Review 2017 AFL National Draft - Friday 24th November

Dow, LDU & Rayner are taken. Who do you select at pick 4?

  • Total voters
    282
  • Poll closed .

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HIGGINS WINS MORRISH MEDAL
Jack Higgins has taken home the Morrish Medal, as part of the end of season TAC Cup boys and TAC Cup Girls best and fairest evening at the Australian Events Centre in Essendon on Sunday night.

The Oakleigh Chargers midfielder/forward continued a standout season by claiming his club’s first-ever Morrish Medal for the TAC Cup’s best and fairest player during the 2017 home-and-away season.

The 18-year-old East Malvern (South Metro Junior FL) product polled 22 votes – the highest tally since 2011 – in 13 games for minor premiers Oakleigh, a club that has won four TAC Cup premierships in its 23-year history but hadn’t previously produced a Morrish Medallist.

Higgins finished two votes clear of Calder Cannons skipper Brad Bernacki (20 votes), with Geelong Falcons goalkicker Gryan Miers(15), Sandringham Dragons 19-year-oldHamish Brayshaw (15) and Eastern Rangesbig man Sam Hayes (14) rounding out the top five on the leaderboard.

Sandringham’s Hamish Brayshaw led the count after Round 8 with 12 votes (ahead of Miers on 10), having polled maximum votes in four games before progressing to play 12 senior VFL for the Sandringham Zebras. Bernacki assumed leadership of the count with four consecutive three-vote performances and a two-vote performance between Rounds 8 and 12, sitting clear of Brayshaw on 16 votes at the end of that run.

Higgins didn’t play from Round 10-12 while representing Vic Metro at the NAB AFL U18 Championships and was five votes behind Bernacki when he resumed in the TAC Cup in Round 13. He commenced his charge immediately with a three-vote performance, before drawing level with Bernacki following a two-vote performance in Round 15, moving clear with three votes in Round 16 and then taking an unassailable lead in the count with another three votes in Round 17 – the penultimate round of the home-and-away season.

178cm Higgins averaged 24 disposals, five marks and six tackles per game this season, while also kicking 27 goals to finish seventh on the TAC Cup goalkicking table. The NAB AFL Academy member polled three votes in five games, two votes on three occasions and one vote once, with his three-vote performances including:

  • 28 disposals and one goal in a 40-point win against the GWV Rebels at Warrawee Park in Round 6;
  • 20 disposals, seven marks and four goals in an 88-point win against the Dandenong Stingrays at Shepley Oval in Round 7;
  • 30 disposals, 11 clearances, seven tackles and two goals in a 48-point win against GWV at Eureka Stadium in Round 13;
  • 21 disposals, seven tackles and three goals in an eight-point win against Sandringham at Rams Arena in Round 16; and
  • 13 disposals and seven goals in an 88-point win against the Bendigo Pioneers at Warrawee Park in Round 17.
Higgins’ Morrish Medal success adds to a decorated 2017 season in which he won Vic Metro’s MVP and best-and-fairest awards as well as U18 All Australian selection following his performances in Metro’s title-winning U18 Championships campaign.

2017 MORRISH MEDAL LEADERBOARD

Jack HigginsOakleigh Chargers22
Brad BernackiCalder Cannons20
Gryan MiersGeelong Falcons15
Hamish BrayshawEastern Ranges15
Sam HayesGeelong Falcons14
James WorpelSandringham Dragons13
Callum PorterGippsland Power12
Jaidyn StephensonEastern Ranges12
Daniel JohnstonMurray Bushrangers11
Cassidy ParishGeelong Falcons11
Toby WoollerOakleigh Chargers13
Noah BaltaCalder Cannons10
Riley D’ArcyDandenong Stingrays10
Tom De KoningDandenong Stingrays10
Isaac QuaynorOakleigh Chargers10
Caleb WellingsGWV Rebels10
 

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shinboner magic said:
Was probably thinking of a few yrs back where the winner didn't get drafted
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2005/06 Fortunato Caruso won it back to back and never got drafted. He was sub 170cm though from memory.

Anton Woods in 2009 was in the same boat. He was 171cm and not real quick.

Jacob Chishari and Ben Cavarra didn't get drafted in 2013. Ben is now a solid VFL footballer.

Alex Carr is the most recent Morrish Medal winner not to get drafted. At 181 and 82kg he is now on essendons VFL list.
 

Like the look of this boy. Has got the old fashioned crew cut, none of this long hair all over the place stuff. He means business.
 
Johnny Unitas hey?
 
giantroo said:
HIGGINS WINS MORRISH MEDAL
Jack Higgins has taken home the Morrish Medal, as part of the end of season TAC Cup boys and TAC Cup Girls best and fairest evening at the Australian Events Centre in Essendon on Sunday night.

The Oakleigh Chargers midfielder/forward continued a standout season by claiming his club’s first-ever Morrish Medal for the TAC Cup’s best and fairest player during the 2017 home-and-away season.

The 18-year-old East Malvern (South Metro Junior FL) product polled 22 votes – the highest tally since 2011 – in 13 games for minor premiers Oakleigh, a club that has won four TAC Cup premierships in its 23-year history but hadn’t previously produced a Morrish Medallist.

Higgins finished two votes clear of Calder Cannons skipper Brad Bernacki (20 votes), with Geelong Falcons goalkicker Gryan Miers(15), Sandringham Dragons 19-year-oldHamish Brayshaw (15) and Eastern Rangesbig man Sam Hayes (14) rounding out the top five on the leaderboard.

Sandringham’s Hamish Brayshaw led the count after Round 8 with 12 votes (ahead of Miers on 10), having polled maximum votes in four games before progressing to play 12 senior VFL for the Sandringham Zebras. Bernacki assumed leadership of the count with four consecutive three-vote performances and a two-vote performance between Rounds 8 and 12, sitting clear of Brayshaw on 16 votes at the end of that run.

Higgins didn’t play from Round 10-12 while representing Vic Metro at the NAB AFL U18 Championships and was five votes behind Bernacki when he resumed in the TAC Cup in Round 13. He commenced his charge immediately with a three-vote performance, before drawing level with Bernacki following a two-vote performance in Round 15, moving clear with three votes in Round 16 and then taking an unassailable lead in the count with another three votes in Round 17 – the penultimate round of the home-and-away season.

178cm Higgins averaged 24 disposals, five marks and six tackles per game this season, while also kicking 27 goals to finish seventh on the TAC Cup goalkicking table. The NAB AFL Academy member polled three votes in five games, two votes on three occasions and one vote once, with his three-vote performances including:

  • 28 disposals and one goal in a 40-point win against the GWV Rebels at Warrawee Park in Round 6;
  • 20 disposals, seven marks and four goals in an 88-point win against the Dandenong Stingrays at Shepley Oval in Round 7;
  • 30 disposals, 11 clearances, seven tackles and two goals in a 48-point win against GWV at Eureka Stadium in Round 13;
  • 21 disposals, seven tackles and three goals in an eight-point win against Sandringham at Rams Arena in Round 16; and
  • 13 disposals and seven goals in an 88-point win against the Bendigo Pioneers at Warrawee Park in Round 17.
Higgins’ Morrish Medal success adds to a decorated 2017 season in which he won Vic Metro’s MVP and best-and-fairest awards as well as U18 All Australian selection following his performances in Metro’s title-winning U18 Championships campaign.

2017 MORRISH MEDAL LEADERBOARD

Jack HigginsOakleigh Chargers22
Brad BernackiCalder Cannons20
Gryan MiersGeelong Falcons15
Hamish BrayshawEastern Ranges15
Sam HayesGeelong Falcons14
James WorpelSandringham Dragons13
Callum PorterGippsland Power12
Jaidyn StephensonEastern Ranges12
Daniel JohnstonMurray Bushrangers11
Cassidy ParishGeelong Falcons11
Toby WoollerOakleigh Chargers13
Noah BaltaCalder Cannons10
Riley D’ArcyDandenong Stingrays10
Tom De KoningDandenong Stingrays10
Isaac QuaynorOakleigh Chargers10
Caleb WellingsGWV Rebels10
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Did Dow, Raynor, Cerra not play enough games to be in the running?
 
King Corey said:
Did Dow, Raynor, Cerra not play enough games to be in the running?
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I know Cerra had knee issues at the start of the year and finished early with a shoulder op. Dow also finished with a shoulder op.Paddy also plays for Bendigo so not many votes to be had.

Higgins dominates TAC (and U18 champs), but I guess the questions on him are will that form be able to translate to AFL. He looks like a natural, smart footballer to me. He isn't quick however and a little short.
 
the big lebowski said:
I know Cerra had knee issues at the start of the year and finished early with a shoulder op. Dow also finished with a shoulder op.Paddy also plays for Bendigo so not many votes to be had.

Higgins dominates TAC (and U18 champs), but I guess the questions on him are will that form be able to translate to AFL. He looks like a natural, smart footballer to me. He isn't quick however and a little short.
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Higgins also quit high school at the start of the year, to entirely focus on his football.
 
Pykie said:
Higgins also quit high school at the start of the year, to entirely focus on his football.
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Pykie, where do you rate someone like Rayner relative to his ability to make it in the AFL and his potential move in to a serviceable midfield role?

Would you be taking him with our pick?
 

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Snake_Baker said:
Pykie, where do you rate someone like Rayner relative to his ability to make it in the AFL and his potential move in to a serviceable midfield role?

Would you be taking him with our pick?
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He's an elite AFL talent, that's for sure.

He's a goal kicking, game breaking part time mid at the moment.

His role at AFL level to begin with wont be too dissimilar to Petracca's at Melbourne currently.

He's got elite athletic traits, which will make him a nightmare match up, especially with AFL level space and speed of ball movement.


Obviously his biggest question marks are his endurance, it's easier said than done turning that around. Jack Ziebell was probably similarly as bad, Jack's problem these days in the midfield isn't so much his endurance, but rather his pace around the contest to defend and his inability to keep his feet.

Rayner ALWAYS keep his feet, it's part of the reason he kicks so many goals imo. He's never out of the contest.

Clayton Oliver was a fat kid at the same age, 2 years in an AFL system look at him. He's high reward Rayner.

I'd definitely be taking him at #4, I think you have clearly the most talented bloke in the draft, but with some professional misgivings, that a 6 day a week AFL environment will hopefully iron out.


I like Dow the most for us, but I think he's 100% going in the first two picks.
 
Thanks mate, clearly you rate him a genuine AFL talent and not a junior flat track bully. You would take him ahead of the best available pure midfielder, interesting.

Would you give Worpel a look if he was there at 21?

I am just concerned where we go if we don't land Kelly, considering our midfield issues.
 
Hmmm

 
We really aren't in too bad of a spot at pick 4. Players will likely shuffle, but at this stage one of Rayner, Dow, ldu or cerra will be at our pick. Currently there isn't a whole lot splitting those 4.
I wouldn't be at all surprised if Higgins bolted into the top 4. His form and hype has a bit of a Taranto ring to it.
I really hope we do whatever possible to try upgrade our current picks or get an extra pick in the top 20. Without giving up young talent I find it hard to see how we will manage it though.


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August Power rankings


#1 Cameron Rayner

General Forward/Inside Midfielder (Western Jets/Vic Metro)
21/10/1999 | 187cm | 88kg
Previous ranking: #1

Scouting notes: Powerful and explosive midfielder who makes you excited when you watch him. A similar mould to Robbie Gray combined with Christian Petracca and when up forward his contested marking overhead is one of his strengths. For the moment he is a forward first, midfielder second with his endurance being a work in progress – running an 11.10 beep test at TAC Cup testing. Not afraid to throw out a ‘don’t argue’ to his opponents.

Last month: Picked up a bit of a knee issue which meant he wasn’t fully at 100 per cent. Had 14 disposals and three inside 50s against Geelong copping heavy attention at the stoppages. Took a screamer inside 50 for PEGS in the opening quarter in their loss to Marcellin in the AGSV semi-final. Played one of his best games for the season with 25 disposals, nine tackles and two goals in Western’s important win on Saturday.

#2 Luke Davies-Uniacke
Inside Midfielder (Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country)
08/06/1999 | 187cm | 85kg
Previous ranking: #2

Scouting notes: Strong bodied inside midfielder who tackles hard and wins the clearances. Has had a fair share of injuries over the last few seasons but appears to be over them. Is one of the players most ready to go and could walk into AFL from day one with ease. Is powerful in the contested situations and is able to stand up when getting tackled, using his strength to dispose of the ball. Has shown at school football that he can beat the tag.

Last month: Returned to the Stingrays collecting 21 disposals, four marks and booted two goals. Impressively he showed some forward craft spending time deep inside 50. Had 14 contested possessions and two contested marks. He continued to win the ball in the midfield for Haileybury.

#3 Adam Cerra

Balanced Midfielder (Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro)
07/10/1999 | 186cm | 85kg
Previous ranking: #3

Scouting notes: The forgotten man of the 2017 draft pool after missing 2016 with a meniscus injury to his knee. The AFL Academy missed out on Pick 1 and Pick 2 in 2016 – And Cerra could be another to join that list of high draft picks. He wins the ball on the inside, with a clean kick on his right foot. He contested work and clearance winning are superb and he covers the ground well. Was one of the standouts in the Vic Metro trials in April and continued his form in the NAB AFL Under 18 Championships last month.

Last month: Didn’t play for Wesley on the weekend, but was tagged heavily in their loss to Geelong College. Cerra did manage to break free at stages and was still one of his teams better players. His first half against Xavier was impressive, collecting 14 disposals and he finished off strongly with a very good last quarter as his teams best. Collected 24 disposals, 10 marks and booted three goals in Eastern’s big win over Gippsland.

#4 Paddy Dow
Inside Midfielder (Bendigo Pioneers/Vic Country)
16/10/1999 | 184cm | 78kg
Previous ranking: #5

Scouting notes: Speedy inside midfielder who can push forward and hit the scoreboard. Right footed midfielder who was superb for the AFL Academy in their game against the Northern Blues – not looking out of place at the centre bounces. Runs a sub three second 20m sprint and has very good agility. Not afraid to take on opposition midfielders in the contest, attempting to speed out of the stoppages.

Last month: Did not play for Bendigo against Sandringham as he was up in Queensland watching his brother play for Vic Country in the Under 16 Championships. His games at Geelong Grammar have been exceptional and he made it three Best & Fairest’s in a row from Year 10 to Year 12 on the weekend. His clearance work was very good against APS premiers Haileybury.

#5 Nicholas Coffield
General Defender/Outside Midfielder (Northern Knights/Vic Metro)
23/10/1999 | 190cm | 83kg
Previous ranking: #7

Scouting notes: Composed midfielder who is very good under pressure. Reminds me of Hugh McCluggage where he has plenty of time with ball in hand in the contest. Clean user on his right foot and his defensive efforts are strong where he floats around and wins the ball at ease. Has a burst of speed which he often will utilise in defensive 50 when playing the role of a general defender.

Last month: Been a consistent performer back at Northern Knights level post the NAB AFL Under 18 Championships. Coffield had 24 disposals and three clearances in their loss to Dandenong and had 19 disposals, four inside 50s and four rebound 50s against Eastern. He was also one of the Knights’ best in their loss to Calder on the weekend.

#6 Charlie Constable
General Defender/Inside Midfielder (Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro)
18/05/1999 | 190cm | 83kg
Previous ranking: #8

Scouting notes: Tall midfielder who can play on the inside and across either arches. He begun the year for the Dragons in the midfield, but moved to half back with the return of Hamish Brayshaw. Missed a large chunk of 2016 with an injury, but is over those concerns. A good team player who gets to the right positions around the ground. Not super quick, but has a ‘footy brain’ and makes good decisions by foot rebounding out of defence.

Last month: Came out of the blocks with 12 disposals in the opening quarter against Bendigo Pioneers, with some scouts suggesting he was on track for 50 disposals. His clearance work was exceptional finishing with 11 clearances to go with his 29 disposals. He also took seven marks and pushed forward to boot three goals for the contest. Had a quieter game against St Kevins, but finished the APS school season with 46 disposals against Geelong Grammar and was Haileybury’s best for the season.

#7 Jarrod Brander
Key Position Forward/Defender (Bendigo Pioneers/Allies)
11/02/1999 | 195cm | 90kg
Previous ranking: #6

Scouting notes: Key Position tall that can play at either end where he reads the flight of the ball well. Is mobile up forward which allows him to make multiple leads. Missed most of 2016 through knee injury, but jumped on the scene booting over 20 goals for Geelong Grammar in the 1st XVIII competition as a Year 10 in 2015. Doesn’t look out of place in defence after playing there for the AFL Academy – as well as collecting 26 disposals in defence in the APS v AGSV school boy game last year. Was originally zoned to GWS but it is now ineligible for GWS to select him under changes to their Academy zone. Best swingman in the draft – with healthy debate which end he best plays his football.

Last month: Did not play for Bendigo Pioneers against Sandringham Dragons, but has been utilised as a swingman for Geelong Grammar. In the windy conditions in the last few Saturdays, Brander has spent his time at whatever end the wind was going. He intercepted in the air well against Carey and took a very nice mark over Oscar Clavarino on the weekend.

#8 Jaidyn Stephenson

Medium Forward/Outside Midfielder (Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro)
15/01/1999 | 189cm | 76kg
Previous ranking: #9

Scouting notes: Plays as a tall forward marking target inside 50 despite being medium size. Has a big wingspan which sees him pluck the ball from above his opponents reach. He converts his set-shot chances more than not, after bursting onto the scene with a terrific finals series for Eastern Ranges as an Under 16 back in 2015. Stephenson has pushed up onto the wing at times, but plays his best up forward or play as a high half forward. He moves well and holds a great endurance base to go with a really good burst of speed. Midfield craft is improving.

Last month: Played more as a pure midfielder in Eastern Ranges’ win over Sandringham Dragons, finding the ball at ease around the ground finish with 39 disposals. Had 26 disposals and four inside 50s in their win over Gippsland, backing that up the following game wit 17 disposals and six tackles. His midfield minutes have increased and he appears to be getting better there.

#9 Joel Garner

Balanced Midfielder/General Defender (Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro)
21/05/1999 | 183cm | 81kg
Previous ranking: #10

Scouting notes: Speedy midfielder who plays well on both the outside and inside. He uses the ball well off his left foot, hitting targets on the run or standing still. His handballing in close is another strength and he is able to clear the ball from a stoppage with ease. Screams X-Factor at times and may have found his best position across half back. Is an outstanding leader.

Last month: Found the ball on the outside with 18 disposals and five rebound 50s in the Eastern Ranges’ game against Gippsland Power. Back at school football level he has played mostly across half back after the NAB AFL Under 18 Championships where he used his long left foot to effectiveness.

#10 Sam Hayes
Key Position Forward/Ruckman (Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro)
09/06/1999 | 203cm | 93kg
Previous ranking: #11

Scouting notes: Showed his forward craft in the Under 18 Championships last year for Vic Metro using his height to mark the ball. He is a adequate kick for goal and rucks well around the ground and at the centre bounces. Leading patterns could improve – but he is still learning his game as a tall. At this stage I’d pencil him as a forward first, ruck second prospect – but still would consider him as the best ruck in the draft pool.

Last month: Continuing to show he is the clear best ruckman in the draft pool. Found 21 disposals to go with his 20 hitouts against Gippsland Power and his marking work around the ground adds a point of difference to some other ‘tap’ ruckman in the draft pool. Had a game high 30 hitouts against Northern Knights, along with seven clearances and 17 disposals. Was good around the ground against Sandringham Dragons on the weekend, using his strength in the contest against their more athletic ruckmen.

#11 Noah Balta
Tall Utility (Calder Cannons/Vic Metro)
23/10/1999 | 194cm | 92kg
Previous ranking: #13

Scouting notes: Athletic tall who has one of the biggest upsides of the draft pool. Balta has played predominately as a ruckman or a key forward for the Calder Cannons – but showed great signs as a defender in the Vic Metro trial and played there in the NAB AFL Under 18 Championships. He is a good mark, but his running patterns up forward do need some work. He possesses a rare combo of elite speed and agility for a tall player. His vertical leap is exceptional and can do things that many other talls in the draft pool cannot.

Last month: Booted an 80-metre goal for Calder Cannons on the weekend, mixing his time in different positions around the ground. Had a season high 31 disposals (17 contested), 10 inside 50s, eight hitouts and seven marks against Murray Bushrangers in Round 13. Rucked well at the ball ups against Oakleigh, using his superior leap to jump over his opponent.

#12 Darcy Fogarty
General Forward (Glenelg/South Australia)
05/09/1999 | 192cm | 88kg
Previous ranking: #12

Scouting notes: Strongly built forward that can push into the midfield. Played up forward for South Australia in last year’s Under 18 Championships booting seven goals. Fogarty played a strong game in the midfield for Glenelg in their finals last year and has been tried as a third tall defender at stages throughout 2017. Has the ability to kick off either foot and can lay bone-crunching tackles. He is more of a third tall than an inside midfielder at this stage. Ruled out for the season with a meniscus tear in his knee.

Last month: Had eight disposals and four inside 50s in Glenelg’s Reserves loss to Port Adelaide Magpies to start the month. Fogarty has since been ruled out requiring surgery on a small meniscus tear that will end his season.

#13 Andrew Brayshaw

Inside Midfielder (Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro)
08/11/1999 | 183cm | 80kg
Previous ranking: #23

Scouting notes: The brother of Melbourne’s Angus started the year on fire for the Sandringham Dragons. He finds the football with a good contested possession percentage. Brayshaw is more of a handball first, kick second player in the contest but just gets the job done without standing out and flies under the radar. He makes his disposals count and is effective, with good defensive efforts.

Last month: Was very good in the Sandringham Dragons’ win over Bendigo Pioneers with 25 disposals (16 contested), eight tackles, six clearances and six inside 50s. Booted two goals in Haileybury’s win against St Kevin’s and had the ball on a string with 42 disposals against Geelong Grammar on Saturday.

#14 Matthew Ling

Outside Midfielder (Geelong Falcons/Vic Country)
21/04/1999 | 182cm | 74kg
Previous ranking: #14

Scouting notes: Left footer who is a good ball user on the outside. Has flown under the radar and likely will end up as the first Geelong Falcon drafted. Is a smart footballer and makes good decisions. Not a big ball winner, but has elite agility that allows him to step opponents around the ground.

Last month: Was a strong performer with 23 disposals in Geelong Falcons’ win over Western Jets in Round 13 in the TAC Cup. His ball use was very good by hand and foot against the Jets and he backed that up with another clean game against GWV Rebels. Ling finished with 19 disposals (84 per cent efficiency), five tackles and four inside 50s.

#15 Jack Higgins

Inside Midfielder/Small Forward (Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro)
19/03/1999 | 178cm | 76kg
Previous ranking: #15

Scouting notes: Small midfielder who wins a lot of the ball but at times isn’t overly damaging with a lot of lateral kicks that don’t hurt opposition teams. His defensive efforts are getting better and the midfielder has the ability to push forward and hit the scoreboard. His clearance work is great and he has goal smarts as a small forward, but he does lack a touch of speed compared to other small forwards. Very good contested mark for a player sub 180cm. Should be ready to go in 2018, but his full on focus on AFL in 2017, might mean he has a limited upside compared with other first rounders.

Last month: Took a while to get going against GWV Rebels but a 14-disposal third term helped him finish with 30 disposals (20 contested), 11 clearances and seven tackles. Did not play in the Oakleigh Chargers’ game against Calder Cannons, but returned with 27 disposals and a goal in their surprise loss to the Western Jets.

#16 Aaron Naughton
Key Position Defender (Peel/Western Australia)
30/11/19999 | 194cm | 84kg
Previous ranking: #22

Scouting notes: Played as a bottom-ager in two of Western Australia’s NAB AFL Under 18 Championship games in 2016, and was named as a co-captain for the 2017 carnival where he impressed in defence. He marks well overhead and is a good reader of the play. Has an awkward ball drop which can affect his left foot kicking efficiency at times. Made his League debut in the WAFL and hasn’t looked out of place.

Last month: Pushed into the WAFL League team for Peel Thunder playing alongside Fremantle listed players. Naughton recorded 16 disposals and seven marks in Round 17 on WAFL League debut and has since backed it up with 17 disposals and 11 marks, as well as 23 disposals and 11 marks in their last two games.

#17 Hunter Clark

Inside Midfielder/Medium Defender (Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country)
26/03/1999 | 186cm | 79kg
Previous ranking: #24

Scouting notes: Has transitioned from a rebounding outside defender to a contested ball winning midfielder over the last 12 months. Coming out of defence his decision making and kicking could be better – and if he cleans this up it will help his draft stocks. Is not a big ball winner, but showed good promise on the inside for the Dandenong Stingrays. Possesses quick hands – a trait that can separate him from others in this draft pool.

Last month: I have said for a while that I thought his best position was as an inside midfielder and he has delivered in the last few weeks playing there. Had 19 disposals and seven inside 50s against Northern Knights in Round 13. With Davies-Uniacke returning to school football, Clark has stepped up with 34 disposals (17 contested), 10 inside 50s, eight tackles and seven clearances against Gippsland Power at Frankston Oval, backing it up on the weekend with 32 disposals and five tackles in a best-on-ground display against Bendigo Pioneers.

#18 Oscar Allen
Key Position Forward (West Perth/Western Australia)
19/03/1999 | 191cm | 83kg
Previous ranking: #17

Scouting notes: Tall Utility who can play at either end but mostly looks likely to settle forward. Marks well overhead and moves well for a player over 190cm. Good decision maker and impressed inside 50 in the WA trials. Named co-captain for Western Australia in the National Under 18 Championships and was the Larke Medalist judged the best player in the carnival. Looms as one of the first WA players selected. Very good endurance base.

Last month: Has worked into the West Perth reserves team averaging 13 disposals, 10 hitouts, six marks and five tackles in his two outings. Made his WAFL League debut on the weekend, with eight disposals and five marks against East Perth.

#19 Patrick Naish
Outside Midfielder (Northern Knights/Vic Metro)
15/01/1999 | 180cm | 69kg
Previous ranking: #19

Scouting notes: Smart and lively inside 50. Working on his contested ball winning ability, but looks suited to start as a forward at AFL level. Can play across half back, ball usage is reasonable by foot but can often go for the miracle kick rather than a simpler options. Has a good spring that allows his to leap over some of his smaller opponents. Covers the ground well. Father-son eligible for Richmond.

Last month: Had 19 disposals and four clearances against Dandenong Stingrays at Shepley Oval. He also pushed forward and kicked two goals. Played well in Ivanhoe’s AGSV Semi Final and booted three goals in the Grand Final, looking his best when he was pushed forward after starting across half back and on the outside.

#20 Lochie O’Brien
Outside Midfielder (Bendigo Pioneers/Vic Country)
18/09/1999 | 184cm | 75kg
Previous ranking: #18

Scouting notes: Classy outside midfielder who is likened to former Roo & Saint Nick Dal Santo. Uses the ball well on his left foot and possesses elite speed which can help him burst away on the outside at speed. Impressed last year for Vic Country as a bottom-ager playing on the wing, a position that allows for him to be a receiever on the outside where he can clear the ball via a pinpoint pass. A good decision maker and is someone you want to have the ball in their hands. If he can win a bit more contested ball he should be able to mould into a damaging wingman/half back.

Last month: Did not play for Bendigo Pioneers against Sandringham Dragons but his ball use for Geelong Grammar has been very good despite being the player that most schools have employed a tagger to. In their big loss to Scotch College, O’Brien was Geelong’s best player.

#21 Connor Ballenden
Tall Utility (Uni of QLD/Brisbane Lions Academy)
29/03/1999 | 199cm | 96kg
Previous ranking: #20

Scouting notes: Strong contested marking forward who will fit well into the Lions forward structure. Has played through the ruck and as a key position defender to start 2017 – but his best position is coming out of the goal square. Possesses a very good set shot routine, kicking more goals than he misses. Has a long kick and reads the play well.

Last month: Showed some promise for the Brisbane Lions in the NEAFL playing up forward. He kicked four goals against Canberra a fortnight ago and on the weekend had 12 disposals, seven marks and booted two goals against the Sydney Swans Reserves.

#22 Lachlan Fogarty
Balanced Midfielder (Western Jets/Vic Metro)
01/04/1999 | 179cm | 75kg
Previous ranking: #21

Scouting notes: Clean and polished midfielder who wins the ball in both contested and uncontested situations. A good decision maker by hand or foot, who tackles hard to win the ball back. Has smarts and knows where the goals are. Is a consistent performer.

Last month: Played a very strong game for the Western Jets in their loss to Geelong Falcons, finishing the day with a team-high 27 disposals (16 contested), 10 inside 50s and five tackles. Was a decent performer in St Kevin’s last two games against Carey and Haileybury playing through the midfield.

#23 Ryley Stoddart
Medium Defender/Outside Midfielder (Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro)
15/10/1999 | 183cm | 73kg
Previous ranking: #25

Scouting notes: Rebounding defender who is what you want in a half back flank. Kicks it well on his left foot, makes very good decisions and will get to the right positions. His defending one-on-one is okay and is not a big disposal winner, but is a player who will make his 15-20 touches hurt the opposition when he drops off. Dubbed as a Kade Simpson clone by SEN 1116 Draft Analyst Brett Anderson.

Last month: A lack of ball winning has been a knock from some but was arguably best-on-ground with 29 disposals and 11 marks against the Sandringham Dragons on Sunday. He also pushed forward in the third term and added another string to his bow. Started with a quiet game against Gippsland Power in Round 13 but was efficient with 15 disposals and six marks against Northern Knights.

#24 Jack Petruccelle

Inside Midfielder (Northern Knights/Vic Metro)
12/04/1999 | 184cm | 73kg
Previous ranking: #16

Scouting notes: The fastest player in the TAC Cup with a 20m sprint time of 2.82s. He is willing to take oppoisition players on and burn them off along the wing. Also possesses a very good leap. His kicking on the run is a work-in-progress and needs work, but his eye catching displays are continuing to get better and more consistent. Comes from an elite basketball background. His contested ball numbers are very good.

Last month: Had 11 disposals and five inside 50s in the Knights’ loss to Dandenong Stingrays, using his speed at stages. Collected 16 disposals (10 contested) against Eastern Ranges and laid some impressive tackles on the weekend against Calder Cannons.

#25 Nathan Kreuger
Tall Utility (South Adelaide/South Australia)
25/06/1999 | 196cm | 86kg
Previous ranking: #26

Scouting notes: A raw talent who has had some incredible moments over the last 12 months. His work in the South Australian trials were good last year and early this year. Can play as a tall at either end, but most excitingly moves well athletically enough to play as a flanker. Uses the ball well off his left foot and there are some moments that get you really excited about this kid. Can play through the midfield but showed his strength up forward for South Australia in the NAB AFL Under 18 Championships.

Last month: Played some midfield minutes in the SANFL Under 18s in Round 14, finishing with 12 disposals and four clearances. Laid six tackles alongside his 16 disposals and two goals in Round 15, before making his South Adelaide reserves debut with seven disposals and three marks on the weekend.

#26 Zac Bailey
Inside Midfielder (Southern Districts/Allies)
23/09/1999 | 180cm | 68kg
Previous ranking: #27

Scouting notes: Has a great burst of speed and he isn’t afraid to collect the ball and burst out of a stoppage getting distance on himself from his opponents. The right footer is usually a clean kick but can have the odd poor game by foot. Wins the contested ball and tackles well.

Last month: Was sent off in a school football match earlier in the month, but returned to Norwood as one of their best players finding 23 disposals and eight clearances in their win over Sturt.

#27 James Worpel

Inside Midfielder (Geelong Falcons/Vic Country)
24/01/1999 | 185cm | 84kg
Previous ranking: #29

Scouting notes: Cracks in hard winning the ball in the contest and is one of the best clearance players in the 2017 draft pool. Question marks are on his kicking, where at times he will just bomb it out of the packs but he did show in the NAB AFL Under 18 Championships that he was able to stop and find a target without rushing. Tackles well but has areas to address to be a first round selection.

Last month: His contested work was on show with 34 disposals, six tackles, six inside 50s and four clearances in Geelong Falcons’ win over the Western Jets in Round 13 of the TAC Cup. Had 17 disposals and eight tackles in the cold up in Ballarat against GWV Rebels. Had a quieter output with 18 disposals and five tackles, but his defensive work is very good.

#28 Dylan Moore
Inside Midfielder/Small Forward (Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro)
04/08/1999 | 175cm | 66kg
Previous ranking: #31

Scouting notes: Small midfielder who isn’t afraid of winning the contested ball. His ground ball numbers are very good and is a big ball winning midfielder. Moore can also push forward and hit the scoreboard. Has a decent jump for a small midfielder which he can show off up forward. Has a very good endurance base but is one of the few players sub 180cm who don’t possess elite speed. Is a smart footer and just gets to the right position to win the ball. Clearance work is super.

Last month: Found the ball at ease with 27 disposals, five tackles and five clearances in Eastern’s win over Gippsland Power. Absolutely dominated for Caulfield Grammar against Melbourne Grammar, booting six goals (five in the second half) to go with 36 disposals. Copped a hard tag against Brighton Grammar, but had a very good burst of 20 minutes in the third quarter where he was able to get off the chain and boot three goals. Didn’t bring his goal kicking boots to Wesley College on Saturday, but his hands in close and clearance work when it counted was exceptional and alongside Jackson Hille was one of the reasons that Caulfield Grammar came from behind to win.

#29 Nathan Murphy
Medium Utility (Brighton Grammar/Sandringham Dragons)
15/12/1999 | 188cm | 84kg
Previous ranking: #35

Scouting notes: The Victorian Under 19 cricketer has been one of the better forwards in the APS Victorian school football season. Murphy has over 20 goals after moving forward post a concussion suffered against Haileybury College in Round 2. Was a late addition to the Sandringham Dragons program for 2017 and was strong as a third tall in defence on debut. The tall utility can play at either end and has a big booming right foot kick. Goalkicking accuracy is one area which can be cleaned up but Murphy’s focus has largely been cricket over the last few years. Often has a tendency to mark the ball behind his head and Murphy has a very large wingspan.

Last month: Went forward and looked more at home against Bendigo Pioneers finishing the day with 17 disposals, seven marks, six inside 50s and three goals. Took a very good contested mark that day and was far too strong for his opponent. He had 21 disposals, 10 marks and three goals in Brighton’s win against Geelong College, while it was a dominant display with the wind booting six goals straight in their win against Caulfield. Took some spectacular marks in the final quarter in their final outing against Scotch on Saturday.

#30 Charlie Spargo

Inside Midfielder/Small Forward (Murray Bushrangers/Allies)
25/11/1999 | 175cm | 73kg
Previous ranking: #30

Scouting notes: Small bite-sized midfielder who cracks in hard. Despite his size he wins the ball in the contest and tackles hard. Is one of the few midfielders who has a good goal sense and is a hard match-up when deep inside 50. Was originally zoned to GWS but it is now ineligible for GWS to select him under changes to their Academy zone. Has had shoulder surgery which will rule him out for the season.

Last month: Missed the entire month recovering from shoulder surgery. Was invited to the National Combine and will still interview with clubs there.
 

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Review 2017 AFL National Draft - Friday 24th November

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