Review 2017 AFL National Draft - Friday 24th November

[giantroo]

The 2017 Draft Order

FIRST-ROUND ORDER

1. Brisbane Lions
2. Fremantle (from Gold Coast)
3. Carlton
4. North Melbourne
5. Fremantle
6. Collingwood
7. St Kilda (from Hawthorn)
8. St Kilda
9. Western Bulldogs
10. Carlton (from Adelaide, via Melbourne)
11. GWS Giants (from Essendon)
12. Adelaide (from Brisbane Lions, via Port Adelaide and Gold Coast)
13. West Coast
14. Sydney Swans
15. Brisbane Lions (from Richmond, via Geelong, Carlton and GWS)
16. Western Bulldogs (from Carlton, via Adelaide)
17. Richmond
18. Brisbane Lions (free agency compensation, Tom Rockliff)
19. Gold Coast (from Geelong, free agency compensation, Steven Motlop)

** GWSGiants have been penalised 1000 draft points over the Lachie Whitfield drugs suspension and their first-round draft pick becomes pick No.63.

SECOND ROUND

20. Richmond (from Brisbane Lions)
21. West Coast (from Gold Coast)
22. Geelong (from Carlton)
23. North Melbourne
24. Geelong (from Gold Coast, via Fremantle)
25. Richmond (from Brisbane Lions, via W.Bulldogs Essendon, GWS and Collingwood)
26. West Coast (from Gold Coast, via Hawthorn)
27. GWS Giants (from St Kilda)
28. GWS Giants (from Carlton, via W.Bulldogs)
29. Melbourne
30. Carlton (from W.Bulldogs, via Essendon)
31. Melbourne (from Port Adelaide)
32. West Coast
33. Sydney Swans
34. St Kilda (from Port Adelaide, via Hawthorn, GWS and Carlton)
35. Geelong
36. Melbourne (from Adelaide)
37. West Coast (from Gold Coast, via Richmond)


THIRD ROUND
38. Collingwood (from Brisbane Lions)
39. Adelaide (from Gold Coast)
40. Brisbane Lions (from W.Bulldogs, via Carlton)
41. Gold Coast (from Fremantle, via W.Bulldogs and North Melbourne)
42. Fremantle
43. Hawthorn (from Brisbane Lions, via Collingwood)
44. Brisbane Lions (from Hawthorn)
45. St Kilda
46. Port Adelaide (from North Melbourne, via W.Bulldogs)
47. Melbourne
48. Essendon
49. Port Adelaide
50. Gold Coast (from West Coast)
51. Sydney
52. Brisbane Lions (from Richmond, via GWS)
53. Richmond (from Geelong)
54. Gold Coast (from Adelaide)
55. Richmond


FOURTH ROUND

56. Collingwood (from Brisbane Lions)
57. GWS Giants (from Fremantle, via Gold Coast)
58. Geelong (from Carlton)
59. Port Adelaide (from St Kilda, via North Melbourne and W.Bulldogs)
60. Fremantle
61. Collingwood
62. Port Adelaide (from Hawthorn)
63. Port Adelaide (from St Kilda)
64. North Melbourne (from W.Bulldogs)
65. GWS Giants (** originally pick No.15)
66. Fremantle (from Melbourne)
67. Essendon
68. Hawthorn (from Port Adelaide)
69. West Coast
70. Collingwood (from Sydney)
71. Fremantle (from GWS Giants)
72. Geelong
73. Carlton (from Adelaide)
74. Richmond

ROUND FIVE

75. Hawthorn (received from Brisbane Lions via Luke Hodge trade)
76. Gold Coast
77. Adelaide (received from Carlton via Bryce Gibbs trade)
78. North Melbourne
79. Fremantle
80. Collingwood
81. Hawthorn
82. Western Bulldogs (received from St Kilda in 2016)
83. Fremantle (received from Western Bulldogs via Hayden Crozier trade)
84. Melbourne
85. Essendon
86. Port Adelaide
87. West Coast
88. Sydney
89. Greater Western Sydney
90. Geelong
91. North Melbourne (received from Adelaide via Sam Gibson trade)
92. Richmond

ROUND SIX

93. Brisbane Lions
94. Gold Coast
95. Port Adelaide (received from Carlton via Matthew Lobbe trade)
96. North Melbourne
97. Fremantle
98. Collingwood
99. Hawthorn
100. St Kilda
101. Western Bulldogs
102. Melbourne
103. Essendon
104. Port Adelaide
105. West Coast
106. Sydney
107. Greater Western Sydney
108. Geelong
109. Adelaide
110. Richmond

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-10-19/indicative-draft-order-keep-up-to-date-with-all-the-picks

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WITH the 2016 NAB AFL Draft done and dusted, attention will quickly turn to next year's pool of prospects.

This week the NAB AFL Academy squad will be undertaking a training camp in Darwin ahead of travelling to America in January.

So with that in mind, AFL.com.au has looked ahead to find 10 prospects who we'll be following closely throughout 2017.

Connor Ballenden
Tall forward
199cm/94kg
29/3/99
Brisbane Lions Academy/Queensland
The towering tall forward took a couple of pack marks in the NAB All-Stars clash to again highlight his talents as a key forward. He is big and bustling and a nice kick for goal, and will have excited Brisbane Lions supporters with his development across this season. The Lions will get first access to Ballenden, who used to be a rugby union player, under academy rules.

Jarrod Brander
Tall forward/defender
193cm/85kg
11/2/99
Bendigo Pioneers/GWS Academy/NSW-ACT
Clubs are already talking about Brander being one of the best prospects in next year's pool. The aggressive, athletic key position player can be used at both ends of the ground and finds a way to impact the game with his marking and ball use. It remains unclear whether he will be judged a member of Greater Western Sydney's academy or be available in the open pool.

Hunter Clark
Midfielder/half-back
185cm/73kg
26/3/99
Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country
It was in 2015 that Clark began to come into prominence as a likely prospect, having performed exceptionally well at that year's NAB AFL Under-16 Championships. Clark is an excellent kick on both feet, he can fly for his marks, and he loves to stream down the wing and set up the play. He's tough and hard but plays with a great level of composure.

Joel Garner
Half-forward/midfielder
183cm/75kg
21/5/99
Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro
At this stage Garner is best deployed across half-forward, where his spark, pace and class really give him a point of difference. But his best game of this year was probably as a half-back for the NAB AFL Academy level one squad when he won the medal as its best player against New Zealand in April. The indigenous youngster is exciting and has a real bag of tricks.

Sam Hayes
Ruckman
200cm/90kg
9/6/99
Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro
Hayes kicked three goals for Vic Metro in its final game of the under-18 championships, but will play next year mainly as a ruckman who can float forward rather than the other way around. The 17-year-old is one of a group of taller types who look likely to be amongst the top prospects in next year's crop.

Jack Higgins
Midfielder
176cm/72kg
19/3/99
Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro
Higgins got a good taste of things this year in representing Vic Metro at the under-18 carnival as a bottom-ager. He was also excellent for the Oakleigh Chargers at TAC Cup level, playing 10 games and kicking 19 goals. Higgins' ability to push forward and be a constant threat for a ball-winning midfielder gives him a point of different from other prospects.


Lochie O'Brien
Midfielder
183cm/73kg
18/9/99
Bendigo Pioneers/Vic Country
O'Brien showed his dash and dare in the NAB All-Stars game on Grand Final morning, when he gathered 20 disposals and kicked two goals to finish his bottom-age season in style. The Bendigo Pioneers product plays with great poise and skill, and is a beautiful left-foot kick. He is an excellent endurance athlete and matches that with a classy and quick footy brain.

Cameron Rayner
Half-forward
185cm/84kg
21/10/99
Western Jets/Vic Metro
The exciting Western Jets half-forward was recently added to the NAB AFL Academy level two squad following a brilliant end to the season. He kicked a seven-goal haul in the TAC Cup for the Jets and then backed it up with another five goals the following week. Rayner is powerful, explosive and as dangerous in the air as he is on the ground. He looms as an exciting player to track next season.

Charlie Spargo
Midfielder
171cm/66kg
25/11/99
Murray Bushrangers/GWS Academy/NSW-ACT
Spargo is a busy midfielder who belies his size to dig into the packs and find the ball on a consistent basis. He's tough and active, and is already considered a leader in his age group. Spargo is the son of former North Melbourne player Paul, however does not qualify as a father-son selection. Having grown up in Albury, he is a member of Greater Western Sydney's academy zone (unless rules change before next year for the club).

Jaidyn Stephenson
Forward
184cm/67kg
15/1/99
Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro
Stephenson is electric whenever he's around the ball and already has shown brilliant match-winning traits. He blitzed in the 2015 TAC Cup finals series for the Eastern Ranges as a 16-year-old, and he booted 23 goals in 11 games for the Ranges this year. He's wiry but can jump high and take huge marks, he has wheels to get away from opponents, and is efficient around goal.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-11-26/looking-forward-to-the-likely-2017-nab-afl-draft-stars

 

[giantroo]

Notes from the U17 AFL All star game earlier this year


Josh Poulter’s scouting notes:

Votes:

5 – Lochie O’Brien (Judd)

4 – Darcy Fogarty (Judd)

3 – Connor Ballenden (O’Loughlin)

2 – Hunter Clark (Judd)

1 – Jack Higgins (O’Loughlin)

Team Judd:

#1 – Charlie Spargo

Nothing unusual today for Spargo in the way he played. Worked hard on both the inside and outside of the contest and collected 16 disposals. Like the week before his disposal was both a highlight and lowlight as it went hot and cold. He was also named captain of the victorious side.

#9 – Lochie O’Brien

A new team was the only thing different for O’Brien as he played today in the manner as he has all year. Was the link-up & go-to player for Team Judd. His quality ball use was the catalyst for much of the attacking by his team. His kicking inside-50 was also a highlight.

#12 – Hunter Clark

Showed his X-Factor with moments of brilliance. Took a great pack mark and also had dash. Had plenty of the ball as well finishing the day with 21 disposals. Spent the majority of the day in the midfield and showed some explosive power when he gathered the ball on occasion.

#14 – Cameron Rayner

Was all over the game early and found most of his ball in the first half of the game, before fading to finish with 16 disposals. Showed moments of power and agility. Did look to bomb away at times and ‘dump kick’. He also got moved behind the ball late in the game.


#18 – Darcy Fogarty

Started the game off strongly in the forward line with the first goal of the game. Was thrown around throughout the game as well. Showed great alethicism for size and movement was very good for his size. His strong pair of hands were also a highlight and he won Best-on-Ground honours.

Team O’Loughlin

#3 – Jack Higgins

The midfielder/forward rotated between his two positions for the day and was one of Team O’Louhglin’s best players. Kicked 1.4 for the day and showed his footballing brain in the Forward-50. But his kicking cost him and could’ve had a much more impactful game on the scoreboard despite having 24 disposals.

#7 – Aidan Quigley

The Gippsland Power product was in and out of the game, but he had moments in the game that had the on-lookers impressed. His elite agility and lateral movement showed as he on a few occasions was able to weave out of traffic.

#28 – Nathan Kreuger

The tall defender played as the 3rd tall for the majority on the day and was able to peel off and gather his usual intercept possessions. He rebounded well out of defensive 50 and used his great left foot kick and also displayed strong hands overhead also.

#33 – Connor Ballenden

The highly touted Brisbane Lions academy prospect kicked two goals early but did most of his good work in the second half of the game. He also started the 3rd quarter in the ruck and showed his one one prowess in a marking contest, with him out muscling his opponents.

Expect Connor Ballenden to be one of the first talls picked in 2017 #AFLDraft. Lions academy membr strong mrk overhead, booted 2 gls today.

— Matt Balmer (@MattBalmer7) October 1, 2016

#35 – Sam Hayes

Started the game in the ruck but spent most of the game deep at Full-Forward. At moments he did look like he was labouring or a bit slow and fumbled on a few occasions below the knees. Sometimes he looked good and very average when leaping at the ball but took a really solid mark in the last quarter at the top of the goal-square.

 

[Firestarter]

If anything rules will be introduced to eventually screw us out of Cooper when that time comes.

 

[Roo Beauty]

I know Cam Rayner. Bloke is built like a brick shithouse.

 

[giantroo]

20 Division One names to watch out for in 2017


https://afldraftcentral.com.au/2016/07/25/20-division-one-names-to-watch-out-for-in-2017/

Vic Metro

Jack Higgins
Balanced Midfielder/Small Forward (Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro)
19/03/1999 | 176cm | 73kg

Jack Higgins is one of the better midfielders for the 2017 draft. Winning the Kevin Sheehan Medal for the best player in Division One of the Under 16 carnival, Higgins is one to keep an eye on. At both TAC Cup level and school football level, Higgins has shown glimpses of what he can do as an inside midfielder. A good endurance base helps Higgins cover the ground well, with one of his better games at TAC Cup level being his 33 disposal and three goal performance against Gippsland Power. Overhead Higgins is solid for a player sub 180cm and took eight marks against Northern Knights earlier in the season. Higgins’ kicking however does need some work, as it can be loopy when hitting up a target. Rather than taking the game forward, Higgins often chips the ball laterally rather than going forward for his team. His defensive running needs work, often not running back hard enough leaving his team with one less player defensively- which may put clubs off. Overall, Higgins is a solid midfielder who will likely be talked about as one of the early Vic Metro players picked in 2017.



Joel Garner
Utility (Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro)
21/05/1999 | 184cm | 78kg

Silky is a word that is synonymous with Joel Garner. No we’re not talking about West Indian fast bowling legend Garner- but the silky smooth midfielder from Eastern Ranges. The ex-Boomeranges captain Garner has put together a nice run of form in 2016 and has shown his ability to play in multiple positions. Garner has played at all ends of the ground, even pushing through the midfield with his best asset being his composure with the ball in hand. Garner isn’t a massive ball winner, but has good penetration off his left boot. If Garner can solidify a position that best suits him in the second half of the TAC Cup season, he will be an important figure for the Ranges come finals time. An improvement on his ball winning capabilities will only increase his potential to jump up the draft order.



Jaidyn Stephenson
Medium Forward/Outside Midfielder (Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro)
15/01/1999 | 188cm | 76kg

Stephenson is one of those rare players who can just create something out of nothing up forward. Stephenson arrived in the spotlight last year after some eye-catching performances in the TAC Cup finals playing inside 50. Stephenson kicked 10 goals (including three in the Grand Final) as a 16 year-old for Eastern in five games after a strong Vic Metro Under 16 carnival some months earlier. A school trip overseas limited him to a singular Under 18 championships appearance, where he had five disposals against Vic Country. Stephenson moves well and has the ability to push up the ground, showing off his strong overhead mark. A good burst of speed helps him leave his opponent behind, making him hard to match up on. The question mark I have on him is whether he will be able to move up onto a wing in the future or will remain as a permanent third tall. Stephenson has plenty of great characteristics and will his ability to mark the ball at its highest point, the forward is one to certainly watch develop over the next 18 months.


Sam Hayes
Ruckman/Key Position Forward (Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro)
09/06/1999 | 200cm | 90kg

A superb Under 18 Championships has seen Hayes capapult himself up the order of the 2017 draftees. Hayes turned himself into one of the better ruck/forwards with a carnival that saw him selected in the All-Australian team. Hayes covers the ground well and inside 50 has the ability to crash the pack when he flies for a mark. At TAC Cup level, Hayes is averaging over 20 hitouts a game and his tap work has been very good for the Ranges. Despite not being renound for playing forward, Hayes made a name for himself booting five goals in the Under 18 carnival showing presence inside 50. With a strength being his overhead marking, expect Hayes to spend more time closer to the goals in the near future. If Hayes can fix the penetration on his kicking which can often go higher than longer, he should be able to become a strong ruck/forward option in the future.


Patrick Naish
Outside Midfielder (Northern Knights/Vic Metro)
15/01/1999 | 180cm | 67kg

Patrick Naish is the son of 161 game player Chris who played at both Richmond and Port Adelaide. Although Chris played for both clubs, Patrick only eligible for Richmond under the father-son rule. This year with high expectations on his shoulders, he has lived up to some of the hype from Tigers fans. Naish has played across half-back for most of the season for the Northern Knights, averaging 17 disposals. He is lively around the ball and provides a spark for his team going forward. At school football level, Naish has spent most of his time inside 50 using his speed and agility to get around his opponent. Naish has also worked on his contested ball winning, when rotating onto the ball. He is lightly framed and can at stages be pushed around in the contest, but his best positions appears likely to be on the outside. Richmond fans should be excited by what Naish brings and will be one that Tiger fans will watch carefully in the 2017 Under 18 Championships.

Lachlan Fogarty
Inside Midfielder (Western Jets/Vic Metro)
01/04/1999 | 179cm | 73kg

Lachlan Fogarty has been a name to watch, since winning Vic Metro’s Under 16 MVP in the Under 16 Championships in 2015. In his three games for Western Jets, he has averaged 20 disposals and has shown some good signs at school football level for St Kevin’s College. Fogarty has missed a few games through injury and is a part of the Level One AFL Academy. His good early season form saw him selected in the initial Vic Metro Under 18 squad, but wasn’t selected to play. Fogarty works hard on the inside, winning his own football before streaming forward and kicking the ball long.

Fogarty is a hardworker on in the inside and lays plenty of tackles to win the ball back with strong second and third efforts. Fogarty does need to clean his kicking up at stages, where he can occasional blast the ball forward without looking for an option. You could argue that he is the wrong side of 180cm, but the hard nosed approach that Fogarty gives week in week out, shouldn’t put off clubs due to his size. Expect the hard working midfielder to be a hotly talked about player in 2017.


Western Australia

Jake Patmore
Small Defender (Claremont/Western Australia)
29/01/1999 | 180cm | 72kg

The only West Australian in the AFL Academy has plenty of talent. Jake Patmore is a special player and has provided some great performances at both Under 16 & Under 18 level for Western Australia. In the Under 16 Championships, Patmore was used predominantly on the wing and across half-back, using his run and speed to evade players and rebound the ball forward. At Under 18 level as a bottom-ager, Patmore was used as a lockdown small defender. Patmore shut his opponents down well, also rebounding the ball from defence. His best attribute is his electric speed, which can see him take the game on with his speed out of the back half. Despite being a good kick, Patmore’s decision making at stages can be questionable and he can try and over complicate situations. With more experience, I do however expect this to improve. With plenty of tricks about him, I think Patmore has the ability to be one of the best rebounders of this draft pool.

Vic Country

Tyrone Hayes
Small Forward/Balanced Midfielder (Gippsland Power/Vic Country)
27/04/1999 | 175cm | 75kg

Tyrone Hayes hasn’t put too many steps wrong on the footy field in the last 12 months. The small forward has plenty of X-Factor and was the Boomerangs MVP in 2015. Hayes’ best position is inside 50, where he was one of the AFL Academy’s best booting four goals against New Zealand. Hayes did however show versatility when he played on South Australia’s dangerous Tyson Stengle, blanketing him in the second half at Etihad Stadium.

Reckon Tyrone Hayes' job on Tyson Stengle has been superb. Kept him goalless in the second half. Good win to SA. #NABAFLU18s #AFLDraft

— Matt Balmer (@MattBalmer7) June 24, 2016

Hayes’ skills are good, hitting targets relatively at ease. His hands in the contest are also strong when he gets further up the ground. His speed and agility makes him a tough opponent for the opposition and Hayes knows where the goals are. You could question whether Hayes will become a full-time midfielder, but clubs in the past have deemed it worthy to draft a small forward with an early pick should their needs dictate it. Hayes is a player you would pay to watch play football, as the machine can sell some candy, dodge a tackle and finish with a brilliant goal in a matter of moments to change a game.

Lochie O’Brien
Outside Midfielder/Medium Defender (Bendigo Pioneers/Vic Country)
18/09/1999 | 184cm | 74kg

Lochie O’Brien is an outside midfielder with an elite burst of speed. O’Brien begun the season strongly for the Pioneers before an injury in the Vic Country trial game saw him miss a few weeks. Despite being a bottom-ager, O’Brien made it into the Vic Country team through the Under 18 championships giving plenty of drive from half back. O’Brien takes the game on and can burn past opponents. This was evident when playing for the Pioneers earlier in the season, where O’Brien burnt off Gippsland Power speedy forward Jai Rout leading to a Riley Saunders goal. O’Brien does however need to work on his contested ball winning capabilites, as he will often sit on the outside of the pack waiting for the ball to come to him. If he can learn to win his own football, his numbers will increase and add another string to his bow. The wingman has certainly caught the eye of clubs with his speed in the play.


Kane Farrell
Small Defender/Outside Midfielder (Bendigo Pioneers/Vic Country)
17/03/1999 | 180cm | 72kg

If you need an elite kicking half back, then Kane Farrell is your man. Farrell is a half-back flanker who can push onto a wing at stages. This year at TAC Cup level he has shown how damaging he can be, where he has had kick out duties for the Pioneers. Farrell is in red hot form across half-back rebounding the ball with his superb kick. Farrell has a nice kick not too similar to Port Adelaide’s 2015 draftee Riley Bonner – Farrell can collect the ball and kick it forward 60 metres on his left boot. Farrell seems to know where to run and has the ability to find the football, as well as dropping in front of the opposition forwards to intercept the play. A weakness of Farrell is majority of his possessions are uncontested and will wait for the ball to be passed to him before he kicks it long. The smooth moving half back should become a real solid AFL player with the right development.

James Worpel
Inside Midfielder (Geelong Falcons/Vic Country)
24/01/1999 | 185cm | 82kg

The Geelong Falcons footy factory has produced once againwith this lad. James Worpel is a fierce midfielder who has played some great football for Geelong Falcons and Vic Country. This year Worpel has shown the AFL Academy selectors wrong by playing great football at TAC Cup level. For Geelong he was arguably there best midfielder in the games he played and this lead to him being selected for the Vic Country Under 18 team. At the Under 18 Championships he played mostly in the midfield and was impressive in every game he played. In fact, he was so good he played in every game for the Country side. Worpel’s defining attribute is his clearance work which is great for his age. He always bodies up in the right spots and gets his hands on the ball first for his team. He won the most clearances of any bottom age midfielder per game. Combine his clearance work with his aggression at the contest then you have a player who has potential to become a high level midfielder. Worpels weakness may lie with his disposal which can shaky at times but this may be due to him playing contested all the time. Worpel is a midfielder you can build a team around and has all the qualities to make it to the big time.

Oscar Clavarino
Key Position Defender (Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country)
22/05/1999 | 194cm | 80kg

One of the talls tipped to be selected early for the 2017 draft is Oscar Clavarino. He has locked down on some of the better forwards and zoned off for his team. But it’s at Vic Country level he has impressed the most. Playing as a Key Defender he held some of the best forwards at the carnival and made smart decisions with the football in hand. This carnival made him a potential candidate for the Under 18 All-Australian team, with some believing he was stiff not to be selected. What Clavarino does best is his zoning off work which is excellent. He knows exactly where to be to stop opposition ploys and then take those dangerous intercept possessions. Clavarino also reads the play very well for a key defender. He is a smart player and knows where the ball is going, often adjusting so that he gets prime position. Although Clavarino is a smart footballer, his offensive game as a defender is still developing. In the Vic Country trial game, Clavarino spent some time inside forward 50 and it will be likely he may play through there at stages in the next 18 months. Clavarino overall is likely to be taken early next year and should be primed for a massive run at the 2017 draft.

Luke Davies-Uniacke
Inside Midfielder (Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country)
08/06/1999 | 187cm | 86kg

Luke Davies-Uniacke is a special player that is an unknown quantity in next year’s draft. This year Davies-Uniacke hasn’t played a whole lot of football at rep level as he has been cruelled by injury and school commitments. Although he has missed lots of footy, the games he has played this year have been great. He has been a strong contributor in the Dandenong Stingrays midfield despite lacking TAC Cup match fitness. In his only Vic Country game, he gathered 16 disposals, took four marks and sent the ball inside 50 four times to be one of the better midfielders for Country. The best thing about Luke is his size. He is already a big midfielder and with more growth to come he’s likely to become an inside midfielder in the mould of David Mundy or Patrick Cripps. He has great skills, footy smarts and a body size which is unique for a player of his class making his ceiling as high as any player in this draft. Luke Davies-Uniacke doesn’t have any glaring weaknesses in his game but his injury history may be of concern. However, in a similar mould to his Haileybury College teammate Jack Scrimshaw – If he can get through his injury issues, I expect him to feature very highly in 2017.


Hunter Clark
Medium Defender/Balanced Midfielder (Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country)
26/03/1999 | 186cm | 79kg

The Under 16 Vic Country MVP is a special talent to say the least. Hunter Clark is a half-back flanker who also has the ability to push further up the ground. Clark this year has split his time playing TAC Cup football for Dandenong Stingrays and Under 18 state football with Vic Country. At TAC Cup level Hunter is playing a quarterback role which is very common at AFL level and has impressed. For Vic Country he played more a lock-down role which is different to how he usually plays but he adapted to the situation. But it’s his hardness at the contest that has caught my eye. Hunter will v-line the football and either take the ball at full speed or kill the contest. As well as that Hunter is also dual-sided and can get a boot on the ball regardless of what side of the body he’s on. Despite the ability to kick on both feet, Clark does need to sharpen up his kicking skills. I would like to see Clark move up the ground and play a bigger role in the midfield where he can hopefully continue the good form he has started since the Under 16 carnival.

South Australia

Jackson Edwards
Balanced Midfielder (Glenelg/South Australia)
11/10/1999 | 184cm | 72kg

The son of former Adelaide football club legend Tyson Edwards is one classy unit. Jackson Edwards this year has been a catalyst for Glenelg’s great season so far. Edwards has this year for Glenelg split his time between the Reserves and Under 18’s. For the Under 18’s he’s been the number one midfielder and named in the best six out of his eight games. For the reserves he’s looked at home against the big bodies and is regularly in the top disposal winners. One thing Edwards takes out of his Dads’ book is his composure in traffic. Edwards always knows where to run to avoid the tacklers and create space. Jackson always places himself in the most dangerous places so he can kick team lifting goals for his team. This could allow him down the track to play as a high half forward. Edwards main problem in my eyes is his size. Edwards is currently very skinny and can be outmuscled by some midfielders. Despite this, Edwards is likely to become one of Adelaide’s first father sons and he sure does look like a beauty.

Jordan Houlahan
Medium Forward (Sturt/South Australia)
19/02/1999 | 185cm | 73kg

This South Australian high flyer is one to watch for next year’s draft. Jordan Houlahan is a medium forward with a bag full of tricks up forward. This season he has played some great footy as a mobile forward in the SANFL Under 18’s and in the Under 18 Championships. At SANFL Under 18 level he has shown his worth as a prolific goal kicker for the Double Blues and at the time of writing is sitting third on the goal kicking. He has also performed in his only game for South Australia by kicking two goals, gathering ten disposals and taking three marks in a good performance. Houlahan’s best trait as a forward is definitely his marking. Houlahan is a stunning mark for his size and is known to take a screamer or two up forward (shown below). Houlahan is also very consistent with his output. He has kicked a goal in every game he has played this year and has made an impact up forward no matter what level he’s playing at. One thing Houlahan could improve on is his ability to find the football. He struggles to get over 15 possessions a game and I feel that’s something he could add to his repertoire. Jordan Houlahan is a forward who just makes things happen and is a valuable asset up forward.

Andrew McPherson
Medium Defender/Outside Midfielder (Woodville-West Torrens/South Australia)
20/06/1999 | 184cm | 71kg

One of the real surprise packets to come out of South Australia this year is this lad. Andrew McPherson is a dashing half-back who has the ability to play on the wing at times. This year Andrew has played a key role for the SANFL Under 18’s and reserves as well as playing a few games for the Under 18 state side. At Under 18 and reserve level he has shown his prowess with his work rate and skills unmatched by any half back in the SANFL Under 18s and reserves. At the Under 18 championships he was also prolific off a half back. He provided lots of rebound and strong ball use for the South Australian side. McPherson’s best talent is his ability to gain meterage and take the game forward. He is a player who loves to run, take a few bounces and then deliver the football perfectly you his teammates up the field. At top speed, McPherson can evade his opponent and run the ball forward. Andrew has a rare ability to without changing speed sidestep opponents and leave them in his wake. One thing I would like to see McPherson work on his defensiveness as a player. McPherson often runs only one way and it can leave his team handicapped.

Thomas Schmusch
Key Position Defender (Woodville-West Torrens/South Australia)
05/03/1999 | 191cm | 80kg

Schumsch isn’t the flashiest player but he just gets the job done. This year Schmusch has played a handful of games at SANFL Under 18 level and for South Australia in the Under 18 Championships. At both SANFL Under 18 and state level, Schmusch has worked on his craft as a key defender who wins one-on-ones as well as killing aerial attacks coming from the opposition. This ability to kill the contest is something that is unique for next years’ draft. Schmusch attacks the contest at full pace and often either wins or neutralise the one-on-ones with his man. Schmusch is also an excellent stopper. He keeps his man quite every game and has a very smart defensive IQ when caught out. One of the issues Schmusch will need to fix however is his ability to rebound. Schmusch on the offensive end doesn’t offer too much in rebounding and you will rarely see him take the game on like a player like Richmond’s Alex Rance would. Schmusch is a key defender who will win his match up every week and give you some aerial presence in defence.

Darcy Fogarty
Key Position Forward (Glenelg/South Australia)
05/09/1999 | 190cm | 86kg

Probably the standout key forward for the 2017 draft. Darcy Fogarty from Glenelg is a key forward who has shown some strong signs at the Under 18 championships and SANFL Under 18’s. This year he has shown recruiters that he’s a really smart forward who marks well above his head and runs extremely well but its leading patterns which make him special. Fogarty has a massive forward IQ and often loses his opponents using smart leads to create space. This has allowed him to kick bags this year for both Glenelg and South Australia. Another strength is his really good set shot technique. Fogarty is a dead eye in front of goal and with the amount of ball he’s delivered, he’s unlikely to not capitalise. One this that will hold him back is his height, he’s very small for a key forward. At 190 cm, taller defenders will have an advantage in the air making it unlikely for him to hold down the Number one forward spot. On the plus side we could see Fogarty create match-up problems as a second or third tall and potentially see him pinch in the midfield with his athletic profile. Fogarty is a solid bet up forward and looks likely to be a solid contributor at AFL level.

Callum Coleman-Jones
Ruckman/Key Position Forward (Sturt/South Australia)
13/06/1999 | 199cm | 98kg

Callum Coleman-Jones is probably the best ruckman for next year’s draft and is a big bodied player who can move forward at times. This year Coleman-Jones has been an important player in the SANFL Under 18’s and played very well as a key forward for the state side. At SANFL Under 18 level he’s been playing as the number one ruckman and has impressed with his ability to work around the ground and win the taps. At the Under 18 championships however he played as a tall forward and often provided a strong aerial presence for his team. One thing that Coleman-Jones does that sets him apart from other ruckman is his mobility. He covers the ground like a midfielder and gets to almost every contest when he’s in the ruck. Coleman-Jones is also an extremely strong tap ruckman. Coleman-Jones is strong around the ground and at the centre bounce. However, Coleman-Jones’ big issue is his kicking. His kicking at the best of times is average and his kick is woeful at his worst times. This can be fixed but it will take time.

 

[giantroo]

15 Division Two names to watch out for in 2017

https://afldraftcentral.com.au/2016/06/09/15-division-two-names-to-watch-out-for-in-2017

NSW/ACT

Charlie Spargo
Inside Midfielder/Small Forward (Murray Bushrangers/NSW-ACT)
25/11/1999 | 175cm | 75kg

Nearly 18 months out from the 2017 draft, Charlie Spargo is already touted as one of the best players for next year. Spargo has spent most of 2016 inside 50 for the Bushrangers and for NSW/ACT, kicking five goals in the TAC Cup. His Under 16 championships last year was impressive, where he won the Alan McLean Medal as the best player in the Division Two carnival and the MVP for NSW/ACT. Spargo averaged 29 disposals and kicked five goals in the two games and is tied with the GWS Giants academy. Spargo has AFL ties in his blood, his father Paul played 90 AFL games for Brisbane Bears and North Melbourne. Spargo is a high impact player and has a good burst of pace in the midfield, showing spark around the contest. Despite playing just the one game for NSW/ACT in this years Under 18 championship, he was selected in the Allies squad. Spargo also had 13 disposals on NEAFL debut earlier in the year and is a name to listen out for over the next 18 months.

Jack Powell
Balanced Midfielder/Small Forward (Ainslie/NSW-ACT)
15/07/1999 | 179cm | 73kg

Jack Powell is another NSW/ACT player tied with the GWS Giants. Powell spent most of his time in the Under 16 championships last year playing forward, with an impressive three goal haul against Tasmania . Powell has gradually moved into the midfield, where he averaged 18 disposals in the Under 18 Division Two carnival in 2016. Powell’s strong performance saw him picked in the Allies squad where he was selected in their opening game. The hard working midfielder was one of the Rams’ best players in their TAC Cup clash against Dandenong Stingrays in April. Powell had 26 disposals and kicked two goals that day in a strong showing. The tough Canberra based midfielder has the uncanny ability to win lots of the football and push forward to kick goals.


Nathan Richards
Ruckman (Griffith/NSW-ACT)
01/02/1999 | 197cm | 99kg

Giant ruckman Nathan Richards has the potential to be one of the best ruckman in the 2017 draft pool. Linked with GWS, Richards has a basketball background that helps him at the stoppages where he impressed as the NSW/ACT number two ruckman in the Under 18 championships. Playing second fiddle to Max Lynch, Richards gave the midfielders good supply with his tap work. Richards rucked well in the U16 championships, including a best on ground display against Queensland. Richards positions himself well at the stoppages, but does need to work on his impact around the ground.


Jarrod Brander
Key Position Forward (Bendigo Pioneers/NSW-ACT)
11/02/1999 | 193cm | 93kg

Key Position Forward Jarrod Brander looms as one of the early tall prospects for the 2017 draft. Brander is currently on a scholarship to Geelong Grammar in Victoria, where he kicked 28 goals as a Year 10 in the First XVIII competition. Brander kicked four goals in the U16 Championships playing inside 50 for NSW/ACT, making it into the Level One AFL Academy. Brander suffered a knee injury and has missed a large portion of this season recently returning to school football. Brander is one to keep a real close eye on next season.

Jarrod Brander..
Developing at Geelong Grammar
Will play for Bendigo Pioneers
Parents live in Mildura
Zoned to GWS

— Sam Landsberger (@SamLandsberger) May 4, 2016

Alex Paech
Key Position Utility (Murray Bushrangers/NSW-ACT)
17/06/1999 | 195cm | 104kg

Alex Paech is one of the most intriguing prospects for the 2017 draft. Paech weighs over 100kg and out muscles his opponents at both ends of the ground. Paech has played mostly in defence for the Bushrangers this season in the TAC Cup but can work forward and through the ruck. Paech was named in the best twice for NSW/ACT in the Under 16 championships enabling him to be selected in the Level One AFL Academy. His second and third efforts are good in defence and he rebounds the ball well. For Paech to improve his mobility expect him to trim down throughout the next 18 months prior to the draft where he could be one of the best swingmen in the system. Paech is yet another NSW/ACT player linked with the GWS Giants and their academy.


Jack Hardman
Small Forwad (Warners Bay Bulldogs/NSW-ACT)
31/12/1999 | 173cm | 72kg

Jack Hardman is one of the few NSW/ACT players who are tied with the Sydney Swans academy. Hardman is an exciting small forward who has impressed for NSW/ACT. Hardman averaged 17 disposals and kicked five goals in the two TAC Cup games for the Rams earlier this year. Despite not playing a match for NSW/ACT in the Division Two championships, he is the leading goal kicker for his club team (Warners Bay Bulldogs). It wouldn’t surprise me to see Hardman play a game with the Sydney Swans NEAFL team at some point this year. Hardman’s X-Factor is exciting and is a tough opponent for any defender in the pocket.


Queensland

Connor Ballenden
Key Position Forwad (University of Queensland/Queensland)
29/03/1999 | 198cm | 95kg

One of the best key forwards in the 2017 draft will have a massive price tag if he plays as well as he has so far this year. Ballenden has shown real strength up forward this year, including two goals and nine marks in the Queensland trial match against Vic Country earlier in the year. Ballenden was superb in the Under 16 championships last year, winning the Queensland MVP kicking six goals for the carnival. A five-goal haul in the Under 18 championships against Tasmania this year ensured his selection in the Allies squad. Ballenden takes the ball out in front of his body using his body to his advantage. Ballenden’s set shot technique is good and he works hard on the lead. Ballenden has all the potential to being the a top five selection in 2017. Ballenden is a member of the Brisbane Lions academy and should make a dynamic duo with Josh Schache in years to come.



Jack Clayton
Medium Defender (University of Queensland/Queensland)
25/02/1999 | 184cm | 74kg

Multi-talented sportsman Jack Clayton is one of the best kicks out of the 2017 draft prospects. Clayton is a strong cricketer, dominating the Under 17 championships with the bat- But has begun the season well apart of the Level One AFL Academy. Clayton is a rebounding half back who uses his strong kick to his advantage. In his only game for Queensland in the TAC Cup this year, he collected 16 disposals at a superb efficiency of 75 per cent. Clayton also played a role in the defensive 50 throughout the Under 18 championships, often tasked with the kick outs. Throughout the championships he averaged 12 disposals at an efficiency of 71 per cent.


Brayden Crossley
Ruckman (Labrador/Queensland)
16/08/1999 | 198cm | 100kg

Gold Coast Suns academy member Brayden Crossley is one of the best talls in the 2017 crop. Crossley is predominantly a ruckman, but does have the capabilities to play forward. A strong Under 16 championship last year saw him just miss out on AFL Academy selection, after kicking four goals and being named in the best in all games. Crossley also become the NEAFL Rising Star in Round 7 this year, collecting 21 disposals and 17 hit-outs. Crossley is a tough and skillful ruckman who has many traits needed to be drafted, after starting 2016 well.

Harry Simington
Medium Forward (Labrador/Queensland)
28/03/1999 | 188cm | 87kg

Forward Harry Simington is also a Queensland player linked with the Gold Coast Suns. As a medium forward, Simington has a great ability to mark the ball and provide spark inside 50. In his one and only game at the Under 18 championships, Simington had 17 disposals and six marks, kicking two goals in Queensland’s strong win. Simington has also shown glimpses at NEAFL level in his five games this year. The mobile target leads up the ground well, converting his multiple chances.

Jacob Dawson
Balanced Midfielder (Palm Beach/Queensland)
16/08/1999 | 181cm | 77kg

One of the best performed bottom age midfielder for Queensland was Jacob Dawson. The Gold Coast academy member was named in the best twice in the Under 16 championships and he carried that form into this season. In his only TAC Cup game he had 19 disposals and seven tackles at 89 per cent efficiency. The midfielder was also good through the Under 18 championships, averaging 17 disposals and five tackles. Dawson is strong at the clearances added with his slick and strong skills, makes him a strong all round midfielder that could prove to be a top prospect in 2017.


Northern Territory

Dominic Grant
Inside Midfielder (Wanderers/NT)
29/01/1999 | 189cm | 77kg

Tough inside midfielder Dominic Grant is a member of the Level One AFL Academy and shows plenty of energy around the contest. Grant’s tackling pressure is superb and had a strong Under 16 championship for NT, named in the best twice. Playing as a half forward and pushing through the midfield, Grant had 17 disposals and five clearances in this years Under 18 championship. Grant has been playing SANFL football for North Adelaide in the Under 18 competition and will be pushing to play in the SANFL reserves at some point this year.


Xavier Cubillo
Outside Midfielder (Wanderers/NT)
26/01/1999 | 174cm | 72kg

Hardworking outside midfielder Xavier Cubillo is another player worth watching. Cubillo had a solid Under 16 championships named in the best twice. Cubillo has showed promise in the TAC Cup, averaging 13 disposals and four marks providing plenty of run on the outside for NT. He also had the chance to play as a bottom ager in the Under 18 championships, collecting nine disposals and two inside 50s on average. The gut running midfielder is one to keep an eye on throughout the next 18 months as one of the better prospects to come out from NT.

Tasmania

Jake Hinds
Inside Midfielder (Launceston/TAS)
07/05/1999 | 183cm | 78kg

Despite being bottom age, Jake Hinds was one of the best performing Tasmanians in the Under 18 championships. Hinds moves well around the contest and also has the ability to play in multiple positions. Despite a relatively quiet Under 16 championship he hit back and averaged 15 disposals in the Under 18 carnival. Hinds was one of the few bright lights in the Tasmanian team and is definitely a name to watch over the next 18 months.

Lachlan Clifford
Inside Midfielder (Kingborough/TAS)
18/02/1999 | 178cm | 73kg

Ball magnet Lachlan Clifford has shown promise as a small midfielder. Despite his size, Clifford wins a large chunk of contested ball providing plenty of energy around the stoppages. In the TAC Cup, Clifford has averaged 22 disposals and 15 tackles in his two games showing his ability to match it with bigger and strong opponents. Despite a poor Under 18 championship for Tasmania, Clliford averaged 13 disposals, six tackles and five clearance on the inside. A knock on Clifford is his disposal efficiency and he will be working hard on cleaning that up before next years Under 18 championships.

 

[giantroo]

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-04-21/kiwi-prospect-set-to-shine


Kiwi forward looms as top draft prospect for 2017


Callum Twomey April 21, 2016 8:36 PM

AS MOST of Connor Ballenden's teammates in the NAB AFL Academy take in New Zealand for the first time this week, the Queensland teenager won't need to ask for many directions while overseas.

The tall forward, who has already been tipped as one of the brightest prospects in the 2017 draft pool, lived in New Zealand until he was four. He grew up just outside Auckland, travels with his parents to Christchurch most years to see his extended family and played rugby union in his youth.

Explaining to those family members that he is going to be in New Zealand to further his AFL ambitions has been an interesting exercise.

"They don't know a lot about the game at all, but they love the idea that I'm trying to make it in the AFL and they support me with that, which is great," Ballenden said.

"My dad is South African and mum is from New Zealand and we now live in Brisbane, so it's a bit of a multicultural family but I've fallen in love with the game."

Northern academy access under the microscope

His family will be there on Sunday, when the level one academy squad (comprising players eligible for next year's draft) take on the New Zealand Hawks in Auckland. It is the centre-point of the five-day international camp for the team under coach Brenton Sanderson, and 16 AFL clubs are sending recruiters on the trip to track the next generation.

Next year's draft is already considered a strong one and Ballenden will have many eyes on him after a number of impressive performances at last year's NAB AFL Under-16 Championships.

The 198cm prospect was in that group, showing his talents near goal, in the air and on the ground. He has already performed well in the early stages of this season, too, pulling in nine marks and kicking 2.2 for Queensland in a trial game.

"As a tall player everyone wants someone who's hard at the footy and takes some good marks and I want that to be a big part of my game," the 17-year-old said.

"I'd like to think my skills as a tall player are pretty good, and I try to lead on the field as well.

"The first time I ever watched an AFL game was one of the Sydney and West Coast Grand Finals when I was in Melbourne on holiday as a little kid, and ever since then I went back to Brisbane and said 'I want to play that game'."

However, that single-mindedness did wane a little. Before he joined the Brisbane Lions academy as a 12-year-old, he was considering focusing purely on playing rugby union.

It wasn't until he started training more with the Lions that he realised getting to the top level of Australian Rules was his priority, and the Lions will get first access to him next year under the academy bidding rules for their work.

"There was a stage where I was tossing up between rugby and AFL, and I didn't know whether I really wanted to pursue the AFL when I was a younger teenager. I went to Lions academy trainings and started loving it and made new friends there," Ballenden said.

"As a young kid I wasn't as fit and didn't have the skills to get where I am now, and the Lions academy has done a lot for me. I don't think I can thank them enough."

 

[TennisPlayerAndy]

I know it's been said before, but the academies can go and eat multiple bags of dicks.

 

[Harris 10]

Big Bird

Joel Garner
Half-forward/midfielder

Don't know anything about him but want him on name alone.

 

[Firestarter]

I know it's been said before, but the academies can go and eat multiple bags of dicks.

All goes back to who commissioned them and set the rules.

 

[Roozee]

Big Bird

Joel Garner
Half-forward/midfielder

Don't know anything about him but want him on name alone.

View attachment 313652

Beat me to it! Get him in the ruck ASAP!

 

[Daniltchenko You Beauty]

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-04-21/kiwi-prospect-set-to-shine


Kiwi forward looms as top draft prospect for 2017


Callum Twomey April 21, 2016 8:36 PM

AS MOST of Connor Ballenden's teammates in the NAB AFL Academy take in New Zealand for the first time this week, the Queensland teenager won't need to ask for many directions while overseas.

The tall forward, who has already been tipped as one of the brightest prospects in the 2017 draft pool, lived in New Zealand until he was four. He grew up just outside Auckland, travels with his parents to Christchurch most years to see his extended family and played rugby union in his youth.

Explaining to those family members that he is going to be in New Zealand to further his AFL ambitions has been an interesting exercise.

"They don't know a lot about the game at all, but they love the idea that I'm trying to make it in the AFL and they support me with that, which is great," Ballenden said.

"My dad is South African and mum is from New Zealand and we now live in Brisbane, so it's a bit of a multicultural family but I've fallen in love with the game."

Northern academy access under the microscope

His family will be there on Sunday, when the level one academy squad (comprising players eligible for next year's draft) take on the New Zealand Hawks in Auckland. It is the centre-point of the five-day international camp for the team under coach Brenton Sanderson, and 16 AFL clubs are sending recruiters on the trip to track the next generation.

Next year's draft is already considered a strong one and Ballenden will have many eyes on him after a number of impressive performances at last year's NAB AFL Under-16 Championships.

The 198cm prospect was in that group, showing his talents near goal, in the air and on the ground. He has already performed well in the early stages of this season, too, pulling in nine marks and kicking 2.2 for Queensland in a trial game.

"As a tall player everyone wants someone who's hard at the footy and takes some good marks and I want that to be a big part of my game," the 17-year-old said.

"I'd like to think my skills as a tall player are pretty good, and I try to lead on the field as well.

"The first time I ever watched an AFL game was one of the Sydney and West Coast Grand Finals when I was in Melbourne on holiday as a little kid, and ever since then I went back to Brisbane and said 'I want to play that game'."

However, that single-mindedness did wane a little. Before he joined the Brisbane Lions academy as a 12-year-old, he was considering focusing purely on playing rugby union.

It wasn't until he started training more with the Lions that he realised getting to the top level of Australian Rules was his priority, and the Lions will get first access to him next year under the academy bidding rules for their work.

"There was a stage where I was tossing up between rugby and AFL, and I didn't know whether I really wanted to pursue the AFL when I was a younger teenager. I went to Lions academy trainings and started loving it and made new friends there," Ballenden said.

"As a young kid I wasn't as fit and didn't have the skills to get where I am now, and the Lions academy has done a lot for me. I don't think I can thank them enough."

The AFL PR machine begins...

"Kiwi top draft prospect" who only lived in New Zealand until he was four, but "won't need to ask for many directions while overseas."

 

[Bren]

When does our Academy kick in?

 

[XU1-ROO]

Spargo, Spargo, and more Spargo.

 

[TennisPlayerAndy]

Spargo, Spargo, and more Spargo.

Yes, yes and yes.

 

[shinboner magic]

Spargo, Spargo, and more Spargo.

We need the afl to change the game played for father/son to 50 games.

 

[XU1-ROO]

We need the afl to change the game played for father/son to 50 games.

Or get Spargo to tank this year. So we can pick him up.

 

[LB2Snake]

All this "2017 draft will be for KP players"......nek minute "midfielder midfielder midfielder" all the rage.

 

[giantroo]

I hope we are doing everything we can to have the F/S rules changed.

Article from September 30th.

The squad was due to hear from Judd on Thursday before his wife Bec went into labor and gave birth to twin boys, so this year's Brownlow Medal winner Patrick Dangerfield filled the breach to address the group.

The Geelong superstar told the draft hopefuls to enjoy their under-18 season next year, even if the pressure and expectations will lift.

"It was pretty timely to have him speak to us. He just said the next couple of years are really important but to put yourself out there as much as you can and be honest and open with people," Spargo said.

"There's a lot of pressure we're going to deal with next year as most of us will be finishing year 12, and there's the external pressure of your family and friends and school mates expecting you to do well. He just said you have to enjoy it and take it in your stride."



Spargo has been given that advice from close quarters, too. His father, Paul, played 81 games for the Roos between 1985-92, before one season with the Brisbane Bears in 1993.

"Dad has never wanted to pressure me into anything footy-wise. He said not to worry about making teams or impressing recruiters, it's all about enjoying your footy while you're young and you can," he said.

Charlie is a North Melbourne fan, but it's Greater Western Sydney who will have first rights on the clever and prolific small on-baller next year as a member of the Giants academy.

He played two games for the club's NEAFL team this year and found the pace and intensity of the game lift from what he was used to, but left the contests with confidence he will be able to match it at the top level.

"The Giants academy and whole New South Wales program has been really good," he said.

"I go up to Sydney probably three or four times a year, whether it's playing NEAFL or with the academy. They've really helped with our development."

 

[tazaa]

If they end up taking Kelly and Spargos boys and we lose Longmire and Blakey junior on top, it will seriously kill any remaining thought in my mind that this game has a smidge of integrity left.

 

[shintemaster]

Once we've paid off the debt the club should start a charity that provides affordable housing for refugees, minorities and indigenous backgrounds. Perhaps the Tassie housing market might be a more affordable place to trial this. Winky dink.

 

[osaka mick]

If they end up taking Kelly and Spargos boys and we lose Longmire and Blakey junior on top, it will seriously kill any remaining thought in my mind that this game has a smidge of integrity left.

I agree, but tend to think that the integrity of the game is already shot. Didnt you just see the AFL allow the Giants to get away with allowing a player avoid a drug test, by postponing until next year. Or dont you see every year when they allow certain clubs to have the best fixture each year, and those other clubs (usually the same ones) have the blockbusters. The AFL has already lost its integrity as far as Im concerned.

What they should do is set the limit to something like 50 games or 7 years service. Then they should let us retrospectively take Kelly and Brayshaw for nothing!! Well the first part I think is fair, but the rest is just a pipe dream!

 

[giantroo]

Here is the U17's All Stars match.



U18's

 

[giantroo]

Charlie Spargo edits from the u17's All stars game

 

[giantroo]

The boy to watch is Hunter Clark.