Draft Expert Chris25's Young Talent Time 2024

[Chris25]

''...I see him as a slow, unfit clearance winner with little versatility...and how much development is still to come?"

"...He isn't particularly quick, and although his kicking is solid, sometimes he can get under the ball a bit and not lower his eyes. Not sold on his versatility either, particularly going forward. He has shown some good signs linking up on the outside, but not sure he is quite using his size to it's full potential outside of the stoppages...''

''...a true big bodied inside midfielder - very strong at the stoppages, his clearance work is right up there with the best and he moves through traffic really quite well. Which is all great, but I feel as though he lacks a bit of hurt factor...''

- Chris25 on Patrick Cripps

9

Patrick Cripps

Age

29

Ht

195cm

Wt

93kg

Pos.

Mid

Career

Season

Last 5

D

25.9

5star

K

9.8

4star

HB

16.1

5star

M

3.4

3star

T

5.8

5star

CL

7.4

5star

D

21.0

5star

K

10.1

4star

HB

10.9

5star

M

2.5

3star

T

3.8

4star

CL

6.3

5star

D

12.6

4star

K

4.8

2star

HB

7.8

5star

M

2.0

3star

T

3.2

5star

CL

1.4

4star

, Young Talent Time 2013​

Sure, Cripps has won x2 Brownlow Medal's. He's a 4 time All Australian. And that's all great. But I wasn't necessarily wrong either...

Anyway, I'm back for a new year. I've been picking and choosing which games to watch more this year, haven't seen as much as previous seasons but I'm still across the draft enough for BigFooty standards. So far I've just been keeping myself to the Fremantle board but figured I may as well branch out eventually. So here it is, my top 50...

1. Levi Ashcroft (179cm mid, Brisbane)
2. Finn O'Sullivan (182cm mid, Vic Country)
3. Harvey Langford (191cm mid, Vic Country)
4. Xavier Lindsay (183cm mid, Vic Country)
5. Alix Tauru (193cm def, Vic Country)
6. Jagga Smith (182cm mid, Vic Metro)
7. Murphy Reid (181cm mid, Vic Metro)
8. Sid Draper (182cm mid, South Australia)
9. Joe Berry (181cm fwd, Vic Country)
10. Sam Lalor (188cm mid, Vic Country)

11. Leonardo Lombard (179cm mid, Gold Coast)
12. Josh Smillie (195cm mid, Vic Metro)
13. Tobie Travaglia (187cm def, Vic Country)
14. Harry Armstrong (195cm fwd, Vic Metro)
15. Hamish Davis (190cm fwd, Western Australia)
16. Harrison Oliver (181cm def, Vic Metro)
17. Luke Trainor (194cm def, Vic Metro)
18. Bo Allan (191cm def/mid, Western Australia)
19. Isaac Kako (176cm fwd, Vic Metro)
20. Taj Hotton (182cm mid/fwd, Vic Metro)

21. Jobe Shanahan (195cm fwd, Allies)
22. Angus Clarke (189cm def, South Australia)
23. Cooper Hynes (190cm fwd, Vic Country)
24. Tom Gross (181cm mid, Vic Metro)
25. Jesse Dattoli (179cm mid/fwd, Vic Metro)
26. Sam Marshall (185cm mid, Brisbane)
27. James Barrat (194cm def, Vic Country)
28. Christian Moraes (183cm mid, Vic Metro)
29. Jack Whitlock (200cm fwd, Vic Country)
30. Oliver Hannaford (180cm fwd, Vic Country)

31. Alex Dodson (201cm ruck, South Australia)
32. Noah Mraz (198cm def, Vic Country)
33. Jonty Faull (195cm fwd, Vic Country)
34. Kayle Gerreyn (199cm ruck/fwd, Western Australia)
35. Luke Urquhart (188cm mid, Western Australia)
36. Lachie Jacques (184cm def, Vic Country)
37. Matt Whitlock (198cm fwd/def, Vic Country)
38. Archer Day-Wicks (186cm, mid/fwd, Vic Country)
39. Ben Camporeale (186cm mid, South Australia)
40. Jaxon Artemis (187cm def/mid, Western Australia)

41. Lucas Camporeale (184cm mid, South Australia)
42. Ned Bowman (187cm fwd, South Australia)
43. Tom Sims (199cm fwd, Vic Country)
44. Logan Smith (204cm ruck, Allies)
45. Charlie Nicholls (197cm fwd, South Australia)
46. Hugh Boxshall (187cm mid, Western Australia)
47. Jasper Alger (183cm mid/fwd, Vic Country)
48. Zak Johnson (185cm mid, Vic Metro)
49. Rhys Unwin (178cm fwd, Vic Country)
50. Tyler Welsh (191cm fwd, South Australia)

 

[Chris25]

Overall, I do think it's a good draft. But as I've been saying on the Fremantle board, it is very even and I think it's best look at in terms of groupings. So someone might ask why Lombard or Smillie is so low, but realistically they could be right up the top just depending on how I feel on a particular day. But I do think it's so even because there aren't any truly elite prospects, just lots of really good ones and fairly similar ones at that - nobody has really separated from the pack. It's why someone like Tauru has shot up the draft order, the others have left it wide open and he just offers something different.

Personally, I have Ashcroft and O'Sullivan as the two best prospects. But then the next 12 (from Langford to Armstrong) are all about even for me. It's no surprise to me that clubs are keen to get into the mid first round, it looks like the first sweet spot in terms of value. I'd certainly be looking to trade back, just not sure finding someone wanting to go the other way will be so easy.

Then the second sweet spot I'd be targeting is the mid second round - particularly if I was after a KPP, I suspect a bunch will come off the board there. One of the benefits of it being a midfield heavy draft is that the second round will be flushed with talls, and some will likely prove bargains in the future - Shanahan, Barrat and Gerreyn would be the ones I'd target in that range.

I do think however that the draft is light on for midfielders outside of the top 10. Some will develop from other roles, but half backs and half forwards are the order of business come the second round and onwards. There's also a bunch of small forwards that I like who didn't end up making my list.

 

[LemmingMaster]

Overall, I do think it's a good draft. But as I've been saying on the Fremantle board, it is very even and I think it's best look at in terms of groupings. So someone might ask why Lombard or Smillie is so low, but realistically they could be right up the top just depending on how I feel on a particular day. But I do think it's so even because there aren't any truly elite prospects, just lots of really good ones and fairly similar ones at that - nobody has really separated from the pack. It's why someone like Tauru has shot up the draft order, the others have left it wide open and he just offers something different.

Personally, I have Ashcroft and O'Sullivan as the two best prospects. But then the next 12 (from Langford to Armstrong) are all about even for me. It's no surprise to me that clubs are keen to get into the mid first round, it looks like the first sweet spot in terms of value. I'd certainly be looking to trade back, just not sure finding someone wanting to go the other way will be so easy.

Then the second sweet spot I'd be targeting is the mid second round - particularly if I was after a KPP, I suspect a bunch will come off the board there. One of the benefits of it being a midfield heavy draft is that the second round will be flushed with talls, and some will likely prove bargains in the future - Shanahan, Barrat and Gerreyn would be the ones I'd target in that range.

I do think however that the draft is light on for midfielders outside of the top 10. Some will develop from other roles, but half backs and half forwards are the order of business come the second round and onwards. There's also a bunch of small forwards that I like who didn't end up making my list.

My personal favourite is Reid, there is a world where Reid could go anywhere from maybe 3-12.
If you're in need of a big bodied inside midfielder Smillie might be your guy.
Outside speed Draper is your guy.
Solid winger then maybe Lindsay is your guy.
Small forward Berry/Hannaford/Kako/


I completely agree with that ~20-40 range where KPP players become interesting.
Whitlocks, Sims, Shanahan, Faull, Gerreyn, (Maybe Trainor/Tauru)....

This is the most interesting draft I've seen for a very long time and every time I head down the rankings path, I can make arguments for a number of changes. If you're reading Chris's list and cannot believe Player X is 5-10 spots higher than Player Y, that could be just a matter of him looking at the draft with a Fremantle lense.

On the Carlton Board, I made a top 30 players with a Carlton lense and Smillie was massively down the list, a slowish inside midfielder is not what I feel we need. Maybe the Saints with their outside speed need an extractor and pick 7/8 is great for them.

 

[Mofra]

I'm a big Harvey Langford fan so like seeing you rate him at pick 3.
It sounds like even the professional recruiters have wildly different opinions about most of the kids this year, even many of the top picks.

 

[SSSSSS]

Man everytime I see Tauru rocket up the boards it hurts.

Hawks board were so happy earlier in the year as there were rumours he was part of our NGA but apparently not.

He's coming home with a bullet. Massive vertical.

 

[Chris25]

On the Carlton Board, I made a top 30 players with a Carlton lense and Smillie was massively down the list, a slowish inside midfielder is not what I feel we need. Maybe the Saints with their outside speed need an extractor and pick 7/8 is great for them.

Carlton does love a slow inside mid though.

Smillie is one I've had all over the place. I think I've settled on having him at the end of that top group. I probably wouldn't draft him, but I also can't not appreciate how high the potential there is for a 195cm mid who's strong on the inside.

I'm a big Harvey Langford fan so like seeing you rate him at pick 3.

No doubt some will view his testing as a big negative, but it was nothing unexpected and his performances have been as good as anyone. He's the most well rounded of that large group for me with his size, kicking, forward ability.

Man everytime I see Tauru rocket up the boards it hurts.

The positive of keeping my draft thread for later in the season is that I can just start with the late bolters high and it looks like I've always had them there.

My biggest weakness as a draft watcher over the years is that I get wedded to certain opinions on players. I'll stick to those who perform as underage players and am bullish on those who rise late. But Tauru's last month or so has been as good as anyone and he absolutely has a point of difference in this draft, something the top 15 or so is really lacking. It's hard to not be impressed. And a big positive is that he's performed in key roles, he's not just an athletically gifted utility.

 

[SteeleSaints]

The only consistent with the phantoms drafts is Levi Ashcroft, otherwise the same top 15 names come up but their ranking varies hugely. Then you have the players from 20 to 45 who could go anywhere in that group they are that even. Then you have another 20-30 players who could get picked that dont make the phantoms, its a remarkably deep and even draft year. The smarter clubs have worked their lists to have plenty of picks in this draft and they will be rewarded 10 fold for their smart management.

Richmond are luckiest the club in the world to have so many players wanting out this year, when the draft is so ridiculously good. I dont believe that was their intention, but it should mean that Toce` can set that club up for a quick rebuild ala the Hawks.

 

[Futbolista]

Very nice list mate. What an interesting draft. A recruiter could pull something out of the hat and be forever known as a genius.

 

[Chris25]

Richmond are luckiest the club in the world to have so many players wanting out this year, when the draft is so ridiculously good. I dont believe that was their intention, but it should mean that Toce` can set that club up for a quick rebuild ala the Hawks.

Richmond will certainly be the most interesting thing to watch. I'm slightly more confident since they've got a new recruiter after years of poor drafting, although that may be more an indictment on their development...

But anyway, the key for me will be bringing in a variety of players - and I'd advocate for straying from a purely best available strategy to do that. Go early on someone like Joe Berry. Take the ball winning mid you rate #1 and then balance that with a Travaglia or Lindsay. Don't just end up with a bunch of the same like Langford, Lalor, Smillie and Allan for example.

 

[RedmanWasHere]

WHELP!

Here we go again.

I know this is 2024 but your general thoughts on 2025 please.

This year I have some faves (Trainor, Lalor, Hotel Travaglia and Armstrong) but next year there are more names who I like.

Sharp, Annable, Addinsall, BOB, Rodriguez and Schubert.

Ludo's future's game didn't say "add me to your list" but Carmichael, Chamberlain and B. Kelly did.

Look forward to next month.

 

[Chris25]

I know this is 2024 but your general thoughts on 2025 please.

I have no thoughts. I’ll look at 2025 in 2025.

 

[tigs2010]

I'm slightly more confident since they've got a new recruiter after years of poor drafting,

Don't let the Eagles fans hear this.

Good list though. Thought you may have snuck some more SA blokes up the list. Apart from Clarke they're all lower than I expected.

 

[Chris25]

Good list though. Thought you may have snuck some more SA blokes up the list. Apart from Clarke they're all lower than I expected.

I did have a few of the SA boys higher initially, but with a little rejigging they tended to be the ones who dropped.

I'm pretty high on Angus Clarke. I rate him a top 5 kick in this draft, plus he ticks a lot of other boxes for a medium sized defender. From a defensive point of view, I think he's as good as any in the draft actually matched up on an opponent. And he looks to genuinely attack going the other way with his run. He compares very well to someone like Mason Redman at Essendon.

Charlie Nicholls is the one who dropped down for no real reason. I've had him as high as around 30 and he's certainly one I'd target in the second or third round. Even just looking at my list today, I'd have him right in the mix with Mraz, Faull and Gerreyn - guess it does point to the evenness. But a 197cm forward who can run and mark tends to stick around. And at the very least, I reckon he'll make a very good KPD.

Otherwise, I find the Camporeale's interesting. Mostly because I just don't think Ben is a need for Carlton at all, but I also don't see them not matching a bid with it likely being a bit later than initially thought. I've said it before but if I could only have one, I'd probably go for the value of Lucas. Better user of the ball and I think should develop nicely across half back.

If I was going to sneak another one onto my list, Jacob Newton would have been at #51. A name Fremantle fans will be familiar with as I've mentioned him a fair bit as a mid to late round small forward option. Just a good player in that half forward/pressure small position.

 

[Coona Blues]

I did have a few of the SA boys higher initially, but with a little rejigging they tended to be the ones who dropped.

I'm pretty high on Angus Clarke. I rate him a top 5 kick in this draft, plus he ticks a lot of other boxes for a medium sized defender. From a defensive point of view, I think he's as good as any in the draft actually matched up on an opponent. And he looks to genuinely attack going the other way with his run. He compares very well to someone like Mason Redman at Essendon.

Charlie Nicholls is the one who dropped down for no real reason. I've had him as high as around 30 and he's certainly one I'd target in the second or third round. Even just looking at my list today, I'd have him right in the mix with Mraz, Faull and Gerreyn - guess it does point to the evenness. But a 197cm forward who can run and mark tends to stick around. And at the very least, I reckon he'll make a very good KPD.

Otherwise, I find the Camporeale's interesting. Mostly because I just don't think Ben is a need for Carlton at all, but I also don't see them not matching a bid with it likely being a bit later than initially thought. I've said it before but if I could only have one, I'd probably go for the value of Lucas. Better user of the ball and I think should develop nicely across half back.

If I was going to sneak another one onto my list, Jacob Newton would have been at #51. A name Fremantle fans will be familiar with as I've mentioned him a fair bit as a mid to late round small forward option. Just a good player in that half forward/pressure small position.

Newton caught my eye with a couple of highlights in the championships, would be a travesty if he is not drafted. Thinking you are right with Lucas Campo, think he has been tanking a tiny bit. Ben is the one I think most have wrong. So many positive traits, not sure how quickly he finds a regular spot in our midfield given Vossy not being the best around to play the kids, but if Kennedy and Jack Carroll are gone as it seems, there will be game time relatively early.

Nicholls is a big watch. Loses nothing to most of the key position types in the draft if viewed pragmatically through non Viccentric glasses.

 

[Chris25]

Don't let the Eagles fans hear this.

Turns out drafting might not even be what Matt Clarke is worst at.

 

[Cleric]

Lalor is the one that I can see going one or two, especially if a team has multiple picks in the draft, like Richmond does.
His injuries are a concern, but he could be the next Patracca, and the one who will you might have to spend your life answering why you didn't draft him when you could have.

 

[WilloTree]

Lalor is the one that I can see going one or two, especially if a team has multiple picks in the draft, like Richmond does.
His injuries are a concern, but he could be the next Patracca, and the one who will you might have to spend your life answering why you didn't draft him when you could have.

I feel the same about Langdon.

 

[theGav56]

I feel the same about Langdon.

Who?

 

[WilloTree]

Who?

haha. Whoops. Langford.

Not Karl.

 

[theGav56]

haha. Whoops. Langford.

Not Karl.

Praise be!

 

[theGav56]

I'm trying to figure out what Fremantle do this draft.

I have a feeling the club will have a fairly narrow group of prospects at our first pick and will simply tick off on who is at the top of the shopping list.

For me that includes Travaglia, Berry, Lindsay and Allen. One or more should be there, but others could be

At our next pick, if we haven't grabbed Berry we could look for another forward -midfielder. Hannaford, Davis, Hynes.

But in terms of future proofing at some stage a Pearce replacement needs to be targeted, and Ollie Murphy may have the height but lacks the pace. If we took Whitlock the development timeframe could work well. Tasmania could even be a factor for Pearce.

Is there a universe where we opt for the most upside in areas of future need and take Davis and Whitlock? Provides weapons both forward/midfield and back.

 

[WilloTree]

At our next pick, if we haven't grabbed Berry we could look for another forward -midfielder. Hannaford, Davis, Hynes.

In my latest Phantom I had Freo take Hanniford at 17, Davis at 33 and Hayes at 58.

Great minds...

That Pick 17 was originally Berry, but I flipped to Dattoli, then Hannaford.

 

[theGav56]

In my latest Phantom I had Freo take Hanniford at 17, Davis at 33 and Hayes at 58.

Great minds...

That Pick 17 was originally Berry, but I flipped to Dattoli, then Hannaford.

Where is your phantom?

 

[WilloTree]

Where is your phantom?

I haven't posted it anywhere yet - I'm still tinkering with it. There's a fair bit of late mail flying around re guys like Tauru, Simms, Goss etc. I'll pop it in here just for fun though.

 

[RedmanWasHere]

Little correction.

Cody Curtin’s for next year.