Player Watch 2021 AFL National Draft - NOT FOR TRADE DISCUSSION

[Strapping Young Lad]

Let’s stick with a basic rule for this thread, that it’s for draft watch and discussion only.

It’s not for trade hypotheticals, who you think needs to be delisted or traded, how many games you think we will win, some other team will win, how many picks you want in the 1st round or discussion of current HFC players.

It’s about youngsters who are eligible for the draft in 2021.


Key dates to look out for:

• NAB AFL Draft Combine: TBC
• NAB AFL Draft: Wednesday November 24 - Thursday November 25
• NAB AFL Pre-season and Rookie Drafts: Friday November 26

 

[Dewyyyyy]

Dom, you once confused Finn Callaghan and Josh Sinn in a game Sinn didn't play in to me, how are we supposed to trust you're talking about Rachele and Sonsie, not Byrne and Soligo

Fair call. I didn't really confuse them, i just misread my mates comments dates, sent to me a Finn game and thought it was Sinn and visa versa. But yeah idk Sonsie looks good but i just don't think we should pick him from what i saw at BH with his game style, Rachele i can see being a better footballer in the end. Ward would go well with Chesser and Clarke.

 

[grumbleguts]

I think we pick the kids with names that BT can't or wouldn't latch onto. That is all.

 

[Pinoy Hawk]

Fair call. I didn't really confuse them, i just misread my mates comments dates, sent to me a Finn game and thought it was Sinn and visa versa. But yeah idk Sonsie looks good but i just don't think we should pick him from what i saw at BH with his game style, Rachele i can see being a better footballer in the end. Ward would go well with Chesser and Clarke.

Sonsie looks OK, but I wouldn't pick him with our pick 5 considering that there are other better options available.
Personally I think he is a 11-20 pick range.

If we got an extra late 1st rounder (11-18), I might consider picking him.
If he is available in our 2nd round, then most likely I'll pick him.

 

[Pinoy Hawk]

Horne, Rachele, Andrew, Daicos, Darcy, Callaghan, Gibcus. Hobbs, Ward mentioned.

AFL Draft Whispers: Early word on the top six prospects; clubs wary of future trade risk

AFL Draft Whispers: Top six takes shape as bolter emerges; trade risk splitting league

www.foxsports.com.au

 

[SunshineHawkCal]

You'd go... Callaghan, Ward, Eraskus, Rachele surely in thr order?

 

[VandoHawk]

Eraskus,

BT is that you?

 

[Collins-Langford-Ayres]

I wonder whether, if Josh Gibcus is available with our first pick, we grab him and then know we have our entire defence sorted for the next ten years and then perhaps use our picks in the 20s on a small forward like Jesse Motlop and an wingman like Hugh Jackson; and use our first pick next year on an inside mid, when we have a better picture on Jai, Nash and Finn's development and trajectory.

 

[sohsam]

I wonder whether, if Josh Gibcus is available with our first pick, we grab him and then know we have our entire defence sorted for the next ten years and then perhaps use our picks in the 20s on a small forward like Jesse Motlop and an wingman like Hugh Jackson; and use our first pick next year on an inside mid, when we have a better picture on Jai, Nash and Finn's development and trajectory.

Either way, can also pick up Bazzo / Van Rooyen with one of our second picks. Too many players, not enough picks. Same problem every year. I get your point though, cannot fix everything in one draft will need at least 2-3 drafts.

 

[killerspud]

I think we pick the kids with names that BT can't or wouldn't latch onto. That is all.

So no one named Jake then

 

[daniel23]

Dom, you once confused Finn Callaghan and Josh Sinn in a game Sinn didn't play in to me, how are we supposed to trust you're talking about Rachele and Sonsie, not Byrne and Soligo

Because sonsie was the only one that played for box hill mate.

 

[Davo-27]

JVR(Claremont) 3 goals in the first quarter of the WAFL Colts GF, Bazzo(Swan Dist) had some nice moments and is now playing on him, Arthur Jones(Claremont) could be an option for one of our picks in the 20's he is a draft bolter and playing well too.

 

[CHUBBSS]

I wonder whether, if Josh Gibcus is available with our first pick, we grab him and then know we have our entire defence sorted for the next ten years and then perhaps use our picks in the 20s on a small forward like Jesse Motlop and an wingman like Hugh Jackson; and use our first pick next year on an inside mid, when we have a better picture on Jai, Nash and Finn's development and trajectory.

It’s an interesting idea, I know we need one more elite mid (or two) but do we wait a season to see the emergence of current listed players will fit one of those profiles whilst also having a really strong POD in the backline against all other teams.

I would probably value an elite small forward or elite outside mid (wanganeen) higher at this stage, but also why alot think we need more at the draft this year.

 

[Collins-Langford-Ayres]

It’s an interesting idea, I know we need one more elite mid (or two) but do we wait a season to see the emergence of current listed players will fit one of those profiles whilst also having a really strong POD in the backline against all other teams.

I would probably value an elite small forward or elite outside mid (wanganeen) higher at this stage, but also why alot think we need more at the draft this year.

Based on some of the phantom drafts I have read, Wanganeen will fall between our first two picks though. Not sure how we upgrade. Wouldn't mind swapping the Bulldogs pick 17 for Gunners and a later pick.

 

[Blackhawk42]

I wonder whether, if Josh Gibcus is available with our first pick, we grab him and then know we have our entire defence sorted for the next ten years and then perhaps use our picks in the 20s on a small forward like Jesse Motlop and an wingman like Hugh Jackson; and use our first pick next year on an inside mid, when we have a better picture on Jai, Nash and Finn's development and trajectory.

This is my nightmare scenario. Even that article says Gibcus is a future gun 'second' defender. We already have that in DGB. A midfielder is a MUST.

 

[chopflop]

This is my nightmare scenario. Even that article says Gibcus is a future gun 'second' defender. We already have that in DGB. A midfielder is a MUST.

Watch the first quarter of Australia vs Geelong VFL. I did and Gibcus is a big big prospect. Harris andrews in his style of play (no I am not saying as good obviously)

 

[Pinoy Hawk]

This is my nightmare scenario. Even that article says Gibcus is a future gun 'second' defender. We already have that in DGB. A midfielder is a MUST.

From the link - "The Suns have also been linked to key defender Josh Gibcus – the draft class’ best interceptor at 195cm and a player recruiters can see becoming a genuine second backman at an AFL club."

We need a genuine Fullback (Lake type ... future Hartigan replacement).

 

[toomanysquibs]

From the link - "The Suns have also been linked to key defender Josh Gibcus – the draft class’ best interceptor at 195cm and a player recruiters can see becoming a genuine second backman at an AFL club."

We need a genuine Fullback (Lake type ... future Hartigan replacement).

I think if you look at the guys you mention, they weren't quite monsters right after being drafted.

It takes a while for the talls to develop an AFL body. It's probably not likely that DGB gets to the size Rance was at when he was the AFL's best defender, but that was who he was being compared to during his draft year.

Just depends if Gibcus can put on weight, and develop real strength. He could be a modern Dustin Fletcher with the traits that he's shown so far. A real strength and conditioning program could turn him into anything.

That said, we need mids with genuine hurt factor and outside run. Or players playing out of position who will become that type of player.

 

[Pinoy Hawk]

I think if you look at the guys you mention, they weren't quite monsters right after being drafted.

It takes a while for the talls to develop an AFL body. It's probably not likely that DGB gets to the size Rance was at when he was the AFL's best defender, but that was who he was being compared to during his draft year.

Just depends if Gibcus can put on weight, and develop real strength. He could be a modern Dustin Fletcher with the traits that he's shown so far. A real strength and conditioning program could turn him into anything.

That said, we need mids with genuine hurt factor and outside run. Or players playing out of position who will become that type of player.

Gibcus is still young and definitely can still develop into a Full Back.

Cheaper option is to get a midfielder with our first round and get Bazzo with one of our 2nd rounder..

 

[CaptainWorpedo]

Interesting to note the age reports Sam Mitchell favours needs over best talent in this draft.

"Heading into the period of the year that shapes the season’s fortunes as much as anything Mitchell defers to the list managers but accepts he is comfortable with the back line and while he would favour bringing in the best talent he recognises the midfield and forward line are bigger priorities"

Life after a legend: Mitchell’s plans for Hawthorn

The new Hawthorn coach wants to keep a balance between the team’s defensive DNA and a more attacking approach.

www.theage.com.au

 

[grumbleguts]

So no one named Jake then

Certainly no one named Orazio that's for sure.

 

[chopflop]

Interesting to note the age reports Sam Mitchell favours needs over best talent in this draft.

"Heading into the period of the year that shapes the season’s fortunes as much as anything Mitchell defers to the list managers but accepts he is comfortable with the back line and while he would favour bringing in the best talent he recognises the midfield and forward line are bigger priorities"

Life after a legend: Mitchell’s plans for Hawthorn

The new Hawthorn coach wants to keep a balance between the team’s defensive DNA and a more attacking approach.

www.theage.com.au

Read this yesterday. Sounds like he is after game breakers. Rachele will be right in the mix of our first me thinks. Twomey mentioned on trade exchange that rachele was in the mix at pick 4 for the crows

 

[KermitJagger]

Interesting to note the age reports Sam Mitchell favours needs over best talent in this draft.

"Heading into the period of the year that shapes the season’s fortunes as much as anything Mitchell defers to the list managers but accepts he is comfortable with the back line and while he would favour bringing in the best talent he recognises the midfield and forward line are bigger priorities"

Life after a legend: Mitchell’s plans for Hawthorn

The new Hawthorn coach wants to keep a balance between the team’s defensive DNA and a more attacking approach.

www.theage.com.au

Needs always plays some part, but it's not as though they'd pass on an obviously better player for an obviously worse one just because the position isn't ideal. It's more that if the difference is minimal, you will then consider needs.

 

[Blackhawk42]

DGB is a what? Who said?

It's been pretty widely suggested that DGB's future most likely lies in the Grimes style of intercepting defender as opposed to the Gorilla stopper playing genuine full back. Doesn't mean he won't develop into that, but it's a commonly held projection for him.

Gibcus appears to be quite similar. We can't be using our two highest first round selections in 15 years on intercepting defenders when we have multiple already. That was simply my main point. NEED genuine class through the midfield.

 

[SunshineHawkCal]

I wonder whether, if Josh Gibcus is available with our first pick, we grab him and then know we have our entire defence sorted for the next ten years and then perhaps use our picks in the 20s on a small forward like Jesse Motlop and an wingman like Hugh Jackson; and use our first pick next year on an inside mid, when we have a better picture on Jai, Nash and Finn's development and trajectory.

We far from need inside mids, with Worpel, Newcombe, Nash, Finn* need class, if Ward or Callaghan is there we take them

 

[SunshineHawkCal]

Read this yesterday. Sounds like he is after game breakers. Rachele will be right in the mix of our first me thinks. Twomey mentioned on trade exchange that rachele was in the mix at pick 4 for the crows

Therefore Ward would slide to us?