Draft Watcher Knightmare's 2012 Mock Draft

[Yoda_]

Thanks for the review Yoda.

Fraser Fort is another year away yet. I'm sure he will work his way into my power rankings next year at some point with strong performances though.

Plowman uses it better than Fisher but for style probably is a better one with his more offensive style of play. Glad to hear he went well and there seems to be no danger of him sliding.

Gallucci is interesting and I like your observations of his game. Has improved as the season has progressed. Might be one looked at as a rookie.

Hill seems to close out his season strongly and did the same last year also for the Stingrays. He has a solid shutdown game and in more recent weeks has been given that licence to attack more.

I haven't seen much of Pierce and he has been injured for much of the past two seasons really. Pleasing that he performed strongly and will keep my eyes out for him over coming weeks.

Hugh Goddard looks like one of if not the best prospect for 2014 at this early stage and looks every bit as good as Brendon - though unlike his cousin a key forward.

Harnett is another of those impressive u16s and it's great to hear he caught the eye.

Fraser Fort for a 17 year old is a very good prospect IMO. Smart defender who positions himself well, definitely one to look out for next year.

I would have thought that Fisher was a better kick than Lake hence the similarities between Fisher and Plowman, I didnt realise it was his first game back yesterday for the Cannons (according to TAC Cup future stars any ways).

I would definitely look at "Gucci" for a rookie pick, looked at his stats and he has really come on in recent weeks, would love to see how he goes next year as an overagers should he be overlooked in the draft periods. Just think he has quite a few tools to work with.

I think next years draft is looking pretty good, as for 2014, a lot can change in two years, but playing TAC Cup as a 16 year old is a bloody good effort in my books, they don't just gift games to players.

I was a little disappointed in Darcy Fort's game yesterday. Really struggled to work around the ground and show his ability to be an option around the ground. Was comprehensively beaten by Lewis Pierce yesterday.

One name that should be spoken about a lot more also, Spencer White, the hulking Jets forward who can can take a big grab, kicks goals and just presents. At 194cm and 88kg, he isnt as far away from senior football as say a Tom Clurey (193cm, 85kg). Would love to hear your thoughts on the big man. The thing that impressed me so much was his ability to fly at the ball and continue to jump for it, even after being crunched, got up and went again.

 

[Knightmare]

White has some talent and looks like he could be a real steal late/rookie. Agree he presents up at the footy well and just has a presence to him. He has in the back half of the season developed more of a consistency to his game. Very stiff not to make the u18s. Defensively not the best but that wouldn't read as a strength for all that many key forwards.

 

[Yoda_]

Since your own KM, a little bit of division on the Essendon board about Paddy Ryder and Tom Bellchambers playing in the same team.

Both are number one ruckmen but it seems both cannot play in the same team. do you think that Tom Bellchambers and a second round draft pick would be enough to snare the second mini draft pick?

 

[Knightmare]

Since your own KM, a little bit of division on the Essendon board about Paddy Ryder and Tom Bellchambers playing in the same team.

Both are number one ruckmen but it seems both cannot play in the same team. do you think that Tom Bellchambers and a second round draft pick would be enough to snare the second mini draft pick?

Bellchambers is having a very good season and has really come into his own in the 2nd half. I think his value is nearing a top 10 selection and while I can see GWS investing in another ruckman at some stage I don't see it being Bellchambers.

Giles has voiced that he wants to be the no.1 ruckman and with the addition of Bellchambers, Giles moves back to the no.2 ruck role. Giles would be a better fit with a Trent West type who like Giles can better split his minutes between ruck/fwd and someone like this can be added for substantially less.

As for minidraft selection two I expect GWS to be more interest in either a high draft pick/ a package including compensation selections so I expect they would pass on Bellchambers and the 2nd round selection. GWS want to extend their embarrassment of riches as far as they can so the more future selections they can get the better in their minds.

 

[Yoda_]

Bellchambers is having a very good season and has really come into his own in the 2nd half. I think his value is nearing a top 10 selection and while I can see GWS investing in another ruckman at some stage I don't see it being Bellchambers.

Giles has voiced that he wants to be the no.1 ruckman and with the addition of Bellchambers, Giles moves back to the no.2 ruck role. Giles would be a better fit with a Trent West type who like Giles can better split his minutes between ruck/fwd and someone like this can be added for substantially less.

As for minidraft selection two I expect GWS to be more interest in either a high draft pick/ a package including compensation selections so I expect they would pass on Bellchambers and the 2nd round selection. GWS want to extend their embarrassment of riches as far as they can so the more future selections they can get the better in their minds.

Out of all the expansion rules that the AFL has given the two clubs, I think the whole idea of bringing in developed players has been utterly rubbish and thrown out the window. The whole reason for the mini draft picks was trading for developed players and stars to occur, instead GWS and the Suns have rorted the system. Who have they brought in via trades throughout the whole process? I couldn't name one, uncontracted players? yes! trades? no! A farce in my eyes.

Back to the question I asked, I am in no way suggesting Bellchambers is expendable, in fact the opposite, Hille seems likely to retire on the back of some injuries and struggling form and Ryder is the only other ruckmen on our list, we need Bellchambers. However, if it was able to allow us to secure Hogan, I would not be inclined to at least inquire. However, I agree with you in that the Demons and the Bulldogs are in prime position to secure the two mini draft picks.

Just been asked about Nick Graham, wonder what your thoughts are on him?

 

[LouisCK]

Why wouldnt GC go for the mini draft pick? I think Melbourne are a monty to use pick 4 if its available for a mini draft pick, so they can snare Hogan. But wouldnt GC be pretty keen on Martin?

 

[saintsrfreak]

Probably a bit off topic from drafting and such but how has Cam Pederson been playing in the VFL this year?

 

[Knightmare]

Just been asked about Nick Graham, wonder what your thoughts are on him?

I like his game. Attacks the ball and his tackling game and energy is a highlight. Marking ability good and generally uses it well. Looks a mid draft selection and is one to look out for.

Why wouldnt GC go for the mini draft pick? I think Melbourne are a monty to use pick 4 if its available for a mini draft pick, so they can snare Hogan. But wouldnt GC be pretty keen on Martin?

Entirely possible they do. Comes down to whether they like Martin/Toumpas more. If keen on Martin Gold Coast could probably get either that end of 1st round or that 2nd round selection as well as Martin for pick 2.

Probably a bit off topic from drafting and such but how has Cam Pederson been playing in the VFL this year?

Having a solid season. Has played a some forward, some back, some ruck.

Worth checking out his numbers:
http://www.sportingpulse.com/team_i...&pID=192147767&client=1-118-0-204557-16771082

 

[L_W_P]

KM I've thrown a bit of a curve ball over in the general trade thread.

Assume for a minute that Josh Caddy wants to come home to Victoria and a trade couldn't be done to satisfy GC, IF he were to walk into the National Draft ala Luke Ball, where could you see him ending up?

 

[Knightmare]

KM I've thrown a bit of a curve ball over in the general trade thread.

Assume for a minute that Josh Caddy wants to come home to Victoria and a trade couldn't be done to satisfy GC, IF he were to walk into the National Draft ala Luke Ball, where could you see him ending up?

Caddy would go somewhere in the 5-15 range in this scenario. Richmond and St Kilda would be the more likely destinations in this scenario.

 

[THE_GUN]

I would be extatic with caddy for our 1st pick , Please football gods make this happen.

 

[Sin City]

I would be extatic with caddy for our 1st pick , Please football gods make this happen.

Would be pretty much the perfect pick for Richmond

 

[Knightmare]

Just updated the draft order.

Still need to update my power rankings, add some more draft profiles and fix up the likely draft ranges but that is a job for another day.

 

[saintsrfreak]

Just updated the draft order.

Still need to update my power rankings, add some more draft profiles and fix up the likely draft ranges but that is a job for another day.

Love that you continually update it KM, one of the reasons why I think you have the best mock draft thread

 

[borderbarry]

If you have just updated the draft order you have put the Saints 10th and Carlton 9th. Or do you expect Carlton to win next weekend?

 

[ZAAHAARAKIS!!!!!]

Caddy would go somewhere in the 5-15 range in this scenario. Richmond and St Kilda would be the more likely destinations in this scenario.

Does he have to enter the draft? or can he directly sign with a club?

 

[year of the roo]

Probably a bit off topic from drafting and such but how has Cam Pederson been playing in the VFL this year?

I wouldn't describe his form as 'solid'. I would use a word more like 'dominant'. He is desperately unlucky not to be playing senior footy, but the trio of Petrie, Tarrant and Hansen has been working beautifully (notwithstanding this weekend). Has a contract for 2013.

 

[LouisCK]

KM, out of everywhere I read, you have Viney higher than most. Watching him this year gives me a lot of faith that he's worth pick 3, but most pundits seem to have him no higher than pick 6.

What specifically do you see in him?

 

[Knightmare]

Love that you continually update it KM, one of the reasons why I think you have the best mock draft thread

Thanks for the kind words saints.

If you have just updated the draft order you have put the Saints 10th and Carlton 9th. Or do you expect Carlton to win next weekend?

I've just gone with the ladder predictor. The Carlton loss against Gold Coast was a strange one but I'm expecting they rebound with the pressure on coach and club.

Does he have to enter the draft? or can he directly sign with a club?

If Caddy decides he wants to move to a Victorian club I expect Gold Coast will accomodate him via trade, I was in the previous post answering where he would place if he were to enter the draft - which I consider a very unlikely scenario considering he was an early selection and has value. The Western Bull Dogs might offer one of their early selections for Caddy, otherwise Richmond and St Kilda might also be in a position to make a play for him.

KM, out of everywhere I read, you have Viney higher than most. Watching him this year gives me a lot of faith that he's worth pick 3, but most pundits seem to have him no higher than pick 6.

What specifically do you see in him?

I really value what Viney brings to the table. He strikes me as a culture changer. He is one of those few rare guys who from season one will really strike fear in the minds of the opposition and I expect with his attack on the ball and agression that it will really influence others to follow his example. He is one of those types where you want him on your team and his competitiveness and hardness rates up there and in my view exceeds that of Joel Selwood and Luke Hodge.

I have plenty of faith in Viney and have seen more than enough of him over the past two years to be sold on his game. But it's these intangibles that really puts him ahead of the others in my mind.

 

[Honeyboy Wilson]

So you've got Dean Towers going to us at Pick 28...

Good sized, mature aged midfielder with speed is what I can pick up. He also has a great name. You haven't written anything about him in your writeup yet - he must be pretty good to go so high in a supposedly deep draft as a mature ager.

 

[Chris25]

Some interesting changes.

Dean Towers went from outside the previous 97, to 28 after this update? Paul Marschall and Patrick Wilson both shot up from nowhere to 51 and 53 respectively too. And it's good to see Jacob Ballard finally get a gig in your draft.

Still some things I disagree with, but it's good to see your draft falling in line with mine.

 

[Mofra]

KM great effort, just wondering from the Bulldogs' point of view, do you still think we'd take a ruckman/forward and a key defender first round? They are the only two positions we are actually set for and are desperate for outside midfielders and/or a medium forward.

Even if Grundy is available I'd be surprised if we took him TBH, and although we seem to have a few developing inside mids (noting we'll take Lachie Hunter this draft too) Wines sounds like the type B-Mac loves.

 

[Tazwegian]

I think Jesse Lonergan will end up higher than you have him. Biggest bargain in the world if he goes that low.

 

[L_W_P]

If a top 5 team end up with Jake Stringer...

Wouldn't slip past Carlton at 11/12 surely? If the Saints lose Goddard I would think they would be on him too.

Coming around to Shaw though. The more I see the more I like.

 

[philthy05]

love the work km.

i think 2 aspects that are really important to modern footy, and are particularly lacking in some bottom sides such as port adelaide are footskills and pace with the ball.

we all know about the gun kids with these attributes, but ild love to know your top 10ish players in footskills outside your projected 1st round,

and in pace with the ball, i think pace alone isnt worth half as much as those who can use it to get around a player or 2 before kicking or those that continually gain ground, again players outside your projected 1st round.

i just want to get an idea of some of the kids order in these abilities that will be available to any team not just the team with super picks.