Preview 2023 National Draft Preview Thread [currently: #2, #14 (PA), #19 (PP) #40, #52, #60]

[roos_fanatic08]

It seems there are a lot more better quality players now compared to the last few years, these guys haven’t had their development as stunted as those in previous drafts. On top of that these guys are more professional and have more access to resources than ever before, a lot who are physically ready by 16-17 and developing other skill sets which generally take longer to come. The underage players are coming in at 16 and by the time they’re 17 they are dominating, most of Cannons team is 17 for example and they have won or been close in every game, Chargers the same. So the pool of talent is pretty much as good as it’s been, less dominant overagers though, which is probably a good thing.

Does it say a bit about this years draft class if there is so many under age players getting not just game time but prime midfield time?

 

[The Nostradamus]

Caddy has that swagger and skill I want to see in our forward line

 

[hoffseason gains]

Does it say a bit about this years draft class if there is so many under age players getting not just game time but prime midfield time?

Yeah I mean this years class is one of the weaker midfield classes in some time. I think many teams have been more inclined to keep players in their best positions rather than forcing them into midfield where they might not play in the AFL, especially when they have more pure midfield talent. As far as pure midfielders go there’s probably only 4-5 off the top of my head that will go first round.

 

[Sphynx]

Caddy has that swagger and skill I want to see in our forward line

Pity he has a real problem sticking them through from 30 out straight in front.

 

[giantroo]

We finally have a replay

2023 National Boys U18 Championships

AFL On Demand. All the latest videos

www.afl.com.au

 

[giantroo]

 

[roos_fanatic08]

This kid just has it. Long limbs in that Isaac Smith

7

Isaac Smith

Age

36

Ht

188cm

Wt

83kg

Pos.

M/F

Career

Season

Last 5

D

21.3

5star

K

13.0

5star

HB

8.4

5star

M

5.5

5star

T

2.9

4star

CL

1.7

4star

D

19.4

4star

K

11.1

4star

HB

8.3

4star

M

3.8

4star

T

2.5

3star

CL

1.3

4star

D

19.2

5star

K

10.6

4star

HB

8.6

5star

M

7.6

5star

T

2.0

4star

CL

0.6

3star

style, good vision and evansiveness. Will be a perfect modern day wingman at the top level.

Wouldn't be at all surprised if he gets a call up to Vic Country.

 

[Shermanator]

Pity he has a real problem sticking them through from 30 out straight in front.

If thats the case - no thanks.

We need another key forward who clunks them like Tex and has the accuracy of Larkey..

 

[Harveysuth]

Just finished watching the replay of that game. He was seriously impressive and has a serious POD with his height and running capacity. He has a long running gait and he reminds me a bit of Will Day at the hawks or our very own Josh Goater.

After playing mostly on a wing to start the season, he got to play as a genuine mid pushing forward this week and he was easily best on ground. Surprised me how good his goal sense was, kicked goals from a lot of different spots and in a few different ways.

The ground was pretty heavy and he was the cleanest player on the ground resulting in a stack of clearances.

Definitely one to watch. Would suit us perfectly on a wing.

I go to school with him he’s a great lad really hope he gets drafted. I’d be over the moon if north picked him up he would suit us nicely

 

[giantroo]

 

[giantroo]

 

[The Nostradamus]

the key forward we need Logan Morris

 

[roos_fanatic08]

the key forward we need Logan Morris

A key forward that’s stuck in a 3rd tall’s body unfortunately

 

[The Nostradamus]

A key forward that’s stuck in a 3rd tall’s body unfortunately

looks pretty big to me

 

[pushintheback]

Looks like quite a few boys from the academy are missing. But there are also some playing as well.

 

[LB2Snake]

Looks like quite a few boys from the academy are missing. But there are also some playing as well.

There’s a few kids who are already locks in the two respective teams for VM and VC. This is a “ best of the rest” type deal I believe. My son knows a few of the kids already in the VM squad. They don’t need to play this weekend.

 

[geelongrecruit5]

A key forward that’s stuck in a 3rd tall’s body unfortunately

Correct, needs to have a point of difference playing as third tall these days ie 6 min 2k or under 3 seconds for 20 metres.

 

[geelongrecruit5]

looks pretty big to me

Seems to be a few 3rd tall types in this years pool, a lot to play out in the championships.

 

[pushintheback]

There’s a few kids who are already locks in the two respective teams for VM and VC. This is a “ best of the rest” type deal I believe. My son knows a few of the kids already in the VM squad. They don’t need to play this weekend.

correct. I thought they named a VM and VC squad before christmas?

 

[roos_fanatic08]

looks pretty big to me

Only 192cm. To be a genuine KP you need to be either 195cm+ or you need some freakish trait to make up for the lack of height (Like Curnow with his movement and long limbs).

I really rate Morris, seen plenty of him but I don’t think he ends up being a KP at AFL level.

 

[geelongrecruit5]

Only 192cm. To be a genuine KP you need to be either 195cm+ or you need some freakish trait to make up for the lack of height (Like Curnow with his movement and long limbs).

I really rate Morris, seen plenty of him but I don’t think he ends up being a KP at AFL level.

Yeh he doesn’t seem to have any freakish traits but can play at 18’s level, AFL is completely different as we all know

 

[Jimmy's Hot Dogs]

Joel Freijah = The Jolly Good Fellow

 

[Souup]

Lock in Jake Smith as the annual Western Jets bargain draftee of the year. Not hearing or seeing much abut him but I'd have him as a top 15-20 prospect at this stage.

Beautiful left foot, excellent decision maker, composed in the contest, applies very good defensive pressure, extremely clean in tight. Been playing as a midfielder but I could easily see him make a career as a rebounding defender. A couple of issues being he hasn't showed much overhead (I think he has some ability there, just hasn't shown it) and his right foot appears to be painted on.

Reminds me a little bit of Henry Hustwaite from last year who I quite liked.

 

[LB2Snake]

Lock in Jake Smith as the annual Western Jets bargain draftee of the year. Not hearing or seeing much abut him but I'd have him as a top 15-20 prospect at this stage.

Beautiful left foot, excellent decision maker, composed in the contest, applies very good defensive pressure, extremely clean in tight. Been playing as a midfielder but I could easily see him make a career as a rebounding defender. A couple of issues being he hasn't showed much overhead and his right foot appears to be painted on.

Reminds me a little bit of Henry Hustwaite from last year who I quite liked.

Is Jake a similar build to Hustwaite. HH is like 192+ isn’t he. Looked quality to me last year too. Smooth.

 

[Souup]

Is Jake a similar build to Hustwaite. HH is like 192+ isn’t he. Looked quality to me last year too. Smooth.

Quite a bit shorter actually - 185cm. I think maybe the Hustwaite comparison begins and ends at left foot, inside/outside mid with composure as a stand-out trait.