Opinion Pick 9* 2024 – Who do you want?

Who are your TWO favourite options for Pick 9*?

  • Murphy Reid

    Votes: 10 58.8%

  • Harry Armstrong

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Alix Tauru

    Votes: 5 29.4%

  • Josh Smillie

    Votes: 3 17.6%

  • Tobie Travaglia

    Votes: 4 23.5%

  • Bo Allan

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Taj Hotton

    Votes: 2 11.8%

  • Xavier Lindsay

    Votes: 4 23.5%

  • Joe Berry

    Votes: 1 5.9%

  • Luke Trainor

    Votes: 1 5.9%

  • Jesse Dattoli

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Jobe Shanahan

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Cooper Hynes

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Other

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Trade Up

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Trade Down

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Total voters
    17

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Scythe94

Scythe94

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The Trident - Awarded to posters who do a hell of a lot on the Dees board AWESOME Melbourne Board Fantasy Draft Comp SuperCoach MND challenge - Big Freeze 10th Anniversary Fallout Fan Veteran Mount Buller Demons - Sweet F.A. SuperCoach Div 8-10 Winner 2021
Aug 12, 2017
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While this pick will slide down to #12 (or even #13) on draft night due to bids, there's still likely to be a heap of good talent on the board.

Similarly to the Pick 5* thread, please vote for your TWO favourite options and let me know if you'd like any profiles/options added.

Thanks again to noobermensch for the video content.

P.S. use threadmarks to navigate to draftee profiles :)
 
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Murphy Reid New
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    • #2
    Murphy Reid

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    • Height: 180cm
    • Position: Midfielder/forward
    • Twomey rank (September): #5
    • What Twomey says:
      • Class, class, class. There's no quicker mind in this year's draft group than Reid, who makes things happen every time he has the ball. If there was a test at the Draft Combine for footy IQ, Reid would win it: he reads the game quicker than others, opens space with his clever, quick and sharp handballing, his kicking hits targets and he slips in and out of trouble at a different speed to other midfielders and half-forwards. Reid had back-to-back three-goal games from the midfield for Sandringham to start its finals series and has averaged 28 disposals at the level this year. There's a reason some clubs have him as the best in the draft and that's because of his impact per possession.
    • Rookie Me rank (September): #3
    • What Rookie Me say:
      • Reid timed his top performance for Vic Metro exceptionally well, and went on to take out MVP honours to strengthen his top 10 credentials. The midfielder was arguably the most unlucky player to miss out on National Academy honours this year but wholly impressed at school, Coates Talent League, and representative levels. While not blessed with natural pace, Reid is fleet of thought with smarts, decision making and ball use being his main assets. He hardly wastes a touch and finds the ball in dangerous areas when not doing so at stoppages. Playing at such a high level alongside a host of the year’s top prospects has only boosted his standing, and he is one of the most creative handball exponents available.
    • Fox rank (August): #7
    • What Fox say:
      • An on-baller now arguably pushing the top-five mix after excellent national carnival outings where he averaged 24.5 disposals, 9.2 contested possessions, 7.2 score involvements and 130.8 ranking points to claim Vic Metro’s MVP award and make the All-Australian team. While he’s not the tallest or quickest midfielder in the draft class, Reid is one of the cleanest, shrewdest and most composed in traffic, while he’s also added forward craft to his trick bag, highlighted by his three-goal haul against South Australia in the national champs. He was also the cleanest player on the field in Vic Metro’s win over the Allies amid tough, wet conditions. His ability to perform in big games was personified by his Coates Talent League grand final performance as a bottom-ager last year, booting two goals from 19 touches in Sandringham’s premiership triumph.
    • ESPN rank (September): #16
    • What ESPN say:
      • Reid's season has been superb. For school, club and state his performances see him continue to ascend draft boards to the point of garnering top-10 consideration. He's a damaging midfielder that finds himself on the receiving end of play to finish chances in the forward 50, and his inside ball-winning ability is underrated. The question marks on Reid stem from his athletic profile -- he isn't one to exit congestion with speed or chase down opponents defensively. It's more likely Reid finds a role outside the centre square at the next level where his skills and creativity can shine.
    • Stats and Highlights:
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    • Harry Armstrong New
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    • #3
    Harry Armstrong

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    • Height: 195cm
    • Position: Key Forward
    • Twomey rank (September): #9
    • What Twomey says:
      • Armstrong is firming to be the first key position player picked at the draft in November due to a number of factors: he's athletic, tall, quick, fast and has runs on the board. Since injury ruled him out of the start of Vic Metro's carnival, the high-flying and long-kicking left-footer has been a consistent goalkicker, including booting three in Metro's title-deciding win over Vic Country. He is up to 23.9 in nine games for the Dragons and is destined to take a huge hanger one day and haul in a grab on his chest. Bookmark it.
    • Rookie Me rank (September): #12
    • What Rookie Me say:
      • It is no stretch to say Armstrong has been one of the flavours of the month, having elevated his stocks to no end in recent times. The key forward dominated the APS competition, no less with a bag of 10 goals this year, but only debuted for Sandringham Dragons in Round 1 of 2024. After booting multiple goals in each of his first four outings, he was not held goalless this season for a total haul of 27 majors in 10 games. The clinical left-footer plays a relatively simple style, able to fly for strong marks and convert his chances, boasting good speed off the mark and pure fundamentals.
    • Fox rank (August): #13
    • What Fox say:
      • Like fellow Vic Metro key forward Matt Jefferson two years ago, Armstrong is coming with a rush, with AFL clubs quickly falling in love with the gun goalkicker. Despite playing just three games, Armstrong kicked an equal champs-high nine goals — including five in the final against Vic Country — as he showed off his penetrating left-foot kick, competitiveness in the air and mobility around he ground. He’s also been dominant at APS level under Matthew Lloyd for Haileybury College across the past two years, including kicking 10 of his side’s 22 goals in a game earlier in the year. Armstrong now looms as a top-15 pick … but could go in the top 10 if there’s a club looking for a key forward and keen to pick on needs.
    • ESPN rank (September): #11
    • What ESPN say:
      • Armstrong is close to the consensus key forward in the pool at this late stage. He's come with a rush, platforming himself at the champs where he led Vic Metro's goalkickers and showed off a clunking contested grab with routine. He's a dead-eye in front of goals too, kicking 9.3 in the champs and 23.9 in the CTL. Armstrong's school coach likens him to Jeremy Cameron with his freewheeling left boot, but Armstrong has shown limitations up the ground when ball hits the deck. His strongest trait is clearly his contested marking and it could see him taken inside the top five on draft night.
    • Stats and Highlights:
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    Alix Tauru New
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    • #4
    Alix Tauru

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    • Height: 193cm
    • Position: Tall Defender
    • Twomey rank (September): #10
    • What Twomey says:
      • 'The Flying Viking' is flying up draft boards. He is the big mover of this Phantom Form Guide on the back of a starring finish to Gippsland Power's season. Tauru has done a bit of everything in the back half of the year – played as a bigger midfielder, as a courageous key defensive interceptor and an aggressive marking forward. It's all been exciting and the main thing with Tauru is not what he is now but what he could be – he's still raw but his talent is obvious. Tauru, who has a Swedish background, kicked 2.2 from 16 disposals in Gippsland's final game against Dandenong. Think James Sicily.
    • Rookie Me rank (September): #18
    • What Rookie Me say:
      • A high flyer in every sense of the phrase, Tauru has firmly planted himself in the draft bolter category. Considered a top 15 candidate, the 194cm defender certainly catches the eye with his aerial ability. He showed glimpses in the early part of the Coates Talent League season, before earning a call up from outside the Vic Country squad on the back of exceptional form in his return from injury. He attacks the ball fearlessly and is capable of playing above his height thanks to a terrific vertical leap. He’s one with raw potential and plenty of upside, especially having played in all kinds of roles recently.
    • Fox rank (August): #30
    • What Fox say:
      • A high-flying, intercept-marking machine, Tauru could be a lot higher on these rankings later in the year. He missed games in the early part of the season with a hip injury, but has loomed large for both the Gippsland Power and Vic Country upon return. He averaged two intercept marks across his three games for Country. Tauru also had 23 disposals and nine marks in his first Coates Talent League game back against Murray and has found some continuity in the weeks since. His leap and ability to read the play in defence appeals to AFL clubs.
    • ESPN rank (September): #23
    • What ESPN say:
      • Tauru is an undeniable talent, placing top-three in the CTL with 2.4 contested marks per outing and doing it both up forward and down back. He's a superb aerialist on the lead and looks comfortable intercepting in defence. At the next level he'll need to become a more rounded talent at ground level and with the ball in hand. Those areas didn't stop him from becoming Gippy's focal point in their finals run and he continued to elevate his stock by beating talented opponents. Tauru's leap and competitiveness allows him to play above 191cm, but he still figures to be a third tall at either end of the ground.
    • Stats and Highlights:
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    • Josh Smillie New
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    • #5
    Josh Smillie

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    • Height: 195cm
    • Position: Midfielder
    • Twomey rank (September): #7
    • What Twomey says:
      • Smillie's season closed with a two-goal game from 26 disposals in the Ranges' wildcard round loss to the Northern Knights. Hitting the scoreboard is a part of the tall midfielder's game, having booted 16.5 this season for his under-18 team. Smillie is a unique prospect given his midfield qualities and his height and he likes to take on things with his right-foot kicking. He is the outlier in a pack of mostly smaller midfielders at the top of the draft. Unlike others in that basket, Smillie didn't play VFL late in the year.
    • Rookie Me rank (September): #8
    • What Rookie Me say:
      • Top of the crop during the early stages of 2024, Smillie is the ultimate prospect. He draws comparisons to Patrick Cripps and Tom Green as a 194cm midfielder, but offers terrific versatility and athleticism to compliment his stoppage craft. He skippered the National Academy and Eastern Ranges, and is highly driven to earn his place as the number one draft pick. Smillie’s poise and ball use for a player his size are quite rare and make him a dynamic threat. While challenged throughout the National Championships among a stacked field of prospects, he is capable of utterly dominating his peers. There’s strong competition for top spot, which saw him usurped in August having led in June and July.
    • Fox rank (August): #5
    • What Fox say:
      • For some recruiters, Smillie is the best player in it. In a midfield-heavy class, Smillie has the height and size advantage over other top 2024 on-ball prospects, with recruiters likening him to Giants star Tom Green. He showed glimpses of his powerful best across a solid four-game campaign for Vic Metro, averaging 18.8 disposals, 10.2 contested possessions, 6.8 score involvements 5.8 clearances, but missed out on All-Australian selection. But those who watched Smillie’s three-goal, 34-disposals Coates Talent League performance against the Lions academy earlier this year believe they witnessed the No. 1 prospect, for not only did he show off his power and stoppage craft, but he also showcased explosive running and precise kicking when in space. Smillie still seems well placed to be taken at the pointy end of this year’s draft.
    • ESPN rank (September): #10
    • What ESPN say:
      • Smillie fits the new-age midfield prototype, a 6'4 contested beast equipped to dominate stoppage and punch long kicks to gain meterage. He's had patches of commanding performances where he looks simply uncontainable bullocking through contact. But he hasn't shown enough around the ground, taking just one contested mark across his 16 champs and CTL games and only using the ball at 62%. There is so much upside in what Smillie can be at the next level, but the flags are there for clubs to consider.
    • Stats and Highlights:
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    • Tobie Travaglia New
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    • #6
    Tobie Travaglia

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    • Height: 187cm
    • Position: Defender
    • Twomey rank (September): #11
    • What Twomey says:
      • The Bendigo gun has plenty of fans for plenty of reasons. Travaglia's consistency makes him a very appealing player and he performs with a competitive streak that is always on show. Travaglia will likely start his AFL career as a running, dashing half-back but in time clubs think he will be able to be used as a midfielder too. He got a taste of the next level by playing for Carlton's VFL side late in the year and deserved selection in the under-18 All-Australian side after a strong carnival with Vic Country.
    • Rookie Me rank (September): #14
    • What Rookie Me say:
      • Travaglia has all the makings of a promising draft prospect, and has pushed himself well into first round considerations this year. Having plied his trade on the wing as a bottom-ager, he has thrived with a move to defence this season but is capable of playing a variety of roles. Travaglia’s versatility is boundless, having also spent time in midfield with a rotation to the forwardline. He featured in down back for Vic Country, showcasing his gutsy intercept marking and aerial range to go with a high work rate and sharp turn of speed on the rebound. At 187cm with dynamism and team-first attributes, Travaglia is one to keep an eye on.
    • Fox rank (August): #12
    • What Fox say:
      • Clubs knew he was gun prospect pre-champs, but you sense Travaglia will be in high-demand come draft time after an awesome carnival campaign for Vic Country. The Pioneers star averaged 21.8 disposals and went at an impressive 82.5 per cent efficiency by foot. He also averaged 6.2 marks — of which 3.5 were intercept marks. It comes after he won the 2023 Pioneers best and fairest award as a bottom-ager then averaged 16 disposals across two AFL Academy games against VFL opposition. Compared to Cats star Tom Stewart, Travaglia is everything you need in a mid-sized intercept defender: Athletic and competitive in the air, pinpoint with his disposal from defence and smart with his offensive-defensive balance.
    • ESPN rank (September): #8
    • What ESPN say:
      • Travaglia is an obsessive competitor, able to perform in all three areas of the ground with maniacal pressure and hard running. Despite his slender frame, he became an excellent inside midfielder late in the season where he laid 6.4 crunching tackles and swooped on 4.2 hardball gets per game. He also created goals out of open play up forward. He looks most accustomed down back, though, where he was the champs' leading intercept marker and loved to dash up the ground to link play. Travaglia is a neat kick without being an elite ball user -- it's the one area of his game that could improve.
    • Stats and Highlights:
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    • Bo Allan New
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    • #7
    Bo Allan

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    • Height: 187cm
    • Position: Defender/midfielder
    • Twomey rank (September): #12
    • What Twomey says:
      • Allan missed a chunk of games recently with a quad injury but returned to Peel's senior side last weekend as a late call-up for its preliminary final win over Swan Districts. Allan had 12 disposals in a run-with role to continue to get valuable experience at the level having played in the senior side since the end of the under-18 championships. Western Australia's best prospect is equal parts tall midfielder and rangey third defender. His carnival for his state was excellent and he added plenty of penetration and drive to WA's midfield.
    • Rookie Me rank (September): #5
    • What Rookie Me say:
      • The sole West Australian to feature in our rankings all year, Allan also shouldered his state’s captaincy. He featured for the Black Ducks at last year’s National Championships and was a bright light in a dour campaign, going on to raise his stocks as a top-ager. Allan has spent most of his junior career as a defender but was trialled up forward late last year and is now developing as a midfielder. His size, explosive speed and willingness to take the game on make him an exciting player to watch in full flight. Down back, where he played two senior games to start the year, Allan is a capable interceptor and sound distributor on his favoured left foot. He missed game one of the National Championships through a back injury but excelled at the level before returning to help Peel take out the WAFL League flag.
    • Fox rank (August): #18
    • What Fox say:
      • Remains WA’s top prospect after a strong Under 18 carnival campaign that earned him All-Australian honours. He averaged 20.0 disposals, 7.3 contested possessions, 6.3 score involvements, 6.0 tackles, 3.7 clearances and 3.0 inside 50s. A great athlete with good footy nous, Allan has the range that allows him to play midfield minutes and win the ball around stoppages, yet is just as comfortable playing as a rebounding defender. Some clubs believe he can be a midfielder at AFL level due to his competitiveness, while others reckon he’d be more suited to a backline role.
    • ESPN rank (September): #17
    • What ESPN say:
      • Allan's season isn't over yet after Peel booked their spot in the WAFL grand final to take on East Perth. His physically developed frame and defensive tenacity makes him suited to the level, and on the weekend he showed off elite pressure and physicality on-ball. It was a striking performance for a prospect splitting his time between the midfield and halfback. Allan's top-end speed, strength and leadership potential make him WA's best prospect, and he's a ready-made player.
    • Stats and Highlights:
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    • Taj Hotton New
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    • #8
    Taj Hotton

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    • Height: 182cm
    • Position: Midfielder/forward
    • Twomey rank (September): #12
    • What Twomey says:
      • Hotton sits alone as the only member of the top end of the draft crop to have missed the majority of the year through injury. While it could see him slip a few draft spots from where he was projecting to be taken, clubs in the teens are hoping they get a bonus if he's available following the knee reconstruction that ruled him out for the second half of the season. Hotton is exciting. He's agile, quick and able to flick between winning the ball in the midfield and having real craft inside 50.
    • Rookie Me rank (September): #11
    • What Rookie Me say:
      • Hotton’s place in the rankings is largely out of his hands given he will take no further part in the season after suffering an ACL tear. The dynamic midfielder-forward made a magnificent start to the year, producing games like his 32-disposal, 10-mark and four-goal effort against Oakleigh in Round 2, along with a scintillating display for the National Academy as a top-up player. After injuring himself at training, those performances will be the measure of his talent. Hotton is ultra athletic, offering terrific agility and spring in his leap to compliment his ability to rack up possessions and hit the scoreboard. He’ll be well guided off-field as the son of former Blue and Pie, Trent, and brother of St Kilda’s Olli.
    • Fox rank (August): #10
    • What Fox say:
      • Clubs haven’t forgotten about the dangerous and creative Hotton, who was arguably the hottest player of the draft pool at the start of the season before rupturing his ACL at training in May. He had some monster Talent League games for the Dragons, most notably against the Chargers where he kicked 4.1 from 32 disposals, 10 marks, five inside 50s and five tackles. He also played a game for the AFL academy, booting two goals from 18 disposals against Coburg. Hotton had significantly improved his endurance, allowing him to spend more time on the ball. Hotton, the son of ex-Collingwood and Carlton player Trent Hotton and brother of 2022 Saints draftee Oli Hotton, is still expected to be an early pick in November.
    • ESPN rank (September): #18
    • What ESPN say:
      • Hotton dominated the opening month of the season before an ACL rupture at training drew the curtains on his top-age year. He remains a first-round fancy and should have no trouble finding his agile, dashing best at AFL level in time. Hotton is a stop-on-a-dime midfielder with forward-half damaging traits. With a full season at the level he offered glimpses of, Hotton could have become a top-five chance.
    • Stats and Highlights:
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    • Xavier Lindsay New
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    • #9
    Xavier Lindsay

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    • Height: 183cm
    • Position: Midfielder
    • Twomey rank (September): #18
    • What Twomey says:
      • Lindsay missed the end of Gippsland's under-18 season with a PCL injury. Recruiters by then, however, were well aware of his spread of talents, with the sometimes-understated Lindsay having a big say on games in the second half of the season. The left-footer was best afield in Vic Country's final game of the carnival against Vic Metro before returning to the Power and having a string of excellent games. Lindsay is precise with his skills, versatile and consistent, and he could start his AFL career on a flank as well.
    • Rookie Me rank (September): #15
    • What Rookie Me say:
      • Lindsay is criminally underrated at times, and perhaps even so here, but enjoyed exceptional form this year despite a couple of injury setbacks. After copping a corkie late in his Round 3 Coates Talent League appearance, he missed the first National Academy game and Vic Country’s third outing. The Gippsland Power captain is versatile enough to play through midfield or on the wing, with his booming left-foot kicking a real weapon on the attack. He has also proven capable of doing the tough stuff with high clearance and tackle numbers.
    • Fox rank (August): #16
    • What Fox say:
      • On a day where a lot of the top prospects weren’t at their best in a big game, Lindsay was a standout for Vic Country against Vic Metro to assert himself as a genuine first-round selection. The Leongatha product finished with 30 disposals, 11 marks, 10 contested possessions, eight score involvements, eight tackles, six inside 50s, six intercepts, four clearances and 585m gained in a classy display where his decision-making, pinpoint ball use and agility stood out. Recruiters coming into the year liked him as a half-back, but Lindsay has shown throughout the year he has an improved inside game and is reliable across any third of the ground.
    • ESPN rank (September): #7
    • What ESPN say:
      • Lindsay offers the speed, running power and kicking skills that clubs search far and wide for. He's a balanced midfielder that led from the front for Gippy all the way until a PCL injury to his knee ended his campaign prematurely. Clubs have seen enough to rate him accordingly, though. His deft touch and ball use at full tilt is a joy to watch, and he was becoming an increasingly damaging forward-half player. He may not crack the top 10 on draft night, but Lindsay is as likely as anyone in the pool to play 300 AFL games.
    • Stats and Highlights:
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    • Joe Berry New
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    • #10
    Joe Berry

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    • Height: 180cm
    • Position: Forward
    • Twomey rank (September): #17
    • What Twomey says:
      • It was a super season from Berry across all levels, with the extra clever small forward finishing his Bushrangers campaign with 27 goals from 14 games. He also led Vic Country's goalkicking with nine majors. Berry has a turn of pace, works hard up and down the ground, slots most of his opportunities and has the intangibles the best small forward prospects have around goal like knowing when to lead, when to crumb and when to assist.
    • Rookie Me rank (September): #17
    • What Rookie Me say:
      • Death, taxes, and Berry booting multiple goals in every game he plays. The clinical small forward has risen steeply this year on the back of undeniable goalkicking form, topping the charts both in the Coates Talent League and Under 18 National Championships. He is an absolute menace inside 50 with his speed and smarts, and can also push up the ground to provide a spark when needed. While lively at ground level, Berry is strong overhead for his size and finds several avenues to goal – whether it be with snaps or set shot conversions. Only thrice was he kept goalless this year, such is his class.
    • Fox rank (August): #16
    • What Fox say:
      • Now in top-10 calculations after a brilliant, eye-catching carnival for Vic Country where he was one of the most dangerous players. He was a threat across all four games, finishing with nine goals and averaging 13.2 disposals and 5.5 score involvements. Berry is your typical high forward as he possesses top-end speed that allows him to get up the ground, as well as excellent creativity close to goal. Berry is a natural crumber, getting to the right spots to show off his cleanliness at ground level and innate goal sense. He’s kicked 25 goals for the Bushrangers this season — the most of any active Coates Talent League player — while also averaging 14.7 disposals and 4.1 inside 50s. He just looks like an AFL player.
    • ESPN rank (September): #13
    • What ESPN say:
      • Berry is everything clubs are searching for in a half forward. He's a creative ball user, gets up and down the ground, roves packs, snaps goals and provides frenzied pressure. His left foot is a lethal weapon entering 50 and he changes games with stints on-ball. In the past clubs have been hesitant to take his type high up the draft -- expect Berry to buck that trend come November.
    • Stats and Highlights:
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    • Luke Trainor New
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    • #11
    Luke Trainor

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    • Height: 194cm
    • Position: Defender
    • Twomey rank (September): #16
    • What Twomey says:
      • Trainor was ruled out of the Dragons' preliminary final, and this week's Grand Final, after having a mild concussion from their semi-final win over the Calder Cannons. The talented defender is a line-breaker with his kicking and he enjoys intercepting marks and going for his grabs. Until recently he had also been a forward as a junior, which he has shown on occasions this year.
    • Rookie Me rank (September): #16
    • What Rookie Me say:
      • Setting himself apart as the best tall talent in this year’s draft, Trainor is surrounded by midfielders in the top-end of the rankings. He measures up at 195cm but doesn’t quite play like a genuine key defender, instead working most effectively as the main interceptor and distributor – think Tom Stewart. His aerial ability is terrific, able to leap at the ball with confidence or stand under high balls and pluck them at the top of his reach. Complimenting his defensive game is some of the best composure and kicking you’re likely to see from a tall. He also rates himself as a potential swingman. Trainor was best afield in the AFL Academy’s first game and helped Vic Metro clinch the Under 18s title with a goal after the siren.
    • Fox rank (August): #4
    • What Fox say:
      • The best key-position player in this year’s draft class — and that reputation was only enhanced during the national carnival. From his four games for Metro, Trainor averaged 19.8 disposals (76% kicking efficiency), 5.8 marks (1.8 intercept) and 4.8 rebound 50s as he showed off his strong offensive traits, including that penetrating right-foot kick. But what AFL clubs were more impressed by was competitiveness in the air and willingness to defend. This was particularly evident against South Australia, with Trainor taking the points against fellow AFL Academy member Tyler Welsh in an intriguing battle, while he also had big moments against Jonty Faull and Jack Whitlock in the Metro-Country game. His performances against VFL opposition were also impressive, named best on ground against Coburg (20 disposals, 4 marks) before another strong outing against Footscray (21 disposals, 1 goal). The grandson of 1000-goalkicker Doug Wade and nephew of AFL Commissioner Gabrielle Trainor, the intercept defender looks up to AFL players Jeremy Howe and Tom Stewart, while recruiters have compared him to Jordan Ridley.
    • ESPN rank (September): #12
    • What ESPN say:
      • The spring-heeled Trainor has been a delight to watch all season. He's a silky mover and lovely ball user, routinely chopping off attacking forays and kickstarting rebounds. He's also slightly pigeonholed at the next level with his skinny frame and lack of midfield game meaning he likely becomes an intercepting third tall. There's scope for Trainor to move forward -- he kicked the winning goal in the national championships against Vic Country and followed it up a week later with the winning point for Brighton Grammar in the APS.
    • Stats and Highlights:
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    • Jesse Dattoli New
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    • #12
    Jesse Dattoli

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    • Height: 179cm
    • Position: Forward/midfielder
    • Twomey rank (September): #24
    • What Twomey says:
      • Commitments with his school Carey Grammar and Vic Metro meant Dattoli didn't feature much for the Knights, but his final four games of the season at under-18 level highlighted his talents and competitive streak. The hard and tough half-forward/midfielder kicked three goals from 17 touches against Gippsland, then backed it up with three goals from 26 touches against the Ranges. His next effort, again facing Eastern in the wildcard round, was superb as he gathered 35 disposals, six tackles and a goal. Dattoli likes the ball in his hands in the big moments and has high footy IQ.
    • Rookie Me rank (September): #21
    • What Rookie Me say:
      • Dattoli’s national carnival and promising end to the Coates Talent League season has seen him accelerate into top 25 calculations. The lively small forward boasts terrific craft around goal and always tries to create something with ball in hand. He also holds his own at the stoppages and has been utilised in midfield outside of his representative duties with Vic Metro, where he proved to be an important link player on the wing or as a high forward. Dattoli produced a trio of three-goal games at Coates Talent League level this year and has racked up as many as 35 touches while turning out between his school football commitments.
    • Fox rank (August): #26
    • What Fox say:
      • There’s been ample intrigue around this Northern Knights product all year, for he’s uber-talented and has match-winner traits written all over him. After an injury-interrupted 2023 campaign, Dattoli has impressed both at Coates Talent League level and against the best in the national carnival. He kicked five goals and averaged 21 touches from three games for the Knights before a promising carnival campaign for Vic Metro, booting three goals and averaging 15.2 disposals, 7.2 marks and 6.0 score involvements. He works hard between the arcs and is creative with his ball use.
    • ESPN rank (September): #26
    • What ESPN say:
      • Dattoli may be the hardest prospect to place. His profile is so unique that it's difficult to project what he will become at the next level. He averages a contested mark per game despite standing at 5'11 and draws a lot of free kicks with footy smarts. He also has passages of play where he rips the ball out of the clinches and follows up moments later at the end of the attack he started. The best moments are balanced out with some shoddy ball use and decision making at times. If Dattoli's stats were mirrored at AFL level they'd closely resemble Toby Greene's. That's the upside he threatens to deliver, but there may be too many concerns for clubs to swing on that upside in the draft's teens.
    • Stats and Highlights:
    1729138957242.png
     
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    • Jobe Shanahan New
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    • #13
    Jobe Shanahan

    1729139104957.png
    • Height: 194cm
    • Position: Forward
    • Twomey rank (September): #19
    • What Twomey says:
      • It was Shanahan's VFL performances which have solidified him as a top-20 player – and he could end up going higher than that. The tall forward played three games for the Bombers' VFL and booted 11 goals, including a five-goal game against Coburg. Shanahan is an efficient player: he can get away from his opponents on the lead, he slots his shots and some clubs even think he could be a good key defender in the future.
    • Rookie Me rank (September): #20
    • What Rookie Me say:
      • There are few better than Shanahan in the aerial game, with the Moama native boasting a clean set of hands and wonderfully fluent leap. Such traits have seen the mobile 194cm talent find a home up forward having cut his teeth in defence and even as a tall midfielder last year. Offering clear upside, he has steadily grown into his his top-age campaign with goals in all bar two of his 11 games for Bendigo Pioneers, including a bag of six in Round 19. Shanahan built into form with the Allies too, presenting up the ground as a key connection piece and showing better signs with each passing game. Perhaps most impressively, he booted 11 majors in three VFL appearances for Essendon.
    • Fox rank (August): #N/A
    • What Fox say:
      • N/A
    • ESPN rank (September): #14
    • What ESPN say:
      • Shanahan has emerged from a glut of key forward talent after a blistering stint with Essendon VFL where he kicked 11 goals in three games, trumping the output of Peter Wright. He's a pack mark star, using his bounce to extend above opponents and showing off sticky hands to one-grab everything in his vicinity. He's also a kick kick of the ball and will fancy his chances within 55 metres of goal. Shanahan has spent short stints down back as well, but will be drafted as a key forward.
    • Stats and Highlights:
    1729139220318.png

     
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    • #14
    Cooper Hynes

    1729139302836.png
    • Height: 190cm
    • Position: Midfielder/Forward
    • Twomey rank (September): #21
    • What Twomey says:
      • Hynes is all strength and power but he has other parts of his game to complement those assets. There's poise and touch with the ball and genuine forward nous inside 50, where he kicked 23 goals this season for Dandenong. The 18-year-old kicked two goals in the qualifying final against Gippsland after two goals from 20 disposals against Bendigo before that. Clubs are looking for bigger, explosive midfielders who can go forward and Hynes fits the bill.
    • Rookie Me rank (September): #23
    • What Rookie Me say:
      • Few can compete with the pure weight of numbers Hynes has produced at Coates Talent League level, forming a formidable one-two punch with fellow Dandenong Stingrays co-captain Harvey Langford. The midfielder-forward was blooded in the Vic Country Under 18s side last year and has backed up his promise with averages of 25.3 disposals, 4.0 marks, 5.0 inside 50s, and nearly two goals per his 12 club appearances to date. He’s hard to tie down due to his size but has improved his running ability and has always had a good eye for goal, or teammates in better positions to score.
    • Fox rank (August): #27
    • What Fox say:
      • Hynes, the son of John Hynes who played four games for Carlton in the late ‘90s, has been a standout for the Dandenong Stingrays to date, kicking 16.9 and averaging 25.8 disposals thanks to his inside ball-winning ability. He’s had some monster games, including 5.1 from 23 disposals, six marks and five inside 50s against the Suns academy where he where he showed off his strong hands close to goal. Hynes boosted his first-round chances during the carnival, booting four goals and averaging 16.8 disposals and 5.2 score involvements playing mainly across half-forward. Hynes has worked hard on his conditioning across the past 12 months to compliment his brilliant natural football ability.
    • ESPN rank (September): #24
    • What ESPN say:
      • Hynes is a bundle of overwhelming power and tenacity, attacking the ball and man with equal aggression. He regularly finds himself exiting the front of stoppage and bursting into the forward 50 where he's kicked bags of goals at times. He's an exciting prospect given those AFL-quality traits, but may not find a permanent midfield role at the next level in lieu of more skilful teammates.
    • Stats and Highlights:
    1729139482276.png
     
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    • #15
    Ok, that's enough profiles for now :sweatsmile:

    Should be plenty there to get people started. Will update with new profiles, phantoms and info as it comes through in the lead-up to the draft.
     
    Not quite as big a leap but Tauru reminds me far more of Jeremy Howe than James Sicily
     
    wingersclub said:
    I just keep going back to Josh Smillie. Something about the kid
    Click to expand...
    Reckon we can shoehorn him in as a fourth key forward for a couple of years beside JVR, Petty and Turner, while Jefferson runs around at Casey.


    We can be a bit creative with this pick, the top tier will be off the board so we can take a bit of risk at someone either coming off a major injury (Hotton), someone with elite traits but probably needing a bit of development like Tauru etc. Trainor sounds like a nice prospect but may take a few years to impact.

    I'm not completely averse to Smillie and maybe IF Clarry struggles again next year it might make us more likely to move him on.. but that's not a great reason to draft someone alone

    Reid sounds like he would fill a need with footy IQ, much needed mid-forward connection and skill and could fit in a high half forward role next year and beyond.
    I'm slightly wary of someone who doesn't stand out athletically at u18 level and whether he may struggle to translate at AFL level. Even Bailey Laurie had supposedly elite agility in his draft year but he doesn't stand out at all at AFL level.

    I struggle a bit to get excited about Armstrong, seems like he's projected high purely because he's rated the best key forward in the draft. Hopefully the Saints take him.
     
    Hotton is very hard to judge, there is nothing really that stands out when watching him but that doesnt mean hes shit, i just dont think hes the talent of Sheezel like some have compared him to. Paul Chapman had a similar skill set where nothing really stood and turned out to be a bloody good player, but thats a high end comparison, plenty like that who dont turn out. I think hes a better prospect than Tholstrup was.
     
    This is really difficult and I suspect the likely options in this range will change quite a bit by the days before the draft.

    There are a lot of options here - I just hope it’s a player who matches well with the first pick (would be disappointed if we took say, Lalor and Smilie).

    If we could get Berry and another late first round pick I’d be open to splitting.
     
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