Preview 2024 National Draft Preview Thread

[roos_fanatic08]

Looks like a tall flanker. Not really seeing the intercept marking he was touted for

I agree that's probably the case.

In saying that I'd say he was told to stick tight and highlight some of his defensive acumen in this particular game. He wasn't given as much attacking freedom or space, compared to his usual roles.

 

[roos_fanatic08]

Updated top 50, with a few additional names added to my draft-able list.

Notable changes include:
- Ashcroft pushes into the top 2.
- Kako, Reid, Langford and Travaglia are pushing their names into top 10 calculations through consistency and body of work.
- Allen and Dodson push into the top 20 for the same reasons as above.
- Urquhart pushes into the top 30 for the first time this year
- Some of the talls (Shanahan, J.Whitlock, O'Farrell) slip back due to other showing more at the championships
- Tom Sims into the top 30.
- Jack Ough, Harry Armstrong and Benny Barrett push into top 35-50 calculations s on the back of championship form.

Pick	Name	Height	Position	Club	Comments
1	Finn O'Sullivan	182cm	Midfielder	Oakleigh Chargers	Courageous midfielder who is strong over head, powerful runner who runs hard both ways.
2	Levi Ashcroft	179cm	Midfielder	Sandringham Dragons	Accumulating midfielder that powers from contest to contest. Balanced inside and outside game.
3	Josh Smillie	194cm	Midfielder	Eastern Ranges	Tall midfielder that finds possession at will and has a long penetrating kick.
4	Leo Lombard	178cm	Midfielder	GC Academy	Combative contested midfielder who has some real zip around the contest.
5	Sid Draper	180cm	Midfielder	South Adelaide	Classy midfielder that has some speed and evasiveness. Well balanced with excellent vision.
6	Luke Trainor	194cm	Key Defender	Sandringham Dragons	Intercepting general defender who can play on smalls and talls. Composed and balanced.
7	Jagga Smith	181cm	Midfielder	Oakleigh Chargers	Well balanced accumulating midfielder who is at home on the inside and outside the contest.
8	Sam Lalor	187cm	Midfielder/General Forward	GWV Rebels	Powerful midfielder, who is explosive and damaging. Can roll forward and have an impact.
9	Matt Whitlock	198cm	Key Defender	Murray Bushrangers	One on one defender who can also swing forward. Strong overhead but equally adept on the ground.
10	Isaac Kako	175cm	Small Forward	Calder Cannons	Dynamic and exciting small who can kick goals from anywhere. Also pushes into the midfield.
11	Murphy Reid	180cm	Midfielder	Sandringham Dragons	Smart and classy midfielder who makes good decisions with ball in hand. One touch.
12	Harvey Langford	190cm	Midfielder	Dandenong Stingrays	Tall and versatile midfielder who is strong overhead and has a booming left foot kick.
13	Tobie Travaglia	187cm	General Defender	Bendigo Pioneers	Intercepting defender who can provide run and carry. Excellent defender with leadership potential.
14	Christian Moraes	183cm	Midfielder	Eastern Ranges	Accumulating midfielder that can roll forward and impact the scoreboard. Strong overhead.
15	Ben Camporeale	186cm	Midfielder	Glenelg	Balanced midfielder who works hard between the arcs. Can find the ball inside and outside the contest.
16	Harry O'Farrell	196cm	Key Defender	Calder Cannons	Lockdown competitive defender that uses his reach and closing speed to advantage.
17	Jack Whitlock	200cm	Tall Forward	Murray Bushrangers	Rangy key forward that marks at the highest point but can also find the ball at ground level.
18	Taj Hotton	182cm	Midfielder/General Forward	Sandringham Dragons	Classy midfielder forward who has plenty of X-Factor. Unfortunately done his ACL.
19	Bo Allen	191cm	General Defender/Midfielder	Peel Thunder	Physical left footer who leads from the front. Uses his speed and long kicking to launch offensive attacks.
20	Alex Dodson	203cm	Ruck	Sturt	Athletic ruckman who covers the ground well and can find the ball. Very balanced for a tall.
21	Jonty Faull	195cm	Tall Forward	GWV Rebels	Goal kicking key forward who works hard to provide an option. Competitive in the air
22	Tyler Welsh	191cm	Key Forward	Woodville West	Undersize key forward who is a strong lead/mark type. Neat set shot goal kicking.
23	Joe Berry	180cm	Small Forward	Murray Bushrangers	Lively small forward who can crumb but also present an option on the lead. Classy goal kicker.
24	Jobe Shanahan	194cm	Key Forward	Bendigo Pioneers	Contested marking key forward who times his leads and jumps at the ball to perfection.
25	Lucas Camporeale	185cm	Midfielder	Glenelg	Natural wingman who keeps his width and can accumulate the ball on the outside.
26	Luke Urquhart	189cm	Midfielder	East Fremantle	Tall midfielder that can also play across half back. Uses his body well in contested situations.
27	Tom Gross	181cm	Midfelder	Oakleigh Chargers	Tough, contested midfielder that has a real competitive streak. Solid overhead.
28	Xavier Lindsay	183cm	Midfielder	Gippsland Power	Left footed midfielder with a damaging kick. Has some speed to break the lines.
29	Sam Marshall	185cm	Midfielder	Brisbane Academy	Elite runner who motors from contest to contest. Creates separation from the contest with his pace.
30	Tom Sims	199cm	Key Forward	Northern Knights	Lead up key forward who has good workrate. Solid at ground level for a kid his size.
31	Noah Mraz	198cm	Key Defender	Dandenong Stingrays	Intercepting defender, who has excellent disposal and decision making. Good closing speed.
32	Cooper Hynes	190cm	Midfielder/General Forward	Dandenong Stingrays	Tall midfielder who is a goal kicking threat when playing forward of centre. Strong over the ball.
33	Kayle Gerryn	199cm	Key Forward/Ruck	West Perth	Unique athletic prospect that has a tonne of potential upside.
34	Malakai Champion	172cm	Small Forward	Subiaco	Flashy small forward who can kick goals from anywhere. Provides good defensive pressure.
35	Harry Armstrong	193cm	Key Forward	Sandringham Dragons	High workrate key forward who is at home on the lead. Excellent set shot routine.
36	Zak Johnson	185cm	Midfielder	Northern Knights	Classy midfielder, who moves well, accumulates the ball and makes good decisions.
37	Pheonix Hargraves	182cm	Midfielder	South Adelaide	Accumulating midfielder who have high work rate. Can also impact the scoreboard
38	Charlie Nicholls	197cm	Key Forward	Central District	Strong contested marking key forward who provides a leading option up the ground.
39	Evan Bradley	174cm	Small Forward	North Adelaide	Classy small forward who is creative and damaging by foot. Natural goalkicking with plenty of X Factor
40	Ben Barrett	174cm	Small Forward	South Adelaide	Lightning quick small forward who has a bucket of tricks and high impact per possession.
41	Archer Day-Wicks	186cm	General Forward	Bendigo Pioneers	X-Factor player who can mark, and be damaging at ground level. Creative and classy ball user.
42	Luca Grego	183cm	General Defender/Midfielder	Western Jets	Workman utility who can play a variety of roles across the ground. Reliable type.
43	Josh Murphy	190cm	General Forward	Murray Bushrangers	Impact player who has plenty of x-factor. Contested marking threat who is dangerous at ground level.
44	Jesse Dattoli	179cm	Midfielder/Small Forward	Northern Knights	High footy IQ, who can play a variety of roles around the ground. Dangerous and smart around goals.
45	Harrison Oliver	181cm	General Defender	Sandringham Dragons	Rebounding defender who uses his composure and good decision making to good effect.
46	Jack Ough	193cm	General Defender	GWV Rebels	Hard working and athletic half back/wing who can play a variety of roles across the ground.
47	Cody Anderson	181cm	Midfielder	Eastern Ranges	Relentless midfielder that tackles hard. At home inside the contest, can also hit the scoreboard.
48	Nathaniel Sulzberger	184cm	Midfielder/General Forward	Sandringham Dragons	Strong contested player who offers a point of difference with his power around the contest.
49	Pat Retschko	188cm	Midfielder	Oakleigh Chargers	Hard working midfielder who can play inside and outside the contest. Strong runner.
50	Lachie Jacques	184cm	General Defender	Geelong Falcons	Defence first defender, who can intercept and provide drive off half back. Reliable ball user.
50+	Oliver Depaoli-Kubank	178cm	Midfielder/Small Forward	Tasmania Devils	Consistent type who can play a variety of roles. Reliable disposal and sound decision maker.
50+	Jayden Nguyen	177cm	General Defender/Midfielder	Calder Cannons	Small defender who can push up the ground. Creative ball user who uses his speed to impact the game.
50+	Zaydyn Lockwood	198cm	Key Defender	Bendigo Pioneers	Raw and athletic key defender who has plenty of upside. Solid defensive craft and in the 1v1's.
50+	Alix Tauru	191cm	General Defender	Gippsland Power	Athletic defender who can play on talls and smalls, excellent closing speed and leap. Sound decision making.
50+	Oliver Warburton	185cm	Midfielder	Murray Bushrangers	Versatile type who can play inside and outside the contest. Consistent with good defensive intensity.
50+	Jasper Alger	182cm	Small Forward	Oakleigh Chargers	Classy small forward who makes the most of his opportunities. Good defensive intensity.
50+	Lucas McInerney	180cm	Midfielder	Northern Knights	Rangy winger who keeps his width and can be damaging forward of centre. Good disposer.
50+	Noah Howes	196cm	Key Forward	South Adelaide	Overage key forward with strong workrate. Good ground level game and has natural forward craft
50+	River Stevens	176cm	Small Forward	Geelong Falcons	Classy half forward that makes good decisions with the ball. Creative left footer.
50+	Charlie West	195cm	Key Forward	Woodville West	Strong marking and physical key forward. Flies aggressively at the ball in contested situations.
50+	Zac McInnes	196cm	Key Forward	Geelong Falcons	Mobile key forward with good forward craft. Uses workrate to present multiple times.
50+	James Barrat	193cm	Key Forward	Bendigo Pioneers	Leading forward with good leap and excellent timing. Elite forward craft and workrate.
50+	Louie Montgomery	184cm	General Defender	North Adelaide	Composed defender who uses the ball well. Solid 1v1 player who can also create off half back.
50+	Bailey McKenzie	191cm	General Forward	Sandringham Dragons	Mercurial 3rd tall type that can impact the game at ground level or in the air. Classy in front of goal.
50+	Gabriel Stumpf	196cm	Key Forward	Northern Knights	Athletic key forward who is at home leading at the ball carrier. Strong workrate.
50+	Lucas Tovey	198cm	Key Defender	Oakleigh Chargers	Intercepting key defender, who uses his body really well in the contest. Reliable ball user.
50+	Xavier Ivisic	180cm	Midfielder	Geelong Falcons	Reliable inside midfielder who can also find the ball on the outside. Good vision in the contest.
50+	Ben Hopkins	190cm	General Defender	Dandenong Stingrays	Overage accumulating defender who can also push up to a wing. Quick and hard running.
50+	Kobe Ryan	183cm	Midfielder	West Adelaide	Mature age inside midfielder that wins contested possessions and has manic defensive effort.
50+	Joe Pike	203cm	Ruck	Geelong Falcons	Overage ruck man who competes at ground level. Solid tap work and follow up effort.
50+	Oliver Dean	201cm	Ruck	Tasmania Devils	Neat tap ruckman that can impact forward of centre.
50+	Waylon Davey-Motlop	171cm	Small Forward	Northern Territory	Classy small forward who has plenty of X-Factor and upside. Can kick goals from anywhere inside fwd 50.
50+	Tallan Rozenweig	197cm	Key Forward	Central District	Tall forward who uses his leap and long limbs to take the ball at the highest point. Neat kick.
50+	Xavier Kardarchi	186cm	Midfielder	Western Jets	Accumulating midfielder who is strong around the contest. Composed with a solid long kick.
50+	Oliver Hannaford	180cm	Midfielder	GWV Falcons	Agile midfielder who uses his side step to create space around the contest. Good defensive intent.
50+	Damon Hollow	180cm	Midfielder	Calder Cannons	Accumulating wingman who can be damaging with his disposal. Long kicking a real feature.
50+	Kade Herbert	184cm	Midfielder/General Forward	Woodville West	High footy IQ, who can play a variety of roles around the ground. Sound decision maker.
50+	Harry Charleson	182cm	General Defender	GWV Rebels	Reliable defender who is composed and can provide some drive off half back.
50+	Liam Kershaw	194cm	Midfielder	Geelong Falcons	Overage wingman who offers a point of difference with his height, marking ability and running capacity
50+	Joel Cochrane	195cm	Key Defender	Sydney Academy	Intercepting defender who can find the ball and provide rebound from the back half.
50+	Loch McTaggert	183cm	General Defender	Perth	Neat defender who has good balance between his defensive application and rebound
50+	Jaxon Artemis	187cm	Wing	South Fremantle	Hard running outside type who can also create off half back, good decision making and skills
50+	Max Rohr	197cm	Key Forward	Claremont	Overage key forward who has natural forward craft. Dangerous in the air and neat with ball in hand.
50+	Hugh Boxshall	187cm	Midfielder	Claremont	Strong running midfielder who can play inside and outside the contest. Good decision maker.

 

[noobermensch]

I agree that's probably the case.

In saying that I'd say he was told to stick tight and highlight some of his defensive acumen in this particular game. He wasn't given as much attacking freedom or space, compared to his usual roles.

Completely agree with this. His typical approach in Talent League play is to challenge his opponents to deal with him as an attacking/damaging "quarterback" and he'll largely ignore his direct matchup. He's been more defensive at the Champs but still not taking the most dangerous forward to give him the freedom to run off. This game was completely different. He was locked on to stopping Welsh from the opening bounce, and frankly its something that I think we'd all been keen to see from him for a while. Even if he's not a stopper at AFL level, at least we know now that he can do a job.

 

[roos_fanatic08]

Completely agree with this. His typical approach in Talent League play is to challenge his opponents to deal with him as an attacking/damaging "quarterback" and he'll largely ignore his direct matchup. He's been more defensive at the Champs but still not taking the most dangerous forward to give him the freedom to run off. This game was completely different. He was locked on to stopping Welsh from the opening bounce, and frankly its something that I think we'd all been keen to see from him for a while. Even if he's not a stopper at AFL level, at least we know now that he can do a job.

I think with O'Farrell out, there wasn't as many key defensive options for VM. It's good that he was able to show off his lockdown capacity, he showed some really sound positioning and closing speed at times on the weekend.

Still think he ends up a Jordan Ridley type at AFL level, not as a genuine KP.

 

[Better Loosen Up]

Updated top 50, with a few additional names added to my draft-able list.

Notable changes include:
- Ashcroft pushes into the top 2.
- Kako, Reid, Langford and Travaglia are pushing their names into top 10 calculations through consistency and body of work.
- Allen and Dodson push into the top 20 for the same reasons as above.
- Urquhart pushes into the top 30 for the first time this year
- Some of the talls (Shanahan, J.Whitlock, O'Farrell) slip back due to other showing more at the championships
- Tom Sims into the top 30.
- Jack Ough, Harry Armstrong and Benny Barrett push into top 35-50 calculations s on the back of championship form.

Pick	Name	Height	Position	Club	Comments
1	Finn O'Sullivan	182cm	Midfielder	Oakleigh Chargers	Courageous midfielder who is strong over head, powerful runner who runs hard both ways.
2	Levi Ashcroft	179cm	Midfielder	Sandringham Dragons	Accumulating midfielder that powers from contest to contest. Balanced inside and outside game.
3	Josh Smillie	194cm	Midfielder	Eastern Ranges	Tall midfielder that finds possession at will and has a long penetrating kick.
4	Leo Lombard	178cm	Midfielder	GC Academy	Combative contested midfielder who has some real zip around the contest.
5	Sid Draper	180cm	Midfielder	South Adelaide	Classy midfielder that has some speed and evasiveness. Well balanced with excellent vision.
6	Luke Trainor	194cm	Key Defender	Sandringham Dragons	Intercepting general defender who can play on smalls and talls. Composed and balanced.
7	Jagga Smith	181cm	Midfielder	Oakleigh Chargers	Well balanced accumulating midfielder who is at home on the inside and outside the contest.
8	Sam Lalor	187cm	Midfielder/General Forward	GWV Rebels	Powerful midfielder, who is explosive and damaging. Can roll forward and have an impact.
9	Matt Whitlock	198cm	Key Defender	Murray Bushrangers	One on one defender who can also swing forward. Strong overhead but equally adept on the ground.
10	Isaac Kako	175cm	Small Forward	Calder Cannons	Dynamic and exciting small who can kick goals from anywhere. Also pushes into the midfield.
11	Murphy Reid	180cm	Midfielder	Sandringham Dragons	Smart and classy midfielder who makes good decisions with ball in hand. One touch.
12	Harvey Langford	190cm	Midfielder	Dandenong Stingrays	Tall and versatile midfielder who is strong overhead and has a booming left foot kick.
13	Tobie Travaglia	187cm	General Defender	Bendigo Pioneers	Intercepting defender who can provide run and carry. Excellent defender with leadership potential.
14	Christian Moraes	183cm	Midfielder	Eastern Ranges	Accumulating midfielder that can roll forward and impact the scoreboard. Strong overhead.
15	Ben Camporeale	186cm	Midfielder	Glenelg	Balanced midfielder who works hard between the arcs. Can find the ball inside and outside the contest.
16	Harry O'Farrell	196cm	Key Defender	Calder Cannons	Lockdown competitive defender that uses his reach and closing speed to advantage.
17	Jack Whitlock	200cm	Tall Forward	Murray Bushrangers	Rangy key forward that marks at the highest point but can also find the ball at ground level.
18	Taj Hotton	182cm	Midfielder/General Forward	Sandringham Dragons	Classy midfielder forward who has plenty of X-Factor. Unfortunately done his ACL.
19	Bo Allen	191cm	General Defender/Midfielder	Peel Thunder	Physical left footer who leads from the front. Uses his speed and long kicking to launch offensive attacks.
20	Alex Dodson	203cm	Ruck	Sturt	Athletic ruckman who covers the ground well and can find the ball. Very balanced for a tall.
21	Jonty Faull	195cm	Tall Forward	GWV Rebels	Goal kicking key forward who works hard to provide an option. Competitive in the air
22	Tyler Welsh	191cm	Key Forward	Woodville West	Undersize key forward who is a strong lead/mark type. Neat set shot goal kicking.
23	Joe Berry	180cm	Small Forward	Murray Bushrangers	Lively small forward who can crumb but also present an option on the lead. Classy goal kicker.
24	Jobe Shanahan	194cm	Key Forward	Bendigo Pioneers	Contested marking key forward who times his leads and jumps at the ball to perfection.
25	Lucas Camporeale	185cm	Midfielder	Glenelg	Natural wingman who keeps his width and can accumulate the ball on the outside.
26	Luke Urquhart	189cm	Midfielder	East Fremantle	Tall midfielder that can also play across half back. Uses his body well in contested situations.
27	Tom Gross	181cm	Midfelder	Oakleigh Chargers	Tough, contested midfielder that has a real competitive streak. Solid overhead.
28	Xavier Lindsay	183cm	Midfielder	Gippsland Power	Left footed midfielder with a damaging kick. Has some speed to break the lines.
29	Sam Marshall	185cm	Midfielder	Brisbane Academy	Elite runner who motors from contest to contest. Creates separation from the contest with his pace.
30	Tom Sims	199cm	Key Forward	Northern Knights	Lead up key forward who has good workrate. Solid at ground level for a kid his size.
31	Noah Mraz	198cm	Key Defender	Dandenong Stingrays	Intercepting defender, who has excellent disposal and decision making. Good closing speed.
32	Cooper Hynes	190cm	Midfielder/General Forward	Dandenong Stingrays	Tall midfielder who is a goal kicking threat when playing forward of centre. Strong over the ball.
33	Kayle Gerryn	199cm	Key Forward/Ruck	West Perth	Unique athletic prospect that has a tonne of potential upside.
34	Malakai Champion	172cm	Small Forward	Subiaco	Flashy small forward who can kick goals from anywhere. Provides good defensive pressure.
35	Harry Armstrong	193cm	Key Forward	Sandringham Dragons	High workrate key forward who is at home on the lead. Excellent set shot routine.
36	Zak Johnson	185cm	Midfielder	Northern Knights	Classy midfielder, who moves well, accumulates the ball and makes good decisions.
37	Pheonix Hargraves	182cm	Midfielder	South Adelaide	Accumulating midfielder who have high work rate. Can also impact the scoreboard
38	Charlie Nicholls	197cm	Key Forward	Central District	Strong contested marking key forward who provides a leading option up the ground.
39	Evan Bradley	174cm	Small Forward	North Adelaide	Classy small forward who is creative and damaging by foot. Natural goalkicking with plenty of X Factor
40	Ben Barrett	174cm	Small Forward	South Adelaide	Lightning quick small forward who has a bucket of tricks and high impact per possession.
41	Archer Day-Wicks	186cm	General Forward	Bendigo Pioneers	X-Factor player who can mark, and be damaging at ground level. Creative and classy ball user.
42	Luca Grego	183cm	General Defender/Midfielder	Western Jets	Workman utility who can play a variety of roles across the ground. Reliable type.
43	Josh Murphy	190cm	General Forward	Murray Bushrangers	Impact player who has plenty of x-factor. Contested marking threat who is dangerous at ground level.
44	Jesse Dattoli	179cm	Midfielder/Small Forward	Northern Knights	High footy IQ, who can play a variety of roles around the ground. Dangerous and smart around goals.
45	Harrison Oliver	181cm	General Defender	Sandringham Dragons	Rebounding defender who uses his composure and good decision making to good effect.
46	Jack Ough	193cm	General Defender	GWV Rebels	Hard working and athletic half back/wing who can play a variety of roles across the ground.
47	Cody Anderson	181cm	Midfielder	Eastern Ranges	Relentless midfielder that tackles hard. At home inside the contest, can also hit the scoreboard.
48	Nathaniel Sulzberger	184cm	Midfielder/General Forward	Sandringham Dragons	Strong contested player who offers a point of difference with his power around the contest.
49	Pat Retschko	188cm	Midfielder	Oakleigh Chargers	Hard working midfielder who can play inside and outside the contest. Strong runner.
50	Lachie Jacques	184cm	General Defender	Geelong Falcons	Defence first defender, who can intercept and provide drive off half back. Reliable ball user.
50+	Oliver Depaoli-Kubank	178cm	Midfielder/Small Forward	Tasmania Devils	Consistent type who can play a variety of roles. Reliable disposal and sound decision maker.
50+	Jayden Nguyen	177cm	General Defender/Midfielder	Calder Cannons	Small defender who can push up the ground. Creative ball user who uses his speed to impact the game.
50+	Zaydyn Lockwood	198cm	Key Defender	Bendigo Pioneers	Raw and athletic key defender who has plenty of upside. Solid defensive craft and in the 1v1's.
50+	Alix Tauru	191cm	General Defender	Gippsland Power	Athletic defender who can play on talls and smalls, excellent closing speed and leap. Sound decision making.
50+	Oliver Warburton	185cm	Midfielder	Murray Bushrangers	Versatile type who can play inside and outside the contest. Consistent with good defensive intensity.
50+	Jasper Alger	182cm	Small Forward	Oakleigh Chargers	Classy small forward who makes the most of his opportunities. Good defensive intensity.
50+	Lucas McInerney	180cm	Midfielder	Northern Knights	Rangy winger who keeps his width and can be damaging forward of centre. Good disposer.
50+	Noah Howes	196cm	Key Forward	South Adelaide	Overage key forward with strong workrate. Good ground level game and has natural forward craft
50+	River Stevens	176cm	Small Forward	Geelong Falcons	Classy half forward that makes good decisions with the ball. Creative left footer.
50+	Charlie West	195cm	Key Forward	Woodville West	Strong marking and physical key forward. Flies aggressively at the ball in contested situations.
50+	Zac McInnes	196cm	Key Forward	Geelong Falcons	Mobile key forward with good forward craft. Uses workrate to present multiple times.
50+	James Barrat	193cm	Key Forward	Bendigo Pioneers	Leading forward with good leap and excellent timing. Elite forward craft and workrate.
50+	Louie Montgomery	184cm	General Defender	North Adelaide	Composed defender who uses the ball well. Solid 1v1 player who can also create off half back.
50+	Bailey McKenzie	191cm	General Forward	Sandringham Dragons	Mercurial 3rd tall type that can impact the game at ground level or in the air. Classy in front of goal.
50+	Gabriel Stumpf	196cm	Key Forward	Northern Knights	Athletic key forward who is at home leading at the ball carrier. Strong workrate.
50+	Lucas Tovey	198cm	Key Defender	Oakleigh Chargers	Intercepting key defender, who uses his body really well in the contest. Reliable ball user.
50+	Xavier Ivisic	180cm	Midfielder	Geelong Falcons	Reliable inside midfielder who can also find the ball on the outside. Good vision in the contest.
50+	Ben Hopkins	190cm	General Defender	Dandenong Stingrays	Overage accumulating defender who can also push up to a wing. Quick and hard running.
50+	Kobe Ryan	183cm	Midfielder	West Adelaide	Mature age inside midfielder that wins contested possessions and has manic defensive effort.
50+	Joe Pike	203cm	Ruck	Geelong Falcons	Overage ruck man who competes at ground level. Solid tap work and follow up effort.
50+	Oliver Dean	201cm	Ruck	Tasmania Devils	Neat tap ruckman that can impact forward of centre.
50+	Waylon Davey-Motlop	171cm	Small Forward	Northern Territory	Classy small forward who has plenty of X-Factor and upside. Can kick goals from anywhere inside fwd 50.
50+	Tallan Rozenweig	197cm	Key Forward	Central District	Tall forward who uses his leap and long limbs to take the ball at the highest point. Neat kick.
50+	Xavier Kardarchi	186cm	Midfielder	Western Jets	Accumulating midfielder who is strong around the contest. Composed with a solid long kick.
50+	Oliver Hannaford	180cm	Midfielder	GWV Falcons	Agile midfielder who uses his side step to create space around the contest. Good defensive intent.
50+	Damon Hollow	180cm	Midfielder	Calder Cannons	Accumulating wingman who can be damaging with his disposal. Long kicking a real feature.
50+	Kade Herbert	184cm	Midfielder/General Forward	Woodville West	High footy IQ, who can play a variety of roles around the ground. Sound decision maker.
50+	Harry Charleson	182cm	General Defender	GWV Rebels	Reliable defender who is composed and can provide some drive off half back.
50+	Liam Kershaw	194cm	Midfielder	Geelong Falcons	Overage wingman who offers a point of difference with his height, marking ability and running capacity
50+	Joel Cochrane	195cm	Key Defender	Sydney Academy	Intercepting defender who can find the ball and provide rebound from the back half.
50+	Loch McTaggert	183cm	General Defender	Perth	Neat defender who has good balance between his defensive application and rebound
50+	Jaxon Artemis	187cm	Wing	South Fremantle	Hard running outside type who can also create off half back, good decision making and skills
50+	Max Rohr	197cm	Key Forward	Claremont	Overage key forward who has natural forward craft. Dangerous in the air and neat with ball in hand.
50+	Hugh Boxshall	187cm	Midfielder	Claremont	Strong running midfielder who can play inside and outside the contest. Good decision maker.

Say we were able to trade our 1st pick to Gold Coast for their 2 x first's (8 & 10), which would you go with?

FOS/ Smillie vs Lalor and Whitlock/ Kako?

 

[Sphynx]

I agree that's probably the case.

In saying that I'd say he was told to stick tight and highlight some of his defensive acumen in this particular game. He wasn't given as much attacking freedom or space, compared to his usual roles.

We are no doubt going to discuss Trainor a lot in the next few months.

I want to preface this by saying I think he's an excellent prospect.

I just don't think he's a really good fit for our list moving forward.

Ideally in the coming years our starting 3 are Comben, W.Dawson and Logue. With Logue as the third tall defender.

If Comben hadn't exploded this year, this decision would be simpler, as Logue would be required as a 2nd key defender and there'd be a natural progression for a 3rd key defender.

Kallan as a depth player that covers Logue and the others. We obviously need another 200cm type on the list long term. I don't think Biggie or Pink is realistically that long term player.

Kallan is hardly a world beater, but he's probably good enough as that 4th to 5th best key defender on an AFL list.

There's question marks on Logue due to his ACL and long term viability, as there is with anyone recovering from that injury.

However, is it worth unloading a top 3-4 pick on a third tall defensive prospect? Trainor is absolutely a third tall defender, he's not a genuine KPD prospect like Comben or W.Dawson. Trainor would want to turn into Jake Lever or Tom Stewart for that outlay at the top of the draft.

The margin for error is already tiny imo if that is the sort of outcome we need.

An average 3rd tall defender can be picked up most trade weeks, mid season drafts and 3-5th rounds each year. It's a huge miss if he doesn't turn into that sort of player, as other clubs have found out the hard way in the last 5-6 years.

If we deem Logue satisfactory, do we actually need Trainor in the medium term? Obviously you don't invest in someone like Trainor for the medium term, but it's also a position that could be filled in FA later in the draft if required. I've previously stated you could probably play Travaglia in the exact same role at AFL level as Trainor, despite being 2-3" shorter. He wont have near the same draft cost and has lower bust potential due to his size and versatility.

Now when you factor in Key Defenders have the highest bust % of any position at the top of the draft, it adds another layer to the decision.

The absolute best top end recent key defenders who have instantly taken to AFL level have all been athletic freaks. Aleer, Mac Andrew, Gibcus (prior to injury), Weddle.

I think Trainor is a lot more comparable to those key defenders who weren't necessarily considered great athletes, but very good readers of the play, good marks, good ball users for their positions. Slightly skinny and undersized.

McAsey, Granger-Barrass, Busslinger - Even Nick Cox to an extent fit this description at junior levels. All guys that haven't been able to cope with the athleticism and size required at AFL level to play the role. There's is absolutely a possibility Trainor could end up that way.

It will be interesting to see how Curtin and O'Sullivan progress. I think O'Sullivan fits more in line with the Gibus/Weddle side though given his running ability and 200cm size. There's already some early signs of Curtin wanting to move up the ground and into more of a flanker role. He had been dubbed from years out as a prototypical CHB prospect. There's some red flags already and he was a no-miss prospect there.



If Trainor was a 193cm forward of the same quality, I'd be far more comfortable with the decision.

Few clubs can afford to burn top 3-4 picks and we've probably already done it once to an extent with Phillips, we've just lost Thomas in the last 6 months as another high end young player.


I think the far safer option would be to keep building the versatility of our midfield group with someone that can play either Mid/Fwd or through the Wings and Flanks and look to fill these needs later in the draft.

We might have a bust midfielder, but at the very worst they are going to be solid players for years, unlike what happens with bust KPP at the top.

I don't see anything below a B grade midfielder as a minimum out of the likes of FOS, Smillie or Lalor.

If Trainor was Ben King, different story, but he's not, there's just too many red flags for me, even if he does turn into Tom Stewart or Jake Lever, I'd be comfortable missing out given the alternative. Drafting key defenders at the very top end is just a complete crap shoot, even with modern drafting.

 

[roos_fanatic08]

Say we were able to trade out 1st pick to Gold Coast for our first, which would you go with?

FOS/ Smillie vs Lalor and Whitlock/ Kako?

I’d be comfortable trading back and getting two bites at the cherry with a Lalor/Kako combination and some future picks as change. If hate to miss out on FOS, but potentially we might not even get the option to draft if we win a couple of more games.

I think this draft is so even especially in the top 30 so we have the potential to go after some needs (small forward, talls ect) rather than just taking one of the top 3 picks. It’s a really good opportunity to get more than one piece of the puzzle through the door.

 

[Better Loosen Up]

I’d be comfortable trading back and getting two bites at the cherry with a Lalor/Kako combination and some future picks as change. If hate to miss out on FOS, but potentially we might not even get the option to draft if we win a couple of more games.

I think this draft is so even especially in the top 30 so we have the potential to go after some needs (small forward, talls ect) rather than just taking one of the top 3 picks. It’s a really good opportunity to get more than one piece of the puzzle through the door.

I think I would probably agree. Also just realised I completely stuffed up my question

 

[The Nostradamus]

Say we were able to trade our 1st pick to Gold Coast for their 2 x first's (8 & 10), which would you go with?

FOS/ Smillie vs Lalor and Whitlock/ Kako?

It’s more trade our future first for Gc 8 and 10

Gives us pick 1,8 and 10

 

[roos_fanatic08]

We are no doubt going to discuss Trainor a lot in the next few months.

I want to preface this by saying I think he's an excellent prospect.

I just don't think he's a really good fit for our list moving forward.

Ideally in the coming years our starting 3 are Comben, W.Dawson and Logue. With Logue as the third tall defender.

Kallan as a depth player that covers Logue and the others. We obviously need another 200cm type on the list long term. I don't think Biggie or Pink is realistically that long term player.

Kallan is hardly a world beater, but he's probably good enough as that 4th to 5th best key defender on an AFL list.

There's question marks on Logue due to his ACL and long term viability, as there is with anyone recovering from that injury.

However, is it worth unloading a top 3-4 pick on a third tall defensive prospect? Trainor is absolutely a third tall defender, he's not a genuine KPD prospect like Comben or W.Dawson. Trainor would want to turn into Jake Lever or Tom Stewart for that outlay at the top of the draft.

The margin for error is already tiny imo if that is the sort of outcome we need.

An average 3rd tall defender can be picked up most trade weeks, mid season drafts and 3-5th rounds each year. It's a huge miss if he doesn't turn into that sort of player, as other clubs have found out the hard way in the last 5-6 years.

If we deem Logue satisfactory, do we actually need Trainor in the medium term? Obviously you don't invest in someone like Trainor for the medium term, but it's also a position that could be filled in FA later in the draft if required. I've previously stated you could probably play Travaglia in the exact same role at AFL level as Trainor, despite being 2-3" shorter. He wont have near the same draft cost and has lower bust potential due to his size and versatility.

Now when you factor in Key Defenders have the highest bust % of any position at the top of the draft, it adds another layer to the decision.

The absolute best top end recent key defenders who have instantly taken to AFL level have all been athletic freaks. Aleer, Mac Andrew, Gibcus (prior to injury), Weddle.

I think Trainor is a lot more comparable to those key defenders who weren't necessarily considered great athletes, but very good readers of the play, good marks, good ball users for their positions. Slightly skinny and undersized.

McAsey, Granger-Barrass, Busslinger - Even Nick Cox to an extent fit this description at junior levels. All guys that haven't been able to cope with the athleticism and size required at AFL level to play the role. There's is absolutely a possibility Trainor could end up that way.

It will be interesting to see how Curtin and O'Sullivan progress. I think O'Sullivan fits more in line with the Gibus/Weddle side though given his running ability and 200cm size. There's already some early signs of Curtin wanting to move up the ground and into more of a flanker role. He had been dubbed from years out as a prototypical CHB prospect. There's some red flags already and he was a no-miss prospect there.



If Trainor was a 193cm forward of the same quality, I'd be far more comfortable with the decision.

Few clubs can afford to burn top 3-4 picks and we've probably already done it once to an extent with Phillips, we've just lost Thomas in the last 6 months as another high end young player.


I think the far safer option would be to keep building the versatility of our midfield group with someone that can play either Mid/Fwd or through the Wings and Flanks and look to fill these needs later in the draft.

We might have a bust midfielder, but at the very worst they are going to be solid players for years, unlike what happens with bust KPP at the top.


If Trainor was Ben King, different story, but he's not, there's just too many red flags for me, even if he does turn into Tom Stewart or Jake Lever, I'd be comfortable missing out given the alternative. Drafting key defenders at the very top end is just a complete crap shoot, even with modern drafting.

I think that’s a very fair assessment. As I mentioned too, I think he is ends up as a Jordan Ridley 3rd tall type rather a genuine key position player, additionally I’m pretty bullish on our KD stocks as is.

I like the romance of getting him considering his links to north, but I’m not sure a 3rd tall type in the back half is a desperate need. Realistically I think we’d be hoping that Hardeman develops into that type in the next few years anyway!

This is also compounded by the fact that there will be plenty of genuine talls available at throughout the 2nd and 3rd rounds.

 

[Better Loosen Up]

It’s more trade our future first for Gc 8 and 10

Gives us pick 1,8 and 10

Isn't there are standout kid in next years draft? The SA mid? I'd rather keep that pick in my back pocket just in case.

The top of this year's draft on the other hand is much more even which is why I think it would make more sense to split this year's 1st.

 

[The Nostradamus]

Isn't there are standout kid in next years draft? The SA mid? I'd rather keep that pick in my back pocket just in case.

The top of this year's draft on the other hand is much more even which is why I think it would make more sense to split this year's 1st.

I don’t see us finishing bottom 2 next year

 

[cybercrab]

It’s more trade our future first for Gc 8 and 10

Gives us pick 1,8 and 10

We'd need to throw in a second for GC agree to that

 

[Better Loosen Up]

I don’t see us finishing bottom 2 next year

I didn't see us being 1 - 14 this season either, but here we are.

 

[Sphynx]

I think that’s a very fair assessment. As I mentioned too, I think he is ends up as a Jordan Ridley 3rd tall type rather a genuine key position player, additionally I’m pretty bullish on our KD stocks as is.

I like the romance of getting him considering his links to north, but I’m not sure a 3rd tall type in the back half is a desperate need. Realistically I think we’d be hoping that Hardeman develops into that type in the next few years anyway!

This is also compounded by the fact that there will be plenty of genuine talls available at throughout the 2nd and 3rd rounds.

Yes Jordan Ridley is a good comparison.

But Jordan Ridley almost fits in the other category I was describing with Weddle/Gibcus.

Ridley has very long arms and he has a very big vertical, he's also deceptively tall at 195cm.

We can wait until the end of year numbers, but I'm predicting Ridley's absolute jumping vertical reach to be miles above what Trainor can reach comparatively.

Ridley actually uses that, he rises above packs at AFL level to take intercept marks and spoil. He's also got one of the strongest set of mits in the entire league.

I know Trainor has some decent vertical readings, but Im yet to really see it.




It's getting back to that very very small margin for error.

When you draft someone like FOS/Smillie, you don't absolutely need them to turn into Bontempelli or Chris Judd.

B+ or A grade midfielders are still highly valuable.


If Trainor comparatively turns into a B+ third tall defender, you effectively have Heath Chapman or Brandon Starcevich.

They are good players sure, but an B+ or borderline A grade midfielder is probably a McCluggage, Tarranto or Hopper.

 

[Better Loosen Up]

Yes Jordan Ridley is a good comparison.

But Jordan Ridley almost fits in the other category I was describing with Weddle/Gibcus.

Ridley has very long arms and he has a very big vertical, he's also deceptively tall at 195cm.

We can wait until the end of year numbers, but I'm predicting Ridley's absolute jumping vertical reach to be miles above what Trainor can reach comparatively.

Ridley actually uses that, he rises above packs at AFL level to take intercept marks and spoil. He's also got one of the strongest set of mits in the entire league.

I know Trainor has some decent vertical readings, but Im yet to really see it.




It's getting back to that very very small margin for error.

When you draft someone like FOS/Smillie, you don't absolutely need them to turn into Bontempelli or Chris Judd.

B+ or A grade midfielders are still highly valuable.


If Trainor comparatively turns into a B+ third tall defender, you effectively have Heath Chapman or Brandon Starcevich.

I think for Trainor to be a legitimate top 10 pick, he needs to show he can be effective as a forward as well.

You can pick up Ridley types in the 30's and 40's.

 

[Sillygit]

Gold Coast - 8 & 10 currently.

Some people need to be careful however.

We still have to resolve the following FA contracts/decisions:

Zurhaar (TBC x 6 on floated by Collingwood apparently)
Battle (TBC x 6 floated by Hawthorn apparently
English
Cumming (800 x 6 on offer from Hawthorn apparently)
Perryman

Then there's bids for Lombard, Ashcroft that will push back top 10 picks.

It's unlikely, but there is a chance with the cap increase there could be 2-3 Band 1 outcomes this year.

Depending on where GWS finish vs GC could determine the strength of some of these picks.

Both those GC picks might be in the teens come draft night.

Didnt even seem worth it for 8 and 10, let alone two outside top 10 picks then.

 

[Sphynx]

I think for Trainor to be a legitimate top 10 pick, he needs to show he can be effective as a forward as well.

You can pick up Ridley types in the 30's and 40's.

He can play forward, he's played forward for most of the junior age groups and recruiters have seen plenty of him there.

But so could Will Dawson.

But so could Charlie Comben.

So could Ben McKay.


Charlie Comben was a second round pick as a key forward.


If he had of looked the 18 year old version of what he's shown in the last few months he would have gone in the first 5 selections.

Now that's slightly contradictory on my behalf, as he's been developed into that player. But Comben played mostly as a ruck and then a forward for Gippsland. Comben is playing like what Ben King promised to be as a CHB.

Clubs had Will Dawson in the top 20 picks because he was an amazing defender last year, a terrific size, aggressive and great intercept mark numbers. He was a very mediocre forward prospect.


Trainor has a lot of exposed form as both a Forward and Defender, he's a very good third tall defensive prospect and a forward prospect that might warrant selection in the top 30-40 picks.


Just like Will Dawson, if you are drafting Trainor to be a forward, don't use a top 3 pick on him, there's 5-6 other prospects equally as good that you will get for a pick in the late 20's or 30's.

In fact, the best option might be to draft a forward prospect in the 30's (like we did with Comben) with the view of developing them as a defender.

It rarely works the other way around (in recent times). Ben King is an exception and Gold Coast could probably have the best CHB in the league, they've just never ever played him in his natural position.

 

[Harris 10]

I've probably been the biggest critic of our back 6 on this page for many years, I've started threads on it and labeled it the worst back 6 in 40+ years of watching North.

BUT, in the space of 12 months it's become probably our strongest zone from a list perspective.

When we go to trade, FA, and the draft this year we need to address the forward half holes and keep adding quality to our midfield.

 

[Sphynx]

I've probably been the biggest critic of our back 6 on this page for many years, I've started threads on it and labeled it the worst back 6 in 40+ years of watching North.

BUT, in the space of 12 months it's become probably our strongest zone from a list perspective.

When we go to trade, FA, and the draft this year we need to address the forward half holes and keep adding quality to our midfield.

I think another medium defender with leg speed that we can play along with Archer is a bigger priority for sides with multiple dangerous small forwards.

Hardeman is that sort of player obviously, but he's a naturally attacking and more of an intercepting medium. I'd have another lock down medium pretty high up on our needs.

KPF
Genuine small forward (not a medium)
Wing or MID/FWD
Lockdown Medium Defender (w/ leg speed)
200cm Defender
Intercept Medium Defender
FWD/Ruck


Are the glaring list needs in my view in order of priority.

Now you need to take best available at the top of the draft, just as long as you are prioritizing one of those in a tie breaking situation.

We probably need multiples of the KPF and Small Forward in the next 2-3 drafts.

 

[FootySmartSimpson]

Say we were able to trade our 1st pick to Gold Coast for their 2 x first's (8 & 10), which would you go with?

FOS/ Smillie vs Lalor and Whitlock/ Kako?

If we aren’t making any major plays to get more first in this year, then go FOS.

Otherwise, Lalor and Kako.

 

[R00StaR]

I don’t see us finishing bottom 2 next year

Id hope not, but its possible even if we improve a fair bit.

 

[Better Loosen Up]

Id hope not, but its possible even if we improve a fair bit.

I agree. Let's look at the teams around us.

Richmond - Shocking run with injuries to their better players. With even luck, should get more wins.
West Coast - Home ground advantage always helps and will generate more wins with their kids improving.
Adelaide - Way under-performed this season. Will get an easier draw next year which means more wins.

4 wins could possibly still have us on the bottom of the ladder.

 

[Shinboner1]

Its a shame we've relegated dawson to playing forward now.
I thought he did quite well down back when we saw him earlier this year.

 

[noobermensch]

The best small forward performance we've seen at the Champs so far. Kako seemed to be in every productive sequence in the front half for Metro, regularly providing the pivotal touch of class or burst of speed needed. He underlined his potential by snapping two excellent opportunist goals.