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

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roos_fanatic08 said:
Could be, but we are going to have to take some risks to improve our draft hand. Nonetheless it was only a suggestion.
Click to expand...
We should be looking to move back.

Possible scenario we finish 16th get pick 3, McKay leaves and we get pick 4. Hawthorn takes Reid at 1, West Coast take Curtin at 2. We take Watson at 3 - then I’d be looking to move back at 4.

Duursma and Moir are currently the likely consensus 4 and 5 - I don’t want either as of now - but Melbourne, armed with 2 firsts and 2 seconds, might want to trade up for Duursma, a kid who has trained with them and played for their VFL team and plays a similar role to Bailey Humphrey who they had interest in trading up for last year.

Freo’s first round pick would allow us one of: Caddy, A. Reid, McKercher, Wilson

Melbourne’s first/Freo’s second (depending on exact position) allows us one of: O’Sullivan, Lual, Philactides, Roberts

Another avenue we must explore is the salary cap dump / purchase of draft pick with salary value - get in a decent experienced body in a position of need along with a first or second round pick - most likely second - replenish our draft hand.
 
roos_fanatic08 said:
Could be, but we are going to have to take some risks to improve our draft hand. Nonetheless it was only a suggestion.
Click to expand...
Yeah agree we need to take risks to generate more 1sts but that might be a little early to do that.
It might depend on the McKay situation as well. You might be right, we may need to be rising up to that pick 6 or 8 level next year to keep some of our guys who come out of contract end of 2024.
 
hoffseason gains said:
We should be looking to move back.

Possible scenario we finish 16th get pick 3, McKay leaves and we get pick 4. Hawthorn takes Reid at 1, West Coast take Curtin at 2. We take Watson at 3 - then I’d be looking to move back at 4.

Duursma and Moir are currently the likely consensus 4 and 5 - I don’t want either as of now - but Melbourne, armed with 2 firsts and 2 seconds, might want to trade up for Duursma, a kid who has trained with them and played for their VFL team and plays a similar role to Bailey Humphrey who they had interest in trading up for last year.

Freo’s first round pick would allow us one of: Caddy, A. Reid, McKercher, Wilson

Melbourne’s first/Freo’s second (depending on exact position) allows us one of: O’Sullivan, Lual, Philactides, Roberts

Another avenue we must explore is the salary cap dump / purchase of draft pick with salary value - get in a decent experienced body in a position of need along with a first or second round pick - most likely second - replenish our draft hand.
Click to expand...
Salary cap dumps are only reserved for the premiers.
 

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AFL draft guru Kevin Sheehan reveals and rates his top prospects for 2023​

Prospects from across the country have been staking their draft claims. AFL Talent Ambassador Kevin Sheehan reveals the best 78 prospects your club could take.

Chris Cavanagh

2 min read
May 17, 2023 - 5:57AM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom




It might still be more than six months until the AFL National Draft, but the No. 1 pick is all but locked in.

Recruiters believe that Harley Reid is a standout in this year’s pool and there is daylight between him and the next best available talent.

A versatile player from the Bendigo Pioneers, Reid looks up to AFL midfielder-forwards like Dustin Martin and Christian Petracca.

However, he has played significant football in defence in the Coates Talent League, with the AFL Academy side and in the VFL with Carlton, where he has also shone brightly with the run and rebound he can create.

SCROLL DOWN FOR THE FULL ANALYSIS OF THE TOP 78 PROSPECTS

Some recruiters can’t yet put a finger on who the second-best talent is this year, but Nick Watson is in that conversation.

A livewire small forward, the Eastern Ranges product has been kicking goals but has also been deployed across half-back at stages this season where he has shown plenty of class.

South Australian forward Ashton Moir had been considered a top-five prospect entering this year, but the AFL Academy squad member has battled a hip issue and has had a relatively quiet start to his top-age season.

Tasmanian Colby McKercher has not had that problem, staring through the midfield at all levels in the early part of the year to push his case to be a potential top-five pick.

McKercher has been likened to Essendon’s Zac Merrett, but is quicker.

He has an athletics background, with the 100m and 200m sprints being his speciality.

“He (Merrett) is a jet and I’m very grateful for people saying that but I just want to make my own name and play my own way,” McKercher said.
“You take parts of every elite AFL player but I just want to be me at the end of the day and play to my strengths.”

A Western Bulldogs father-son prospect has been one draft bolter in the early part of the year.

Jordan Croft – the son of 186-game Bulldog Matthew Croft – only gave football his full attention last year after pursuing volleyball as his sport.
Standing 200cm, he has excelled in the early part of this season with his athleticism, marking capabilities and goalkicking.

Melbourne also has a father-son prospect in Kynan Brown, an inside midfielder from the Oakleigh Chargers who is the son of 146-game Demon Nathan Brown.

As far as Academy prospects go, Gold Coast looks set to hit the jackpot with three highly-rated players set to graduate from the Suns’ Academy this season.

Midfielder Jake Rogers, key forward Jed Walter and forward-ruckman Ethan Read are all part of the AFL Academy squad and are considered to be top-30 picks.

AFL TALENT AMBASSADOR KEVIN SHEEHAN EXCLUSIVELY REVEALS HIS TOP 78 AFL DRAFT PROSPECTS FOR 2023 BELOW


MITCH SZYBKOWSKI​

Club: Frankston (VFL)/ Dandenong Stingrays/ Beaconsfield FC
Height: 186 cm
Weight: 84 kg
DOB: 09/01/04
An inside midfielder, Szybkowski brings a real competitive edge with his attack on the ball, clean hands and vision. He has been a prolific ball winner for the Stingrays and with Vic Country last year and has already had a taste of VFL football with the Dolphins. He was again in the thick of the action with 20 disposals in the first of the Young Guns games against Vic Metro. In the second Young Guns match against Vic Country, he had 19 disposals in a different role down back.


JACK CLEAVER​

Club: Essendon (VFL)/ East Fremantle FC/ Rossmoyne FC
Height: 188 cm
Weight: 87 kg
DOB: 22/05/04
A left-footed medium defender, Cleaver was a consistent performer for Western Australia at under-18 level last year as well as playing seven matches at senior level with East Fremantle, including finals. He is a really strong player in his attack on the ball and a clean ball handler. Cleaver has relocated to Victoria and is playing in Essendon’s VFL team. He was impressive in wet and slippery conditions in the Young Guns’ first game against Vic Metro, having 18 disposals.

ARCHER MAY​

Club: Sandringham Dragons/ Richmond(VFL)/ Old Brighton FC
Height: 199 cm
Weight: 95 kg
DOB: 27/08/04
A tall forward who has mixed his football between Richmond (VFL) and the Sandringham Dragons this year, May showed a strong set of hands with four marks in very slippery and challenging conditions in the first Young Guns game against Vic Metro but let himself down with his goal kicking as he booted 1.4. Despite that, he was still among his team’s better players. There is still plenty of upside given it is his first year in the elite pathways

TOM ANASTASOPOULOS​

Club: Geelong Falcons / Newtown ChilwellFC/ Geelong College
Height: 176 cm
Weight: 66 kg
DOB: 31/05/05
A small forward, Anastasopoulos has been a surprise packet in the early part of the year and some standout performances for the Falcons saw him added to the Vic Country squad. He has brought real intensity inside 50 with his tackling pressure and has been able to hit the scoreboard. He has kicked 12 goals from four games, along with averaging 14.8 disposals and five tackles.

KYNAN BROWN​

Club: Oakleigh Chargers/ Blackburn FC/ Box Hill SC
Height: 181 cm
Weight: 74 kg
DOB: 13/01/05
A left-footed inside midfielder who also has the ability to play across half forward or half back, Brown possesses quick hands, has sharp vision and opens up the play with his creativity around stoppages. He had an interrupted pre-season after sustaining an ankle injury during a Vic Metro camp in January, but is gradually working back towards his best. Across his first four games for the Chargers in the Coates Talent League, Brown averaged 18 disposals and 4.5 score involvements. He is a co-captain of the Chargers this season and is the son of former Melbourne defender Nathan D Brown. Given his father played 146 games for Demons, Kynan is eligible to join Melbourne under the father-son rule this year.

WILL BROWN​

Club: Sandringham Dragons/ East Brighton FC/ Kawana Park Eagles FC-Qld
Height: 194 cm
Weight: 85 kg
DOB: 16/06/05
A tall midfielder or forward who was a premiership player with the Dragons in his bottom-age year, Brown has been given the responsibility as captain this year. He started the season impressively, averaging 23.3 disposals (11.3 contested) and a goal per game from the first four rounds after moving into the midfield. He is a player who is a strong contested ball winner and a one-touch player with terrific work ethic.

NATE CADDY​

Club: Northern Knights/ Bundoora FC/Parade College
Height: 192 cm
Weight: 91 kg
DOB: 14/07/05
A strong-marking forward with a vice-like grip overhead and an exciting natural leap, Caddy burst onto the scene last year and was quickly featuring for Vic Metro as a bottom-aged player who provided a lively, athletic target. He has kicked 23 goals in 15 matches in the Coates Talent League over the past two years, while also averaging 5.9 score involvements and 4.5 marks over that time. Caddy has a real physical presence up forward and gave a further glimpse of his potential with a bag of four goals from 20 disposals and six marks in a recent Vic Metro trial match. In a match for Australia’s under-18 side against Carlton’s VFL side in May he also caught the eye with his work in attack, finishing with 14 disposals, four marks and a goal. Caddy is the nephew of two-time Richmond premiership star Josh Caddy.

JORDAN CROFT​

Club: Calder Cannons/ Maribyrnong Park FS/ Maribyrnong SC
Height: 200 cm
Weight: 80 kg
DOB: 05/12/05
A tall forward who is lightly-built but extremely athletic, Croft uses his mobility and height to create opportunities as a marking forward. He only fully focused on a potential AFL career last year after pursuing volleyball as his sport, before showing immediate potential for the Cannons. Croft provided a glimpse of his capabilities in a recent Coates Talent League match against the Northern Territory, where he kicked five goals from his 12 disposals and two marks. He followed up that performance with four goals for Victoria Metro against the Young Guns in a challenge match, with his speed and precise kicking being features of his game. He is eligible to join the Western Bulldogs under father-son rules given he is the son of former AFL star Matthew Croft, who played 186 games for the club.

WIL DAWSON​

Club: Gippsland Power/ Leongatha FC/ Leongatha SC
Height: 200 cm
Weight: 86 kg
DOB: 20/12/05
A tall forward or ruckman who presents very well on the lead as a marking target, Dawson was eye-catching when he booted three goals and took four marks in the first Vic Country trial. He has had a significant growth spurt of 20cm in the past two years, but has maintained that aggression and intensity of attacking ground balls which are usually associated with smaller players. One of the younger players in this year’s draft pool, Dawson does not turn 18 until late December, indicating plenty of upside to come. He has averaged 13.3 disposals and 3.7 marks in a strong start to the season for the Power.

ZANE DUURSMA​

Club: Gippsland Power/ Foster FC/ Foster SC
Height: 189 cm
Weight: 79 kg
DOB: 28/08/05
A mercurial forward or midfielder who reads the play exceptionally well, Duursma is strong overhead and deadly accurate around the goals. He has a clever step through congestion and is an elite athlete with his running ability. Duursma has shown enormous promise in the Coates Talent League over the past two years and earnt Team of the Year honours last year as a bottom-aged player. He started this year solidly with the Power, averaging 20 disposals and one goal from his first two matches. He also had a VFL opportunity with the Casey Demons in Round 6, where he logged 12 disposals. Duursma hails from a talented football family, with his brother Xavier and sister Yasmine on Port Adelaide’s men’s and women’s lists.

KADE DE LA RUE​

Club: Dandenong Stingrays/ Beaconsfield FC/ St Francis Xavier College
Height: 184 cm
Weight: 77 kg
DOB: 19/11/05
A medium forward, De La Rue does most things well in accumulating the ball and then making good decisions with his neat disposal. His November birth date suggests he has further physical upside to come. De La Rue will be looking to build on an excellent start to the season with the Stingrays, where he averaged 24 disposals (10 contested), 4.5 tackles and 2.8 clearances across his first four matches.

HARRY DE MATTIA​

Club: Dandenong Stingrays/ Edithvale-Aspendale FC/ SEDA
Height: 184 cm
Weight: 77 kg
DOB: 9/11/05
A midfielder-forward, De Mattia has elite speed and endurance which enables him to get up and down the ground to win the ball both at ground level and overhead. He brings real pressure for his team with his ability to run down tackle against the flow. A left-footer, he opened the Coates Talent League season in great form, averaging 17.5 disposals, 5 marks and 4.5 tackles across his first four matches. De Mattia is a dual sport athlete who has mixed his football with cricket. He has represented Victoria at underage level in cricket with distinction and ultimately will need to choose his sporting preference in due course.

JOEL FREIJAH​

Club: GWV Rebels/ Horsham Saints/ Ballarat Clarendon College
Height: 191 cm
Weight: 86 kg
DOB: 14/11/05
A wingman who has real composure with the ball, Freijah is clean below his knees and distributes the ball very well. He has been in outstanding form in recent weeks. He produced a best-on-ground performance for the Rebels in Round 4 of the Coates Talent League, kicking six goals from 26 disposals while predominantly playing on a wing. Freijah backed that up with 35 disposals in a Vic Country trial in his very next match. He holds his width when playing on the wing, providing his team with an outlet option with its ball movement. However, he can also play inside, where he uses his vision and footy smarts to set up the play. A strong all-round athlete, Freijah ran a time of 2.98 seconds in the 20 metre sprint during pre-season testing.

WILL GREEN​

Club: Northern Knights/ Northcote FC/ Thornbury HS
Height: 204 cm
Weight: 89 kg
DOB: 09/08/05
A developing ruckman who is both mobile and strong overhead, Green is showing real potential with his ruck craft and his ability to impact the game at stoppages. He emerged with the Knights last year in the Coates Talent League and was later selected in the AFL Academy squad. A co-captain of the Knights, Green has made a solid start to his season, averaging 7.3 disposals, 2.3 marks and 16.3 hitouts in his first three games.

ANGUS HASTIE​

Club: Geelong Falcons FC/ Geelong West Giants/ Geelong Lutheran College
Height: 189 cm
Weight: 77 kg
DOB: 19/09/05
An athletic medium defender who sets the play up from defence with his run and ball use, Hastie has been impressive for the Falcons in the early part of the year. Across his first four matches in the Coates Talent League, he averaged 22.5 disposals at 85 per cent efficiency. He is often given the responsibility for kick-ins, which he executes with precision.Hastie had a similar role in a Vic Country trial match, when he racked up 28 disposals. He tested very well earlier in the year, recording a 20m sprint time of 2.93 seconds and a yo-yo test level of 21.05, highlighting his athletic capabilities.

JACOB GRANT​

Club: Dandenong Stingrays/ Endeavour Hills FC/ Gleneagles SC
Height: 191 cm
Weight: 84 kg
DOB: 18/07/05
A medium forward, Grant burst onto the scene when he kicked three goals in consecutive weeks for the Stingrays in the Coates Talent League, in matches against the Power and Rebels. Those performances earned him a spot in the national championship trials, where he again hit the scoreboard with two goals from nine disposals for Vic Country. Grant has an exciting leap and speed off the mark and is a difficult matchup given his athletic abilities.

WILL LORENZ​

Club: Oakleigh Chargers/ Boroondara Hawks FC / Marcellin College
Height: 186 cm
Weight: 70 kg
DOB: 19/02/05
A lightly-built wingman or forward, Lorenz produced some eye-catching matches last year. In a Victorian Futures game against Queensland, he had 32 disposals and kicked three goals. He went on to feature for Team Murphy on the MCG on AFL Grand Final day last year and logged 24 disposals, nine marks and a goal to give a further indication of his undoubted potential. A left-footer who has good speed and a neat step through traffic, Lorenz had a disrupted summer due to injury but is now back on track. He played two of the first three games in the Coates Talent League, averaging 20 disposals (13 uncontested) and 6 score involvements. Lorenz is the grandson of former Hawthorn great Graham Arthur.

LUAMON LUAL​

Club: Greater Western Victoria Rebels/ South Warrnambool FC/ Emmanuel College
Height: 181 cm
Weight: 72 kg
DOB: 28/03/05
A wingman or defender who is a well-balanced and skilful player, Lual is part of the AFL’s Multicultural Academy given he is of South Sudanese heritage. A good player one-on-one, he started the season in good touch as he averaged 17.8 disposals (6.3 contested) across the opening four games for the Rebels in the Coates Talent League. Lual is also part of the Western Bulldogs NGA program. Under AFL rules, the Bulldogs will be allowed to match any bid on him from a rival club after selection 40 in this year’s draft.

LOGAN MORRIS​

Club: Western Jets/ Werribee Districts FC/ Mary MacKillop College
Height: 191 cm
Weight: 88 kg
DOB: 05/10/05
A strong-marking forward, Morris forced his way into the Vic Metro under-18 team for a taste of national championship football in his bottom-age year in 2022. He finished with 39 goals for the season from his 18 matches in the pathways programs and has begun 2023 in a similar vein of form. Morris booted 5.2 against Brisbane in his most recent game for the Jets in the Coates Talent League, giving him 13 goals from four matches this year. Morris has continued to build on his ability to keep presenting as a mobile marking target, while clean hands at ground level are another key part of his skill set.

OLLIE MURPHY​

Club: Sandringham Dragons/ East Brighton Vampires/ Caulfield Grammar
Height: 200 cm
Weight: 85 cm
DOB: 16/09/05
A lightly-built tall defender who sets the play up with his neat left-foot kicking, Murphy continues to work on his defensive craft. He reads the ball particularly well in flight and makes good decisions on when to mark or spoil, as well as being courageous in the contest. Murphy impressed in the Vic Metro trial match in April, gathering 13 disposals and taking four marks. As he develops physically in time, he will be capable of playing on the opposition’s tallest forwards.

CAM NYKO​

Club: Eastern Ranges/ Healesville FC/ Mt Lilydale Mercy College
Height: 180 cm
Weight: 74 kg
DOB: 25/11/05
A defender or midfielder, Nyko has the ability to gain meterage for his team through his dazzling speed and penetrating left-foot kicking. He makes good decisions with the ball and is often given the responsibility of kicking in for his team, as well as being an important connector. Nyko has averaged 10 handball receives, as he links up from the back half. In good touch in the first four rounds of the Coates Talent League, he has averaged 23.5 disposals (8.5 contested) for the Ranges.

JOE PIKE​

Club: Geelong Falcons/ Barwon Heads FC/ Geelong Lutheran College
Height: 203 cm
Weight: 96 kg
DOB: 17/05/05
A developing ruckman who is filling into his giant frame, Pike is still fairly raw. He hails from a basketball background and he’s still developing his football craft but has started the season very well for the Falcons. Pike is averaging 10 disposals and 22 hitouts, providing his midfield group with good supply. He looks like being an important component of Vic Country’s push for an AFL under-18 National Championships win in 2023.

NATHAN PHILACTIDES​

Club: Oakleigh Chargers/ Blackburn FC/ Yarra Valley Grammar
Height: 181 cm
Weight: 78 kg
DOB: 01/10/05
A left-footed defender, Philactides burst on the scene last year when he averaged 19.5 disposals across two matches for Vic Metro in the national championships as a bottom-aged player. Coming from an athletics background, he was once ranked in the top-five in the world in the 400 metres hurdles, so it was no surprise when he posted a quick time of 7.9 seconds in the agility test during pre-season testing. Philactides also caught the eye for Vic Metro in its challenge game against the Young Guns, racking up 25 disposals across half back to finish as one of his team’s best players. He again put his impressive pace and agility on display that day, despite wet conditions.

ARCHER REID​

Club: Gippsland Power/ Inverloch Kongwak FC/ Bass Coast College
Height: 203 cm
Weight: 85 kg
DOB: 19/09/05
A tall forward who is an exceptional overhead mark, Reid is extremely mobile, good below his knees and has a natural goal sense which makes him a difficult match-up. After performing strongly for the Power last season - including kicking three goals in the preliminary final - he had an injury-interrupted start to 2023. However, Reid is now fully fit once again and is ready to show his undoubted potential in the national championships. In his one match in the Coates Talent League this year, he logged 17 disposals and kicked three goals against Murray Bushrangers to give a glimpse of what's to come. Reid is the younger brother of Essendon defender Zach.

HARLEY REID​

Club: Bendigo Pioneers/ Tongala FC/ St Joseph's Echuca
Height: 185 cm
Weight: 85 kg
DOB: 18/04/05
An exciting prospect, Reid excelled in the under-18 national championships for Vic Country last year. He played a mix of defence, midfield and forward roles, showcasing his versatility and earning him All-Australian honours. He also won Team of the Year selection in the Talent League, after finishing as runner-up in the Pioneers’ best-and-fairest award. Reid has continued that form into the early part of the season, with his bursts from stoppages and precise ball use both features of his game. He won the Australian under-18s best player award in the AFL Academy squad’s match against Port Adelaide’s SANFL team in April, collecting a team-high 22 disposals (14 contested), six marks and seven clearances in a very impressive performance. Reid has already had a taste of VFL football with Carlton to continue his development leading into this year’s national championships. He suffered a head knock in his second match for the Australian under-18 team in May, but should be back on the park before Vic Country’s first match of the championships against South Australia on June 18.

ARCHIE ROBERTS​

Club: Sandringham Dragons/ Hampton Rovers FC/ Haileybury College
Height: 184 cm
Weight: 77 kg
DOB: 18/11/05
A left-footed half back who is a penetrating kick, Roberts is a fine interceptor of the ball and uses his anticipation and clean hands to have an impact. He had an excellent season with the Dragons last year, including racking up 21 disposals in their winning Grand Final side. He went on to log 26 disposals on the MCG on AFL Grand Final day last year as part of the Futures game in another eye-catching performance. Roberts was also among Vic Metro’s best with 25 disposals against the Young Guns and showed off his clean ball handling and good kicking skills despite wet and slippery conditions. He was also good with 17 disposals for Australia’s under-18 team in its match against Carlton’s VFL side in May.

MICHAEL RUDD​

Club: Geelong Falcons/ St Mary’s FC/ St Joseph’s College
Height: 192 cm
Weight: 84 kg
DOB: 14/05/05
A left-footed forward, Rudd can win the ball in the air and at ground level. Possessing good endurance, he is also a neat kick of the ball around the ground and at goal and has started the season solidly. With the Falcons in the Coates Talent League, Rudd averaged 15 disposals, 3.3 marks and kicked five goals from the opening four rounds.

KOBE SHIPP​

Club: Dandenong Stingrays/ Beaconsfield FC/ Berwick SC
Height: 187 cm
Weight: 81 kg
DOB: 05/12/05
A medium defender who backs himself in attacking the ball strongly and intercepting the opposition's forward thrusts, Shipp is clean with his hands and has great courage. He showed considerable promise with the Stingrays last year and has progressed this season. He has used his footy smarts and composure to average 23 disposals (10 contested), 5.7 marks and 5.7 tackles from his first three matches in the Coates Talent League. He is the son of former Fremantle player Andrew Shipp but does not qualify for the Dockers under the father son rules given his father featured in only 35 senior games for the club.

COOPER SIMPSON​

Club: Dandenong Stingrays/ Mt Martha FC/ Flinders Christian College
Height: 182 cm
Weight: 76 kg
DOB: 13/02/05
An ultra-professional midfielder with pace, composure and great finishing skills, Simpson also has a neat step through traffic and runs hard offensively and defensively. He has shown the ability to perform when challenged and in the big moments when the game is on the line. Simpson started the season in good touch with the Stingrays, averaging 24 disposals (9 contested) in two matches. He then had the opportunity to play both with Casey in the VFL and against Port Adelaide’s SANFL team with the Australian under-18s, giving him an insight into the next level.

GEORGE STEVENS​

Club: GWV Rebels/ South Warrnambool FC/ Emmanuel College
Height: 189 cm
Weight: 94 kg
DOB: 14/04/05
A medium defender who could become an inside midfielder in time, Stevens has returned to full fitness and form in the early part of this season after missing the entire 2022 campaign with an ACL injury. He reads the cues to intercept well when playing across half back, is a good decision maker and has a penetrating kick. Stevens made his presence felt in the first three rounds of the Coates Talent League, averaging 25 disposals (13 contested) at 71% efficiency. He also racked up 31 disposals and four clearances in a Vic Country trial match in April and put his strong leadership on display as he captained the Australian under-18s team in their matches against SANFL and VFL sides. Stevens’ early-season form saw him rewarded with a VFL opportunity with Geelong in Round 6, where he logged 16 disposals.

MAHMOUD TAHA​

Club: Calder Cannons/ Pascoe Vale FC/ Coburg HS
Height: 182 cm
Weight: 75 kg
DOB: 11/04/05
A midfielder or forward, Taha has made an excellent start to his year. He has logged over 30 disposals in each of his last two matches for the Cannons in the Coates Talent League, including having 12 clearances in a match against the Northern Territory. A member of the Bachar Houli Academy, he has averaged 24.2 disposals overall in four matches this season, with his thirst for the contest and sound decision making both features of his game. A member of Essendon’s NGA, the Bombers will be able to match a bid on Taha from a rival club if his name is called out after pick 40 in this year’s national draft.

NICK WATSON​

Club: Eastern Ranges/ Montrose FC/ Caulfield Grammar
Height: 170 cm
Weight: 67 kg
DOB: 24/02/05
A small forward, Watson is quick, agile and crafty and has a real appetite for the contest. He is a real jack in the box as well and gave a glimpse of his potential last year as he booted 23 goals across 10 Talent League and national championship matches as a bottom-age prospect. Watson has started this season in good touch, playing expanded roles through the midfield and in defence in his opening three matches in the Coates Talent League. He is averaging 26 disposals (9.7 contested) and has kicked five goals. He was also among the best players for the Australian under-18 team in a representative match against Port Adelaide’s SANFL side as part of Gather Round in April. Watson gathered 18 disposals and kicked one goal that day, splitting his time between forward and defence roles. He again spent some time down back in the Australian under-18 team’s second match against Carlton’s VFL side in May, in which he had 10 disposals and kicked a goal before sitting out the last quarter with a minor ankle issue.

CALEB WINDSOR​

Club: Eastern Ranges/ Lysterfield FC/ Rowville Sports Academy
Height: 184 cm
Weight: 74 kg
DOB: 9/6/05
A wingman with pace to burn, Windsor is a major asset for his side when he uses his speed to break the lines. He also has a neat step through traffic, is a good decision maker and generally uses the ball well by hand and foot. Windsor recorded a slick time of 2.91sec in the 20m sprint test during pre-season testing, highlighting his dazzling acceleration. Across his first four matches with the Ranges in the Coates Talent League, he averaged 18.5 disposals.

BILLY WILSON​

Club: Dandenong Stingrays/ Dromana FC/ Padua College
Height: 182 cm
Weight: 71 kg
DOB: 16/06/05
A medium defender, Wilson likes to use his speed to open up the play for his team from the back half. He has good vision and decision making ability and has started the season in sparkling fashion, averaging 21.5 disposals (7.5 contested) in the first four rounds of the Coates Talent League. Wilson has an excellent natural leap, allowing him to compete in the air against taller opponents. During pre-season testing, he recorded an impressive result of 92cm in the running vertical jump test.

VIGO VISENTINI​

Club: Sandringham Dragons/ Brighton Beach FC/ Xavier College
Height: 203 cm
Weight: 97 kg
DOB: 05/09/05
A promising ruckman with the size and athletic ability to really influence the play, Visentini became an important member of the Dragons’ premiership team last year. There he provided first-use of the ball to the likes of Will Ashcroft and Cameron McKenzie - who both went on to be top-10 draft picks - and he has continued to develop in the early part of this season. A strong overhead mark with a good natural leap, he averaged 10.8 disposals and 16.8 hitouts across the opening four rounds of the Coates Talent League season. He is the younger brother of Dante Visentini, who was drafted to Port Adelaide in 2021.

DARCY WILSON​

Club: Murray Bushrangers/ Wangaratta Rovers FC/ The Academy
Height: 185 cm
Weight: 73 kg
DOB: 18/08/05
An elusive and creative forward or wingman, Wilson covers the ground exceptionally well and has innate ability around goals. He is still developing physically but has had an impressive start to this year, averaging 22.3 disposals (9 contested) and 2.3 goals across his first three matches for the Bushrangers. Wilson was also among best players for the Australian under-18 team in its match against Port Adelaide’s SANFL side in April, racking up 19 disposals and taking five marks. His running capacity was confirmed when he finished fifth among the Victorians in the yo-yo test during pre-season testing in March with a score of 21.08.

JACK DELEAN​

Club: South Adelaide FC/ Reynella FC/ Flinders University
Height: 182 cm
Weight: 74 kg
DOB: 15/04/05
A forward who is both quick on the lead and has an exciting leap, Delean is a dangerous target and takes plenty of marks with his strong hands. He booted three goals in a quarter during the Futures game on AFL Grand Final day last year, adding to the 30 goals he kicked throughout the year at underage level for his club and state. Showed his creativity up forward to be one of the Australian under-18s team’s best players against Carlton (VFL) in their exciting win.

ALEX HOLT​

Club: Sturt FC/ Glenunga Rams FC
Height: 183 cm
Weight: 81 kg
DOB: 28/01/05
A composed defender with the ability to intercept as well as play close and negate a dangerous forward, Holt was South Australia’s best player in an under-18 representative game against NSW-ACT as a bottom-age player last year. He has started his 2023 season very well, moving from a dominant 26-disposal game in the under-18s to playing consistently in four reserves matches. He is now on the verge of senior selection for Sturt in the SANFL. Holt is a good decision maker who uses the ball effectively by hand and foot.

KANE McAULIFFE​

Club: North Adelaide FC/ Central Augusta FC
Height: 188 cm
Weight: 88 kg
DOB: 1/3/2005
A big-bodied midfielder, McAuliffe wins his own ball and is a penetrating left-foot kick. He was held back by a groin injury in 2022, but has started this season strongly. Across his opening five matches in the under-18s, he averaged 26.2 disposals, 5.2 clearances and 5.8 tackles. He has also featured in the reserves for North Adelaide this season.

WILL McCABE​

Club: Central District FC/ Tanunda FC/ Sacred Heart College
Height: 197 cm
Weight: 82 kg
DOB: 29/09/05
A tall defender who has also gone forward this year, McCabe is continuing to develop nicely. He won All-Australian under-16 honours last year after playing as an approved overage player in the national championships. Playing at under-18s level in the SANFL this season, he has made a very strong start to his year, averaging 20.7 disposals and 5.7 marks across his first six matches. McCabe is a very competitive player who has a good natural leap and is strong overhead. He is eligible to join Hawthorn under the AFL’s father-son rule this year, as the son of former Hawks star Luke McCabe, who played 138 games for the club.

ASHTON MOIR​

Club: Glenelg FC/ Plympton FC
Height: 188 cm
Weight: 84 kg
DOB: 15/4/2005
A medium forward who really caught the eye with his goal kicking and marking ability last year, Moir booted 34 goals in 2022 at club and representative levels. That included a haul of four majors against Western Australia in the last under-18 championships match, as a bottom-age player. His ability to kick the ball with precision on either foot, particularly with set shots for goal, is unique. Moir kicked four goals twice in the opening four rounds of the SANFL this season, with one coming at under-18s level and one in the reserves. However, he has been slightly hampered by a hip injury in the early part of the year and is yet to show his full potential.

WILL PATTON​

Club: West Adelaide FC/ Mitcham FC
Height: 193 cm
Weight: 81 kg
DOB: 04/01/05
A composed left-footed defender, Patton has grown a further 3cm in the past 12 months which has allowed him to play on both medium and taller opposition forwards. He uses the ball exceptionally well by hand and foot and sets up the play with his ball use. Patton made an excellent start to this year, averaging 21.8 disposals, 4.6 marks and 3.4 tackles across his first five matches at under-18 level. A state representative in cricket as a junior, he is now fully focused on a potential AFL career and is a member of the AFL Academy.

BEN RIDGWAY​

Club: Glenelg FC/ Brighton Bombers FC/ Cabra Dominican College
Height: 183 cm
Weight: 80 kg
DOB: 12/01/05
An inside midfielder or forward, Ridgway has continued to dominate under-18 football this year on the back of starring in a premiership year in 2022 as a bottom-age player. He is tough and uncompromising and has clean hands and good vision. Ridgway averaged 24.7 disposals (12 contested), 4 clearances and 5.7 tackles in his first three games for the Glenelg under-18s in the SANFL this season.

LUCA SLADE​

Club: Sturt FC/ Glenunga FC/ Prince Alfred College
Height: 182 cm
Weight: 70 kg
DOB: 03/11/05
A midfielder who can play inside, on the wing or half forward, Slade has a high workrate and excellent footy nous which allows him to get to contests and influence the play. He has made a solid start to this year at under-18 level in the SANFL, averaging 18.5 disposals (7.5 contested) and 3.7 tackles in six matches before returning to play school football.

TRENT TATTOLI​

Club: Central District/ Angle Vale FC/ Trinity College
Height: 181 cm
Weight: 70 kg
DOB: 14/04/05
A wingman who has been a prolific ball winner at underage level for his club, Tattoli is set to play state football after starting the season extremely well. From his first six matches in the SANFL under-18s this season, he averaged 26.5 disposals (78% efficiency). Tattoli has an elite workrate, which allows him to get from contest to contest. He also has a great evasive step through heavy congestion.

PATRICK WECKERT​

Club: Woodville-West Torrens/ BSR Tigers FC
Height: 191 cm
Weight: 93 kg
DOB: 23/01/05
A tall forward, Weckert has progressed to play some senior football with the Eagles both last year and early this year on the back of the exciting potential he has shown. He is a real competitive beast who is a strong mark and presents really well as a target up forward. A dual sport athlete, he has represented South Australia in underage cricket but is now committed to pursuing a potential AFL career.

DANIEL CURTIN​

Club: Claremont FC/ West Coast JFC/ Curtin University
Height: 195 cm
Weight: 92 kg
DOB: 08/03/05
A left-footed defender, Curtin experienced a frustrating run with injury last season before getting back to play in the Futures game at the MCG on AFL Grand Final day. He excelled for Team Houli with 22 disposals and nine marks in that match, winning best on the ground honours. Curtin’s agility, speed for his size and precise kicking were all features of his game.

MITCHELL EDWARDS​

Club: Peel Thunder FC/ South Mandurah FC
Height: 205 cm
Weight: 86 kg
DOB: 02/06/05
A ruckman who stood out as a bottom-age player, Edwards led his state team as their first-choice tall in the national championships last year and impressed with his competitiveness and craft. Mobile and strong overhead, he also had a successful season at club level, starring in Peel’s Colt’s premiership win. Edwards has had an injury-interrupted run of late with a corked leg, but is now ready to have a big impact on this year’s under-18 national championships.

RILEY HARDEMAN​

Club: Swan Districts FC/ Caversham JFC/ Edith Cowan University
Height: 184 cm
Weight: 70 kg
DOB: 27/02/05
A left-footed defender with speed, Hardeman is strong overhead and takes ground with his long precision kicking. He impressed as a bottom-age player in the under-18 national championships last year and has already debuted at senior level with Swan Districts this season and has gone on to star in the under-18s. Hardeman averaged 22.5 disposals across his first two Colts matches. He had a minor setback with concussion in recent weeks but is an exciting prospect on the horizon.

CLAY HALL​

Club: Peel Thunder FC/ Harvey Brunswich Leschenault JFC
Height: 188 cm
Weight: 83 kg
DOB: 12/05/05
A talented midfielder, Hall had a taste of under-18 national championships last year as he played one match on a wing for his state side. He went on to play well for the remainder of the season in a premiership winning Colts team at Peel. Hall has stepped straight up to senior level this year, playing three senior games in the opening five rounds in the WAFL. Featuring as an inside midfielder, he impressed across those three matches as he averaged 18.7 disposals. He is the son of former West Coast and Geelong forward Derek Hall, but is not eligible under father-son rules given his father played only two games for the Eagles and 74 matches for the Cats.

COEN LIVINGSTONE​

Club: Perth FC/ York
Height: 200 cm
Weight: 94 kg
DOB: 25/05/05
A tall forward or ruckman, Livingstone has been in dominant form at Colts level, with his ruck craft and work at stoppages very good. Across his first four under-18 matches this season, he averaged 17.8 disposals, 3.3 marks and 28 hitouts. He also kicked six goals across those four games, including three majors against East Fremantle in Round 4. Livingstone has good bloodlines, as the nephew of former Hawthorn star Chance Bateman. He is a member of West Coast’s Next Generation Academy, meaning the Eagles will be able to match any bid on him from a rival club after pick 40 in this year’s draft.

KOEN SANCHEZ​

Club: East Fremantle FC/ Applecross Mt Pleasant FC/ Curtin University
Height: 176 cm
Weight: 65 kg
DOB: 19/01/05
A small forward or wingman with lightning-quick movement and reflexes, Sanchez is a difficult match up for opposition sides. He has innate goal sense and reads the cues exceptionally well in the forward line. Sanchez has been restricted from showing his undoubted potential, but has shown thin slices of his footy smarts and game awareness in appearances for his state and home club.

KOLTYN THOLSTRUP​

Club: Subiaco FC/ Newtown-Condingup JFC/ Cunderdin Ag College
Height: 188 cm
Weight: 82 kg
DOB: 28/06/05
A talented player with an elite work rate, Tholstrup often plays as a high half forward and sometimes goes through the midfield. He is a fearless competitor with excellent game sense and is a penetrating kick. Tholstrup played all four games for Western Australia as a bottom-age player in the under-18 national championships last year and acquitted himself well, averaging 13.5 disposals. He was also a strong performer in the Futures game on AFL Grand Final day with 18 disposals for Team Murphy. Tholstrup has a sharp competitive edge which has seen him already play four senior matches in the WAFL this season with a top team in Subiaco.

SAMUEL VAN ROOYEN​

Club: Claremont/ Scarborough JFC
Height: 193 cm
Weight: 85 kg
DOB: 24/02/05
A tall forward, Van Rooyen may well be a late bloomer given his emergence in recent weeks after not being on the AFL radar in his bottom-age year in 2022. His five goals from 15 disposals and nine marks in just his third match this year at under-18s level was outstanding. From his first four matches overall this season, Van Rooyen has 11 majors to his name, along with averaging 9.5 disposals and 6 marks (2 contested). He is the brother of Melbourne rising star Jacob Van Rooyen and has been added to Western Australia’s under-18 squad for possible selection in their state team in the under-18 national championships.

LUKER KENTFIELD​

Club: Subiaco/ Carine FC
Height: 193 cm
Weight: 93 kg
DOB: 10/09/05
A left-footed tall forward, Kentfield was promoted to league level in top WAFL side Subiaco after just two games in the under-18s. The promotion highlighted his sizable potential. Kentfield has also been added to Western Australia’s under-18 state squad ahead of the national championships.

EVAN SMITH​

Club: Swan Districts/ Aveley JFC
Height: 198 cm
Weight: 86 kg
DOB: 11/08/05
A forward or ruckman, Smith has been included in Western Australia’s under-18 squad after a recent breakout game at Colts level for Swan Districts. In the Round 4 match against South Fremantle, he logged 18 disposals, 6 marks, 42 hitouts and kicked two goals in a best-on-ground performance.

JACK CALLINAN​

Club: Tasmanian Devils/ Clarence FC
Height: 177cm
Weight: 73 kg
DOB: 07/10/05
A clever small forward, Callinan started the season on fire in the opening four rounds of the Coates Talent League. He booted 14.1 across those games, while averaging 18.5 disposals. Callinan is quick and agile and has innate goalsense. He is the son of former Adelaide Crows and Tasmanian Devils (VFL) star Ian Callinan and looks to have inherited his father’s ball-winning ability and smarts around goal.

CAIDEN CLEARY​

Club: Sydney Swans Academy/ Sydney Uni FC
Height: 180 cm
Weight: 77 kg
DOB: 05/03/05
A clever, courageous and prolific ball-winner, Cleary is an in-and-under type player who extracts the ball well from stoppages. He has been a consistent player for the Swans in the Coates Talent League over the past two years, as well as having 32 disposals in the Futures game on AFL Grand Final day last year. Cleary has begun this season well, averaging 27 disposals and using both his speed and work ethic to win contested ball. He has been part of the Swans’ Academy since under-10s.

CALEB MAY​

Club: Sydney Swans Academy / South West Sydney Blues FC
Height: 205 cm
Weight: 96 kg
DOB: 13/05/05
A developing ruckman, May has taken significant steps forward this season with his performances for the Swans in the Coates Talent League. He has averaged 12.5 disposals, four marks and 32 hitouts from his four matches to date. Under the tutelage of renowned Swans ruck coach and former AFL star Steve Taubert, May looks set to play for the Allies in the under-18 national championships this year.

BRAD McDONALD​

Club: Brisbane Lions Academy/ Maroochydore FC
Height: 199 cm
Weight: 85 kg
DOB: 29/08/05
A tall defender who can also go forward and have an impact for his team, McDonald is a very athletic player with an impressive natural leap and strong hands overhead. He is a good one-on-one player who uses his speed to negate his opposing forward and brings aggressive spoiling. McDonald has captained the Lions Academy in its four matches in the Coates Talent League so far this season and is averaging 10 disposals and 3 marks.

COLBY McKERCHER​

Club: Tasmanian Devils/ Launceston FC/ Launceston College
Height: 181 cm
Weight: 72 kg
DOB: 12/04/05
A left-footed midfielder with dazzling speed away from the centre of the ground, McKercher also has a penetrating foot. After a very promising season with the Devils and Allies in 2022 as a bottom-age player, he has taken another step this season. McKercher has been averaging 31.3 disposals for the Devils and was among the best for the Australian under-18 team in its match against Port Adelaide’s SANFL side in April. He also impressed in a second match with the AFL Academy side against Carlton’s VFL team in May, logging 20 disposals and three clearances through the midfield.

CONNOR O’SULLIVAN​

Club: Murray Bushrangers/ Albury FC/ Xavier High School- Albury
Height: 198 cm
Weight: 92 kg
DOB: 19/05/05
A tall forward or defender who has continued to mature physically, O’Sullivan has grown another 3cm and is a player developing his knowledge as a forward and a defender. He has an exciting natural leap, while good speed has been another weapon in his roles at either end of the ground. O’Sullivan has been a consistent performer for the Bushrangers in the early part of the season, averaging 18 disposals and 7.7 marks in his first three matches. Being from Albury in NSW, he looks set to play with the Allies in the under-18 national championships.

ETHAN READ​

Club: Gold Coast Suns Academy / Palm Beach Currumbin FC
Height: 202 cm
Weight: 87 kg
DOB: 07/08/05
A ruckman or tall forward, Read also looks capable of playing as a tall defender down the track given his skillset. He is a strong overhead mark and an excellent kick and also has the running capacity to cover the ground and win the ball in numerous situations. Read has been in great form for the Suns Academy in the Coates Talent League, averaging 17.7 disposals, 4.7 marks and 18 hitouts across his first three matches. He looks set to again play for the Allies in the under-18 national championships after impressing as a bottom-aged player last year.

JAKE ROGERS​

Club: Gold Coast Suns Academy/ Broadbeach Cats FC
Height: 171 cm
Weight: 68 kg
DOB: 02/03/05
A tenacious livewire for the Suns Academy through the midfield, Rogers is a one-touch player with great vision and creativity. He was another player who performed well as a bottom-aged player with the Allies last year and has developed and matured further since then. He has averaged 26 disposals and 7 tackles in the Coates Talent League for the Suns and was one of the Australian under-18 team’s best players against Port Adelaide’s SANFL side in an exhibition match in April. Rogers went on to again shine brightly for the Australian under-18 team in its second match against Carlton’s VFL side in May, gathering 26 disposals and six clearances through the midfield claiming the medal as his team’s best player.

RYLEY SANDERS​

Club: Sandringham Dragons FC/ North Launceston FC/Melbourne Grammar
Height: 186 cm
Weight: 85 kg
DOB: 21/01/05
A strong-bodied midfielder, Sanders is looking to build on an extremely promising 2022. He was a member of the Sandringham Dragons’ premiership team last year and also represented the Allies as a bottom-aged player. Sanders has stepped up and shown himself to be a talented playmaker this year. He started the season in fine form with the Dragons, averaging 31.7 disposals and five tackles in the opening three rounds. He was also another one to catch the eye with a strong performance for the Australian under-18 team in its representative match against Port Adelaide’s SANFL side backing it up in the second match against Carlton’s VFL side as he collected 24 disposals to be one of the side’s best.

HARVEY THOMAS​

Club: GWS Giants Academy/ Oakleigh Chargers/Turvey Park FC- NSW/ Caulfield Grammar
Height: 174 cm
Weight: 65 kg
DOB: 08/08/05
A small defender or midfielder, Thomas is clever, creative and has shown to be a ball magnet. A left-footer who uses the ball with precision, he has relocated from the Riverina in New South Wales to attend school in Melbourne and has mixed his football between the Giants Academy and the Oakleigh Chargers. Thomas has averaged 23.5 disposals and 12.5 tackles in his two matches for the Giants this season, having missed a few other games through injury.

WILL ROWLANDS​

Club: Northern Territory Thunder/ Southern Districts FC/ Norwood FC
Height: 180 cm
Weight: 80 kg
DOB: 19/06/05
A small midfielder or forward, Rowlands has pace to burn and is certainly prepared to take the game on with his dash and dare. He has mixed his football between South Australia with Norwood under-18s and the Northern Territory Thunder in the Coates Talent League. His form with the Thunder has been particularly impressive of late, with Rowlands being his side’s best player in each of his past two matches. He has averaged 21.5 disposals and 5.5 clearances from those two games. Rowlands excels at stoppages and is a very dangerous player around the goals.

JED WALTER​

Club: Gold Coast Suns Academy/ Palm Beach Currumbin FC
Height: 194 cm
Weight: 91 kg
DOB: 08/06/05
A strong and powerful tall forward, Walter took all before him at underage level last year. He won All-Australian honours as a bottom-aged player in the under-18 national championships and has reminded all of his strong marking and elite power and skill with a dominant performance in the Coates Talent League in Round 6. He kicked eight goals from his 19 disposals and nine marks against the Northern Territory that day and has averaged 17.7 disposals, four marks and four goals in the first three rounds of the year overall. Walter has a real physical presence up forward, with his second efforts and tackling pressure being real features of his game.

RYAN MARIC​

Club: Gippsland Power/ Drouin FC
Height: 193 cm
Weight: 84 kg
DOB: 06/09/04
A versatile tall, Maric has been somewhat of a draft bolter this year. He is an extremely athletic forward who uses his speed and agility to present as a marking target and is very team oriented. Maric averaged 19 disposals, 6.7 marks and 2.7 goals from his first three games with the Power in the Coates Talent League this season. He then grabbed the attention of all AFL club scouts in an under-18 trial match for Vic Country in April, taking eight marks and logging three goals as well as three score assists. Maric had 23 disposals and seven marks in the second Young Guns game against Vic Country, playing a different role down back.

WILL ELLIOT​

Club: Oakleigh Chargers/ Surrey Park JFC
Height: 203 cm
Weight: 94 kg
DOB: 11/06/04
A tall forward, Elliot showed AFL potential with his marking and mobility in 2021 but missed the majority of his 18th year with a knee injury. He returned to fitness to test at the state draft combine last year, but was overlooked in the drafts. Elliot gave a glimpse of his agility and goal kicking prowess when he had a great gather of a wet ball and snapped a lovely goal during the Young Guns first game against Vic Metro. He is the son of former Australian cricketer Matthew Elliot.

LUKE TEAL​

Club: Oakleigh Chargers/ Glen Iris Juniors FC
Height: 190 cm
Weight: 82 kg
DOB: 20/05/04
A defender or wingman, Teal had his 18th year decimated by injury and illness in 2022. He first had an appendix operation and then suffered a broken collarbone, curtailing the majority of the season. However, he returned late in the campaign for the Chargers last year and showed good intercept ability and rebound off half back in a handful of games. This season he impressed in three games with the Chargers, averaging 20 disposals in the Coates Talent League before earning some VFL opportunities with Richmond. In the second Young Guns game against Vic Country, Teal racked up a game-high 32 disposals in a new role in the midfield as he continues his development.

CLAY TUCKER​

Club: Eastern Ranges/ Rowville FC
Height: 204 cm
Weight: 99 kg
DOB: 09/08/04
An imposing ruckman, Tucker covers the ground well with his mobility and agility and has good ruck craft, using his physical assets to great effect. He has been in good touch with the Ranges in the Coates Talent League, averaging 10.3 disposals and 20.3 hitouts across his first four games. Tucker featured in both matches of the Young Guns series and caught the eye with 13 disposals, 14 hitouts and two goals during the second match against Vic Country.

INDHI KIRK​

Club: Sydney Swans Academy/ UNSW Bulldogs FC
Height: 181 cm
Weight: 75 kg
DOB: 31/08/04
A wingman or defender, Kirk has matured as an AFL prospect both with his physical development and performance over the past year. He covers the ground exceptionally well, is a good decision maker and uses the ball well by hand and foot. Kirk was arguably the Swans Academy’s best player in their first four matches in the Coates Talent League. He averaged 25 disposals and then handled the step up to VFL with the Swans, playing a game against the Northern Blues and having 17 disposals to again be among his team’s best players. He is in line to play in the national championships for the Allies as an approved overage player. Kirk is the son of former Sydney star Brett Kirk, making him eligible for the Swans under father-son rules at season’s end.

HEATH OLLINGTON​

Club: Tasmanian Devils/ North Launceston
Height: 190 cm
Weight: 82 kg
DOB: 10/12/04
A forward or midfielder, Ollington was prominent as a contested ball winner and as tough as teak in 15 games for the Devils last year. He averaged 16.8 disposals (8.4 contested) mainly through the midfield, before returning as an approved overage player this year and showing further development. Playing as a mobile target predominantly forward, he kicked 11 goals from his first five matches, while averaging 16.4 disposals. He is presenting as a chance to play for the Allies in the national championships this year.

SAM GILBEY​

Club: Claremont/ Wembley Downs FC
Height: 188 cm
Weight: 75 kg
DOB: 14/05/04
A left-footed defender, Gilbey had a horror run with illness and injuries last year. He fell ill with glandular fever, had a bout of Covid and then broke his leg late in the year. However, Gilbey showed very promising signs with his intercept ability, speed and ball use across half back in three games for his state when fit and is progressing well and is on the verge of senior selection with Claremont this year.

ROBERT HANSEN JR​

Club: Subiaco/ Mines Rovers FC
Height: 180 cm
Weight: 70 kg
DOB: 13/03/04
A wingman or small forward, Hansen Jr is a real speedster with a dynamic left foot. An Indigenous player from the Goldfields League 600 km North-East of Perth, he played a full season of under-18s last year but has now progressed to debut at senior level this season. He has been approved to play as an overage player for Western Australia in the under-18 national championships.

RYE PENNY​

Club: Calder Cannons/ Gisborne FC
Height: 186 cm
Weight: 82 kg
DOB: 01/03/04
An athletic running defender, Penny’s speed and natural leap stood out during pre-season testing. He ran a 20m sprint time of 2.89 sec and recorded a running vertical jump result of 101cm to be among the best performers across all testing. He continues to improve with his decision making and ball use and his unique athletic abilities continued to shine in the Young Guns series, when he was among the better players in matches against Vic Metro and Country. He had 21 disposals against Vic Country in the second of those games.

FLYNN RILEY​

Club: Northern Knights/ Montmorency FC
Height: 206 cm
Weight: 101 kg
DOB: 05/04/04
A ruckman who is a man mountain, Riley has returned to the Coates Talent League as an improved overage player and is continuing to develop. A left-footer, he played his best game to date against the Gold Coast Suns in Round 4 of the Coates Talent League, having 21 disposals and 37 hit outs to be his team’s best and most influential player on the day.
 
roos_fanatic08 said:
Outside of Harley Reid, Sanders and Wilson look to be the most complete midfielders in this draft crop.

Is it just me or does Sanders look eerily similar to JHF? Doesn’t quite have the breakaway speed but his running gait, side step and overall look reminds me so much of JHF.
Click to expand...
Sanders has an impeccable character according to some I've spoken to. He has been at Sandy for a few years now so he's been away from home and probably no risk to leaving for the Tassie team.

And yes, the similarities are there.
345857229_1223646855022268_2851071079201706318_n.jpg
 
Last edited:

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r00boy96 said:
Whitfield is 28 years old I'd hate that deal, no doubt he is talented but he isn't on the improvement if anything he has peaked
Click to expand...
I think you have misunderstood. You are getting Whitfield + pick 6. Just like Geelong got Bowes + pick 7.
 
r00boy96 said:
Whitfield is 28 years old I'd hate that deal, no doubt he is talented but he isn't on the improvement if anything he has peaked
Click to expand...
He be at worst a handy player for the length of his contract and we're getting another crack at the top 10 this year.

Sent from my SM-A908B using Tapatalk
 
r00boy96 said:
Whitfield is 28 years old I'd hate that deal, no doubt he is talented but he isn't on the improvement if anything he has peaked
Click to expand...
It is crazy money and we would be paying it well into his thirties, but...

An elite winger is one of greatest list needs, AND
The top 10 seems to be where it is at in this draft, AND
By all reports, we have more salary cap space than everyone else, let's use it.

Then get Freijah to be his apprentice with Port's pick.
 
Passmore said:
He be at worst a handy player for the length of his contract and we're getting another crack at the top 10 this year.

Sent from my SM-A908B using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Is Whitfield better than any number of players currently rounding out our "best" 23 players? If yes, it's a ****ing no brainer deal.
 
hoffseason gains said:
We should be looking to move back.

Possible scenario we finish 16th get pick 3, McKay leaves and we get pick 4. Hawthorn takes Reid at 1, West Coast take Curtin at 2. We take Watson at 3 - then I’d be looking to move back at 4.

Duursma and Moir are currently the likely consensus 4 and 5 - I don’t want either as of now - but Melbourne, armed with 2 firsts and 2 seconds, might want to trade up for Duursma, a kid who has trained with them and played for their VFL team and plays a similar role to Bailey Humphrey who they had interest in trading up for last year.

Freo’s first round pick would allow us one of: Caddy, A. Reid, McKercher, Wilson

Melbourne’s first/Freo’s second (depending on exact position) allows us one of: O’Sullivan, Lual, Philactides, Roberts

Another avenue we must explore is the salary cap dump / purchase of draft pick with salary value - get in a decent experienced body in a position of need along with a first or second round pick - most likely second - replenish our draft hand.
Click to expand...
always useful to float potential strategies, but I'm not sure the market is strong enough for McKay to get us pick 4 as compensation
 
Anyone who wouldn't take a 28 year old Whitfield and another top 10 pick is absolutely mental
 
 


 
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