A 2007 Phantom Draft

[GoDons]

Hi guys, I just thought I’d throw up my take on this year’s draft. I urge you to take this with a grain of salt, as my knowledge isn’t exactly where I’d like it to be and I’m not working off the biggest base.

For what it’s worth, I’ll throw up my ‘qualifications’ to make these views. My primary source was the Champs of which I saw the vast majority. My other first hand sources were watching the TAC Cup team that my younger brother played with from which I managed to get a look at most of the sides, and I saw the TAC Cup Grand Final. In addition, I have a close friend playing in the SANFL who has been a regular provider of information, as well as a few links to a WAFL club that I had a bit to do with a few years back.

I understand that I don’t know the kids inside out, but I at least have a general knowledge and from that, I have concocted the following.

 

[GoDons]

PRIORITY PICK
1. Carlton: Matthew Kreuzer RUCK/CHF 199cm 91kg Northern Knights
Kreuzer’s the obvious number 1 selection. Kreuzer’s the full package; he’s got good skills, good pace and magnificent fitness. It’s unclear if he’ll dominate with his tap work in the future, but he’ll certainly compensate around the ground. He’s got good leadership qualities and good desperation as well.
Best Available: Kreuzer Next in Line: Cotchin Smokey: Ebert Hopeful Slider: -

1ST ROUND
2. Richmond: Trent Cotchin MID/HFF 184 cm 81kg Northern Knights
At the end of the day, Richmond needs midfielders more desperately than flankers/wingman and that’s why I think they’ll go Cotchin over Morton, the other big contender. Trent’s very Deledio-like in that he’s got clean disposal, good pace (not quite at Brett’s level) and can play inside and out. He might take some time to make it as a permanent midfielder, but he’ll be a handy player in the mean time.
Best Available: Cotchin Next in Line: Morton Smokey: Palmer Hopeful Slider: Kreuzer
3. West Coast: Chris Masten MID 179cm 80kg East Fremantle
I think Morton’s the most talented player available here, but I think West Coast will look to more pure midfielders with the Judd and Cousins departures and Masten fits that bill more than Morton. In addition, his family doesn’t have a bad relationship with the club. Masten’s a very good inside midfielder that was the catalyst to WA’s attack in the Champs with his ball-winning ability. A keen West Coast fan, he’ll be happy to end up there.
Best Available: Morton Next in Line: Palmer Smokey: Myers Hopeful Slider: Kreuzer
4. Melbourne: Cale Morton MID/HBF 192cm 75kg Claremont
The Demons will no doubt pounce if Cale slips to them. Has the ability to end up a tall or a midfielder and he brings great skills to the table. Melbourne doesn’t have a wealth of young, outside midfielders coming through and Morton would be a handy addition to their squad.
Best Available: Morton Next in Line: Ebert Smokey: McEvoy Hopeful Slider: Kreuzer
5. Western Bulldogs: Lachie Henderson CHF/FF 196cm 90kg Geelong Falcons
It seems clear that the Bulldogs will go tall, and I believe Henderson leads the group of himself, McEvoy, Grant and Gourdis. Henderson stands 196cm which stands him as a bigger prospect than Grant and Gourdis and a big presence is what the Bulldogs need. He shakes McEvoy in that he is quicker and more athletic, I can’t see McEvoy ever being a CHF at AFL level.
Best Available: Ebert Next in Line: McEvoy Smokey: Grant Hopeful Slider: Kreuzer
6. Essendon: Brad Ebert MID/HFF 187cm 86kg Port Adelaide
I think Essendon will go for the best midfielder available and Ebert nudges out Palmer at pick 6. Ebert’s a very complete midfielder and that’s what I believe Essendon will chase. He stands at 187cm with good skills overhead with the ability to scrap in the midfield and the ability to receive with his good pace and skills. In addition, Ebert’s a natural leader. Palmer’s right boot and tendency to play receiver are what nudges him out and Myers, who is a good chance, just isn’t a sure thing midfielder yet.
Best Available: Ebert Next in Line: Palmer Smokey: Rance Hopeful Slider: Cotchin
7. Fremantle: Rhys Palmer MID/HFF 180cm 76kg East Fremantle
I can’t see Fremantle overlooking the local midfield prospect. Palmer’s got a real x-factor about him and he absolutely dominated the Champs and then followed that with excellent form in the WAFL. Will no doubt develop his right foot kicking further and should become well rounded as he progresses. He’s ready for AFL football. Myers was the other in the ball park, but Palmer seems to fit the Dockers’ bill that bit better.
Best Available: Palmer Next in Line: Myers Smokey: Grimes Hopeful Slider: Morton
8. Brisbane: Cyril Rioli MID/FP 178cm 74kg St. Marys
It came down to Rioli and Myers and I think Cyril nudges Myers in that he’s got a bit more x-factor about him. He joins the Lions’ wealth of young Indigenous players and should eventually become a midfielder. He’s certainly more than just a small forward as some suggest.
Best Available: Rioli Next in Line: Myers Smokey: Grimes Hopeful Slider: Morton
9. St. Kilda: Ben McEvoy RUCK/FF 199cm 90kg Murray Bushrangers
Contrary to popular belief, I think McEvoy will end up a ruckman. Played mainly as a forward for the Bushrangers but they were blessed with a wealth of ruckmen and McEvoy was of more value to them as a forward. The big guy lacks a bit of pace but has excellent skills and should make it as a goal kicking ruckman.
Best Available: McEvoy Next in Line: Rance Smokey: Grant Hopeful Slider: Henderson
10. Adelaide: David Myers HBF/MID 190cm 85kg Perth
He’s a really classy prospect. He’s got great skills and a good football brain. He shapes as the obvious selection here and the Crows would be very happy to pounce. With not too many young midfielders/running defenders coming through, Myers fills an obvious gap. He may not become a pure midfielder, but will be handy off a flank nonetheless.
Best Available: Myers Next in Line: Rance Smokey: Veszpremi Hopeful Slider: Ebert
11. Sydney: Alex Rance FB/CHB 194cm 87kg Swan Districts
This pick was a weigh up between Rance, Grant and Gourdis and it was Rance that got the nod. I am convinced the Swans will go for a tall defender at some point in the draft given that Roberts-Thomson is just about their only young one coming through. Rance is a good tall defender who was exceptional for WA as a Full Back. He’s got good skills and a reasonable attacking streak to his game.
Best Available: Rance Next in Line: Grant Smokey: Collier Hopeful Slider: McEvoy
12. Hawthorn: Addam Maric FP/MID 179cm 80kg Calder Cannons
I think the Hawks will look for a smaller, classy player if Rance is gone by pick 12. Maric could come in and have immediate impact crumming off the hands of Franklin, Roughead and Boyle and, along with Williams, would add another dimension to Hawthorn’s forward line. He’s just about got the best skills in the draft and has dominated junior football.
Best Available: Grimes Next in Line: Collier Smokey: Collier Hopeful Slider: Myers
13. West Coast: Jack Grimes MID/HBF 187cm 76kg Northern Knights
One assumes that West Coast will look for midfielders and Grimes, to me, is the best available at pick 13. He’s got some real grunt about him but he brings reasonable skills to the table at the same time. He’s got some good size about him as well. West Coast would be digging in to the junior leaders if they were to take Masten and Grimes, the captains of WA and Vic Metro respectively.
Best Available: Grimes Next in Line: Grant Smokey: Bellchambers Hopeful Slider: Myers
14. Melbourne: Jarrad Grant CHF/FF 191cm 77kg Dandenong Stingrays
Having gone with a midfielder/flanker with pick 4, it seems natural that Melbourne will chase a key position to player to replace their diminishing stocks. It’s a weigh up between Grant and Gourdis and I feel that Grant is a little higher rated amongst recruiters. He’s got good hands and good speed and the potential to become a top forward.
Best Available: Veszpremi Next in Line: Gourdis Smokey: Pears Hopeful Slider: Rance
15. Kangaroos: Dave Gourdis CHF/FF 193cm 88kg Subiaco
With virtually no young key forwards coming through, it seems that they’ll definitely be looking to address that in this year’s draft. They’d be very happy to get Gourdis who comes with tremendous speed and skill below the knees. He and Hansen could become a formidable CHF/CHB combination in years to come.
Best Available: Veszpremi Next in Line: Collier Smokey: Pears Hopeful Slider: Grimes
16. Port Adelaide: Patrick Veszpremi MID/BP 183cm 83kg Northern Knights
Port will probably be pretty disappointed to have all of Gourdis, Grant, Henderson and McEvoy gone by pick 16, but Veszpremi will add hardness to a side that seemed to have virtually none on Grand Final day. Veszpremi leaves no rock unturned in his pursuit of the ball and could come in as a handy back pocket in 2008. He should end up a midfielder.
Best Available: Veszpremi Next in Line: Selwood Smokey: Greenwood Hopeful Slider: Grant
17. Geelong: Tom Collier CHB/MID 192cm 86kg Tasmania
I expect that the Cats will look for a key defender to back up their slightly small stocks. Collier could just as easily end up a midfielder, but is still more of a CHB at 192cm. Had very good carnival with Tasmania and a good season in the VFL which I expect will make him attractive to the Cats. I expect the Cats to overlook Pears for Collier on the basis that Collier’s taller and more proven.
Best Available: Collier Next in Line: Selwood Smokey: Gaertner Hopeful Slider: -

 

[GoDons]

PRIORITY PICK
18. Richmond: Thomas Bellchambers RUCK 199cm 91kg Northern Bombers
Given Richmond’s ruck crisis, I think they’ll have a punt on Tom Bellchambers here. Bellchambers’ tap work is probably the best in this draft and it this that should get him up the list. Draft Camp displayed his lack of fitness, and I’m sure that clubs would look at that and possibly put his apparent lack of mobility down to it; we all saw what happened when Hamish McIntosh got fit.
Best Available: Selwood Next in Line: Pears Smokey: Gaertner Hopeful Slider: Collier

2ND ROUND
19. Western Bulldogs: Scott Selwood HBF/MID 184cm 81kg Bendigo Pioneers
Whilst he doesn’t have anywhere near the talent of Joel, Scott Selwood is still a good prospect. He’s hard as nails which is a missing quantity amongst the young Bulldog backs with Griffen likely to move into the midfield. In addition, he could be a handy supplier for the likes of Cooney and Giansiracusa. He nudges McGinnity as he’s more than a negator and, whilst the Bulldogs have said they’ll look for talls with 5 and 19, there just doesn’t seem to be any around that are good enough here.
Best Available: Selwood Next in Line: McGinnity Smokey: Gaertner Hopeful Slider: Gourdis
20. West Coast: Patrick McGinnity MID/HBF 182cm 75kg Claremont
Patrick McGinnity should not be underestimated. I can’t see him becoming too much more than a good run-with player, but he should make it as a solid AFL footballer and come this point in the draft, that’ll be a healthy contribution. He nudges Pears for this spot as I think the Eagles will look for midfielders and he adds another dimension on top of Grimes and Cotchin. He sticks to his men like glue, just ask Trent Cotchin.
Best Available: McGinnity Next in Line: Pears Smokey: Gaertner Hopeful Slider: Veszpremi
21. Melbourne: Tayte Pears CHB/FB 192cm 90kg East Perth
Pears is a good prospect and his drafting will add to Melbourne’s short tall defender stocks. Pears provides very good counterattack from defense whilst still being sufficient in marking contests. His lack of height may be an issue, but he’s bottom-aged and the Demons should gamble on him growing. He edges out Steven Gaertner on the basis that, as a footballer, he’s less of an unknown quantity whilst still having plenty of talent.
Best Available:Greenwood Next in Line: Gaertner Smokey: S. Simpson Hopeful Slider: Collier
22. West Coast: Callan Ward MID/HFF 183cm 71kg Western Jets
I think West Coast will look for midfielders and Callan Ward caps off the list of 4. He came on in leaps and bounds this year, and given he’s still bottom-age; I think recruiters will see plenty more improvement in him. However, he is still a bit of an unknown quantity and it is this that will push him down the list some way in my opinion. He’s improving, but he’s still a fair way behind the top prospects. I think he’ll end up ahead of the likes of Greenwood and Geartner on the basis that he has more midfield potential than Greenwood and that West Coast already have players like Gaertner in Schofield, Houlihan and Thomson. His best attribute would no doubt be his skills.
Best Available:Greenwood Next in Line: Gaertner Smokey: Notte Hopeful Slider: Bellchambers
23. Essendon: Levi Greenwood BP/HBF 181cm 91kg Port Adelaide
There are many varying opinions of Levi, but I rate him highly. With Mark Johnson gone and Henry Slattery tagging through the midfield, Essendon is all of a sudden short of shutdown back pockets, Levi fits that bill. Greenwood possesses great hardness at the ball, has good skills overhead that make him well placed to play on medium forwards in the Brad Ebert mould and on top of that, isn’t too slow.
Best Available:Greenwood Next in Line: Gaertner Smokey: Reid Hopeful Slider: Selwood
24. Fremantle: Aaron Joseph MID 178cm 75kg Glenorchy
Fremantle will no doubt be looking to rebuild their midfield and, along with Palmer, Joseph will take them a long way. He lacks height, but he reads the play well, has reasonable skills, goes in hard and really takes the game on like he did in the Champs. Given the success of Peter Bell, Fremantle shouldn’t shy away from him on the basis of height. I think he’s underrated on here.
Best Available: Gaertner Next in Line: Gaertner Smokey: Reid Hopeful Slider: McGinnity
25. Brisbane: Steven Gaertner CHB/CHF 196cm 83kg Dandenong Stingrays
Gaertner’s a great athlete with good height that can play back and forward. Whilst the Lions intend to go for a midfielder with pick 8, I think they’ll look for a tall here. Brown and Clark look a great key forward team in the future, but beyond them, young forward stocks are thin. Merrett seems a lock at FB for the future, but CHB is a long way from being set in stone. As Gaertner’s football brain matures, he could really dominate AFL football and it is because of this that I don’t think the Lions will look past him.
Best Available: Gaertner Next in Line: S. Simpson Smokey: Reid Hopeful Slider: Pears
26. Sydney: Scott Simpson FF/CHF 194cm 91kg Dandenong Stingrays
Given Sydney’s depleted tall stocks, it wouldn’t surprise me if they looked to secure a key forward and a key defender with their first two picks in the draft. Simpson’s got super hands and a reasonable leap that will no doubt make him an appealing proposition. He’s had some super games of the last 2 years, but been inconsistent at times as well. It’s unclear how far he’ll go, but he has good potential and could play a variety of roles in the forward line.
Best Available: S. Simpson Next in Line: Tarrant Smokey: D. Simpson Hopeful Slider: Gaertner
27. Adelaide: Robbie Tarrant FF 196cm 92kg Bendigo Pioneers
I’m a big fan of Robbie, even if he is a bit one positional. He loves to sit at Full Forward and manhandle his opponents and, whilst it would seem that this style is being phased out, he does it remarkably well. He could well be a dominate presence in Adelaide’s forward line and it is this that will make him an attractive option. He nudges Tony Notte on the basis that it si clear that he’ll hold down a key position, rather than possibly only becoming a third tall option. His biggest kicking would be his on and off kicking for goal.
Best Available: Tarrant Next in Line: Notte Smokey: Browne Hopeful Slider: Greenwood
28. Port Adelaide: Tony Notte CHF/FF 194cm 70kg Swan Districts
Tony could end up going much higher than this because he is very talented, but he could also find him further down the order because his physique resembles that of a twig. Port are desperate for key forward depth with Tredrea’s coming departure and Notte would go some distance to ease the strain. He’s easily the best KP forward available here.
Best Available: Notte Next in Line: Mulligan Smokey: Mulligan Hopeful Slider: S. Simpson
29. Hawthorn: Dan McKenna CHB/CHF 194cm 82kg Gippsland Power
Gilham and Dawson are Hawthorn’s only young KP defenders and it is that that makes it necessary that the Hawks look to add to those having stocks. Having missed out on Rance at pick 12, pick 29 is where they must pursue one and McKenna is the best on offer. He’s still got some way to go before he’ll be ready, but Hawthorn have enough depth in their older players to give him that time. He’s spent time up forward, but, in my mind, it’s no secret that he’s best suited to being a defender. He’s got some good pace about him.
Best Available: Reid Next in Line: Reid Smokey: Dangerfield Hopeful Slider: Gaertner
30. Adelaide: Sam Reid MID/HFF 185cm 75kg Zillmere
His disappointing performance at the Champs will probably push him down the order some way, as will the need for KPP for clubs around the 25-30 mark but that doesn’t mean he lacks ability. He’s a classy receiver but is also handy in close. He should become a good AFL midfielder that can play in a variety of roles.
Best Available: Reid Next in Line: Browne Smokey: McNamara Hopeful Slider: -
31. Collingwood: Dawson Simpson RUCK 207cm 97kg Murray Bushrangers
Dawson is ridiculously tall, and it is this that will push him right up the draft order. He came on in leaps and bounds with Murray this year, and given Collingwood’s lack of ruck depth he’s a good target for them. Dawson will probably take a lot of time, but Fraser and Wood should be good enough to hold the fort while Collingwood wait. Once he’s developed, an older Josh Fraser may finally be able to spend some more time up forward.
Best Available: Browne Next in Line: Mulligan Smokey: De Boer Hopeful Slider: -
32. Kangaroos: Steven Browne BP/HBF 181cm 74kg West Perth
Browne is not only hard at it, but he’s got excellent skills and it is that that makes him a typical Kangaroos favourite. He should come in and start where the likes of Glenn Archer left off, not that I’m saying he’ll be that good. His pace isn’t too bad which adds to his appeal. It came down to he or Dangerfield, and I pretty much chose arbitrarily, but Browne did seem like more of the Kangaroos’ type.
Best Available: Browne Next in Line: Dangerfield Smokey: Normington Hopeful Slider: Reid
33. Port Adelaide: James Mulligan RUCK/FF 201cm 96kg Southport
Whilst being a continual let down, James has got talent, athleticism and size. Having gone with Notte at pick 28, Mulligan shapes as the perfect player to complement him as a forward. In addition, at 201cm, he could be the one to take over from Brendan Lade given that Deluca, Minson and Giles haven’t progressed very rapidly. Given Port want talls, Mulligan was the only one I saw as fit to go at pick 33.
Best Available: Dangerfield Next in Line: Dangerfield Smokey: De Boer Hopeful Slider: D. Simpson
34. Geelong: Patrick Dangerfield BP/MID 188cm 80kg Geelong Falcons
Dangerfield may not be the exact player that Geelong want given they have Rooke, Enright and Mackie who can all play similar roles, but he shapes as the best available and, in addition to that, he’s a Geelong Falcons boy. He’s got very clean disposal, good height for his position and good tenacity about him. He’ll most likely end up a rebounding defender, but could also become a Joel Corey-like midfielder.
Best Available: Dangerfield Next in Line: McNamara Smokey: Otten Hopeful Slider: Reid

 

[GoDons]

3RD ROUND
35. Western Bulldogs: Tom McNamara HBF/HFF 189cm 84kg South Adelaide
Given a lack of quality talls around here, I think the Bulldogs will look for a classy midfielder having taken Selwood at pick 19 and Henderson at pick 5. Motlop may be the best on offer, but having taken Lynch, Hill and Stack last year, I think the Bulldogs will look for a slightly different type of midfielder and McNamara is the next best in my mind. He’s a very creative player as well as being very athletic. Has played mainly off a back flank up until this point, but he should be made into a midfielder.
Best Available: Motlop Next in Line: Sampey Smokey: Sampey Hopeful Slider: Dangerfield
36. Carlton: Marlon Motlop MID/FP 181cm 76kg Wanderers
Whilst Carlton have Betts, they do have fairly slow forward line and this is something that Motlop could help with immediately. They did recruit Clinton Benjamin last year, but I see him being better suited to a wing, or even a back flank. I think Motlop will eventually become a midfielder and he would bring yet another element to the Judd, Murphy, Gibbs and Stevens combination.
Best Available: Motlop Next in Line: Whitecross Smokey: Whitecross Hopeful Slider: Browne
37. Kangaroos: Ryan Normington MID/HBF 186cm 76kg Murray Bushrangers
Whilst he may not have followed up his performances in the U/16s with good performances in the U/18s, Normington remains a good prospect. Prior the Champs, he was a top 10-15 chance and guys like that don’t drop that dramatically. His TAC Cup form wasn’t the best, but his obvious potential as a classy midfielder was still apparent. He shakes Whitecross for this selection as the Roos took Browne with pick 32 and De Boer as he has better midfield prospects.
Best Available: Whitecross Next in Line: De Boer Smokey: Arrowsmith Hopeful Slider: Dangerfield
38. Adelaide: James Wundke CHB/CHF 196cm 87kg North Adelaide
Wundke’s a very interesting prospect. He could very easily not go at all, but at the same time, could end up going higher than this. Adelaide don’t have a heap of really young KP defenders and it is this that makes me feel as those they’ll look at Wundke closely. He has an AIS scholarship which will no doubt work in his favour and has good size about him, vertically at least. With not a heap of talented KP defenders around here, I think Adelaide will look to the local boy.
Best Available: Whitecross Next in Line: Whitecross Smokey: Kangars Hopeful Slider: McNamara
39. Essendon: Darcy Daniher CHB/CHF 192cm 89kg Calder Cannons
I think Essendon have done very well with Darcy, I think he’s a good player. He gives great effort to every contest he’s involved in and is very good at getting his hands to the ball. He may not be suited to being more than a just a third tall and that’s a weakness, but I think he’ll make a fine defender for the Bombers.
Best Available: Daniher Next in Line: - Smokey: - Hopeful Slider: -
40. Fremantle: Matthew De Boer MID/HBF 185cm 81kg Claremont
Whilst I think Whitecross is the best available, I think Fremantle will favour local boys and that’s why I think they’ll look at De Boer. He was very much the unsung cog in WA’s midfield but was still very important all the same. He may start a smaller defender type, but I have confidence that he’ll one day be a midfielder. Either way, I think he’ll be a good get for Fremantle.
Best Available: Whitecross Next in Line: Whitecross Smokey: Arrowsmith Hopeful Slider: Motlop
41. Brisbane: Brendan Whitecross HBF/MID 182cm 79kg Zillmere
Brisbane may have taken some guys slightly earlier than expected in the past on the basis that they’re Queenslanders, but taking Whitecross at 41 would be a good deal, for anyone. The local lad has an AIS scholarship to his name and in addition, has a real spark about him. He’s best suited to a role out of the backline for mine, and with the retirement of Chris Johnson, they might be finding a replacement for him in Whitecross.
Best Available: Whitecross Next in Line: Farmer Smokey: Hall Hopeful Slider: -
42. St. Kilda: Mitch Farmer BP/MID 179cm 79kg Calder Cannons
The Calder captain could be considered to have slid if he gets to pick 42, yet, I think that’s where he’s going to go. He was a class mover for Vic Metro out of the backline, and then became a good contributor for Calder in the midfield laster in the season. Given that they delisted McQualter and kept Attard on the rookie list, St. Kilda could do with another small defender/tagger, and Framer fills that void. St. Kilda may look for another tall here, but a midfielder will still be on the cards no doubt.
Best Available: Farmer Next in Line: Sampey Smokey: Gartlett Hopeful Slider: Whitecross
43. Western Bulldogs: Luke Sampey FF/CHF 191cm 91kg East Perth
With virtually no tall forwards on their list, one would expect the Bulldogs to target that area strongly and, having grabbed Henderson as a pure CHF with pick 5, they grab Sampey, a pure FF, with pick 43. Sampey looked good for WA in the Champs whilst not kicking big bags of goals, and the Bulldogs will hope that he can become a key member of their team. The only other option here was Andy Otten, but he’s far less of a certainty to become a key forward in the future.
Best Available: Sampey Next in Line: Otten Smokey: Sullivan Hopeful Slider: -
44. Geelong: Andy Otten HFF/HBF 192cm 86kg Oakleigh Chargers
Geelong have done will in grabbing Otten here. He was Oakleigh’s best player bya street and he shapes as a handy third tall, whether that be in defense or up forward. Otten could well become the third weapon alongside a future tall forward combination of Hawkins and Ablett. I could imagine Geelong looking for another runner here, but midfielders aren’t as desperately needed by the Cats. Kangars is another option as he is a Geelong boy, but I think Otten is a better option and has more forward potential.
Best Available: Arrowsmith Next in Line: Kangars Smokey: Smouha Hopeful Slider: Whitecross
45. Hawthorn: Ashley Arrowsmith MID/HBF 188cm 82kg Calder Cannons
Arrowsmith dominated the TAC Cup Grand Final and that may boost his value as he had a relatively disappointing carnival. Hawthorn will probably look a few more runners to go with their tremendous inside ball-winners and Arrowsmith fits that bill. He’s potentially a wingman and he and Clinton Young could forge a fine partnership down either wing. He nudges Jackson Hall on disposal.
Best Available: Arrowsmith Next in Line: Hall Smokey: Gartlett Hopeful Slider: Whitecross
46. Carlton: Chris Kangars CHB/FB 193cm 84kg Geelong Falcons
Despite having the freedom to move Setanta O’hAilpin back to the backline in 2008, Carlton are still a bit light on for tall KP defenders. The likes of Bower and Thornton seem better suited to being the third tall and it is unclear if Hartlett is ever going to make it. Michael Jamison is an okay prospect, but still didn’t do enough to get himself elevated. Kangars brings a very athletic aspect to the backline and could even be used as a HBF. He beats of Jackson Hall here because of his greater ability to play tall and Carlton’s host of wingmen.
Best Available: Kangars Next in Line: Hall Smokey: Mayne Hopeful Slider: Farmer
47. Collingwood: Jackson Hall HBF/MID 187cm 76kg Gippsland Power
Whilst not exactly the player Collingwood need as they have plenty of wingmen/flankers, Hall is easily the best available and couldn’t be overlooked. Hall brings very good decision making to the table, as well as reasonable speed and height for his position. His kicking is a bit of a worry, but I believe that that can be corrected.
Best Available: Hall Next in Line: Cook Smokey: Hockey Hopeful Slider: Arrowsmith
48. Western Bulldogs: Will Sullivan RUCK 202cm 95kg Western Jets
Will’s tap work is outstanding and I believe that places him as the next best ruckman available. He was very good for the Jets, and I think the Bulldogs will look to add another ruckman to their squad. As it stands, Minson and Skipper are their only young prospects for that position, and I think that serious question marks must be over Skipper’s ability to ruck. Not only is Sullivan a local boy, but he’s got great commitment to his football, his work rate is very good.
Best Available: Gartlett Next in Line: Smouha Smokey: Putt Hopeful Slider: Kangars
49. Geelong: Joel Smouha RUCK/CHB 196cm 80kg Mt.Gravatt
Smouha is a very convenient selection for Geelong. He provides potential ruck cover if West is never able to make the grade, but he also provides good versatility in that he can play key position as well. His great Draft Camp results demonstrated his brilliant athletic capacity and he’s got ability to match that.
Best Available: Gartlett Next in Line: Putt Smokey: Lobbe Hopeful Slider: Kangars

 

[GoDons]

4TH ROUND
50. Richmond: Cruize Gartlett FP/ HFF 170cm 72kg Perth
Having delisted Petersen and Krakouer, all of a sudden the Tigers’ small forward stocks need addressing. Having drafted Petersen last year, it’s obviously an area the Tigers want to look at, and I believe Gartlett is probably the best small forward on offer here. Western Australia have again produced an excitement machine in Gartlett, and his balance and skill will make him a crowd favourite.
Best Available: Gartlett Next in Line: Cook Smokey: Sandilands Hopeful Slider: Kangars
51. Brisbane: Myke Cook MID/HFF 182cm 76kg Sandringham Dragons
Cook goes hard at it, has good pace and solid decision making. It is those qualities that make him very hard to look over come draft day. He’s struggled with knee problems this year, but that shouldn’t affect his chances too much. Cook seems in the mould of what Brisbane are after as they have looked for pacy midfielders consistently throughout recent drafts. He shakes Hockey as he has a touch more class about him.
Best Available: Cook Next in Line: Hockey Smokey: Sandilands Hopeful Slider: -
52. Melbourne: Ashley Hockey MID 181cm 78kg Murray Bushrangers
With Melbourne having taken Morton, Grant and Pears so far, Hockey rounds off the set as the inside midfielder. I compare him a bit to Heath Hocking, for those of you who don’t know him, he’s not really outstanding in any one area, but isn’t weak in any one area either. I can’t see Hockey becoming a star, but he is solid and is a reasonable chance to make it as a 4th or 5th midfielder. I think he’s comfortably the best on offer here and Melbourne, having already taken two talls, will look for another young inside midfielder to go with McLean, Jones and Moloney.
Best Available: Hockey Next in Line: Mayne Smokey: Bowden Hopeful Slider: Cook
53. Essendon: Dean Putt RUCK/CHF 202cm 88kg Calder Cannons
I’m fairly convinced that Essendon will look for a project ruckman here. Putt’s the perfect mix for us. He could well end up a ruckman but would take time, and we’ve got that time for him but he also has the versatility to play forward or even on a wing. He stands at 202cm but still managed to run 2.88 in the 20m sprint. If he can escape being so placid in the ruck, he could well become a very good ruckman.
Best Available: Mayne Next in Line: Renton Smokey: Renton Hopeful Slider: Smouha
54. Fremantle: Chris Mayne HFF/MID 188cm 85kg Perth
Mayne has made a big impact in the WAFL displaying pace, skills and general toughness. He’s an older draftee that has no doubt helped him, but I don’t think his efforts will be lost on the WA clubs and Fremantle should be in a postion to pounce. ‘Chopper’ can play back, forward or the midfield which also helps his case. He shakes Sandilands on the basis that he’s more likely to play midfield.
Best Available: Mayne Next in Line: Sandilands Smokey: Bowden Hopeful Slider: Gartlett
55. Brisbane: Joseph Daye CHF/CHB 194cm 79kg Zillmere
Daye certainly doesn’t lack talent, or flair for that matter, but piecing it all together is difficult for him and he’s very much a one-sided player. Nonetheless, I think he’ll get picked up and I think Brisbane will keep him in Queensland. Daye shapes as an ideal 3rd forward option in my mind, and with Jared Brennan wanting to play on the wing, it could be Daye joining Mitch and Jonathan Brown in Brisbane’s future forward line. He shakes Sandilands on natural skill.
Best Available: Bowden Next in Line: Sandilands Smokey: Bowden Hopeful Slider: -
56. St. Kilda: Hugh Sandilands HBF/CHB 191cm 82kg Oakleigh Chargers
The general consensus is that he’ll be a 3rd tall or even a midfielder, but I think he’s got the potential to play as a KPP and it’s that that will make him appealing to the Saints. The Saints could be with more depth in their key defensive stocks, and Sandilands could potentially provide that. In addition, I hear that Hugh’s a pretty big Saints fan. Matthew Lobbe is the other option here, but he is a pretty similar player to McEvoy and a Sandilands player should be a higher priority.
Best Available: Bowden Next in Line: Lobbe Smokey: Lobbe Hopeful Slider: Hockey
57. Adelaide: Matthew Westhoff FF/CHF 197cm 83kg Central District
Given the success of Justin this year, I think a club will look at Matthew as they are very similar players. Matthew has been pretty reasonable in the SANFL, and Adelaide will no doubt have noticed this and, given their weak KP forward stocks, I think they’ll give Matthew a go. Matthew Lobbe would be another somewhat attractive prospect, but a local boy usually takes priority when things are relatively even.
Best Available: Bowden Next in Line: Lobbe Smokey: Lobbe Hopeful Slider: Putt
58. Sydney: Craig Bird MID 178cm 76kg NSW
Bird’s been a phenomenal junior, and it seems that Sydney are getting another high quality inside midfielder. He’s the traditional ball magnet and I expect him to translate that to AFL level. I think Sydney’s done well here.
Best Available: Bird Next in Line: - Smokey: - Hopeful Slider: -
59. Geelong: Adam Donohue MID/HFF 182cm 82kg Geelong Falcons
On talent, I don’t think Geelong would’ve picked Donohue, but clubs aren’t afraid to take risks on guys with good pedigree, and it has a history of coming off with guys like Nathan Ablett and Jobe Watson becoming promising players. Shapes as a solid back pocket type from what I’ve seen. He looks like a solid player with pretty good skills and good commitment.
Best Available: Bowden Next in Line: - Smokey: - Hopeful Slider: -
60. Collingwood: Jaxson Barham MID/HBF 181cm 74kg Geelong Falcons
Barham got better as the season went on, and, given his good pace and pedigree, Collingwood have taken a bit of a gamble. I expect him to take some time to develop and I wouldn’t expect him to be grabbing too many matches early on, but he could be something.
Best Available: Bowden Next in Line: - Smokey: - Hopeful Slider: -
61. Western Bulldogs: Jaye Bowden MID/HFF 184cm 74kg Glenorchy
Jaye Bowden’s a pretty good footballer and I think the Western Bulldogs will have done well if they get him here. He shapes as a biggish midfielder whilst at the same time he can cause problems up forward with his good skills overhead. Having taken plenty of talls already, I think the Western Bulldogs will for midfielder again. Haelen Kay would be his biggest rival here but Haelen’s lack of foot skills puts Bowden ahead.
Best Available: Bowden Next in Line: Kay Smokey: Lobbe Hopeful Slider: -

 

[GoDons]

5TH ROUND
62. Richmond: Pass
Richmond will keep a pick in the Pre-season draft and, because of this, will pass pick 62. I’d expect Guy Richards to be the player they select.
63. Carlton: Haelen Kay HFF/HBF 186CM 75KG Gippsland Power
It will be interesting to see of Carlton take this pick, but given the lack of talented Pre-season draft, something tells me they will. Haelen’s got all the tools but kicking and I think that Carlton will look to him as a future forward given that he presents pretty well but would also give a good go of locking the ball in. Lachie Hillwas the other I considered, but I think Kay is a better fit.
Best Available: Kay Next in Line: Hill Smokey: Chivers Hopeful Slider: Bowden
64. Melbourne: Lachie Hill MID/HFF 189cm 83kg Oakleigh Chargers
Hill is a modern footballer with pace and athleticism and I think Melbourne will look for those types pretty closely. Lachie will take some time and isn’t so much a natural footballer as some, but he’s certainly got some talent and a club will try and develop him. David Zaharakis was the other one I thought about, but Hill is bigger and that seems the direction that the game is headed. I thought about a ruckman as well, but I think Melbourne will try and back Johnson, Jamar and Meesen in for another year.
Best Available: Hill Next in Line: Zaharakis Smokey: Zaharakis Hopeful Slider: Bowden
65. Western Bulldogs: Pass
Whilst there is no obvious target in the Pre-season Draft for the Bulldogs, I do think they’ll keep pick 4 handy. I think Darren Pfeiffer could be the one they go for, that’s if Richmond pass up on him for Richards.
66. Essendon: Pass
Dodoro’s already said that Essendon will only use 4 selections, and given that, Essendon will pass up here and leave a pick for the Pre-season Draft. Ryley Dunn and David Trotter are two names to have been thrown up, with Dunn the more likely selection of the two.
67. Fremantle: Andrew Renton RUCK 202cm 94kg Eastern Ranges
Renton isn’t my favourite prospect as he seems like a guy that will become solid in the taps but won’t do anything around the ground. All the same, he was pretty good for Eastern and I think he’ll get picked up. Fremantle would make a good home for him as they don’t have any ruck depth behind Sandilands and Warnock. I considered Matthew Lobbe, but Renton was preferred at Eastern and I think clubs will do the same. I also gave some thought to Brent Connelly.
Best Available:Renton Next in Line: Lobbe Smokey: Connelly Hopeful Slider: -
68. St. Kilda: Matthew Lobbe CHB/CHF 197cm 80kg Eastern Ranges
Whilst he is similar to McEvoy, he is less of a ruckman and more of a CHF/CHB. He looks an okay prospect for either of those positions as he is a natural footballer, but one questions how much he can provide as he isn’t as rich in class as most AFL CHFs/CHBs. At worst, Lobbe will be a handy tall on the Saints’ list that could come in handy when Max Hudghton calls it a day. Glenn Chivers was the other player I ad in mind but he’s still very raw and I think the Saints, having already taken Sandilands, would want a more secure tall option.
Best Available: Lobbe Next in Line: Chivers Smokey: Chivers Hopeful Slider: -
69. Adelaide: Taylor Walker CHF/HFF 188cm 81kg NSW
Taylor is a good get for Adelaide in my opinion. The U/18 All-Australian player could well make it as a tall, but at the same time could end up a very useful tall flanker or pocket, which are positions that are growing in the game. He’s good good hands, a good kick and I like his awareness.
Best Available: Walker Next in Line: - Smokey: - Hopeful Slider: -

6TH ROUND
70. Melbourne: Pass
It seems that Melbourne are almost certainly going to pass and head into the Pre-season draft with pick 3. I think Ashley Sampi shapes as the most likely selection, but they could also look at a guys like Shane Valenti and Alistair Neville who are each training with them. Sampi is my bet.
71.Fremantle: Kepler Bradley CHF/HFF 199cm 100kg Essendon
It seems that Kep is almost certainly going to head into the National Draft, and in the end, I don’t think Fremantle will waste time by waiting till Pre-season draft, and will just select Bradley with the last selection in the draft. Bradley could be a handy addition to the Fremantle forward line in a support role to Pavlich and Tarrant, and would bring a new dimension.
Best Available: Zaharakis Next in Line: Dunn Smokey: - Hopeful Slider: -

Unlucky: David Zaharakis, Jared Petrenko, Jarrhan Jacky, Alistair Neville, Luke Stanton, Glenn Chivers, Brent Connelly, James Polkinghorne, Harry Croft, Shane Valenti, Guy O’Keefe, Rhyce Prismall, Travis Dulic, John McCarthy, David Hill, Sam Fairclough, Brett Meredith, Clayton Hinkley, Zane Murphy, Stefan Martin, David Ellard, Dayne Zorko, Simon Starling, Michael Dell’Aquilla, John Shaw

 

[bringbackschwarter5]

Imo, swap Gourdis with Grant for the Demons. And if we got Morton, Gourdis and Pears then i'd be over the moon. But heck if we still got Morton, Grant and Pears then i'd still be over the moon. Great Effort btw

 

[Merv]

Good work GD.

Funny how you have Essendon first 2 picks as SA boys and i have them as WA boys.

Essendon has lost the the love for the Vics

Good logic used and although everyone will have their own preferences, your rational is strong.

Well Done

PS, You don't worry at all about the PA go home to club factor?

 

[bomberlegend2007]

I think that Essendon will pick up Calib Mourish in the PSD

 

[sinepari]

Good effort mate, a lot of your selections beyond about 25 are similar to mine.

 

[Bachar_Houli]

very good draft...only have 1 problem. I don't see Myers going at 10. I believe he will go much earlier.

 

[richoatthedisco]

I hope you got it wrong with Richmond. Bellchambers at #18, for a pure tap ruckman is a little short at 199cm. I'd rather get Ward, Pears or Gaertner. With so many ruckmen in the draft i reckon we can afford to wait til our last pick or even rookie one. Also, we have picks #51 and 67, not 50 and 62 as you have it. i'd hope we delist one more and use pick 67. With big wraps on tom rockliff i'd love us to get him at 51.

 

[sinepari]

I hope you got it wrong with Richmond. Bellchambers at #18, for a pure tap ruckman is a little short at 199cm. I'd rather get Ward, Pears or Gaertner. With so many ruckmen in the draft i reckon we can afford to wait til our last pick or even rookie one. Also, we have picks #51 and 67, not 50 and 62 as you have it. i'd hope we delist one more and use pick 67. With big wraps on tom rockliff i'd love us to get him at 51.

He isn't 199

 

[Palmer Stoat]

He isn't 199

How tall is he? And if you know his actual height, why don't you just post it?

 

[08yearofthetiger]

I hope you got it wrong with Richmond. Bellchambers at #18, for a pure tap ruckman is a little short at 199cm. I'd rather get Ward, Pears or Gaertner. With so many ruckmen in the draft i reckon we can afford to wait til our last pick or even rookie one. Also, we have picks #51 and 67, not 50 and 62 as you have it. i'd hope we delist one more and use pick 67. With big wraps on tom rockliff i'd love us to get him at 51.

Totally agree at pick 18 we should get a
key back: Collier Pears Gaertner or
key forward: Grant Gourdis Simpson

At 51
TOM ROCKLIFF

 

[Silvagnis]

46. Carlton: Chris Kangars CHB/FB 193cm 84kg Geelong Falcons
Despite having the freedom to move Setanta O’hAilpin back to the backline in 2008, Carlton are still a bit light on for tall KP defenders. The likes of Bower and Thornton seem better suited to being the third tall and it is unclear if Hartlett is ever going to make it. Michael Jamison is an okay prospect, but still didn’t do enough to get himself elevated. Kangars brings a very athletic aspect to the backline and could even be used as a HBF. He beats of Jackson Hall here because of his greater ability to play tall and Carlton’s host of wingmen.
Best Available: Kangars Next in Line: Hall Smokey: Mayne Hopeful Slider: Farmer

Mark Austin, tall, brave, quick, good overhead, mobile, versatile and he can kick.

Your selection of a player like Motlop at 36 would be great if the real thing worked out that way.

And you've raised an interesting question about Carlton using our last pick, I think we will keep it open or play Jamison as the nominated rookie for 2008. Using a late selection when you have to give a kid you might not rate a two year contract is still a small risk.

We could get him in the rookie draft or even the PSD like Betts.

Do you have to give 18 year olds two years if you draft them in the PSD?

Signing a player like Cameron Cloke to a one year deal and giving them another chance wouldn't be a bad move.

 

[Prem87]

I would be rapt to get Masten, Grimes, Ward, Mcginnty. Thats 4 very classy tough midfielders there. Hopefully we can snare Cotchin instead of Masten to give us some more dynamic x-factor in the middle.

Great effort mate. well done.

 

[sinepari]

How tall is he? And if you know his actual height, why don't you just post it?

Because I don't know it officially but have been assured it's over 200cm.

I'm not going to post a bullshit figure.

 

[Hislop200]

That is great work mate thanks for putting in the time and effort.
Its great for someone like me that doesnt see a lot of junior footy to get and idea of what may happen come draft day. Cheers.

 

[The Teflon Dean]

Nice work, although doesn't North have pick 64?

You have drafted small/medium defenders with Norths 2rd and 3rd picks. We have an overabundance of these already. We need KPP's.

If Kangars is there at Pick 32, we would be mad not to take him.

Gourdis and Kangars would be a great draft for us.

 

[Bombers41]

Good work there! liking our picks. Any chance Dangerfield being picked up with pick 23?

 

[Quigley]

Because I don't know it officially but have been assured it's over 200cm.

I'm not going to post a bullshit figure.

In person I actually thought Bellchambers might be shorter than advertised. It would be interesting to see what he measured at.

 

[Ysaye]

Well done on a great effort GonDons.

I don't know if this is the way that the draft will go (It always tends to be a little different from what makes sense to me), but I found myself agreeing with nearly everything you said in your analysis as to why people would go where.

 

[GoDons]

Thanks for the positive feedback.

For those of you wondering why some of your team's later selections are a little higher, that's due to lsit vacancies. An example would be West Coast only having 4 list vacancies so they no longer have pick 54.

 

[GoDons]

Good work there! liking our picks. Any chance Dangerfield being picked up with pick 23?

I'm not into the hype about him as much as others, but there's some chance I suppose.

Personally, I'd prefer Greenwood or Browne, but there's no real way of knowing.