Draft Watcher Knightmare's 2012 Mock Draft

[Roughies Boys]

Hey Knightmare, What can you tell me about Jackson Dwyer, I know he is an Eligible Hawthorn Scholarship elevation at the end of the year, but what have you seen from him if you have? Also weren't Thomas Kickett, Heath Caldwell & Dylan Stuart good enough to be drafted last year?

 

[Toadvine]

I didn't see your post Toadvine, but I agree with everything you've said, however, Nic Tuddenham is the Rays captain I thought..

I stand corrected, I had that down in my notes and I cant remember where I got that info from.

He could follow a similar path as Jake Batchelor at the Tiges, Missing the Champs through injury and then a "surprise selection" in the top 30.

After Sam Heavyside dropping away this Carnival, Pongracic is shaping up as my boy for this draft.

 

[Raymann]

Sam Heavyside has a broken foot which happened during the QLD game. Pongracic is co captain of the stingrays along with Nic Tuddenham.

 

[Toadvine]

Sam Heavyside has a broken foot which happened during the QLD game. Pongracic is co captain of the stingrays along with Nic Tuddenham.

That's really bad luck for Heavyside I had no idea about the injury. Any idea on how severe?

 

[Raymann]

Fracture, out for about six weeks

 

[Toadvine]

Not too bad for him then I guess. Hopefully the Pio's can make the finals and he can get back in and play some good footy then. I wonder how it may effect is place come draft day...

 

[SumTingWong]

Hi KM,
Is it too early for you to suggest who Richmond would be interested in going for with their round 1 and 2 draft picks this year OR if you have any personal preferences for those picks so far?

 

[Godogs247]

Interesting on Pongracic. Noted.

Jackson Thurlow was a surprise and one I didn't have on my radar pre champs. Sam Colquhoun has impressed and jumped up my rankings.

The one player I had no idea about and never heard in draft discussions but I keep leaving every game thinking this guy can play is: Nathan Stark from SA. Really hard at it midfielder who reminds me allot of Toby Greene. His numbers aren't at that same level but he is a guy who you just notice every time he is around the ball and has a really neat inside game. Gets out of congestion well and decision making excellent in close when pressured.

Knightmare I watch stingrays every week and have family playing afl so think I no what it takes to get drafted -there is a kid playing for Dandenong who is dominating every game he plays like one J.Brown his name is Jake Calvert 195cm power forward who rucks -with the afl changing the bench this kid is a monty to be drafted like to no your thoughts

 

[Yoda_]

Knightmare I watch stingrays every week and have family playing afl so think I no what it takes to get drafted -there is a kid playing for Dandenong who is dominating every game he plays like one J.Brown his name is Jake Calvert 195cm power forward who rucks -with the afl changing the bench this kid is a monty to be drafted like to no your thoughts

Is he 195cm? Ive seen him listed as 192cm (in the record, which is most likely a pre season height, could he reach 200cm by the end of next year and make an impact at AFL level in 2014?). Calvert is one player whom I have heard big wraps on from down here, have heard he dominated for a 3 game stretch (against Queensland, Murray and Calder) with 7 goals (including a bag of 5 against Calder).

I think he seriously will be will be looked at, is playing as an overager, so that may be put against him..

 

[Eagles1994]

Hey nightmare slightly off topic but related. Can you see any clubs picking up Ben Saunders ? Only 20 and is currently leading the goal kicking for the wafl league a rookie chance perhaps?

 

[The Football Man23]

Was just wondering who are the top 10 prospects from division 2 of the national champs?

 

[whatboutbob]

Might be a little harsh on Cameron. For starters, I assume he played in the back lines seeing as though that's where most of his football recently has been played. And if so, his stats actually look quite good. Of course, I didn't see the game though. And in terms of being undersized, is he? Bourke has just 2cm on him, and Cameron is better above his head. I think height is a bit overrated at times, it all depends on the player and if he can actually play. And Cameron can.

Cameron played back for all game bar a short stint up forward in the 3rd quarter. I've seen reports saying he was very impressive. I wasn't impressed. IIRC tho it was his first game back.

Aliir has competed well through the ruck for someone at his size and his 2nd efforts and 3rd efforts have been solid but probably hasn't stood out up to this point in the u18 champs so interesting Brisbane + Gold Coast are interested.

I don't put a lot of stock in the 'journo' who wrote that puff piece.

His leap is seriously eye-catching, but he doesn't have a lot else going for him atm.

Conway is looking good. Thanks for the correction on age. Looks so mature that I just assumed he was eligable this year. He's playing some strong football through the midfield and if he continues to improve you might have something.

Already one of Queensland's bests this year. Has an excellent tackling game and like the Selwood boys has that knack for drawing frees.

Agree that he has been really impressive - just a tough, composed little nugget, but I'm a tad concerned that he doesn't seem to have a stand-out skill. Too harsh on a bottom-ager?

 

[smashbox gill]

after his nat championships what range do you expect Troy Menzel to go? In the 5-10 range? or the 10-20 range?

 

[Knightmare]

Also bud, Anyone from the TAC Cup you Have been impressed with who wasn't selected in the Country or Metro squads?

Just interested to hear your thoughts on some other guys, rather than the same names (Stringer, Whitfield, Menzel, Paparone, Martin etc, etc).

It's always more difficult with those who don't make the Country or Metro squads to rate their draft stocks. These types I tend to watch out for after the u18 champs to watch whether they close out the season because with those higher quality players missing in this middle part to the season it is difficult to know whether they would be as dominant with these players back for their TAC sides.

Calvert and White are probably among those unlucky few to miss out who would still be in the mix. Calvert in particular I have to agree with godogs on. He won't become Jonathan Brown. But I agree he has been very good in the TAC up forward and would be my pick right now as the player to watch who missed.

Otherwise was reasonably pleased with the selected squads for Metro and Country.

 

[Knightmare]

Hey Knightmare, What can you tell me about Jackson Dwyer, I know he is an Eligible Hawthorn Scholarship elevation at the end of the year, but what have you seen from him if you have? Also weren't Thomas Kickett, Heath Caldwell & Dylan Stuart good enough to be drafted last year?

Dwyer is a outside mid/fwd with some pace. Is noted for his work ethic. Very short and thin build. Not sure he will get drafted unless he has had some other big games in NSW that I'm not aware of. Only played the one U18 champs game so far (all i've seen of him) but the NSW scouts would know his game better than I do.

 

[Knightmare]

Hi KM,
Is it too early for you to suggest who Richmond would be interested in going for with their round 1 and 2 draft picks this year OR if you have any personal preferences for those picks so far?

Richmond being a club likely to come into it mid 1st round could have any number of options and at this early stage it is difficult to link any one player at this stage to your selection/s.

If I were picking 1st round for Richmond I'd look for a slider and hope a Vlastuin/Stringer/Wines is available. O'Rouke (hard ball winner) and Mayes (highly skilled, quick mid who with some flexibility to his game) are others I could imagine Richmond might also look into.

2nd round is probably harder against. There might be some attractive mids or small forwards to look at. Shannon Taylor as a crumber, Matthew McDonough as a small marking target up forward are some I'd look at. As mids Pongracic, Macrae, Atkins and Hrovat would be among those mids worth looking at.

 

[Knightmare]

Knightmare I watch stingrays every week and have family playing afl so think I no what it takes to get drafted -there is a kid playing for Dandenong who is dominating every game he plays like one J.Brown his name is Jake Calvert 195cm power forward who rucks -with the afl changing the bench this kid is a monty to be drafted like to no your thoughts

I like his game also. Could be in with a chance and will want to put together a strong 2nd half to 2012 to show recruiters that he can't be ignored. Never easy when you don't make the u18 squad but if anyone can Calvert right now is my tip with some of the performances he has put forward up to this point.

 

[Knightmare]

Hey nightmare slightly off topic but related. Can you see any clubs picking up Ben Saunders ? Only 20 and is currently leading the goal kicking for the wafl league a rookie chance perhaps?

Haven't seen Saunders play but looking at his numbers he could be one worth looking into and will be one I'll look out for.

Do you have his measurements?

I usually take closer notice of the State Leaguers in the 2nd half of the season when the u18 champs is finished but I will certainly look into what Saunders is producing.

Would along with Jackson Coleman be in the mix as mature key forwards.

 

[Knightmare]

Was just wondering who are the top 10 prospects from division 2 of the national champs?

For draft rankings of the div 2s I have:
1. Jed Anderson (NT)
--space--
2. Jackson Thurlow (TAS)
3. Clay Cameron (QLD)
4. Jordan Bourke (QLD)
5. Jesse Lonergan (TAS)
6. Anthony Tipungwuti (NT)
7. Andrew Boston (QLD)
8. Jake Neade (NT)
--others--
9. Sam Autio (NT)
10. Brian Coleman-Broome (QLD)
Unlucky: Braedon McLean (NT), Dom Barry (NT), Ben Rioli (NT), Calen Jeffery (TAS).

Craig Moller (NSW/ACT) - If playing would make my top 2-3 but is missing with injury.

 

[Knightmare]

Agree that he has been really impressive - just a tough, composed little nugget, but I'm a tad concerned that he doesn't seem to have a stand-out skill. Too harsh on a bottom-ager?

You could be right but I'd re-assess Conway next year and hopefully he can become more damaging with his touches next year. I expect he will be much the same player next year with his strongly developed body. But here's hoping he can take another step forward next year.

 

[Knightmare]

after his nat championships what range do you expect Troy Menzel to go? In the 5-10 range? or the 10-20 range?

10-20 range. Hard to see a club risking a top 10 selection on a guy who has had LARS already and a brother who himself has had knee issues. Even with his encouraging production and clear talent he has shown up to this point I suggest clubs will be weary of this.

 

[Raymann]

I like his game also. Could be in with a chance and will want to put together a strong 2nd half to 2012 to show recruiters that he can't be ignored. Never easy when you don't make the u18 squad but if anyone can Calvert right now is my tip with some of the performances he has put forward up to this point.

Hi KM, Calvert has been added to the VC squad of 25. Would expect him to play on friday.

 

[Roughies Boys]

Dwyer is a outside mid/fwd with some pace. Is noted for his work ethic. Very short and thin build. Not sure he will get drafted unless he has had some other big games in NSW that I'm not aware of. Only played the one U18 champs game so far (all i've seen of him) but the NSW scouts would know his game better than I do.

Cheers, just noticed he was a Hawthorn Scholarship

 

[Knightmare]

Hi KM, Calvert has been added to the VC squad of 25. Would expect him to play on friday.

Good to hear. Thanks for the note Raymann.

Look forward to seeing what he can do against Vic Metro.

 

[Eagles1994]

Haven't seen Saunders play but looking at his numbers he could be one worth looking into and will be one I'll look out for.

Do you have his measurements?

I usually take closer notice of the State Leaguers in the 2nd half of the season when the u18 champs is finished but I will certainly look into what Saunders is producing.

Would along with Jackson Coleman be in the mix as mature key forwards.

Having a guess I would say he is about 185-188 cm tall and about 84kilos. Very much a medium goal kicking forward with pretty good hands. And from what I have seen he has natural forward nous too not an athletic type converted to a forward. Great speed of the mark and I'll be going to Souths game this weekend to keep an eye on shaw,parparone ect