his year short and stopped him testing at the Combine, but he's a big bodied ball winning midfielder. Best comparison for him would be Jack Graham, and he's gone alright for Richmond so far.

 

[eDPS]

What's your thoughts on Sam Davis of Glenelg? Has impressed me in his finals last year and the SA trial games this year.

 

[GoGrows]

What sort of player do you reckon Jaiden Stephenson can become? i.e., what's his AFL comparison?

 

[ringo1]

Cant disagree on your top 5 at this stage. Would like to see Brander have a big game or he could slip a bit.

 

[marty36]

Alex martini playing Glenelg leaugue tonight against Power reserves will be up against AFL listed players

 

[jo172]

The Adelaide Crows F/S pick for this year Jackson Edwards should feature in the starting midfield, probably on a wing. I don't necessarily agree with those who have him in the first round, but he shapes as a top 40 prospect with his clean ball use and work ethic.

As always love your work Chris. Clean ball use and work ethic sounds like a chip off the old block!

 

[Chris25]

What sort of player do you reckon Jaiden Stephenson can become? i.e., what's his AFL comparison?

He's not South Australian, but since the SANFL season hasn't quite started yet...I think Stephenson is easily the best player in the draft. I'd have taken him top 5 last year and think he'll be better than Taranto. At the moment, he's the Steve Johnson type forward but I expect him to push up into the midfield more this year.

 

[Chris25]

Alex martini playing Glenelg leaugue tonight against Power reserves will be up against AFL listed players

Believe Crowden is the other U18 kid to be named? I'm looking forward to seeing more of Martini this year. The SA midfield is crying out for someone to stand up and take the reins. He ticks a lot of the boxes.

As always love your work Chris. Clean ball use and work ethic sounds like a chip off the old block!

Not quite the same ball winner that his dad was, but he has him covered in size at least. He's a little Tyson Stenglein like...not gifted with speed or elite attributes, but clean and a hard worker.

 

[Chris25]

What's your thoughts on Sam Davis of Glenelg? Has impressed me in his finals last year and the SA trial games this year.

He looked good at the end of 2016. Presents well on the lead and marks strongly. At the moment, he'd probably be leading the charge for one of the KPF spots in the SA side. It's always hard to know what Phillips will do with his talls, but he's a real chance. If Coleman-Jones leads the ruck, then the likes of Davis and Isaac Moller will come into the equation at full forward.

 

[marty36]

Believe Crowden is the other U18 kid to be named? I'm looking forward to seeing more of Martini this year. The SA midfield is crying out for someone to stand up and take the reins. He ticks a lot of the boxes.



Not quite the same ball winner that his dad was, but he has him covered in size at least. He's a little Tyson Stenglein like...not gifted with speed or elite attributes, but clean and a hard worker.

Just got home Martini had a solid game wouldn't be surprised if he got a token vote in the best players had 16 possessions against plenty of AFL listed players made Toumpas look like an amateur, reckon he will make a good prospect in the draft, although sharenberg tore it up and the bay's beat the power reserves.

 

[mcday]

It's a bit hard to get an accurate read on Jackson Edwards from the Crows board since most there are hoping he's the bees knees. What are your reasons for rating Edwards a bit lower than some? Is it the lack of a difference/x-factor a la Jonty Scharenberg last year?

 

[Footytalk124]

I see Lachlan Murphy who missed out on last years draft playing for the crows in the SANFL as well, made his league debut and played a great game. Being nominated for a SANFL rising star award as well. How do you see him amongst these other boys? Still only 18 years of age and thought was stiff he didn't get picked up last year
Thanks mate.

 

[briztoon]

Hey Chris25, will you be posting regular/weekly updates on the S.A. draft prospects?

 

[Chris25]

Hey Chris25, will you be posting regular/weekly updates on the S.A. draft prospects?

I plan to. But with work keeping me busy and Round 2 starting tonight for the U18s, I'll review the first two weeks together. I'll also post my preseason SA U18 team over the coming days, see how it changes come the Championships.

 

[Chris25]

It's a bit hard to get an accurate read on Jackson Edwards from the Crows board since most there are hoping he's the bees knees. What are your reasons for rating Edwards a bit lower than some? Is it the lack of a difference/x-factor a la Jonty Scharenberg last year?

I'm not sure anyone has Jackson Edwards rated as a first round pick? Having said that, it's natural that F/S players get talked up. Every year it happens with them and the Academy players. People who haven't actually seen any of the interstate kids play just pick the 'bigger' names out and include them.

If I do have Edwards lower than others, it is in part due to that lack of a real point of difference or weapon. I think he's a good player, and more versatile than someone like Jonty was last year. So undrafted shouldn't happen. But I view him more as a dependable and clean player. So, not someone you take in the top 20. There's a clear spot available for someone to step up and lead the SA midfield, if he takes it then he could quickly rise up the board. Few prospects will work harder than him, so if he can improve his contested game and speed then he could prove to be a bargain in the second/third round.

 

[Chris25]

I see Lachlan Murphy who missed out on last years draft playing for the crows in the SANFL as well, made his league debut and played a great game. Being nominated for a SANFL rising star award as well. How do you see him amongst these other boys? Still only 18 years of age and thought was stiff he didn't get picked up last year
Thanks mate.

Bit stiff, could easily have been picked up as a rookie. But the smaller midfielders are always marked down a touch. I see the Crows listed him as 178cm, hopefully that's accurate because it would help his chances this year. Although I think they're being a bit generous, and he'd be closer to the 175cm mark. All he can do is keep performing at that level, and it'll force a club to take notice. He's in a good situation being in the Adelaide SANFL side.

 

[Chris25]

Bit late posting...but I put together a potential SA U18 side prior to the opening week. There are a lot of spots up for grabs...

b: Lachlan Pascoe - Ryan Falkenberg - Mitch Crowden
hb: Andrew McPherson - Jack Lukosius* - Luke Valente*
c: Jackson Edwards - Darcy Fogarty - Stefan Giro
hf: Jordan Houlahan - Nathan Kreuger - Connor Rozee*
f: Izak Rankine* - Thomas Schmusch - Sam Davis
r: Callum Coleman Jones - Alex Martini - Isaac Hewson
i: Cameron Buchanan - James Rowe - Jake Weideman - Simon Furnell

For starters, the players with an asterisk beside them are all underage. SA don't always go with too many 17 year olds, but it's hard to look past any of the four I picked. Rankine could have played AFL football last year as a 16 year old, and could do it again this year. While Lukosius would be SA's best KPP, and that includes the players eligible this year. He can play at either end of the ground and should be an early pick in 2018.

The real question marks at the moment are with the talls. Kreuger and Schmusch are both just as likely to be picked down back, it's hard to know at which end Phillips would put them. I went forward, because they were tall enough down back already with Pascoe, Falkenberg, Lukosius and Buchanan on the bench. And if anything, the tall forward stocks aren't quite as good. I've got Sam Davis up there, but there are any number of players who could swap in for him - Isaac Moller, Lochie Charlton for example. SA have a lot of forwards around that 190-192cm mark. Having said all that, SA do generally go in smaller so another small/medium forward like Brad McCarthy could be the more likely option.

Otherwise, they could make Coleman-Jones the focal point and have someone else lead the ruck. Ruben Flinn is the next best ruck prospect, but being a 17 year old they could potentially look at someone like the athletic but raw Furnell instead.

And in the end, I'm sure come the Championships this team won't even be close to the one picked and I'll just look silly.

 

[Chris25]

For now, I figure the easiest way to do this will be to focus on those players named in the U18 Academy - and only the best performers of that group. Once others start putting consistent football together, I'll include them too. There's always a player or two who steps up and surprises over the first couple of months.

Round 1

Woodville West Torrens 12.17 89 d Central Districts 10.7 67

Cooper Gaffney (178cm, 68kg) - 30 touches, 6 marks, 1 goal
James Rowe (171cm, 67kg) - 30 touches, 5 tackles, 1 goal
Jake Weideman (188cm, 73kg) - 24 touches, 7 marks, 1 goal
Isaac Moller (190cm, 76kg) - 25 touches, 7 marks, 2 goals

Jordan Shirley (190cm, 73kg) - 20 touches, 2 marks, 3 goals
Ryan Falkenberg (195cm, 77kg) - 15 touches, 7 marks, 4 rebound 50s
Simon Furnell (198cm, 94kg) - 7 touches, 3 tackles, 18 hitouts

Very much a case of the midfielders for the Eagles against the talls for Central. I think there's a good chance we see all 3 of the Woodville midfielders for SA this year, with Rowe an option in the forward half and Weideman giving some much needed size in the middle. While for Central, I would think Falkenberg is the leading contender to line up at full back at the Championships.

Sturt 11.13 79 d Glenelg 9.10 64

Jordy Aitchison (183cm, 79kg) - 26 touches, 8 marks, 10 tackles
Adam Trenordon (175cm, 66kg) - 30 touches, 5 clearances, 13 marks, 10 tackles
Sam Hargreaves (174cm, 60kg) - 22 touches, 1 goal
League
Mitch Crowden (174cm, 82kg) - 10 touches, 12 tackles, 5 clearances

*Ruben Flinn (199cm, 85kg) - 6 touches, 5 tackles, 20 hitouts
Reserves
Brad McCarthy (178cm, 78kg) - 15 touches, 4 clearances, 1 goal
League
Alex Martini (180cm, 75kg) - 16 touches, 1 goal

As dominating as Trenordon was, it's more about those who played at higher levels here. Martini didn't look out of place at all in the league side, while Crowden's pressure and tackling was elite. Both are well and truly firming as building blocks of the SA side.

Norwood 15.11 101 d North Adelaide 8.10 58

Lochie Charlton (190cm, 75kg) - 20 touches, 7 marks, 4 goals
Cole Gerloff (181cm, 80kg) - 25 touches, 8 marks, 1 goal
James Siviour (194cm, 84kg) - 13 touches, 3 marks, 15 hitouts
Reserves
Lachlan Pascoe (190cm, 89kg) - 20 touches, 4 marks, 5 rebound 50s
Brodie Carroll (186cm, 72kg) - 16 touches, 5 marks, 2 tackles
Isaac Hewson (180cm, 75kg) - 16 touches, 4 marks, 1 goal
Stefan Giro (177cm, 70kg) - 27 touches, 5 marks, 4 tackles, 7 clearances, 2 goals

Hugo Barry (190cm, 81kg) - 15 touches, 3 goals, 2 behinds

Not much of note for North Adelaide, but Barry is one of about 5 190cm forwards battling it out for a spot in the attacking half - along with Charlton from Norwood. But again, it's all about those who played at Reseres level. Pascoe is physically ready to go and will likely lead the back half for SA, while Giro was absolutely everywhere.

South Adelaide 16.6 102 d West Adelaide 10.11 71

Henry Bruce (180cm, 79kg) - 24 touches, 9 marks, 4 tackles
Liam Fitt (179cm, 80kg) - 11 touches, 2 goals
Nathan Beenham (171cm, 60kg) - 10 touches, 3 marks, 4 tackles, 3 goals
Sam Lawrie (198cm, 85kg) - 4 touches, 3 marks, 26 hitouts

Josh Smithson (184cm, 81kg) - 21 touches, 6 marks, 4 tackles, 1 goal
Jakob Heitmann (185cm, 80kg) - 27 touches, 7 clearances, 5 marks, 5 tackles
Patrick Fairlie (184cm, 80kg) - 25 touches, 6 clearances, 4 marks, 4 tackles

Not sure too many of these guys will feature much, with Nathan Krueger being a late withdrawal for South Adelaide. Lawrie is battling out with Furnell and Flinn for the role of ruckman, they're all lacking around the ground though.

 

[adammania9]

Great post. Despite being a Vic, I'll be keeping up with this for sure.

 

[Chris25]

Round 2

Glenelg 13.4 82 d Norwood 8.11 59

Liam Denton (184cm, 82kg) - 22 touches, 6 clearances, 5 inside 50s
Reserves
Brad McCarthy - 11 touches, 2 tackles
League
Alex Martini - 17 touches, 5 marks, 3 tackles, 6 rebound 50s, 1 goal

James Siviour - 16 touches, 5 marks, 6 clearances, 22 hitouts
Cameron Ball (194cm, 82kg) - 20 touches, 11 marks, 6 rebound 50s
Reserves
Lachlan Pascoe - 26 touches, 8 marks, 2 tackles, 6 rebound 50s
Brodie Carroll - 16 touches, 7 marks, 3 rebound 50s
Isaac Hewson - 18 touches, 8 marks, 5 tackles, 5 rebound 50s
Stefan Giro - 19 touches, 4 marks, 5 tackles, 6 clearances

Not much to this game really, the U18 match at least. Most of the best players from each side are either out injured, playing reserves or off with the AFL Academy. But, the kids who played in the reserves for Norwood are performing very well. Shouldn't be long until Pascoe gets a senior chance.

Central Districts 11.13 79 d North Adelaide 11.6 72

Ryan Falkenberg - 17 touches, 3 marks, 3 tackles
Jordan Shirley - 20 touches, 5 marks, 4 tackles, 7 inside 50s, 3 goals
Cooper Dahms (180cm, 73kg) - 29 touches, 8 marks, 8 tackles
Simon Furnell - 10 touches, 4 marks, 12 hitouts

*Conor Rozee (181cm, 66kg) - 39 touches, 6 marks, 11 tackles, 8 clearances, 8 inside 50s, 1 goal

The standout from this match was really underage Conor Rozee, that's 160 Dream Team points for fans of that. I expect to see him play for SA this year at the Championships, likely off a wing. Meanwhile Shirley continues his good goal kicking form.

South Adelaide 14.9 93 d Sturt 12.16 88

Nathan Beenham - 21 touches, 6 tackles, 6 clearances
Nathan Kreuger (194cm, 84kg) - 15 touches, 5 marks, 3 tackles, 5 rebound 50s
Liam Fitt - 15 touches, 3 marks, 4 goals

Jordy Aitchison - 28 touches, 8 tackles, 10 clearances
Adam Trenordon - 33 touches, 8 tackles, 6 clearances, 6 inside 50s
League
Mitch Crowden - 14 touches, 6 tackles, 5 inside 50s

First game of the season for Nathan Kreuger is the main thing to take from this match. He played down back, which I think is where he's best suited and would be an attacking option for SA at CHB. While Crowden had another strong league performance.

Woodville West Torrens 11.12 78 d West Adelaide 10.6 66

Jake Weideman - 19 touches, 5 marks, 3 clearances, 1 goal
Cooper Gaffney - 37 touches, 5 marks, 8 tackles, 3 clearances
James Rowe - 26 touches, 3 tackles, 5 clearances, 2 goals
*Jack Lukosius (193cm, 79kg) - 17 touches, 5 marks, 4 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s, 1 goal

Josh Smithson - 23 touches, 7 marks, 4 clearances, 1 goal
Patrick Fairlie - 20 touches, 7 tackles, 4 clearances
Alex Stidiford (167cm, 66kg) - 21 touches, 6 marks, 7 tackles

Jack Lukosius returned from playing in one of the country wide underage games, and was strong down back. He's arguably SA's best tall, even if he isn't eligible until next years draft. Gaffney had a big game and would be runner up to Rozee for player of the round.

 

[AusTerran]

I was wondering if you know what is going on with Jackson Edwards? He hasn't been named at any level for Glenelg in the first three rounds.

 

[Chris25]

I was wondering if you know what is going on with Jackson Edwards? He hasn't been named at any level for Glenelg in the first three rounds.

I'm not actually sure. I haven't really spoken to anyone yet this year. Last game I've got him playing in was a preseason league match for Glenelg about a month ago now.

 

[SumTingWong]

Chris25 , what can SA offer in terms of KPD's this year?

 

[Chris25]

Chris25 , what can SA offer in terms of KPD's this year?

Actually a decent looking year for SA in that regards. They've got a few talls who can play at either end, a couple at least will be settled in the back half. The best for me is Jack Lukosius, a 17 year old who is eligible for next years draft. But of the others...

Thomas Schmusch (192cm, 78kg) is the best performed so far, he did particularly well at the Championships last year. Probably more of a #2 defender, but his kicking and general offensive game is improving all the time. A bit like Josh Rotham from last year in that regard. He's one who can also play up forward, he could see time at both ends for SA. The other real draft chance is Nathan Kreuger (194cm, 84kg). He's raw, but super athletic and is sure to catch the eye. I imagine clubs will fancy their chances at developing him, like Griffin Logue. I have both in my top 40.

Otherwise, I'm hoping Ryan Falkenberg (195cm, 77kg) is giving a chance at FB. He's got height and talent, think he could be a late draft choice. Lachlan Pascoe (190cm, 89kg) could play AFL football next year and will be the leader of the SA back line. He can play tall and small. And a similar player is Cameron Buchanan (187cm, 80kg). Getting a bit shorter, but capable of playing taller.