Preview 2024 National Draft Preview Thread

[The Nostradamus]

The less he plays, the better he gets.

Lol it’s quite amusing

 

[noobermensch]

Smillie is yet to really tear a game apart at this years Champs, but continues to put in solid performances and play his role for a Metro team that's in fine form overall. In this game he showcased his excellent foot skills with spearing delivery to teammates, often cleverly kicking to their advantage side. Smillie is yet to convince everyone that he's worthy of pick 1 favoritism and this performance is unlikely to change anyone's mind in either direction.

 

[Swallow_Wood]

Smillie is yet to really tear a game apart at this years Champs, but continues to put in solid performances and play his role for a Metro team that's in fine form overall. In this game he showcased his excellent foot skills with spearing delivery to teammates, often cleverly kicking to their advantage side. Smillie is yet to convince everyone that he's worthy of pick 1 favoritism and this performance is unlikely to change anyone's mind in either direction.

He has a lot of really nice attributes, but something seems a little off. It's like there's a lack of intent/desire at the stoppage or something, like he's so used to things going his way due to his size etc that he hasn't had to add a level of focus to his game where he hunts the ball, uses his size to his advantage to get set up at the stoppage once the ball has been bounced etc. You can see other players doing their work as the ball goes up but he kinda just cruises. Dunno, maybe i've got that wrong but it feels like if he could up that intensity he could ****ing dominate.

 

[justroyal]

He has a lot of really nice attributes, but something seems a little off. It's like there's a lack of intent/desire at the stoppage or something, like he's so used to things going his way due to his size etc that he hasn't had to add a level of focus to his game where he hunts the ball, uses his size to his advantage to get set up at the stoppage once the ball has been bounced etc. You can see other players doing their work as the ball goes up but he kinda just cruises. Dunno, maybe i've got that wrong but it feels like if he could up that intensity he could ****ing dominate.

I get what you mean. Tenacity seems not like earlier vids? Should we compare cripp’s u18 footage to smilies? Massive kick though

 

[Fart Cummings]

Smillie is yet to really tear a game apart at this years Champs, but continues to put in solid performances and play his role for a Metro team that's in fine form overall. In this game he showcased his excellent foot skills with spearing delivery to teammates, often cleverly kicking to their advantage side. Smillie is yet to convince everyone that he's worthy of pick 1 favoritism and this performance is unlikely to change anyone's mind in either direction.

Hair reminds my of JHF! Hard Pass

 

[FootySmartSimpson]

Smillie is yet to really tear a game apart at this years Champs, but continues to put in solid performances and play his role for a Metro team that's in fine form overall. In this game he showcased his excellent foot skills with spearing delivery to teammates, often cleverly kicking to their advantage side. Smillie is yet to convince everyone that he's worthy of pick 1 favoritism and this performance is unlikely to change anyone's mind in either direction.

Am I wrong in seeing Bryce Gibbs in his game? Not quite effective inside but beautiful in space with the ball?

He looks like a HB at AFL level from watching 1:34 of vision.

 

[noobermensch]

Am I wrong in seeing Bryce Gibbs in his game? Not quite effective inside but beautiful in space with the ball?

He looks like a HB at AFL level from watching 1:34 of vision.

He's had games where he's been extremely effective at stoppage, but this wasn't one of those. I'm not sure about half back (could be wrong of course) for me, I think you'd want to play him in the forward half of the ground. His kicking inside 50 and his ability to hit the scoreboard are weapons.

 

[noobermensch]

Langford continued his strong start to the Champs with a hard working display in tricky conditions. The leading possession winner on the day, his size and physicality was a factor at stoppage and he was even more effective on the spread, finding plenty of space to take marks and advance the ball.

 

[LB2Snake]

Did FOS play this weekend?

 

[Harris 10]

Smillie is yet to really tear a game apart at this years Champs, but continues to put in solid performances and play his role for a Metro team that's in fine form overall. In this game he showcased his excellent foot skills with spearing delivery to teammates, often cleverly kicking to their advantage side. Smillie is yet to convince everyone that he's worthy of pick 1 favoritism and this performance is unlikely to change anyone's mind in either direction.

He might as well be 170cm and 65kg because he doesn't use his weight or size to his advantage at all. He will get torched at AFL level if he plays stoppages like he does in this clip.

 

[roos_fanatic08]

Langford continued his strong start to the Champs with a hard working display in tricky conditions. The leading possession winner on the day, his size and physicality was a factor at stoppage and he was even more effective on the spread, finding plenty of space to take marks and advance the ball.

I don't really care what his pre-season testing numbers were, they don't translate into how he plays on the ground. He covers the ground well and knows where to run and knows how to stay involved. You can't teach that shit!

 

[roos_fanatic08]

Did FOS play this weekend?

Nope.

 

[roos_fanatic08]

If anyone needs a reminder of Finn's talent.

 

[the big lebowski]

If anyone needs a reminder of Finn's talent.

People wonder why the hawks have surged of late. It’s because they recruit guys that can run.

Not guys that don’t have a tank but look good in spurts.

FOS can run. He can kick. He’s aggressive.

He’s the only mid we should pick.

If not him, look elsewhere on the ground.

 

[Harris 10]

Trying to think who Smillie reminds me of in his movement and body shape, would Jobe Watson be a good comparison?

 

[DocSholl]

He might as well be 170cm and 65kg because he doesn't use his weight or size to his advantage at all. He will get torched at AFL level if he plays stoppages like he does in this clip.

Luckily we'll be allowed to coach him after he is drafted

 

[ohmygewd]

I get what you mean. Tenacity seems not like earlier vids? Should we compare cripp’s u18 footage to smilies? Massive kick though

 

[roos_fanatic08]

People wonder why the hawks have surged of late. It’s because they recruit guys that can run.

Not guys that don’t have a tank but look good in spurts.

FOS can run. He can kick. He’s aggressive.

He’s the only mid we should pick.

If not him, look elsewhere on the ground.

Totally. It's either O'Sullivan or split the pick imo. Splitting makes so much sense with the small forwards and key position players on offer.

 

[FootySmartSimpson]

If anyone needs a reminder of Finn's talent.

Compared to the 2024 U18 vids that have been put up this year, this is pretty compelling viewing.

LDU’s sidestep, 80% of George’s man/ball hunt and Sheeze’s smarts and vision. All wrapped up in a smallish but aerobic/athletically gifted vessel.

SOLD!

 

[Harris 10]

Anybody got access to this or know where stats are avaialable from the game?

 

[Sillygit]

Hair reminds my of JHF! Hard Pass

 

[giantroo]

Anybody got access to this or know where stats are avaialable from the game?

WA vs VC :

AFL - News, Fixtures, Scores & Results - AFL.com.au

Australian Football League. All the latest AFL news, video, results and information

www.afl.com.au

SA vs VM:

AFL - News, Fixtures, Scores & Results - AFL.com.au

Australian Football League. All the latest AFL news, video, results and information

www.afl.com.au

Spoiler

U18 National Championships: Full ranking points, scouting notes from Vic Metro vs. SA stars put up their hands​

South Australians had their last chance to impress AFL recruiters at the Under 18 National Championships, while a new contender has thrown his hand up for pick one. See the full scouting notes and ranking points.

Dan BattenDigital Sports Reporter



@danbatten_

8 min read
July 1, 2024 - 1:45PM
News Sport Network




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.
Dyson Sharp scored 121 ranking points in his final outing in red and yellow, while Ben and Lucas Camporeale scored 119 and 88 respectively.

Reid’s stunning performance netted him a whopping 166 points, while Armstrong (115) and Ashcroft (118) were standouts alongside potential No. 1 picks Josh Smillie (110) and Jagga Smith (103).

Scroll to read all the scouting notes.

U18 Champs: South Australia v Vic Metro​

#	Player	Squad	SuperCoach
24	Dyson Sharp	SAFC	121
3	Ben Camporeale	SAFC	119
16	Angus Clarke	SAFC	110
11	Phoenix Hargrave	SAFC	103
40	Alex Dodson	SAFC	90
8	Kade Herbert	SAFC	90
2	Lucas Camporeale	SAFC	88
41	Charlie West	SAFC	77
7	Sid Draper	SAFC	69
6	Benny Barrett	SAFC	67
18	Rome Burgoyne	SAFC	58
4	Ned Bowman	SAFC	57
25	Charlie Nicholls	SAFC	54
17	Jacob Newton	SAFC	46
34	Jacob Sheean	SAFC	45
42	Tyler Welsh	SAFC	39
13	Dakota Sterzl	SAFC	36
22	Jett Hasting	SAFC	34
27	Ned Atkinson	SAFC	31
28	Tate Delmenico	SAFC	31
9	Louie Montgomery	SAFC	28
31	Thomas McKay	SAFC	18
5	Evan Bradley	SAFC	13
8	Murphy Reid	VMFC	166
15	Tom Gross	VMFC	127
10	Levi Ashcroft	VMFC	118
22	Harry Armstrong	VMFC	115
24	Josh Smillie	VMFC	110
9	Jagga Smith	VMFC	103
1	Isaac Kako	VMFC	100
11	Christian Moraes	VMFC	98
3	Jesse Dattoli	VMFC	96
14	Nash King	VMFC	92
33	Louis Emmett	VMFC	91
26	Luke Trainor	VMFC	85
21	Lennox Hofmann	VMFC	84
16	Lucca Grego	VMFC	78
7	Harrison Oliver	VMFC	65
2	Jayden Nguyen	VMFC	64
35	Thomas Sims	VMFC	54
32	Adrian Cole	VMFC	52
17	Zak Johnson	VMFC	46
23	Archie Ludowyke	VMFC	41
5	Damon Hollow	VMFC	35
20	Bailey McKenzie	VMFC	28
13	Cody Anderson	VMFC	20

U18 Champs: Western Australia v Vic Country​

Player	Player	Squad	SuperCoach
16	Loch Mactaggart	WAFC	112
26	Kayle Gerreyn	WAFC	100
11	Hamish Davis	WAFC	99
28	Hugh Boxshall	WAFC	96
30	Jaxon Douglas	WAFC	83
12	Bo Allan	WAFC	79
1	Cody Angove	WAFC	77
18	Clancy Dennis	WAFC	75
20	Cody Curtin	WAFC	73
13	Jaxon Artemis	WAFC	71
10	Austin van der Struyf	WAFC	71
24	Fred Rodriguez	WAFC	68
23	Charlie Burke	WAFC	67
5	William Hayes	WAFC	59
2	Luke Urquhart	WAFC	59
8	Charlie Banfield	WAFC	56
7	Wesley Walley	WAFC	56
29	Aiden Riddle	WAFC	50
38	Tom Bell	WAFC	45
36	Andre Gulluni	WAFC	39
3	Malakai Champion	WAFC	33
17	Max Rohr	WAFC	31
22	Toby Whan	WAFC	28
22	Harvey Langford	VCFC	143
30	Cooper Hynes	VCFC	122
3	Xavier Lindsay	VCFC	112
26	Jack Ough	VCFC	104
20	Jack Whitlock	VCFC	100
12	Harry Charleson	VCFC	87
13	Tobie Travaglia	VCFC	85
16	Lachie Jaques	VCFC	79
4	Oliver Warburton	VCFC	75
23	Willem Duursma	VCFC	74
15	Xavier Ivisic	VCFC	73
6	River Stevens	VCFC	73
2	Archer Day-Wicks	VCFC	72
1	Jasper Alger	VCFC	69
21	Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves	VCFC	65
19	Mitchell Lloyd	VCFC	65
9	Joe Berry	VCFC	63
37	Floyd Burmeister	VCFC	59
38	Jonty Faull	VCFC	53
14	Sam Lalor	VCFC	52
31	Alixzander Tauru	VCFC	52
24	Matt Whitlock	VCFC	52
7	Oliver Hannaford	VCFC	45

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.

Dyson Sharp tries to get the ball away under pressure from Damon Hollow of Vic Metro. Picture: Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images.
AFL draft 2024 indicative order: Every club’s picks revealed
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.

Benny Barrett showed off his X-Factor on Sunday. Picture: Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images.
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.

Angus Clarke had 21 touches for South Australia. Picture: Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images.
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.

Murphy Reid of Victoria Metro and Charlie Nicholls of South Australia contest during the Under 18 National Championships on Sunday. Picture: Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images.
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.

Isaac Kako of Victoria Metro celebrates his goal with Jagga Smith at Alberton Oval on Sunday. Picture: Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images.
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.

Levi Ashcroft again pushed his credentials as the No. 1 pick. Picture: Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images.
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

 

[Sphynx]

People wonder why the hawks have surged of late. It’s because they recruit guys that can run.

Not guys that don’t have a tank but look good in spurts.

FOS can run. He can kick. He’s aggressive.

He’s the only mid we should pick.

If not him, look elsewhere on the ground.

I'd wait for post season testing before determining that.

FOS isn't the only midfielder in this draft that can run.

FOS has a Sheezel like tank, it's really in the top 1%. So it really depends on what level you determine is "can run"


On that general criteria you would have overlooked Wardlaw for Tsatas and Cam MacKenzie

FWIW Smillie has a larger tank than both Tsatas and Cam MacKenzie and is well above average. It would be considered elite for an inside type of his size.

 

[hoffseason gains 01]

FOS reminds me of Shaun Higgins

4

Shaun Higgins

Age

36

Ht

184cm

Wt

89kg

Pos.

Fwd

Career

Season

Last 5

D

20.4

5star

K

10.6

4star

HB

9.8

5star

M

3.9

4star

T

3.2

5star

G

1.0

4star

D

21.8

5star

K

10.3

4star

HB

11.5

5star

M

2.3

2star

T

3.6

4star

G

0.1

3star

D

12.0

3star

K

7.2

3star

HB

4.8

4star

M

2.8

3star

T

1.8

4star

G

0.6

3star

 

[roos_fanatic08]

Anybody got access to this or know where stats are avaialable from the game?

Full stats are available on the AFL website:

AFL Fixtures and Results - AFL.com.au

AFL fixtures, results and scores from the Toyota AFL Premiership Season, NAB Women's and State Leagues seasons by round.

www.afl.com.au