Draft Watcher 2016 Young Talent Time

[bmaurizio]

Hi Chris,
Could you pls gives more insight into Will Hayward. I have read he is bolting quickly into possible 5 to 10 contention? Could he be a midfielder ? what about he's skill set and kicking especially? Could Silvagni be contemplating the Will from SA , other than the one evey body is expecting him to select?
Appreciate yr time and effort.
Go Blues

 

[lionsbest]

Hey Chris25 ,
Kudos as always .
Who is better when fit Ainsworth vs SPS . At 3 , if mccluggage is gone . I want SPS at the lions. Skill is a must . Who would you pick and why if you were a lions recruiter( as I agree with you lots to love about SPS) watch out if SPS lives up to his full potential.

Again love your posts. As always , well done.

 

[rumoursofwinter]

Hey Chris,

Wondering what is the deal with Venables this season? Has he been injured or hidden? He is the mystery man of the draft.

Do you think Whimpress is likely to be drafted? He looks like he has great tools for someone who has been training with his local club. I'd like him at Port but don't know if we are going to use our late picks?

 

[year of the cat]

Hi Chris, no secret that the Cats will be needing to bring some tall timber into the club at both ends of the ground. Have Hawkins, Lonergan and Taylor all nearing the end. Henderson has a few top years left but we have a fairly bare cupboard aside from Gardner.

If we are looking at ranking talls on quality or "best available", regardless of whether they are forwards or backs, how do you line up Battle, Kerr, B.Cox and even Macreadie whom Geelong may consider throwing in a bid for at 24?

 

[Chris25]

Hi Chris,
Could you pls gives more insight into Will Hayward. I have read he is bolting quickly into possible 5 to 10 contention? Could he be a midfielder ? what about he's skill set and kicking especially? Could Silvagni be contemplating the Will from SA , other than the one evey body is expecting him to select?
Appreciate yr time and effort.
Go Blues

Bolting into the 5-10 range might be a little high, but around that 12-20 spot is looking about right at the moment. And it wouldn't be a huge surprise to those in SA, the talent has always been there. I kept saying through the Championships that he had midfield potential, and that he was only showing a very small part to his game as a forward. He just needs to build his strength up. But I've always said that a skinny player who can clunk a contested mark gets a big tick in my box. I think he could develop into a Jackson Macrae type midfielder, with perhaps slightly more consistent footskills.

Hey Chris25 ,
Kudos as always .
Who is better when fit Ainsworth vs SPS . At 3 , if mccluggage is gone . I want SPS at the lions. Skill is a must . Who would you pick and why if you were a lions recruiter( as I agree with you lots to love about SPS) watch out if SPS lives up to his full potential.

Again love your posts. As always , well done.

I still think SPS is the best talent in the draft, so I personally would be picking him. But you can't go wrong with Ainsworth either. Especially given he's happy to play in Queensland and SPS wants to play in Victoria. I think Ainsworth will be a 40+ goal a season player, and still average 20+ touches per game.

 

[Chris25]

Hey Chris,

Wondering what is the deal with Venables this season? Has he been injured or hidden? He is the mystery man of the draft.

Do you think Whimpress is likely to be drafted? He looks like he has great tools for someone who has been training with his local club. I'd like him at Port but don't know if we are going to use our late picks?

Venables has had a couple of injuries, but has also been playing school football.

I wouldn't be surprised if Whimpress went late, but if not then he should be rookie listed. He's got promise as a rebounding defender, really takes the game on and is an excellent kick. He'll take a few years to develop the size and strength needed though.

 

[Chris25]

Hi Chris, no secret that the Cats will be needing to bring some tall timber into the club at both ends of the ground. Have Hawkins, Lonergan and Taylor all nearing the end. Henderson has a few top years left but we have a fairly bare cupboard aside from Gardner.

If we are looking at ranking talls on quality or "best available", regardless of whether they are forwards or backs, how do you line up Battle, Kerr, B.Cox and even Macreadie whom Geelong may consider throwing in a bid for at 24?

Macreadie
Cox
Battle
Kerr

Although I think the forwards potentially go first, as the depth in this draft is much better for defenders than forwards. Don't discount Elliot Himmelberg though, he probably goes second round and can play at either end.

 

[year of the cat]

Macreadie
Cox
Battle
Kerr

Although I think the forwards potentially go first, as the depth in this draft is much better for defenders than forwards. Don't discount Elliot Himmelberg though, he probably goes second round and can play at either end.

That marries up pretty much with my feel. Problem we have is that if we take one of the forwards with our first, it's very unlikely that either Macreadie or Cox (or even Himmelberg for that matter) will be there for our second. If one of the lot is to drop to our second I reckon it's Kerr.

 

[lionsbest]

Bolting into the 5-10 range might be a little high, but around that 12-20 spot is looking about right at the moment. And it wouldn't be a huge surprise to those in SA, the talent has always been there. I kept saying through the Championships that he had midfield potential, and that he was only showing a very small part to his game as a forward. He just needs to build his strength up. But I've always said that a skinny player who can clunk a contested mark gets a big tick in my box. I think he could develop into a Jackson Macrae type midfielder, with perhaps slightly more consistent footskills.



I still think SPS is the best talent in the draft, so I personally would be picking him. But you can't go wrong with Ainsworth either. Especially given he's happy to play in Queensland and SPS wants to play in Victoria. I think Ainsworth will be a 40+ goal a season player, and still average 20+ touches per game.

Thanks,fantastic work as usual Chris 25. Absolutely SPS is a talent.

 

[XU1-ROO]

Hi Chris. Where do you see Lebois going in the Draft. Cheers.

 

[Pure_Ownage]

That marries up pretty much with my feel. Problem we have is that if we take one of the forwards with our first, it's very unlikely that either Macreadie or Cox (or even Himmelberg for that matter) will be there for our second. If one of the lot is to drop to our second I reckon it's Kerr.

I think carlton will take kerr at 25 if we pass on him but agree with your general theory.

 

[year of the cat]

I think carlton will take kerr at 25 if we pass on him but agree with your general theory.

Possible of course. As you can tell I've cooled significantly on Kerr. Would prefer other options with our first.

 

[Chris25]

Hi Chris. Where do you see Lebois going in the Draft. Cheers.

Somewhere in the 40-60 range for me. Super exciting and dangerous small forward.

 

[Purpellian Anchor]

Chris i would like your input on this as there have been many suggesting we should take Petrevski Seaton with Freo's first pick if available. Ian always concerned with players who have hamstring and back problems which he seems to have had the last twelve months or more....i think of players who really started to struggle once they had these issue when they came in the career and were out more than they were in. I also suggest McGrath is the best in the draft by a bit ... Essendon should take him he has all the qualities of and outstanding inside mid similar to Prides but i think could be better. Rowan Marshall ... is he a consideration for us as a ruck prospect ?

 

[McCraeBF]

34. GWS - Harrison Macreadie (196cm, 89kg defender from Henty)

Should be in top 10 someone will bid -Thoughts

 

[adammania9]

34. GWS - Harrison Macreadie (196cm, 89kg defender from Henty)

Should be in top 10 someone will bid -Thoughts

Several months ago yes, but Macreadie had a very poor year by his standards. It's great for GWS though because I expect he'll still be the best key defender this year.

 

[PhoenixBonez]

Several months ago yes, but Macreadie had a very poor year by his standards. It's great for GWS though because I expect he'll still be the best key defender this year.

May be just coincidence, but a lot of the academy boys that already know where they are going haven't quite come on as strongly this year as they were rated. Bowes dropped down a few spots with a quiet Div1 champs compared to how he looked in Div2. Macreadie dropped right away after GWS relocated him. Setterfield has been heavily managed with injuries throughout the year. Perryman hasn't been as impressive after Div 2 champs. Allison dropped right away after being AA last year as an underager.
Mutch has continued to be pretty consistent but he's one that didn't seem guaranteed a spot. Cumming has risen, but again, he was one that didn't seem previously considered a certainty.

Like I said may be coincidence or one for the conspiracy theorists haha.

 

[adammania9]

May be just coincidence, but a lot of the academy boys that already know where they are going haven't quite come on as strongly this year as they were rated. Bowes dropped down a few spots with a quiet Div1 champs compared to how he looked in Div2. Macreadie dropped right away after GWS relocated him. Setterfield has been heavily managed with injuries throughout the year. Perryman hasn't been as impressive after Div 2 champs. Allison dropped right away after being AA last year as an underager.
Mutch has continued to be pretty consistent but he's one that didn't seem guaranteed a spot. Cumming has risen, but again, he was one that didn't seem previously considered a certainty.

Like I said may be coincidence or one for the conspiracy theorists haha.

100% and one I didn't think of. The only highly rated guy who has stood his ground at the top is Setterfield. What happened to Allison and Macreadie this year is beyond me - both just fell off a cliff.

 

[Chris25]

I'm working on my final rankings for the year. I figured I should post here, to put the pressure on myself to finish.

As a spoiler, there's one player I've yet to see mentioned anywhere else. He's a favourite of mine that I've kept under wraps. I was hoping someone else would rate him as I do.

 

[year of the cat]

I'm working on my final rankings for the year. I figured I should post here, to put the pressure on myself to finish.

As a spoiler, there's one player I've yet to see mentioned anywhere else. He's a favourite of mine that I've kept under wraps. I was hoping someone else would rate him as I do.

Got to love a good smokie

 

[Purpellian Anchor]

As a spoiler, there's one player I've yet to see mentioned anywhere else. He's a favourite of mine that I've kept under wraps. I was hoping someone else would rate him as I do.[/QUOTE]

Ridley maybe....surprised he hasn't been rated by anyone in their top fifty etc

 

[Bicks]

As a spoiler, there's one player I've yet to see mentioned anywhere else. He's a favourite of mine that I've kept under wraps. I was hoping someone else would rate him as I do.

Ridley maybe....surprised he hasn't been rated by anyone in their top fifty etc[/QUOTE]

Chris Pelchen's Star Network and his Scouts do..

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-11-20/new-model-to-boost-future-recruiting-strategies

STAR Network's top 20 draft rankings
1. Andrew McGrath
POS: Midfielder, Ht 179cm, Wt 75kg, DOB 2/6/98

From Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
Pelchen says: "To us, he didn't put a foot wrong all year. He played in so many positions – he can be a genuine midfielder, a run-with player and even troubleshoot in defence or push forward and create. His versatility makes him the most valuable player."

2. Hugh McCluggage
POS: Midfielder, Ht 185cm, Wt 75kg, DOB 3/3/1998
From North Ballarat Rebels/Vic Country
Pelchen says: "What's ideal about Hugh is that he's a goalkicking midfielder and they are few and far between. He can go inside and outside and things seem to happen after he's had the ball."

3. Jack Bowes
POS: Midfielder, Ht 187cm, Wt 78kg, DOB 26/1/98
From Gold Coast Academy/Queensland
Pelchen says: "Jack is such a smooth mover. Everything he does is normally right and we've looked at him closely this year and he's rarely played a bad game. He's a modern day midfielder and for that reason we've got him rated higher than many people have."

4. Will Setterfield
POS: Midfielder, Ht 190cm, Wt 80kg, DOB 5/2/98
From Sandringham Dragons/GWS Academy/NSW-ACT
Pelchen says: "While he had his injury interruptions, we believe he can play any role through the midfield and he can go forward or back if need be. He's got outstanding character and we've got no doubt GWS are going to end up with a fantastic player."

5. Jack Scrimshaw
POS: Defender/midfielder, Ht 194cm, Wt 80kg, DOB 4/9/98
From Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
Pelchen says: "Jack is an incredibly talented and creative player who can play at half-back and may push into the midfield at some stage. We have him rated this highly because of the way he uses the ball and controls the game from defence."

6. Tim Taranto
POS: Midfielder, Ht 186cm, Wt 82kg, DOB 28/1/98
From Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
Pelchen says: "Tim has really shot up the calculations and it's not hard to see why. He can play in the midfield or up forward. He's hard at the footy and makes things happen. He's good above his head and he's going to be a really impressive AFL footballer."

7. Sam Petrevski-Seton
POS: Midfield/half-forward, Ht 181cm, Wt 76kg, DOB 19/2/98
From Claremont/Western Australia
Pelchen says: "He's a Rolls Royce and a player who's easy to watch. He's a smooth performer and uses the ball well. He'll need to keep his work rate up and I'm sure clubs will stress that to him, hence why he's a better player under pressure."

8. Ben Ainsworth
POS: Small forward, Ht 179cm, Wt 74kg, DOB 10/2/98
From Gippsland Power/Vic Country
Pelchen says: "Ben's a player who has been a solid performer over the last three years. He's hard at the footy, he can play inside midfield and he can play as a talented, dynamic small forward. He's a very hard player to match up on."

9. Harry Perryman
POS: Midfielder/half-forward, Ht 184cm, Wt 75kg, DOB 19/12/98
From Collingullie-GP/GWS Academy/NSW-ACT
Pelchen says: "He's not as pretty to watch as others but he's just so efficient in what he gets done. He uses the ball extremely well and he's exactly what the Giants need – guys who can play one-on-one football."

10. Will Brodie
POS: Midfielder, Ht 189cm, Wt 82kg, DOB 23/8/98
From Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country
Pelchen says: "He's a very competitive kid and he's someone we rate highly as a person. Will's a very safe selection. He's very disciplined in the way he approaches his game and he's meticulous in the way he prepares for his football."

11. Jy Simpkin
POS: Half-forward/midfielder, Ht 181cm, Wt 71kg, DOB 5/3/98
From Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country
Pelchen says: "He's dynamic and he does catch your eye. Despite breaking his leg early in the season, he plays his footy with real spirit and he's a guy that doesn't get caught often because he uses the footy so quickly and efficiently."

12. Tim English
POS: Ruckman/tall forward, Ht 204cm, Wt 86kg, DOB 10/8/97
From South Fremantle/Western Australia
Pelchen says: He's a difficult one to place because he's such a raw talent. At 204cm, to have that sort of agility and ground coverage means he's a very attractive option for clubs. Not many clubs choose ruckmen in the first round of the draft, but I think English will buck that trend."

13. Alex Witherden
POS: Half-back, Ht 189cm, Wt 79kg, DOB 10/9/98
From Geelong Falcons/Vic Country
Pelchen says: "The best is yet to be seen out of Alex and we've had to take his injury into account (a broken leg that wiped out his 2016 season). If he'd played the whole year he would have been even higher – he's just got such composure with the footy."

14. Jarrod Berry
POS: Midfield/half-back, Ht 191cm, Wt 80kg, DOB 5/2/98
From North Ballarat Rebels/Vic Country
Pelchen says: "He's a tough, rebounding defender and gets the footy and goes. To have the endurance level he's got means he's going to be able to play on talls and smalls. We really like the run and risk he plays with."

15. Oliver Florent
POS: Midfielder/Half-forward, Ht 183cm, WT 74kg, DOB 22/7/98
From Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
Pelchen says: "A player who came up the order later in the year, like he did for most clubs. He can play in so many spots forward of centre, he's a very attractive option. It's getting more difficult to pick midfielders who can rest up forward and kick goals, but this guy can."

16. Griffin Logue
POS: Key defender, Ht 194cm, Wt 92kg, DOB 13/4/98
From Swan Districts/Western Australia
Pelchen says: "This is one lad, because he isn't a midfielder, who will attract a lot of interest. He's got such good athleticism. To run with the endurance at 194cm that he has, means that he'll be able to play on those modern day AFL star forwards."

17. Jordan Gallucci
POS: Midfielder, Ht 183cm, Wt 75kg, DOB 3/5/98
From Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro
Pelchen says: "He gets varying opinions across clubs, but for us his athleticism means that you're really going to be able to mould this player into what you want. He can jump and he can run – he's a true athlete – and he'll be able to go forward, after stints in the midfield, and be a marking option."

18. Daniel Venables
POS: Midfielder/half-forward, Ht 186cm, Wt 81kg, DOB 19/11/98
From Western Jets/Vic Metro
Pelchen says: "He's a player who's polarised opinions a little. His natural aggression is something that appeals to AFL clubs and his championships form was excellent. But he's had injuries so there is a little risk there. That ferocity at the footy won't leave you wondering what he's going to do."

19. Will Hayward
POS: Half-forward, Ht 186cm, Wt 76kg, DOB 26/10/98

From North Adelaide/South Australia
Pelchen says: "He is exciting because he can kick goals. As a forward, he's dangerous in the air and he's dangerous on the ground. He can rush his disposal a little bit but we wouldn't be surprised at all if someone picked him earlier because of his talent."

20. Jordan Ridley
POS: Tall defender, Ht 192cm, Wt 79kg, DOB 20/10/98
From Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro
Pelchen says: "He's a bit higher than some clubs may have had him but he's a player who has real upside. Anyone who can kick the ball as well as Jordan, at his height, deserves this standing. He can play as a third tall defender or even on the wing if need be."

 

[Clems Knee]

Ridley maybe....surprised he hasn't been rated by anyone in their top fifty etc

Ridley has been rated by plenty. He has averaged the 29th highest pick, with a range from 14 (Brett Anderson) to 70 in the trial run.

I'm guessing a real dark horse, like Dylan Whimpress. He's a South Australian too.

 

[bmaurizio]

Bolting into the 5-10 range might be a little high, but around that 12-20 spot is looking about right at the moment. And it wouldn't be a huge surprise to those in SA, the talent has always been there. I kept saying through the Championships that he had midfield potential, and that he was only showing a very small part to his game as a forward. He just needs to build his strength up. But I've always said that a skinny player who can clunk a contested mark gets a big tick in my box. I think he could develop into a Jackson Macrae type midfielder, with perhaps slightly more consistent footskills.





I still think SPS is the best talent in the draft, so I personally would be picking him. But you can't go wrong with Ainsworth either. Especially given he's happy to play in Queensland and SPS wants to play in Victoria. I think Ainsworth will be a 40+ goal a season player, and still average 20+ touches per game.[/QUOTE



Thanks for your info Chris on this query and all your good work through the many questions.
Great read always

 

[Chris25]

I've been a bit busy with the day job this week, but I think I've finalised my rankings. They're here on the first page. Also...

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 Himmbelberg - 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

I promised a smokie. And at #49 is Tom Charlton, a 192cm forward from Norwood in the SANFL. He's a kid I'm particularly keen on, I've more been wanting to see if anyone else is seeing what I am. If there is one thing that this draft is lacking, it's goal kickers over 190cm and I think Charlton shows some real potential. He reminds me a bit of Shane Kersten, although obviously less developed. Has really good speed which he uses well on the lead, also marks the ball strongly above his head. Both on goal and in the field, his kicking is well above average too. I doubt he'll grow to KPP height, 192cm seems about his maximum but he'd be versatile as that 3rd or 4th tall. Just needs a few years in the gym, he'll get pushed off the ball too much at the moment. He was invited to the state screening, but there's usually a surprise in the national draft somewhere. And I think Charlon could be the one.