Preview 2024 National Draft Preview Thread

[4cunningTonneTruck]

Is Draper a flight risk? He looks unreal

SID DRAPER (South Adelaide/Cardijn College) Midfielder, 17, 181cm

“Sid has great speed and power and works really hard. His speed from stoppage is elite. The younger brother of (current South and former Collingwood player) Arlo Draper, I expect him to go quite high in the draft. He reminds me a bit of Chris Judd (dual Brownlow Medallist) with the way he goes about things and his work around the stoppages. Sid is very professional and diligent and wants to do everything well. He’s first class. He ticks a lot of the AFL attributes athletically, professionally and personality wise.’’ – South talent manager and under-18s coach Mark Clayton.

Doesn't sound like it. Sounds pretty similar to Sheezel. Captains South Australia too.

 

[ferball]

Thomas Sims = The Dim

POTY

 

[Themanbun]

POTY

Glad someone appreciated my work!

 

[The Talent Scout]

Is Draper a flight risk? He looks unreal

No!

 

[The Talent Scout]

Glad someone appreciated my work!

I was pretty FRIED when you posted this but I guess I was just letting off STEAM!

 

[R00StaR]

I was pretty FRIED when you posted this but I guess I was just letting off STEAM!

Now you let the cat outta the bag

 

[Souup]

Doesn't sound like it. Sounds pretty similar to Sheezel. Captains South Australia too.

You'll find similar sentiments re: JHF. Clubs will be wary.

Not saying Draper is likely to go home to SA if he is drafted to a Vic club, but it'd be a worry.

 

[Fart Cummings]

You could only draft Draper if he gives an iron clad agreement that he will sign on for 2 extra years at the earliest time possible.

If he did want to stay cant he just come out and tell North that, maybe work a deal to Crows, what would be the benifit of him saying he will go to Melbourne if he doesnt really want to?

 

[perplexed]

We used a pick 3 on Phillips who cant get a game, Powell a pick 16 or something, Wardlaw pick 4 and LDU pick 4. Its not unusually for a pick 16 mid to find themselves as flankers and that may well happen with Powell. Im more than happy for him to play a Houston role off HB and save the draft capital. He may lack the top end/ bust speed for a mid, but has all the skills to be a weapon off HB.
Then Duursma and Sheezel were both forwards. W.Dawson a key back. Sheezel himself will tell you he isn't quick.

So why more mids? Because theres mids in the top 4 or 5 that offer point of difference.

Draper: Speed, class. Can play forward.

Langford/ Smillie: Big bodied mids

FOS: HB/ Wing. Strong over head, great engine and class.

We need class ball users first and foremost and perhaps a big bodied mid. LDU is our biggest yet should be the first receiver type using his burst to escape. Sheezel has been able to convert simply because he's a gun. Both Sheezel and Powell are quality ball users and have both proven effective off the flanks. Powell with his skills could play that Quarterback role helping us get through congestion, if under siege Sheezel can go back as well - valuable versatility.

Draper brings badly needed speed and pressure to our forward line and would work well in rotations with Sheezel while both being different. Both bring class, Draper the speed and spread while Sheezel brings everything else but. You could even rotate the 3 of them including Wardlaw.

End of the day unless we have class ball users, run, carry and overlap any forwards we get will be starved. To borrow Ross Lyon's word, we need sizzle. Even the most defense minded coach ever knows what win games of footy. They just put Geelong to the sword and not because of their key forwards.

Our second round will land us a quality forward and no denying we need to add one. Im on the Gerreyn train for that to take over Elmo's role. If Elmo really comes on as a forward, then great problems solved. If not we have exactly the type we need. Gerreyn is a 2m beast who can drop em from 55m and will demand attention which is perfect for getting those 2nd defenders away from Larkey. Now we're spreading their defense wider and more quality ball users delivering into the 50. If Draper, the he adds much more forward pressure particularly RHJ continues to improve. If its a slow play and we're facing 75% of all players in our forward line again the size and mass of Gerreyn is ideal.

Then of course we have some chess pieces we can move about such as W.Dawson in and Chom forward.

And then our home ground is the perfect for the big bbq sizzel.

I don't doubt that Draper could be the best player available and that he would improve our team. I think he could do all the things you say. However taking him wouldn't improve our list as much as taking a player (or hopefully two) in positions of greater need - even if they aren't as good footballers as Sid. List management is never about just taking the best players, it is about targeting the players your team needs to improve it the most. We seem to not understand this at all and just get drawn to the shiniest thing in the room.
The second round could land us quality players to fill needs, but a quick look at our past success with second rounders says it probably won't. You will always get a bigger benefit from improving your weaknesses as much as possible than concentrating on your strengths. Basically every other team get this and spends big on filling its gaps. We prefer to pretend they don't exist or can be best filled with DFA's. We have our priorities completely backwards. Pick 2 in this draft could potentially be used to take two players who would be significant upgrades or one which would be a smaller upgrade. I struggle to see how this is a difficult decision.

 

[R00StaR]

I don't doubt that Draper could be the best player available and that he would improve our team. I think he could do all the things you say. However taking him wouldn't improve our list as much as taking a player (or hopefully two) in positions of greater need - even if they aren't as good footballers as Sid. List management is never about just taking the best players, it is about targeting the players your team needs to improve it the most. We seem to not understand this at all and just get drawn to the shiniest thing in the room.
The second round could land us quality players to fill needs, but a quick look at our past success with second rounders says it probably won't. You will always get a bigger benefit from improving your weaknesses as much as possible than concentrating on your strengths. Basically every other team get this and spends big on filling its gaps. We prefer to pretend they don't exist or can be best filled with DFA's. We have our priorities completely backwards. Pick 2 in this draft could potentially be used to take two players who would be significant upgrades or one which would be a smaller upgrade. I struggle to see how this is a difficult decision.

Thats cool we can agree to disagree. I dont see him as a small upgrade at all and addresses head on our biggest deficiencies. That being forward pressure, maintaining possession in transition, quality of i50 and speed/ spread from congestion.

Every player on the park looks better when we Northball well. When we have the players to execute that everyone is better. As i said im not saying we shouldn't be aiming for a key forward or two and even small fwd. We could aim to get our 3rd rounder into the top 30 giving us a crack at 2 key forwards. Lets say Gerreyn and Sims, then Stevens as our small forward for this year.

Get a big preseason or two into RHJ along with Stevens will help. Getting Draper probably allows us to move Simpkin into full time pressure forward as well.

 

[ohmygewd]

Another AI tool that could make Rawlings redundant

Q:In the role of North Melbourne List Manager, of which player would you choose between Sid Draper from the South Adelaide junior football club, Finn O'Sullivan from the Oakleigh Chargers , and Harvey Langford from the Dandenong Stingrays?

Copilot:
That’s a great question! Each of these players brings unique strengths to the table:

1. Sid Draper:
   • Strengths: Draper is a versatile midfielder known for his leadership and consistency. He captained South Australia’s U18 team and has been recognized for his strong performances in the AFL National Championships. Draper is also noted for his ability to win the ball and his work rate.
2. Finn O’Sullivan:
   • Strengths: O’Sullivan is an all-rounder with few weaknesses. He excels in both inside and outside roles, has strong overhead marking, and is known for his decision-making and versatility. His consistent performance at junior levels and his ability to impact games make him a top prospect.
3. Harvey Langford:
   • Strengths: Langford is a clean and physical midfielder who can win the ball, apply pressure, and is a forward threat. He recently won the prestigious Larke Medal for his outstanding performance at the U18 National Championships. His composure under pressure and ability to perform in crucial moments are standout traits.

Given these profiles, if I were the North Melbourne List Manager, I might lean towards Harvey Langford. His recent accolades, including the Larke Medal, and his ability to perform under pressure in high-stakes games could provide a significant boost to the team’s midfield depth and overall performance.

 

[franjon]

Blakey slightly different as the history behind Nick joining the Swans was he had the choice to join Brissie or North under FS and also Swans under the northern academy system...and he nominated Swans.

Cochrane, as much as hiss heartfelt sentence of wanting to get his kids into a good academy but not tied to Port Adelaide, it's a load of shite and clearly insuring a clear pathway for his kids to go directly to an AFL side that just happens to be in the same state and, oh, same club that he was employed too...of course Port Adelaide wouldn't have suggested Stewie to do this either!

The AFL at work.

 

[Better Loosen Up]

Another AI tool that could make Rawlings redundant

Q:In the role of North Melbourne List Manager, of which player would you choose between Sid Draper from the South Adelaide junior football club, Finn O'Sullivan from the Oakleigh Chargers , and Harvey Langford from the Dandenong Stingrays?

Copilot:
That’s a great question! Each of these players brings unique strengths to the table:

1. Sid Draper:
   • Strengths: Draper is a versatile midfielder known for his leadership and consistency. He captained South Australia’s U18 team and has been recognized for his strong performances in the AFL National Championships. Draper is also noted for his ability to win the ball and his work rate.
2. Finn O’Sullivan:
   • Strengths: O’Sullivan is an all-rounder with few weaknesses. He excels in both inside and outside roles, has strong overhead marking, and is known for his decision-making and versatility. His consistent performance at junior levels and his ability to impact games make him a top prospect.
3. Harvey Langford:
   • Strengths: Langford is a clean and physical midfielder who can win the ball, apply pressure, and is a forward threat. He recently won the prestigious Larke Medal for his outstanding performance at the U18 National Championships. His composure under pressure and ability to perform in crucial moments are standout traits.

Given these profiles, if I were the North Melbourne List Manager, I might lean towards Harvey Langford. His recent accolades, including the Larke Medal, and his ability to perform under pressure in high-stakes games could provide a significant boost to the team’s midfield depth and overall performance.

This could open up a fair bit of room in our soft cap!

 

[R00StaR]

This could open up a fair bit of room in our soft cap!

lol not sure about that, but would be wise for us to start investing in the AI area.

Theres already plenty of data on players and potential draft picks and it'll only increase with the chipped balls coming. We'll soon know the exact percentages of players making correct foot striking on the ball, when they're more likely to fail and so on. Its endless really.

 

[The Nostradamus]

Another AI tool that could make Rawlings redundant

Q:In the role of North Melbourne List Manager, of which player would you choose between Sid Draper from the South Adelaide junior football club, Finn O'Sullivan from the Oakleigh Chargers , and Harvey Langford from the Dandenong Stingrays?

Copilot:
That’s a great question! Each of these players brings unique strengths to the table:

1. Sid Draper:
   • Strengths: Draper is a versatile midfielder known for his leadership and consistency. He captained South Australia’s U18 team and has been recognized for his strong performances in the AFL National Championships. Draper is also noted for his ability to win the ball and his work rate.
2. Finn O’Sullivan:
   • Strengths: O’Sullivan is an all-rounder with few weaknesses. He excels in both inside and outside roles, has strong overhead marking, and is known for his decision-making and versatility. His consistent performance at junior levels and his ability to impact games make him a top prospect.
3. Harvey Langford:
   • Strengths: Langford is a clean and physical midfielder who can win the ball, apply pressure, and is a forward threat. He recently won the prestigious Larke Medal for his outstanding performance at the U18 National Championships. His composure under pressure and ability to perform in crucial moments are standout traits.

Given these profiles, if I were the North Melbourne List Manager, I might lean towards Harvey Langford. His recent accolades, including the Larke Medal, and his ability to perform under pressure in high-stakes games could provide a significant boost to the team’s midfield depth and overall performance.

Add in Josh Smillie

 

[neddy36]

You'll find similar sentiments re: JHF. Clubs will be wary.

Not saying Draper is likely to go home to SA if he is drafted to a Vic club, but it'd be a worry.

Not worried about Sid at all, he's a big boy that doesn't need Mummies tuck in capped off with a bedtime story.

Sid won't get past WCE at 3, if he even gets there.

 

[Clarkos Cluster]

If we still hold pick 2 on draft night it is highly likely we pick Finn O'Sullivan. Trained with us over preseason and from all reports left a big impression on coaches.

 

[shinboner magic]

You could only draft Draper if he gives an iron clad agreement that he will sign on for 2 extra years at the earliest time possible.

Didn’t Judas give such a guarantee prior to being drafted

And I agree Draper won’t get past wce if he isn’t selected in the first two

 

[ohmygewd]

Add in Josh Smillie

Sorry Nostra but List boss CoPilot AI doubled down:
In the role of North Melbourne List Manager, of which player would you choose between Sid Draper from the South Adelaide junior football club, Harvey Langford of the Dandenong Stingrays, Finn O'Sullivan from the Oakleigh Chargers , and Josh Smillie from the Eastern Ranges

Sent by Copilot:
When considering the selection for North Melbourne as the List Manager, several factors need to be evaluated including the team's current needs, the players' skills, potential, and how they fit into the club's long-term strategy. Here's a step-by-step analysis:

1. Team Needs Analysis:
- Midfield Depth: North Melbourne has been focusing on building a strong midfield. Players who can rotate through the midfield, provide inside grunt work, and also have the ability to spread from contests are valuable.
- Versatility: Given the modern game's demands, players who can play multiple positions are highly sought after.
- Leadership and Character: North Melbourne, like many clubs, values players with good character and leadership potential, especially in a rebuilding phase.

2. Player Profiles:
- Sid Draper (South Adelaide):
- Strengths: Known for his agility, decision-making, and ability to play both inside and outside midfield roles. He's also shown leadership qualities.
- Considerations: His development in the SANFL system could mean he's more ready to step into AFL level competition sooner.
- Harvey Langford (Dandenong Stingrays):
- Strengths: A clean and physical midfielder who can win the ball, apply pressure, and is a forward threat. He recently won the prestigious Larke Medal for his outstanding performance at the U18 National Championships. His composure under pressure and ability to perform in crucial moments are standout traits.
- Considerations: If North Melbourne is looking for immediate impact in multiple roles, Langford could be very appealing.
- Finn O'Sullivan (Oakleigh Chargers):
- Strengths: Often praised for his elite decision-making, composure under pressure, and excellent skills by hand and foot. His potential as a future leader is also noted.
- Considerations: His all-around game might fit seamlessly into a midfield needing both skill and leadership.
- Josh Smillie (Eastern Ranges):
- Strengths: Known for his endurance and work rate, Smillie can cover a lot of ground, which is crucial for modern midfielders. His strength and power in stoppage is unmatched.
- Considerations: If North Melbourne wants to enhance their inside midfield options, Smillie would be a strategic pick.

3. Drafting Strategy Fit:
- North Melbourne has historically looked at best available talent but with an eye on positional needs. They've also shown interest in players who can develop into leaders.
4. Decision:
- If prioritizing midfield versatility and leadership: Finn O'Sullivan might be the best fit due to his well-rounded skills and leadership potential. His ability to impact games from the midfield could align well with North's strategy of building a competitive midfield group.
- If looking for immediate versatility in roles: Harvey Langford could be considered for his ability to impact in multiple positions, providing tactical flexibility.
- If focusing on outside run and endurance: Sid Draper would be the go-to, enhancing the team's ability to spread and maintain possession.
- If the strategy leans towards a strong inside stoppage role with a slight edge on readiness: Josh Smillie could be very appealing due to his overall size and development in a competitive league.
Conclusion:
Given North Melbourne's likely focus on building a robust, leadership-rich midfield with versatility, Harvey Langford seems like the most strategic choice. His skill set not only fills a need but also promises long-term benefits in terms of performing multiple roles, perform under pressure and stability in the team's core. However, if the club sees an immediate need for a player who can impact in inside and outside roles plus leadership abilities, Finn O'Sullivan could also be a compelling option.

 

[noobermensch]

This was a day out for the Murray tall forwards as they all kicked bags of goals. Jack Whitlock contributed 5 of his own, and showed some interesting form in ruck duels around the ground, overpowering his opponents on a number of occasions to grab the footy and create forward movements or shots on goal. Jack is having a really productive second half of the season, regularly hitting the scoreboard and showing prospective recruiters a glimpse of what he might offer in the future as he matures and develops his game.

 

[shintemaster]

I don't doubt that Draper could be the best player available and that he would improve our team. I think he could do all the things you say. However taking him wouldn't improve our list as much as taking a player (or hopefully two) in positions of greater need - even if they aren't as good footballers as Sid. List management is never about just taking the best players, it is about targeting the players your team needs to improve it the most. We seem to not understand this at all and just get drawn to the shiniest thing in the room.
The second round could land us quality players to fill needs, but a quick look at our past success with second rounders says it probably won't. You will always get a bigger benefit from improving your weaknesses as much as possible than concentrating on your strengths. Basically every other team get this and spends big on filling its gaps. We prefer to pretend they don't exist or can be best filled with DFA's. We have our priorities completely backwards. Pick 2 in this draft could potentially be used to take two players who would be significant upgrades or one which would be a smaller upgrade. I struggle to see how this is a difficult decision.

I think we do understand it, IMO it's a legacy of a wasteland of close to a decade of barely getting a pick inside the top 20 players available. Our draft picks available since taking Cunners in 2008(?) is an indictment on the league. We had almost zero access to top 10 talent for over a decade and IMO it left us in a position where we genuinely did just need best available no matter what.

 

[shintemaster]

Not worried about Sid at all, he's a big boy that doesn't need Mummies tuck in capped off with a bedtime story.

Sid won't get past WCE at 3, if he even gets there.

Agree. I reckon he will go very high and I'd be happy if it was us calling his name.

 

[Hotham FC]

The best way to exorcise the JHF spirit out of the corridors of Arden St. is to draft Sid and watch him ride shotgun as Harry’s vice captain for 300+ games. Get back on the SA horse North.

 

[wolvesRoos]

Sorry Nostra but List boss CoPilot AI doubled down:
In the role of North Melbourne List Manager, of which player would you choose between Sid Draper from the South Adelaide junior football club, Harvey Langford of the Dandenong Stingrays, Finn O'Sullivan from the Oakleigh Chargers , and Josh Smillie from the Eastern Ranges

Sent by Copilot:
When considering the selection for North Melbourne as the List Manager, several factors need to be evaluated including the team's current needs, the players' skills, potential, and how they fit into the club's long-term strategy. Here's a step-by-step analysis:

1. Team Needs Analysis:
- Midfield Depth: North Melbourne has been focusing on building a strong midfield. Players who can rotate through the midfield, provide inside grunt work, and also have the ability to spread from contests are valuable.
- Versatility: Given the modern game's demands, players who can play multiple positions are highly sought after.
- Leadership and Character: North Melbourne, like many clubs, values players with good character and leadership potential, especially in a rebuilding phase.

2. Player Profiles:
- Sid Draper (South Adelaide):
- Strengths: Known for his agility, decision-making, and ability to play both inside and outside midfield roles. He's also shown leadership qualities.
- Considerations: His development in the SANFL system could mean he's more ready to step into AFL level competition sooner.
- Harvey Langford (Dandenong Stingrays):
- Strengths: A clean and physical midfielder who can win the ball, apply pressure, and is a forward threat. He recently won the prestigious Larke Medal for his outstanding performance at the U18 National Championships. His composure under pressure and ability to perform in crucial moments are standout traits.
- Considerations: If North Melbourne is looking for immediate impact in multiple roles, Langford could be very appealing.
- Finn O'Sullivan (Oakleigh Chargers):
- Strengths: Often praised for his elite decision-making, composure under pressure, and excellent skills by hand and foot. His potential as a future leader is also noted.
- Considerations: His all-around game might fit seamlessly into a midfield needing both skill and leadership.
- Josh Smillie (Eastern Ranges):
- Strengths: Known for his endurance and work rate, Smillie can cover a lot of ground, which is crucial for modern midfielders. His strength and power in stoppage is unmatched.
- Considerations: If North Melbourne wants to enhance their inside midfield options, Smillie would be a strategic pick.

3. Drafting Strategy Fit:
- North Melbourne has historically looked at best available talent but with an eye on positional needs. They've also shown interest in players who can develop into leaders.
4. Decision:
- If prioritizing midfield versatility and leadership: Finn O'Sullivan might be the best fit due to his well-rounded skills and leadership potential. His ability to impact games from the midfield could align well with North's strategy of building a competitive midfield group.
- If looking for immediate versatility in roles: Harvey Langford could be considered for his ability to impact in multiple positions, providing tactical flexibility.
- If focusing on outside run and endurance: Sid Draper would be the go-to, enhancing the team's ability to spread and maintain possession.
- If the strategy leans towards a strong inside stoppage role with a slight edge on readiness: Josh Smillie could be very appealing due to his overall size and development in a competitive league.
Conclusion:
Given North Melbourne's likely focus on building a robust, leadership-rich midfield with versatility, Harvey Langford seems like the most strategic choice. His skill set not only fills a need but also promises long-term benefits in terms of performing multiple roles, perform under pressure and stability in the team's core. However, if the club sees an immediate need for a player who can impact in inside and outside roles plus leadership abilities, Finn O'Sullivan could also be a compelling option.

how do you guys get this to work, my ai will not make a decision...


As the North Melbourne List Manager, you have quite the selection of talented prospects. Let’s evaluate each player:

1. Sid Draper: Hailing from South Adelaide, Draper has impressed at the League level. His skills and form make him a strong contender.
2. Harvey Langford: A taller midfielder from the Dandenong Stingrays, Langford’s consistent performances and Larke Medal win highlight his potential.
3. Finn O’Sullivan: Representing the Oakleigh Chargers and Vic Country, O’Sullivan’s size, run, and traits make him an exciting prospect.
4. Josh Smillie: From the Eastern Ranges, Smillie brings his own set of skills and attributes. Consider his versatility and impact on the field.

Ultimately, your decision depends on team needs, game strategy, and long-term vision. Trust your instincts and choose wisely!

 

[ohmygewd]

how do you guys get this to work, my ai will not make a decision...


As the North Melbourne List Manager, you have quite the selection of talented prospects. Let’s evaluate each player:

1. Sid Draper: Hailing from South Adelaide, Draper has impressed at the League level. His skills and form make him a strong contender.
2. Harvey Langford: A taller midfielder from the Dandenong Stingrays, Langford’s consistent performances and Larke Medal win highlight his potential.
3. Finn O’Sullivan: Representing the Oakleigh Chargers and Vic Country, O’Sullivan’s size, run, and traits make him an exciting prospect.
4. Josh Smillie: From the Eastern Ranges, Smillie brings his own set of skills and attributes. Consider his versatility and impact on the field.

Ultimately, your decision depends on team needs, game strategy, and long-term vision. Trust your instincts and choose wisely!

Each AI will give you different results and even the same AI will give a different results depending on how you structure your query...you have to be very specific almost treat it like a first year apprentice with a shovel in the hand and pile of dirt giving you a confused look.
For example:
plug this is > Working as a data analyst, provide me a statistical strength and weakness of the North Melbourne football club playing list

Then re run it on your chosen AI tool.