Hi guys, this is my first attempt at a Phantom Draft so it may not be perfect but please comment and help me improve it. I have done detailed reports of every player in the first and second rounds but I am still adding profiles and it may take a little while. I have also included who I think challenges for the first two rounds.
Enjoy!
Round 1
GWS - No.1 – Jonathon Patton – KPF
Height: 197cm
Player comparison: Jonathon Brown
Range: 1-2
Profile: Patton is a dominant key forward who is physically very imposing and his contested marking is the real feature of his game. He kicks a lot of goals, has a nice long kick and is a real competitor. Would be ready to play almost straight away but like all key forwards would need a few years to start dominating. Was an All-Australian at the U18 Championships and booted the most goals of anyone at the carnival.
Why: GWS needs a real powerhouse forward and he’s the best forward in the draft. He is also probably the best player in the draft.
GWS - No.2 – Stephen Coniglio – Mid
Height: 182cm
Player Comparison: Marc Murphy
Range: 1-2
Profile: Coniglio is a very quick midfielder who can play inside and out and can have a big impact on the scoreboard. He is a big clearance winner who has a very high skill level. Can win his own ball or receive the ball and burst away from the pack with his explosive speed.
Why: Is definitely the best midfielder in the draft and is the only real challenge to Patton for the best player in the draft. Patton will likely be taken at No.1, but Coniglio would be just as deserving. He and Patton are certainties for GWS.
GWS – No.3 – Dom Tyson – Mid
Height: 186cm
Player comparison: Simon Black
Range: 3-6
Profile: Tyson was a real standout throughout the Championships and has soared up the rankings in a hurry. Said to be “a pure footballer” who doesn’t stand out athletically, but can play anywhere. Works really hard and has great endurance. His skill level is exceptional for an inside player and he is a really smart player. His decision making is also elite.
Why: It’s simple, GWS cannot pass him up. Will be a key part of a really exciting GWS midfield and is definitely deserving of a top three spot.
GWS – No.4 - Billy Longer – Ruck
Height: 202cm
Player comparison: Patrick Ryder
Range: 5-7
Profile: Longer is a ruckman with good pace for his size and he is very agile. He is definitely the best ruckman in the draft which he displayed at the Under 18 Championships. He is very strong in the air and can take a great contestant mark as well as being very good at ground level. Can push forward and be a very good marking target, so when he starts his career he will likely play forward and pinch-hit in the ruck. His kicking is an issue needs working on but that will come in time. He is also an excellent leader and he demonstrated that at the Under 18 Championships.
Why: It’s simple, GWS need ruckmen and he’s the best in the draft. When he’s not rucking he could also push forward which is a good bonus and is also future leadership material.
GWS – No.5 – Will Hoskin-Elliot – Mid/Fwd
Height: 182cm
Player comparison: Jared Brennan
Range: 5-8
Profile: Hoskin-Elliot is an exciting prospect who is a good reader of the play and a very clean player. Has really excellent pace, has great agility and he has big time x-factor which is why he is so dangerous. Tackles hard and can win his own ball, but he is best when he is running and linking up. Got an amazing 15.12 in the beep test, which highlights his fantastic endurance. His exceptional pace and amazing endurance mean he will be an even more sought after player.
Why: GWS don’t have any genuine outside midfielders who have great run & carry so this guy would be a good fit. He would complement the midfield on the wing and would even be able to rotate through the middle.
Port Adelaide – No.6 - Chad Wingard – Mid/Fwd
Height: 181cm
Player comparison: Alan Didak
Range: 3-6
Profile: Wingard is an elite left foot kick who has clean hands and big time x-factor. He is a classy player who can be very dangerous around goal and can play through the midfield and have an impact as well as pushing forward and being very dangerous. Has great pace, can jump ridiculously high (as demonstrated by his amazing jump at the draft combine) and he can take a screamer. A very good inside player and wins lots of contested footy. He is also a great leader and captained South Australia at the Under 18 Championships.
Why: Port Adelaide will be elated if they got Wingard. Wingard fits Port’s needs, as well as being easily the best available. Has big time x-factor as well as being a local lad. Good fit for the Power.
GWS – No.7 - Matthew Buntine – Def/Mid
Height: 188cm
Player comparison: Brendon Goddard
Range: 5-14
Profile: Buntine is a smart player with a beautiful kick on him and the ability to play as an attacking rebounder, an in-and-under midfielder or as a tagger. Had a poor carnival at the Under 18 Championships but he was injured at the time and when he did play he was used as a key defender which isn’t his best position. Has the ability to read the play and has the flexibility to play the role you need him to play. He is also an excellent leader and is another player who could be future captain material.
Why: This is more a best available selection, but GWS also probably need some rebounding backmen. He can rebound all day if he is played as a third tall or a loose man and when he gets settled he could push into midfield rotations.
Brisbane – No.8 – Adam Tomlinson – KPD/KPF
Height: 193cm
Player comparison: Nathan Bock
Range: 7-12
Profile: Tomlinson is a versatile KPP who can play as a forward or back and always have an impact. Provides good rebound from defence when played there and can do a job on a good key forward. Also has the ability to take a strong mark and kick a bag when played up forward. Very strong overhead and uses the ball well. Wasn’t great at the Under 18 Championships but the potential is there he might start his career as a forward and then when he gets settled push into the backline.
Why: Brisbane need to target talls after the loss of Mitch Clark, the retirement of Jamie Charman and the career of Jonathon Brown drawing to an end. There is only a slim chance this man will survive until their next pick at No.12 so if they want him they have to get him here.
GWS – No.9 – Todd Elton – KPF/Ruck/KPD
Height: 198cm
Player comparison: Drew Petrie
Range: 8-30
Profile: Elton is an athletic key forward or ruckman who can also play down back and have an impact. Moves really well for someone his size and is also very agile for someone of his size. Is very quick for his size, he has big leap on him and he’s a very good tackler for size. Below his knees is outstanding for his size, he has a nice kick on him and is a strong mark overhead. Has developed his strength since not being picked up by GWS in the zone picks last year but he needs to become more consistent. Had a poor Under 18 Championships but the potential is there.
Why: GWS is targetting talls. Elton is a big key position player who can play in several positions and have an impact; a handy bonus to have. They have a complete midfield so I don’t think they’ll go for a mid here.
GWS – No.10 – Fraser McInnes – KPD
Height: 194cm
Player comparison: Dustin Fletcher
Range: 10-20
Profile: McInnes is a key position player who could play in a variety of roles but I like him most as a key defender/third tall that plays a Dustin Fletcher type role. Has great potential, is a very strong mark overhead and is very agile and should fill out into a nice player. Has had some injury worries but looks like he can get past them. He is just a real quality talent who didn’t play in the Under 18 Championships but is climbing up the order in a hurry.
Why: GWS are now hunting for key position players. They’re forward line is set and now they will look at key defenders. McInnes has plenty of talent and in the future will be able to play a Dustin Fletcher like role or he could play as an attacking full back.
GWS – No.11 – Nic Haynes – Mid/Fwd
Height: 191cm
Player comparison: Chad Cornes (mid 2000’s)
Range: 20-30
Profile: Haynes is a tall wingman who can play forward and is a very strong mark overhead. His marking is probably the best feature of his game and this is why he has the ability to lay as a lead-up forward. His agility is great and he is quick and has nice endurance.
Why: GWS have a really good midfield already, and an excellent wingman in Hoskin-Elliot, but another winger would be a really great bonus. He also has the flexibility to play forward and have an impact.
Brisbane – No.12 – Liam Sumner – Mid
Height: 183cm
Player comparison: Brent Harvey
Range: 6-17
Profile: Sumner is one of the best outside midfielders in the draft and definitely the best one available here. He’s lightning quick, breaks the lines and his run and carry is outstanding. His agility is sensational and can spin out of tackles and dance around opponents like very few others can. He has an elite skill level and has the ability to have a big impact on the game without collecting a lot of the ball. Tackles hard but needs to develop an inside game and learn to win more of the ball.
Why: Brisbane have a really good midfield, but another outside midfielder to complement the inside mids would really complete the midfield. Sumner will be an excellent player and could slot right into a position on the wing.
GWS – No.13 – Michael Talia – KPD
Height: 193cm
Player comparison: Craig Bolton
Range: 13-24
Profile: Talia is probably the best key position defender in this draft but I think McInnes will go ahead of him because of the potential, which Talia does have him but not as much as McInnes. Is very strong and beats his opponent one-on-one more often than not, and should be able to take the opposition’s best tall forward. Can take a big contested mark and has excellent endurance. Works really hard and seems to love the contest. Not very quick and needs to improve his kicking but there is a lot to work with.
Why: GWS need key backmen and now that they’ve completed all of the other positional requirements, they will start tacking them. They already have McInnes and Davis, but another would be an added bonus, and it would also free up McInnes to play third tall. He is strong and could shut down the opposition’s best tall forward at Full-Back.
GWS – No.14 – Myles Bolger – Ruck
Height: 199cm
Player comparison: Brendon Lade
Range: 13-27
Profile: Bolger is an outstanding tap ruckman who consistently gives his teammates first use and is very good and tapping to advantage. Below his knees he his excellent for someone his size and in the air he is very strong. He is also very skilful for someone his size. Not a great athlete and if he can grow a little bit more he could become a very good player. He has had injury problems recently and needs to be given plenty of time as he has missed a lot of footy.
Why: GWS have a short ruck list and need to stock up. This guy is the second best ruckman in the draft and he will be an excellent backup for Longer. He will also in future allow Longer to push forward.
Richmond – No.15 – Elliot Kavanagh – Mid
Height: 187cm
Player comparison: Scott Pendlebury
Range: 6-12
Profile: Kavanagh is a quick midfielder who can play both inside and outside and is a big ball winner. His ball use is outstanding, he is a smart player and he is also very clean when he gets the ball. He has had injury problems in the past which could see him slide a little bit, but he is the kind of player that Brisbane wants and needs so he is a perfect fit here for me.
Why: Richmond has developed a very good young midfield, but they are lacking someone that is all class. This man oozes class. Once they have Kavanagh, they will have a complete midfield and they will be able to build on other areas.
Fremantle – No.16 – Taylor Adams – Mid/Fwd
Height: 181cm
Player comparison: Joel Selwood
Range: 7-20
Profile: Adams is a hard and tough inside midfielder who is quick and agile. Can burst away from packs with his speed and strength and he tackles hard. He has that ability to stand up in tackles that very few have. He is good in the air and has the ability to push forward and have an impact. Works hard and is another player who is future captain material at whichever club he lands at.
Why: Fremantle need some good, hard and tough inside midfielders to win the ball and get it out to the likes of Hill, Morabito and Pitt. He is future leadership material and he also has the potential to play as a part time forward.
Western Bulldogs – No.17 – Hayden Crozier – Fwd/Mid
Height: 184cm
Player comparison: Daniel Giansiracusa
Range: 10-24
Profile: Crozier is a very talented player who can take a screamer or kick a fantastic team-lifting goal. He is lightning fast, has a beautiful left foot kick and has a very high skill level. When he plays forward he can be very dangerous and he has great goal sense. He took an absolutely magnificent screamer at the Under 18 Championships which was a big hit on YouTube. Has huge upside and just churns out the highlights. He needs to work on his endurance, but that should come with time and he needs to become more consistent but that should also come in time. He is just a spectacular talent with a massive leap.
Why: With Giansiracusa’s career drawing towards the end, the Bulldogs need an x-factor mid/fwd to replace him and this guy could easily take over that role. Nice player who might need a few years but could be a serious player when he gets set.
North Melbourne – No.18 – Brad McKenzie – Mid/Def
Height: 188cm
Player comparison: Chris Newman
Range: 15-24
Profile: McKenzie is a rebounding defender who can also push into the midfield and have an impact. He has a sensational left foot kick and can cause damage to opposition teams with his long and precise kicking. He has great penetration in his kicking and has the ability to kick 60m goals with ease. Not a great athlete and doesn’t have great pace but he more than makes up for it with his skill level. Good reader of the play and has the ability to win the hard ball.
Why: North Melbourne has only one major hole on their list, a good rebounding half-back flanker. McMahon is probably their chief rebounder but he isn’t a great kick and he’s no spring chicken either, so I think it is a major hole. It is a choice of McKenzie and Brandon Ellis here, they’re both pretty similar. McKenzie is a better kick and I think is a better option.
Essendon – No.19 – Toby Greene – Mid
Height: 181cm
Player comparison: Lenny Hayes
Range: 8-26
Profile: Greene had an outstanding Under 18’s carnival and continued that form into the second half of the TAC Cup season which has really propelled him up the rankings in a hurry. He is a big time ball winner who wins lots of contested ball and gets lots of clearances. Shows aggressive attack on the ball, he’s very clean by hand and foot and is an excellent decision maker. Not a great athlete but has good endurance and is very agile.
Why: Essendon has come out publicly and stated that they will be after midfielders in this draft. Greene is the best midfielder available at this pick and will form part of a nice Bombers midfield.
Fremantle – No.20 – Julian Dobosz – KPF
Height: 193cm
Player comparison: Brendan Fevola (better behaved)
Range: 12-22
Profile: Dobosz is a magnificent talent who is new to the game but incredibly talented. Good reader of the play who is a great athlete and is very, very quick. Kicked a lot of goals for North Hobart this year as well as playing very well for Tasmania at the Under 18 Championships. In one game he booted 7 goals for Tasmania in a comprehensive loss. Needs to work on his defensive game but that will come in time and overall is just a sensational talent.
Why: Fremantle need good tall forwards for the future and they have a couple of good ones already, but another real quality one is what they need.
Sydney – No.21 – Tom Mitchell – F/S – Mid
Height: 182cm
Player comparison: Luke Hodge
Range: 1st round
Profile: Mitchell is a fantastic talent who would be a clear top 10 choice if it weren’t for Sydney’s father/son choice, so Sydney has been lucky to get him at pick 21. He is an outstanding inside midfielder who has an aggressive attack on the footy and wins lots of the contested ball. He also has the ability to be dangerous when running and linking up. Has clean hands and has great awareness in a contest. Has great skills and has the ability to kick a long goal. He has really great endurance and the ability to stand up in tackles like few others can.
Why: Father/Son. Sydney have been blessed to get him on board at this pick, would’ve one Top 10.
Carlton – No.22 – Jackson Paine – KPF/Mid
Height: 193cm
Player comparison: Matthew Pavlich
Range: 10-27
Profile: Paine is an excellent mark whether it is on the lead or overhead, and he always marks the ball at the highest point. He has a really good work ethic, he has the ability to push into the midfield and have an impact and he is a beautiful kick for someone his size.
Why: Carlton need a good, quality key forward for the future and this guy will be a good player. He will be able to make a good combination with Luke Mitchell and even be able to push into the midfield.
West Coast – No.23 – Daniel Markworth – Mid/Fwd
Height: 189cm
Player comparison: Nat Fyfe
Range: 18-27
Profile: Markworth is a lead up forward who can also play in the midfield and provide some nice flexibility. Nice kick and is an excellent athlete with the ability to burst away into a lead or away from a pack. A player with a lot of upside and can be very damaging to an opposition team.
Why: West Coast doesn’t have any holes on their list, but they don’t have many players who can play as a lead-up forward and through the midfield. Markworth would provide some nice flexibility and will be a really dangerous player in the future.
Gold Coast – No.24 – Alex Forster – Def/Mid/Fwd
Height: 189cm
Player comparison: Corey Enright
Range: 17-32
Profile: Forster is a very versatile player who can play in basically every position and do a good job for you wherever he plays. He mainly plays as a rebounding defender but can also play in the midfield and up forward. He can also shut down the opposition’s best medium forward. He’s a very skilful player, he can use it on both sides of the body and he is strong overhead. His run and carry is excellent and he had a strong Under 18 carnival and he continued that form into the second half of the SANFL season which will push him up the ranks even further. Doesn’t really have any faults in his game.
Why: Gold Coast don’t really have any holes on their list so I think they will have a crack at a best available selection. A nice versatile player is also a pretty good asset to your team.
St Kilda – No.25 – Devon Smith – Mid/Fwd
Height: 175cm
Player comparison: Paul Chapman
Range: 8-23
Profile: Smith is a very short player but he is a big ball winner who works hard around the ground and can play up forward and kick a bag (as he showed with his six goal haul in one game at the Under 18 Championships). As a small forward he can put lots of pressure on and be very dangerous. Was really good at the Under 18 Championships and was a great leader at the carnival, showing that he has the ability to be a leader at AFL level. He is lightning fast, he has great endurance and he is strong overhead for his size.
Why: St Kilda has pretty poor youth stocks and need anything they can get. This is why they will go best available. Smith is the best available here.
Richmond – No.26 - Sebastian Ross – Mid/Fwd
Height: 187cm
Player comparison: Ryan O'Keefe
Range: 19-31
Profile: Ross is a lively player who has an excellent work rate and fantastic foot skills. Beautiful left foot kick and his tackling pressure is outstanding, a great and rare combination to have. As a midfielder can play inside or outside and also when playing forward he is very dangerous.
Why: Richmond really lacks a quality half-forward flanker and Ross would fill in that hole. Would be able to also play in the midfield and strengthen that as well.
Compensation & Priority Picks
Adelaide – No.27 – Sam Frost – KPF/KPD
Height: 194cm
Player comparison: Jarred Waite
Range: 22-35
Profile: Frost is an athletic KPP who has great pace for someone his size. He is always willing to take his man on and he has the ability to be dangerous at which ever end he plays. He started well at the Under 18 Championships and he has great potential. He needs to become more consistent as that is an issue for him and his kicking needs working on as it is pretty erratic.
Why: Adelaide need some really good versatile KPP players and Frost is the the best one available here. Adelaide need a good CHB to support Talia and Frost could play forward or back with no worries.
West Coast – No.28 – Zyrus Manson – KPF
Height: 192cm
Player comparison: Liam Jurrah/Lance Franklin
Range: 22-58
Profile: Manson is an incredibly talented who has played some sensational games this year and is an exciting prospect. Has a really good leap on him and has the ability to turn a game really quickly. But he doesn’t yet understand the fine details of the game like structures and has played very little serious footy, but the games he has played he’s dominated. Also there is the go home factor which would put clubs off taking him with high picks.
Why: West Coast don’t have any holes on their list, so they can afford to take a risk. Manson lives in WA close to the border of South Australia, but still there will be a chance of the go home factor. If he does get settled though, West Coast would have a sensational player on their hands.
Fremantle – No.29 – Andrew Boseley – KPD
Height: 194cm
Player comparison: Sam Fisher
Range: 20-38
Profile: Boseley is a very athletic key defender who still has a lot of development to go but looks the goods. He reads it very well in the air so he intercepts a lot of opposition attacks. Has performed well this year and has played a few really excellent matches. Probably needs to work on his skills but that will come in time. All-in-all is a really nice player.
Why: Fremantle have pretty poor key position stocks and they don’t have any good young tall defenders. Boseley would be a nice pick up for the Dockers.
Brisbane – No.30 – Shane Kersten – KPF
Height: 191cm
Player comparison: Jack Darling
Range: 12-30
Profile: Kersten is similar to Darling last year as he is an undersized KPF that doesn’t have much development to go. He has great goal sense like Darling and is a really strong mark on the lead. He’s a good lead-up forward who has a nice long right foot kick and he is also pretty handy on his opposite side. Really finished this year off well and has shown at the Under 18 Championships in 2010 that he can play. Ready to go now and could probably play from the start.
Why: Brisbane need to improve their key position stocks and Kersten is the best KPP available. Kersten will be able to play at Full Forward while Tomlinson will play at CHF.
Round 2
Essendon – No.31 – Mitchell Grigg – Mid
Height: 183cm
Player comparison: Nick Dal Santo
Range: 19-31
Profile: Grigg had a sensational Under 18 carnival but wasn’t great at the draft Combine which probably only makes him slide a little bit. The best feature of his game is his beautiful long left boot which is a real asset for him. Excellent decision maker and has a very nice skill set. Plays as an inside midfielder and is a big ball winner, wins his own ball and if you couple these assets with his beautiful kicking it makes him a very nice prospect. Has not bad endurance and will be ready to go from Round 1 2012.
Why: Again, Essendon has come out publicly and said that they will go for midfielders in this draft. Grigg is the best available here.
Geelong – No.32 – Jordan Lockyer – KPD/KPF
Height: 191cm
Player comparison: Jack Anthony
Range: 22-37
Profile: Lockyer is a very aggressive, physical player who loves the contest and attacks the ball hard. Is good overhead and showed at the Under 18 Championships that he can play at both ends and have an impact. Can do a defensive job really well and has the strength to shrug tackles. He has a good skill set and is very versatile.
Why: Geelong probably need to improve their key position stocks after the retirements and pending retirements of Geelong greats. Lockyer is a nice player and would fit in really well at the Cats.
Hawthorn – No.33 – Brandon Ellis – Def
Height: 181cm
Player comparison: Lindsay Gilbee
Range: 15-35
Profile: Ellis is a good rebounding defender who has an excellent skill set and provides excellent rebound from defence. Uses his beautiful left foot kick to hurt opposition teams and reads the play well. Wins the contested ball, loves a contest and has a ferocious attack on the ball. Tackles hard and is able to shrug tackles himself without difficulty. Had an excellent season for the Calder Cannons in the TAC Cup and was outstanding for Vic Metro at the Under 18 Championships. Also, he tested really well at the draft Combine in pretty much all areas and should be ready to play from Round 1 2012.
Why: Hawthorn don’t have any holes in their list so this will be a best available. Enough said.
Geelong – No.34 – Shane Nelson – Mid
Height: 178cm
Player comparison: Leigh Montagna
Range: 15-35
Profile: Nelson is a big ball winner who has exceptional endurance and fantastic pace. He wins lots of contested ball and can also be dangerous as running player who links up. Has good skills and is a strong mark overhead for his size. Doesn’t stand out as much as others but is overall an excellent player.
Why: Geelong has sensational young talent coming through, which is surprising since they have been at the top so long. Nelson would add to a sensational young midfield which is being developed and would fit in nicely.
St Kilda – No.35 – Sam Docherty – Def
Height: 183cm
Player comparison: Grant Birchall
Range: 18-35
Profile: Docherty wasn’t originally part of the Vic Country side at the Under 18 Championships but when he was brought in he was fantastic. Quick dasher from defence who rebounds brilliantly and his kicking is exceptional. He is a great rebounder from defence who isn’t bad one-on-one and is able to keep cool in a crisis.
Why: Again, St Kilda will go for the best available with most of their picks. This is no exception.
Melbourne No.36 Murray Newman
St Kilda No.37 Nick Murphy
Hawthorn No.38 Thomas Sheridan
Western Bulldogs No.39 Josh Tynan
North Melbourne No.40 Tom Curran
Adelaide No.41 Brodie Mihocek
St Kilda – No.42 – Josh Waldhuter – Mid
Height: 184cm
Player comparison: Patrick Dangerfield
Range: 15-37
Profile: Waldhuter is a hard and tough inside midfielder with a very nice kick and he is quick. For an inside midfielder has excellent pace and foot skills as well as being a really strong tackler. Always gives those second and third efforts and does the one percenters. One of the real features of his game is his really aggressive attack on the ball. Will go and get the ball no matter what it takes. Maybe needs to win a bit more of the ball but that will come in time. He will be ready to play right from the start.
Why: Once again, St Kilda will pick best available with most of their picks. Waldhuter is the best available here.
Sydney No.43 Cameron Ellis-Yolmen
Carlton No.44 Haiden Schlothe
Port Adelaide No.45 Elliot Yeo
Adelaide No.46 Jackson Merrett
Brisbane No.47 Michael Bussey
Geelong No.48 Tom Downie
Round 3
Western Bulldogs No.49 Brad Hill
Collingwood No.50 Marley Williams
Port Adelaide No.51 Tom Downie
Melbourne No.52 Jack Newnes
Hawthorn No.53 Clay Smith
Melbourne No.54 Jordan Kelly
Richmond No.55 Lee Spurr
GWS No.56 Anthony Tipungwuti
Western Bulldogs No.57 Sam Kerridge
Fremantle No.58 Josh Bootsma – Other phantoms have him higher, but I just don’t know enough about him to have him higher.
Essendon No.59 Cam Eardley
St Kilda No.60 Brett O’Hanlon
Sydney No.61 Brendon Ah Chee
Carlton No.62 Dylan Buckley*
West Coast No.63 Alex Woodward
Adelaide No.64 Steven Verrier
Collingwood No.65 Kyal Horsley
Geelong No.66 Fletcher Roberts
Enjoy!
Round 1
GWS - No.1 – Jonathon Patton – KPF
Height: 197cm
Player comparison: Jonathon Brown
Range: 1-2
Profile: Patton is a dominant key forward who is physically very imposing and his contested marking is the real feature of his game. He kicks a lot of goals, has a nice long kick and is a real competitor. Would be ready to play almost straight away but like all key forwards would need a few years to start dominating. Was an All-Australian at the U18 Championships and booted the most goals of anyone at the carnival.
Why: GWS needs a real powerhouse forward and he’s the best forward in the draft. He is also probably the best player in the draft.
GWS - No.2 – Stephen Coniglio – Mid
Height: 182cm
Player Comparison: Marc Murphy
Range: 1-2
Profile: Coniglio is a very quick midfielder who can play inside and out and can have a big impact on the scoreboard. He is a big clearance winner who has a very high skill level. Can win his own ball or receive the ball and burst away from the pack with his explosive speed.
Why: Is definitely the best midfielder in the draft and is the only real challenge to Patton for the best player in the draft. Patton will likely be taken at No.1, but Coniglio would be just as deserving. He and Patton are certainties for GWS.
GWS – No.3 – Dom Tyson – Mid
Height: 186cm
Player comparison: Simon Black
Range: 3-6
Profile: Tyson was a real standout throughout the Championships and has soared up the rankings in a hurry. Said to be “a pure footballer” who doesn’t stand out athletically, but can play anywhere. Works really hard and has great endurance. His skill level is exceptional for an inside player and he is a really smart player. His decision making is also elite.
Why: It’s simple, GWS cannot pass him up. Will be a key part of a really exciting GWS midfield and is definitely deserving of a top three spot.
GWS – No.4 - Billy Longer – Ruck
Height: 202cm
Player comparison: Patrick Ryder
Range: 5-7
Profile: Longer is a ruckman with good pace for his size and he is very agile. He is definitely the best ruckman in the draft which he displayed at the Under 18 Championships. He is very strong in the air and can take a great contestant mark as well as being very good at ground level. Can push forward and be a very good marking target, so when he starts his career he will likely play forward and pinch-hit in the ruck. His kicking is an issue needs working on but that will come in time. He is also an excellent leader and he demonstrated that at the Under 18 Championships.
Why: It’s simple, GWS need ruckmen and he’s the best in the draft. When he’s not rucking he could also push forward which is a good bonus and is also future leadership material.
GWS – No.5 – Will Hoskin-Elliot – Mid/Fwd
Height: 182cm
Player comparison: Jared Brennan
Range: 5-8
Profile: Hoskin-Elliot is an exciting prospect who is a good reader of the play and a very clean player. Has really excellent pace, has great agility and he has big time x-factor which is why he is so dangerous. Tackles hard and can win his own ball, but he is best when he is running and linking up. Got an amazing 15.12 in the beep test, which highlights his fantastic endurance. His exceptional pace and amazing endurance mean he will be an even more sought after player.
Why: GWS don’t have any genuine outside midfielders who have great run & carry so this guy would be a good fit. He would complement the midfield on the wing and would even be able to rotate through the middle.
Port Adelaide – No.6 - Chad Wingard – Mid/Fwd
Height: 181cm
Player comparison: Alan Didak
Range: 3-6
Profile: Wingard is an elite left foot kick who has clean hands and big time x-factor. He is a classy player who can be very dangerous around goal and can play through the midfield and have an impact as well as pushing forward and being very dangerous. Has great pace, can jump ridiculously high (as demonstrated by his amazing jump at the draft combine) and he can take a screamer. A very good inside player and wins lots of contested footy. He is also a great leader and captained South Australia at the Under 18 Championships.
Why: Port Adelaide will be elated if they got Wingard. Wingard fits Port’s needs, as well as being easily the best available. Has big time x-factor as well as being a local lad. Good fit for the Power.
GWS – No.7 - Matthew Buntine – Def/Mid
Height: 188cm
Player comparison: Brendon Goddard
Range: 5-14
Profile: Buntine is a smart player with a beautiful kick on him and the ability to play as an attacking rebounder, an in-and-under midfielder or as a tagger. Had a poor carnival at the Under 18 Championships but he was injured at the time and when he did play he was used as a key defender which isn’t his best position. Has the ability to read the play and has the flexibility to play the role you need him to play. He is also an excellent leader and is another player who could be future captain material.
Why: This is more a best available selection, but GWS also probably need some rebounding backmen. He can rebound all day if he is played as a third tall or a loose man and when he gets settled he could push into midfield rotations.
Brisbane – No.8 – Adam Tomlinson – KPD/KPF
Height: 193cm
Player comparison: Nathan Bock
Range: 7-12
Profile: Tomlinson is a versatile KPP who can play as a forward or back and always have an impact. Provides good rebound from defence when played there and can do a job on a good key forward. Also has the ability to take a strong mark and kick a bag when played up forward. Very strong overhead and uses the ball well. Wasn’t great at the Under 18 Championships but the potential is there he might start his career as a forward and then when he gets settled push into the backline.
Why: Brisbane need to target talls after the loss of Mitch Clark, the retirement of Jamie Charman and the career of Jonathon Brown drawing to an end. There is only a slim chance this man will survive until their next pick at No.12 so if they want him they have to get him here.
GWS – No.9 – Todd Elton – KPF/Ruck/KPD
Height: 198cm
Player comparison: Drew Petrie
Range: 8-30
Profile: Elton is an athletic key forward or ruckman who can also play down back and have an impact. Moves really well for someone his size and is also very agile for someone of his size. Is very quick for his size, he has big leap on him and he’s a very good tackler for size. Below his knees is outstanding for his size, he has a nice kick on him and is a strong mark overhead. Has developed his strength since not being picked up by GWS in the zone picks last year but he needs to become more consistent. Had a poor Under 18 Championships but the potential is there.
Why: GWS is targetting talls. Elton is a big key position player who can play in several positions and have an impact; a handy bonus to have. They have a complete midfield so I don’t think they’ll go for a mid here.
GWS – No.10 – Fraser McInnes – KPD
Height: 194cm
Player comparison: Dustin Fletcher
Range: 10-20
Profile: McInnes is a key position player who could play in a variety of roles but I like him most as a key defender/third tall that plays a Dustin Fletcher type role. Has great potential, is a very strong mark overhead and is very agile and should fill out into a nice player. Has had some injury worries but looks like he can get past them. He is just a real quality talent who didn’t play in the Under 18 Championships but is climbing up the order in a hurry.
Why: GWS are now hunting for key position players. They’re forward line is set and now they will look at key defenders. McInnes has plenty of talent and in the future will be able to play a Dustin Fletcher like role or he could play as an attacking full back.
GWS – No.11 – Nic Haynes – Mid/Fwd
Height: 191cm
Player comparison: Chad Cornes (mid 2000’s)
Range: 20-30
Profile: Haynes is a tall wingman who can play forward and is a very strong mark overhead. His marking is probably the best feature of his game and this is why he has the ability to lay as a lead-up forward. His agility is great and he is quick and has nice endurance.
Why: GWS have a really good midfield already, and an excellent wingman in Hoskin-Elliot, but another winger would be a really great bonus. He also has the flexibility to play forward and have an impact.
Brisbane – No.12 – Liam Sumner – Mid
Height: 183cm
Player comparison: Brent Harvey
Range: 6-17
Profile: Sumner is one of the best outside midfielders in the draft and definitely the best one available here. He’s lightning quick, breaks the lines and his run and carry is outstanding. His agility is sensational and can spin out of tackles and dance around opponents like very few others can. He has an elite skill level and has the ability to have a big impact on the game without collecting a lot of the ball. Tackles hard but needs to develop an inside game and learn to win more of the ball.
Why: Brisbane have a really good midfield, but another outside midfielder to complement the inside mids would really complete the midfield. Sumner will be an excellent player and could slot right into a position on the wing.
GWS – No.13 – Michael Talia – KPD
Height: 193cm
Player comparison: Craig Bolton
Range: 13-24
Profile: Talia is probably the best key position defender in this draft but I think McInnes will go ahead of him because of the potential, which Talia does have him but not as much as McInnes. Is very strong and beats his opponent one-on-one more often than not, and should be able to take the opposition’s best tall forward. Can take a big contested mark and has excellent endurance. Works really hard and seems to love the contest. Not very quick and needs to improve his kicking but there is a lot to work with.
Why: GWS need key backmen and now that they’ve completed all of the other positional requirements, they will start tacking them. They already have McInnes and Davis, but another would be an added bonus, and it would also free up McInnes to play third tall. He is strong and could shut down the opposition’s best tall forward at Full-Back.
GWS – No.14 – Myles Bolger – Ruck
Height: 199cm
Player comparison: Brendon Lade
Range: 13-27
Profile: Bolger is an outstanding tap ruckman who consistently gives his teammates first use and is very good and tapping to advantage. Below his knees he his excellent for someone his size and in the air he is very strong. He is also very skilful for someone his size. Not a great athlete and if he can grow a little bit more he could become a very good player. He has had injury problems recently and needs to be given plenty of time as he has missed a lot of footy.
Why: GWS have a short ruck list and need to stock up. This guy is the second best ruckman in the draft and he will be an excellent backup for Longer. He will also in future allow Longer to push forward.
Richmond – No.15 – Elliot Kavanagh – Mid
Height: 187cm
Player comparison: Scott Pendlebury
Range: 6-12
Profile: Kavanagh is a quick midfielder who can play both inside and outside and is a big ball winner. His ball use is outstanding, he is a smart player and he is also very clean when he gets the ball. He has had injury problems in the past which could see him slide a little bit, but he is the kind of player that Brisbane wants and needs so he is a perfect fit here for me.
Why: Richmond has developed a very good young midfield, but they are lacking someone that is all class. This man oozes class. Once they have Kavanagh, they will have a complete midfield and they will be able to build on other areas.
Fremantle – No.16 – Taylor Adams – Mid/Fwd
Height: 181cm
Player comparison: Joel Selwood
Range: 7-20
Profile: Adams is a hard and tough inside midfielder who is quick and agile. Can burst away from packs with his speed and strength and he tackles hard. He has that ability to stand up in tackles that very few have. He is good in the air and has the ability to push forward and have an impact. Works hard and is another player who is future captain material at whichever club he lands at.
Why: Fremantle need some good, hard and tough inside midfielders to win the ball and get it out to the likes of Hill, Morabito and Pitt. He is future leadership material and he also has the potential to play as a part time forward.
Western Bulldogs – No.17 – Hayden Crozier – Fwd/Mid
Height: 184cm
Player comparison: Daniel Giansiracusa
Range: 10-24
Profile: Crozier is a very talented player who can take a screamer or kick a fantastic team-lifting goal. He is lightning fast, has a beautiful left foot kick and has a very high skill level. When he plays forward he can be very dangerous and he has great goal sense. He took an absolutely magnificent screamer at the Under 18 Championships which was a big hit on YouTube. Has huge upside and just churns out the highlights. He needs to work on his endurance, but that should come with time and he needs to become more consistent but that should also come in time. He is just a spectacular talent with a massive leap.
Why: With Giansiracusa’s career drawing towards the end, the Bulldogs need an x-factor mid/fwd to replace him and this guy could easily take over that role. Nice player who might need a few years but could be a serious player when he gets set.
North Melbourne – No.18 – Brad McKenzie – Mid/Def
Height: 188cm
Player comparison: Chris Newman
Range: 15-24
Profile: McKenzie is a rebounding defender who can also push into the midfield and have an impact. He has a sensational left foot kick and can cause damage to opposition teams with his long and precise kicking. He has great penetration in his kicking and has the ability to kick 60m goals with ease. Not a great athlete and doesn’t have great pace but he more than makes up for it with his skill level. Good reader of the play and has the ability to win the hard ball.
Why: North Melbourne has only one major hole on their list, a good rebounding half-back flanker. McMahon is probably their chief rebounder but he isn’t a great kick and he’s no spring chicken either, so I think it is a major hole. It is a choice of McKenzie and Brandon Ellis here, they’re both pretty similar. McKenzie is a better kick and I think is a better option.
Essendon – No.19 – Toby Greene – Mid
Height: 181cm
Player comparison: Lenny Hayes
Range: 8-26
Profile: Greene had an outstanding Under 18’s carnival and continued that form into the second half of the TAC Cup season which has really propelled him up the rankings in a hurry. He is a big time ball winner who wins lots of contested ball and gets lots of clearances. Shows aggressive attack on the ball, he’s very clean by hand and foot and is an excellent decision maker. Not a great athlete but has good endurance and is very agile.
Why: Essendon has come out publicly and stated that they will be after midfielders in this draft. Greene is the best midfielder available at this pick and will form part of a nice Bombers midfield.
Fremantle – No.20 – Julian Dobosz – KPF
Height: 193cm
Player comparison: Brendan Fevola (better behaved)
Range: 12-22
Profile: Dobosz is a magnificent talent who is new to the game but incredibly talented. Good reader of the play who is a great athlete and is very, very quick. Kicked a lot of goals for North Hobart this year as well as playing very well for Tasmania at the Under 18 Championships. In one game he booted 7 goals for Tasmania in a comprehensive loss. Needs to work on his defensive game but that will come in time and overall is just a sensational talent.
Why: Fremantle need good tall forwards for the future and they have a couple of good ones already, but another real quality one is what they need.
Sydney – No.21 – Tom Mitchell – F/S – Mid
Height: 182cm
Player comparison: Luke Hodge
Range: 1st round
Profile: Mitchell is a fantastic talent who would be a clear top 10 choice if it weren’t for Sydney’s father/son choice, so Sydney has been lucky to get him at pick 21. He is an outstanding inside midfielder who has an aggressive attack on the footy and wins lots of the contested ball. He also has the ability to be dangerous when running and linking up. Has clean hands and has great awareness in a contest. Has great skills and has the ability to kick a long goal. He has really great endurance and the ability to stand up in tackles like few others can.
Why: Father/Son. Sydney have been blessed to get him on board at this pick, would’ve one Top 10.
Carlton – No.22 – Jackson Paine – KPF/Mid
Height: 193cm
Player comparison: Matthew Pavlich
Range: 10-27
Profile: Paine is an excellent mark whether it is on the lead or overhead, and he always marks the ball at the highest point. He has a really good work ethic, he has the ability to push into the midfield and have an impact and he is a beautiful kick for someone his size.
Why: Carlton need a good, quality key forward for the future and this guy will be a good player. He will be able to make a good combination with Luke Mitchell and even be able to push into the midfield.
West Coast – No.23 – Daniel Markworth – Mid/Fwd
Height: 189cm
Player comparison: Nat Fyfe
Range: 18-27
Profile: Markworth is a lead up forward who can also play in the midfield and provide some nice flexibility. Nice kick and is an excellent athlete with the ability to burst away into a lead or away from a pack. A player with a lot of upside and can be very damaging to an opposition team.
Why: West Coast doesn’t have any holes on their list, but they don’t have many players who can play as a lead-up forward and through the midfield. Markworth would provide some nice flexibility and will be a really dangerous player in the future.
Gold Coast – No.24 – Alex Forster – Def/Mid/Fwd
Height: 189cm
Player comparison: Corey Enright
Range: 17-32
Profile: Forster is a very versatile player who can play in basically every position and do a good job for you wherever he plays. He mainly plays as a rebounding defender but can also play in the midfield and up forward. He can also shut down the opposition’s best medium forward. He’s a very skilful player, he can use it on both sides of the body and he is strong overhead. His run and carry is excellent and he had a strong Under 18 carnival and he continued that form into the second half of the SANFL season which will push him up the ranks even further. Doesn’t really have any faults in his game.
Why: Gold Coast don’t really have any holes on their list so I think they will have a crack at a best available selection. A nice versatile player is also a pretty good asset to your team.
St Kilda – No.25 – Devon Smith – Mid/Fwd
Height: 175cm
Player comparison: Paul Chapman
Range: 8-23
Profile: Smith is a very short player but he is a big ball winner who works hard around the ground and can play up forward and kick a bag (as he showed with his six goal haul in one game at the Under 18 Championships). As a small forward he can put lots of pressure on and be very dangerous. Was really good at the Under 18 Championships and was a great leader at the carnival, showing that he has the ability to be a leader at AFL level. He is lightning fast, he has great endurance and he is strong overhead for his size.
Why: St Kilda has pretty poor youth stocks and need anything they can get. This is why they will go best available. Smith is the best available here.
Richmond – No.26 - Sebastian Ross – Mid/Fwd
Height: 187cm
Player comparison: Ryan O'Keefe
Range: 19-31
Profile: Ross is a lively player who has an excellent work rate and fantastic foot skills. Beautiful left foot kick and his tackling pressure is outstanding, a great and rare combination to have. As a midfielder can play inside or outside and also when playing forward he is very dangerous.
Why: Richmond really lacks a quality half-forward flanker and Ross would fill in that hole. Would be able to also play in the midfield and strengthen that as well.
Compensation & Priority Picks
Adelaide – No.27 – Sam Frost – KPF/KPD
Height: 194cm
Player comparison: Jarred Waite
Range: 22-35
Profile: Frost is an athletic KPP who has great pace for someone his size. He is always willing to take his man on and he has the ability to be dangerous at which ever end he plays. He started well at the Under 18 Championships and he has great potential. He needs to become more consistent as that is an issue for him and his kicking needs working on as it is pretty erratic.
Why: Adelaide need some really good versatile KPP players and Frost is the the best one available here. Adelaide need a good CHB to support Talia and Frost could play forward or back with no worries.
West Coast – No.28 – Zyrus Manson – KPF
Height: 192cm
Player comparison: Liam Jurrah/Lance Franklin
Range: 22-58
Profile: Manson is an incredibly talented who has played some sensational games this year and is an exciting prospect. Has a really good leap on him and has the ability to turn a game really quickly. But he doesn’t yet understand the fine details of the game like structures and has played very little serious footy, but the games he has played he’s dominated. Also there is the go home factor which would put clubs off taking him with high picks.
Why: West Coast don’t have any holes on their list, so they can afford to take a risk. Manson lives in WA close to the border of South Australia, but still there will be a chance of the go home factor. If he does get settled though, West Coast would have a sensational player on their hands.
Fremantle – No.29 – Andrew Boseley – KPD
Height: 194cm
Player comparison: Sam Fisher
Range: 20-38
Profile: Boseley is a very athletic key defender who still has a lot of development to go but looks the goods. He reads it very well in the air so he intercepts a lot of opposition attacks. Has performed well this year and has played a few really excellent matches. Probably needs to work on his skills but that will come in time. All-in-all is a really nice player.
Why: Fremantle have pretty poor key position stocks and they don’t have any good young tall defenders. Boseley would be a nice pick up for the Dockers.
Brisbane – No.30 – Shane Kersten – KPF
Height: 191cm
Player comparison: Jack Darling
Range: 12-30
Profile: Kersten is similar to Darling last year as he is an undersized KPF that doesn’t have much development to go. He has great goal sense like Darling and is a really strong mark on the lead. He’s a good lead-up forward who has a nice long right foot kick and he is also pretty handy on his opposite side. Really finished this year off well and has shown at the Under 18 Championships in 2010 that he can play. Ready to go now and could probably play from the start.
Why: Brisbane need to improve their key position stocks and Kersten is the best KPP available. Kersten will be able to play at Full Forward while Tomlinson will play at CHF.
Round 2
Essendon – No.31 – Mitchell Grigg – Mid
Height: 183cm
Player comparison: Nick Dal Santo
Range: 19-31
Profile: Grigg had a sensational Under 18 carnival but wasn’t great at the draft Combine which probably only makes him slide a little bit. The best feature of his game is his beautiful long left boot which is a real asset for him. Excellent decision maker and has a very nice skill set. Plays as an inside midfielder and is a big ball winner, wins his own ball and if you couple these assets with his beautiful kicking it makes him a very nice prospect. Has not bad endurance and will be ready to go from Round 1 2012.
Why: Again, Essendon has come out publicly and said that they will go for midfielders in this draft. Grigg is the best available here.
Geelong – No.32 – Jordan Lockyer – KPD/KPF
Height: 191cm
Player comparison: Jack Anthony
Range: 22-37
Profile: Lockyer is a very aggressive, physical player who loves the contest and attacks the ball hard. Is good overhead and showed at the Under 18 Championships that he can play at both ends and have an impact. Can do a defensive job really well and has the strength to shrug tackles. He has a good skill set and is very versatile.
Why: Geelong probably need to improve their key position stocks after the retirements and pending retirements of Geelong greats. Lockyer is a nice player and would fit in really well at the Cats.
Hawthorn – No.33 – Brandon Ellis – Def
Height: 181cm
Player comparison: Lindsay Gilbee
Range: 15-35
Profile: Ellis is a good rebounding defender who has an excellent skill set and provides excellent rebound from defence. Uses his beautiful left foot kick to hurt opposition teams and reads the play well. Wins the contested ball, loves a contest and has a ferocious attack on the ball. Tackles hard and is able to shrug tackles himself without difficulty. Had an excellent season for the Calder Cannons in the TAC Cup and was outstanding for Vic Metro at the Under 18 Championships. Also, he tested really well at the draft Combine in pretty much all areas and should be ready to play from Round 1 2012.
Why: Hawthorn don’t have any holes in their list so this will be a best available. Enough said.
Geelong – No.34 – Shane Nelson – Mid
Height: 178cm
Player comparison: Leigh Montagna
Range: 15-35
Profile: Nelson is a big ball winner who has exceptional endurance and fantastic pace. He wins lots of contested ball and can also be dangerous as running player who links up. Has good skills and is a strong mark overhead for his size. Doesn’t stand out as much as others but is overall an excellent player.
Why: Geelong has sensational young talent coming through, which is surprising since they have been at the top so long. Nelson would add to a sensational young midfield which is being developed and would fit in nicely.
St Kilda – No.35 – Sam Docherty – Def
Height: 183cm
Player comparison: Grant Birchall
Range: 18-35
Profile: Docherty wasn’t originally part of the Vic Country side at the Under 18 Championships but when he was brought in he was fantastic. Quick dasher from defence who rebounds brilliantly and his kicking is exceptional. He is a great rebounder from defence who isn’t bad one-on-one and is able to keep cool in a crisis.
Why: Again, St Kilda will go for the best available with most of their picks. This is no exception.
Melbourne No.36 Murray Newman
St Kilda No.37 Nick Murphy
Hawthorn No.38 Thomas Sheridan
Western Bulldogs No.39 Josh Tynan
North Melbourne No.40 Tom Curran
Adelaide No.41 Brodie Mihocek
St Kilda – No.42 – Josh Waldhuter – Mid
Height: 184cm
Player comparison: Patrick Dangerfield
Range: 15-37
Profile: Waldhuter is a hard and tough inside midfielder with a very nice kick and he is quick. For an inside midfielder has excellent pace and foot skills as well as being a really strong tackler. Always gives those second and third efforts and does the one percenters. One of the real features of his game is his really aggressive attack on the ball. Will go and get the ball no matter what it takes. Maybe needs to win a bit more of the ball but that will come in time. He will be ready to play right from the start.
Why: Once again, St Kilda will pick best available with most of their picks. Waldhuter is the best available here.
Sydney No.43 Cameron Ellis-Yolmen
Carlton No.44 Haiden Schlothe
Port Adelaide No.45 Elliot Yeo
Adelaide No.46 Jackson Merrett
Brisbane No.47 Michael Bussey
Geelong No.48 Tom Downie
Round 3
Western Bulldogs No.49 Brad Hill
Collingwood No.50 Marley Williams
Port Adelaide No.51 Tom Downie
Melbourne No.52 Jack Newnes
Hawthorn No.53 Clay Smith
Melbourne No.54 Jordan Kelly
Richmond No.55 Lee Spurr
GWS No.56 Anthony Tipungwuti
Western Bulldogs No.57 Sam Kerridge
Fremantle No.58 Josh Bootsma – Other phantoms have him higher, but I just don’t know enough about him to have him higher.
Essendon No.59 Cam Eardley
St Kilda No.60 Brett O’Hanlon
Sydney No.61 Brendon Ah Chee
Carlton No.62 Dylan Buckley*
West Coast No.63 Alex Woodward
Adelaide No.64 Steven Verrier
Collingwood No.65 Kyal Horsley
Geelong No.66 Fletcher Roberts
