Draft Watcher 2016 Young Talent Time

[Chris25]

Phantom Draft - Draft Week Edition

1. Essendon - Andrew McGrath (179cm, 75kg midfielder/defender from Sandringham Dragons)
AFL Comparison: Jason Johannisen (Western Bulldogs)

2. GWS - Tim Taranto (186cm, 82kg forward/midfielder from Sandringham Dragons)
AFL Comparison: Isaac Heeney (Sydney)

3. Brisbane - Ben Ainsworth (179cm, 74kg midfielder/forward from Gippsland Power)
AFL Comparison: Toby Greene (GWS)

4. Gold Coast - Hugh McCluggage (185cm, 75kg midfielder from North Ballarat Rebels)
AFL Comparison: Jack Steele (GWS)

*Carlton bid on Will Setterfield*
5. GWS - Will Setterfield (190cm, 80kg midfielder from Sandringham Dragons)
AFL Comparison: Ryan Griffen (GWS)

6. Carlton - Sam Petrevski-Seton (181cm, 76kg midfielder from Claremont)
AFL Comparison: Daniel Wells (North Melbourne)

7. Gold Coast - Tim English (203cm, 86kg ruckman from South Fremantle)
AFL Comparison: Tom Nicholls (Gold Coast)/Mark Blicavs (Geelong)

*Fremantle bid on Jack Bowes*
8. Gold Coast - Jack Bowes (187cm, 78kg midfielder from Surfers Paradise )
AFL Comparison: Bryce Gibbs (Carlton)

9. Fremantle - Will Brodie (187cm, 80kg midfielder from Murray Bushrangers)
AFL Comparison: Angus Brayshaw (Melbourne)

10. Sydney - Griffin Logue (193cm, 92kg defender from Swan Districts)
AFL Comparison: Marcus Adams (Western Bulldogs)

11. Gold Coast - Jarrod Berry (191cm, 80kg defender/midfielder from North Ballarat)
AFL Comparison: Sam Fisher (St Kilda)

*North Melbourne bid on Harry Perryman
12. GWS - Harry Perryman (184cm, 75kg defender/midfielder from Collingullie)
AFL Comparison: Tom Sheridan (Fremantle)

13. North Melbourne - Will Hayward (186cm, 76kg forward from North Adelaide)
AFL Comparison: James Sicily (Hawthorn)

14. West Coast - Jack Scrimshaw (193cm, 80kg defender/midfielder from Sandringham Dragons)
AFL Comparison: Jasper Pittard (Port Adelaide)

15. Adelaide - Sam Powell-Pepper (186cm, 83kg forward/midfielder from East Perth)
AFL Comparison: Jake Stringer (Western Bulldogs)

16. Port Adelaide - Todd Marshall (197cm, 87kg forward from Murray Bushrangers)
AFL Comparison: Darcy Moore (Collingwood)

17. Brisbane - Oliver Florent (183cm, 74kg midfielder/forward from Sandringham Dragons)
AFL Comparison: Jack Billings (St Kilda)

18. Port Adelaide - Daniel Venables (186cm, 81kg forward/midfielder from Western Jets)
AFL Comparison: Josh Caddy (Richmond)

19. Western Bulldogs - Shai Bolton (177cm, 67kg midfielder from South Fremantle)
AFL Comparison: Callum Ah Chee (Gold Coast)

*Sydney bid #20 on Jacob Allison
20. Brisbane - Jacob Allison (194cm, 79kg midfielder from Aspley)
AFL Comparison: Dean Towers (Sydney)

21. Sydney - Jy Simpkin (181cm, 71kg forward/midfielder from Murray Bushrangers)
AFL Comparison: Lachie Weller (Fremantle)



22. Essendon - Josh Battle (192cm, 90kg forward from Dandenong Stingrays)
AFL Comparison: Jack Darling (West Coast)

23. Brisbane - Alex Witherden (184cm, 78kg defender/midfielder from Geelong Falcons)
AFL Comparison: Zach Tuohy (Geelong)

24. St Kilda - Bailey Morrish (186cm, 76kg defender/midfielder from Dandenong Stingrays)
AFL Comparison: Shaun Atley (North Melbourne)

25. Geelong - Patrick Kerr (194cm, 93kg forward from Oakleigh Chargers)
AFL Comparison: Jesse White (Collingwood)

*Carlton bid on Brad Scheer*
26. Gold Coast - Brad Scheer (184cm, 83kg midfielder from Palm Beach Currumbin)
AFL Comparison: Michael Barlow (Gold Coast)

*Carlton bid on Kobe Mutch, unmatched*
27. Carlton - Kobe Mutch (184cm, 79kg midfielder from Bendigo Pioneers)
AFL Comparison: Lachie Whitfield (GWS)

*Western Bulldogs bid on Callum Brown*
28. Collingwood - Callum Brown (177cm, 69kg midfielder/forward from Eastern Ranges)
AFL Comparison: Dylan Buckley (Carlton)

29. Western Bulldogs - Josh Rotham (192cm, 79kg defender/midfielder from West Perth)
AFL Comparison: Nick Haynes (GWS)

30. Richmond - Brennan Cox (194cm, 90kg defender/forward from Woodville West Torrens)
AFL Comparison: Robbie Tarrant (North Melbourne)

31. Essendon - Dylan Clarke (187cm, 85kg midfielder from Eastern Ranges)
AFL Comparison: Tom Rockliff (Brisbane)

32. Port Adelaide - Jonty Scharenberg (186cm, 80kg midfielder from Glenelg)
AFL Comparison: Scott Thompson (Adelaide)

33. Port Adelaide - Cedric Cox (184cm, 70kg defender from North Ballarat Rebels)
AFL Comparison: Neville Jetta (Melbourne)

*North Melbourne bid on Harrison Macreadie*
34. GWS - Harrison Macreadie (196cm, 89kg defender from Henty)
AFL Comparison: Adam Tomlinson (GWS)

*North Melbourne bid on Isaac Cumming*
35. GWS - Isaac Cumming (183cm, 74kg midfielder from North Adelaide/GWS)
AFL Comparison: Lin Jong (Western Bulldogs)

36. North Melbourne - Jordan Gallucci (183cm, 75kg midfielder from Eastern Ranges)
AFL Comparison: Hayden Crozier (Fremantle)

37. North Melbourne - Jordan Ridley (192cm, 79kg defender/midfielder from Oakleigh Chargers)
AFL Comparison: Kamdyn McIntosh (Richmond)

38. West Coast - Zac Fisher (175cm, 61kg midfielder from Perth)
AFL Comparison: Tim Broomhead (Collingwood)

39. Fremantle - Kym LeBois (175cm, 66kg forward/midfielder from North Adelaide)
AFL Comparison: Michael Walters (Fremantle)

40. St Kilda - Josh Begley (187cm, 93kg forward/midfielder from Eastern Ranges)
AFL Comparison: Tom Bell (Brisbane)

*Geelong bid on Jake Waterman*
41. West Coast - Jake Waterman (191cm, 82kg forward from Claremont)
AFL Comparison: Chris Mayne (Collingwood)

42. Geelong - Mitch McCarthy (196cm, 87kg forward/defender from Dandenong Stingrays)
AFL Comparison: Rhys Stanley (Geelong)

43. Fremantle - Elliot Himmelberg (196cm, 89kg defender/forward from Redlands)
AFL Comparison: Sam Reid (Sydney)

 

[Chris25]

44. Essendon - Jack Graham (183cm, 83kg midfielder from North Adelaide)
AFL Comparison: Luke Parker (Sydney)

*Geelong bid on Josh Williams, unmatched*
45. Geelong - Josh Williams (189cm, 69kg midfielder from Surfers Paradise)
AFL Comparison: Will Hoskin-Elliot (Collingwood)

46. Adelaide - Brandon Parfitt (179cm, 78kg midfielder from NT Thunder)
AFL Comparison: Mitch Hallahan (Gold Coast)

*Collingwood bid on Zac Sproule*
47. GWS - Zac Sproule (197cm, 84kg defender/forward from Murray Bushrangers)
AFL Comparison: Harrison Himmelberg (GWS)

48. Collingwood - Jack Maibaum (193cm, 90kg defender from Eastern Ranges)
AFL Comparison: Oscar McDonald (Melbourne)

49. Sydney - Harry Morrison (182cm, 73kg defender from Murray Bushrangers)
AFL Comparison: Michael Hibberd (Melbourne)

50. Melbourne - Willie Rioli Jnr (177cm, 75kg forward from Glenelg)
AFL Comparison: Daniel Rioli (Richmond)

51. Carlton - Tom Williamson (189cm, 79kg defender/midfielder from North Ballarat Rebels)
AFL Comparison: Brodie Smith (Adelaide)

52. Sydney - Ben Davis (187cm, 84kg forward/defender from UNSW)
AFL Comparison: Tom Lamb (West Coast)

53. Western Bulldogs - Ben Long (183cm, 71kg forward/defender from NT Thunder/Footscray)
AFL Comparison: Sean Lemmens (Gold Coast)

54. Collingwood - Jack Henry (191cm, 83kg midfielder from Geelong Falcons)
AFL Comparison: Jack Crisp (Collingwood)

55. Adelaide - Louis Cunningham (181cm, 77kg midfielder from Oakleigh Chargers)
AFL Comparison: Aaron Mullett (North Melbourne)

56. Richmond - Willem Drew (188cm, 78kg midfielder from North Ballarat Rebels)
AFL Comparison: Alex Neal-Bullen (Melbourne)



57. St Kilda - Tyson Stengle (171cm, 69kg forward from Woodville West Torrens)
AFL Comparison: Charlie Cameron (Adelaide)

58. Collingwood - Josh Daicos (178cm, 72kg forward from Oakleigh Chargers)
AFL Comparison: Orazio Fantasia (Essendon)

59. Carlton - Taylin Duman (192cm, 76kg midfielder/defender from Oakleigh Chargers)
AFL Comparison: Kyle Langford (Essendon)

60. Geelong - Judah Dundon (185cm, 77kg midfielder from Western Jets)
AFL Comparison: Lachie Hunter (Western Bulldogs)

61. Brisbane - Declan Watson (191cm, 83kg defender from Aspley)
AFL Comparison: Steven May (Gold Coast)

62. Adelaide - Lachlan Cameron (192cm, 88kg defender from West Adelaide)
AFL Comparison: Jake Kolodjashnij (Geelong)

63. Melbourne - Ryan Garthwaite (192cm, 84kg defender from Murray Bushrangers)
AFL Comparison: Joel Hamling (Fremantle)

64. Fremantle - Oliver Hanrahan (183cm, 74kg forward/midfielder from St Kevins)
AFL Comparison: Lincoln McCarthy (Geelong)

65. Geelong - Tom Charlton (192cm, 75kg forward from Norwood)
AFL Comparison: Shane Kersten (Fremantle)

66. Geelong - Reece Piper (177cm, 75kg defender from Dandenong Stingrays)
AFL Comparison: Marley Williams (North Melbourne)

67. Richmond - Kayle Kirby (181cm, 86kg forward from Bendigo Pioneers)
AFL Comparison: Tom Papley (Sydney)

68. Melbourne - Lewis Young (197cm, 89kg forward/defender from Sturt)
AFL Comparison: Ben McKay (North Melbourne)

69. North Melbourne - Sam Walker (186cm, 80kg defender from Glenelg)
AFL Comparison: Garrick Ibbotson (Fremantle)

70. Hawthorn - Tristan Tweedie (189cm, 84kg forward from Eastern Ranges)
AFL Comparison: Mitch McGovern (Adelaide)

71. Sydney - Max Lynch (200cm, 96kg ruckman from Murray Bushrangers)
AFL Comparison: Tom Hickey (St Kilda)

72. Hawthorn - Harrison Pearce (179cm, 73kg forward/midfielder from Glenorchy)
AFL Comparison: Jamie Cripps (West Coast)

 

[Chris25]

Rookie Draft

 

[Chris25]

The Big Board - Draft Week Edition

1. Sam Petrevski-Seton - 181cm, 76kg midfielder from Claremont
2. Andrew McGrath - 179cm, 75kg midfielder/defender from Sandringham Dragons
3. Ben Ainsworth - 179cm, 74kg midfielder/forward from Gippsland Power
4. Hugh McCluggage - 185cm, 75kg midfielder from North Ballarat Rebels
5. Jack Bowes - 187cm, 78kg midfielder from Surfers Paradise (Gold Coast)
6. Will Setterfield - 190cm, 80kg midfielder from Sandringham Dragons (GWS)
7. Jarrod Berry - 191cm, 80kg defender/midfielder from North Ballarat
8. Josh Rotham - 192cm, 79kg defender from West Perth
9. Will Brodie - 187cm, 80kg midfielder from Murray Bushrangers
10. Griffin Logue - 193cm, 92kg defender from Swan Districts

11. Tim Taranto - 186cm, 82kg forward/midfielder from Sandringham Dragons
12. Harrison Macreadie - 196cm, 89kg defender from Henty (GWS)
13. Will Hayward - 186cm, 76kg forward from North Adelaide
14. Shai Bolton - 177cm, 67kg midfielder/forward from South Fremantle
15. Oliver Florent - 183cm, 74kg midfielder/forward from Sandringham Dragons
16. Tim English - 203cm, 86kg ruckman from South Fremantle
17. Sam Powell-Pepper - 186cm, 83kg midfielder from East Perth
18. Todd Marshall - 197cm, 87kg forward from Murray Bushrangers
19. Jy Simpkin - 181cm, 71kg midfielder from Murray Bushrangers
20. Jack Scrimshaw - 193cm, 80kg defender from Sandringham Dragons

21. Kobe Mutch - 184cm, 79kg midfielder from Bendigo Pioneers (GWS)
22. Jacob Allison - 194cm, 79kg midfielder from Aspley (Brisbane)
23. Brennan Cox - 194cm, 90kg defender/forward from Woodville West Torrens
24. Alex Witherden - 184cm, 76kg defender from Geelong Falcons
25. Brad Scheer - 184cm, 83kg midfielder from Palm Beach Currumbin (Gold Coast)
26. Sam Walker - 187cm, 80kg defender from Glenelg
27. Bailey Morrish - 186cm, 76kg defender from Dandenong Stingrays
28. Daniel Venables - 186cm, 81kg midfielder from Western Jets
29. Harry Perryman - 184cm, 75kg defender/midfielder from Collingullie (GWS)
30. Elliot Himmelberg - 196cm, 84kg defender/forward from Redlands

31. Alex Villis - 182cm, 70kg midfielder from Norwood
32. Josh Williams - 189cm, 69kg midfielder from Surfers Paradise (Gold Coast)
33. Josh Battle - 192cm, 90kg forward from Dandenong Stingrays
34. Jack Graham - 183cm, 83kg midfielder from North Adelaide
35. Kym LeBois - 175cm, 66kg forward/midfielder from North Adelaide
36. Cedric Cox - 184cm, 70kg defender from North Ballarat Rebels
37. Jack Henry - 191cm, 83kg midfielder from Geelong Falcons
38. Dylan Clarke - 187cm, 85kg midfielder from Eastern Ranges
39. Patrick Kerr - 194cm, 93kg forward from Oakleigh Chargers
40. Jonty Scharenberg - 186cm, 80kg midfielder from Glenelg

41. Josh Begley - 187cm, 93kg forward/midfielder from Eastern Ranges
42. Brandon Parfitt - 179cm, 78kg midfielder from North Adelaide/NT
43. Jake Waterman - 191cm, 82kg forward from Claremont (West Coast)
44. Tyson Stengle - 171cm, 69kg forward from Woodville West Torrens
45. Kayle Kirby - 181cm, 86kg forward from Bendigo Pioneers
46. Isaac Cumming - 183cm, 72kg defender/midfielder from North Adelaide (GWS)
47. Jordan Ridley - 192cm, 79kg defender from Oakleigh Chargers
48. Jordan Gallucci - 183cm, 75kg midfielder from Eastern Ranges
49. Tom Charlton - 192cm, 75kg forward from Norwood
50. Ben Long - 183cm, 71kg defender from St Marys

51. Ryan Garthwaite - 192cm, 84kg defender from Murray Bushrangers (GWS)
52. Zac Fisher - 175cm, 61kg midfielder from Perth
53. Max Lynch - 200cm, 96kg ruckman from Albury/Murray Bushrangers
54. Callum Brown - 177cm, 69kg midfielder from Eastern Ranges (Collingwood)
55. Harry Morrison - 182cm, 73kg defender from Murray Bushrangers
56. Taylin Duman - 193cm, 75kg midfielder/defender from Oakleigh Chargers
57. Quinton Narkle - 181cm, 82kg midfielder/forward from Perth
58. Willem Drew - 188cm, 78kg midfielder from North Ballarat Rebels
59. Tom Williamson - 189cm, 79kg defender/midfielder from North Ballarat Rebels
60. Ben Davis - 187cm, 84kg forward from UNSW

 

[Chris25]

Empty?

 

[Chris25]

Position Breakdown - From June/July

Inside Midfielders
1. Will Brodie
2. Jonty Scharenberg
3. Brad Scheer
4. Jack Graham
5. Jake Pitman
6. Luke Bunker
7. Dylan Clarke
8. Joseph Atley
9. Jack Roughsedge
10. Willem Drew

So it goes without saying really, these are the in and under midfielders. The ones who start in at the centre bounces, win the clearances and thrive on the hard stuff. And it's actually a pretty good group this year.

For me, Will Brodie is the standout. There's no real surprise there. While the next few names could have a blanket thrown over them really, Jack Graham being down at #4 shouldn't be seen as a negative towards him. But the most promising sign is that there should be some decent options still available come the second and third rounds with the likes of Jake Pitman and especially Luke Bunker.

Two younger brothers of AFL players are in that next group down in Dylan Clarke and Joseph Atley. It's just footskills that have Clarke down in that group. While as I mentioned before, Jack Roughsedge is a potential bolter for me.

Outside Midfielders
1. Sam Petrevski-Seton
2. Alex Villis
3. Jy Simpkin
4. Shai Bolton
5. Oliver Florent
6. Jordan Gallucci
7. Corey Lyons
8. Josh Williams
9. Quinton Narkle
10. Myles Poholke

The title is a give away, but this group consists of those midfielders who are best on the outside. Feed them the ball, and let them do the damage. It's a mix of the small quick runners like Shai Bolton, to the taller Josh Williams and the stronger marking option in Myles Poholke. There's something for everything.

Right at the top of the list, Sam Petrevski-Seton could easily be in the next group of players. He is by no means an outside midfielder only, he can go in and win his own ball. I just needed a strong number 1 for this list, and he's by far the most obvious.

Alex Villis has had an excellent 2016 season, he really has been as good and consistent as anyone in the draft. Right back from Round 1 of the SANFL season. Smooth moving outside midfielder, can play on a wing or on either flank. I don't have any issue with having him and others ahead of Jordan Gallucci, who drops down due to a relative lack of composure. He could be a very good player, but I could also see him struggling to find a permanent role. He isn't without risk.

While I think the remaining players have shown enough for clubs to be confident in developing them with a later pick.

General Midfielders
1. Jack Bowes
2. Hugh McCluggage
3. Will Setterfield
4. Daniel Venables
5. Kobe Mutch
6. Zac Fisher
7. Brandon Parfitt
8. Matt Guelfi
9. Connor Byrne
10. Callum Brown

What happens when you're equally as good on the inside as you are on the outside? Then you end up in the general midfielders list. Play them anywhere and they'll find the ball. Whether that's putting Will Setterfield out onto a wing, or sending Hugh McCluggage or Daniel Venables to play inside the forward 50. They'll have an impact.

Arguably the best example of this type of inside/outside midfielder is Kobe Mutch, he wins his own ball and then works hard to get to the outside and finish off his own play. The same goes for Zac Fisher. And it's that type of play which has seen Connor Byrne perform well in the NEAFL.

Key Defenders
1. Harrison Macreadie
2. Griffin Logue
3. Brennan Cox
4. Ryan Garthwaite
5. Jack Maibaum

The big key defenders, they don't get much attention until your team desperately needs one. Heading into the Championships, it was a definite weak area in the draft. But that just meant there were opportunities for players to stand up. Something many have done over the past month.

Still leading the pack, is the GWS Academy member Harrison Macreadie. He didn't quite live up to expectations, and has probably seen his draft stock take a hit. I expect teams will take an overall view rather than being too focused on this past month of football, and Macreadie should still attract a first round bid. He's the perfect size at 196cm, and has both the ability to defend and attack in that Jacob Weitering mould. And joining him in the top 5 is another GWS Academy boy in Ryan Garthwaite. Slightly shorter at 192cm, he's been more of a shut down defender and very consistent. If it wasn't for injury, he'd have lined up on Josh Battle and I suspect he would not have kicked 4 goals.

Certainly one of the more eye catching tall defenders in the Championships, Griffin Logue has increased his draft stocks more than anyone else in recent weeks. He's a bit like Marcus Adams with his aggressive style of play and he's also got a well developed frame to suggest he could play early next year. Jack Maibaum and Brennan Cox are similar sized players at 193-94cm and 90kg each and both made the All Australian side. They both showed strong defensive capabilities, I slightly favour Cox for a better offensive game and very good skills for a tall defender.

General Defenders
1. Josh Rotham
2. Jarrod Berry
3. Jack Scrimshaw
4. Sam Walker
5. Jarrod Korewha

Next up for those tall defenders, who maybe just quite aren't key defenders. Third and fourth talls with good rebounding games, ones who could either bulk up and play taller or potentially move into the middle.

And for me, there are two players in top 10 calculations here - Josh Rotham and Jarrod Berry. Starting with Rotham, I've seen a bit of discussion about his best role and whether a player like him should go top 10 but I wouldn't hesitate. He's a guy that I want to have the ball in the hands of inside the defensive 50 - he's smart, attacking and has the skills to match. I liken him to Nick Haynes at the Giants, he quickly put on weight and muscle to become a high quality rebounding tall defender and I expect Rotham to do the same. Jarrod Berry meanwhile has fallen in many people's minds, but he's a true leader and the best in the draft. A strong half back who does everything well, I'd expect him to pinch hit in the middle when some strength is needed.

Jack Scrimshaw is an athletic 193cm defender who has said himself he wants to become a midfielder. I'm not entirely convinced by that, not sure he quite has the game in close for that. But as a half back, his ball use and rebounding is a bit like that of Grant Birchall. He reads the play well for intercept marks too, something Sam Walker is equally as good at. He quietly went about his Championships, consistently in the best and won All Australian honours. I'm particularly confident he'll be a quality player, can defend or rebound to a high level and has done so across a few years for South Australia.

Meanwhile Jarrod Korewha is a bit of a favouite of mine, quite lean but plays with a bit of flair and likes to go for a run. I think he gets drafted later, he's one who could get stuck between being that tall or more general defender.

Small/Medium Defenders
1. Andrew McGrath
2. Harry Perryman
3. Alex Witherden
4. Steven Slimming
5. Reece Piper

I've doubled up with this category, true small defenders don't tend to stand out like other players and many are made at AFL level as opposed to underaged football. So I've included half backs as those more medium defenders too.

And that's how Andrew McGrath and Harry Perryman make it onto this list. Although to be fair, McGrath has shown some pretty strong defensive abilities - shutting down Ainsworth for example. But it's his rebounding and ball use that will get him drafted in the top 10 too. Perryman as well is your clean and composed half back type, uses the ball well and should be fed the ball to set up plays. It's a shame that Alex Witherden will miss the season with a broken leg because he probably would have cemented a spot in the first round at the Championships, he's a bit of a mix of the two players I just mentioned - with the attacking nature of McGrath, and the composure and skills of Perryman. He could have really shone.

Rounding out the top 5 are Steven Slimming and Reece Piper, two smaller players who impressed at the Championships. Slimming is a quality midfielder, who was largely played out of the back lines for SA simply because he's just as good down there. He's athletic and a good ball user, and the same goes for Piper. His run was on show in the final round for Vic Country, he isn't afraid to back himself and he only just sneaks into this draft by a couple of days.

Tall Forwards
1. Todd Marshall
2. Josh Battle
3. Patrick Kerr
4. Zachary Sproule
5. Luke Strnadica

Unless someone new pops up in the next couple of months, there's every chance only five tall forwards are picked in the National Draft. And at the moment, it's still an open field.

For me, it goes Todd Marshall and then a large gap to the next best. All things considered, he probably didn't have the U18 Championships that many people were expecting from him. He didn't dominate at all, it was only really the last match where he had a real impact. But the glimpses of talent he showed far out shone the others. His contested marking for a relatively skinny player was excellent, he didn't juggle his marks at all. Just one grab every time. His agility and grounwork is also good for such a tall guy. I could see a team like Fremantle reaching for him.

After Marshall, it becomes a lot more even. And the next three guys could have gone in any order. I haven't been too impressed by Josh Battle by this year, and at the Championships he showed little consistency or urgency in his play. His 4 goals in the first round were nothing to write home about, but he made up for that in the last match. He presented well, marked everything that came his way and nearly carried Country to a win. It was nice to see him get a bit more ground to cover too. Ideally, he'd be a second tall forward though. Patrick Kerr is a pretty similar player really, about the same size with similar strengths. I've seen some suggest he is a poor athlete, but he seems about average for a key forward really. He kicks a few behinds too, but at least he's having shots on goal. I liken him to Paddy McCartin from the Saints, about the same size and present similarly on the lead.

Zac Sproule is the GWS Academy member, it'd be interesting to see whether an early second round bid is matched or not. For me, he's more your lead up CHF type like a Matt Taberner, as opposed to the imposing full forward. And he ticks a lot of boxes at his size with his work rate. Like I said, I could have easily had him at #2.

Rounding out the top 5 is Luke Strnadica from WA, still not sure exactly how I rate him - he benefits from it being a weak class of tall forwards. On his day, he can challenge the other names mentioned here. But he's inconsistent, doesn't mark anywhere near enough of the balls that he gets his hands to and can go missing at times. I view him as a slightly longer project who might develop more into a depth player.

Medium Forwards
1. Tim Taranto
2. Sam Powell-Pepper
3. Will Hayward
4. Jake Waterman
5. Ben Davis

Okay, so not a particularly strong group of players here. Unlike with the defenders, there weren't really the players to justify a ranking of the third tall forwards. So instead I've gone the 185-190cm half forward types.

And that's why Tim Taranto is listed here as opposed to being in the midfield. I do think he has a lot of midfield potential, but he can have the most impact up forward and I expect he'll start there at least. He's a good mark for his size, moves well around the ground and bobs up for a goal just at the right time. With Sam Powell-Pepper, I think this is his best position. Just looking at him, it's easy to want him in the midfield. He looks a clearance beast. But I like him forward where he space to move and run, hit the contests at full pace. And his kicking is quite good in the forward half, his strength and versatility would be hard for defenders to match up on.

One of the surprises of the Championships was the form of Will Hayward from SA, finishing with 8 goals from his 4 games. He tended to play quite deep and would rarely win double figure disposals, but he made his touches count. He's a smart footballer, I wouldn't be surprised to see a team take him earlier than expected with the view of moving him up the ground.

Filling the spots are West Coast father son prospect Jake Waterman and one of the few non Academy Allies players in Ben Davis. With Waterman, I can see him being a handy player at the next level - potentially more as a depth player though. He's quite solid at around 190cm, best suited to that third or fourth tall like McGovern is playing at the Crows. While Davis is a player I've liked in glimpses, a 19 year old who was ruled ineligible for the Swans Academy. Reads the play well, showed some nice intercept marking when played down back at the Championships too. A few years and I think he could be a player.

Small Forwards
1. Ben Ainsworth
2. Tyson Stengle
3. Kayle Kirby
4. Josh Daicos
5. Kym LeBois

As I've said over and over, I really value the small forward position and I expect teams will start paying it more attention in the next couple of years. A good crumbing forward can get you 2-3 goals a game through a number of avenues. And it's not a bad year at all for these players - Oliver Florent, Sam Fowler, Ben Jarman and Quinton Narkle could be considered unlucky.

Top of the list is obvioulsy Ben Ainsworth, the only thing holding him back from being the top pick is just how much midfield potential he has at the next level. But as a forward, he plays far bigger than his size. He's an exceptional overhead mark, and just as good on the ground. He showed during the Championships that he can absolutely dominate a game, just needs to do it for more than a quarter at a time.

Two South Australians feature in the top 5, with Tyson Stengle the best natural crumbing forward for mine. He's performed well for a couple of years now, consistently showing he knows how to hit the scoreboard. He just seems to glide around the ground, and has nice footskills to match. Kym LeBois is potentially the most excting, I tend to think he's more of a natural midfielder who'll be forced to play forward. But he can just make the impossible happen.

Unfortunately, Kayle Kirby didn't have much of a Championships. He was suspended for a high bump in the first round and didn't feature again. Which was a shame, because I was tipping him to climb the draft order quite quickly. Reminds me a little of Jarman Impey, quite a strong player with some nice pace and creative with ball in hand. And the other Victorian is the biggest name of the lot, being the Collingwood father son prospect. Mid to late draft I think Josh Daicos is a genuine draft option, smarts and skill are his weapons as opposed to the pure speed or game changing ability of the others.

Utilities
1. Jacob Allison
2. Jordan Ridley
3. Taylin Duman
4. Oscar Junker
5. Tye Bedford

So what makes a player a utility? Well, I've just gone with the taller players who I didn't fit in anywhere else. But really, these guys can play anywhere. Once a club drafts him, it's anyone's guess as to where they'll be developed.

And Jacob Allison is a perfect example of this. The role teams envision for him will be key as to when the bids start coming in. He's played inside midfield, outside midfield, half back and half forward. I know Brisbane fans don't like it when I say this, but I still see him as being like Jared Brennan - and I see him playing that sort of roaming wing/half forward role. Best thing to do would probably be to use his height to create mismatches, as opposed to developing him as a tall.

Next we come to three Vic Metro boys, and Jordan Ridley is one name to keep an eye on. Played the two games at the Championships and was excellent against the Allies playing in the back half, after having spent some time forward in the TAC Cup. He's another to have had a fairly substantial growth spurt, something teams have had a bit of success with lately. Good above his head and a very nice kick. While Taylin Duman is clean on the outside, he'll need to be settled at either end and find a true position. Oscar Junker on the other hand has shown a bit more true midfield potential at TAC Cup level, pushing forward to get onto the scoreboard too.

And I'm finishing the list off with an indigenous kid from SA in Tye Bedford. If anything, he plays a little bigger than his 186cm. Reasonably strong kid, tends to play forward and up on a wing. He's clean with quick hands, seems a worthy project to me.

 

[Chris25]

Very early February state profiles

South Australia

Seems little doubt that Scharenberg and Graham will be leading the midfield, but Steven Slimming (182cm, 72kg from Sturt) is potentially the player that will be named as their MVP. A member of the AFL/AIS Academy, he's just a really productive player and always around the ball. Will probably go a little underrated due to his size, but would have featured as an underaged player last year if not for injury and has good outside speed.

A late addition to the Academy ranks last year was giant Jordon Sweet (203cm, 105kg from North Adelaide). Was the dominant ruckman in the SANFL U18s last year, alonside Ladhams, and played against the Allies last year. There's not much competition for rucks in the state U18s, so it'll be good to see him against some better opposition. I'd expect Tim Sullivan (199cm, 90kg from Glenelg) to return as one of the overaged players this year, the presence of both Ladhams and Sweet should allow him to play as a KPP.

For once, SA has a couple of famous names in their squad with Ben Jarman (175cm, 70kg from North Adelaide) and Lachlan Pascoe (189cm, 94kg from Norwood). Jarman is the son of Darren, he has the skills and ability to read the game that you'd expect from a Jarman. Should find a home as a small forward. While Pascoe is the son of Norwood ruckman Andrew, and was BOG in the U18 final last year. Being the son of a ruckman, there might be some more growth to come and the ability to play as genuine KPD. But he's played well as a rebounding defender so far. Eligible for next years draft, I just thought I'd mention him anyway.

Named as underaged players in the SA U18 squad last year were Andrew Coombe (193cm, 82kg from Sturt) and Sam Walker (188cm, 75kg from Glenelg). Both typically play down back, Coombe in particular should feature this year with his added height. One player I was surprised didn't play as a 17 year old last year was Kym LeBois (174cm, 65kg from North Adelaide). I'd have picked him, think SA really could have used his elite speed. Such an exciting small forward, he'll play increased time in the midfield which should be fun to watch.

Rounding out the midfield will probably be Dakota Nixon (180cm, 73kg from North Adelaide) and Jake Comitogianni (180cm, 68kg from Woodville West Torrens). Nixon performed well in the U16 Championships a couple of years back, while Comitogianni was one of the most consistent midfielders in the competition last season. He's a hard runner and just finds a whole heap of the ball.

Vic Country

For me, Vic Country are the clear favourites going into the 2016 season. Their midfield is a step above the rest of the competition, and they have some quality talls at either end. They'd no doubt like a few more goal scoring options to pop up before the Championships kick off, but I'm sure that will happen. So who else will be lining up alongside the likes of Ainsworth, Brodie, Simpkin and McCluggage?

The last remaining AIS Academy member from Vic Country is Myles Poholke (184cm, 76kg from Dandenong Stingrays). At this stage, he'll probably be one of the players called upon in the forward half. A small/medium forward, he's quite strong in the body and a good mark. TAC Cup, I'd expect him to play further up the ground but for Vic Country he'll likely be a permanent forward and be good for a couple of goals a game.

Plenty of brothers in this draft, with Joseph Atley (185cm, 80kg from Bendigo Pioneers) obvioulsy being the younger brother of North player Shaun. Strong inside midfielder, wins the hard ball and is good defensively. Should be around the mark of the squad. I think he could go either way, I'd like to see his development and how many strings he has to his bow. Not a famous name, but another medium type to watch is Harry Morrison (183cm, 73km from Murray Bushrangers). Didn't play a lot of football last year, but offers good run from the half back line and disposes well.

So who are the talls Vic Country will be wanting to step up? Braidon Blake (195cm, 83kg from Bendigo Pioneers) played some okay football in 2015 in a variety of positions. In the TAC Cup, I'd expect him to keep running through the ruck and forward line. But hopefully he can really cement a spot up forward to get some game time at the Championships. And at the other end of the ground, Sam White (192cm, 84kg from North Ballarat) is a fairly unassuming tall who reads the play well. Will be looking to bounce back from injury this year. Otherwise, Sean Darcy (200cm, 111kg from Geelong Falcons) is one of the more likely ruck prospects but with a focus on improving his marking and truly using his size to his advantage. While teammate Zachary Zdybell (192cm, 84kg from Geelong Falcons) is an athletic type with a good leap, I'd be wanting him to improve his kicking and become a dangerous third tall forward.

Vic Metro

Not the most talented side in the competition this year, at this stage I'd be expecting Vic Metro to produce more mid to late round draft picks. But I'm sure some will surprise as the season goes on. Right alongside the likes of Gallucci and Venables, will be Andrew McGrath (180cm, 73kg from Sandringham Dragons). He played some very good football last year, in only 7 TAC Cup games, where he was used best as a running midfielder or off a back flank. He uses the ball really well and makes the most of his touches, as seen by the fact he was named BOG in one game in which he had just 16 touches. He doesn't need a lot of the ball. Sandringham teammate Tim Taranto (186cm, 79kg from Sandringham Dragons) is another who made the most of limited appearances in the TAC Cup last year. Reasonably strong player for his size, kicked 4 goals in one game last year as that high half forward type.

And once again, we have some brothers in the Vic Metro side. Hamish Brayshaw (183cm, 85kg from Sandringham Dragons) is of course the brother of Melbourne's former #3 draft pick Angus. And the best player comparison for Hamish would in fact be his brother, being that similar strong inside midfielder. Only played one game in the TAC Cup last year due to school football. Dylan Clarke (185cm, 85kg from Eastern Ranges) is the younger brother of Ryan who went at #31 to North Melbourne last year. Another strong inside type, Vic Metro wont be lacking in that regard. Can also play down back, wouldn't be surprised if he played more in that role with his ability to read the play and dispose of the ball.

Two KPPs of some note for me so far, Sam McLarty (195cm, 91kg from Oakleigh Chargers) and Patrick Kerr (192cm, 90kg from Oakleigh Chargers). McLarty is a promising key defender who has been around for a little while now, good above his head and I think will only get better with another year of physical development in him. Kerr meanwhile has probably shown the most of the Vic Metro tall forwards, although is probably best suited to being at #2. Smart and athletic, Kerr is best on the lead with the ball coming to him. Averaged two goals a game in the TAC Cup last year.

And finally one ruck prospect to look out for will be Ovie Magbegor (195cm, 90kg from Calder Cannons). Of Nigerian descent, Ovie is strong and hugely athletic, like many African ruck prospects before him he needs to continue to improve his involvement around the ground.

Western Australia

As if often the case with WA, their hopes at the Championships generally lie with their top end talent. And the good news for them is that they have a very good midfield, and some of the better talls at either end. How they fill the team around the likes of Petrevski-Seton, Hura and Goddard will be interesting.

One big body they have to play through the midfield and across the back lines is Jack Beverley (188cm, 83kg from Subiaco). Has a good size to him, and performed consistently in the Colts last year. Got better as the season went on, started winning more of his own ball and worked hard defensively. The other one with size on his side is Jake Waterman (189cm, 84kg from Claremont Tigers). A father son prospect for West Coast, and also a member of the AIS Academy. A medium forward, he plays bigger than 189cm would suggest and is particularly strong above his head.

At the feet of these bigger body midfielders, WA should have a trio of smalls in Caiden Curtin (175cm, 65kg from Claremont Tigers), Tarir Bayok (175cm, 71kg from East Perth) and Stanley Wright (176cm, 76kg from East Perth). Wright is your fairly typical small ball magnet midfielder, consistently racking up 30+ touches and winning the Colts best and fairest in 2015. Bayok is an outside midfielder of Sudanese descent, and along with Curtin both provide speed on the outside and were named as underaged players in WA's 2015 squad.

Not quite a tall, but likely a key piece of the WA forward setup will be Cameron Zurhaar (189cm, 88kg from East Fremantle). Played for WA as a 17 year old last year, he's a talented but slightly inconsistent medium forward. Marks the ball quite well, has his good and bad days in front of goal. But he should provide a good foil for Strnadica in the forward 50.

Queensland

Yes, the best players from Queensland are all Academy prospects. There's no point getting annoyed by it, just accept it and move on. And outside of Bowes and Allison, the other one who will get plenty of interest is Brad Scheer (184cm, 82kg from Palm Beach Currumbin). A Gold Coast prospect, I imagine he'd fit in nicely up there because he does the hard stuff. He spent a bit of time across half forward last year, but now as an 18 year old he should move straight into the starting midfield and really make his mark on the contests. He's a throwback clearance type midfielder.

In fact, two other players I was going to mention are also part of the Gold Coast Academy - Jesse Esam (188cm, 87kg from Broadbeach) and Curtis Marsden (183cm, 73kg from Palm Beach Currumbin). Esam hasn't quite made the most of his potential yet, he's a tall forward who can run up the ground and is good above his head. And Marsden an outside midfielder who offers a bit of run.

Along with Allison, Brisbane have Jack Rolls (181cm, 71kg from Morningside) to watch this year. He's already played football for the Brisbane reserves, winning a Rising Star nomination in his first game. A very strong runner, he can play down back and through the midfield. Just a clean player who doesn't make too many mistakes.


New South Wales

This year, NSW is pretty much all about GWS. They have about 5 or so players who would be genuine chances in the national draft. Some of them like Macreadie have fairly big wraps on them. One other highly rated prospect is Kobe Mutch (184cm, 75kg from Bendigo Pioneers). Might only have a small frame, but there's lots to like about him and he has some impressive performances on the board already. I like him as an outside midfielder, he's really clean with his ball use and I always like players who can mark strongly despite needing to put on more muscle and weight. I'd expect him to be able to play at both ends of the ground too.

Also for GWS, is Connor Byrne (182cm, 70kg from North Ballarat Rebels) who played a full season of TAC Cup football last year amongst some games as an underaged player at the Championships. Another hard running midfielder, Byrne most impressively has the skills to back up his elite athleticism. Throw in Connor Owen-Auburn (179cm, 79kg from Pennant Hills). Smart player with good hands, he's a strong tackler and should feature at the Championships this year.

After getting Mills last year, it's a bit of a lean year for Sydney. But one Academy prospect for them is Jake Brown (184cm, 75kg from St George). Played everywhere from the NEAFL, to the TAC Cup and for NSW at the U18 Championships last year. Good athlete for his size, versatile to play a number of positions and has a nice boot on him too.

Northern Territory

Parfitt and Hampton will no doubt be leading the charge for NT this year, but for the first time I can remember they actually have a couple of talls who could be draft relevant. They haven't really produced one since Steven May.

But, Tony Olango (201cm, 80kg from St Marys/NT Thunder) is definitely a player to watch. Having anyone over 195cm is rare for the NT, let alone over 200cm. Former soccer player, he's been held back by multiple injuries so far in his short footballing career. But went over to America with the Academy this year, he certainly ticks the boxes in terms of athleticism and leaping ability.

The other one is tall forward Ezekiel Frank (192cm, 79kg from Palmerston/North Ballarat). He moved down from the NT, to the same school that produced Daniel Rioli and Dom Barry, and played some very good football in the TAC Cup last year. He was at one point leading the goal scoring, and finished with 23 goals from 11 matches.

Tasmania

For Tasmania, it might be more interesting to see which players return as overaged players. They've had success in the past with overaged draftees, but for 2016 they still have a couple of players I'd consider strong chances to be part of the Allies squad. While I personally like Donnellan, the biggest name would be Ben McGuinness (189cm, 75kg from Lauderdale). Part of the AIS Academy, McGuinness should be a major part of their plans across the half back line. I think he'll be used more as a stopper, a role he's done well in the past.

While McGuinness has a brother on the Brisbane list, another brother who will be playing for Tasmania this year is Jhdara Jones (191cm, 72kg from Scotch College). The brother of Liam Jones, I'm really interested to watch him go around this year. Comes from a basketball background, can play as a third tall at either end and has even rucked before with his vertical leap.

 

[coniglio_number1]

Awesome work Chris!

What picks do you see mutch, setterfield, sproule, macreadie and byrne being bid on?

My personal view is

Macreadie picks 5-10
Sproule picks 10-20
Setterfield picks 15-30
Mutch picks 25-40
Byrne picks 30-50

 

[M Malice]

hi Chris25 interestingly joel perry-warren got a mention in the AFL prospectus and jack rolls didn't, do you know much about joel?

 

[Chris25]

hi Chris25 interestingly joel perry-warren got a mention in the AFL prospectus and jack rolls didn't, do you know much about joel?

Can't say I do. I know I've read his name in an Academy list before, but that's about it. I never buy the prospectus, so I don't know who they listed as players to watch. But if they reckon he's one, then I'll keep an eye out this year. Allison and Rolls are good prospects for me, to have a third on top would be a bonus for Brisbane.

Awesome work Chris!

What picks do you see mutch, setterfield, sproule, macreadie and byrne being bid on?

My personal view is

Macreadie picks 5-10
Sproule picks 10-20
Setterfield picks 15-30
Mutch picks 25-40
Byrne picks 30-50

Impossible to say at this point. Although I do think Macreadie will prove to be a top 10 pick, on early form he looks one of the better tall prospects. Someone like Sproule, I consider to be in the 'second tier' of KPPs but his value could increase based on how other talls develop this year. I'd conservatively say second round, until we see how the rest of the group comes on. The rest I'd probably agree with, Setterfield looks to have the highest ceiling of the three 'smalls'.

 

[eth-dog]

Hey Chris, a couple of questions:

1. Have you got anything on Matthew Neagle? From what I understand he's a rookie prospect at best at this stage.
2. Who's the best CHF type of the KPF's? Battle? Allison?

 

[Procrastinator35]

Hey Chris, a couple of questions:

1. Have you got anything on Matthew Neagle? From what I understand he's a rookie prospect at best at this stage.
2. Who's the best CHF type of the KPF's? Battle? Allison?

Allison is a midfielder....Bontempelli/Cripps size.

 

[Chris25]

Hey Chris, a couple of questions:

1. Have you got anything on Matthew Neagle? From what I understand he's a rookie prospect at best at this stage.
2. Who's the best CHF type of the KPF's? Battle? Allison?

Not going to pretend I saw him play in the country last year. And nothing stood out in the very very little I saw of his TAC Cup matches. Have to wait and see how his season goes, hopefully he plays a full season this year. Purely on size alone, it's unlikely he'll be much more than a late pick.

As for the CHF, Battle would be up there at this early stage. Not many talls have stood out quite yet. I do like Mitch Carter from SA though, big strong kid. More of a presence than some of the other talls so far. Hopefully Zdybell grows a touch more, or Blake develops into more of a permanent forward. The talls who have impressed me at this early point, I wrote about before. As above, Allison is much more of a utility/midfielder. A tall in the some sort of way that Fyfe or a Jared Brennan could play taller if required.

 

[Procrastinator35]

Chris25....Gallucci at 16 seems way unders....Oozes class, balance & silky skills in everything he does....A top 10 lock for mine.

 

[jjami15]

Not going to pretend I saw him play in the country last year. And nothing stood out in the very very little I saw of his TAC Cup matches. Have to wait and see how his season goes, hopefully he plays a full season this year. Purely on size alone, it's unlikely he'll be much more than a late pick.

As for the CHF, Battle would be up there at this early stage. Not many talls have stood out quite yet. I do like Mitch Carter from SA though, big strong kid. More of a presence than some of the other talls so far. Hopefully Zdybell grows a touch more, or Blake develops into more of a permanent forward. The talls who have impressed me at this early point, I wrote about before. As above, Allison is much more of a utility/midfielder. A tall in the some sort of way that Fyfe or a Jared Brennan could play taller if required.

Please don't put that on the poor kid.

 

[Sunraysia]

Allison is a midfielder....Bontempelli/Cripps size.

Not yet hes not. Lacks ability to work in congestion like those guys . His biggest assets are his contested marking and long kick- is a forward/back for me.... maybe tall wingman at a pinch ...

 

[Procrastinator35]

Not yet hes not. Lacks ability to work in congestion like those guys . His biggest assets are his contested marking and long kick- is a forward/back for me.... maybe tall wingman at a pinch ...

Yeah....Should have specified height only hey.

 

[jasonrampage2010]

Not yet hes not. Lacks ability to work in congestion like those guys . His biggest assets are his contested marking and long kick- is a forward/back for me.... maybe tall wingman at a pinch ...

Would love to know the kicking distance, it should be in the draft combine

 

[Sunraysia]

Would love to know the kicking distance, it should be in the draft combine

Future as an NFL punter maybe .....

 

[kotor]

Great to have you back mate. Really enjoy your thread!

Quick question, how do you rate the draft compared to recent year? depth wise? top end talent?

well aware its very early, but do you have a feel yet for the quality of the draft?

 

[RedmanWasHere]

Subbed.

The first batch of draft prospects born the year after I started school.
YIKES!

Also, I see it's a very skinny draft.
Not in terms of quality names or depth but Jarrad Grant like skinny.

 

[grundog49]

Nice list Chris25. I really intrigued how high you rate Donnellan. I have both Nat Franklin, Harrison Pearce and Ben McGuiness ahead on my list for Tasmanians. I think a player you have underated is Bradley Scheer. He will be drafted around the same position a Hopper. Bank on it.

 

[grundog49]

Vic Metro

Not the most talented side in the competition this year, at this stage I'd be expecting Vic Metro to produce more mid to late round draft picks. But I'm sure some will surprise as the season goes on. Right alongside the likes of Gallucci and Venables, will be Andrew McGrath (180cm, 73kg from Sandringham Dragons). He played some very good football last year, in only 7 TAC Cup games, where he was used best as a running midfielder or off a back flank. He uses the ball really well and makes the most of his touches, as seen by the fact he was named BOG in one game in which he had just 16 touches. He doesn't need a lot of the ball. Sandringham teammate Tim Taranto (186cm, 79kg from Sandringham Dragons) is another who made the most of limited appearances in the TAC Cup last year. Reasonably strong player for his size, kicked 4 goals in one game last year as that high half forward type.

And once again, we have some brothers in the Vic Metro side. Hamish Brayshaw (183cm, 85kg from Sandringham Dragons) is of course the brother of Melbourne's former #3 draft pick Angus. And the best player comparison for Hamish would in fact be his brother, being that similar strong inside midfielder. Only played one game in the TAC Cup last year due to school football. Dylan Clarke (185cm, 85kg from Eastern Ranges) is the younger brother of Ryan who went at #31 to North Melbourne last year. Another strong inside type, Vic Metro wont be lacking in that regard. Can also play down back, wouldn't be surprised if he played more in that role with his ability to read the play and dispose of the ball.

Two KPPs of some note for me so far, Sam McLarty (195cm, 91kg from Oakleigh Chargers) and Patrick Kerr (192cm, 90kg from Oakleigh Chargers). McLarty is a promising key defender who has been around for a little while now, good above his head and I think will only get better with another year of physical development in him. Kerr meanwhile has probably shown the most of the Vic Metro tall forwards, although is probably best suited to being at #2. Smart and athletic, Kerr is best on the lead with the ball coming to him. Averaged two goals a game in the TAC Cup last year.

And finally one ruck prospect to look out for will be Ovie Magbegor (195cm, 90kg from Calder Cannons). Of Nigerian descent, Ovie is strong and hugely athletic, like many African ruck prospects before him he needs to continue to improve his involvement around the ground.

Might lose Ovie to Basketball. Named number 11 in Australia for Basketballers born in the same year.

 

[Chris25]

Chris25....Gallucci at 16 seems way unders....Oozes class, balance & silky skills in everything he does....A top 10 lock for mine.

Gallucci is the obvious one I've dropped a little. There's no particular reason, I just like to bump a few others up the order when I do my first list - guys like Parfitt, Bowes, Setterfield and McCluggage for example. The slightly less known players who I like, try to get their profiles going a little. But as you said, Gallucci is a very classy player. The signs are all there for him to be a top 10 pick. Didn't think he finished the season in particularly good form last year, was hoping for a little more on the back of the Championships. But he should be a focal point this season, hopefully more time in the middle as opposed to outside and the extra responsbility should see him become more involved.

 

[Chris25]

Great to have you back mate. Really enjoy your thread!

Quick question, how do you rate the draft compared to recent year? depth wise? top end talent?

well aware its very early, but do you have a feel yet for the quality of the draft?

It is early, so hard to say. I wouldn't expect to have a good feel for the depth and quality in regards to KPPs for another few months at least. Have to see how they start the new year, who are going to be genuine draft options and the like. Once that becomes clearer, the whole draft will be a bit easier to rate. In terms of the smalls though, the top end depth is looking pretty good. I probably like the top 20 a touch more this year than I did the same group this time last year. There are some talented players with big bodies, always a preference of mine. Few more players this year who I look at and think 'now they could be anything'. Who knows which way they go though.

Another good thing is the WA group. When WA have a strong team, the draft is usually a good one. They've had a lean couple of years in terms of real top end talent, but obviously I have a few in my top 30. So that's promising.