List Mgmt. 2022 Draft Thread

[goodcop badcop]

If Weddle is still available at the end of day one of the draft, I'd like us to trade up to get him. Maybe if we could work into a deal with GWS where we trade our 21 & 39 for picks 19 & 31. Not sure a future 2nd rounder will do that deal though, some pretty ridiculous offers can get thrown around. May have to use a future 1st for pick 18. Would people do that?

 

[LittleG]

If Hollands was there
I’d go Hollands, doesn’t do anything flashy
But you can’t underestimate how important two way running is and he’s possibly the best in the draft at it
Think he could be everything we wanted Hunter to be on the wing as well

Hollands
Clarke
Philips

That is what I think we will do.

What I would do:
Weddle
George
Binns

 

[goodcop badcop]

Sounds like Hawthorn and GWS are ultra keen on Jones

Spoiler: Agile, versatile, determined: The diminutive all-rounder with genuine X-factor

THERE is a steely determination to Darcy Jones.

It's a determination that was evident in the 24 hours before this month's NAB AFL Draft Combine, where the young West Australian set himself some lofty goals to impress onlooking club recruiters.

Sprinting and agility would be his pet events, so Jones wanted to knock them out of the park. But he'd also targeted the 2km time trial, and the vertical leap tests, as areas where he could catch the eye of AFL scouts.

But Jones didn't just catch their eye. He also caught their ear. If the clubs in attendance weren't already monitoring his efforts, then the applause when his time of 7.702 seconds in the agility test was read out over the loudspeaker soon grabbed their full attention.

Jones had smashed a 14-year record, previously set by Fremantle's Stephen Hill

32

Stephen Hill

Age

34

Ht

183cm

Wt

82kg

Pos.

Def

Career

Season

Last 5

D

19.5

5star

K

11.7

4star

HB

7.8

5star

M

3.0

3star

T

2.9

4star

MG

223.5

3star

D

13.5

3star

K

8.8

4star

HB

4.8

3star

M

4.8

4star

T

0.8

1star

MG

223.5

3star

D

11.2

3star

K

5.4

2star

HB

5.8

4star

M

2.2

3star

T

2.8

5star

in 2008, in the agility test. He also won the vertical jump test, reaching 75cm, and finished fifth in both the running vertical jump (87cm) and the 20m sprint (2.912 seconds).

Darcy Jones, pictured with AFL executive general manager of football operations Andrew Dillon, was the winner of the agility test at the 2022 AFL Draft Combine. Picture: AFL Photos
"I just wanted to do my best," Jones told AFL.com.au.

Standing at a diminutive 174cm, and weighing only 63kgs, Jones' determination has stemmed from having to prove people wrong. Given his slender frame, he knows he has to be tougher, braver and faster than the rest. And, for the most part, he has been.

"People have talked about my height a lot," Jones said.

"I've kind of made an effort to prove that it's not a massive thing, especially nowadays. There are attributes that can help you work around it and make you stand out from the rest, which I try to show off on game days."

Draft prospect: Darcy Jones​

Check out the highlights of 2022 NAB AFL Draft prospect Darcy Jones

Jones has stepped up to every level asked of him this season. Having dominated Colts footy in the WAFL with Swan Districts, he played three senior games – including one against a West Coast side stacked with AFL-listed talent – throughout the year.

He won 19 disposals, seven marks and kicked two goals from five scoring shots against the Eagles, further enhancing the crafty small forward's standing as a likely top-30 prospect ahead of next month's NAB AFL Draft.

It followed a Colts campaign where Champion Data notes Jones averaged 26 disposals, 13.7 contested possessions, 6.2 clearances, 5.2 score involvements, 4.7 tackles and a goal per game. Such impressive numbers ultimately led to his senior debut.

"The only thing that changed for me was the speed and the pace of the game," Jones said.

"I've been playing against bigger bodies my whole life and I've had to adjust to that. I've worked my way around it and used my attributes to help me. But it was the pace of the game that was a bit different.

"I just fit in straightaway. They were so good to me, they treated me like I had been there for five years. They didn't care that I was coming up from Colts, they just welcomed me and made it easy for me to fit in and play my best footy."

Darcy Jones runs with the ball during Western Australia's clash against the Allies in the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships on July 9, 2022. Picture: AFL Photos
Jones' determination stretches beyond the field as well. This season the teenager has mixed football with a university prep course in physical education, work in both a cidery and a sports store, and shifts as an education assistant at a primary school with his mum.

"I'm basically just helping kids with special needs, teaching them how to learn and helping them with their reading and writing and all of that sort of stuff. I just help out with that where I can," Jones said.

"Mum loves it. She's been doing it for over 10 years now. It's a pretty rewarding job. You see kids progress and you're helping them get through school and become adults. She quite enjoys it."

PUT TO THE TEST The best performers at the Combine

On the field, Jones' feats at the Draft Combine are likely to continue pushing him higher up AFL scouting boards. But his reputation had already been established courtesy of his performances and the versatility he has displayed throughout the year.

Darcy Jones in action during the 2022 AFL Draft Combine at Margaret Court Arena. Picture: AFL Photos
A monster 44-disposal game through the midfield against Perth at Colts level back in April was followed by a three-goal display as a forward the next week against Claremont, highlighting his ability to play multiple positions.

Combining the two has also been a strength of Jones' during the year, as evidenced at the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships with Western Australia where he averaged 19.7 disposals, 5.3 score involvements and 1.3 goals per game.

DRAFT HUB Click here for the latest draft news

"I probably see myself as a small forward, or potentially on the wing," Jones said.

"I'd say inside midfield would be my favourite position, just because you're always at the ball and you get a lot of it. But, to be realistic, if I was lucky enough to get picked up it would probably be as a small forward or as a wingman.

"I've played in so many different positions, so I try to model myself on someone that plays similar roles to me. I like to model myself around Shai Bolton

29

Shai Bolton

Age

26

Ht

176cm

Wt

77kg

Pos.

M/F

Career

Season

Last 5

D

12.3

3star

K

6.9

3star

HB

5.4

4star

M

2.8

3star

T

2.9

4star

CL

1.4

4star

D

12.7

3star

K

9.2

4star

HB

3.5

2star

M

3.0

3star

T

2.7

4star

CL

1.8

4star

D

9.2

3star

K

4.6

2star

HB

4.6

4star

M

2.0

3star

T

2.6

4star

CL

0.0

1star

. Or if I'm on the wing, I look at Bradley Hill. He's so fast and good with his skills."

Darcy Jones at the 2022 AFL Draft Combine. Picture: AFL Photos
A big West Coast fan growing up, Jones has admirers from all over the country. Only a handful of clubs didn't meet with him during the Draft Combine, with Hawthorn and Greater Western Sydney among those to request multiple interviews.

"Anywhere would be nice, to be honest," Jones said.

"I've come to terms with the fact it's more likely I'll be going over east. But you never know what's going to happen. If I'm lucky enough to go over east, then certainly I'll be over the moon."

Agile, versatile, determined: The diminutive all-rounder with genuine X-factor

Standing at 174cm, Darcy Jones knows he has to be tougher, braver and faster than the rest. And, that's exactly what sets him apart

www.afl.com.au

 

[Munnez]

If Weddle is still available at the end of day one of the draft, I'd like us to trade up to get him. Maybe if we could work into a deal with GWS where we trade our 21 & 39 for picks 19 & 31. Not sure a future 2nd rounder will do that deal though, some pretty ridiculous offers can get thrown around. May have to use a future 1st for pick 18. Would people do that?

I would bring forward a future 1st to grab Weddle a guy that can defend tall and small and runs offensively. Can be a very solid part of the defence like a Grimes from Richmond.
Worth a punt IMO

 

[ScragCity]

11. Gibney/Hollands
21. Allen
39. Phillips

If Ginbey slides to 11 it would be incredible for us

 

[weltschmerz]

If Ginbey slides to 11 it would be incredible for us

I rate him hugely. Would take him above just about anyone at our pick, just haven’t mentioned him much because I figured he’s headed to West Coast at their first pick.

 

[CaptainMurphy]

Sounds like Hawthorn and GWS are ultra keen on Jones

Spoiler: Agile, versatile, determined: The diminutive all-rounder with genuine X-factor

THERE is a steely determination to Darcy Jones.

It's a determination that was evident in the 24 hours before this month's NAB AFL Draft Combine, where the young West Australian set himself some lofty goals to impress onlooking club recruiters.

Sprinting and agility would be his pet events, so Jones wanted to knock them out of the park. But he'd also targeted the 2km time trial, and the vertical leap tests, as areas where he could catch the eye of AFL scouts.

But Jones didn't just catch their eye. He also caught their ear. If the clubs in attendance weren't already monitoring his efforts, then the applause when his time of 7.702 seconds in the agility test was read out over the loudspeaker soon grabbed their full attention.

Jones had smashed a 14-year record, previously set by Fremantle's Stephen Hill in 2008, in the agility test. He also won the vertical jump test, reaching 75cm, and finished fifth in both the running vertical jump (87cm) and the 20m sprint (2.912 seconds).

Darcy Jones, pictured with AFL executive general manager of football operations Andrew Dillon, was the winner of the agility test at the 2022 AFL Draft Combine. Picture: AFL Photos
"I just wanted to do my best," Jones told AFL.com.au.

Standing at a diminutive 174cm, and weighing only 63kgs, Jones' determination has stemmed from having to prove people wrong. Given his slender frame, he knows he has to be tougher, braver and faster than the rest. And, for the most part, he has been.

"People have talked about my height a lot," Jones said.

"I've kind of made an effort to prove that it's not a massive thing, especially nowadays. There are attributes that can help you work around it and make you stand out from the rest, which I try to show off on game days."

Draft prospect: Darcy Jones​

Check out the highlights of 2022 NAB AFL Draft prospect Darcy Jones

Jones has stepped up to every level asked of him this season. Having dominated Colts footy in the WAFL with Swan Districts, he played three senior games – including one against a West Coast side stacked with AFL-listed talent – throughout the year.

He won 19 disposals, seven marks and kicked two goals from five scoring shots against the Eagles, further enhancing the crafty small forward's standing as a likely top-30 prospect ahead of next month's NAB AFL Draft.

It followed a Colts campaign where Champion Data notes Jones averaged 26 disposals, 13.7 contested possessions, 6.2 clearances, 5.2 score involvements, 4.7 tackles and a goal per game. Such impressive numbers ultimately led to his senior debut.

"The only thing that changed for me was the speed and the pace of the game," Jones said.

"I've been playing against bigger bodies my whole life and I've had to adjust to that. I've worked my way around it and used my attributes to help me. But it was the pace of the game that was a bit different.

"I just fit in straightaway. They were so good to me, they treated me like I had been there for five years. They didn't care that I was coming up from Colts, they just welcomed me and made it easy for me to fit in and play my best footy."

Darcy Jones runs with the ball during Western Australia's clash against the Allies in the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships on July 9, 2022. Picture: AFL Photos
Jones' determination stretches beyond the field as well. This season the teenager has mixed football with a university prep course in physical education, work in both a cidery and a sports store, and shifts as an education assistant at a primary school with his mum.

"I'm basically just helping kids with special needs, teaching them how to learn and helping them with their reading and writing and all of that sort of stuff. I just help out with that where I can," Jones said.

"Mum loves it. She's been doing it for over 10 years now. It's a pretty rewarding job. You see kids progress and you're helping them get through school and become adults. She quite enjoys it."

PUT TO THE TEST The best performers at the Combine

On the field, Jones' feats at the Draft Combine are likely to continue pushing him higher up AFL scouting boards. But his reputation had already been established courtesy of his performances and the versatility he has displayed throughout the year.

Darcy Jones in action during the 2022 AFL Draft Combine at Margaret Court Arena. Picture: AFL Photos
A monster 44-disposal game through the midfield against Perth at Colts level back in April was followed by a three-goal display as a forward the next week against Claremont, highlighting his ability to play multiple positions.

Combining the two has also been a strength of Jones' during the year, as evidenced at the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships with Western Australia where he averaged 19.7 disposals, 5.3 score involvements and 1.3 goals per game.

DRAFT HUB Click here for the latest draft news

"I probably see myself as a small forward, or potentially on the wing," Jones said.

"I'd say inside midfield would be my favourite position, just because you're always at the ball and you get a lot of it. But, to be realistic, if I was lucky enough to get picked up it would probably be as a small forward or as a wingman.

"I've played in so many different positions, so I try to model myself on someone that plays similar roles to me. I like to model myself around Shai Bolton. Or if I'm on the wing, I look at Bradley Hill. He's so fast and good with his skills."

Darcy Jones at the 2022 AFL Draft Combine. Picture: AFL Photos
A big West Coast fan growing up, Jones has admirers from all over the country. Only a handful of clubs didn't meet with him during the Draft Combine, with Hawthorn and Greater Western Sydney among those to request multiple interviews.

"Anywhere would be nice, to be honest," Jones said.

"I've come to terms with the fact it's more likely I'll be going over east. But you never know what's going to happen. If I'm lucky enough to go over east, then certainly I'll be over the moon."

Agile, versatile, determined: The diminutive all-rounder with genuine X-factor

Standing at 174cm, Darcy Jones knows he has to be tougher, braver and faster than the rest. And, that's exactly what sets him apart

www.afl.com.au

If GWS are keen he probably won't be at our 2nd pick

I'd be alright with him at our 1st at this point. Prefer him to Hollands or Busslinger.

 

[CaptainMurphy]

I rate him hugely. Would take him above just about anyone at our pick, just haven’t mentioned him much because I figured he’s headed to West Coast at their first pick.

Gold Coast might take him apparently. Looks like he'll be out of reach for us.

 

[weltschmerz]

Gold Coast might take him apparently. Looks like he'll be out of reach for us.

Could imagine him being of interest to Essendon too.

 

[House_of_Dahl]

I would bring forward a future 1st to grab Weddle a guy that can defend tall and small and runs offensively. Can be a very solid part of the defence like a Grimes from Richmond.
Worth a punt IMO

I'd think about taking him at 11 unless there is a Phillipou or Gibney level slider.

I'd probably prefer to take him over Busslinger.

I'd almost certainly have fecked our list up if I was in charge though.

 

[Ash1337]

I think GC would take either Phillipou or Ginbey. Really GC should focus on WA players. Gold coast and Perth are very similar cities and players who like the surf or beach life are more likely to stay.

I seriously think Busslinger is going to slide out of the top 10 considerations unless Eagles pick him if Gibney is not there but maybe they'll rate Hewett over him.

 

[TiAn_]

I like van Es for us. He’s physically very similar to Gardner, but more strongly built and seems more naturally suited to one on one defending and knowing when to mark. Could be very well suited to us.

 

[goodcop badcop]

I think GC would take either Phillipou or Ginbey. Really GC should focus on WA players. Gold coast and Perth are very similar cities and players who like the surf or beach life are more likely to stay.

I seriously think Busslinger is going to slide out of the top 10 considerations unless Eagles pick him if Gibney is not there but maybe they'll rate Hewett over him.

Rumour is Geelong will take Busslinger even if Clark is available and many of their supporters seem to think it makes sense.

From what I've read looking at rumours, news sources and "inside info" etc. It could go something like this

Pick 1 - GWS - Cadman
Pick 2 - Brisbane (bid) - Ashcorft
Pick 3 - North - Sheezel
Pick 4 - North - Wardlaw/Tsatas
Pick 5 - Essendon - Tsatas/Wardlaw
Pick 6 - Gold Coast - Ginbey
Pick 7 - Hawthorn - Humphrey
Pick 8 - Geelong - Busslinger
Pick 9 - West Coast - Clark
Pick 10 - St Kilda - McKenzie
Pick 11 - Carlton - Hollands

• Pretty confident the top 5 will play out something like that, maybe with GWS bidding on Ashcorft instead. Seems consistent with a lot of sources
• Sounds like Gold Coast are after some big body mids and like Ginbey and Humphrey
• The West Coast list/recruiting dude said that if there are 2 very similar prospects they would favour the WA player over the interstate one. They may not have a WA choice and may have to go an interstate player at 9
• St Kilda have a good NGA system going after taking two last year and if McKenzie is available I think they will likely go and draft him after putting time and development into him
• Carlton have apparently met with Hollands a few times. Rumour they also like Hayes
• Jefferson may still go top 10, but some clubs question if he has enough mongrel. Apparently a very nice guy, maybe a bit too nice and gets pushed off the ball a bit too easily
• Phillipou has supposed character issues, but nobody knows what they are so I'm guessing it's a complete load of crap. Maybe there's some truth to it and he slides down the order though. Wishful thinking I know.

 

[goodcop badcop]

I like van Es for us. He’s physically very similar to Gardner, but more strongly built and seems more naturally suited to one on one defending and knowing when to mark. Could be very well suited to us.

Very likable character from a recent interview I just listened to. I'm beginning to warm to him at 39 and would make sense if we go smaller at our first 2 selections.

 

[doggies ftw]

If GWS are keen he probably won't be at our 2nd pick

I'd be alright with him at our 1st at this point. Prefer him to Hollands or Busslinger.

Jones at 11 would be a huge reach I think, but I’d be stoked with him at 21 - Arthur & Darcy rotating through HF/Wing in a couple of years time could be fun

 

[Dav1d]

Rumour is Geelong will take Busslinger even if Clark is available and many of their supporters seem to think it makes sense.

From what I've read looking at rumours, news sources and "inside info" etc. It could go something like this

Pick 1 - GWS - Cadman
Pick 2 - Brisbane (bid) - Ashcorft
Pick 3 - North - Sheezel
Pick 4 - North - Wardlaw/Tsatas
Pick 5 - Essendon - Tsatas/Wardlaw
Pick 6 - Gold Coast - Ginbey
Pick 7 - Hawthorn - Humphrey
Pick 8 - Geelong - Busslinger
Pick 9 - West Coast - Clark
Pick 10 - St Kilda - McKenzie
Pick 11 - Carlton - Hollands

• Pretty confident the top 5 will play out something like that, maybe with GWS bidding on Ashcorft. Seems consistent with a lot of sources
• Sounds like Gold Coast are after some big bodies mids and like Ginbey and Humphrey
• The list/recruiting dude from West Coast said that if there are 2 very similar prospects they would favour the WA player over the interstate one. They may not have a WA choice and may have to go an interstate player at 9
• St Kilda have a good NGA system going after taking two last year and if McKenzie is available I think they will likely go and draft him after putting time and development into him
• Carlton have apparently met with Hollands a few times. Rumour they also like Hayes
• Jefferson may still go top 10, but some clubs question if he has enough mongrel. Apparently a very
• Phillipou has supposed character issues, but nobody knows what they are so I'm guessing it's a complete load of crap. Maybe there's some truth to it and he slides down the order though. Wishful thinking I know.

I believe I remember Curnow had character issues during the interview process prior to the draft
Unless it’s sooking about not wanting to leave South Australia I don’t understand it, after putting years to get where you are

 

[weltschmerz]

Jones at 11 would be a huge reach I think, but I’d be stoked with him at 21 - Arthur & Darcy rotating through HF/Wing in a couple of years time could be fun

Phillipou, Jones, Van Es could be a good haul.

 

[goodcop badcop]

I believe I remember Curnow had character issues during the interview process prior to the draft
Unless it’s sooking about not wanting to leave South Australia I don’t understand it, after putting years to get where you are

I've heard Phillipou say in two interviews that he would love the opportunity to move interstate, so I can't see it being that. Maybe it's just a perception people have because he comes across as a bit arrogant. Dunno.

 

[TiAn_]

Very likable character from a recent interview I just listened to. I'm beginning to warm to him at 39 and would make sense if we go smaller at our first 2 selections.

I’d be pleasantly surprised if he’s still there at that stage, but if so it’s a no brainer.

 

[weltschmerz]

I've heard Phillipou say in two interviews that he would love the opportunity to move interstate, so I can't see it being that. Maybe it's just a perception people have because he comes across as a bit arrogant. Dunno.

The rumour I’ve seen is “Jack Darling type issues” but not the antivax ones or the dropping simple chest marks ones. Don’t know if it’s true.

 

[CaptainMurphy]

Jones at 11 would be a huge reach I think, but I’d be stoked with him at 21 - Arthur & Darcy rotating through HF/Wing in a couple of years time could be fun

This kind of thing is always said this far from the draft, until Bont goes at 4 or Oliver goes at 4 or Kozzie Pickett goes at 12 - there's a million examples. You can put your house on the fact that there'll be multiple players picked in the first round who, if it was suggested today they would, the response would be "that's a reach".

 

[goodcop badcop]

The rumour I’ve seen is “Jack Darling type issues” but not the antivax ones or the dropping simple chest marks ones. Don’t know if it’s true.

So a bit of a ladies man then.

 

[Euku]

If GWS are keen he probably won't be at our 2nd pick

I'd be alright with him at our 1st at this point. Prefer him to Hollands or Busslinger.

I think Holland's is hugely underrated he is everywhere and always makes good decisions ive changed from Hewitt to Holland's, I like Jones but I feel he has to try his arse off to do what Holland's does naturally

 

[doggies ftw]

This kind of thing is always said this far from the draft, until Bont goes at 4 or Oliver goes at 4 or Kozzie Pickett goes at 12 - there's a million examples. You can put your house on the fact that there'll be multiple players picked in the first round who, if it was suggested today they would, the response would be "that's a reach".

Yeah I get that but at 174cm he’s just too undersized for me at pick 11 when there’s likely to be some pretty decent players on the board still.

Realistically will he ever be able to play anywhere but small forward? Probably too short to spend considerable time on the wing these days and I get the Bolton example but he’s very much the exception not the rule.

He’d have to be a very good forward to be worth it at pick 11, if we think he can do that then I’m happy to take the punt as it’s something we need but he strikes me more as an undersized mid than natural small forward - sort of in the similar mould to our own Arthur Jones.

His athletic profile is insane though, more the agility for mine over his speed that stands out as a real point of difference that will see him make it at the level, but then you look at Allan who has a similar athletic profile but stands at 194cm and it would be hard for me to not gravitate towards the upside of the 194cm prospect to be honest

 

[Mojorisin]

Yeah I get that but at 174cm he’s just too undersized for me at pick 11 when there’s likely to be some pretty decent players on the board still.

Realistically will he ever be able to play anywhere but small forward? Probably too short to spend considerable time on the wing these days and I get the Bolton example but he’s very much the exception not the rule.

He’d have to be a very good forward to be worth it at pick 11, if we think he can do that then I’m happy to take the punt as it’s something we need but he strikes me more as an undersized mid than natural small forward - sort of in the similar mould to our own Arthur Jones.

His athletic profile is insane though, more the agility for mine over his speed that stands out as a real point of difference that will see him make it at the level, but then you look at Allan who has a similar athletic profile but stands at 194cm and it would be hard for me to not gravitate towards the upside of the 194cm prospect to be honest

He has alot more ability to get his own ball then arti