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

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The Filth Wizard said:
Yep, once Tex and Hawkins retire those gorillas are starting disappear. Harry McKay has been worked out, guys like Tom Lynch and Jeremy Cameron will cause some headaches but the new prototype forward is Curnow and you need to be very flexible to keep those types quiet.
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You can look at your own players as example of this - Larkey.

He has kicked 71 goals in a bottom side and was AA.

And how much ground does he cover? Up and down the wings, running into spaces.

How would Micky Martyn go on Larkey if he had to run with him all day? I think he would struggle.
 
DunderHead said:
A lot to play out with Reid - WC may be happy to take the gamble and grab him. I would if I was them. He’s the best player in the draft and he fills a position they need.

If we trade for him I’d be stoked. We need as many game breakers as we can get. Guys who want to be the best and lead from the front.
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Same for me. Happy to take him and would be willing to give something up to make that happen if feasible. Getting Reid would be a big boost, can't remember the last time we brought in so many highly rated game breaking players as we have in this LDU, Sheezel, Wardlaw era and a couple extra wouldn't hurt.
 
The Filth Wizard said:
Yep, once Tex and Hawkins retire those gorillas are starting disappear. Harry McKay has been worked out, guys like Tom Lynch and Jeremy Cameron will cause some headaches but the new prototype forward is Curnow and you need to be very flexible to keep those types quiet.
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What's the gameplan for Harry - let him mark it 15m out and setup for the rebound from kick in?

Edit: FWIW it will come again. There will be interchange, strategic changes to bring these types back or indeed just a freak athlete. Agree though in general. Setup for the game that exists today and up to 5 years away utilising your unique talents the best way you can. Selecting constantly for type is a mugs game IMO.
 

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perplexed said:
Our list is woefully imbalanced, we need talls and lots of them. If we lose Ben and Goldy, we will only have two proven talls on our list. Plus Xerri, who could make it, and Comben, who should if his body lets him. That's it. This draft has plenty of KPP rated in the first round, we need to take at least two and preferably more. If dropping back is the best way to do that we should.
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There is no way known that we will leave Reid McKercher or Watson on the board
 
Johnny99 said:
You can look at your own players as example of this - Larkey.

He has kicked 71 goals in a bottom side and was AA.

And how much ground does he cover? Up and down the wings, running into spaces.

How would Micky Martyn go on Larkey if he had to run with him all day? I think he would struggle.
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To be fair Mick is 55.
 
The Filth Wizard said:
Yep, once Tex and Hawkins retire those gorillas are starting disappear. Harry McKay has been worked out, guys like Tom Lynch and Jeremy Cameron will cause some headaches but the new prototype forward is Curnow and you need to be very flexible to keep those types quiet.
Click to expand...
Swings and roundabouts of the game called football, Curnow types will be all the rage until you get someone with the athletic and size profile of Maj as a lead up forward, he’d pretty much be unstoppable.
Then watch them all the teams jump on the big lead up key forward again.
 
Epictetus said:
I am almost certain we won't draft Watson.
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It depends.

If we get picks 2 and 3, AND we get Ryley Sanders as our form of priority pick/draft assistance this year, then I cannot see the club spending picks 2 and 3 on midfielders.

I think Curtin is a lock at pick 2, and I think we would then use pick 3 on the best player who provides us with something we don't already have on the list. Nick Watson does that - we badly need that x-factor/crumbing dangerous forward type.

But if we don't get Ryley Sanders/don't get pick 3, then I agree we wouldn't likely end up with Nick Watson.
 
DesertRoo said:
Swings and roundabouts of the game called football, Curnow types will be all the rage until you get someone with the athletic and size profile of Maj as a lead up forward, he’d pretty much be unstoppable.
Then watch them all the teams jump on the big lead up key forward again.
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Yep. Or a freak in the centre that wins you 20% more clearances off a bounce means that a big forward in 6/6/6 is more viable. Things change.

Chadwiko said:
It depends.

If we get picks 2 and 3, AND we get Ryley Sanders as our form of priority pick/draft assistance this year, then I cannot see the club spending picks 2 and 3 on midfielders.

I think Curtin is a lock at pick 2, and I think we would then use pick 3 on the best player who provides us with something we don't already have on the list. Nick Watson does that - we badly need that x-factor/crumbing dangerous forward type.

But if we don't get Ryley Sanders/don't get pick 3, then I agree we wouldn't likely end up with Nick Watson.
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I'm not convinced on Curtin to be honest, but otherwise agree. I think Watson is definitely in the mix subject to how the picks fall for us.
 
I think the club will take the best available with whatever picks we have in the top 5. They will have their order and pick accordingly. Curtin may be further down that list than people on here hope. Watson may be higher than some expect.

My personal opinion is the North board has been for a while
1. Reid
2. Walter
3. Mckercher
4. Watson

I may be wrong, and Duursma may have taken Watson's place or Curtin may have slipped up into that top 4. But ultimately I believe North will have their order at the top of who they believe the best prospects are and pick accordingly
 
The Filth Wizard said:
Yep, once Tex and Hawkins retire those gorillas are starting disappear. Harry McKay has been worked out, guys like Tom Lynch and Jeremy Cameron will cause some headaches but the new prototype forward is Curnow and you need to be very flexible to keep those types quiet.
Click to expand...
Jed Walter is coming. And he's a bit of both
 
JGreezy said:
Jed Walter is coming. And he's a bit of both
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We'll be in just the right space to buy a big bodied defender when he hits his straps then.

Like any of these key forwards though, when they're on they're on.
 

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JGreezy said:
I think Logue will be a good matchup for him
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Without a hint of irony or sarcasm, I genuinely believe that Logue + Curtin would be one of the best KPD tall combos in the AFL in a few years.

Curtin has what it takes to be that 1A dominant/classy KPD Alex Rance type, and Logue is a fantastic 1B.
 
Chadwiko said:
Without a hint of irony or sarcasm, I genuinely believe that Logue + Curtin would be one of the best KPD tall combos in the AFL in a few years.

Curtin has what it takes to be that 1A dominant/classy KPD Alex Rance type, and Logue is a fantastic 1B.
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might have to see how Logie returns fro a ACL. I’m not convinced he’s going to be the same. Seems to have a big frame to move around
 
noobermensch said:
Big Game Zane lived up to his name in this game. It wasn't his best game for the season, which is unsurprising given the difficult conditions. But with Tasmania finishing over the top in the fourth quarter and his teammates flagging, Zane embraced the moment, stepped up and had a huge 4th quarter.

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I just don't see it. I get his form has been fantastic, but every time I watch footage of him nothing exciting jumps out at me like the other top prospects do.
 
noobermensch said:
Big Game Zane lived up to his name in this game. It wasn't his best game for the season, which is unsurprising given the difficult conditions. But with Tasmania finishing over the top in the fourth quarter and his teammates flagging, Zane embraced the moment, stepped up and had a huge 4th quarter.

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Got any of those Ryley Sanders highlights, lad?

Sent from my SM-A908B using Tapatalk
 
Arie chose a fantastic moment to turn in a best on ground performance in the biggest game of the season so far for Tasmania. In difficult conditions, his attacking decision making with ball in hand resulted in some turnovers but he ultimately proved to be one of few on the day that could consistently progress the ball for his team.

 
www.sportingnews.com

AFL Phantom Draft 2023: Top 30 prospects, first round projections | Sporting News Australia

The Sporting News' AFL Phantom draft ranks the top 30 players in the 2023 draft class. Many young footballers have impressed recruiters through the U18 National Championships and state leagues.
www.sportingnews.com www.sportingnews.com

AFL Phantom Draft 2023: First round projection as clubs eye top 20 picks​

Author Photo

Bryn Wakefield
12-09-2023•10 min read
Harley Reid Vic Country | Who is Harley Reid?

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AFL clubs will soon look to the draft to replenish their lists and bring in superstar talent.

Many young footballers have impressed recruiters through the U18 National Championships and state leagues, while the National Combine is sure to shake the order once again.




The Sporting News ranks the top 20 players in the 2023 AFL draft class.
MORE: When is the AFL National Draft 2023? Dates, schedule, selection order, players

AFL Phantom Draft 2023​

No.1 Harley Reid - Bendigo Pioneers/Vic Country​

Position: Midfielder/Utility

Height: 185cm
Long touted as the No.1 pick in 2023, it’s no surprise Harley Reid tops The Sporting News’ AFL phantom draft.
The 18-year-old earned U18 Boys All-Australian honours in both his bottom age and draft year, and was named Vic Country’s best in its most recent campaign.
Reid is a powerful midfielder with great aerial ability and the explosive burst that AFL recruiters so often look for.
His marking and athleticism have allowed him to play as a medium forward or backman, and have translated well into impressive VFL performances for Essendon and Carlton.

Harley Reid Carlton VFL | Who is Harley Reid?


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No. 2 Jed Walter - Suns Academy/Allies​

Position: Key Forward
Height: 195cm
Jed Walter is an athletic forward prospect, who some AFL talent scouts rate as the best-available talent in the 2023 AFL Draft.
Walter kicked 11 goals in the U18 National Championships, acting as the spearhead for the undefeated Allies team.
The 195cm forward catches the eye with his high work rate and defensive pressure acts, which set him apart from other top-end talls.
Walter’s goalkicking ability and contested marking skills have also been on show throughout the year.
As a Suns Academy player, Gold Coast will be able to match a bid for Walter even if it comes in the top ten selections.

No. 3 Daniel Curtin - Claremont/Western Australia​

Position: Key Defender/Midfielder

Height 195cm

Western Australia’s Daniel Curtin was named as the U18 Boys All-Australian centre half back, which is why the 18-year-old’s ability to play midfield is so impressive.
When slotted into the stoppages in the U18 Championships, Curtin looked a class above as a midfielder, even at his 195cm height.
Against Vic Country, the West Australian slid back into defence to mark Reid after starting in the centre and was able to impact the game with his intercept marking and spoiling.
West Coast are said to rate Curtin highly, but could they take the versatile defender with pick one?

Daniel Curtin Western Australia

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No. 4 Zane Duursma - Gippsland Power/Vic Country​

Position: Midfielder/Small Forward
Height: 189cm
Zane Duursma, younger brother of Port Adelaide’s Xavier, looks set in the top five of this year’s AFL Draft.
Duursma is an explosive onballer with elite goal sense and could slot into a small forward role at the AFL level with ease.

The Gippsland Power product has slotted 33 goals in the Coates Talent League, averaging 2.8 per game.
His crafty goalkicking has transferred well into a midfield role, where Duursma is often seen breaking packs and creating plays with his burst running.
His best game in the National Championships came against Vic Metro, where the young star kicked four goals from 22 disposals.

No. 5 Colby McKercher - Tasmania Devils/Allies​

Position: Midfielder

Height: 181cm
Potentially the best pure midfielder of the draft class, Tasmanian Colby McKercher is able to stuff the stat sheet using his elite running and game sense.
McKercher gathered 40 disposals against Western Australia in one of the most impressive performances in the championships, covering the ground with ease.
He’s produced similar numbers in the Coates Talent League, ranking second for possessions per game among all players.
The left-footer is regularly hitting the goals, kicking two majors in each of his last five talent league appearances, and has only dropped below 30 disposals once this season, in an injury-affected game.

No. 6 Ryley Sanders - Sandringham Dragons/Allies​

Position: Midfielder

Height: 186
Ryley Sanders took out the Larke Medal as the best-performing player in the U18 National Championships.

Leading the Allies, alongside fellow Tasmanian McKercher, he dominated in all four games at the level, including a 35-disposal, seven-clearance, two-goal game against South Australia.
For Sandringham, Sanders leads the talent league in disposals per game and has proven himself as one of the best contested-ball players in this draft pool.
The 18-year-old plays with his socks high and has drawn comparisons to former No.1 pick Jason Horne-Francis with his long strides and explosiveness.

Ryley Sanders Allies

080823

No. 7 Nick Watson - Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro​

Position: Small Forward
Height: 170cm

Nick Watson is the best small forward in the draft class, and arguably the most skilful player available to AFL clubs.
The creative forward kicked 14 goals from four games to lead all players in the U18 championships, impressing with his goal-sense and finishing technique.
Despite his size, which could see him drop down the draft boards, Watson is able to connect with teammates through the ground and play overhead.
Stints at half back in the AFL Academy and Coates Talent League have also shown his versatility.

No. 8 Ethan Read - Suns Academy/Allies​

Position: Ruck
Height: 200cm
The best ruckman in this year’s draft, Ethan Read is expected to land within the top ten picks of the draft.

Gold Coast will be able to match a bid for the player, as one of three Sun Academy prospects projected to land in the first round.
Earning U18 Boys All-Australian honours for this campaign, Read has impressed with his mobility and can act as an extra midfielder around the ground.
The 200cm ruckman's foot skills and marking ability have been on show at U18 and VFL levels for the Suns, highlighting his ability to play across different positions.

No. 9 Nate Caddy - Northern Knights/Vic Metro​

Position: Key Forward
Height: 192cm
Nate Caddy, the nephew of premiership Tiger Josh Caddy, is a strong marking, athletic key forward.
While a leg fracture has affected his season, Caddy has been a standout performer for the Northern Knights, ranking third for goals per game in the Coates Talent League.
The 18-year-old’s best performance came against Bendigo, where he collected 25 disposals and six goals.
Caddy has been trialled in the midfield but does his best work as a marking key forward, where he has shown a strong finishing ability.

No. 10 Connor O’Sullivan - Murray BushrangersAllies​

Position: Key Defender/Key Forward
Height: 198c
Named as U18 Boys All-Australian full back and Allies MVP, Connor O’Sullivan has rocketed into the top ten calculations.
Alongside WA’s Curtin, the 198cm prospect is seen as a top defensive option for clubs looking to bolster their backline in this year’s draft.

O’Sullivan has an excellent key position size, can read and intercept, and win possessions and build play from the back half.

No. 11 Jake Rogers - Suns Academy/Allies​

Position: Midfielder
Height: 172cm
Jake Rogers is a hard-running midfielder with a clean set of hands and an exciting burst of speed.
The Gold Coast Suns Academy prospect enjoyed a standout championships campaign, being named in the All-Australian midfield. He has also impressed in the AFL Academy against senior footballers.

Even as a smaller midfielder, Rodgers is comfortable involving himself in the contest and attacking ground ball.
Jake Rogers Gold Coast

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No. 12 Darcy Wilson - Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country​

Position: Midfielder/Winger


Height: 185cm
Known for his huge running capacity, Darcy Wilson is a genuine winger who loves to take the game on with his leg speed and endurance.
At club level, Wilson has spent the season as an onballer, but his running skills and penetrating kick lend themselves to a wing role at AFL level.
In the Vic Country squad, the 18-year-old spent time as a half-forward and looks comfortable around the goals.

No. 13 Jordan Croft - Calder Cannons/Vic Metro​

Position: Key Forward
Height: 201cm
Jordan Croft is a key forward who has shown excellent improvement in his draft year.
Standing 201cm tall, Croft will need some time to fill out but looks capable of plucking marks in an AFL forward line in the future.
At his size, the Calder Cannons product can pinch-hit in the ruck, offering another layer to his game.

As the son of former Western Bulldogs defender Matthew Croft, Jordan is connected to the Victorian club through the father-son rule.

No. 14 Ollie Murphy - Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro​

Position: Key Defender
Height: 200cm
Shaping as a talented long-term prospect, Sandringham Defender Ollie Murphy has risen up the draft boards after taking out the Vic Metro MVP in the National Championships.
At 200cm, Murphy is comfortable taking intercepts and has taken the role of a primary defender for much of the year.

No. 15 Will McCabe - Central District/South Australia​

Position: Key Defender
Height: 197cm
A Hawthorn father-son prospect, Will McCabe is considered by many as the top South Australian in the 2023 draft.

Showing a solid intercept marking ability and a tendency to make rebounding plays from defence, the backman is likely to find his spot at the Hawks next season.

No. 16 James Leake - Tasmania Devils/Allies​

Position: Half Back
Height: 188cm

Tasmanian James Leake earned his place on the U18 Boys All-Australian bench with an impressive display across half back for the Allies.
An athletic runner, Leake is able to shift through roles and positions and adds defensive presence at his 188cm size.

James Leake Tasmania

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No. 17 Caleb Windsor - Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro​

Position: Winger
Height: 184cm
Caleb Windsor is a classy outside runner who showed his ability to switch on-ball for Vic Metro during the championships.
The smooth-mover has plenty of pace and has been a standout for Eastern Ranges since returning to the talent league.

No. 18 Koltyn Tholstrup - Subiaco/Western Australia​

Position: Forward/Midfielder
Height: 188cm
A powerful, hard-working forward whose mullet and diving efforts show obvious cult-favourite potential.

Koltyn Tholstrup has been given the chance against the seniors in the WAFL, and didn’t look out of place, either as a tagger or a defensive medium forward.

No. 19 Riley Hardeman - Swan Districts/Western Australia​

Position: Defender/Midfielder

Height: 188cm
Riley Hardeman captained WA during the championships, showing his ability to intercept and run-and-carry as a half back.
At WAFL Colts level, the 18-year-old has had no problems collecting disposals and is impressive with his ball use by foot.

No. 20 Archie Roberts - Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro​

Position: Half back
Height: 182cm
A hard-running left-footer with a bit of flair, Archie Roberts earned All-Australian honours for his strong national championships showing.
Roberts has a booming left boot and is comfortable carrying the ball up the ground while staying true to his defensive assignments thanks to a strong overhead ability.
 
You might get an elite key position in the first round but the AA squad shows you can find them in 2nd, 3rd and 4th round as well.
Forwards - Charlie Curnow (pick 12), Joe Daniher (pick 10), Oscar Allen (pick 21), Nick Larkey (pick 73), Taylor Walker (pick 75).
Defenders - Weitering (pick 1), Darcy Moore (Pick 9), Harris Andrews (Pick 61), James Sicily (pick 56), Cal Wilkie (rookie draft).

As for Duursma I've gone a bit off him after watching his brother at Port lol. He's not quite dynamic enough to be a mid and he's a 3rd tall forward who doesn't quite have the strength in tackles or the contest just yet, but he does kick goals.
His foot skills and decision making aren't as good as I though they were. Perhaps I got too excited from the VC vs VM game where he was marking and kicking goals and looked great.

As for Shoenmaker, my worry with him is his agility and athleticism. He reminds me of a Trent McKenzie.
Think he'd be more the half back flank type like Curtin vs key defender but I wouldn't hate if we took him, Edwards or Murphy at the Port pick.
 
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