News Draft Prospects 2021

[TigermanM2]

Given that draftees can only sign 1 year contracts, St Kilda and Geelong have their work cut out for them to keep Essendon & Hawthorn from poaching Prespakis and Rowbottom
in hindsight it worked out better for us to draft Ellie McKenzie last year & pick one of Tara Slender, Stella Reid or Ella Friend this year
Less pressure on us as the 3 we have a choice on won't be on top of the two expansion teams wish list
Our Vic pick 3 this year has turned out to be a blessing in disguise
Any of the 3 players have huge upside to turn into valuable members of our team, without the immediate pressure of expansion teams sniffing around, get one of them into our club, become best friends for life with our players and we're winning games, no-one would want to leave

Yeah Stan, not sure what I was thinking, draftees will be on an 8 month contract which is the length of the season. Clubs can then sign them on 1 or 2 year contracts.

I think you hit the nail on the head with your last paragraph. I would even go so far as to say that the winning part is not as important as most people think it is. We won 0 games last year and all you heard from the players last year was how much they enjoyed being part of the club and spending time together. It was pretty genuine and its gone up another step this year. Bringing players like Cordner and Hosking has improved things greatly. These are the type of individuals that other players want to be around and quite a few on our team have spent chunks of time together since the season ended. Whether its at Dylan Grimes's Mt Macedon winery or at Courtney Wakefield's property at Top Hut they are forging some pretty strong relationships. Just imagine how good having the Hosking twins will be. They create an unbelievable sense of fun but know when to get serious and crack in.

I have no doubt that if we landed Prespakis or Rowbottom we would keep them long term. Geelong have a problem because geographically it means recruits may have to either relocate or travel. They also have another issue where a gun Geelong girl (Purcell) couldn't see herself getting the best out of herself at Geelong and left. Something smelly in that. Maybe Geelong going after, say, Slender wouldn't be a bad idea as she is a Bendigo girl so would have to relocate to play AFLW anyway. They don't seem to have playing mentors among their playing list like a Katie Brennan which is crucial. We have several. They did have Melissa Hickey who was a fantastic on field leader but could only last the one season.

 

[Stan Judkins]

Yeah Stan, not sure what I was thinking, draftees will be on an 8 month contract which is the length of the season. Clubs can then sign them on 1 or 2 year contracts.

I think you hit the nail on the head with your last paragraph. I would even go so far as to say that the winning part is not as important as most people think it is. We won 0 games last year and all you heard from the players last year was how much they enjoyed being part of the club and spending time together. It was pretty genuine and its gone up another step this year. Bringing players like Cordner and Hosking has improved things greatly. These are the type of individuals that other players want to be around and quite a few on our team have spent chunks of time together since the season ended. Whether its at Dylan Grimes's Mt Macedon winery or at Courtney Wakefield's property at Top Hut they are forging some pretty strong relationships. Just imagine how good having the Hosking twins will be. They create an unbelievable sense of fun but know when to get serious and crack in.

I have no doubt that if we landed Prespakis or Rowbottom we would keep them long term. Geelong have a problem because geographically it means recruits may have to either relocate or travel. They also have another issue where a gun Geelong girl (Purcell) couldn't see herself getting the best out of herself at Geelong and left. Something smelly in that. Maybe Geelong going after, say, Slender wouldn't be a bad idea as she is a Bendigo girl so would have to relocate to play AFLW anyway. They don't seem to have playing mentors among their playing list like a Katie Brennan which is crucial. We have several. They did have Melissa Hickey who was a fantastic on field leader but could only last the one season.

Beautifully written post TigermanM2
Agree with everything you've written about our club's culture & our retention ability
Yeah saw the Dylan Grimes's Mt Macedon winery & Courtney Wakefield's property at Top Hut get together's on instagram
Sophie M, Katie B, Monique C, Maddiy B, Sarah H, Jess H, Kodi J & Ellie McK all seem to be best friends, going out together
All the girls posting on each others social media, shows how happy they are & lots of love between them, which is great
Brooke Lochland from the Dogs seems to be hanging around with the girls alot, maybe we could get her to come over
Yeah Geelong have problems, but going say Slender/Friend over Prespakis/Rowbottom still doesn't help them i don't think in the long run, as you said they lack mentors, having Melissa Hickey only for a couple of seasons was a shame but she's doing great coaching Vic Country, maybe they could look to bring her back as that mentor/part time coach job
Interesting that Hickey was KB's partner for 4 years

 

[Stan Judkins]

Significant AFLW story
Charlie Rowbottom, widely acknowledged as one of best two Victorian players in draft, is strongly considering nominating Queensland where she would be taken pick 1 by Gold Coast
Rival clubs have been aware that the Suns have been working to secure top Victorian talent for quite some time, and with a deadline of Friday at 3pm, Rowbottom has not yet put in her nomination.
Womens.afl understands another potential top selection in Georgie Prespakis has submitted her nomination for Victoria, and if Rowbottom chooses to move to Queensland, the Suns will nab her with pick No.1.
WOW, this is not good for us if she does nominate QLD

 

[sanaya]

Significant AFLW story
Charlie Rowbottom, widely acknowledged as one of best two Victorian players in draft, is strongly considering nominating Queensland where she would be taken pick 1 by Gold Coast
Rival clubs have been aware that the Suns have been working to secure top Victorian talent for quite some time, and with a deadline of Friday at 3pm, Rowbottom has not yet put in her nomination.
Womens.afl understands another potential top selection in Georgie Prespakis has submitted her nomination for Victoria, and if Rowbottom chooses to move to Queensland, the Suns will nab her with pick No.1.
WOW, this is not good for us if she does nominate QLD

in before she goes to GWS to be near her brother in Sydney

but suns getting access to levi AND rowbottom would be huge

 

[Stan Judkins]

in before she goes to GWS to be near her brother in Sydney

but suns getting access to levi AND rowbottom would be huge

You mean Sydney when they come in?
Yeah Rowbottom & Levi will be huge for Suns, good luck to them
Jeez Cat's & Saints would be spewing, also Rowbottom mustn't think much of these 2 clubs if she's going to nominate QLD & go to the Suns
Anyway if she does nominate QLD, that 2nd Vic pick becomes a bit more blurred
I wonder who the Saint's will pick, Tara Slender, Stella Reid or Ella Friend? now that it looks certain the Cat's will pick Prespakis
Bit a curve ball for our pick now

 

[sanaya]

You mean Sydney when they come in?
Yeah Rowbottom & Levi will be huge for Suns, good luck to them
Jeez Cat's & Saints would be spewing, also Rowbottom mustn't think much of these 2 clubs if she's going to nominate QLD & go to the Suns
Anyway if she does nominate QLD, that 2nd Vic pick becomes a bit more blurred
I wonder who the Saint's will pick, Tara Slender, Stella Reid or Ella Friend? now that it looks certain the Cat's will pick Prespakis
Bit a curve ball for our pick now

Yeah, ultimately Sydney but since they're not in the competition yet I mentioned GWS, but the tweet does say she's strongly considering the Suns.

I'm still personally on the Slender train as I'd like to see us pick up a talented fwd that can sit behind KB and Wakefield, she will probably take some time to get adjusted to AFLW though her performances in the VFLW finals haven't been too great so wonder if that'll be taken in to account and see her fall to Geelong's priority picks. Hoping she can show better performances in the next final and possibly grand final. (plus she is only 17yrs old playing against mainly adults)

 

[TigermanM2]

Wow. Big blow for Saints if Rowbottom nominates QLD. Big difference between Rowbottom and next picks.

Not as big a deal for us as it seems not a massive amount of difference in talent between Slender, Reid and Friend. Slender maybe a better fit for us.

If this is how it pans out then well done Suns.

 

[Stan Judkins]

Wow. Big blow for Saints if Rowbottom nominates QLD. Big difference between Rowbottom and next picks.

Not as big a deal for us as it seems not a massive amount of difference in talent between Slender, Reid and Friend. Slender maybe a better fit for us.

If this is how it pans out then well done Suns.

Yeah big win for GC, big blow for Saints, but not a big deal for us if it goes that way
Slender & Friend are clones of each other, left foot KPP players that run thru midfield
If it goes down, i think Cats take Prespakis, Saints take Friend & we take Slender
Probably a blow to Cats as they won't take Friend & Ried with their 2 picks after us, probably Ried & Craven then
Bit of a knock on effect for Vic picks

 

[Stan Judkins]

Wow. Big blow for Saints if Rowbottom nominates QLD. Big difference between Rowbottom and next picks.

Not as big a deal for us as it seems not a massive amount of difference in talent between Slender, Reid and Friend. Slender maybe a better fit for us.

If this is how it pans out then well done Suns.

Significant AFLW story: Sarah Black
"GOLD Coast looks set to spring a surprise with its No.1 selection in the upcoming NAB AFLW Draft, with top Vic Metro talent Charlie Rowbottom officially nominating Queensland in the state-based process.
Womens.afl understands another potential top selection in Georgie Prespakis has submitted her nomination for Victoria, and now Rowbottom has nominated for Queensland, the Suns should nab her with pick No.1.
Rowbottom has a few family connections in the state, and having finished high school last year, is currently studying a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Melbourne.'"
Saints & Cats got shafted

 

[TigermanM2]

Significant AFLW story: Sarah Black
"GOLD Coast looks set to spring a surprise with its No.1 selection in the upcoming NAB AFLW Draft, with top Vic Metro talent Charlie Rowbottom officially nominating Queensland in the state-based process.
Womens.afl understands another potential top selection in Georgie Prespakis has submitted her nomination for Victoria, and now Rowbottom has nominated for Queensland, the Suns should nab her with pick No.1.
Rowbottom has a few family connections in the state, and having finished high school last year, is currently studying a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Melbourne.'"
Saints & Cats got shafted

Yep its happened. Saints would be bummed. How did Cats get shafted? They still get Prespakis.

 

[Stan Judkins]

Yep its happened. Saints would be bummed. How did Cats get shafted? They still get Prespakis.

There is a theory that Cats would pick Rowbottom for fear of G.Prespakis retention issue (Essendon definately coming for her)
But no choice now, they've said best talent available, no Rowbottom, so have to choose G.Prespakis
**** the Saints & Cats, Gold Coast took the opportunity whilst the other two clubs sat on their hands assuming it was tied up

 

[TigermanM2]

There is a theory that Cats would pick Rowbottom for fear of G.Prespakis retention issue (Essendon definately coming for her)
But no choice now, they've said best talent available, no Rowbottom, so have to choose G.Prespakis
fu** the Saints & Cats, Gold Coast took the opportunity whilst the other two clubs sat on their hands assuming it was tied up

Think the suns have been working on this a while.

Seems like Saints have been blindsided as its pretty hard to keep these things quiet and if they were told weeks ago by Rowbottom I'm sure we would have heard about it by now.

 

[Stan Judkins]

Think the suns have been working on this a while.

Seems like Saints have been blindsided as its pretty hard to keep these things quiet and if they were told weeks ago by Rowbottom I'm sure we would have heard about it by now.

Yep the Saints & the rest of Vic clubs sure were

Victorian clubs rocked as Suns pull off AFLW heist
"Victorian AFLW clubs have been rocked and left with noses somewhat out of joint after star junior Charlie Rowbottom decided to take her talents to the Gold Coast.
Powerful 178-centimetre midfielder Rowbottom, who along with Georgie Prespakis is widely viewed as one of the best two Victorian girls in this month’s AFLW draft pool, had long been expected to join Geelong or St Kilda with one of the first two picks in the state-based draft.
However Rowbottom weighed up a pitch from the Suns for her to nominate for the Queensland draft pool.
Players can choose which state they nominate for, given the part-time nature of the league.
Having met with Suns officials earlier in the week, Rowbottom nominated for Queensland ahead of Friday’s deadline.
She is almost certain to join the Suns as pick No.1 in the July 27 draft, with her nomination given the green light by the AFL.
Gold Coast claimed the wooden spoon earlier this year.
Well-placed sources indicated Victorian clubs had been somewhat blindsided by the move, which is essentially unprecedented in AFLW’s brief history.
All Victorian clubs will be affected, given the top junior talent has been taken from their draft pool.
Sources indicated the Suns’ pitch had involved the fact that Rowbottom is an avid surf life saver.
She also knows Gold Coast male young guns Matt Rowell and Noah Anderson through the Chargers, while her family is accustomed to having their children move interstate given James Rowbottom, Charlie’s older brother, plays for the Swans.
The Cats are tipped to take Prespakis, the sister of Carlton star Maddy, with their first pick.
Tess Craven is in contention to head to the Saints.
“If Charlie was to choose to nominate Queensland, we’d be really excited by that opportunity.
I think it also shows the competition is growing and maturing as well,” Suns women’s football chief Fiona McLarty said on Thursday.
“We’ve spoken to her and her family.”

 

[TigermanM2]

Yep the Saints & the rest of Vic clubs sure were

Victorian clubs rocked as Suns pull off AFLW heist
"Victorian AFLW clubs have been rocked and left with noses somewhat out of joint after star junior Charlie Rowbottom decided to take her talents to the Gold Coast.
Powerful 178-centimetre midfielder Rowbottom, who along with Georgie Prespakis is widely viewed as one of the best two Victorian girls in this month’s AFLW draft pool, had long been expected to join Geelong or St Kilda with one of the first two picks in the state-based draft.
However Rowbottom weighed up a pitch from the Suns for her to nominate for the Queensland draft pool.
Players can choose which state they nominate for, given the part-time nature of the league.
Having met with Suns officials earlier in the week, Rowbottom nominated for Queensland ahead of Friday’s deadline.
She is almost certain to join the Suns as pick No.1 in the July 27 draft, with her nomination given the green light by the AFL.
Gold Coast claimed the wooden spoon earlier this year.
Well-placed sources indicated Victorian clubs had been somewhat blindsided by the move, which is essentially unprecedented in AFLW’s brief history.
All Victorian clubs will be affected, given the top junior talent has been taken from their draft pool.
Sources indicated the Suns’ pitch had involved the fact that Rowbottom is an avid surf life saver.
She also knows Gold Coast male young guns Matt Rowell and Noah Anderson through the Chargers, while her family is accustomed to having their children move interstate given James Rowbottom, Charlie’s older brother, plays for the Swans.
The Cats are tipped to take Prespakis, the sister of Carlton star Maddy, with their first pick.
Tess Craven is in contention to head to the Saints.
“If Charlie was to choose to nominate Queensland, we’d be really excited by that opportunity.
I think it also shows the competition is growing and maturing as well,” Suns women’s football chief Fiona McLarty said on Thursday.
“We’ve spoken to her and her family.”

Certainly has the Jess Hoskings about this. Suns probably working on this for months and Charlie probably told them in the last few days which was when everyone else found out.

Not sure why people have their noses out of joint. Suns finished last didn’t they without a win. They are deserving of the top talent in the draft and they made it happen. Certainly deserving more so than StKilda

 

[TigermanM2]

Feel a bit sorry for Tara Slender who is probably a bit bummed out. Tiger supporter who’s chances to put the yellow and black on have lessened a bit.

 

[sanaya]

Feel a bit sorry for Tara Slender who is probably a bit bummed out. Tiger supporter who’s chances to put the yellow and black on have lessened a bit.

honestly probably helps her chances, more than her recent performances have anyway. don't think she would be stk's first choice after prespakis but who knows at this stage

 

[TigermanM2]

honestly probably helps her chances, more than her recent performances have anyway. don't think she would be stk's first choice after prespakis but who knows at this stage

Yeah don’t think they’ll be judging her VFLW games. A couple of late season games against players who have played the bulk of the VFLW season.

If St Kilda pass on her at pick 2 it will be on the back of her or someone else’s underage footy showing.

 

[Stan Judkins]

Feel a bit sorry for Tara Slender who is probably a bit bummed out. Tiger supporter who’s chances to put the yellow and black on have lessened a bit.

honestly probably helps her chances, more than her recent performances have anyway. don't think she would be stk's first choice after prespakis but who knows at this stage

Yeah don’t think they’ll be judging her VFLW games. A couple of late season games against players who have played the bulk of the VFLW season.

If St Kilda pass on her at pick 2 it will be on the back of her or someone else’s underage footy showing.

From the AFLW podcast Saints recruiter said "they have a need for speed & midfield depth coming into this year's NAB AFLW Draft."
If they want speed & midfield depth, that would be Stella Ried now that Rowbottom is gone

 

[Lord of the Wings]

Yep the Saints & the rest of Vic clubs sure were

Victorian clubs rocked as Suns pull off AFLW heist
"Victorian AFLW clubs have been rocked and left with noses somewhat out of joint after star junior Charlie Rowbottom decided to take her talents to the Gold Coast.
Powerful 178-centimetre midfielder Rowbottom, who along with Georgie Prespakis is widely viewed as one of the best two Victorian girls in this month’s AFLW draft pool, had long been expected to join Geelong or St Kilda with one of the first two picks in the state-based draft.
However Rowbottom weighed up a pitch from the Suns for her to nominate for the Queensland draft pool.
Players can choose which state they nominate for, given the part-time nature of the league.
Having met with Suns officials earlier in the week, Rowbottom nominated for Queensland ahead of Friday’s deadline.
She is almost certain to join the Suns as pick No.1 in the July 27 draft, with her nomination given the green light by the AFL.
Gold Coast claimed the wooden spoon earlier this year.
Well-placed sources indicated Victorian clubs had been somewhat blindsided by the move, which is essentially unprecedented in AFLW’s brief history.
All Victorian clubs will be affected, given the top junior talent has been taken from their draft pool.
Sources indicated the Suns’ pitch had involved the fact that Rowbottom is an avid surf life saver.
She also knows Gold Coast male young guns Matt Rowell and Noah Anderson through the Chargers, while her family is accustomed to having their children move interstate given James Rowbottom, Charlie’s older brother, plays for the Swans.
The Cats are tipped to take Prespakis, the sister of Carlton star Maddy, with their first pick.
Tess Craven is in contention to head to the Saints.
“If Charlie was to choose to nominate Queensland, we’d be really excited by that opportunity.
I think it also shows the competition is growing and maturing as well,” Suns women’s football chief Fiona McLarty said on Thursday.
“We’ve spoken to her and her family.”

What this tells me is that she didn't want to go to Geesook or the Sinners. She very likely has a sweetheart deal with one of the Victorian expansion clubs already. She'll go to Gold Coast for one year and then back to Melb due to 'homesickness' next year.

 

[Lord of the Wings]

From the AFLW podcast Saints recruiter said "they have a need for speed & midfield depth coming into this year's NAB AFLW Draft."
If they want speed & midfield depth, that would be Stella Ried now that Rowbottom is gone

Nope - Craven

 

[Lord of the Wings]

Eliza James rising late. Highlights look real good. Don’t be shocked

 

[Stan Judkins]

Eliza James rising late. Highlights look real good. Don’t be shocked

Yeah goes alright, has been invited to the draft combine, i'd probably look at her for our last 2 picks
A smart forward who is quick and agile and a strong linking player across half-forward and pushing into the midfield

 

[Lord of the Wings]

Yeah goes alright, has been invited to the draft combine, i'd probably look at her for our last 2 picks
A smart forward who is quick and agile and a strong linking player across half-forward and pushing into the midfield

Will go top 10

 

[Stan Judkins]

Will go top 10

In Vic region? maybe
but i see her as a 2nd rounder at the earliest

 

[TigermanM2]

Eliza James

Height168cm
Current Team Collingwood VFLW, Vic Metro Girls
BirthdayOctober 1, 2003

PROFILE
2021 Oakleigh Chargers premiership player Eliza James is a versatile prospect who can hurt the opposition in a variety of ways. The midfielder-forward has been a staple in her region’s squad for three seasons, providing a physical presence around the ball and constant goal threat to each game she plays. James returned a strong top-age campaign this year, earning Vic Metro honours and going on to crack Collingwood’s undefeated VFLW side in the lead-up to finals.

STRENGTHS:

• Agility
• Speed
• Strength
• Versatility
• Scoreboard impact

KEY IMPROVEMENT:

• Finishing

Oakleigh is a region noted for its squad dynamism, and James’ magnet is one which has shifted around the whiteboard across three solid NAB League seasons. Having initially cut her teeth as a forward, James enjoyed a shift into midfield during the first half of 2021, before freeing up others to roll through there as she rejoined the front six. Her best traits lend to both roles, proving big ticks for her versatility, selflessness, and ability to adapt.
While on-ball, James proved a capable ball winner at the contest by going full tilt at both ball and carrier. She would often burst away with her explosive turn of speed, generating useful momentum from the inside to the outer. When thrust forward, she presented as a viable marking target and brought the same attack at ground level, helping manufacture a diverse variety of chances on goal.
James’ most significant improvement areas revolve largely around her disposal. While she booted 12 goals across 21 NAB League games over the last three years, the 18-year-old could have had plenty more if for better finishing. Refining that ability to convert inside 50 will be a primary focus when employed as a forward, while sharpening her handling and kicking as a midfielder would also aid her ability to be even more damaging.
Overall, with her size and athletic acumen, James is a prospect with great potential. She can continue to add polish to her game, but offers plenty of upside as a midfielder who can hit the scoreboard and generate chances for others.

QUOTES
2021:
“Possessing good burst speed and agility, James showed her worth as a medium forward, but has some work to do with her finishing on goal. To her credit, James often looked to give the ball off to teammates inside 50 when she had it rather than blaze away, showing off a selfless approach that led to much of the Chargers’ attacking proficiency. Another Vic Metro representative, she was a key link up player in their fixtures.” – Declan Reeve via “2021 NAB League Girls season review: Oakleigh Chargers”

“A key figure in Metro’s forwardline, the usual midfielder showed nice signs of adjustment to her representative role. She used her strength in one-on-one situations to compete both aerially and at ground level, while also presenting well as a viable target. Having finished with four behinds from about a half-dozen attempts, it was a day of ‘almosts’ for James, but her work to create such opportunities was notable.” – Michael Alvaro via “Top Performers: 2021 AFLW U19s National Championships”

“Although she did not finish with the numbers of others, James was an important part of Oakleigh’s forwardline once more. She’s a powerful type who competes well aerially but also has natural ball winning nous given her time as a midfielder, making her a tough match-up. She proved as much with consistently strong presentation on the lead from half-forward, and some handy passages on the way back towards goal, which helped the Chargers link inside attacking 50. James later got a run in the midfield, having completed her initial job well.” – Michael Alvaro via “Top Performers: 2021 NAB League Girls Grand Final”

2020:
“A good size and capable of hitting the scoreboard, James is a damaging prospect. She showed in her two games this year how she has developed both her offensive and defensive traits, and even as an Under 16s player for the Chargers, stood up in nine games and booted five goals. As one of a number of Chargers who were able to provide support to the top-end talent this year, James is another leader in the group to standout in her own top-age year in 2021.” – Peter Williams via “2021 AFLW U18s Ones to Watch”