Resource 2024 AFL Draft discussion thread (Wed Nov 20 to Fri Nov 22)

[rabidcrow]

Is Draper starting to look like a 10-20 prospect?

He seems to be. Can’t imagine him being the best pick at our pick. A bit hard to judge due to his injured start to year but he barely kicked the ball in the carnival - very high handball %


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[GreyCrow]

Sam Lalor is sounding more and more like the player we could target.

I'm with Mutineer I would prefer him over Smith ( but not opposed to Smith)

I’d still love us to take a gamble and try and trade our future first for another pick this year and still hope to get someone like Draper still.

Someone mentioned where Dodson might fall . Now to be clear I have no sense of draft numbering but given we may have 3 picks with Welsh and a top 7 in our sights is it a reach to grab Dodson with a late late 1st ie a pick in the 20s

Projecting 2027 for when these kids come on will we require 2 mids ?

Does Dodson go away for 3 then we trade him back?

 

[hugecannon]

I'm with Mutineer I would prefer him over Smith ( but not opposed to Smith)

Someone mentioned where Dodson might fall . Now to be clear I have no sense of draft numbering but given we may have 3 picks with Welsh and a top 7 in our sights is it a reach to grab Dodson with a late late 1st ie a pick in the 20s

Projecting 2027 for when these kids come on will we require 2 mids ?

Does Dodson go away for 3 then we trade him back?

At some point we have to draft a ruckman to develop them ourselves, and generally now the best ruck prospects go around 15-20 at the earliest, so that possibly comes around the where the Welsh bid might be and we’ll miss out on Dodson (assuming he stays with football)

 

[DukeX]

Slightly concerning to read somewhere this week that FA compensation rules are changing this year (to include length of contract), meaning St K would likely get Tier 1 compo (pick straight after their first) for losing Battle to another club. Would suck to finish ahead of them and have them swallow up 2 gun top 5 mids before we get a look in (the bottom 3 looks pretty set).

 

[Scorpus]

Slightly concerning to read somewhere this week that FA compensation rules are changing this year (to include length of contract), meaning St K would likely get Tier 1 compo (pick straight after their first) for losing Battle to another club. Would suck to finish ahead of them and have them swallow up 2 gun top 5 mids before we get a look in (the bottom 3 looks pretty set).

We can resolve that problem by losing to them in 2 weeks

 

[WeeBlake]

We can resolve that problem by losing to them in 2 weeks

Their run home actually looks ok, should be a couple wins in there

 

[Pea Nut]

Slightly concerning to read somewhere this week that FA compensation rules are changing this year (to include length of contract), meaning St K would likely get Tier 1 compo (pick straight after their first) for losing Battle to another club. Would suck to finish ahead of them and have them swallow up 2 gun top 5 mids before we get a look in (the bottom 3 looks pretty set).

Surely Josh Battle isn't going to generate tier 1 compo. End of first round at best. Surely.

 

[Crow till I die]

We can resolve that problem by losing to them in 2 weeks

Lets call a spade a spade, St Kilda are rubbish and port are just a shade above that. I would not be tipping the saints to win any game with any confidence

 

[ABAB]

Surely Josh Battle isn't going to generate tier 1 compo. End of first round at best. Surely.

Unless the AFL takes into account the CBA increase into account, it's a guarantee band 1 compensation if it's $800K.

 

[Pea Nut]

Unless the AFL takes into account the CBA increase into account, it's a guarantee band 1 compensation if it's $800K.

They will definitely take the CBA increase in to account. They can't keep working off the old formula when clubs have a whole heap more money to spend. Tier 1 compo is for the elite players of the competition.

 

[ABAB]

They will definitely take the CBA increase in to account. They can't keep working off the old formula when clubs have a whole heap more money to spend. Tier 1 compo is for the elite players of the competition.

Then why is everyone worry him getting $900K will be band 1 compensation? McKay had to be offered $850K by Essendon last year to get band 1 and that's before the CBA increase so he would need to be offered $950-$1M with the CBA.

 

[Pea Nut]

Then why is everyone worry him getting $900K will be band 1 compensation? McKay had to be offered $850K by Essendon last year to get band 1 and that's before the CBA increase so he would need to be offered $950-$1M with the CBA.

You see it every year. Free agents on the move and the compensation that they will attract. And the discussion on here that follows. The AFL deliberately keep their formula secret so that they can manipulate it if required. I'd be extremely confident that Josh Battle does not generate Tier 1 compo.

 

[Mutineer]

Josh Battle

26

Josh Battle

Age

26

Ht

193cm

Wt

93kg

Pos.

Def

Career

Season

Last 5

D

12.9

3star

K

9.0

3star

HB

3.9

3star

M

5.0

5star

T

2.4

4star

MG

196.8

3star

D

11.0

3star

K

7.3

3star

HB

3.8

3star

M

4.0

4star

T

1.8

3star

MG

142.8

3star

D

10.8

3star

K

6.2

3star

HB

4.6

4star

M

3.4

4star

T

2.0

4star

MG

175.6

3star

was in 2016 draft, he's not in the 2024 draft.

 

[Jirkago75]

How can we snag a couple more mid to late firsts or early seconds?? We need that Dodson desperately and if Draper falls to mid teens, then we take them as well as welsh and a top 5 in the draft. We have a lot of average players that we hope can give us that


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[latinoheat]

How can we snag a couple more mid to late firsts or early seconds?? We need that Dodson desperately and if Draper falls to mid teens, then we take them as well as welsh and a top 5 in the draft. We have a lot of average players that we hope can give us that


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I agree we need a ruckman , not convinced we should spend a first or second on him.

If the Goad rumour is true , I’d wait til next year or the year after to get that young ruckman (Goad)hopefully for a third .

Chuck a future 4th Sydney’s way for Ladhams in the interim .

 

[Mutineer]

How can we snag a couple more mid to late firsts or early seconds?? We need that Dodson desperately and if Draper falls to mid teens, then we take them as well as welsh and a top 5 in the draft. We have a lot of average players that we hope can give us that


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Dodson's no certainty to choose AFL if he has a USA College basketball scholarship on offer is he?

 

[eaglevision]

Dodson's no certainty to choose AFL if he has a USA College basketball scholarship on offer is he?

Imagine if there was an equitable academy system where players would know they’ll get drafted in their home state if they’re any good to avoid losing them to other sports in the development pathway…

 

[Mutineer]

I believe it was the length of the contract (6yrs) that they believed was tipping it into the tier one category. That's the new metric being added to the equation. I'd love, and hope, to be wrong.
It also seems ridiculous that a player like Battle, at the end of their contract, would net the club a top 5 pick. Would never get them that while in contract.

Would never get them that if uncontracted either...Certainly not if he wasn't a UFA

Good player but not a star.

 

[DukeX]

Surely Josh Battle isn't going to generate tier 1 compo. End of first round at best. Surely.

I believe it was the length of the contract (6yrs) that they believed was tipping it into the tier one category. That's the new metric being added to the equation. I'd love, and hope, to be wrong.
It also seems ridiculous that a player like Battle, at the end of their contract, would net the club a top 5 pick. Would never get them that while in contract.

 

[Crows I Am]

Their run home actually looks ok, should be a couple wins in there

We can beat the Saints and should still finish below them. They play both Eagles and Tigers at Marvel, should win both.

If we beat the Saints and then lose every other game (looking likely) we finish just below them by half a game. If we lose to the Saints it is all but guaranteed.

End of the day we look likely to have pick 4, but at worst pick 5.

 

[Mutineer]

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/sandringham-dragons-midfielder-murphy-reid-stars-for-vic-metro-as-sa-stars-put-up-their-hands/news-story/7a86f8c9328056ee380d6effcfa832a5

Sandringham Dragons midfielder Murphy Reid stars for Vic Metro as SA stars put up their hands​

Another powerful Victorian midfielder named Reid is again making waves in the Under 18 National Championships, but plenty of South Australians put their names up in lights. See the full scouting notes.

Sandringham Dragons talents stole the show in Vic Metro’s 52-point win over South Australia and first-round midfielder Murphy Reid was the standout.
Reid kicked two goals in the third quarter as Vic Metro ran over the top of the Croweaters, with his Dragons teammates Harry Armstrong (three goals) and Levi Ashcroft.

But plenty more prospects impressed in what was South Australia’s final audition at the national championships.

See all the scouting notes below.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA​

Ben Camporeale (Glenelg/Carlton father-son)

29 disposals, seven marks, five tackles

Camporeale was typically productive in the midfield, finishing as South Australia’s top-ballwinner for the match. The Carlton father-son prospect was arguably the best player on the ground in the first half with his ability to spin out of traffic and defensive pressure impressing. He set up a goal for Dodson with a nice kick forward but his footskills are an area for improvement. Still, the Blues look to be getting a quality addition for their midfield group.


Alex Dodson (Sturt)

18 hit-outs, 14 disposals, four clearances, one goal

The rise of the draft’s biggest mid-season bolter continues. Dodson was everywhere in the first half kickstarting South Australia’s first goal of the game with a deft hitout and acting as his side’s fourth midfielder throughout the match. The former Australian junior basketball representative led all comers for disposals midway through the second quarter before moving forward, where he plucked a strong grab and kicked truly from 40m out. Faded out of the game a touch in the second half but looks to be the best ruckman in the pool at this stage.

Dyson Sharp (Central District)

14 disposals, seven tackles, five clearances, a goal

It has been suggested Gold Coast Academy talent Zeke Uwland may be the No. 1 pick next year. Sharp will likely have something to say about that. The 188 centimetre midfielder was strong at the contest and even stronger in the air, taking a number of key marks, one of which led to a goal in the second term. He was also impressive with his defensive pressure, laying six tackles in the first half alone. The 2023 U16 championships MVP was sidelined for most of the second half with a knee injury but he did enough to whet the appetite of recruiters.


Sid Draper (South Adelaide)

19 disposals, four clearances

Returning from a serious injury, Draper hasn’t been able to reach the heights of his stunning bottom-age national championships campaign. But he showed some of his high-end traits in the loss to Vic Metro. Draper’s desperate second effort in the third quarter ended in a goal to a teammate and he wowed onlookers with a spin away from two tacklers in the second term. Still remains the top draft hope from South Australia but it will be interesting to see if he slides in estimations in the eyes of recruiters.

Benny Barrett (South Adelaide/Port Adelaide NGA)

10 disposals, four clearances, one goal

With a name like that you’ve got have x-factor, and Barrett has that in spades. He was the standout in the first quarter where everything he touched turned to gold. The lively small forward set the Croweaters alight by gathering on a crumb and snapping through a goal in a flash inside the first 30 seconds. An intercept mark and deft pass set up Tyler Welsh for a scoring opportunity shortly after, and then he showed his speed once again by swooping on a dropped mark to kickstart another attacking foray. The Power Next Generation Academy prospect didn’t have a great deal of influence from that point on until he was moved into the midfield in the last quarter.

Phoenix Hargrave (South Adelaide)

21 disposals, five marks, four tackles, four clearances

Continued the strong form he showed against Western Australia with another promising outing where his inside toughness was a highlight. Hargrave missed a couple of opportunities in front of goal Finished the game with a big fend off to get clear of a Vic Metro tackler and a great rundown tackle on the wing which earned him a free kick for holding the ball.

Angus Clarke (Glenelg)

21 disposals, 19 kicks, 580 metres gained

Provided plenty of dash off halfback and used the ball well by foot. On one occasion in the first quarter he spotted up a target from the kick in, got the handball back and burst through a tackler with speed. His numbers were inflated as South Australia’s designated kick-in taker but he was able to zone off an intercept as well, as he done throughout the championships. May well be SA’s second biggest riser of the champs behind Dodson.
\
Kade Herbert (Woodville-West Torrens)

19 disposals, seven marks, five tackles

Herbert had his best game of the championships to date, presenting well up and down the ground and applying good defensive pressure. The Eagles product set up a goal for Ned Atkinson and mowed down Tom Gross with a great tackle in the final term. Herbert has held his own at SANFL level for Woodville-West Torrens this year but hadn’t eclipsed 13 disposals in his first three games of the carnival, so this performance should help his draft stocks.

Charlie Nicholls (Central District)

10 disposals, six marks

Nicholls spent most of his time forward in the first few championships games and managed to have an impact in defence against Vic Metro. The 197cm prospect took several intercept marks for the match, showing his versatility as a tall.

VIC METRO​

Murphy Reid (Sandringham Dragons)

31 disposals, eight clearances, six marks, three goals, 443 metres gained

Reid isn’t the kind of player who needs to have 30 disposals to have a huge say on a game, but went and did it anyway. Playing primarily on-ball, Reid’s decision-making and footskills were sublime and along with Tom Gross he powered Vic Metro third-quarter assault, kicking two of his three goals in that term. One of those was the highlight of his day, bending through a snap under pressure. Reid has be in the conversation as a top-10 pick now, if he wasn’t already, after impressive showings against the Allies and Western Australia.

Tom Gross (Oakleigh Chargers)

26 disposals, 17 kicks, nine marks, 456 metres gained

When the game was there to be won, Gross stepped up to the plate with an enormous third term. The combative midfielder racked up 11 disposals in the premiership quarter, winning the ball in tight and consistently presenting options on the outside around the ground. He continued to up the ante in the last quarter with plenty of the ball and a blistering run up the middle that set up Archie Ludowyke. A late goal would have been the icing on the cake but he just missed a snap on goal.

Isaac Kako (Calder Cannons/Essendon NGA)

17 disposals, five marks, 2.1

After Barrett kicked a stunner to start the game, Kako responded in kind with an almost identical crumbing goal in an electric first half for the Cannons small forward. He nearly had another major moments later but he was pushed as he kicked after cleverly roving a pack close to goal. Kako also set up three other scoring opportunities in the first half, with a dashing run, clean pick-up at speed and snap across his body under pressure leading to a goal for Tom Sims. Looked to have faded out of the contest until he kicked another miraculous goal, receiving a handball and throwing a checkside on his boot from a tight angle. There is no doubt the Essendon Next Generation Academy prospect is going to be a fan favourite, but your chances are slim Bombers fans – even if the NGA cut-off is moved to top 20.

Jagga Smith (Oakleigh Chargers)

23 disposals, five clearances, 241 metres gained

Was handball happy but he just always seemed to pick the right option, bringing his teammates into the game and setting them up in space on a platter. Smith’s relentless running around the ground was there for all to see, regularly linking up for one-twos – including a couple where he ran 50 metres for the next effort. The Chargers ball-magnet’s elusiveness in traffic was also impressive, with his elite agility allowing him to make space when there was none. Set up a late goal for Christian Moraes with a sizzling pass.

Harry Armstrong (Sandringham Dragons)

10 disposals, seven marks, 3.2

In the words of draft guru Kevin Sheehan on Fox Footy, Armstrong has “a touch of Jeremy Cameron

5

Jeremy Cameron

Age

31

Ht

196cm

Wt

94kg

Pos.

Fwd

Career

Season

Last 5

D

12.5

3star

K

9.0

3star

HB

3.4

3star

M

5.4

5star

T

1.6

4star

G

2.6

5star

D

10.0

3star

K

7.1

3star

HB

2.9

2star

M

4.6

4star

T

2.0

3star

G

1.9

5star

D

8.2

2star

K

5.0

2star

HB

3.2

3star

M

4.6

5star

T

2.4

4star

G

2.0

5star

” about him. Armstrong has had limited opportunities to prove himself this year but he certainly left a lasting impression on recruiters in his three-goal outing. The mobile key forward could have had more had he kicked straight, also giving off a goal to Bailey McKenzie in the second term. Armstrong presented well throughout the day and took some great marks, highlighting his strong hands overhead. The 195cm prospect sure to bolt up draft boards after this performance, also kicking four goals against Oakleigh Chargers in his most recent Coates League game.

Levi Ashcroft (Sandringham Dragons/Brisbane father-son)

33 disposals, 22 kicks, eight marks, 585 metres gained

There are three certainties in life – death, taxes and Ashcrofts winning the Sherrin for fun at under-18 level. The Brisbane father-son gun finished as the top disposal winner on the ground and kicked a was rewarded for his tireless efforts throughout the day with a classy goal off a step late in the piece. Worked back into defence to mark a snap on goal deep in the pocket and accumulated the ball all over the ground and used it with his typical polish.

Christian Moraes (Eastern Ranges)

22 disposals, 15 kicks, 12 marks, 433 metres gained

Has been forced to play somewhat out of position during these national championships due to the depth of Vic Metro’s supreme midfield group, but Moraes’ barnstorming finish highlighted his exciting forward-half impact. The Eastern Ranges product kicked two goals in the final term and had a stack of the footy. Some might call it junk time, but every minute counts in these representative matches and it showed his capacity to run out games.

Luke Trainor (Sandringham Dragons)

17 disposals, six marks

Had the assignment on Tyler Welsh and kept him quiet for most of the match. Trainor competed well in one-on-one contests and was able to impact offensively, hitting up targets out of defence with his elite right boot. Welsh was able to get on top of him late with a couple of big contested marks, but to keep him to eight touches and a goal was an impressive effort.

Josh Smillie (Eastern Ranges)

20 disposals, five tackles, four clearances, 379 metres gained

The potential number one pick was outshone by the other star Vic Metro midfielders today, but that was partly because he was used up forward at stages. Smillie showed off his brute strength with a crunching tackle on Ned Bowman where he practically picked him up off the ground. Combined with his Ranges partner in crime Moraes to set up a goal in the last quarter and hit him up lace out minutes later.

SCOREBOARD

SA 3.2 5.5 7.6 7.7 (49)

VM 3.2 6.7 1.8 15.11 (101)

GOALS

SA: Sharp, Bowman, Barrett, Dodson, Atkinson, West, Welsh

VM: Armstrong 3, Reid 3, Kako 2, Moraes 2, Dattoli, Sims, McKenzie, Ludowyke

 

[CryptoCrow]

Our pick at 4 or 5 doesn't appear much clearer.

Preference is an explosive midfielder preferably with good size and skills.

Is there an ideal player available at this pick?

Lalor

 

[Eagleboy2011]

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/sandringham-dragons-midfielder-murphy-reid-stars-for-vic-metro-as-sa-stars-put-up-their-hands/news-story/7a86f8c9328056ee380d6effcfa832a5

Sandringham Dragons midfielder Murphy Reid stars for Vic Metro as SA stars put up their hands​

Another powerful Victorian midfielder named Reid is again making waves in the Under 18 National Championships, but plenty of South Australians put their names up in lights. See the full scouting notes.

Sandringham Dragons talents stole the show in Vic Metro’s 52-point win over South Australia and first-round midfielder Murphy Reid was the standout.
Reid kicked two goals in the third quarter as Vic Metro ran over the top of the Croweaters, with his Dragons teammates Harry Armstrong (three goals) and Levi Ashcroft.

But plenty more prospects impressed in what was South Australia’s final audition at the national championships.

See all the scouting notes below.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA​

Ben Camporeale (Glenelg/Carlton father-son)

29 disposals, seven marks, five tackles

Camporeale was typically productive in the midfield, finishing as South Australia’s top-ballwinner for the match. The Carlton father-son prospect was arguably the best player on the ground in the first half with his ability to spin out of traffic and defensive pressure impressing. He set up a goal for Dodson with a nice kick forward but his footskills are an area for improvement. Still, the Blues look to be getting a quality addition for their midfield group.


Alex Dodson (Sturt)

18 hit-outs, 14 disposals, four clearances, one goal

The rise of the draft’s biggest mid-season bolter continues. Dodson was everywhere in the first half kickstarting South Australia’s first goal of the game with a deft hitout and acting as his side’s fourth midfielder throughout the match. The former Australian junior basketball representative led all comers for disposals midway through the second quarter before moving forward, where he plucked a strong grab and kicked truly from 40m out. Faded out of the game a touch in the second half but looks to be the best ruckman in the pool at this stage.

Dyson Sharp (Central District)

14 disposals, seven tackles, five clearances, a goal

It has been suggested Gold Coast Academy talent Zeke Uwland may be the No. 1 pick next year. Sharp will likely have something to say about that. The 188 centimetre midfielder was strong at the contest and even stronger in the air, taking a number of key marks, one of which led to a goal in the second term. He was also impressive with his defensive pressure, laying six tackles in the first half alone. The 2023 U16 championships MVP was sidelined for most of the second half with a knee injury but he did enough to whet the appetite of recruiters.


Sid Draper (South Adelaide)

19 disposals, four clearances

Returning from a serious injury, Draper hasn’t been able to reach the heights of his stunning bottom-age national championships campaign. But he showed some of his high-end traits in the loss to Vic Metro. Draper’s desperate second effort in the third quarter ended in a goal to a teammate and he wowed onlookers with a spin away from two tacklers in the second term. Still remains the top draft hope from South Australia but it will be interesting to see if he slides in estimations in the eyes of recruiters.

Benny Barrett (South Adelaide/Port Adelaide NGA)

10 disposals, four clearances, one goal

With a name like that you’ve got have x-factor, and Barrett has that in spades. He was the standout in the first quarter where everything he touched turned to gold. The lively small forward set the Croweaters alight by gathering on a crumb and snapping through a goal in a flash inside the first 30 seconds. An intercept mark and deft pass set up Tyler Welsh for a scoring opportunity shortly after, and then he showed his speed once again by swooping on a dropped mark to kickstart another attacking foray. The Power Next Generation Academy prospect didn’t have a great deal of influence from that point on until he was moved into the midfield in the last quarter.

Phoenix Hargrave (South Adelaide)

21 disposals, five marks, four tackles, four clearances

Continued the strong form he showed against Western Australia with another promising outing where his inside toughness was a highlight. Hargrave missed a couple of opportunities in front of goal Finished the game with a big fend off to get clear of a Vic Metro tackler and a great rundown tackle on the wing which earned him a free kick for holding the ball.

Angus Clarke (Glenelg)

21 disposals, 19 kicks, 580 metres gained

Provided plenty of dash off halfback and used the ball well by foot. On one occasion in the first quarter he spotted up a target from the kick in, got the handball back and burst through a tackler with speed. His numbers were inflated as South Australia’s designated kick-in taker but he was able to zone off an intercept as well, as he done throughout the championships. May well be SA’s second biggest riser of the champs behind Dodson.
\
Kade Herbert (Woodville-West Torrens)

19 disposals, seven marks, five tackles

Herbert had his best game of the championships to date, presenting well up and down the ground and applying good defensive pressure. The Eagles product set up a goal for Ned Atkinson and mowed down Tom Gross with a great tackle in the final term. Herbert has held his own at SANFL level for Woodville-West Torrens this year but hadn’t eclipsed 13 disposals in his first three games of the carnival, so this performance should help his draft stocks.

Charlie Nicholls (Central District)

10 disposals, six marks

Nicholls spent most of his time forward in the first few championships games and managed to have an impact in defence against Vic Metro. The 197cm prospect took several intercept marks for the match, showing his versatility as a tall.

VIC METRO​

Murphy Reid (Sandringham Dragons)

31 disposals, eight clearances, six marks, three goals, 443 metres gained

Reid isn’t the kind of player who needs to have 30 disposals to have a huge say on a game, but went and did it anyway. Playing primarily on-ball, Reid’s decision-making and footskills were sublime and along with Tom Gross he powered Vic Metro third-quarter assault, kicking two of his three goals in that term. One of those was the highlight of his day, bending through a snap under pressure. Reid has be in the conversation as a top-10 pick now, if he wasn’t already, after impressive showings against the Allies and Western Australia.

Tom Gross (Oakleigh Chargers)

26 disposals, 17 kicks, nine marks, 456 metres gained

When the game was there to be won, Gross stepped up to the plate with an enormous third term. The combative midfielder racked up 11 disposals in the premiership quarter, winning the ball in tight and consistently presenting options on the outside around the ground. He continued to up the ante in the last quarter with plenty of the ball and a blistering run up the middle that set up Archie Ludowyke. A late goal would have been the icing on the cake but he just missed a snap on goal.

Isaac Kako (Calder Cannons/Essendon NGA)

17 disposals, five marks, 2.1

After Barrett kicked a stunner to start the game, Kako responded in kind with an almost identical crumbing goal in an electric first half for the Cannons small forward. He nearly had another major moments later but he was pushed as he kicked after cleverly roving a pack close to goal. Kako also set up three other scoring opportunities in the first half, with a dashing run, clean pick-up at speed and snap across his body under pressure leading to a goal for Tom Sims. Looked to have faded out of the contest until he kicked another miraculous goal, receiving a handball and throwing a checkside on his boot from a tight angle. There is no doubt the Essendon Next Generation Academy prospect is going to be a fan favourite, but your chances are slim Bombers fans – even if the NGA cut-off is moved to top 20.

Jagga Smith (Oakleigh Chargers)

23 disposals, five clearances, 241 metres gained

Was handball happy but he just always seemed to pick the right option, bringing his teammates into the game and setting them up in space on a platter. Smith’s relentless running around the ground was there for all to see, regularly linking up for one-twos – including a couple where he ran 50 metres for the next effort. The Chargers ball-magnet’s elusiveness in traffic was also impressive, with his elite agility allowing him to make space when there was none. Set up a late goal for Christian Moraes with a sizzling pass.

Harry Armstrong (Sandringham Dragons)

10 disposals, seven marks, 3.2

In the words of draft guru Kevin Sheehan on Fox Footy, Armstrong has “a touch of Jeremy Cameron” about him. Armstrong has had limited opportunities to prove himself this year but he certainly left a lasting impression on recruiters in his three-goal outing. The mobile key forward could have had more had he kicked straight, also giving off a goal to Bailey McKenzie in the second term. Armstrong presented well throughout the day and took some great marks, highlighting his strong hands overhead. The 195cm prospect sure to bolt up draft boards after this performance, also kicking four goals against Oakleigh Chargers in his most recent Coates League game.

Levi Ashcroft (Sandringham Dragons/Brisbane father-son)

33 disposals, 22 kicks, eight marks, 585 metres gained

There are three certainties in life – death, taxes and Ashcrofts winning the Sherrin for fun at under-18 level. The Brisbane father-son gun finished as the top disposal winner on the ground and kicked a was rewarded for his tireless efforts throughout the day with a classy goal off a step late in the piece. Worked back into defence to mark a snap on goal deep in the pocket and accumulated the ball all over the ground and used it with his typical polish.

Christian Moraes (Eastern Ranges)

22 disposals, 15 kicks, 12 marks, 433 metres gained

Has been forced to play somewhat out of position during these national championships due to the depth of Vic Metro’s supreme midfield group, but Moraes’ barnstorming finish highlighted his exciting forward-half impact. The Eastern Ranges product kicked two goals in the final term and had a stack of the footy. Some might call it junk time, but every minute counts in these representative matches and it showed his capacity to run out games.

Luke Trainor (Sandringham Dragons)

17 disposals, six marks

Had the assignment on Tyler Welsh and kept him quiet for most of the match. Trainor competed well in one-on-one contests and was able to impact offensively, hitting up targets out of defence with his elite right boot. Welsh was able to get on top of him late with a couple of big contested marks, but to keep him to eight touches and a goal was an impressive effort.

Josh Smillie (Eastern Ranges)

20 disposals, five tackles, four clearances, 379 metres gained

The potential number one pick was outshone by the other star Vic Metro midfielders today, but that was partly because he was used up forward at stages. Smillie showed off his brute strength with a crunching tackle on Ned Bowman where he practically picked him up off the ground. Combined with his Ranges partner in crime Moraes to set up a goal in the last quarter and hit him up lace out minutes later.

SCOREBOARD

SA 3.2 5.5 7.6 7.7 (49)

VM 3.2 6.7 1.8 15.11 (101)

GOALS

SA: Sharp, Bowman, Barrett, Dodson, Atkinson, West, Welsh

VM: Armstrong 3, Reid 3, Kako 2, Moraes 2, Dattoli, Sims, McKenzie, Ludowyke

Tyler Welsh not showing the form we expected. Good and bad. We may not have to pay the high draft premium we thought. Is his progress being stymied in the SANFL side. Looked a better player at WWT.

 

[GreyCrow]

I believe it was the length of the contract (6yrs) that they believed was tipping it into the tier one category. That's the new metric being added to the equation. I'd love, and hope, to be wrong.
It also seems ridiculous that a player like Battle, at the end of their contract, would net the club a top 5 pick. Would never get them that while in contract.

It should also take into account the final year - which can be any formula you want but a minimum amount ie $400k as a starting point

If not I can see a minimum chips $100k for the last year

 

[Crow till I die]

We can beat the Saints and should still finish below them. They play both Eagles and Tigers at Marvel, should win both.

If we beat the Saints and then lose every other game (looking likely) we finish just below them by half a game. If we lose to the Saints it is all but guaranteed.

End of the day we look likely to have pick 4, but at worst pick 5.

Didn't you get the memo. Our season is shot and there is no pressure on now so watch us win a bunch of games and finish in that 9 - 12 bracket and miss all the top end mids