Player Watch 2023 AFL Draft Pool Discussion Thread

[Strapping Young Lad]

Same rule applies to this thread as other years, keep it on topic about the kids.
Don’t get bogged down on what other teams might do or where they will finish.

Trade speculation belongs here.
That's also where you can discuss your mock drafts or pick trades.

Any McCabe, Dear or Maginness talk belongs here.

 

[chopflop]

I watched a half of midfield Curtin's game...

WAFL colts not the highest standard. I can say that Curtin has three very impressive traits

• his left foot is elite. You want the ball in his hands.
• his side-step to evade a tackler is elite. Very helpful for breaking lines.

- he is a good tackler.

Not as impressive

• lacked explosiveness or maybe was getting tired?
• very flat footed at stoppages and just used his size to bully opponents.
• struggled to win outside ball (at least in the first half).

From a sample of 1.5 games now

• I don't see genuine KPP potential. He is manic or strong enough in the air.
• he is more a scrimshaw or Birchall but bigger.
• best kick I have seen from this pool so far

 

[Strapping Young Lad]

#18 Ryan Maric (Gippsland Power)
06/09/2004 | 193cm | Tall Forward

Billed as the top mid-season draft prospect and perhaps a candidate to move West, Maric showed promising signs on the big stage. He was stationed up forward and booted a goal from several chances, which could have yielded a bag of three or four in better conditions. The Gippsland Power talent covered Trevor Barker Oval nicely and looks a dynamic type at 193cm.

#20 Ziggy Toledo (Dandenong Stingrays)
15/04/2004 | 192cm | Tall Forward

Toledo was one of two Young Guns to boot three goals on Sunday, playing up forward where he has arguably looked best overall. All three of his majors came in the second half with two kicks over the mark and one in the goalsquare, but Toledo also assisted his side’s first goal and judged marks nicely in the attacking half.

 

[The Jet From Poowong]

On Saturday afternoon at 3/4 time I noticed something a little weird.

Mark Mackenzie was on the oval and just watching/listening to the Bullants huddle from a respectful distance. I have no idea if this is something he normally does so maybe the regular Box Hill watchers can let us know. His eyes were fixed on what appeared to be one person for a prolonged period. So I sneakily wriggled my way around to see who it might be that he was looking at with such interest.

It wasnt the coach Brodie Hollands, or at least I dont think it was. I assumed it was a player/s that he was watching. In the end I think it may have been the tallish bloke who played some time in the ruck and forward - left footer. I dont know his name but think it might have been the player that recently received some media that he was being looked at by clubs as a possible for the MSD.

Edit - yes it was this bloke

CODE Sports

CODE Sports

www.codesports.com.au

 

[tl92]

I watched a half of midfield Curtin's game...

WAFL colts not the highest standard. I can say that Curtin has three very impressive traits

• his left foot is elite. You want the ball in his hands.
• his side-step to evade a tackler is elite. Very helpful for breaking lines.

- he is a good tackler.

Not as impressive

• lacked explosiveness or maybe was getting tired?
• very flat footed at stoppages and just used his size to bully opponents.
• struggled to win outside ball (at least in the first half).

From a sample of 1.5 games now

• I don't see genuine KPP potential. He is manic or strong enough in the air.
• he is more a scrimshaw or Birchall but bigger.
• best kick I have seen from this pool so far

Haven’t seen him play so this could be way off, but that sounds a bit lukoscious to me. Is that a fair comparison?

 

[CHUBBSS]

On Saturday afternoon at 3/4 time I noticed something a little weird.

Mark Mackenzie was on the oval and just watching/listening to the Bullants huddle from a respectful distance. I have no idea if this is something he normally does so maybe the regular Box Hill watchers can let us know. His eyes were fixed on what appeared to be one person for a prolonged period. So I sneakily wriggled my way around to see who it might be that he was looking at with such interest.

It wasnt the coach Brodie Hollands, or at least I dont think it was. I assumed it was a player/s that he was watching. In the end I think it may have been the tallish bloke who played some time in the ruck and forward - left footer. I dont know his name but think it might have been the player that recently received some media that he was being looked at by clubs as a possible for the MSD.

Edit - yes it was this bloke

CODE Sports

CODE Sports

www.codesports.com.au

Not tucker? He looks like the one for mine

 

[Brishawk]

On Saturday afternoon at 3/4 time I noticed something a little weird.

Mark Mackenzie was on the oval and just watching/listening to the Bullants huddle from a respectful distance. I have no idea if this is something he normally does so maybe the regular Box Hill watchers can let us know. His eyes were fixed on what appeared to be one person for a prolonged period. So I sneakily wriggled my way around to see who it might be that he was looking at with such interest.

It wasnt the coach Brodie Hollands, or at least I dont think it was. I assumed it was a player/s that he was watching. In the end I think it may have been the tallish bloke who played some time in the ruck and forward - left footer. I dont know his name but think it might have been the player that recently received some media that he was being looked at by clubs as a possible for the MSD.

Edit - yes it was this bloke

CODE Sports

CODE Sports

www.codesports.com.au

How did he play?

 

[chopflop]

Haven’t seen him play so this could be way off, but that sounds a bit lukoscious to me. Is that a fair comparison?

Not sure on lukosious as a comp. I see far more jack scrimshaw/grant Birchall.

Moves like jack through traffic. Breaks the lines like Birchall. Better kick than both and bigger.

Will be interesting if he keeps playing mid. As a mid he plays a similarly to Bont just nowhere near the stoppage craft but when he broke away from packs and used his left, he looked like the Bont.

He is a very interesting prospect. Hard to place ATM. Champs will be the big indicator as usual

 

[Wingnut19]

On Saturday afternoon at 3/4 time I noticed something a little weird.

Mark Mackenzie was on the oval and just watching/listening to the Bullants huddle from a respectful distance. I have no idea if this is something he normally does so maybe the regular Box Hill watchers can let us know. His eyes were fixed on what appeared to be one person for a prolonged period. So I sneakily wriggled my way around to see who it might be that he was looking at with such interest.

It wasnt the coach Brodie Hollands, or at least I dont think it was. I assumed it was a player/s that he was watching. In the end I think it may have been the tallish bloke who played some time in the ruck and forward - left footer. I dont know his name but think it might have been the player that recently received some media that he was being looked at by clubs as a possible for the MSD.

Edit - yes it was this bloke

CODE Sports

CODE Sports

www.codesports.com.au

Great post mate. This def brings Brandon Ryan into the equation for our first MSD pick. 200cm fwd dominating VFL. Anyone know more on him?

 

[hawkinoz]

On Saturday afternoon at 3/4 time I noticed something a little weird.

Mark Mackenzie was on the oval and just watching/listening to the Bullants huddle from a respectful distance. I have no idea if this is something he normally does so maybe the regular Box Hill watchers can let us know. His eyes were fixed on what appeared to be one person for a prolonged period. So I sneakily wriggled my way around to see who it might be that he was looking at with such interest.

It wasnt the coach Brodie Hollands, or at least I dont think it was. I assumed it was a player/s that he was watching. In the end I think it may have been the tallish bloke who played some time in the ruck and forward - left footer. I dont know his name but think it might have been the player that recently received some media that he was being looked at by clubs as a possible for the MSD.

Edit - yes it was this bloke

CODE Sports

CODE Sports

www.codesports.com.au

His highlights from 2 weeks back is quite good too

VFL Showreel, R5: Brandon Ryan highlights

Enjoy Brandon Ryan's standout VFL performance for the Bullants

www.afl.com.au

He kicked a goal against BH but had only 13 disposals and was nullified by DGB & Co. At 25 seems a bit too old for us

His season stats are

 

[Wingnut19]

His highlights from 2 weeks back is quite good too

VFL Showreel, R5: Brandon Ryan highlights

Enjoy Brandon Ryan's standout VFL performance for the Bullants

www.afl.com.au

He kicked a goal against BH but had only 13 disposals and was nullified by DGB & Co. At 25 seems a bit too old for us

His season stats are
View attachment 1682171

25 is fine , he’s a key position so will be nice if he’s a bit more along in his development . We have a hole of that age group in the list

 

[The Jet From Poowong]

How did he play?

He didn’t get a heap of it but he does look a smooth mover and stylish kick for a bigger bloke. Too light for a 25 year old IMO

It was just curious the way MM was just standing there on his own just gazing

 

[Strapping Young Lad]

His highlights from 2 weeks back is quite good too

VFL Showreel, R5: Brandon Ryan highlights

Enjoy Brandon Ryan's standout VFL performance for the Bullants

www.afl.com.au

He kicked a goal against BH but had only 13 disposals and was nullified by DGB & Co. At 25 seems a bit too old for us

His season stats are
View attachment 1682171

Only started playing footy 3-4 years ago according to the commentators. I can understand why McKenzie would be taking a look at him.

 

[hardway]

Great post mate. This def brings Brandon Ryan into the equation for our first MSD pick. 200cm fwd dominating VFL. Anyone know more on him?

caught my eye. Has some good skills and speed for a big man. He and Ramsden would be a oppositions nightmare.

 

[Dewyyyyy]

Not sure on lukosious as a comp. I see far more jack scrimshaw/grant Birchall.

Moves like jack through traffic. Breaks the lines like Birchall. Better kick than both and bigger.

Will be interesting if he keeps playing mid. As a mid he plays a similarly to Bont just nowhere near the stoppage craft but when he broke away from packs and used his left, he looked like the Bont.

He is a very interesting prospect. Hard to place ATM. Champs will be the big indicator as usual

He looks identical to Jordan Dawson.

His left foot is an absolute laser, his kicking is actually incredible, he moves through traffic effortlessly, Dawson is the best comparison by far, just looks like a carbon copy except with probable more upside, considering he's 196cm and could grow to be taller, he's already built.

I am all over this pick, if he can continue to play midfield, i will be stoked to see us call his name out draft night, would be a very good compliment to our midfield, has played forward to good effect aswell as being BOG in the curtain raiser last year as a KPD.

 

[Strapping Young Lad]

How did he play?

Playing in a relatively poor side, he’s been pretty good. Real awkward type.

 

[chopflop]

He looks identical to Jordan Dawson.

His left foot is an absolute laser, his kicking is actually incredible, he moves through traffic effortlessly, Dawson is the best comparison by far, just looks like a carbon copy except with probable more upside, considering he's 196cm and could grow to be taller, he's already built.

I am all over this pick, if he can continue to play midfield, i will be stoked to see us call his name out draft night, would be a very good compliment to our midfield, has played forward to good effect aswell as being BOG in the curtain raiser last year as a KPD.

Yeh that's a good comp actually for play style

 

[hawkguru]

Hey Davo-27 have any key forwards or defenders caught your eye so far? Player comparisons would be very much appreciated

 

[Bugs1977]

Got a bit of Matthew Pavlich about him this guy.

There are players that get called 'utilities' but it's genuinely rare you get someone who can excel in every part of the ground.

One to keep an eye on.

Roughie says hi

 

[PenAndPaper]

Not too sure Brandon Ryan would make it at AFL level. He's 25 turning 26and doesn't have a developed body at all so would take probably a couple years to get it developed and then he's going to be 27/28 and still unproven at AFL level.

If he was 22/23 I'd be more interested in him but think its probably a bit too late for him. Happy to proven wrong though if we pick him up

 

[eldorado]

Not too sure Brandon Ryan would make it at AFL level. He's 25 turning 26and doesn't have a developed body at all so would take probably a couple years to get it developed and then he's going to be 27/28 and still unproven at AFL level.

If he was 22/23 I'd be more interested in him but think its probably a bit too late for him. Happy to proven wrong though if we pick him up

I tend to agree, at least just from that footage, at least...which is all I have to go on

 

[Davo-27]

Hey Davo-27 have any key forwards or defenders caught your eye so far? Player comparisons would be very much appreciated

For the AFL Draft I think Archer Reid could be a good KPF 203cm, trained with us in the preseason so we would know how he trains and they would know his personality type ect already, comparison would be 1 of the King Twins, although yet to have a big break out game, Daniel Curtin is the best KPD likely going very high in the draft from WA.


For MSD I like Ryan Maric 193cm KPF (Gippsland) not sure on comparison, as far as mature aged players, I don't watch as much of the state leagues, so idk.

 

[number23]

Claremont Tigers big man Jack Buller emerges as AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft prospect​

Jordan McArdleThe West Australian
Mon, 10 April 2023 6:00PM
Comments
Jordan McArdle

Claremont big man Jack Buller has emerged as one of the State’s best Mid-Season Rookie Draft hopes.

The West Australian understands multiple AFL clubs are keeping tabs on the 21-year-old, with tall timber set to be at a premium for the May 31 draft.
The hulking 199cm forward/ruck was among Claremont’s best in their Good Friday victory over reigning premiers West Perth in Joondalup, reeling in a game-high 10 marks and booting 1.4.

Buller, a former WA under-18s and under-16s representative, has kicked 57 goals in 42 senior appearances and has a great set of hands, strong body and ability to pinch-hit in the ruck.

Buller looms as one of the state’s hottest mid-season prospects for his forward/ruck ability. Yes

It’s believed West Coast would be the most likely of the WA clubs to pick him up, given their current position on the ladder and lack of available talls with first-choice ruck Nic Naitanui sidelined indefinitely with a persistent Achilles issue and youngster Callum Jamieson (ankle) also missing.
It’s left Bailey Williams and makeshift back-up Jake Waterman

2

Jake Waterman

Age

26

Ht

192cm

Wt

92kg

Pos.

Fwd

Career

Season

Last 5

D

11.3

3star

K

7.9

3star

HB

3.4

3star

M

5.2

5star

T

1.2

3star

G

1.0

4star

D

9.8

2star

K

7.8

3star

HB

2.0

1star

M

5.8

5star

T

0.3

1star

G

1.5

5star

D

12.2

3star

K

7.6

3star

HB

4.6

4star

M

4.6

5star

T

1.6

4star

G

0.8

4star

to share the ruck duties over the past fortnight, with Fremantle’s Sean Darcy

4

Sean Darcy

Age

26

Ht

203cm

Wt

111kg

Pos.

Ruck

Career

Season

Last 5

D

10.1

3star

K

3.4

1star

HB

6.6

4star

CL

2.4

4star

HO

28.8

5star

D

6.8

1star

K

2.0

1star

HB

4.8

3star

CL

1.8

4star

HO

20.3

5star

D

11.4

3star

K

4.6

2star

HB

6.8

5star

CL

2.6

5star

HO

32.0

5star

and Melbourne recruit Brodie Grundy

4

Brodie Grundy

Age

30

Ht

202cm

Wt

105kg

Pos.

Ruck

Career

Season

Last 5

D

17.5

4star

K

8.0

3star

HB

9.6

5star

CL

4.1

5star

HO

32.0

5star

D

16.4

4star

K

6.8

3star

HB

9.6

5star

CL

4.0

5star

HO

34.6

5star

D

13.8

4star

K

5.2

2star

HB

8.6

5star

CL

2.6

5star

HO

20.6

5star

both dominating against them.

The Eagles don’t have a spot available at the moment but have several potential active-list options including Naitanui who isn’t expected to be available until at least the second half of the season.

 

[hardway]

Not too sure Brandon Ryan would make it at AFL level. He's 25 turning 26and doesn't have a developed body at all so would take probably a couple years to get it developed and then he's going to be 27/28 and still unproven at AFL level.

If he was 22/23 I'd be more interested in him but think its probably a bit too late for him. Happy to proven wrong though if we pick him up

I didn’t realise his age , he had some good moments that you generally don’t see a man that size do. However if someone was looking at scouting for a big man on Saturday Rama was clearly the best out there and lucky for us he is already in our nest.

 

[matey]

Claremont Tigers big man Jack Buller emerges as AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft prospect​

Jordan McArdleThe West Australian
Mon, 10 April 2023 6:00PM
Comments
Jordan McArdle

Claremont big man Jack Buller has emerged as one of the State’s best Mid-Season Rookie Draft hopes.

The West Australian understands multiple AFL clubs are keeping tabs on the 21-year-old, with tall timber set to be at a premium for the May 31 draft.
The hulking 199cm forward/ruck was among Claremont’s best in their Good Friday victory over reigning premiers West Perth in Joondalup, reeling in a game-high 10 marks and booting 1.4.

Buller, a former WA under-18s and under-16s representative, has kicked 57 goals in 42 senior appearances and has a great set of hands, strong body and ability to pinch-hit in the ruck.

Buller looms as one of the state’s hottest mid-season prospects for his forward/ruck ability. Yes

It’s believed West Coast would be the most likely of the WA clubs to pick him up, given their current position on the ladder and lack of available talls with first-choice ruck Nic Naitanui sidelined indefinitely with a persistent Achilles issue and youngster Callum Jamieson (ankle) also missing.
It’s left Bailey Williams and makeshift back-up Jake Waterman to share the ruck duties over the past fortnight, with Fremantle’s Sean Darcy and Melbourne recruit Brodie Grundy both dominating against them.

The Eagles don’t have a spot available at the moment but have several potential active-list options including Naitanui who isn’t expected to be available until at least the second half of the season.

WAFL Showreel, R2: Jack Buller highlights

Enjoy Jack Buller's standout WAFL performance for the Tigers

www.afl.com.au

Good size and easily kicks it outside 50!

 

[TylerDurden]

WAFL Showreel, R2: Jack Buller highlights

Enjoy Jack Buller's standout WAFL performance for the Tigers

www.afl.com.au

Good size and easily kicks it outside 50!

Eagles have him.