Hi Lads,
My first phantom draft so roast as much as you feel required. Prefer to base my decisions from highlights rather than live vision as I spend most of my time in SA – Attended SA u18 footy, Reserves and some SANFL league action but only a handful of TAC Cup therefore will likely have a preference toward SA talent. Might potentially be the odd error with point value therefore a couple of picks slightly out. Enjoy!
#1 (Carl) - Sam Walsh (VIC)
Height, Weight: 183cm, 74kg
Profile: Most dominant midfielder in this draft. All class and a professional, Elite endurance who can play as an inside or outside midfielder. Future leader.
Rationale: Can’t go wrong here – Will support Patrick Cripps as a key midfielder for the next decade.
#2 (GC) - Jack Lukosius (SA)
Height, Weight: 194cm, 85kg
Profile: The next Nick Riewoldt/Matthew Pavlich. A key forward who covers the ground like nobody else in this draft. Doesn’t miss many targets and one of the best lead up marks as an 18 year old. Will likely start as a half-forward flank for his first year.
Rationale: Potentially best player in the draft and fills a void.
#3 (GC) - Izak Rankine (SA)
Height, Weight: 180cm, 76kg
Profile: X-Factor in spades, Rankine can turn games on its head within minutes. Ready to play round one with speed, skill, uncanny forward 50 ability and ball-winning attributes.
Rationale: The type of player Gold Coast require who will bring a crowd. Potential go home factor but well worth the risk.
#4 (STK) - Bailey Smith (VIC)
Height, Weight: 185cm, 82kg
Profile: Potentially one of the best and most genuine midfielders in the draft. Smith can be a high production midfielder but also offers a combination of contested ball-winning, high efficiency and acceleration in this draft.
Rationale: Best player available that fits Saints need for complete balanced mids – Will be hard to go against Max King but would be the right choice to see on field success.
#5 (Port) - Max King (VIC)
Height, Weight: 202cm, 86kg
Profile: Behind Lukosius as the best KPF this year – Could have been top 3 if it wasn’t for the ACL injury. A key forward who will clunk marks and kick goals in spades. Kicked eight goals and took nine marks in his only game this season which is enough to stay top 5 in this draft.
Rationale: Port need back up in KFP ranks and this is the year for them to do it with Father Sons & Academy midfielders upcoming in the next few years. Could Max be the next Butcher or will he compliment Marshall for the next decade.
#6 (GC) - Connor Rozee (SA)
Height, Weight: 185cm, 71kg
Profile: Footballer’s footballer. Utility who is likely begin his career as an outside midfielder or forward. Could be anything.
Rationale: Best player available and fits the SA trend to mitigate go home factor.
#7 (WB) - Jye Caldwell (VIC)
Height, Weight: 184cm, 78kg
Profile: Caldwell has been injury prone as of late but has the potential to compete with Sam Walsh & Bailey Smith as the notorious midfielder in this draft class. He's a powerful ball-winning midfielder with a burst of speed with similarities to a 18 year old Patrick Dangerfield.
Rationale: Bulldogs would have loved Smith here, Caldwell is next best. Bulldogs have the patience to work with Caldwell due to having the Bont & Macrae carrying the load. Compliments the expected acquisition of Rhylee West.
#8 (Adel) - Chayce Jones (TAS)
Height, Weight: 180cm, 74kg
Profile: A strong ball-winner and accumulator who has the endurance to match anyone in this draft. Has been one of Launceston's best players in all State League appearances. Has shades of Rory Sloane which Adelaide supports will be drawn too.
Rationale: Honestly could go with five options here but Jones is the safe pick for Adelaide and adds depth to an inconsistent midfield.
#9 (Syd) - Nick Blakey (NSW - Sydney Academy)
Height, Weight: 195cm, 80kg
Profile: Mr Durable who can play any position asked of him. Has missed a lot of time with a stress reaction in his ankle and a stress fracture in his back in 2017. A genuine talent with his athleticism, skills and goal sense. Will be a 250+ game player with some impressive individual accolades.
Rationale: No brainer as part of Sydney Swans Academy.
#10 (GWS) - Jordan Clark (WA)
Height, Weight: 182cm, 78kg
Profile: The bolter as of late. Accurate kicking half-back flanker who reads the ball well and can play as a rebounding or shut down defender. Averaged more than 15 disposals and five marks in his five WAFL League games & should develop as an outside midfielder once he improves his endurance.
Rationale: GWS have no glaring weaknesses so take the player who they can mold here. Will embrace the Sydney vibe and develop into a player who replaces Heath Shaw.
#11 (Port) - Ben King (VIC)
Height, Weight: 202cm, 85kg
Profile: Versatile key position player who has played multiple roles this year. He is consistent and competitive. Go home factor would be a concern but appears to be a 200+ gamer who you can build a forward line or defense around.
Rationale: Best player available who should be the slider due to the go home factor risk & volume of interstate club picks inside the top 10. KPD who fills a void for Port and provides them a project to keep in SA.
#12 (GWS) - Jackson Hately (SA)
Height, Weight: 190cm, 81kg
Profile: Genuine good guy who has consistent written all over him. He’s a ready-to-go midfielder who is a star performer in the SANFL at League level. Has areas to work on and won’t be a player who provides X Factor but under a good football program he can be a consistent A Grade midfielder.
Rationale: GWS love this bloke and can step right into the senior midfield depth immediately. Offers something different to some of the other GWS mids.
#13 (NM) - Tarryn Thomas (TAS - North Melbourne Next Generation Academy)
Height, Weight: 189cm, 73kg
Profile: Exceptional player with silky skills. Demonstrated that tackling and smothering is natural to him and can be as promising as any other in this draft. A midfielder who hits the scoreboard and uses the ball efficiently. Daniel Wells would be a suitable comparison.
Rationale: Always was going to be on the Roos list. Earlier in the year would have projected a top 10 pick.
#14 (Geel) - Sam Sturt (VIC)
Height, Weight: 188cm, 79kg
Profile: Class act who suits the new age medium marking forward prototype. Has been considered a bolter yet some recruiters had earmarked him as a top 20 at the start of June. Possesses arguably the best left foot kick to a target and on goal in this draft.
Rationale: Fills a void for the Cats & under the Geelong football program could see him become one of the most dangerous one on one forwards in years to come.
#15 (Adel) - Zak Butters (VIC)
Height, Weight: 181cm, 70kg
Profile: Butters missed the second half of the season other whilst would be in top 10 discussions. Known for his speed, agility and clean skills. Outside midfielder who can push forward. One of few in this draft to have raw X Factor talent.
Rationale: Will swoop before Freo & Port have the opportunity. Brings something the crows are lacking & compliments their acquisition of Chayce Jones earlier.
#16 (Freo) - Ian Hill (WA)
Height, Weight: 175cm, 76kg
Profile: Explosive and classy line-breaker who was touted as a top 3 selection only last year. Questions around whether he plays as an outside midfielder or small forward at the next level.
Rationale: One of my favorite players in this draft. Could be anything and is a worthwhile risk for Fremantle due to having family in the club and no go home factor. Could see him excelling under Lobb & Hogan’s toes in years to come.
#17 (Port) - Riley Collier-Dawkins (VIC)
Height, Weight: 193cm, 88kg
Profile: Tall & dangerous midfielder who is known to be a first possession winner who gathers the ball on the move and bursts out of stoppages not too different to Dangerfield. Possesses speed, agility, skills and clean hands. Raw but developable.
Rationale: Port need young midfield depth, RCD fits the bill here and the power have the ability to give him a couple of years to build his endurance before releasing him into the centre. Low go home factor.
#18 (Coll) - Isaac Quaynor (VIC - Collingwood Next Generation Academy)
Height, Weight: 182cm, 82kg
#19 (Adel) - Luke Valente (SA)
Height, Weight: 186cm, 80kg
Profile: Has been hiding behind the SA big four. South Australian captain and MVP during the Under-18 Championships who some rate as the best dual sided kick in this year’s pool.
Rationale: SA boy with leadership attributes & screams future 200 gamer. Crows could do a lot worse with this pick and need to jump now as West Coast & Richmond would seriously consider.
#20 (Rich) - Liam Stocker (VIC)
Height, Weight: 183cm, 83kg
Profile: Prolific contested beast with determination and professionalism to separate him from some of the others. Awarded the Morrish Medal for the TAC Cup's best and fairest this year and looks to be a ready to go midfielder.
Rationale: Stocker looks like a typical Tigers target & would be a handy find with this pick. Can see them looking at Bailey Williams here but Stocker is too good to pass up.
#21 (Bris) - Xavier Duursma (VIC)
Height, Weight: 185cm, 71kg
Profile: One of the most accomplished leaders in this year’s pool. A midfielder who plays an inside or outside role to a high standard. Speedy, Elegant midfielder with clean hands and coachable ball-winning attributes.
Rationale: Ive heard Brisbane are hoping he slides to here. Fills a void and could be a nice asset to compliment McCluggage moving forward.
#22 (GWS) - Curtis Taylor (VIC)
Height, Weight: 186cm, 79kg
Profile: Robbie Gray type midfielder/forward. Who is known to be a powerful marking forward with clean skills. Low floor, High ceiling prospect.
Rationale: GWS can take the risk here. Not convinced he will replicate his form at AFL level but has the ability to be something special if he settles quick enough.
#23 (WCE) - Xavier O'Halloran (VIC)
Height, Weight: 187cm, 83kg
Profile: High-impact-per-possession midfielder. Strong leadership characteristics & a solid foundation to work with.
Rationale: West Coast need to build midfield depth & O’Halloran is the best available. Low go home factor so should apply himself well to AFL football in the West.
#24 (GWS) - Kieran Briggs (NSW - GWS Academy)
Height, Weight: 200cm, 98kg
#25 (Adel) - Bailey Williams (VIC)
Height, Weight: 198cm, 95kg
#26 (WCE) - Jez McLennan (SA)
Height, Weight: 183cm, 81kg
#27 (WB) - Rhylee West (VIC - Western Bulldogs father-son)
Height, Weight: 180cm, 80kg
#28 (Melb) - Ned McHenry (VIC)
Height, Weight: 176cm, 71kg
#29 (Bris) - Connor McFadyen (QLD - Brisbane Academy)
Height, Weight: 190cm, 88kg
#30 (GC) - Tom Sparrow (SA)
Height, Weight: 182cm, 81kg
#31 (Melb) - Jacob Kennerley (SA)
Height, Weight: 185cm, 79kg
#32 (GC) - Marlion Pickett (WA)
Height, Weight: 183cm, 85kg
#33 (Frem) - Luke Foley (WA)
Height, Weight: 187cm, 75kg
#34 (WB) - Sydney Stack (WA)
Height, Weight: 177cm, 72kg
#35 (NM) - Bailey Scott (QLD - North Melbourne father-son)
Height, Weight: 186cm, 74kg
#36 (Ess) - Jack Bytel (VIC)
Height, Weight: 188cm, 82kg
#37 (Bris) - Fraser Turner (TAS)
Height, Weight: 186cm, 75kg
#38 (STK) - James Rowbottom (VIC)
Height, Weight: 185cm, 78kg
#39 (Rich) - Ely Smith (VIC)
Height, Weight: 188cm, 86kg
#40 (Coll) - Will Kelly (VIC - Collingwood father-son)
Height, Weight: 193cm, 83kg
#41 (Syd) - Mitch Maguire (ACT)
Height, Weight: 175cm, 76kg
#42 (Syd) - Jacob Koschitzke (NSW/ACT)
Height, Weight: 196cm, 94kg
My first phantom draft so roast as much as you feel required. Prefer to base my decisions from highlights rather than live vision as I spend most of my time in SA – Attended SA u18 footy, Reserves and some SANFL league action but only a handful of TAC Cup therefore will likely have a preference toward SA talent. Might potentially be the odd error with point value therefore a couple of picks slightly out. Enjoy!
#1 (Carl) - Sam Walsh (VIC)
Height, Weight: 183cm, 74kg
Profile: Most dominant midfielder in this draft. All class and a professional, Elite endurance who can play as an inside or outside midfielder. Future leader.
Rationale: Can’t go wrong here – Will support Patrick Cripps as a key midfielder for the next decade.
#2 (GC) - Jack Lukosius (SA)
Height, Weight: 194cm, 85kg
Profile: The next Nick Riewoldt/Matthew Pavlich. A key forward who covers the ground like nobody else in this draft. Doesn’t miss many targets and one of the best lead up marks as an 18 year old. Will likely start as a half-forward flank for his first year.
Rationale: Potentially best player in the draft and fills a void.
#3 (GC) - Izak Rankine (SA)
Height, Weight: 180cm, 76kg
Profile: X-Factor in spades, Rankine can turn games on its head within minutes. Ready to play round one with speed, skill, uncanny forward 50 ability and ball-winning attributes.
Rationale: The type of player Gold Coast require who will bring a crowd. Potential go home factor but well worth the risk.
#4 (STK) - Bailey Smith (VIC)
Height, Weight: 185cm, 82kg
Profile: Potentially one of the best and most genuine midfielders in the draft. Smith can be a high production midfielder but also offers a combination of contested ball-winning, high efficiency and acceleration in this draft.
Rationale: Best player available that fits Saints need for complete balanced mids – Will be hard to go against Max King but would be the right choice to see on field success.
#5 (Port) - Max King (VIC)
Height, Weight: 202cm, 86kg
Profile: Behind Lukosius as the best KPF this year – Could have been top 3 if it wasn’t for the ACL injury. A key forward who will clunk marks and kick goals in spades. Kicked eight goals and took nine marks in his only game this season which is enough to stay top 5 in this draft.
Rationale: Port need back up in KFP ranks and this is the year for them to do it with Father Sons & Academy midfielders upcoming in the next few years. Could Max be the next Butcher or will he compliment Marshall for the next decade.
#6 (GC) - Connor Rozee (SA)
Height, Weight: 185cm, 71kg
Profile: Footballer’s footballer. Utility who is likely begin his career as an outside midfielder or forward. Could be anything.
Rationale: Best player available and fits the SA trend to mitigate go home factor.
#7 (WB) - Jye Caldwell (VIC)
Height, Weight: 184cm, 78kg
Profile: Caldwell has been injury prone as of late but has the potential to compete with Sam Walsh & Bailey Smith as the notorious midfielder in this draft class. He's a powerful ball-winning midfielder with a burst of speed with similarities to a 18 year old Patrick Dangerfield.
Rationale: Bulldogs would have loved Smith here, Caldwell is next best. Bulldogs have the patience to work with Caldwell due to having the Bont & Macrae carrying the load. Compliments the expected acquisition of Rhylee West.
#8 (Adel) - Chayce Jones (TAS)
Height, Weight: 180cm, 74kg
Profile: A strong ball-winner and accumulator who has the endurance to match anyone in this draft. Has been one of Launceston's best players in all State League appearances. Has shades of Rory Sloane which Adelaide supports will be drawn too.
Rationale: Honestly could go with five options here but Jones is the safe pick for Adelaide and adds depth to an inconsistent midfield.
#9 (Syd) - Nick Blakey (NSW - Sydney Academy)
Height, Weight: 195cm, 80kg
Profile: Mr Durable who can play any position asked of him. Has missed a lot of time with a stress reaction in his ankle and a stress fracture in his back in 2017. A genuine talent with his athleticism, skills and goal sense. Will be a 250+ game player with some impressive individual accolades.
Rationale: No brainer as part of Sydney Swans Academy.
#10 (GWS) - Jordan Clark (WA)
Height, Weight: 182cm, 78kg
Profile: The bolter as of late. Accurate kicking half-back flanker who reads the ball well and can play as a rebounding or shut down defender. Averaged more than 15 disposals and five marks in his five WAFL League games & should develop as an outside midfielder once he improves his endurance.
Rationale: GWS have no glaring weaknesses so take the player who they can mold here. Will embrace the Sydney vibe and develop into a player who replaces Heath Shaw.
#11 (Port) - Ben King (VIC)
Height, Weight: 202cm, 85kg
Profile: Versatile key position player who has played multiple roles this year. He is consistent and competitive. Go home factor would be a concern but appears to be a 200+ gamer who you can build a forward line or defense around.
Rationale: Best player available who should be the slider due to the go home factor risk & volume of interstate club picks inside the top 10. KPD who fills a void for Port and provides them a project to keep in SA.
#12 (GWS) - Jackson Hately (SA)
Height, Weight: 190cm, 81kg
Profile: Genuine good guy who has consistent written all over him. He’s a ready-to-go midfielder who is a star performer in the SANFL at League level. Has areas to work on and won’t be a player who provides X Factor but under a good football program he can be a consistent A Grade midfielder.
Rationale: GWS love this bloke and can step right into the senior midfield depth immediately. Offers something different to some of the other GWS mids.
#13 (NM) - Tarryn Thomas (TAS - North Melbourne Next Generation Academy)
Height, Weight: 189cm, 73kg
Profile: Exceptional player with silky skills. Demonstrated that tackling and smothering is natural to him and can be as promising as any other in this draft. A midfielder who hits the scoreboard and uses the ball efficiently. Daniel Wells would be a suitable comparison.
Rationale: Always was going to be on the Roos list. Earlier in the year would have projected a top 10 pick.
#14 (Geel) - Sam Sturt (VIC)
Height, Weight: 188cm, 79kg
Profile: Class act who suits the new age medium marking forward prototype. Has been considered a bolter yet some recruiters had earmarked him as a top 20 at the start of June. Possesses arguably the best left foot kick to a target and on goal in this draft.
Rationale: Fills a void for the Cats & under the Geelong football program could see him become one of the most dangerous one on one forwards in years to come.
#15 (Adel) - Zak Butters (VIC)
Height, Weight: 181cm, 70kg
Profile: Butters missed the second half of the season other whilst would be in top 10 discussions. Known for his speed, agility and clean skills. Outside midfielder who can push forward. One of few in this draft to have raw X Factor talent.
Rationale: Will swoop before Freo & Port have the opportunity. Brings something the crows are lacking & compliments their acquisition of Chayce Jones earlier.
#16 (Freo) - Ian Hill (WA)
Height, Weight: 175cm, 76kg
Profile: Explosive and classy line-breaker who was touted as a top 3 selection only last year. Questions around whether he plays as an outside midfielder or small forward at the next level.
Rationale: One of my favorite players in this draft. Could be anything and is a worthwhile risk for Fremantle due to having family in the club and no go home factor. Could see him excelling under Lobb & Hogan’s toes in years to come.
#17 (Port) - Riley Collier-Dawkins (VIC)
Height, Weight: 193cm, 88kg
Profile: Tall & dangerous midfielder who is known to be a first possession winner who gathers the ball on the move and bursts out of stoppages not too different to Dangerfield. Possesses speed, agility, skills and clean hands. Raw but developable.
Rationale: Port need young midfield depth, RCD fits the bill here and the power have the ability to give him a couple of years to build his endurance before releasing him into the centre. Low go home factor.
#18 (Coll) - Isaac Quaynor (VIC - Collingwood Next Generation Academy)
Height, Weight: 182cm, 82kg
#19 (Adel) - Luke Valente (SA)
Height, Weight: 186cm, 80kg
Profile: Has been hiding behind the SA big four. South Australian captain and MVP during the Under-18 Championships who some rate as the best dual sided kick in this year’s pool.
Rationale: SA boy with leadership attributes & screams future 200 gamer. Crows could do a lot worse with this pick and need to jump now as West Coast & Richmond would seriously consider.
#20 (Rich) - Liam Stocker (VIC)
Height, Weight: 183cm, 83kg
Profile: Prolific contested beast with determination and professionalism to separate him from some of the others. Awarded the Morrish Medal for the TAC Cup's best and fairest this year and looks to be a ready to go midfielder.
Rationale: Stocker looks like a typical Tigers target & would be a handy find with this pick. Can see them looking at Bailey Williams here but Stocker is too good to pass up.
#21 (Bris) - Xavier Duursma (VIC)
Height, Weight: 185cm, 71kg
Profile: One of the most accomplished leaders in this year’s pool. A midfielder who plays an inside or outside role to a high standard. Speedy, Elegant midfielder with clean hands and coachable ball-winning attributes.
Rationale: Ive heard Brisbane are hoping he slides to here. Fills a void and could be a nice asset to compliment McCluggage moving forward.
#22 (GWS) - Curtis Taylor (VIC)
Height, Weight: 186cm, 79kg
Profile: Robbie Gray type midfielder/forward. Who is known to be a powerful marking forward with clean skills. Low floor, High ceiling prospect.
Rationale: GWS can take the risk here. Not convinced he will replicate his form at AFL level but has the ability to be something special if he settles quick enough.
#23 (WCE) - Xavier O'Halloran (VIC)
Height, Weight: 187cm, 83kg
Profile: High-impact-per-possession midfielder. Strong leadership characteristics & a solid foundation to work with.
Rationale: West Coast need to build midfield depth & O’Halloran is the best available. Low go home factor so should apply himself well to AFL football in the West.
#24 (GWS) - Kieran Briggs (NSW - GWS Academy)
Height, Weight: 200cm, 98kg
#25 (Adel) - Bailey Williams (VIC)
Height, Weight: 198cm, 95kg
#26 (WCE) - Jez McLennan (SA)
Height, Weight: 183cm, 81kg
#27 (WB) - Rhylee West (VIC - Western Bulldogs father-son)
Height, Weight: 180cm, 80kg
#28 (Melb) - Ned McHenry (VIC)
Height, Weight: 176cm, 71kg
#29 (Bris) - Connor McFadyen (QLD - Brisbane Academy)
Height, Weight: 190cm, 88kg
#30 (GC) - Tom Sparrow (SA)
Height, Weight: 182cm, 81kg
#31 (Melb) - Jacob Kennerley (SA)
Height, Weight: 185cm, 79kg
#32 (GC) - Marlion Pickett (WA)
Height, Weight: 183cm, 85kg
#33 (Frem) - Luke Foley (WA)
Height, Weight: 187cm, 75kg
#34 (WB) - Sydney Stack (WA)
Height, Weight: 177cm, 72kg
#35 (NM) - Bailey Scott (QLD - North Melbourne father-son)
Height, Weight: 186cm, 74kg
#36 (Ess) - Jack Bytel (VIC)
Height, Weight: 188cm, 82kg
#37 (Bris) - Fraser Turner (TAS)
Height, Weight: 186cm, 75kg
#38 (STK) - James Rowbottom (VIC)
Height, Weight: 185cm, 78kg
#39 (Rich) - Ely Smith (VIC)
Height, Weight: 188cm, 86kg
#40 (Coll) - Will Kelly (VIC - Collingwood father-son)
Height, Weight: 193cm, 83kg
#41 (Syd) - Mitch Maguire (ACT)
Height, Weight: 175cm, 76kg
#42 (Syd) - Jacob Koschitzke (NSW/ACT)
Height, Weight: 196cm, 94kg
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