List Mgmt. 2023 National Draft prospects

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Cheers for the info.

I always find these comments on Big kids interesting that they are seen as low upside down to having a larger build then thier opponents.
None of his highlights looked like he was brute forcing his way to getting the footy.
Many of the elite juniors come with decent builds most of them started weight programs by 15yo.

You can still get more muscle, defined, strength and powerfas he matures.
Could see improvement in his tank as he adjusts to his frames weight and size.
Cripps and Maynard are testament to that, hopefully Hine remembers those lessons from overlooking Cripps to taking Maynard.

His kicking skills looked good all be it a highlights video.

Anyway I know afl recruiters tend to be scared off of big kids.
Yeah its a tough one. As ready made he would be ideal, but clubs tend to like prospects to be able to develop when in an afl system. If they dont think kids at 18 have much left developing to do, that can scare them away.
 
Yeah I'm not sure of his weight.

Regardless I find it interesting that big kids are seen as having less scope. The same thought process saw us overlook Cripps.
He's 101kg at 18 years old.. Even as a big bodied mid, not sure that's a good thing. Could he be used as a defender? He's done it before.


Stevens has truly demonstrated that his football ability stacks up with some of the other more fancied draft prospects, although questions remain about his ability to translate to the next level. His athleticism and already well developed build are the main concerns in that regard, particularly for a role in the midfield at AFL level.

Although Stevens is a clean user when out in space, he does tend to blaze away and dump his kicks when moving it from within the contest, which is something that AFL clubs will be looking to iron out. That is also apparent in front of goal, and Stevens' lack of explosive pace means many of his disposals are won or completed in a contest.
 

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Bit of Charlie Constable about George Stevens I reckon. Doesn't have the running game to be picked up by us I suspect.
 
Any takers for Nathan Philactides?

Supposedly the line breaking dasher of this draft.

I’m still big on him. I was last year and I haven’t lost faith.

To be honest I’d be happy if we took him with our pick in the 30’s.

He’s got to find some balance in his game. Knowing when to run and gun and when to be more controlled.

But ultimately he has an elite and rare skill set that only a couple of kids in this draft have.
 
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Bit of Charlie Constable about George Stevens I reckon. Doesn't have the running game to be picked up by us I suspect.
Even in Fly's manic movement and dash plan - there's still a place for a slow inside mid if he can get from contest to contest and is good enough.
 
So a WA scout?

Hardeman fits the bill style wise but there's a video of one of his matches on YouTube and he has 25-odd touches and it feels like he misses the target with the majority. Maybe just not his best day.
I’m guessing a bad day because he’s been rated as good ball user most of the year.

I’m guessing we would be interested because we like his mix of speed and endurance. Loves the break the lines. Needs work on his contested game though.
 

TOP 40 CONSENSUS RANKINGS​

40. JACK DELEAN

South Adelaide/SA, Forward, 182cm, 77kg
Stats and full bio:
2023 Draft Dossier
Chris Cavanagh’s Ranking – 38: A lively goalkicking forward with plenty of tricks, his best this year was great but he also went missing at times which frustrated some. That said, he kicked five goals across three senior SANFL matches in the back end of the year after booting nine majors from four matches for his state at the national championships.
Dan Batten’s Ranking — Didn’t quite make the cut for me. Certainly has some exciting traits as a small forward but there are question marks over his workrate and consistency.

39. CLAY HALL

Peel Thunder/WA, Midfielder, 189cm, 87kg
Stats and full bio:
2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 40: A professional on and off the field who brings great work ethic and ticks a lot of boxes. The son of former West Coast and Geelong forward Derek, it wouldn’t surprise if the midfielder was snapped up in the second round.
DB – 35: The All-Australian won possessions at will on the inside at the national championships and showed good signs at WAFL level. A great size but his kicking and decision making lets him down at times.
Jack Delean is an exciting forward from South Australia. Picture: SANFL Image/David Mariuz

Jack Delean is an exciting forward from South Australia. Picture: SANFL Image/David Mariuz

38. CAIDEN CLEARY

Sydney Swans Academy/NSW-ACT, Midfielder, 182cm, 79kg
Stats and full bio:
2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 33: While his disposal might not always be perfect, he plays with plenty of heart and had an eye-catching national championships for the Allies as a midfield bull. Also showed plenty in a couple of VFL games for the Swans.
DB – 40: Sneaks into my top 40. A tough as nails two-way midfielder who tackles like his life depends on it. Performed strongly for the AFL Academy earlier in the year but another midfielder who lacks polish.

37. KOEN SANCHEZ

East Fremantle/WA, Forward/Midfielder, 177cm, 69kg
Stats and full bio: 2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 35: A speedy half-forward or wingman who had an eye-catching national championships for WA. Brings great speed and energy, has clean hands and looks ready to go at the next level across half-forward.
DB – 37: See some similarities to Giant Brent Daniels here. A buzzing small forward who is clean below his knees and can win his own footy up the ground.

36. ANGUS HASTIE

Geelong Falcons/VIC, Defender, 190cm, 74kg
Stats and full bio:
2023 Draft Dossier
CC – Unranked: Definitely around the mark to be a potential second-round pick. Had a solid year down back for the Falcons and with Vic Country in the national championships.
DB – 28: Hastie takes the game on with his dashing run and is also extremely versatile as a defender – doing jobs on top-10 talent Nate Caddy (193cm) and smalls like Rebels forward Lachie Charleson (176cm) this year. That mix is made for the modern game.
Defender Angus Hastie had a strong year. Picture: Jonathan DiMaggio/AFL Photos

Defender Angus Hastie had a strong year. Picture: Jonathan DiMaggio/AFL Photos

35. ZANE ZAKOSTELSKY

Claremont/WA, Defender/Ruck, 196cm, 89kg
Stats and full bio:
2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 36: Didn’t do his chances of being a second-round pick any harm at the draft combine with some great results. An athletic key defender who also looked good in the ruck in the final rounds of the season and was best-on-ground in the WAFL Colts grand final with 22 disposals and 18 hit-outs.
DB – 30: Zakostelky is raw given has only been playing footy for a few years. But with his exciting athletic make-up, his upside is enormous. Won the best-on-ground medal in the Colts grand final where he won a whopping 18 contested possessions as a ruckman and showed off his intercepting as a key defender for WA.

34. JOEL FREIJAH

GWV Rebels/VIC, Wing, 190cm, 88kg
Stats and full bio: 2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 26: There are some knocks on his willingness to go after the hard ball, but the wingman runs elite patterns, is a good size, kicks the ball well and is generally clean and composed. He can also push forward and kick a goal.
DB – 38: Freijah works tirelessly up and down the wing and the stats might not always reflect his influence. Burst onto the radar with six goals from 26 disposals and 10 marks early in the year, but his contested game will need to improve at the next level

33. ASHTON MOIR

Glenelg/SA, Forward, 187cm, 85kg
Stats and full bio:
2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 30: There is not a lot of evidence from this year as to why Moir should be picked up – especially this high. However, clubs will find it hard to ignore the talent from this silky forward who can kick on both feet.
DB – 31: Moir appeared destined to be a top-five pick at the start of the year but has slid significantly after an underwhelming top-age year where his competitiveness has been questioned. But there is no doubting his freakish talent, being able to kick 50m on both sides of his body. Could prove to be a massive steal and a club could do worse than to take a punt on him.

32. LOGAN MORRIS

Western Jets/VIC, Forward, 191cm, 90kg
Stats and full bio:
2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 28: Hard to forget his 16-disposal, 11-mark and 4-goal game against Western Australia at the national championships. A strong-marking mid-sized forward in the Tim Membrey mould who is generally an accurate shot on goal.
DB – 32: Just kept getting the job done for the struggling Western Jets with 30 goals for the season, with seven hauls of three or more in his 10 games. Kicked two on VFL debut for Werribee and his eye-catching four goal haul at the national champs put his vice-like hands on full display.
Logan Morris is a strong-marking mid-sized forward. Picture: Getty Images

Logan Morris is a strong-marking mid-sized forward. Picture: Getty Images

31. COOPER SIMPSON

Dandenong Stingrays/VIC, Midfielder/Forward, 182cm
Stats and full bio:
2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 32: Unfortunately missed a chunk of the season including the national championships through injury, but is a professional midfielder with pace, composure and nice finishing skills and had a strong finish to the season at Dandenong.
DB – 26: A forgotten man after an injury sidelined him for most of the back-end of the year, but his two goals and 20 disposals in his final game of the season was a stern reminder of his class and forward-half impact. Elusive in traffic and debuted at VFL level this season.

30. LUAMON LUAL

GWV Rebels/VIC, Defender, 181cm, 79kg
Stats and full bio:
2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 38: An athletic smaller defender who is very good one-on-one and has the speed and agility to go with some of the best small forwards around. Can also bring some run and bounce off halfback and his character and leadership is highly rated.
DB – 21: Have him higher than some might. Big fan of his defensive game as a stopper and his superb composure and decision making allows him to impact the game offensively. Also an outstanding character who has done it all while commuting from Warrnambool

29. LANCE COLLARD

Subiaco/WA/West Coast NGA, Forward, 180cm, 65kg
Stats and full bio:
2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 34: Tied to West Coast’s Next Generation Academy, but another player who is not looking like getting past pick 40 anymore. Had a strong finish to the season, in the forward half for Subiaco’s Colts, including kicking 10 goals across two finals.
DB – 24: Collard has freakish ability as a small forward, with his purple patch to finish the season featuring a litany of dazzling goals: selling candy, snaps from the boundary, the lot. The Eagles academy talent would be a steal for the Eagles if he slips past pick 40.

28. WILL GREEN

Northern Knights/VIC, Ruck, 204cm, 93kg
Stats and full bio:
2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 22: A former junior cricket star who has quickly risen within since joining the AFL pathway programs in 2021. Co-captained the Knights this year and could be anything given his quality tap-work, size and sound fundamentals.
DB – 36: Got better as the year went on and clearly has plenty of athleticism for a player his size. Will take time as he strengthens his body.
William Green is a towering ruck who has progressed quickly. Picture: Getty Images

William Green is a towering ruck who has progressed quickly. Picture: Getty Images

27. MITCHELL EDWARDS

Peel Thunder/WA, Ruck, 206cm, 89kg
Stats and full bio:
2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 24: A huge ruckman who has impressive craft, is a competitor, a strong overhead mark and is quite mobile for his size. Still has to put some weight on his frame, but is an exciting prospect from the west.
DB – 33: Would have liked to see more at national level from Edwards, but he is probably the next ruckman in the pool behind Ethan Read.

26. CHARLIE EDWARDS

Sandringham Dragons/VIC, Midfielder, 191cm, 85kg
Stats and full bio:
2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 27: Has been another big bolter in the back half of the year. Started the season at halfback for Sandringham Dragons but went into the midfield in the second half of the year and starred. Is a real leg-driver and drives the ball forward by foot.
DB – 29: Shot up draft boards to finish the year after moving into the midfield for the Sandringham Dragons. His speed from congestion and height gives him serious potential in a draft class lacking midfield depth, and he can also play off halfback.

25. ARCHER REID

Gippsland Power/VIC, Forward/ruck, 203cm, 94kg
Stats and full bio:
2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 21: His older brother Zach is a key forward at Essendon, but Archer plays at the other end. His weapon is his marking ability up forward, but he also developed his ruck craft nicely in the back end of the year with Gippsland.
DB – 34: A tough one to place. Is strong overhead and showed he can perform strongly as a forward and second ruckman, but was a touch inconsistent throughout the year.

24. GEORGE STEVENS

GWV Rebels/VIC, Midfielder, 189cm, 101kg
Stats and full bio:
2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 31: An intriguing prospect. I’m a big fan – as some clubs are – but others say he is too slow. He was arguably Geelong’s best player in one of his VFL games for the Cats this year though, is tough, clean and a decent kick. As ready-made a prospect as you will find.
DB – 23: One of the most polarising players in the draft class. Has worked tirelessly to address concerns over his speed and his high-end performances can’t be ignored in my view, averaging 28.8 disposals and 160 SuperCoach ranking points per game for the Rebels. Showed he can play as contested ball-winner or off halfback with his kicking skills, and can impact from the get-go with his ready-made frame.
Midfielder George Stevens knows how to find the footy. Picture: Getty Images

Midfielder George Stevens knows how to find the footy. Picture: Getty Images

23. TEW JIATH

Gippsland Power/VIC/Hawthorn NGA, Defender, 188cm, 72kg
Stats and full bio:
2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 29: The younger brother of Hawthorn’s Changkuoth Jiath was a big bolter in the second half of the season. He’s tied to Hawthorn’s Next Generation Academy, but it’s hard to see the Hawks landing him through that avenue now given the athletic defender looks certain to be a top-40 pick.
DB – 25: Ahead of his brother, Changkuoth, at the same age – and we saw how steep his development was from the point he was drafted. A serious bolter after eye-catching finish to the season where his intercepting, turn of step and composure shone through. Would be a surprise to see the Hawks nab him outside the 40.

22. ARIE SCHOENMAKER

Tasmania Devils/TAS, Defender, 194cm, 91kg
Stats and full bio:
2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 25:Was suspended for the first 10 weeks of the season for a “dumb” mistake, but made a massive impact down back in the second half of the year. Also featured forward and kicked two goals in one game for the Allies at the national championships and is a booming kick of the footy.
DB – 27: What an incredible turnaround it’s been after a 10-week club imposed suspension for a drinking related indiscretion. It’s rare that a player standing 194cm can kick goals from 55m off a couple of steps and moves as well as he can.

21. ARCHIE ROBERTS

Sandringham Dragons/VIC, Defender, 184cm, 79kg
Stats and full bio:
2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 20: A rebounding left-foot halfback who didn’t put a foot wrong this season. Won two flags with his school team at Haileybury and also the Sandringham Dragons. A strong runner who loves to break the lines.
DB – 22: Reliable halfback who constantly provides run from behind and has a trusty left boot. Had a consistent season at all levels this year and has great composure.

20. HARRY DeMATTIA

Dandenong Stingrays/VIC, Midfielder/Forward, 185cm, 78kg
Stats and full bio:
2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 23: Clubs tend to like dual-sport athletes and DeMattia has represented Victoria in cricket. He’s got explosive speed, serious agility and clean hands. Can be deployed across a range of positions.
DB – 17: AFL clubs would be relieved he chose footy over his glittering cricket career. Screams future captain and his speed and footskills will allow clubs to deploy him all over the ground, impressing in a variety of different roles this year.
Harry DeMattia is quick and agile. Picture: Getty Images

Harry DeMattia is quick and agile. Picture: Getty Images

19. WILL MCCABE

Central Districts/SA/Hawthorn father-son, Defender, 197cm, 86kg
Stats and full bio: 2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 19: Missed a chunk of the season with a foot injury but returned for a semi-final late in the season and had an impact. The Hawthorn father-son prospect reads the ball well, is athletic and can play tall or small.
DB – 19: Reads the play to perfection and uses it just as well by foot. Seven intercept marks on SANFL Reserves debut for Central Districts underlined the potential of the Hawks father-son.

18. RILEY HARDEMAN

Swan Districts/WA, Defender, 185cm, 75kg
Stats and full bio:
2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 15: A nice left-footed rebounding defender who captained Western Australia at the national championships. His speed and booming and accurate kick are features of his game.
DB - 20: His elite kicking, speed and reading of the play at his size is an attractive combination for a side looking for a rebounding defender.

17. JAMES LEAKE

Tasmania Devils/TAS, Defender, 188cm
Stats and full bio:
2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 18: A medium-sized rebounding defender with strong intercepting abilities, who makes good decisions when he wins the ball back. But also had a serious impact when he went forward late in the year for the Devils.
DB – 16: The Tasmanian swingman can turn a game at either end with his vice-like hands, massive leap and speed off the mark. Impressed at national level for the Allies down back and kicked 12 goals in the space of three games for Devils late in the year.

16. KOLTYN THOLSTRUP

Subiaco/WA, Forward, 186cm, 86kg
Stats and full bio:
2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 16: Impressed in the 2km time trial and agility tests at the draft combine, showing he has the ability to progress from a half-forward to dynamic midfielder in time. Brings a fierce competitive edge and played some regular senior football in the WAFL this year.
DB – 18: Has plenty of swagger and X-Factor but he also does the hard things, restricting dual Sandover medallist Jye Bolton to 12 SuperCoach ranking points in a tagging job in the WAFL. Donning a bright gold pair of visors atop his shaggy mullet at the combine, Tholstrup is sure to be a fan favourite wherever he goes.
Koltyn Tholstrup impressed at the draft combine. Picture: Michael Klein

Koltyn Tholstrup impressed at the draft combine. Picture: Michael Klein

15. CALEB WINDSOR

Eastern Ranges/VIC, Wing, 184cm
Stats and full bio:
2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 17: A wingman with pace to burn, it was no surprise to see him place third in the 20m sprint at the draft combine. Works hard and holds his lanes well as a wingman, but also spent some time as an inside midfielder at the national championships.
DB – 14: Has risen in estimations as the year has gone on as an athletically gifted wingman who is creative and efficient with ball in hand. Glides across the ground and then hits his opponents with a lightning burst of speed.

14. JORDAN CROFT

Calder Cannons/VIC/Bulldogs father-son, Forward, 200cm, 81kg
Stats and full bio: 2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 13: An elite runner for a 200cm key forward, the Western Bulldogs father-son prospect prides himself on working hard up the ground and being a real presence in the air. Grew up idolising Marcus Bontempelli and Aaron Naughton and could soon join them at the Kennel.
DB – 15: Another who will need a few pre-seasons to build size but his leap, strong contested marking and elite endurance is an exciting combination. Where the Bulldogs father-son fits in alongside Aaron Naughton and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan is the big question.
Jordan Croft has great athleticism. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Jordan Croft has great athleticism. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

13. OLLIE MURPHY

Sandringham Dragons/VIC, Defender, 200cm, 85kg
Stats and full bio:
2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 14: The key defender has emerged out of nowhere to firm as a first-round prospect this year. Is competitive and rose to some big challenges in the under-18 national championships to win Vic Metro’s MVP award.
DB – 13: Murphy will take time, but a 200cm interceptor with a huge tank and exquisite skills will definitely be worth the wait.

12. DARCY WILSON

Murray Bushrangers/VIC, Wing/forward, 185cm, 74cm
Stats and full bio:
2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 12: A wingman who can seriously run, Wilson finished a close second in the 2km time trial at the draft combine. Is also a thumping kick and regularly pushed forward to hit the scoreboard this season.
DB – 12: A running machine with a massive leap, Wilson finished first in the running vertical jump and second in the 2km time trial. Can slot in on a wing or off a half-forward flank, where he can work up the ground and be seriously dangerous around goal.
Darcy Wilson is a running machine. Picture: Michael Klein

Darcy Wilson is a running machine. Picture: Michael Klein

11. JAKE ROGERS

Gold Coast Suns Academy/QLD, Midfielder/forward, 171cm
Stats and full bio:
2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 11: A ball-winning midfielder who has incredibly clean hands and has drawn comparisons to Touk Miller. Is dynamic, has good speed and had a brilliant season before suffering a back injury at the tail end of the year.
DB – 11: At 170cm, you need to have some elite traits and he has got those in spades with his speed, agility, and super clean hands below his knees. Dominated in both AFL Academy games against senior opposition, suggesting he can crack into the Suns forward line next year. And he should be used through the midfield in the future.
Jake Rogers won the AFL Academy’s best on ground medal against Carlton’s VFL side. Picture: Getty Images

Jake Rogers won the AFL Academy’s best on ground medal against Carlton’s VFL side. Picture: Getty Images

10. NATE CADDY

Northern Knights/VIC, Forward, 193cm, 88kg
Stats and full bio:
2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 10: Didn’t quite have the season he wanted to, but showed enough to suggest he is going to be a very good player. Can take a strong mark overhead, is a booming kick and kicks goals as a forward. Also went into the midfield at times this season and looked good.
DB – 10: A dangerous threat in the air and at ground level up forward with his power and agility. Ran the 2ker in 6:35, suggesting he has the potential to be used as a hulking midfielder in the future, where he dominated at stages for Northern Knights.
Nate Caddy with the best on ground and premiership medal for Parade College Picture: Getty Images

Nate Caddy with the best on ground and premiership medal for Parade College Picture: Getty Images

9. CONNOR O’SULLIVAN

Murray Bushrangers/NSW-ACT, Defender, 198cm, 92kg
Stats and full bio:
2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 9: Plenty of clubs looking for key defenders and O’Sullivan is the best available in this draft. Brings a high workrate and can beat opposition key forwards in the air and at ground level.
DB – 9: O’Sullivan can play just about anywhere on the ground but looks most settled in defence, where he can clunk intercept marks and cover the ground with his elite endurance base – running the eighth best time in the 2km time trial. Scary to think the 198cm talent was used in the midfield at times this year.
Connor O'Sullivan has a strong engine. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Connor O'Sullivan has a strong engine. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

8. ETHAN READ

Gold Coast Suns Academy/QLD, Ruck, 202cm, 92kg
Stats and full bio:
2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 8: Solidified his standing as an elite runner at the draft combine, when he finished third in the 2km time trial. Played mostly as a ruck this year, but has been compared to the versatile Mark Blicavs and could end up playing anywhere for the Suns.
DB – 7: See a lot of similarities to Tim English – and he could get to his level sooner, given he ran a staggering 5:56min 2ker. The All-Australian ruckman’s numbers were almost as ridiculous, averaging 20-plus disposals at the national championships.
Ethan Read could play anywhere. Picture: Michael Klein

Ethan Read could play anywhere. Picture: Michael Klein

7. RYLEY SANDERS

Sandringham Dragons/TAS/Roos NGA, Midfielder, 186cm
Stats and full bio:
2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 6: An old-fashioned centreman who pulls up the socks and gets to work around the contest. His national championships campaign with the Allies was as good as it gets, on the way to earning Larke Medal honours.
DB – 8: You can bank 200+ games with Sanders: a prolific ball-winner who is just so clean and agile at the coalface. Showed he can have an impact with his possessesions on his way to winning the Larke Medal at the national champs, but I feel the likes of Duursma and Watson are harder to find.
Ryley Sanders wins plenty of the footy. Picture: Getty Images

Ryley Sanders wins plenty of the footy. Picture: Getty Images

6. NICK WATSON

Eastern Ranges/VIC, Forward, 170cm, 68kg
Stats and full bio:
2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 7: The latest measurements have Watson at just 169.5cm. However, that won’t put clubs off using an early selection on the highly-talented small forward. He is quick, agile, brings great pressure and can kick goals from all angles.
DB – 6: Forget his height, Watson is a genuine matchwinner in the forward half with his freakish goal sense, speed and leap. Put his team on his back multiple times throughout the year with bags of goals. Feel he could also be thrown into defence like Harry Sheezel and Nick Daicos and play as a speedy half back in the mould of Jack Sinclair.
Nick Watson has plenty of tricks. Picture: [PLAYERCARD]Chris Hyde[/PLAYERCARD]/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

Nick Watson has plenty of tricks. Picture: Chris Hyde/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

5. DANIEL CURTIN

Claremont/WA, Defender/Midfielder, 197cm, 95kg
Stats and full bio: 2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 5: Looks likely to begin his AFL career as a key defender, where he starred as a bottom-age player last year. However, the West Australian could well develop into a classy big-bodied midfielder-forward in the years to come.
DB – 4: Spent time in the midfield this year but there is no doubt his best position is behind the ball, where he can soar for intercept marks and spot up targets with his pinpoint kicking and silky sidestep. The best key defender in the crop.
Daniel Curtin has great skills for a big man. Picture: Paul Kane/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

Daniel Curtin has great skills for a big man. Picture: Paul Kane/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

4. ZANE DUURSMA

Gippsland Power/VIC, Midfielder/Forward, 189cm, 79kg
Stats and full bio:
2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 3: One of the most exciting players in this year’s draft class. A forward who can also have a run through the midfield, he’s athletically gifted and has shown he can have a huge scoreboard impact forward of centre.
DB – 5: His four goals and six score assists against Vic Metro epitomised his game-breaking forward-half impact. Xavier Duursma’s brother plays more like Connor Rozee, but can he become a full-time midfielder in the future? If so, look out.
Zane Duursma is a livewire mid-sized forward. Picture: Getty Images

Zane Duursma is a livewire mid-sized forward. Picture: Getty Images

3. COLBY MCKERCHER

Tasmania Devils/TAS, Midfielder, 180cm, 76kg
Stats and full bio:
2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 4: The best pure midfielder in this year’s pool. The left-footer oozes class, has good breakaway speed and has consistently found the footy at all levels this season. Tasmania’s finest.
DB – 3: If you haven’t seen his goal from the paint against Vic Country at the national championships, do yourself a favour. The smooth-mover has elite footskills, wins possessions at will and has a burst of speed. Not much more you can ask for in a midfielder.
Colby McKercher ranks third in our consensus rankings. Picture: Graham Denholm/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Colby McKercher ranks third in our consensus rankings. Picture: Graham Denholm/AFL Photos via Getty Images

2. JED WALTER

Gold Coast Suns Academy/QLD, Forward, 194cm, 97kg
Stats and full bio:
2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 2: Could prove to be the best ready-made key forward out of the draft in years. Gives off Charlie Curnow vibes with the way he plays and is a fierce competitor who is as good defensively as he is with ball in hand. The Suns have a beauty on their hands.
DB – 2: A key forward with the strength and overhead marking of Charlie Curnow who can chase and tackle like Charlie Cameron? Going to give defenders nightmares in the years to come and should have an instant impact for the Suns.
Jed Walter is set to impact from the get-go at the Suns. Picture: Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

Jed Walter is set to impact from the get-go at the Suns. Picture: Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

1. HARLEY REID

Bendigo Pioneers/VIC, Midfielder/Forward, 187cm, 85kg

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Stats and full bio: 2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 1: Clubs are clamouring for the No. 1 pick in this year’s draft and there’s good reason why. Reid is a freak, who showed this season that he is ready to make an instant impact at AFL level.
DB – 1: While picks 2 and 3 might be a bit much, I’d be throwing the kitchen sink at West Coast to get Reid. Made kids and grown men look silly at junior and VFL level over the past two years. A generational talent with plenty of similarities to Dustin Martin — including his trademark fend-off — as a midfielder/forward who provides maximum impact.
 
I’m guessing a bad day because he’s been rated as good ball user most of the year.

I’m guessing we would be interested because we like his mix of speed and endurance. Loves the break the lines. Needs work on his contested game though.

I was bored so I watched the first half of the WA vs Metro game and he didn't get much of it and when he did he had a few shockers by foot. It's a bit of a worry because he doesn't seem to play with much composure. If we pick him I'll back him in and trust the experts but I'm not so sure. His attack on the ball is great though. One particular effort where he chased and laid two tackles in a row was sensational.
 

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Yeah I'm not sure of his weight.

Regardless I find it interesting that big kids are seen as having less scope. The same thought process saw us overlook Cripps.
its all based on historic / actual trends and behaviour. For every Cripps there are 10 other big kids that dominate at junior level, only to become less athletic / slower by the time they hit 20. Or other kids just catch up and pass them. I can remember a kid who was 5' 11" and solid at age 14 and was playing centre in rep basketball teams. He never grew another inch, and gave the sport away after smaller and more agile kids soon grew taller than him... and were obv much faster then him by U18. Have already mentioned Danny Stanley & Shackleton, whom MM salivated over... only for them to go nowhere.
 
Did I just read a few pages back that there's a kid called Hastie who's quick? You've got to be kidding.
Carries a bit of pudding though.
 
Yeah I'm not sure of his weight.

Regardless I find it interesting that big kids are seen as having less scope. The same thought process saw us overlook Cripps.
It wasn’t Cripps’ size that made us overlook him it was his fitness. He was a 188cm fatty who could barely finish the time trial in his draft year, he wasn’t the 195cm machine that he’s become since then.
 
All this talk about the Stephen’s kid being too developed and slow staggers me. He has a skill that is pretty important. He gets a stack of the footy. He smashed us in the vfl game he played. Looked quite composed too. Looks to be a natural inside mid from that game.

I love pace, but you don't need it for inside mid if you're good enough.
 
Anyone interested in
1. Having a thread where we nominate our picks before the draft?
- We'd do it simply: just say we're picking at 19+33 and no pick trading

2. Having a thread where we enter our picks once we're on the clock? Possible?
(could be both who we think we'll take as well as who we'd take personally)
 

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List Mgmt. 2023 National Draft prospects

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