Draft Watcher Knightmare's 2013 phantom draft

[Knightmare]

Power Rankings for 2013:
*Potential A-graders*
1. Jack Martin (WA - Mid) – Gold Coast via minidraft.
2. Thomas Boyd (VIC - KPF)
3. Jesse Hogan (WA - KPF) – Melbourne via minidraft.
4. Blake Acres (WA – Mid/Util)
5. Luke McDonald (VIC - UTIL – NM F/S)
6. James Aish (SA – Mid/Def)
7. Jack Billings (VIC – Fwd/Mid)
8. Matthew Scharenberg (SA – Def)
9.Kade Kolodjashnij (TAS – Util)
10.Marcus Bontempelli (VIC – Util)
--
*Potentially high level footballers*
11. Matt Crouch (VIC - Mid)
12. Dominic Sheed (WA – Mid/Fwd)
13. Luke Dunstan (SA – Mid/Fwd)
14. Josh Kelly (VIC - Mid)
15. Lewis Taylor (VIC – Mid/Fwd)
16. Cameron McCarthy (WA – KPF)
17. Zac Jones (VIC – Def/Mid)
18. Christian Salem (VIC – Mid/Fwd)
19. Trent Dumont (SA – Mid/Def)
20. Ben Lennon (VIC - Fwd)
21. Zac Merrett (VIC – Util)
22. Lloyd Perris (NSW – Mid - Sydney)
23. Darcy Gardiner (VIC – KPD)
--
*Good enough to make it but likely need to land in the right situation*
24. Nathan Freeman (VIC – Mid)
25.Mitch Thorp (TAS – Fwd/KPF)
26. Toby Nankervis (TAS – KPF/Ruck)
27. Matt Fuller (SA – Util)
28. Dayle Garlett (WA – Mid/Fwd)
29. Jonathon Marsh (WA – KPF/Util)
30. Nicholas Robertson (WA – Mid)
31. Patrick Cripps (WA – Mid)
32. Tom Cutler (VIC – Mid/Def)
33. George Hewett (SA –Mid/Fwd)
34. Rory Lobb (WA – Ruck)
35. James Battersby (SA – Def/Mid)
36. Darcy Byrne-Jones (VIC – Mid/Def)
37. Isaiah Miller (VIC – Def/Mid)
38. Ben Sokol (WA – Fwd/Mid)
39. Darcy Hourigan (SA – KPF/KPD)
40. Mitchell Harvey (SA – KPF)
41. Matthew Sully (VIC – KPD)
42. Mitch Honeychurch (VIC – Mid/Fwd)
43. Jarman Impey (VIC – Fwd)
44. Malcolm Karpany (SA – Fwd)
45. Billy Hartung (VIC - Mid)
46. Jay Kennedy-Harris (VIC – Fwd/Mid)
47. Riley Knight (SA – Mid/Fwd)
48. James Tsitas (VIC – Mid)
49.Darcy Lang (VIC – Mid)
50. Charlie Cameron (WA - Fwd)
51. Luke Reynolds (SA – Fwd)
52. Louis Herbert (VIC – Util)
53. Tom Langdon (VIC – Def)
54. Cameron Giles (SA – KPD)
55. Darcy Cameron (WA – Ruck/KPF)
56.Nicholas Bourke (VIC – Util)
57. James Magner (VIC – Mid)
58. Joel Wilkinson (QLD – Def)
59. Haiden Schloithe (WA – Fwd/Mid)
60. Ben Brown (TAS – KPF/Ruck)
*Josh Glenn (SA – Util) – would be in my best 40 power rankings if he enters the draft.




Minidraft (2012):
1. Gold Coast - Jack Martin (WA – Mid/Fwd)
Height: 188cm, Weight: 75kg, DOB: 29/01/1995
Recruited from: Claremont
Style: Dale Thomas (Supercharged, more damaging version offensively)
Player comparison:
Range: 1-2
Profile: Martin is a neat little prospect and really stands out with his great run and carry. Has great pace and uses it well through the midfield and is a guy you really notice. One thing that has impressed me with Martin is his explosive sidestep, can just explode off to the side and it isn’t just straight line pace. Probably more of an outside player but Martin has a real fearlessness and is an above average stoppage player despite his lack of size and his clearance work very reasonable for someone so slight of build which is encouraging. Lively tackler and despite his light build his tackles stick. Martin a great leap on him and can take a high flying mark and also for his size is a very strong contested mark. Has also shown nice ability to read the ball and regularly gets intercept marks off opposition kicks. After a mark is willing to move the ball on quickly either by taking a guy on with his run and carry or by foot. Martin’s footskills are a highlight with the damage he does. Finds his targets consistently and has some penetration on that kick. Finishing ability around goal good. Also really like his composure with ball in hand and generally uses it really well. A sure A-grade midfielder of the future.

2. Melbourne - Jesse Hogan (WA – KPF)
Height: 195cm, Weight: 97kg, DOB: 12/02/1995
Recruited from: Claremont
Style: Jonathan Brown
Player comparison: Jack Darling (Bigger version)
Range: 1-2
Profile: Strong contested marking forward and is a real presence and target you can kick to. Also has excellent ability to take a 1v1 mark and this seems a real feature of his game. Reads it well in the air and off the players boot. Has the ability to crash packs and bring it to ground and seems to enjoy the
physical side of the game. Physically developed for his age and already a very high level key forward. By foot is a good field kick and can find a leading target. Will need to work on set shot goal kicking routine – just doesn’t look as fluid as you’d ideally like to see and as a result his set shot goal kicking seems to suffer. Has the ability to become a franchise key forward.

 

[Knightmare]

#1 GWS – Thomas Boyd (VIC – KPF)
Height: 199cm, Weight: 102kg, DOB: 22/08/1995
Recruited from: Eastern Ranges
Style: Travis Cloke
Player comparison: Jonathan Patton
Range: 1
Profile: Dominant key forward who really owns the forwardline. Boyd has had a strong body from a young age. Boyd is a genuine contested marking presence and at u18 level just monsters opposition players through his sheer size advantage. He can really crash packs and can do some damage and uses his body well. Overhead he reads it well but then also has textbook marking technique, taking it at the highest point every time which with at his height, reach and frame is very hard to stop with his bodywork excellent. Set shot goal kicking excellent, rarely missing and field kicking also very impressive for a big. Boyd at his size will never be an athlete but athletically more than acceptable the way he has improved his body over the past couple of seasons is a real credit to him and his professionalism.

#2 GWS – Josh Kelly (VIC – Mid)
Height: 182cm, Weight: 73kg, DOB: 12/02/1995
Recruited from: Sandringham Dragons
Style:
Player comparison: Andrew Gaff
Range: 2
Profile: One of the players considered and considered strongly for last year’s minidraft but in the end overlooked. Kelly really stands out from the crowd with his really elite outside running. He goes all day and just covers more ground than any other junior. He just always seems to be around the ball because he works harder than everyone else to get to every contest and influence it in some way. His endurance testing is up with the very best with his beep test and 3k time trial scores elite and his repeat sprint scores excellent. Not only does Kelly have that elite outside running game and ability to accumulate that outside ball but his skill set is also exquisite and is just that really precise user of the footy with his footskills in particular impressive just using the ball so efficiently hitting the intended target every time and he can do it on either side and do some damage as more that classy/silky user of the footy. He’s also a strong tackler. As long as you don’t expect Kelly to build an inside game or win his own footy, as much as he’s worked on it this year, he’ll be a good find for a team.

#3 St Kilda - Jack Billings (VIC – Fwd/Mid)
Height: 183cm, Weight: 78kg, DOB: 18/08/1995
Recruited from: Oakleigh Chargers
Style: Jimmy Bartel/Nick Dal Santo
Player comparison:
Range: 3-7
Profile: Billings is a very high level footballer already and I’ve been very impressed with his play at a national level, in the TAC and also in APS footy and he just seems a class above at any level he plays at. Jack stands out with his elite footskills and is very duel sided with his preferred left foot in particular excellent and can both finish around goal easily just knowing where the goals are but also has rare playmaking ability with the way he finds those inside 50 targets by foot with his vision and ability to put it to where the forwards want it real features of his game and what he does as well as any. He’s also very damaging whenever there are stoppages or boundary throw-ins inside the forward 50 and has shown that he can shark it and convert for an easy goal if you’re not paying attention to him. Whenever he has ball in hand regardless of pressure he just uses it really well and looks really comfortable out there. I also like how unselfish Billings is up forward at times when he’s in a tight spot inside 50 he has the ability to find that central target in better position for the easy mark. The other major feature of Jack’s game is his overhead marking ability. He’s not tall but for his height his marking is a real highlight marking it at the highest point, but has those genuine sticky hands where he just takes it every time and also has unbelievably strong 1v1 marking ability allowing him to be a big weapon when pushed forward. He’s also excellent at ground level and a superb finisher from anywhere in range and particularly from set shots where he is pretty much automatic. While he’s most dominant forward of centre he’s also excellent through the midfield so while he will most likely start in a forward half for a team he’ll be rotating through a midfield in no time at the next level. He also has the ability to shrug a tackle. Billings has struggled this year with injury which is why we haven’t seen him at his best as often as we would like but having watched him for a number of years now he’s someone who can really take over games with his influence and consistently beat his direct opponent whether it be up forward or through the midfield.

#4 Western Bulldogs – Marcus Bontempelli (VIC – Mid/Def)
Height: 191cm, Weight: 83kg, DOB: 24/11/1995
Recruited from: Northern Knights
Style:
Player comparison: Jared Brennan (Less lazy)
Range: 4-13
Profile: Bontempelli is a very athletic tall who does a bit of everything. Best known for his 50 disposal, 10 goal game in school footy through the midfield. What stands out to me with Bontempelli is the way he moves at his size as someone who covers so much ground with ball in hand at speed but then also his footskills at that height with his ability to convert when within range from goal but then also hit his targets over a variety of distances. Bontempelli can play pretty much anywhere. Off a back flank he can really break the lines with his pace but also has a nice leap on him making him a weapon in the air when he pushes forward. He has a nice combination of athletic gifts with above average speed, agility and endurance at his height. He also has some real penetration on that left foot with his 55m kick and has the ability to do some major damage. As a midfielder he’s still developing his inside game but it’s coming along nicely with his clean hands and his improving ability to win his own ball and distribute by hand so there’s plenty to work with, particularly at his height as someone who is still growing into his body. With Bontempelli I’ve really enjoyed his improvement in recent seasons and he still seems to be growing and with a late year birthday he’s a guy who over future seasons has the opportunity to really develop into a monster if things go right. Just what position that ends making his and exactly how far he can take his game are the unknowns at this point. With his skills at his height, being a late bloomer who is still growing and with his drive to succeed and put the extra work into his game but then also the pedigree as the cousin of Nick Dal Santo and it’s a recipe for success.

#5 Gold Coast – Kade Kolodjashnij (TAS – Util)
Height: 188cm, Weight: 76kg, DOB: 09/08/1995
Recruited from: Launceston
Style: Robert Murphy
Player comparison:
Range: 3-7
Profile: Kolodjashnij is a high production outside player with some versatility to his game and can play back, wing or forward well. Kolodjashnij is an effective linkup player who reads the play well and has a smart running game. He’s a good user of the footy by hand and foot and can do some damage with his left boot particularly impressive with that class, vision and hurt factor he displays with the penetration he has and ability to kick it to where the guy up the field wants it, he’s just not so comfortable on his right side. He’s also an excellent run and carry player and can at times break the lines. He’s also excellent in the air with his marking ability strong and behind play can read it well and take his share of intercept marks. He has a nice agile sidestep and can create more time and space for himself with ball in hand. At this stage he has a very thin build and can struggle defensively and in 1v1 contests. He almost certainly will always remain an outside type but a high production guy who can do some damage. Tested exceptionally well at the draft combine which has increased his draft stocks.

#6 Collingwood (Via West Coast) - James Aish (SA – Mid/Def)
Height: 183cm, Weight: 74kg, DOB: 08/11/1995
Recruited from: Norwood
Style: Trent Cotchin
Player comparison: Jarrad McVeigh
Range: 4-10
Profile: Aish is an elite user of the footy and just has more time and space than the next player. He’s proven in the SANFL for a number of years now that he’s made of AFL stuff and will have a long career in the AFL as someone I’d class as a probable 250 gamer. In space, in traffic, it doesn’t matter for Aish. He has rare composure and continues to make the right decisions and never seems rushed with the extra time and space he seems to have. By both hand or foot he consistently he uses it well and is one of the more duel sided players you’ll see at this young age rarely missing a target. He also has excellent vision and lowers his eyes finding the correct target every time making him a threat whenever he kicks it into the forward 50. Aish is a strong mark overhead for his size and has a strong 1v1 game despite his lean build and can also pose a threat when he pushes forward. Aish is an impressive athlete with his ability burst out of traffic with the pill, to sidestep and has a real burst of speed on him in a straight line also. He just so naturally takes on the game and seems to enjoy it and can generate that drive with his run and carry. Aish still needs to get stronger but that will come. He’s one of the relatively younger players in this draft and has played and played well against more mature opposition and even handled the tag well so he’s not something to be concerned about. Despite his lean build he is not a soft outside player and is very willing to get his hands dirty and go hard when it’s his turn but he looks more likely to settle on a wing or back flank as he’s not going to be a clearance king or a monster contested ball winner at the next level with what most likely will remain a relatively lean build but he doesn’t have to be with the rest of his game complete. Aish is one of the lowest risk players in this draft looking at what he’s done against senior SANFL competition and I have no question he’ll be one of the very best to come out of this draft. Also comes from a very famous South Australian football family and has it in his blood.

#7 Brisbane – Matthew Scharenberg (SA – Def/Util)Height: 190cm, Weight: 89kg, DOB: 18/09/1995
Recruited from: Glenelg
Style: Grant Birchall
Player comparison:
Range: 3-10
Profile: Scharenberg is a high production, ready to go back flanker who has proven himself in the SANFL with his strong play. As a back flanker Scharenberg stands out with his ability to read the ball coming in demonstrating strong hands overhead and that ability to take an intercept mark as well as take marks 1v1. He’s also a very good mark when the ball is in the air. He uses it well and can hit his targets over a variety of distances and be a real playmaker generating some meaningful rebound from the back half with his penetrating kick and vision allowing him to hit some meaningful targets up the field. As a defender Scharenberg is very willing to take on the game and provide drive with his run and carry. As a forward Scharenberg has shown the ability to be a strong marking target and an effective goal kicker. Athletically Scharenberg is excellent for a player of his size with his burst of speed some agility and excellent endurance. I would have liked to have seen Scharenberg play through the midfield at some point this season at his height and with his size and basketball background but what we know is what he can do off a back flank and at times pushing forward and what he can do off a back flank is excellent.

#8 North Melbourne – Luke McDonald (VIC – Util) F/S
Height: 188cm, Weight: 80kg, DOB: 09/02/1995
Recruited from: Oakleigh Chargers
Style: Luke Hodge
Player comparison: Trent McKenzie (stronger version)
Range: 1st round
Profile: McDonald is a really elite kick of the footy and can roost it 60m easily and hit his intended target and get it there in a hurry with his low penetrating kicks and puts it out in front of where he wants the player up the field to lead onto it. He can hit targets over any distance consistently and usually elects to go for the more damaging option which he can pull off no problem. McDonald has some real versatility to his game with the range to play down back, midfield or as a forward as required but likely starts his career out of the back half as a playmaker off a back flank. Luke is also an outstanding athlete with genuine linebreaking ability on him taking on the game at every opportunity. He’s also an excellent intercept mark with his ability to read it in the air. Not only is McDonald gifted offensively but he has shown that he can also stay with a man showing a good 1v1 game, good ability at ground level and ability to stay with a leading player allowing him to also play a more accountable role at times as required. Strong character guy who will get the most out of his game and put in the work.

#9 Melbourne (Via GWS Activated Compensation) - Christian Salem (VIC – Mid/Fwd)
Height: 183cm, Weight: 82kg, DOB: 15/07/1995
Recruited from: Sandringham Dragons
Style: Luke Hodge
Player comparison: Taylor Hunt (with better footskills)
Range: 6-12
Profile: Midfielder with a real physical presence and physical style of playing. I also really enjoy Salem’s tackling game, he just hunts the man and you can see he really enjoys it, and he does big damage every time he lays a tackle and it’s a real feature of his game. When it’s his turn to go he goes, whether it be a marking contest where he knows he will get crushed or going for the hard ball he will put his head over it and just go for it. He also does some really impressive work at times with some good blocking or bumps on or off the footy where required and just has that hard edge you love to see. He plays a good two way game running both ways and also stopping his direct opponent or playing a shutdown role as required. His footskills are above average and he hits his targets and can at times do damage, particularly when within range from goal. He’s also effective when he pushes forward and is a goalkicking midfielder. Also has above average pace, but regardless of this will run and carry the footy and cover ground with ball in hand when the opportunity is there showing relatively good pace also. He’s more outside than inside at this stage and the next step will be to develop that inside game. I’d class Salem as a guy who screams “component of a winning team” without projecting as a particularly elite individual talent. I also have some questions about how much development is left with Salem an early bloomer having been roughly the same height and size for a few years now.

#10 Collingwood – Cameron McCarthy (WA – KPF)
Height: 195cm, Weight: 89kg, DOB: 01/04/1995
Recruited from: South Fremantle
Style: Jack Riewoldt
Player comparison:
Range: 6-17
Profile: Key forward who is relatively new to the game and really only started playing seriously this year. Still relatively raw and hasn’t ever had a full preseason or undertaken any weight training so there is substantial excitement surrounding him considering he’s already producing and has played some excellent footy so far this season really improving with every game which suggest plenty of further improvement left. He really announced himself through the u18 champs and is best known for kicking that match winning goal on the siren v Vic Country. What stands out most with McCarthy is his ability to read the ball in the flight in the air. He has a fair leap on him and he just flies for every ball coming into the forward 50 judging it well and taking marks he sometimes even seems out of position for. He is also willing to crash a pack. McCarthy can mark on the lead but he’s still learning leading patterns and just runs all over the place at the moment so once he really learns how better to present as a forward and gets into an AFL program it will be interesting to watch how far he can take his game. He’s also got excellent agility at his size and has the composure with time in hand to sidestep guys and create space for himself at times. He’s also very good at ground level for someone his size. Beyond his marking the other aspect I really like in McCarthy’s game is his pressure game. He’s one of the few genuine key forward size guys who really chases, tackles and will give that hustling effort which is really impressive for a tall. Conversion in front of goal good both from field kicks and set shot attempts even though his set shot technique is still coming along. He’s also very good at ground level and can pick it up relatively cleanly for a tall. Still very much a project but a guy who in 3-4 years time has the opportunity to develop into something.

#11 West Coast (Via Collingwood compensation) – Dominic Sheed (WA – Mid/Fwd)
Height: 183cm, Weight: 82kg, DOB: 10/03/1995
Recruited from: Subiaco
Style: Simon Black
Player comparison:
Range: 11-20
Profile: For mine Sheed was the best performed midfielder through the u18 champs and a worthy Larke Medallist and he’s one of the most complete midfielder in this draft class. Sheed is a high production midfielder with some real class to him. Excellent both inside and outside which is rare for an 18 year old with most either capable at one or the other. He has some real ball winning ability inside the contest but then also a hard running game with his endurance excellent allowing him to also accumulate that outside ball with his running patterns also very good. The trait I most like in his game is his marking ability. When he pushes forward he protects the drop zone like a natural forward in those 1v1 contests and has above average ability overhead. He’s also a very good finisher giving him some potential to rest forward which is a big bonus. Sheed is a relatively good user of the footy by foot and makes good decisions with ball in hand but I’d say his ability by foot has been overstated. He’s also capable playing down back as required so he gives you options not looking out of place anywhere. Sheed has been criticised for a lack of pace but I feel it’s been overstated with his pace while only average not so bad. He’s only average by hand and is an early bloomer who looks like he may max out earlier than the next guy but none the less he’s year one ready to play and has the opportunity to be effective at the next level.

#12 Richmond - Zac Jones (VIC – Def/Mid)
Height: 181cm, Weight: 74kg, DOB: 15/03/1995
Recruited from: Dandenong Stingrays
Style: Scott Burns
Player comparison:
Range: 12-25
Profile: Younger brother of Melbourne’s Nathan Jones. He’s not the same level midfielder as Nathan but has some similar traits with that same hardness and love for the contest to him but at this point is probably better suited as a defender. Jones down back can play effectively both as a rebounder and shutdown player. Jones seems to have more time and space than most as a really composed type and is an above average user of the footy by foot hitting his targets over a variety of distances. He is also an excellent mark for his size both 1v1 but especially coming off his man to take an intercept mark. Physically he has the strength to give with stronger players but then the pace to go with the quicker players. He also provides good run and carry and has an above average burst of speed to him and some nice agility and evasiveness to him. He also keeps his feet really well in the contest and never seems to go to ground. Late season Jones has also showed some midfield potential stepping into the midfield v Calder and taking over the game so it may be something he can with further time and development he does more often.

#13 Carlton – Patrick Cripps (WA – Mid)
Height: 188cm, Weight: 88kg, DOB: 18/03/1995
Recruited from: East Fremantle
Style: Michael Barlow
Player comparison:
Range: 13-45
Profile: A familiar name but very different to West Coast’s Jamie as a taller, stronger inside player. Patrick is a relatively late bloomer who has from reports grown 20cm in the past two years which often suggests that there is further upside ahead of him as a footballer. Patrick is a very good and improving inside player who reads the ruck taps well and has the ability to win his own ball. He doesn’t rely on his size to dominate inside and has some natural smarts which is promising. For an inside player Cripps is a very good user of the footy with his outside game above average with his spread for the contest good and getting to the right spots but is more a smart runner who while not super slow won’t be a line breaking threat. His skills are good but not damaging. He’ll also need to improve his endurance and add some more penetration to that kick to take that next step but there’s a bit to work with.

#14 GWS (Via Port Adelaide) – Ben Lennon (VIC – Util)
Height: 187cm, Weight: 79kg, DOB: 05/06/1995
Recruited from: Northern Knights
Style: Steve Johnson
Player comparison: Sam Mayes
Range: 7-15
Profile: Lennon is a strong marking versatile tall who can play forward, back or through the midfield effectively. At his height Lennon is an excellent overhead mark making him a weapon forward of centre with his ability to read the ball well in the air but then be effective on the lead and also 1v1. I also really like how after a mark Lennon tends to move the footy on quickly. He’s a nice user of the footy with a nice 50m kick. He’s also an excellent finisher around goal with serious goal sense and finishing ability from snaps. His set shot goalkicking could do with further work though and is that only real question mark by foot at this point. His pace is only average but he makes up for it by always being on the move making his lack of pace a non factor. Despite being more of a forward and outside type Lennon has improved his ability through the midfield but will need to develop his ability in close and become a more of a contested ball winner clearance threat to be a viable midfield option in the future. My feel is that Lennon long term settles up forward as more a leadup type because he doesn’t have a natural inside game but it depends entirely on the team he ends up at and the vision they have for him because he gives you plenty of options in a variety of positions.

#15 Sydney – Nathan Freeman (VIC – Mid)Height: 181cm, Weight: 85kg, DOB: 16/06/1995
Recruited from: Sandringham Dragons
Style: Luke Shuey
Player comparison: Jonathan O’Rourke
Range: 7-15
Profile: Freeman is an absolute dynamite midfielder with some incredible acceleration. Freeman has an unusual combination of speed, agility and endurance making him one of the really unique athletes in this draft and with that sidestep of his but then also his skillset with his ability to do damage by foot. He can run with the ball as far as you let him and he’ll run the length of the ground and take everyone on if you put no one in his way making him a real penetrating weapon from a run and carry standpoint. By foot he has nice penetration and is both an excellent kick to target over a variety of distances but then also finishing anywhere within 55m from goal. Freeman is a receiver who despite his strong body doesn’t win a whole lot of his own ball inside the contest but then doesn’t tend to find much of it outside the contest either as someone who generally likes to receive by hand and then go for his run with the ball and take on the game and do damage. I am concerned about his ability to find the footy at the next level despite the damage he can do with ball in hand because he’s not even in the TAC Cup level a high volume accumulator and a relatively low volume contested ball winner without that natural linkup ability. Being really unsure that he develops either an inside or outside game I’d like to see Freeman with his strength, athleticism and skillset develop into a rebounding back flanker despite his current role and be used as a rebounding weapon off a back flank as I’m just not sure he can win enough of his own ball inside the contest with his midfield game so reliant on those around him.

#16 Geelong – Blake Acres (WA – Mid/Util)Height: 188cm, Weight: 84kg, DOB: 07/10/1995
Recruited from: West Perth
Style: David Mundy
Player comparison:
Range: 7-30
Profile: Acres is tall, high production, classy user of the footy with extra time and space than the next guy with that evasive sidestep of his as well as versatility with his ability to play through the midfield or on a forward or back flank. He has the ability to win his own footy inside the contest, tackle strongly and take a strong mark overhead. At the next level despite his versatility I see him as someone who will become a midfielder going by what he showed through the midfield this year even while carrying a shoulder injury. Acres is all class and is not only excellent by foot on both sides hitting his targets consistently but he also has more time and space than the next guy and combine that with his sidestep and he’s hard to catch. He’s got a complete game as someone who is very capable of winning his own ball inside the contest but then can also find the footy outside. He can hit the scoreboard as a midfielder. He can push forward and take a mark or play on a back flank and be an effective rebounder. He’s also an effective tackler. Acres is one of the rare few taller types with a relatively immediate game as well as a complete game. Add that to his strong sporting pedigree with his parents both strong athletes and his continued rapid improvement and the combination of ability to win his own footy and skill level at his size and he’ll be one of the best players to come out of this draft and one of the few I feel has the ability to develop into a star talent from this draft. Many will sleep on Acres because we haven’t seen the best of him this year but I’m exceedingly confident he’ll deliver the goods and deliver it quicker than many predict.

#17 Fremantle – Lewis Taylor (VIC – Mid/Fwd)
Height: 173cm, Weight: 73kg, DOB: 17/02/1995
Recruited from: Geelong Falcons
Style: Brent Harvey
Player comparison:
Range: 11-25
Profile: Taylor is a small midfielder with crazy explosive pace and the ability to break away from contests, break the lines and use his agility to sidestep around opponents effortlessly. He captained Vic Country through the u18 champs. Athletically Taylor has a real burst of speed and even better agility and evasiveness as someone who will just run around you and never get caught with the footy. He can win his own footy as well as find plenty of it outside the contest and in the u18s is a big time accumulator. Excellent user of the footy on both sides and has the ability to do damage both through the midfield and up forward with his footskills finding targets with his vision and decision making excellent but also finishing around goal. Just a shame he isn’t 10cm taller. The only issue I have with Taylor’s height is in his tackling game, he doesn’t provide enough tackling pressure and when he does he’s not strong enough to make those tackles stick.

#18 St Kilda (via Hawthorn) – Luke Dunstan (SA –Mid/Fwd)
Height: 185cm, Weight: 83kg, DOB: 29/01/1995
Recruited from: Woodville-West Torrens
Style: Scott Thompson (Adel)
Player comparison:
Range: 13-35
Profile: Dunstan is a dominant inside midfielder with a strong body. Has future captain potential having captained SA through the u18 championships and is highly regarded for his leadership abilities. Has played plenty of senior SANFL footy and has played some strong footy. He’s a big time accumulator and a natural inside ball winner with the ability to win the clearances. He has very clean hands and that ability to be that real inside distributor with his work in close by hand as good as you’ll find really working to dish it off to those outside runners and get others involved. Not only is Dunstan an exceptional inside player but he can also swing forward, take a mark and hit the scoreboard when given the opportunity and I expect he will continue to be a very damaging player at the next level. Opinions on his kicking vary, but by position I’ve mostly been happy with what he’s done not only finishing but also hitting his targets around the field showing that he can lower the eyes and hit a target but then also has shown that he has some penetration and hurt factor at times when given the time and space to execute. He’s not an athlete but in saying that his pace is sufficient. He also has shown that he can read the play well behind the ball.

 

[Knightmare]

#19 St Kilda (Via Hawthorn compensation) – Darcy Gardiner (VIC – KPD)
Height: 192cm, Weight: 84kg, DOB: 22/09/1995
Recruited from: Geelong Falcons
Style: Darren Glass
Player comparison:
Range: 14-30
Profile: Gardiner is clearly the best key defender in this draft. Gardiner has a strong shutdown game and plays a really physical brand of footy. He has a very strong 1v1 game where he can get stops against bigger opposition but then also stay with them on the lead making him an effective shutdown defender. He’s a 120 minute a game player who has that hard edge and aggressiveness to him. Gardiner has at times shown promise as a rebounder. He can read it well down back and has the ability to take some intercept marks and 1v1 marks but he’s mostly reluctant and will put the fist in first and go for the stop first. For his type Gardiner is also an above average user of the footy and shows composure with ball in hand and hits his targets, even when under pressure. He’s also played as a key forward but he’s definitely better suited as a key defender. He’s also shown at times that he can push forward and be a target but ultimately he’ll be a key defender at the next level.

#20 Gold Coast (Activated Compensation) - Trent Dumont (SA – Mid/Def)
Height: 185cm, Weight: 83kg, DOB: 30/06/1995
Recruited from: Norwood
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: 15-30
Profile: Dumont is a relatively strong bodied midfielder who has been played a little bit everywhere having shown he can play inside/outside forward or back at various stages. Dumont has played plenty of senior SANFL footy and played well. He has some strength through the legs and hips which is always a great positive in a midfielder making him hard to tackle. He has the smarts to draw some free kicks. He’s quick both getting the ball away both by hand and foot. He’s just not a dominant inside ball winner or clearance player on the level of some of the other prospects. Dumont has a relatively penetrating kick and can do some damage with it when given time and space but can also turn it over at other times and try to do too much. Athletically he’s not explosive and he’s not particularly agile either but he covers the ground reasonably well and can accumulate. He’s had some injury issues this year so we probably haven’t seen him play his absolute best footy but when healthy he’s shown that he can play some excellent footy.

#21 Port Adelaide (Via GWS) - Michael Apeness (VIC – KPF/Ruck)
Height: 199cm, Weight: 101kg, DOB: 28/01/1995
Recruited from: Eastern Ranges
Style: Jonathan Giles
Player comparison: Trent West
Range: 15-35
Profile: Strong bodied ruckman who has shown some excellent ability up forward as a big marking target when given the opportunity. Good reader of the ball in the air and can take contested mark or take a nice mark in the air. As a ruckman Apeness isn’t particularly dominant and probably at the next level won’t win the hitout count every week but when he gets his hands to it his hitouts are well directed. He’s not a super athlete but more of a physical player with a real presence to him at his size. I find he struggles to keep his feet in the contest despite his notable strength. Apeness I like most when he’s up forward because of that presence. He’s not only a big body but he can take marks at the highest point and take the contested grabs and marks 1v1. Improved as the season progressed. High character guy who has put the work into his game and improved his body and will likely continue to work hard at his game.

#22 Brisbane (Via GWS and Melbourne) – Matt Crouch (VIC – Mid)
Height: 181cm, Weight: 80kg, DOB: 21/04/1995
Recruited from: North Ballarat Rebels
Style: Sam Mitchell (without the footskills)
Player comparison: Toby Greene
Range: 13-35
Profile: Crouch is an elite inside player and probably the elite inside player in this draft. In the TAC he has not had any games with less than 30 disposals and multiple 40+ disposal games to demonstrate just how dominant he is. High production player and can contribute from season one. Real stoppage specialist and just thrives on the contested aspects of the game. Hard at the ball and a really natural inside extractor burrowing in, winning the ball and setting up the receivers outside of the pack by hand with that real inside distributing side of his game particularly excellent. He does it as well as any and just thrives on that contested ball type game as that clearance specialist. He’s got good, quick hands in close and will always be first to the ball and has shown that he can read the ruck taps well. Crouch is also an exceptional tackler showing strong tackling technique and really going in hard with those tackles and it seems to be another area of the game that he just really enjoys. Athletically Matt is not nearly as explosive as his older brother Brad but has shown some improvement over the past season in his foot speed which is encouraging. Footskills only average by position. He’s not going to do damage by foot but in saying that on a bad team he rarely if ever has the time and space to get rid of the ball effectively and has been forced mostly to be a first option guy. On those rare occasions he does have the time and space I’ve found his vision to be good and he’s finding some nice targets by foot. I also like his footskills in those stoppage situations in the forward half, he’ll win it and can quickly get it onto his boot and convert on either side for the goal. Crouch despite his competition best numbers through the midfield is relatively considered a lazy trainer with his endurance not nearly where it could be so if he can step into an AFL program and if puts in the work he has the ability to become a special midfielder with his rare ability to accumulate.

#23 Adelaide (compensation) - Tom Cutler (VIC –Mid/Def)
Height: 190cm, Weight: 86kg, DOB: 20/02/1995
Recruited from: Oakleigh Chargers
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: 15-45
Profile: Cutler is a tall midfielder/ backman who has missed this season with injury. Cutler’s point of different is his footskills which are excellent with his ability to hit targets over a variety of ranges and do damage. Cutler has shown that he can push forward when required and take a mark and impact on the scoreboard but then also push back and take an intercept mark, so he has some versatility. Athletically Cutler is also above average at his size and moves well and can at times take on the game reasonable well. He’s also shown down back that he has good closing speed. Just having not seen Cutler this year it’s unclear as to exactly where he’s at.

#24 Hawthorn (Via St Kilda) – Zac Merrett (VIC – Util)
Height: 178cm, Weight: 73kg, DOB: 3/10/1995
Recruited from: Sandringham Dragons
Style: Lindsay Gilbee
Player comparison:
Range: 15-35
Profile: Merrett is one of the elite users of the footy in this draft. He’s a guy you want the ball in the hands of because with ball in hand he just does big damage kicking it to where his target wants it and executing every time as that real playmaker who can make others look. Good user by foot on both sides. Has some versatility. He’s a good tackler for an outside player but being that outside player he struggles to win his own footy and instead relies on that ball outside the contest to thrive and influence games. This is the first year Merrett has really focused in on his footy and considering he’s already playing so well there is some upside there.

#25 Brisbane (Via St Kilda compensation) - Jarman Impey (VIC – Fwd)
Height: 176cm, Weight: 78kg, DOB: 09/07/1995
Recruited from: Murray Bushranges
Style: Chad Wingard (smaller)
Player comparison: Matthew Stokes
Range: 20-45
Profile: Damaging forward with some weapons at his disposal. Impey has some unique athletic gifts with some real pace and agility on him. In traffic Impey really stands out because he has more time and space than anyone else and can really step through traffic easily and then breakaway. Impey when given time and space also has some real ability to break the lines. He’s also go the typical crumbing skills and the smarts to know where the ball is going, rove at the bottom of the contest and position himself in the right spots every time. What most stands out with Impey is what he does with ball in hand. Impy is also an excellent user of the footy with his footskills particularly damaging. He has the ability to hit the scoreboard and can do so easily when within range. For a small he also has some excellent strength with his ability to mark overhead excellent for a small with his lead helping him play taller than he is. As with so many forwards he can go cold as the team goes cold but when he is finding the ball he’ll do damage and make those touches meaningful ones.

#26 Essendon (Via Western Bulldogs) - Rory Lobb (WA – Ruck)
Height: 205cm, Weight: 98kg, DOB: 09/02/1993
Recruited from: Swan Districts
Style: Brodie Grundy (lighter bodied)
Player comparison:
Range: 15-late
Profile: Lobb is a young ruckman from a basketball background on the improve and has improved not only as a ruck technician but also in other aspects of his game. He’s an excellent tap ruckman who can hit it down the throat of his mids. Can followup after his own tap work well and gives those second and third efforts really going after the ball. He has elite endurance for a ruckman and also has the ability to take some contested marks, some nice marks in the air and uses the ball well by but hand and foot. He also seems to have more time than most others at his height so there are some positive traits to work with at his height but he will need a few years in the system to develop his body and get his game up to an AFL standard.

#27 Gold Coast – Jake Kolodjashnij (TAS – KPD/Util)
Height: 192cm, Weight: 88kg, DOB: 09/08/1995
Recruited from: Launceston
Style: Ryan Shoenmakers
Player comparison:
Range: 20-late
Profile: The brother of Kade, Jake is a completely different player. Jake is a defender with a strong body and the ability to shut down opposition forwards or play as a rebounder as required. What I like with Jake is his versatility and ability to play a number of roles either as a key defender or even as more of a rebounder off a back flank or even up the field. He’s relatively athletic at his size and not a bad user of the footy. But in saying that I’m not yet sold on him in any one role. As a key defender despite his size he can struggle 1v1 and also struggle when the ball hits the deck with that second effort not yet there. Probably more of the third tall at the next level if he finds a role.

#28 Brisbane (via West Coast) – Daniel McStay (VIC – KPP)
Height: 193cm, Weight: 86kg, DOB: 24/06/1995
Recruited from: Eastern Ranges
Style: Jarrad Waite
Player comparison:
Range: 20-late
Profile: McStay stands with his athleticism, versatility and strong marking ability. He has the closing speed to go with most guys but then can also take on the game offensively and do some damage with the run and carry he can provide. He’s also a good user by foot and can hit his targets up the field and convert from his set shot opportunities. He’s a strong mark in the air and has shown that he can also switch forward and present as a marking target at times. My criticism with his play is that he’s not a particularly physical or aggressive player by key position standards and is still developing that strength and ability 1v1. If he finds a role it’s most likely to be in the back half but he’ll need to become a better shutdown defender and improve his 1v1 work.

#29 GWS (via Brisbane) - George Hewett (SA – Mid/Fwd)
Height: 185cm, Weight: 78kg, DOB: 29/12/1995
Recruited from: North Adelaide
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: 15-45
Profile: Hewett is a young, high production midfielder who can also play forward. He’s also got an impressive inside game with his inside awareness as well as the ability to win his own ball inside the contest doing the dirty work. He keeps his feet in the contest and rarely goes to ground when tackled. He’s good by both hand and foot, very duel sided and has some class to him with ball in hand. He’s got a late year birthday and with the traits he’s demonstrated there is strong scope to improve.

#30 North Melbourne –Billy Hartung (VIC – Mid/Fwd)
Height: 176cm, Weight: 71kg, DOB: 24/01/1995
Recruited from: Dandenong Stingrays
Style: Brent Harvey
Player comparison: Travis Colyer
Range: 15-40
Profile: Hartung is one of if not the elite runner of this draft. Has a 16+ beep and will run and carry the ball the length of the field if you let him. His real point of difference is his breakaway speed, Hartung breaks away from every contest and really takes on the game and any time he gets ball in hand he looks to go and cover 30m through his run and carry knowing that that’s how he’s best going to put his stamp on the game doing it at speed. He’s also a very high production player who finds the ball so easily. Very willing tackler. Hartung is also a very clean user of the footy by both hand and foot and can hit his targets or hit the scoreboard if you give him the time and space to execute. At his size he likely always remains an outside player and is most likely to find a role for a team in a forward half his lack of height and size may not be get as exposed.

#31 West Coast (via Collingwood) – Tom Barrass (WA – KPD)
Height: 192cm, Weight: 80kg, DOB: 08/10/1995
Recruited from: Claremont
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: 30-rookie
Profile: Barrass has shown some positive signs this year and has shown some positive development as a key defender. He’s more a rebounding key defender than a stopper as someone who reads the ball well coming in and can take some intercept marks. He still needs to grow into his body and still needs to put on some more size to become stronger 1v1 but if he does that then he has an opportunity to become something. Key defender who can mark at the highest point. Excellent mark in the air. Can mark 1v1. Good reader down back and intercept mark. Good ball user by hand and foot. Composed with ball in hand and has more time and space than others at his height. Nice let foot kick. Just defensively will need to improve as he’s not the ideal shutdown defender.

#32 Sydney (via Carlton and Richmond) - James Battersby (SA – Mid/Def)
Height: 177cm, Weight: 78kg, DOB: 7/11/1995
Recruited from: Sturt
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: 20-rookie
Profile: He is a real link up and run and carry type off a midfielder or back flank but a high production guy who finds plenty of it and uses it well. Battersby is one of the elite users of the footy in this draft class by hand and foot and he’s someone you want the ball in the hands of as that real precision kick. He has real composure to him just making the right decision every time even when under pressure and has excellent vision allowing him to see targets other may not and hitting his target up seamlessly. Battersby is one of the few players in this draft who can really use the footy on either side by hand and foot. Battersby through the midfield has shown that he can win the footy both inside the contest as well as prove an effective outside accumulator. He’s also shown off a back flank that he reads the ball exceptionally well and can be an both an effective 1v1 and intercept mark. Battersby has played strong footy through the u18 champs but he has also played some strong senior footy back in SA which will please the recruiters showing that he perform against the best young players in the country and against stronger more mature bodies.

#33 Brisbane (via Carlton) - Malcolm Karpany (SA – Mid/Fwd)
Height: 175cm, Weight: 71kg, DOB: 1/06/1995
Recruited from: Woodville-West Torrens
Style: Matthew Stokes
Player comparison:
Range: 20-rookie
Profile: Karpany has some real x-factor to him through the midfield and up forward as that really damaging offensive player as that classy/evasive/composed type. Has some real pace and agility to him as someone who can break the lines, easily evade any tackle attempts with fakes and sidesteps to create space but then also is a damaging user of the footy with his footskills excellent. He’s not only a finisher around goals but can also be a real playmaker with his vision and ability to execute by foot excellent. Despite being a smaller type he’s also excellent in the air making his relative lack of height less relevant.

#34 Brisbane (via Port Adelaide) – Eli Templeton (TAS – Util)
Height: 182cm, Weight: 67kg, DOB: 19/08/1995
Recruited from: Burnie Dockers
Style: James Kelly
Player comparison:
Range: 25-late
Profile: Templeton is a high production, high motor midfielder with the versatility to also play forward or back. Has a very light body but despite this has a very advanced game and has dominated throughout his junior footy with his form in the u16s particularly dominant but then has also played plenty of senior footy in Tasmania showing he can mix it with the bigger bodies. Templeton is a very clean user of the footy and uses it well by hand and foot. A real accumulator and has the ability to do some damage with a penetrating kick on him as well as his ability to hit the scoreboard. Templeton can win some of his own ball but given his light frame likely finds a role as an outside player.

#35 Sydney – Cameron Giles (SA – KPD)
Height: 195cm, Weight: 93kg, DOB: 5/05/1995
Recruited from: Woodville-West Torrens
Style: Scott Thompson (NM)
Player comparison:
Range: 30-rookie
Profile: After Darcy Gardiner, Giles is probably that next best key defender. Through the u18 champs he played mostly as more of a shutdown defender which I don’t feel is as much his game but as more a rebounding defender he can be a factor with his points of difference at his size being his vision and footskills. He’s also got some nice evasiveness for a tall with his agile sidestep and ability to create more time and space for himself. Giles makes the right decisions more often than not seeing the right target but then he executes his kicks finding the right target and can hit them up over a variety of distances. He’s an excellent intercept mark with his ability to read it in the air excellent. Giles has a tendency to play relatively unaccountable brand of footy allowing him to be a real factor on the rebound and make best use of his ability by foot he’s just not a particularly high level stopper at this point.

#36 Geelong – Darcy Lang (VIC – Mid)
Height: 181cm, Weight: 75kg, DOB: 21/11/1995
Recruited from: Geelong Falcons
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: 25-rookie
Profile: Lang is a hard inside player who will win you the contested ball and clearances but also has a strong tackling game. Lang has excellent endurance and a strong work rate working both ways. Lang most stands out with his ability to distribute by hand inside the contest to the outside runners really getting down and dirty and rarely missing a target by hand. Strong tackler and will give the 2nd and 3rd efforts. He’s an effective run and carry player as a guy who is consistently willing to take on the game. Good user of the footy. He’s relatively quick and evasive without being a freak athlete either.

#37 Fremantle – Nicholas Robertson (WA – Mid)
Height: 188cm, Weight: 83kg, DOB: 03/06/1995
Recruited from: West Perth
Style: Jordan Lewis (without the footskills)
Player comparison:
Range: 30-rookie
Profile: Robertson has elite endurance and has that ability to run all day and find plenty of the footy. He’s a hard aggressive player really attacks the ball and man viciously at every opportunity and at speed with a real hard edge to him. He’s got a strong build. Robertson also has the ability to break the lines with his pace and take on the game. He finds a good combination of inside and outside ball really winning it inside the contest through that hardness but then running and spreading effectively. He rarely ever loses a 1v1 contest with his strength. Robertson also really loves tackling and really goes at the man with aggression and hate. From a ball use perspective Robertson is only average without the penetration or hurt factor of some of the other prospects as well as some inconsistency at times. Additionally there are durability concerns with Robertson he’ll need to get over before he can really take his game somewhere.

#38 Hawthorn – James Sicily (VIC – Fwd/Mid)
Height: 186cm, Weight: 75kg, DOB: 06/01/1995
Recruited from: Western Jets
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: 25-rookie
Profile: Sicily is a medium marking forward who has proven to be a real threat this year. Sicily is a strong mark on the lead, in the air, and in the contest and just clunks it thanks to his strong hands and superior ability to read the ball in the air. He’s also shown the ability to at times play up the field on the wing and be a linkup player. He’s got some evasiveness which I also really like in his game. He just needs to start winning more of his own ball and gain further consistency in his kicking to target as it can be hit and miss.

#39 Carlton (via Sydney and GWS) - Louis Herbert (VIC – Util)
Height: 187cm, Weight: 75kg, DOB: 27/06/1994
Recruited from: North Ballarat Rebels
Style: Clinton Young (More ability forward of centre)
Player comparison:
Range: 30-rookie
Profile: Tall utility who missed out last year through the draft but has come back a much improved player this year. Herbert last year was a strong marking medium forward who could really hit the scoreboard in a big way, but did so inconsistently with some big games but then some quiet games. This year Herbert has shifted up the field more onto a wing and back flank and the move has payed off and as a result he’s playing some consistently strong footy where he’s playing strong football every week and is doing damage with his touches and showing some strong run and carry. Herbert is more that outside linkup player but has some real class and hurt factor to him and a long penetrating kick to him and ability to run and carry. Athletically he’s excellent with a combination of pace, agility, endurance and a good leap on him making him a marking threat in the air. But being that tall who can really get forward and take some strong marks that’s where his real value comes in my view and makes him different to the next outside type giving him that extra bit of versatility even if he more likely finds a role somewhere behind the ball whether it be on a wing or back flank with that more where he can more easily find the ball consistently and impact games.

#40 Melbourne – Darcy Byrne-Jones (VIC – Mid/Def)
Height: 180cm, Weight: 69kg, DOB: 20/09/1995
Recruited from: Oakleigh Chargers
Style:
Player comparison: Billie Smedts
Range: 30-late
Profile: Byrne-Jones is a smallish, light bodied midfielder who can also play down back. He doesn't use that pace in game as you'd think he possibly could offensively looking at how well he tested but in games he shows some evasiveness and a burst of speed here and there but mostly when in traffic. He plays more in the style of a composed finesse rebound defender who uses it well and has more time and space than the next player but perhaps doesn't do major damage as a low penetration type who doesn't kick long or break the lines.

 

[Knightmare]

#41 Geelong (via St Kilda) – Isaiah Miller (VIC –Def/Mid)Height: 187cm, Weight: 82kg, DOB: 07/01/1995
Recruited from: Bendigo Pioneers
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: 30-rookie
Profile: Miller is a back flanker with some tricks who can do some damage offensively. He’s also an excellent user of the footy as someone who can also by foot generate some real drive from the back half with his precise 55m kick and that extra time and space he seems to have with ball in hand as an unusually agile tall with an excellent sidestep on him making him hard to tackle. He’s an effective intercept mark with his ability to read it down back excellent and can also win his 1v1 contests and take some 1v1 marks.

#42 Western Bulldogs – Kayne Turner (VIC – Mid)
Height: 180cm, Weight: 67kg, DOB: 31/12/1995
Recruited from: Murray Bushrangers
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: 30-rookie
Profile: Light bodied but hard at it midfielder. Has come into calculations late. Only played the nine games but came on late season. The intrigue is the end of year birthday.

#43 West Coast (via Gold Coast) – Alex Spina (SA – Mid/Fwd)
Height: 181cm, Weight: 74kg, DOB: 27/06/1995
Recruited from: North Adelaide
Style:
Player comparison: Tim Broomhead
Range: 35-rookie
Profile: Spina is a damaging forward who has the potential later on to develop into more of a midfielder. He probably lacked the impact through the u18 champs many of us hoped and hasn’t stood out as much as I’d like in the games I’ve seen. On the positive though he has some nice attributes which suggest potential. Spina is one of those guys who with ball in hand is so composed under pressure and in traffic seems showing that he has more time than most and can effectively use ball fakes and his evasive ability to get out of trouble and generate an opening which sets him apart. Spina is a very good user of the footy with his footskills in particular a class above with the damage he can do and his ability to hit targets consistently. Spina is a good combination between playmaker with his ability to hit his targets showing nice vision and composure with ball in hand but also as a finisher with his ability around goal also excellent. Finds the ball easily up forward so he likely settles into a role as a forward who can rotate into the midfield.

#44 Sydney (via Collingwood and West Coast) – Darcy Cameron (WA – Ruck/KPF)
Height: 203cm, Weight: 98kg, DOB: 18/07/1995
Recruited from: Claremont
Style: Dean Cox
Player comparison:
Range: 30-rookie
Profile: Cameron is one of the better ruckmen this year because he is not only an effective tap ruckman but because he can present as a target up forward and influence games in the front half with his clean hands overhead and ability to take marks, mark on the lead as well as convert from those opportunities. Cameron reads it well in the air and can also push back and take an intercept mark. He has some size on his frame already which is encouraging and he covers the ground reasonably well for a young tall.

#45 Port Adelaide (via Brisbane) – Nathan Drummond (VIC – Mid/Def)
Height: 181cm, Weight: 82kg, DOB: 19/01/1995
Recruited from: Murray Bushrangers
Style:
Player comparison: Ben Sinclair (stronger bodied)
Range: 30-rookie
Profile: Drummond has a hard edge to him and some nice pace with the ability to play midfield or down back. He’s a nice athletic mix with his pace, endurance and leaping ability. He’ll go in hard and put his head over the footy. He’s a strong mark for his size and has the ability to win some 1v1 contests as well as some nice ability in the air with his leap. The one improvement I’ve enjoyed in his game, we all knew he had that offensive pace last year but he’s really improved his tackling game and pressuring effort. He need to start winning more of the footy more often but if he can get his hands on it more and learn to play more within his limitations, particularly by foot where he can try to do too much he has the opportunity to really develop into something.

#46 Adelaide – Toby Nankervis (TAS – KPF/Ruck)
Height: 199cm, Weight: 101kg, DOB: 12/08/1994
Recruited from: North Launceston
Style: Jonathan Giles
Player comparison: David Hale
Range: 25-rookie
Profile: Nankervis is a big Tasmanian and was named as the u18 All Australian ruckman. He is a year older but a strong improver since last year. Nankervis is a very strong body and is capable both through the ruck and up forward. He’s not a dominant ruckman but as a ruckman is more someone who will follow up well and find the footy around the ground. As a forward he’s more of a big bodied presence and an improved contested grab but also ok at ground level. By foot Nankervis is also reliable. He’s not an athlete with limited pace and a slow turning circle but he works hard to spread from the contest and cover the ground and giving repeat efforts. The ideal role is as a no.2 ruckman for a team as a competitive ruckman who can also be a factor up forward.

#47 North Melbourne – Jay Kennedy-Harris (VIC – Fwd/Mid)Height: 173cm, Weight: 68kg, DOB: 21/03/1995
Recruited from: Oakleigh Chargers
Style:
Player comparison: Andrew Krakouer
Range: 25-55
Profile: Small forward who has shown this year that he also has the ability to push up through the midfield and find the footy easily and be an effective two way player with his tackling particularly impressive. Kennedy-Harris’ point of difference is in his ability to sidestep with numbers around him and generate time and space for himself easily to be able to dispose of the ball effectively. He’s got a nice skillset both with his ability by hand and foot. Also has above average straight-line pace to go with his ability allowing him to break away from congestion at times and take on the game. Regardless of this improved midfield ability my vision with Kennedy-Harris is as a forward first who can rotate into the midfield as required. Kennedy-Harris is as natural a crumbing forward as you’ll ever see. He gets to the right positions consistently and knows where to position himself to get those balls that come to ground and will constantly go front and square in front of the contest. One touch with all his touches and a clean user of the footy. He also has a really nice tendency to release by hand or foot at the last second as he gets tackled and can still execute. Excellent finisher around goal and a guy who could fit into a forwardline pretty easily.

#48 GWS (via Essendon) – Orazio Fantasia (SA – Fwd)
Height: 176cm, Weight: 64kg, DOB: 14/09/1995
Recruited from: Norwood
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: 35-rookie
Profile: Fantasia is one of the better natural crumbers in this draft as someone who is really natural whenever the ball hits the deck reacting quicker than the next guy and picking it up cleanly. He can finish around goal as well as play the role as playmaker and hit up targets inside 50 with his vision and precision use by foot. Fantastia has above average pace and a nice sidestep that allows him to get around guys.

#49 West Coast (via Collingwood) – Tom Vandeleur (WA – KPD/Def)
Height: 191cm, Weight: 89kg, DOB: 20/03/1995
Recruited from: South Fremantle
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: 35-rookie
Profile: Vandeleur is a backman who can play some key defence but feels more like a third tall. He’s an athletic defender who can play as either a stopper or rebounder. As a rebounder he reads the ball in the flight well and can take some intercept marks but you probably don’t want him playing against the oppositions tallest forwards. His strengths are in his ball use with his long kick and his ability to take on the game for his type as someone who can relatively do some damage on the rebound.

#50 Richmond – Sam Lloyd (VIC – Fwd)
Height: 180cm, Weight: 83kg, DOB: 03/03/1990
Recruited from: Frankston
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Late - undrafted
Profile: Lloyd is a small marking mature age forward. He’s had a strong season in the VFL but is more a component of a forwardline who can play a role.

#51 Carlton – Mitch Thorp (TAS – Fwd/KPF)
Height: 194cm, Weight: 89kg, DOB: 25/12/1988
Recruited from: South Launceston
Style: Jarrad Grant
Player comparison:
Range: 30-rookie
Profile: Thorp is someone who has taken longer than first hoped to develop and mature but he has finally matured this season back home in Tasmania as captain and coach of his club. He’s helped the youth at his club develop and he helped his team to a premiership so he’s the type of person that you want to bring into your club. Thorp is not the key forward he is being advertised as but plays more as a tall half forward with a strong running game and above average marking ability by position. In saying that he’s finding plenty of the footy, taking plenty of marks and hitting the scoreboard as his 78 goals from 20 games suggests. You don’t want him to be the primary target in your front half but he’s someone who could play a part as a 2nd or 3rd target in a forward half.

#52 Port Adelaide – Mitchell Harvey (SA – KPF)
Height: 195cm, Weight: 97kg, DOB: 17/08/1995
Recruited from: North Adelaide
Style: Jarryd Roughead
Player comparison:
Range: 35-rookie
Profile: Nephew of now Collingwood recruiter Matt Rendell. Harvey is a big bodied key forward who has been hidden away to some extent due to school footy. More your deep full forward at this point but he could play centre half forward if you wanted him to once he further builds up his endurance. Harvey is a strong marking who also powerful on the lead and strong in the air with his ability to read it coming in and in the air excellent. He’s a very good contested marking presence. In addition to his marking Harvey also has some rare ability for a player at his size at ground level picking ground balls up cleanly, roving at times and snapping over his shoulder effectively for goals making him much more than a mark and goal forward. Harvey is a reliable set shot goal kicker and his skills by foot are exquisite similar to Jaksch last year where he not only converts from those set shots but also has rare vision and ability to hit targets inside 50 and get it to where the forward wants it. He’s very capable of going off and kicking a bag of goals and has played some strong footy both back in SA and through the u18 champs. One really positive sign in my mind with Harvey is how much weight he’s dropped since the start of the year. From reports his dropped 9kg which is a credit to his discipline and drive to make it and from listening to his coaches talk about him he’s reportedly exceptionally coachable. The dropped weight has really helped Harvey from an athleticism standpoint and despite his size he’s in fact pretty quick on the lead and very agile for a tall which is really pleasing and a great sign that he’ll still be able to move when he puts further muscle onto his frame and a sign that his body can hold it. Harvey has the opportunity to settle into a team’s structures either as a key forward or a no.2 ruckman who can play some minor minutes through the ruck and compete well and play the remainder of his minutes up forward.

#53 Sydney – Lachlan Ritchie (VIC – Def)
Height: 190cm, Weight: 80kg, DOB: 03/02/1995
Recruited from: Sandringham Dragons
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: 35 - undrafted
Profile: Ritchie is a tallish shutdown defender. More a 3rd tall. Can play a good shutdown game and can play on a variety of sizes. But too short to play as a key defender and not a dominant rebounder as a relatively low production type.

#54 Geelong – Fraser Fort (VIC – KPD)
Height: 196cm, Weight: 84kg, DOB: 04/10/1995
Recruited from: Geelong Falcons
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: 30-rookie
Profile: Fort is one of the better key defenders in the TAC. He’s more your shutdown defender with some real athleticism with his pace and leap both above average. He has in the past also shown that he can play forward to a solid standard and present as a marking target but in a star studded Geelong Falcons team with McCartin and Goddard who both look like top 5 selections next year both as key forwards there is a pretty good reason why he hasn’t played forward as much this season. I see Fort settling as more of a defender with others more talented as forwards but he’ll need to continue to expand his game. He’s generally strong overhead and plays well down both ends of the field.

#55 Essendon (via Fremantle) – Jonathon Marsh (WA – KPF/Util)
Height: 191cm, Weight: 89kg, DOB: 17/10/1995
Recruited from: East Fremantle
Style:
Player comparison: Gary Rohan
Range: 20-rookie
Profile: Has absolutely elite pace for a player of his size and type and can do some highlight reel type stuff. He’ll break the lines and take on the game at any opportunity. Has played mostly as a key forward this year where he like no other key forward has the ability to create separation as a player simply no player can go with for pace. At ground level he’s an absolute freak with the way he follows up so quickly and picks up that ground ball so cleanly and often on the move. He’s even shown some crumbing ability. He also is a guy who can go on long leads up the ground but then really push back hard into the forward 50 so quickly that few defenders will be able to go with him. He’s also got a 55m kick on him but to a target can lack some consistency. I’m just not yet convinced that Marsh is a key forward at the next level, he plays it more in the style of a long leading half forward but he plays it well and with his pace has the ability to turn games. Marsh has also having played as a midfielder before does have some ability to go onto the ball. I’d also be very interested to see what he could do on a back flank or wing. At this stage his best position is not apparent and it’s not clear that he does find a role, but in a team where a coach can correctly utilise his unique skillset he does have the opportunity to become something really special. It’s just probably not going to be as a key forward with his marking ability poor and fumbly, set shot goal kicking below average and limited interest in putting in the effort defensively.

#56 Hawthorn – Darcy Hourigan (SA – KPF/KPD)
Height: 190cm, Weight: 92kg, DOB: 18/09/1995
Recruited from: South Adelaide
Style: Jack Darling
Player comparison: Tim Membrey
Range: 30-rookie
Profile: Strong bodied key position player who most stands out with his ability on the lead. On the lead Hourigan has some power with the ability to push his man off easily and pace to create separation on the lead and understands leading patterns and where to lead to be dangerous making him a threat. Hourigan is also strong in the air reading it superbly. He also has some real strength to him and can win 1v1 contests and crash packs. He’s also very capable and clean with his pickups of the ground balls and can snap well on both sides of the body around goal. He’s also improved in giving those second and third tackling efforts. Hourigan also has nice 55m kick on him and has the vision and unselfishness to find the targets inside 50 and be damaging as a playmaker just as much as he is as a goal scorer. Very capable down back also having spent time down back in previous years so he gives you options. Will need to work on endurance to find that next level to his play but that will come with time in the system.

#57 Melbourne (via GWS) – Jake Pitt (SA – Def)
Height: 192cm, Weight: 75kg, DOB: 4/04/1995
Recruited from: Glenelg
Style: Nick Maxwell
Player comparison:
Range: 30-rookie
Profile: Thin, outside type who in the games I’ve seen while he can also play on a wing or forward flank probably looks better suited down back. Relatively athletic for his size and is a guy with the smarts to know when to leave his man and give help defence or take the intercept mark. Strong overhead and reads it well down back. More a third tall defender. Athletically Pitt is above average and can generate some run with his run and carry.

#58 Fremantle (via Melbourne) - Ben Brown (VIC – KPF/Ruck)
Height: 198cm, Weight: kg, DOB:
Recruited from: Werribee
Style: Tyrone Vickery
Player comparison:
Range: 20-undrafted
Profile: Brown in my view has been one of the big improvers this year and he’s really starting to deliver on his talent with the strong footy he has played this season. He’s well and truly put any durability concerns behind him and it’s no longer a valid question with Brown. Brown is a tall key forward who is a natural who absolutely clunks those contested marks but also has some ability below the knees for his size. He’s also a very good mark on the lead and in the air. As a set shot goalkicker Brown is an absolute deadeye and has one of the best set shot routines I’ve seen with the way he lines the ball up with the goals before going back and nailing it with an excellent conversion rate. He’s also shown that he’s a much improved ruckman now that he’s put some more size onto his frame and isn’t getting pushed around as much anymore. He’s not a dominant tap ruckman but more someone who follows up well from the ruck contest and could present as a no.2 ruck option who plays the majority of his minutes up forward.

#59 Hawthorn (via St Kilda) - David Mirra (VIC – Def)
Height: 186cm, Weight: 81kg, DOB: 20/03/1991
Recruited from: Box Hill Hawks
Style: Michael Hibberd
Player comparison:
Range: late-rookie
Profile: Mirra is a defender who plays a strong two way game. He can provide rebound with his footskills excellent but then he also wins his 1v1 and doesn’t leak opposition impact making him a strong option for a team if looking for someone more immediate.

#60 Western Bulldogs - Matt Fuller (SA – Util)
Height: 180cm, Weight: 84kg, DOB: 01/06/1990
Recruited from: Norwood
Style:
Player comparison: Matt Suckling
Range: 35-rookie
Profile: Fuller is an exceptional kick on both sides with that left foot particularly penetrating with that 65m he can roost it. He’s a versatile player who can play forward or back or he’s someone you really want the ball in the hands of. Down back he’s a precision kick with excellent vision and ability to find the targets up the field. Up forward he’s someone who can find the targets inside 50 but then also load up long and kick the 60 meter plus goal. He’s not a super high level accumulator and it’s really just the kick that sets him apart but with the damage he does he’s someone who could be an effective role player for a team looking for a bit more hurt factor.

#61 Gold Coast - Dwayne Wilson (SA – Mid/Fwd)
Height: 178cm, Weight: 75kg, DOB: 17/01/1995
Recruited from: Sturt
Style: Danyle Pearce
Player comparison:
Range: 30-rookie
Profile: Wilson is a very damaging outside player who you just want the ball in the hands of. Has some penetration on his kick and on a wing any time he gets forward of centre he loves a goal and generally hits the scoreboard really doing some damage. He’s also a very good kick to a target. Strong mark overhead. He’s relatively quick but not as quick as advertised. He will need to get stronger and start winning his own ball more as he can really go quiet for stretches of games and lack consistency from game to game but when he’s up and going he can get his hands on it he’ll break games open.

#62 West Coast - Charlie Cameron (WA – Fwd/Def)
Height: 178cm, Weight: 69kg, DOB: 05/07/1994
Recruited from: Swan Districts
Style: Jeff Garlett
Player comparison:
Range: 35-rookie
Profile: Charlie is a small with some incredible explosiveness with an incredible combination of straightline speed and agility. He has some class to him with ball in hand and finishes well around goal. He also has a nice pressure game with the tackling energy he provides having come from a rugby background really nailing those tackles like you can’t imagine from a small. I also really like how clean Cameron is picking the ball up off the deck on the move, it’s just so easy and effortless for him and he does it so cleanly. He can also fly for a mark and be a threat in the air. He’s someone new to the game and from all reports wants it and when you have special ability as Cameron has and you want it, that’s when the potential is there for a guy to develop into a difference maker. If he can start to hit the scoreboard more then he’ll prove to be a really good find for a team.

 

[Knightmare]

#63 Brisbane – Jonothan Freeman (QLD – KPP)
Height: 198cm, Weight: 96kg, DOB: 27/04/1994
Recruited from: Aspley
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: 4th round
Profile: One year older. Tall key forward who Brisbane have committed to take in the national draft. He’s got some athleticism and a strong body. His game as a forward is still very much developing as a relatively low production player at this point who can mark but doesn’t take it at the highest point and doesn’t provide all that much scoreboard pressure. Time will need to be invested.

#64 Geelong (via Adelaide) - Nicholas Bourke (VIC – Util)
Height: 187cm, Weight: 76kg, DOB: 22/02/1995
Recruited from: Geelong Falcons
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: 30-rookie
Profile: Tall, outside player with some versatility, a strong mark and a damaging long left foot kick. He has some positional range with the ability to play wing, half forward and half back well. His kick is probably the most outstanding attribute with his penetration combined with his excellent vision and decision making ability making that long kick even more damaging. Bourke is relatively quick and enjoys taking on the game but he’s not a freak speedster. Next stage in his development will be winning more of his own footy because at this point it really comes from those handball receives or marks.

#65 North Melbourne - Sean Lemmens (SA – Def/Mid)
Height: 184cm, Weight: 76kg, DOB: 2/11/1994
Recruited from: Port Adelaide
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: 30-rookie
Profile: Lemmens has played some strong footy this season and is a much improved player after being overlooked last year. He looks set to develop into a high production rebounding backman or a wingman at the next level. He’s a clean user of the footy and a real endurance athlete who will link up and get involved in the play. Down back he has the ability to leave his man and take the intercept mark but then also has strong 1v1 marking strength. Also provides some run and carry when given the opportunity.

#66 Essendon - Max King (NSW – KPF/Ruck)
Height: 200cm, Weight: 89kg, DOB: 24/09/1995
Recruited from: Murray Bushrangers
Style: Shaun Hampson
Player comparison: Corey Gault
Range: 30-rookie
Profile: King is an athletic tall who at his height will intrigue some. He has some real pace at that size with that point of difference that leap making him a threat up forward with that ability to take some impressive marks up high. As a ruckman King is an ok but only average tap ruckman. While he does have some nice traits there is also a lot missing. He doesn’t find much of the footy around the ground. He’s not a great follow-up ruckman and not a great tackler. I’d also like to see him dominate a strong opposition. He’s a project player who will require time but reports are that he’s a high character guy and will continue to work hard at his game so if you’ve got patience he has the opportunity to continue his improvement and perhaps surprise some.

#67 Collingwood - Cameron Conlon (VIC – KPF/Ruck)
Height: 197cm, Weight: 90kg, DOB:
Recruited from: Northern Knights
Style: Patrick Ryder (forward version)
Player comparison: Nathan Vardy
Range: 30 - undrafted
Profile: Real talent who has shown some immense promise up forward. As a key forward Conlon has the ability to really develop into something at the next level. He’s an athletic forward who can pinch hit in the ruck as required but he’s a guy you want in the forward half. He’s a good marking threat in the air with his leap and strong hands. He’s also got incredible agility at his size and has rare ability at ground level for his size while also showing some ability on the lead with his pace particularly standing out. He also converts from his set shot opportunities. He just hasn’t shown that he finds all that much of the ball to this point all that consistently and it’s only those first two games of 2012 where he really showed promise so it’s just hard to gauge where he’s at as he hasn’t played this year. Where he will feature in this draft as there is no recent form to measure him against makes his eventual draft placing one of the more intriguing in this draft.

#68 Richmond – Nathan Batsanis (VIC – Mid)
Height: 179cm, Weight: 79kg, DOB: 18/3/88
Recruited from: Port Melbourne
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: late - undrafted
Profile: Mature ager who has been there abouts for some years and may receive his chance this year. Success seems to follow him wherever he goes. Batsanis is an outside type with a good running game and is a relatively good user of the footy. He’s an effective linkup player. Just not super damaging or someone who will win much of his own ball.

#69 Carlton - James Tsitas (VIC – Mid)
Height: 180cm, Weight: 77kg, DOB: 03/03/1995
Recruited from: Geelong Falcons
Style: Mitch Robinson
Player comparison:
Range: 25-rookie
Profile: Hard midfielder with elite endurance and the ability to find the footy. Tsitas rarely fumbles and has a hunger for the contest and can win his own footy, win the clearances, distribute by hand effectively as well with his tackling game also very good. He’s not your most damaging user of the footy and his footskills could further improve with his penetration and ability to do damage limited but he still shows clean hands and is a very good inside distributor. Tsitas despite being more of an inside player is also exceptionally capable outside and will provide a linkup option and get to the right positions to receive it down the field. He also has an above average two way running game with his tackling excellent and some good defensive running to go with it. Athletically I really like Tsitas’ evasiveness and agility where he can sidestep guys and seems hard to catch with his endurance also excellent.

#70 Port Adelaide – Nick Holman (VIC – Mid)
Height: 186cm, Weight: 79kg, DOB: 29/05/1995
Recruited from: Murray Bushrangers
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: 40-rookie
Profile: Holman is a tough, physical inside player who really attacks the footy and goes in hard at every opportunity. He has an excellent tackling game making his tackles stick. He’s a big factor inside not only for his tackling but also ability to win his own footy and win the clearances. Strong mark overhead. He’s had a strong season and his game held up strongly through the u18 champs which was encouraging. By foot he’s an ok kick over short distances but not a damaging kick and can at times try to do too much.

#71 Sydney - Blaine Johnson (WA - Fwd)
Height: 183cm, Weight: 82kg, DOB: 28/07/1995
Recruited from: South Fremantle
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: 35 - undrafted
Profile: Johnson is a strong bodied leadup forward who has had a strong season. He can provide strong tackle pressure up forward, take marks and can finish around goal. Also has a nice long, damaging kick on him.

#72 Geelong - Riley Knight (SA –Mid/Fwd)
Height: 180cm, Weight: 73kg, DOB: 27/03/1995
Recruited from: Woodville-West Torrens
Style: Brad Johnson
Player comparison: Angus Monfries
Range: 35-undrafted
Profile: Knight is a midfielder who can play forward. He played some strong footy through the champs and has continued his strong form back in SA. Knight has some real footy smarts and a knack for always being around the ball. He’s got very strong hands overhead and will consistently take those grabs when he goes forward. Strong tackling game and can play on the ball and win his own footy effectively. He shows excellent composure in traffic. Has excellent vision and over short and medium distances is an excellent kick. Knight while not an elite athlete also has some breakaway pace to him. As a forward he’s proven to be an effective crumber getting into the right positions every time and can finish around goal. As a forward he’s also a real playmaker finding those inside 50 targets. He has a tendency towards unselfishness finding those targets in better positions typically preferring not to take on the responsibility of having to go back and convert from set shots. Also a high character guy from reports.

#73 Fremantle - Luke Reynolds (SA – Fwd)
Height: 188cm, Weight: 86kg, DOB: 09/01/1995
Recruited from: Port Adelaide
Style: Trent McKenzie (less athletic, leadup forward version)
Player comparison:
Range: 35-rookie
Profile: Lead up forward who really stands out with his ability by foot to hit targets low, fast and to where they want it making him a guy you really want the ball in the hands of when entering your forward 50. Reynolds mostly finds the ball from marks coming mostly from long leads up the field and then he 9 times out of 10 plays on shifting straight onto his left foot looking to execute a pin point quick pass into the forward 50 over those short to medium distances where he shows excellent vision finding the right guy but then also precision kicking getting it to the most dangerous position every time. He also has the ability to load up from 55m and kick the long goal with his excellent penetration. The other strength beyond his kicking is his strength overhead with his marking on the lead excellent. Reynolds while he’s mostly played as a leadup forward and is best suited there for the moment could well make the transition onto a back flank or wing depending on what a team is looking for him to do.

#74 Hawthorn - Dallas Willsmore (VIC – Fwd/Mid)
Height: 190cm, Weight: 81kg, DOB: 29/05/1995
Recruited from: North Ballarat Rebels
Style: Mitch Duncan
Player comparison:
Range: 35-rookie
Profile: Plays as a key forward but probably isn’t tall enough to do that at the next level. Willsmore is an above average marking target who has a 55-60m kick on him but probably isn’t as dominant as some of the recent undersized key forwards we’ve seen in recent years. He can also convert from long range and kick a nice snap goal when within range. Overhead he’s relatively strong in the air and out in front on the lead. The one aspect that gives me optimism with his game is his transformation in the second half of the season into someone who can play on a wing as a linkup player which with his penetration by foot makes him an intriguing prospect as a wingman who can also go forward and be a 3rd tall target.




--
Other prospects:

Jared Jansen (WA – Mid/Def)
Height: 188cm, Weight: 91kg, DOB: 02/05/1995
Recruited from: East Fremantle
Style: Jobe Watson
Player comparison:
Range: 35-undrafted
Profile: Jansen is a tall, very strong bodied player who this year has spent more time through the midfield. As a midfielder Jansen doesn’t have the most natural midfielders game with his positioning not quick there with his advantage really being able to bully his way in at his size. He’s also got poor hands rarely taking it cleanly, has slow reflexes and then his ability to dish it out by hand also is relatively poor. On the positive he’s got a strong tackling game and his ability to make his tackles stick and do big damage at his size is excellent. He’s one of those few players strong enough to stand up through tackles and still deliver the footy to the target and not go to ground. He’s also an excellent overhead mark and a marking threat when he pushes forward. Jansen runs all day and while he’s mostly inside he also can find the footy outside the contest and link up well.

Dayle Garlett (WA – Mid/Fwd)
Height: 181cm, Weight: 77kg, DOB: 09/01/1994
Recruited from: Swan Districts Football Club
Style: Harley Bennell
Player comparison:
Range: 25-undrafted
Profile: Quality midfielder who can sneak forward and have an impact. Garlett has above average pace and uses it to advantage with regularity and is willing to take running bounces and take the ball as far as the opposition let him. Decision making excellent and even when pressured or in congestion still makes the right decision most of the time. Finishing around goal good. Left footer with some nice penetration and hurt factor on his kick and hits his targets easily over a variety of distances. Can also use his right boot and use it well. Has the ability to really hit the scoreboard and be very damaging with the influence he can have on some games. Also when the ball hits the ground I like how he immediately has that quickness of mind and body to get to the ball quicker than everyone and quickly get the ball onto hit boot for a goal. Garlett is also very capable of winning his own ball and playing on the ball and not just outside. Dayle still needs to build more strength through the hips so that he can stand up in tackles, but there is a fair bit to like about his game. Also defensively can continue to get better to compliment his incredible offensive game. The main questions with Garlett are around his personality and attitude and if he can convince a club that he will keep his head down and not be a problem player he has the opportunity to get drafted.

Carl Peterson (VIC - Fwd)
Height: 183cm, Weight: 70kg, DOB: 03/06/1987
Recruited from:
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: late-undrafted
Profile: Ex Richmond and Hawthorn forward. Has talent with questions always being around his commitment to his footy.

Matthew Sully (VIC – KPD)
Height: 195cm, Weight: 89kg, DOB: 15/10/1992
Recruited from: Geelong (VFL)
Style:
Player comparison: Kyle Hartigan
Range: 35-rookie
Profile: Good 1v1 defender who plays a strong shutdown role in the back half. He will consistently win his contests getting in the spoil every time or take the mark and has some real body on body strength. He’ll get the job done every week and he has stepped his game up again this year and is ready to take the next step. AFL ready despite his still relatively young age and can step in for a team immediately as a stopper down back.

Nathan Gordon (SANFL – Mid/Fwd)
Height: 188cm, Weight: 88kg, DOB: 12/02/1990
Recruited from: North Adelaide
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: late-undrafted
Profile: Gordon is a former Sydney Swan rookie who has hit back this season and has been excellent in the SANFL. He’s dominated through the midfield and up forward at various stages this season. Up forward he’s presented as a strong marking target with his work 1v1, in the air and on the lead excellent. He’s also got above average ability at ground level for his height and has been a solid goalkicking threat. While through the midfield he’s winning a combination of his own ball and uncontested ball which is pleasing. He’s a good size and with the improvement he has shown that he can be someone who could play as a rotational midfielder who can also do damage up forward he’s a pretty natural fit for a team looking for an immediate player.

Chris Cain (VIC – Mid/Fwd)
Height: 181cm, Weight: 83kg, DOB: 14/07/1987
Recruited from: Port Melbourne
Style:
Player comparison: Sam Dywer
Range: late/rookie
Profile: Cain has been one of the better performed players in the VFL these past few seasons and seems finally hot on the radar of clubs this season. Cain is a midfielder with a nice skill set but also strong hands overhead allowing him to be a marking threat when he pushes forward. Athletically he’s above average with a nice combination of pace and endurance at his disposal.

Mark Seaby (WA – Ruck)
Height: 199cm, Weight: 101kg, DOB: 01/05/1984
Recruited from: Claremont
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: late - undrafted
Profile: Previously listed by West Coast and Sydney, Seaby has had a dominant season through the ruck for Claremont as that best performed state league ruckman and may for a team serve as effective ruck depth or possibly an immediate no.1 ruck option for a team.

Thomas Shanahan (WA – Mid)
Height: 183cm, Weight: 75kg, DOB: 28/04/1995
Recruited from: East Perth
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: 25-undrafted
Profile: Shanahan is someone who has really made a case for selection with some incredibly impressive production. He’s winning his own footy inside the contest but also finding plenty of it outside and linking up well. He’s a strong tackler and plays a solid two way game. He’s got excellent endurance and runs all day. He tested well. He’s just not the most damaging user of the footy.

Mitch Honeychurch (VIC – Mid/Fwd)
Height: 175cm, Weight: 65kg, DOB: 02/03/1995
Recruited from: Eastern Ranges
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: 30-rookie
Profile: Short, light bodied midfielder but provides some real inside grunt and hardness over the ball really winning the contested ball with the best of them. He’s got that real competitive, hard edge to him and from all reports is as hard a trainer as you’ll find. Honeychurch in addition to his ability inside the contest also displays excellent endurance and has that ability to find a combination of inside and outside ball. Has a burst of speed to him. Excellent at ground level as someone who can gather the footy off the ground effortlessly for a clean pickup. Is excellent in traffic and is a very quick thinker. Short kicking excellent and has the vision to find his targets inside 50, my main criticism with his kicking is that he can sometimes try to do too much with his longer kicks but any minor kinks over the medium-longer distances can be ironed out.

Karl Amon (VIC – Util)
Height: 180cm, Weight: 73kg, DOB: 19/08/1995
Recruited from: Sandringham Dragons
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: late-undrafted
Profile: Amon doesn’t find a whole lot of the footy at this stage and is very outside but when he does he has the ability to really do damage with his footskills particularly damaging. By foot Amon has some real penetration with his low left foot kick and he has the ability to hit his targets lace out over a variety of distances as well as finish when within range. Amon also shows a willingness to take on the game, he’s not super quick but he can get up to speed relatively quickly and be effective over those first 10-15m. He’s got the versatility to play forward, back or on a wing so he gives you plenty of options.

Brady Gray (TAS – Mid)
Height: 177cm, Weight: 82kg, DOB: 20/07/1995
Recruited from: Burnie
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: 40 - undrafted
Profile: Gray reads the ruck taps well. Can win some ball inside. Has above average pace. Good skill set. Has some smarts. Good tackler. Also has played some soccer and cricket. He’s sub 180cm but relatively draftable.

Thomas Hodgson (WA – Def)
Height: 185cm, Weight: 78kg, DOB: 12/03/1995
Recruited from: East Perth
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: 40 - undrafted
Profile: Hodgson is a hardnosed defender with a good two way game. Hodgson can shut down his man effectively with his 1v1 work good but then also provides some rebound with his ability to win the 1v1 contest and take marks from that or take intercept marks at time. He has above average pace and can provide effective run and carry off a back flank. He could work further on his footskills and decision making though.

 

[Knightmare]

William Maginness (VIC – Mid/Fwd)Height: 182cm, Weight: 73kg, DOB: 13/01/1995
Recruited from: Oakleigh Chargers
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: 40 - undrafted
Profile: Highly productive midfielder and a much improved player over this past year. Plays a good two way game and has a nice combination of ability inside and outside the contest. Maginness can win his own footy inside the contest, win the clearances and has some evasiveness and slipperiness to him inside the contest as a really smooth mover. But then outside the contest runs and spreads well. He has a light body but just about everything else.

Kurt Heatherley (Hawthorn - NZ – KPD)
Height: 192cm, Weight: 83kg, DOB:
Recruited from: Oakleigh Chargers
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie
Profile: Heatherley is a tall defender from New Zealand. Heatherley has excellent closing speed and a really nice leap on him enabling him to also be very effective in the air and an effective shutdown player. A feature of his game I’ve really enjoyed is his long kicking. Despite playing key defence Heatherley has a long 55m, maybe 60m kick on him and loves a long goal when he receives the opportunity. I also really have enjoyed his tackling game which for a tall is also very good.

Lloyd Perris (NSW/ACT – Mid)
Height: 179cm, Weight: 74kg, DOB: 02/01/1995
Recruited from: St George
Style: Kieran Jack
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie
Profile: Another of those classic Sydney midfielders who just fits their drafting profile so perfectly. Perris is one of those high character guys with future leadership potential who just goes about his footy the right way and will almost certainly get the most out of his footballing ability. Perris has elite endurance and is a two real two way runner who can find plenty of the footy but then limit his direct opponents influence on the contest. He’s not a strong body but he has some real hardness over the footy and can win his own ball while also displaying ability on the outside. He’s also a really nice user of the footy both by hand and foot and seems to make the right decisions so Sydney have really got something in young Perris.

Alex Spencer (VIC – KPD)
Height: 193cm, Weight: 83kg, DOB: 19/04/1995
Recruited from: Sandringham Dragons
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: 30 - undrafted
Profile: Spencer is an athletic key defender with some versatility to his game. He has a strong 1v1 game and is a strong contested mark. Behind the play he reads the ball well and has a natural feel for when he can go and take an intercept mark. He also has the ability to play either a shutdown or rebounding role as required. He also isn’t afraid to take the game on with his run and carry or use it by foot as one of the better kicks at his size. He just doesn’t come with any flash to his game as a relatively unexciting key defender.

Ben Sokol (WA – Fwd/Mid)
Height: 183cm, Weight: 87kg, DOB: 28/10/1995
Recruited from: South Fremantle
Style: Dane Swan (early career)
Player comparison:
Range: 45-rookie
Profile: Sokol is a strong marking forward who can really put his stamp on games. Sokol’s point of difference is his ability marking ability 1v1 up forward for a midfielder. He has Dane Swan type strength 1v1 where no guy can go with him as his strength is just so strong but then also has those strong hands to really take those grabs. He his age he has incredible size and strength. He’s also a very effective leadup marking target. Sokol’s endurance is also excellent for someone with such a strong body making him a hard player to go with and just seems to be one of those players who just knows how to find the footy easier than the next guy. He’s also an excellent finisher around goal. He seems to improve with every game and is a player as a midfield rotation type who can play up forward could be better than most think.

Cain Tickner (QLD – KPP)
Height: 194cm, Weight: 91kg, DOB: 17/04/1995
Recruited from: Aspley
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Late - undrafted
Profile: Tickner is a young key defender who can also play up forward as required. Down back he’s shown some real athleticism and some ability to take on the game with his pace. He’s also got nice closing speed and some ability 1v1 suggesting so he’s got some traits that suggest he could become an effective key defender. He’s just not a super high level marking defender and will provide limited rebound.

Isaac Conway (QLD – Mid)
Height: 183cm, Weight: 85kg, DOB: 29/05/1995
Recruited from: Aspley
Style: Brock McLean
Player comparison:
Range: Late - undrafted
Profile: Conway is a strong bodied inside midfielder with real size on his frame. He’s a real stoppage specialist and will win those clearances consistently. He is a big inside ball winner who will win all the inside footy and distribute by hand effectively. His tackling game strong and he will make his tackles stick. His two way game is good and he can play a shutdown role when required. His endurance is good but pace below average. As is the case with many of these strong bodied inside midfielders he lacks any outside game and his footskills need a lot of work but there is something there and with time on an AFL list can iron out his game because inside the contest he’s a natural.

Tom Langdon (VIC – Def/Mid)
Height: 188cm, Weight: 84kg, DOB: 09/06/1994
Recruited from: Sandringham Dragons
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: 45-undrafted
Profile: Langdon was a big improver last season and was incredibly unlucky to not get drafted last season and has again produced this season with an even more outstanding season where he has shown the versatility to dominate down back, through the midfield and up forward. As a defender Langdon is an effective rebounder who can take intercept marks but then use it superbly by foot generating meaningful rebound as well as some run and carry. As a midfielder Langdon can read the ruck taps well, be a factor in winning the clearances and use it well by hand and foot as well as linkup on the outside. Then up forward Langdon also is a factor finding plenty of the footy, using it well hitting his targets inside 50 while also showing he can finish. So regardless of wherever you play him he’ll play some play and find plenty of it. He’s also capable of doing some damage. He has a 55m kick on him and can hit targets over a variety of distances. He’s a strong tackler and has some nice marking ability at his height and can read the ball so well in the air and be a big time intercept marker. His production is also top notch averaging 27.5 disposals and 6.7 marks per game in the TAC while also playing strong footy in the VFL in his six games.


Hugh Curnow (VIC – Mid)
Height: 182cm, Weight: 73kg, DOB: 25/02/1995
Recruited from: Northern Knights
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: rookie - undrafted
Profile: Curnow is a talented midfielder. He has the ability to wins his own footy. He’s a strong mark in the air. He can do damage with ball in hand with the ability to do some damage by foot. Has some pace and can provide some real run and carry when given the opportunity. Just needs to find more of the footy more often to take the next step.

George Hampson (WA – Def/Mid)
Height: 188cm, Weight: 79kg, DOB: 08/02/1990
Recruited from: Subiaco
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: rookie - undrafted
Profile: Classy utility who can play anywhere, find you a heap of the footy but then really do damage with those touches. He’s had his injury issues in the past but has overcome them and seems to have a strong mental makeup really overcoming adversity and coming back stronger. Hampson has elite endurance and also has some real agility to him. He’s just got that rare composure with ball in hand where he can do no wrong. He hits his targets easily and does damage and just makes the right decisions every time. Hampson also has some excellent ability overhead for his size.

Guy Dickson (VIC – Fwd/Def)
Height: 188cm, Weight: 81kg, DOB: 12/01/1995
Recruited from: Oakleigh Chargers
Style:
Player comparison: Jeremy Howe
Range: rookie - undrafted
Profile: Dickson is the high flying freak of this draft with a leap that can embarrass most ruckmen. He can really take over games when played forward and is one of the few guys in this draft where despite seeing a large sample of his games I’ve never once seen him play a poor game. Even in those star studded Carey Grammar teams last year where you’d go along to see Viney, Hrovat, Macrae, Jaksch, Haynes, Ashby and Moore last year he’s always that one you go home thinking “Who’s this guy?” And would always be in the best 2-3 on the ground every time. Dickson’s point of difference is his ability to take the flying mark in the air. In the air Dickson is in that same class as Jeremy Howe as a guy who can fly and take absolutely any mark in the air up forward and in his junior career he has taken some breathtaking hangers and taken a lot of marks inside the forward 50. He’s got for a medium size type among the strongest hands I’ve seen and is a major marking threat not only in the air but also 1v1 and in the contest taking some incredible contested marks. He just reads it so well in the air and understands the drop of the ball better than anyone else on the field in any given time. While having those aerial aspects to his game he’s also very sound at ground level and is very good below the knees. This year Dickson has featured in the back half for the Oakleigh Chargers where he’s played some very consistently strong football as a key defender due more than anything to need and he’s done a sensational job and has been an absolute rock in that back half staying with everyone for athleticism in the air, on the lead and at ground level. It probably wasn’t his natural game coming into the season as more that real high flying, marking forward who couldn’t be stopped in the air but he’s really bought in and played that Alan Toovey type shutdown role where he completely takes guys out of games winning every 1v1 and not letting his opponent get any touches or impact the game in any way. I project Dickson as a guy who could really be effective both up forward as that high flying Howe type or just as easily down back in a Toovey type role where he can play tall or small and just stop anyone and everyone regardless of size or style of game. Having played the season as a shutdown defender he’s one who seems to have really slipped through the cracks and gone unnoticed by many but he’s a beauty. Forward or back he’s a guy you can find a role for and rely on to do it well every week.

Jake Greiser (VIC – Mid)
Height: 180cm, Weight: 88kg, DOB: 22/08/1995
Recruited from: Western Jets
Style:
Player comparison: Marley Williams
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Strong bodied, physical midfielder with some real mongrel to him. He just seems to thrive on the fight inside the contest and just forces his way onto the ball and into the thick of it where he typically gets his hands on the ball but then doesn’t have much time and space to get rid of it. He wins all the contested footy inside the contest and is an absolute bull inside. He’s got excellent hands and by hand will despite mostly getting his ball in congestion getting it to the right targets. He’s also one of the strongest tacklers you’ll ever finding accumulating many tackles every week but really making those tackles stick and does big damage with those tackles really making his victim feel it. Greiser is very willing to play a two way game. Probably not as gifted outside the contest and by foot could become more consistent but there’s just something to his game with that real aggression and fight to his game that real point of difference. He’s also by all reports a guy who puts more work into his game than the next guy so there is little doubt he’ll get the most out of his game.

Zac Webster (TAS – Mid/Def)
Height: 180cm, Weight: 71kg, DOB: 11/08/1995
Recruited from: Glenorchy
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: 40 - undrafted
Profile: Brother of St Kilda’s Jimmy Webster, not as tall and plays a different style of game as more of a tough, hard over the ball type who is capable of winning his own footy inside the contest. He’s generally a relatively good user of the footy both by hand and foot. The major feature of his game is his run and carry off a back flank and someone who willingly takes on the game.

Matthew Merlo (VIC – Mid)
Height: 183cm, Weight: 85kg, DOB: 14/03/1995
Recruited from: Calder Cannons
Style: Luke Ball
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: One of the most improved this year and probably that most improved since where he was at last season which to me suggests plenty of footballing growth is to come. Merlo has struggled with injury over recent seasons but has certainly produced this season as one of the premier ball winners in the TAC. Merlo stands out as one of the hardest working, most professional young footballers going around and is one of those guys sure to get the most out of himself. Merlo is a strong bodied midfielder and a real clearance machine with great hands in close and the ability to distribute. Merlo is also able to push forward and hit the scoreboard which has also really increased his value. At this stage the deficiency in Merlo’s game is in his outside game. He’s also a below average user of the footy by foot and isn’t going to threaten to take games over with any outside run but he’s starting to show some improvement with his work to break away from the contest as well as his footskills and better knowing his limitations which is a promising start and with his work ethic and professionalism I believe he’ll become a better rounded played with time.

Clayton McCartney (VIC – Fwd/Mid)
Height: 176cm, Weight: 70kg, DOB: 11/06/1995
Recruited from: Dandenong Stingrays
Style: Leroy Jetta
Player comparison:
Range: 40 - undrafted
Profile: McCartney came into the year as a potential first round selection as a talented forward who many hoped would be able to push into the midfield but in my view hasn’t taken that next step. McCarthy around goal is a very dangerous player who with ball in hand does damage and is an excellent finisher. He has good vision and can find some nice targets inside 50. McCarthy athletically has above average but not elite pace and agility. The one aspect that has been encouraging has been his improvement off the ball and defensively but can still improve further in these aspects of the game. That next stage in McCartney’s development will be pushing up the field more and winning the footy more because his play as with most small forwards at this age is flashes of brilliance without that complete picture.

Harrison Green (NSW/ACT – Mid/Def)
Height: 184cm, Weight: 71kg, DOB: 13/12/1995
Recruited from: Illawarra Lions
Style: Rhyce Shaw
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Green has shown some potential as an outside run and carry type. Still very light bodied and a younger birthday but there is some real potential for development. He has some nice pace and is a real linebreaker. Down back Green shows that he can read the game well and gets to the right positions and can be an intercept marking threat. Skills are on the improve but could continue to get better and more damaging with time.

Alex Pearce (TAS – KPP)
Height: 197cm, Weight: 82kg, DOB: 09/06/1995
Recruited from: Devonport
Style: Justin Westhoff (less skilled)
Player comparison:
Range: 35 - undrafted
Profile: Pearce is a versatile, athletic tall who has shown some development this season. Excellent mover for a ruck sized key position player with his pace and agility. He has the range to play forward, back or midfield. Pearce is a high motor guy and really covers the ground well for a guy at his size. He will need to put more size onto his frame and improve his skills to take that next step.

 

[Knightmare]

Ed Morris (VIC – Mid)
Height: 178cm, Weight: 71kg, DOB: 20/08/1995
Recruited from: Gippsland Power
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Morris this year has been one of the better performed mids in the TAC Cup. He’s not a big lad but he has an excellent inside game none the less as a small midfielder who wins his own ball and tackles like a machine and will accumulate big numbers every week. He’s not the most damaging or athletic but he’ll turn up every week and play a strong brand of footy and exert his influence through the midfield.

Shane Nelson (WA – Mid)
Height: 176cm, Weight: 76kg, DOB: 11/05/1993
Recruited from: West Perth
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Small midfielder who continues to dominate the WAFL. Nelson is a speed, skilful, high production midfielder who seems to come back a better player every season and continues to make a case for selection which is what you want for a guy in his position.

Ben Cavarra (VIC – Mid) Height: 173cm, Weight: 69kg, DOB: 20/12/1995
Recruited from: Eastern Ranges
Style:
Player comparison: Brent Harvey
Range: Late - undrafted
Profile: One of the best performed midfielders in this draft and has been dominant for some time now. Cavarra is one of the elite runners in the TAC and he never seems to run out of energy as one of those little energiser bunnies who seems to be at it all game long just running and running. Cavarra wins a combination of inside and outside ball and is an on field general barking out instructions and leading his team through his actions and words which is impressive for a young draft prospect. He’s also a nice user of the footy but lacks some hurt factor.

Aidan Franetic (VIC – Mid/Fwd)
Height: 184cm, Weight: 79kg, DOB: 20/01/1995
Recruited from: Oakleigh Chargers
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Late - undrafted
Profile: Franetic has had a solid season through the midfield and has some tricks. Franetic has the ability to win his own footy inside the contest. He’s a good kick to a target even when under pressure. He’s also an excellent finisher around goal. A strong mark overhead. And keeps his feet in the contest. He just despite some of the things he can do when under pressure can at times try to do too much and he just needs to figure out when he can and when he can’t do something but I like that he goes for it.

Josh Pitson (SA – Def)
Height: 185cm, Weight: 74kg, DOB:
Recruited from: Norwood
Style: Jarrod Harbrow
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Pitson is one of the more exciting talents going around and you only have to take a look at his highlight tapes to get a feel for what he can do. He’s got some extreme acceleration with that burst of speed he has but what makes Pitson so special and different to the next guy is his agility. Pitson sidesteps guys at will and will make anyone look silly with ball in hand just effortlessly creating more space for himself and getting around anyone he wants to take on. Pitson will need to develop a stronger 1v1 game down back and could increase his endurance but offensively this guy is gifted and someone who can really do some damage.

Jarrod Stokes (NT – Fwd)
Height: 173cm, Weight: 74kg, DOB: 5/12/1994
Recruited from: Darwin Football Club
Style: Jeff Garlett
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Stokes is an extreme speedster of the Jeff Garlett variety. He has absolutely elite pace which he can use both offensively with ball in hand to burn guys off but then also defensively as that elite pressure player. Footskills and finishing ability around goal have improved making him more of a two way threat this year.

Jacob Chisari (VIC – Mid)
Height: 176cm, Weight: 76kg, DOB: 26/01/1995
Recruited from: Bendigo Pioneers
Style: Jarryd Blair
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Unlucky to miss the Vic Country squad Chisari is one of many small midfielders in this draft. He wins his own footy inside the contest and has done so consistently again this season. Strong tackler. He’s also shown that he can sneak forward and be a goalkicking threat which is a positive.

Braydn O’Hara (SA – Def/Mid)
Height: 181cm, Weight: 81kg, DOB:
Recruited from:
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: O’Hara has been thereabouts for a number of years now but he remains someone who is that class above SANFL footy and he’s well deserving of a senior opportunity. O’Hara is a damaging left footer with some real penetration on his kick. He also has the versatility to play down back, on a wing or through the midfield as required.

Steven Edwards (WA - Util)
Height: 178cm, Weight: 69kg, DOB: 06/07/1995
Recruited from: Claremont
Style: Steven Motlop
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Edwards is a versatile guy with the ability to do some damage offensively. He’s exceptionally clean with his pickups and can pick it up off the ground while on the move. He’s generally a good user of the footy. He also has some agility and slipperiness and that agile sidestep making him hard to tackle. He has good but not great pace and can at times take on the game effectively but not as much as I’d perhaps like. He’s also often slower than I’d like moving the footy on to the next target. He’ll need to get stronger and become more disciplined, particularly when playing off a back flank which is where he’s played most of his footy but if he puts in the work he has the opportunity to become something with some of his traits with that agility/slipperiness and sidestep in combination with his clean ability at ground level traits few can develop to the same level he’ll just need to iron out those other aspects to his game to complete it.

Sam Heavyside (VIC – Mid)
Height: 177cm, Weight: 73kg, DOB: 09/07/1994
Recruited from: Bendigo Pioneers
Style: Sam Mitchell
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Heavyside is one of the better inside midfielders going around the TAC and has also proven himself in the VFL with some strong performances. He was unlucky to miss out last year but got injured in the back end of the season which didn’t help. He’s not a strong body but he’s a natural inside ball winner just getting to the right positions, reading the ruck tap, winning the clearances and just has that little bit of extra class than the next guy and extra time inside the contest. He’s a good all rounder and someone who deserves the opportunity.

Nic Amato (SA – Mid)
Height: 178cm, Weight: 77kg, DOB: 15/10/1994
Recruited from: North Adelaide
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Small midfielder who was very unlucky to miss out last year. He’s come back this season and had another very strong year continuing his improvement. Amato is a hard working inside play who can also play a negating role. Amato is strong inside the contest and has quick hands but it’s the two way ball where he stands out with his tackling game excellent and also the work he does off the ball really impressive. He’s a hard working, team first guy and someone you’d wouldn’t have any reservations bringing into your club if looking for a player of his type.

Jake Kelly (VIC –Def/Mid – Coll F/S)
Height: 188cm, Weight: 83kg, DOB: 21/01/1995
Recruited from: Oakleigh Chargers
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Kelly is an athletic outside type who has shown that he can break the lines when given the opportunity but is more of a component of a backline than a weapon. He’s slipped under the radar some this year but he’s played some solid footy and continued his improvement. He’s an effective run and carry type who mostly plays off a back flank. His major strength though is as a stopper as he has a relatively strong body already and can also defensively play a role and limit his direct opponents influence and has shown that he can play on players of varied sizes. He just needs to start to win more of his own footy and become a more damaging rebounder and continue to work on his execution by foot to find that next level to his play.

Erinn Wasley-Black (NT – Def)
Height: 188cm, Weight: 78kg, DOB: 20/01/1995
Recruited from: Rover FC
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: late - undrafted
Profile: One of the much hyped players coming into the u18 champs but has this year really failed to deliver which has been disappointing. Wasley-Black is a medium defender who is an excellent intercept mark with his ability to read it down back particularly excellent. He’s also got a nice left foot kick on him which can do some damage.

Josh Scott (VIC – KPF/Fwd)
Height: 188cm, Weight: 80kg, DOB: 3/03/1994
Recruited from: Gippsland Power
Style: Jack Gunston
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Undersized key forward who was overlooked in the draft last year. Has come back to the TAC Cup for another year and has further improved his production. Josh Scott at his size is an excellent mark. He’s also excellent at ground level at his size making him more than just an undersized marking forward. Josh Scott has again had a big year in front of the goals and is someone who can kick a bag on you. He just needs to show that he can be a component of a forwardline and be more than a marking and goalkicking forward.

Peter Steffe (SA – Ruck)
Height: 205cm, Weight: 98kg, DOB: 8/12/1995
Recruited from: South Adelaide
Style: Robert Warnock
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Steffe is a tall ruckman who is a dominant tap ruckman. Thanks to that sheer length and a reasonable leap. He’s from a basketball background and has only recently committed to football and he’s also got a late year birthday suggesting there might be more growth to come. But being a young ruckman he’s far from a complete package. He finds very little of the footy around the ground, does not like to kick preferring to handball off almost every time he finds the footy and isn’t a marking or goal kicking threat up forward. He just has a really awkward feel to his game. Set shot goalkicking routine ugly.

Max Hayes (VIC – Fwd)
Height: 191cm, Weight: 86kg, DOB: 29/01/1995
Recruited from: Sandringham Dragons
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Late - undrafted
Profile: Hayes is a tall lead up forward. He has strong hands as more that 3rd tall marking target with strong hands and ability in the air. He’s also a very effective mark in the air. Good user of the footy. Just doesn’t find enough of it at this point. He can at times push up the field but is better suited as a marking forward.

Matthew Boag (VIC – Fwd)
Height: 185cm, Weight: 90kg, DOB: 09/04/1995
Recruited from:
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Boag is a powerful, big bodied forward and a marking presence being such a big body against kids in the TAC. The size advantage at the next level won’t be such an advantage and he’ll need to improve his endurance and become more of a midfielder because clubs don’t go out specifically to draft a strong bodied forward. We saw it with Pongracic getting overlooked last year as a more spoken about player so Boag will probably have to work his way up through the VFL but if he can build that endurance he may at that size then become an interesting prospect.

Willy Rioli (NT – Fwd)
Height: 180cm, Weight: 88kg, DOB: 04/06/1995
Recruited from: St Mary’s Football Club
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Willy is one of those exceptionally talented forward as with the Rioli’s before him has plenty of talent in his own right. Willy is a strong bodied forward who while still relatively quick will need to work on his body and building that endurance up and will need to continue to work on his tackling game but otherwise there is plenty to like. Rioli has some incredible goal sense and with ball in hand is all class and has that real dangerous feel to his game where you know he is going to make something happen. Very capable not only finishing near goal but also can be unselfish and find other targets in better positions as a playmaker. He’s just so good on both sides of the body by foot and his decision making is as good as any. Willy as a forward is a natural crumber getting to the bottom of the packs doing plenty of good work at ground level but can also take a mark up forward and is for his height an above average mark with his ability to take 1v1 marks or mark when in space.

Nick Favretto (SA – Mid)
Height: 188cm, Weight: 88kg, DOB: 19/05/1995
Recruited from: West Adelaide
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Favretto is a tall wingman who will run all day for you. Despite his height and size he’s very much an outside receiver but a real accumulator who finds it so easily. He’s an above average kick at his height and can take on the game effectively.

Josh Glenn (SA – Util)
Height: 179cm, Weight: 77kg, DOB:
Recruited from: Central Districts
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: *not a part of the drafted
Profile: Back flanker with some real pace to him. Glenn has some real penetration on his kick over 60m and is an excellent user of the footy hitting his targets by foot over a variety of ranges. Shows real composure and never seems phased. Very strong mark overhead and can take marks 1v1 as well as come off his man at times for some intercept marks.

Sam Gray (SA – Mid/Fwd)
Height: 174cm, Weight: 75kg, DOB: 1/2/1992
Recruited from: Port Adelaide Magpies
Style:
Player comparison: Jarryd Blair
Range: Late - undrafted
Profile: Gray is a young small midfielder who has dominated the SANFL this year and has continued his strong improvement. Gray is a pure inside type who is a strong contested ball winner and will tackle hard. He’s also exceptionally capable when he pushes forward and can play reasonably well as a crumber. He’s one of the highest production smalls you’ll find. He’s just not a great user of the footy by foot.

 

[Knightmare]

Myke Cook (VIC – Mid)
Height: 182cm, Weight: 80kg, DOB: 09/10/1989

Recruited from: Sandringham
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Late - undrafted
Profile: Cook has been excellent in the VFL now for a couple of years as an outside midfielder. He has a nice combination of speed and endurance. Has shown that he is capable of accumulating big numbers.

Joel Tippett (SA – KPD)
Height: 196cm, Weight: 95kg, DOB: 26/10/1988
Recruited from: West Adelaide
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Tippett is a mature age super athletic key defender. He’s had a few opportunities at AFL level and is again looking a chance to get back onto an AFL list after another strong season and after testing well. He’s more your athletic shutdown defender. Has his limitations offensively. More athlete than footballer but has some role player potential.

Hugh Beasley (VIC – KPD)
Height: 192cm, Weight: 87kg, DOB: 12/11/1995
Recruited from: Oakleigh Chargers
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Late - rookie
Profile: Beasley is an athletic shutdown key defender. Good 1v1 stopper and has the pace to go with just about anyone. Reliable kick for a key defender. Just not much of an intercepting, rebounder at this stage.

Sam Bennett (VIC – Def)
Height: 189cm, Weight: 79kg, DOB: 22/01/1995
Recruited from: North Ballarat Rebels
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Bennett is a strong mark overhead taking it at highest point, can win some 1v1s. Nice long kick. He’s relatively quick and a good running defender with good endurance. He also loves sneaking forward for a goal.

Aliir Aliir (WA – KPD)
Height: 196cm, Weight: 85kg, DOB: 05/09/1994
Recruited from: East Fremantle
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Raw, athletic key defender. Closing speed good. He’s quick and can run and carry. Ball use by hand and foot poor. Average 1v1. Ability to read it in the air poor.

Brandon Abbott (WA – Def/Mid)
Height: cm, Weight: kg, DOB:
Recruited from: Claremont
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Strong body. Nice long kick of the footy. Weaves through traffic well. Strong 1v1. Clean at ground level with pickups. Not quick but willing to take on the game. Went home for personal reasons from WAFL so not looking good despite some of his positive traits and size. Will need to build up his endurance and find more of the footy more often.

Ziggie Alwan (VIC – Fwd)
Height: 185cm, Weight: 87kg, DOB: 23/11/1988
Recruited from: Frankston
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Alwan is a small marking forward. He can take a specie. He can win his 1v1 marking contests with his body on body strength. I also like that after a mark he moves it on quickly. He just seems to lack consistency and doesn’t have the most natural game for a forward.

Jake Barrett (NSW – Mid)
Height: 182cm, Weight: 82kg, DOB: 08/11/1995
Recruited from: Temora
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Barrett is a good mover and has that nicely timed sidestep which can make others look silly. Excellent user of the footy hitting his targets lace out and doing damage, he just lacks some penetration.

Zac Bates (SA – Mid/Mid)
Height: 173cm, Weight: 73kg, DOB: 30/04/1995
Recruited from: West Adelaide
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie – undrafted
Profile: Bates is a small outside type. He has pace and takes on the game. Excellent kick and has penetration but then also vision, class and ability to lower the eyes and hit the best target.

Koby Beard (SA – KPD)
Height: 195cm, Weight: 95kg, DOB: 13/06/1990
Recruited from: Port Adelaide Magpies
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Can play either end well as a tall but looks best suited as a key defender. Excellent kick for a big man and has nice vision. Reads it particularly well down back and is a big time intercept mark. Just defensively while ok is his relative weakness.

Jake Best (VIC – Fwd)
Height: 182cm, Weight: 84kg, DOB: 20/10/89
Recruited from:
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Best is a mature ager who has changed his focus from cricket to footy. He’s a strong marking medium forward who can take it on the lead and in the air.

Richard Bourne (WA – Fwd)
Height: 177cm, Weight: 61kg, DOB: 04/05/95
Recruited from: East Fremantle
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie – undrafted
Profile: Bourne is a small, light bodied forward with good but not great pace. He enjoys taking on the game. The best part of his game is his footskills with his precision kicking and vision to pick out best pass. Can also crumb well.

Meyrick Buchanan (VIC – Fwd)
Height: 177cm, Weight: 76kg, DOB: 15/09/1993
Recruited from: Geelong Falcons
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Buchanan is a small but versatile with the ability to play at either end or through the midfield. He’s a couple of years older and pursued cricket for a couple of years and has this season returned to footy. Buchanan has natural footy smarts and plays a good two way game. He does the little things providing blocks, giving defensive efforts, smothering. Injured PCL ended his season prematurely.

Luke Buckby (SA – Def)
Height: 191cm, Weight: 85kg, DOB: 22/02/1995
Recruited from: Central District
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Versatile tall. Can play back, forward or midfield. From reports a hard trainer. Has some composure for someone at his size with ball in hand and uses it well by foot. Just haven’t seen much of him this year due to injury.

Aaron Christensen (VIC – Fwd)
Height: 174cm, Weight: 66kg, DOB: 09/04/1995
Recruited from: Geelong Falcons
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Christensen is a good finisher around goal on both sides of the body. He’s not super quick but not slow either. He’s a small, lightish body. Younger brother of Geelong’s Allen. Just much more outside than his brother.

Jedd Clothier (NSW – Mid)
Height: 189cm, Weight: 84kg, DOB: 04/05/1995
Recruited from: Calder Cannons
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Clothier is a tall midfielder. He can push forward and hit the scoreboard. He’s a relatively good inside ball winner. Will need to improve his ability by foot as he lacks consistency at this point.

Campbell Combe (SA – Mid/Fwd)
Height: 178cm, Weight: 82kg, DOB: 15/09/1995
Recruited from: North Adelaide
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Late - undrafted
Profile: Combe is one of the unusual forwards who is of a team first mentality. He’s smallish but has strong body. Does all the off the ball stuff that will impress coaches, sheparding, bumping and the like. Has some evasiveness with ball in hand.

Jason Cooke (VIC – Fwd)
Height: 184cm, Weight: 80kg, DOB: 06/02/1995
Recruited from: Calder Cannons
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Cooke is a strong mark overhead. Has some versatility with his ability to play forward or through the midfield well. He has had some knee troubles the past couple of seasons that have held him back so most likely he will have to come back next year and prove himself to us then.

Daniel Cox (NT – Fwd/Mid)
Height: 171cm, Weight: 69kg, DOB: 06/05/1995
Recruited from: Southern Districts
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Cox is a very small type at only 171cm. He takes on the game well but his pace is only just above average. Where he stands out is his ability by foot with his vision and ability to hit some damaging targets. Also very good at ground level so he’ll be a crumbing forward at that height.

Josh Cuneo (WA – Def)
Height: 189cm, Weight: 80kg, DOB: 03/01/1995
Recruited from: East Fremantle
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Good mover at his height with some composure with ball in hand with his agility and good endurance. He’s a good team player in the back half and a leader. Just not a great ball user or accumulator.

Brady Egan (VIC – Fwd/Mid)
Height: 189cm, Weight: 85kg, DOB: 18/12/1994
Recruited from: Dandenong Stingrays
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Egan is a tallish versatile type. He’s strong overhead and can run all day but he’s not as dominant as others at any one position.

Jarrad Ellis (QLD – Mid)
Height: 188cm, Weight: 80kg, DOB: 18/04/1995
Recruited from: Broadbeach
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Jarrad Ellis is a tallish midfielder who is relatively good by foot and relatively good overhead. He’s just not so great below the knees.

Kieran Ellis (NSW – Def/Mid)
Height: 187cm, Weight: 74kg, DOB: 30/01/1995
Recruited from: Murray Bushrangers
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Kieran Ellis is a tallish, relatively skilled type. Good mark and intercept mark at his height and can attack it in the air really moving into it for the mark. He reads it well. Good user of the footy with that left boot. Very outside and light bodied.

Nick Evans (VIC – Util)
Height: 177cm, Weight: 74kg, DOB: 01/06/1995
Recruited from: Eastern Ranges
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Evans is a small type. Has some pace. Good user of the footy by foot. Strong tackler. Has some versatility to his game.

Darcy Fort (VIC – Ruck)
Height: 203cm, Weight: 90kg, DOB: 06/08/1993
Recruited from: Werribee
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Mature ruckman overlooked last year. Has shown promise this year through the VFL. Still as with all young ruckman a work in progress.

Sam Garstone (WA – KPF)
Height: 193cm, Weight: 87kg, DOB: 01/06/1995
Recruited from: Perth
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Garstone is a West Australian key forward. He’s a leadup only forward who is an effective mark on the lead and can mark at times in the air. He’s relatively clean with ground ball pickups. He’s just not a contested marking presence as more a lighter bodied type and I struggle to see his point of difference or what makes him stand out at the next level. Good convertor from set shots though.

Michael Gibbons (NSW – Mid)
Height: 173cm, Weight: 71kg, DOB: 15/05/1995
Recruited from: Murray Bushrangers
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Gibbons can win his own footy inside the contest. He’s good by hand. Hits the ball at speed knowing when to go at the ball. And an excellent accumulator. He’s just a super small type who by foot mostly struggles.

James Harmes (VIC – Mid)
Height: 184cm, Weight: 78kg, DOB: 05/10/1995
Recruited from: Dandenong Stingrays
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Late - undrafted
Profile: Harmes is an aggressive midfielder who inside the contest really attacks the ball hard on the inside and will go in for it. He’s got above average pace and can also at times push forward and take a mark.

Aaron Heppell (VIC – Def)
Height: 182cm, Weight: 80kg, DOB: 13/01/1995
Recruited from: Gippsland Power
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Aaron is a relatively good user of the footy. Above average overhead and can read the play reasonable well down back. He has that same mop of hair as his brother but not as tall and not as good.

Lachlan Hickey (VIC – Util)
Height: 185cm, Weight: 86kg, DOB: 14/04/1995
Recruited from: Western Jets
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Hickey is a medium forward with some real pace to him. He finishes well around goal and can also be an effective playmaker with his ability to find his targets inside 50. Has the versatility to play where required.

Liam Hunt (VIC – Fwd)
Height: 186cm, Weight: 74kg, DOB: 03/02/1995
Recruited from: Northern Knights
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Hunt is a good user of the footy and has proven an effective goalkicker as a midfielder who can also push forward. He’s a relatively productive and consistent player.

Liam Jacka (SA – Mid)
Height: 180cm, Weight: 73kg, DOB: 05/06/1995
Recruited from: North Adelaide
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Good finisher from set shots and when within range from goal. Outside type with pace and skill. Tested well at combine.

Scott Jones (WA – Ruck)
Height: 203cm, Weight: 101kg, DOB: 20/6/95
Recruited from: East Perth
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Good tap ruckman. Strongly built already. Taps it to advantage and down throat of mids. Does very little around the ground struggling to find it.

Ben Kearns (VIC – Fwd)
Height: 184cm, Weight: 80kg, DOB: 12/11/1994
Recruited from: Gippsland Power
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Effective finisher around goal. Strong mark for his size. Willing to play on, take on the game and wheel around onto his left boot. Above average but not elite pace.

Mitch Keedle (VIC – Def)
Height: 183cm, Weight: 72kg, DOB: 21/02/1995
Recruited from: Eastern Ranges
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Provides some run and carry. Good user of the footy to a target. Has some versatility.

Kane Lambert (VIC – Mid)
Height: 177cm, Weight: 78kg, DOB: 26/11/1991
Recruited from: Northern Blues
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Small mature age midfielder who can go forward and finish around goal. High production type who can find it inside and outside the contest. Strong tackler.

Elliott Le Grice (VIC – Def/KPD)
Height: 191cm, Weight: 91kg, DOB: 07/08/1995
Recruited from: Sandringham Dragons
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Good intercept mark. Has some agility and with ball in hand can use his sidestep effectively to create more space. Can play either end. Excellent endurance for someone of his height and type.

Jack Leslie (VIC – Ruck)
Height: 198cm, Weight: 94kg, DOB: 27/04/1995
Recruited from: Gippsland Power
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Ok but not great tap ruckman. Good mover for his size. He’s a low production guy by position as someone who doesn’t find much of it or take all that many marks.

Ryan Lester-Smith (WA – Fwd)
Height: 189cm, Weight: 84kg, DOB: 19/06/1992
Recruited from: East Fremantle
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Mature ager who is a goalkicking forward. Lester-Smith takes on the game effectively and has slightly above average pace. Strong WAFL senior form before injury.

Dylan Main (WA – Fwd)
Height: 187cm, Weight: 77kg, DOB: 02/09/1995
Recruited from: South Fremantle
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Tallish forward who can find the footy up the ground. Footskills not great. Touted as a potential leader.

Jordan Magnan (VIC – KPP)
Height: 192cm, Weight: 86kg, DOB: 19/03/1995
Recruited from: Bendigo Pioneers
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Tall who can play down either end. Strong mark. Has some athleticism and comes from a basketball background. On field production limited at this point.

Bart McCulloch (TAS – Ruck)
Height: 198cm, Weight: 96kg, DOB: 23/09/1990
Recruited from: South Launceston
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Ruckman who finds plenty of it around the ground. Strong mark and can present as a target up forward. Below average tap ruckman. Ex Brisbane ruckman.

Angus Milham (VIC – Ruck)
Height: 210cm, Weight: 86kg, DOB: 11/08/1994
Recruited from:
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Super tall beanpole ruckman at 210cm. Milham is a year older but has done very little to this point. He doesn’t find it around the ground. He’s not a marking threat. Isn’t a dominant tap ruckman with his leap minimal and strength minimal. Skills at this point are poor, particularly by hand and has limited penetration on his kick but often short distances can hit his targets. He also has very poor hands in close and is exceptionally fumbly. That said he’s said to be a high character, hardworking guy so if you take a chance on him you’re taking him as a 6-7 year project before you’re getting any potential return.

Josh Miller (VIC – Ruck)
Height: 204cm, Weight: 94kg, DOB: 07/01/1995
Recruited from: Glenelg
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Miller is a tall ruckman who has shown some signs. His taps well directed. Good mover for his size. Relatively skilled for a tall ruckman. Just needs to become more dominant and add some more weapons to his game.

Liam Nash (VIC – Mid)
Height: 186cm, Weight: 79kg, DOB: 02/12/95
Recruited from: Gippsland Power
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Nash is a good all rounder but probably lacking any one wow factor.

Jydon Neagle (NSW – Fwd)
Height: 186cm, Weight: 85kg, DOB: 29/08/1994
Recruited from: Murray Bushrangers
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Neagle is a strong mark overhead. He marks at highest point and has a nice leap on him. Can take a contested grab.

Baydon Ngalkin (NT – Fwd)
Height: 172cm, Weight: 70kg, DOB: 22/10/1989
Recruited from: NT Thunder
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Mature age very small forward. Good run and carry player. Finishes well around goal.

Riley O’Brien (VIC – KPF/Ruck)
Height: 200cm, Weight: 94kg, DOB: 20/08/1995
Recruited from: Calder Cannons
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Strong marking tall. Can take a contested grab or mark 1v1. Good mover. Just not a goalkicking threat with most of his marks up the ground. Not a super high level ruckman either with his leap average at best. Kicking style very awkward.

Zachary O’Brien (VIC – Fwd)
Height: 180cm, Weight: 80kg, DOB: 27/10/1990
Recruited from: Essendon (VFL)
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Mature ager. Good user of the footy by foot and can hit his inside 50 targets. Has a good inside game will run all day. Also has been noted for his strong work ethic.

Jake Owen (VIC – Util)
Height: 191cm, Weight: 84kg, DOB: 11/11/1994
Recruited from: Calder Cannons
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Owen is a tallish type. Strong mark in the air really attacking the ball and can take a mark 1v1. Can win his own footy. From reports a hard trainer.

Josh Pickess (VIC – Fwd)
Height: 181cm, Weight: 79kg, DOB: 12/09/1995
Recruited from: Dandenong Stingrays
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Pickess is a nice user of the footy and under pressure still has the ability to execute by foot. He’s unselfish and finds his targets inside 50. A relatively good tackler. Just not as flashy as some other forwards.

Rowan Powell (WA – KPD)
Height: 193cm, Weight: 83kg, DOB: 17/09/1995
Recruited from: Claremont
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: A key defender who can either shut down or rebound. His endurance is good. 1v1 game good. Just lacks a bit of something to set him apart from the next guy.

Nick Prowse (VIC – Ruck)
Height: 199cm, Weight: 80kg, DOB: 27/08/1994
Recruited from: Oakleigh Chargers
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: He’s a light bodied, below average ruckman but a relatively ok forward at his height with his marking on the lead good. Good tackler for his size. Excellent mover and has some nice pace. Marking not one grab and not at the highest point but can take a contested grab and reads it well in the air.

Jed Redden (SA – Ruck)
Height: 198cm, Weight: 87kg, DOB: 08/06/1995
Recruited from: Glenelg
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Younger brother of Brisbane’s Jack. Just much taller at nearly ruck height and not the same level talent. From reports a hard worker but lacks a point of difference with his tap ruck work poor and his ability at both ends average at this point.

Ian Richardson (WA – Fwd)
Height: 177cm, Weight: 78kg, DOB: 14/08/1987
Recruited from: Claremont
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Small mature forward from WA. Strong marking small forward. Left foot only. Not a great tackler. Pace ok but not great. Good left foot kick and good finisher and reliable goalkicker.

Luke Rogerson (QLD – Def)
Height: 184cm, Weight: 76kg, DOB: 27/04/1995
Recruited from: Redland
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Hard and willing to go back into the pack and get crunched. Good but not great pace. Good user of the footy. Found plenty of it through the u18 champs mostly off a back flank but has some versatility.

Adam Rutledge (QLD – Def)
Height: 191cm, Weight: 90kg, DOB: 12/06/1995
Recruited from: Aspley
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Tallish type who can play either end. He has some toughness and isn’t afraid to back into a pack and get crunched. Strong mark overhead.

Alex Saunders (VIC – Fwd)
Height: 178cm, Weight: 70kg, DOB: 10/07/1995
Recruited from: Gippsland Power
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Good finisher around goal. Has some marking ability. A nice combination of speed and endurance. Excellent at ground level. Will just need to find more of the footy and more consistently impact games.

Peter Shakallis (VIC – Def)
Height: 183cm, Weight: 79kg, DOB: 02/06/1991
Recruited from: Sandringham (VFL)
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Shakallis is a mature smallish defensive stopper. Average kick. Some composure and agility with ball in hand with his well timed sidesteps. Can take some intercept marks.

Jacob Sharp (VIC – Util)
Height: 179cm, Weight: 81kg, DOB: 10/03/1995
Recruited from: Geelong Falcons
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Jacob Sharp is an excellent user by foot on both sides. Has good vision and makes good decisions. Runs all day. And can win his own ball at times. Looks very draftable.

Jake Sharp (VIC – Mid)
Height: 187cm, Weight: 75kg, DOB: 11/01/1095
Recruited from: Murray Bushrangers
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Jake Sharp is a tallish type with a nice long kick on him. Moves the ball on quickly. Also noted for his leadership.

Archie Smith (QLD – Ruck)
Height: 200cm, Weight: 97kg, DOB: 19/07/1995
Recruited from:
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Athletic tap ruckman. From basketball background. Just not finding much of it around the ground at this stage but there is some upside.

Byron Sumner (SA – Def)
Height: 178cm, Weight: 75kg, DOB: 31/10/1991
Recruited from: Woodville West Torrens
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Sumner was previously delisted by Sydney after struggling with the move interstate and never really acclimatising. Sumner is a back flanker with good skills and the ability to hit meaningful targets up the field. He’s not really a linebreaker or super quick, just slightly above average pace. He reads it well down back and is a good intercept mark.

Jesse Tardio (VIC – Mid/Fwd)
Height: 179cm, Weight: 73kg, DOB: 07/01/1995
Recruited from: Northern Knights
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Tardio is an touch inside midfielder who has shown the ability to push forward and be a goalkicking threat.

Fraser Thurlow (QLD – KPF/Ruck)
Height: 199cm, Weight: 100kg, DOB: 06/01/1993
Recruited from: Labrador
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Thurlow is a tall who can play forward or ruck. He’s a couple of years older and his body has matured well. Very strong mark overhead. Competitive in the ruck. Finds plenty of it around the ground.

James Toohey (VIC – KPP)
Height: 196cm, Weight: 96kg, DOB: 27/03/1994
Recruited from: Oakleigh Chargers
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie - undrafted
Profile: Key position player who can play down either end. Has a long 60m kick on him. Strong build. Has excellent athleticism. Has the ability to win the 1v1 contests. Overager who is still developing his game and has some attributes but hasn’t really shown that he can take over games just yet.

Michael Wood (WA – Fwd)
Height: 189cm, Weight: 76kg, DOB: 15/07/1994
Recruited from: Subiaco
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: Rookie – undrafted
Profile: Wood is an overage forward. He’s a medium tall forward who can take a mark and kick a goal and can also push into the midfield.

 

[SydneyPhilly]

Awesome effort getting it up this early, Knightmare. Good Job.

No Perris to Sydney though?

 

[Knightmare]

Awesome effort getting it up this early, Knightmare. Good Job.

No Perris to Sydney though?

NSW prospects not a strong point. I'm sure to see more of Perris this year but plenty of excitement around him from those I've spoken to and I suggest a strong choice to get drafted at seasons end.

 

[It Just Is]

Great work as usual it's always interesting to read about potential draftees.

I notice in your power rankings there are a few familiar names, any family connections?

 

[Knightmare]

Great work as usual it's always interesting to read about potential draftees.

I notice in your power rankings there are a few familiar names, any family connections?

Jacob is the brother of Stephen. Likely not a first rounder but looks like he could be a very good mid draft option. Had a very productive season last year and I expect will be spoken about plenty this year.

Zac Webster is the brother St Kilda's Jimmy who was drafted in 2011 and is brother one of the better Tasmania prospects as this stage and I consider him that second best Tasmanian at this stage after the talented Eli Templeton and looks like a strong mid-late draft option.

Arron Christensen is the brother of Allen Christensen, very slight build but has talent and could be a strong mid-late draft option.

Aaron Heppell and Jordan Bastinac are the brothers of Dyson and Ryan though more speculative late/rookie draft type options and would want to step up their games to get drafted.

Willy Rioli is the cousin of Cyril. Very different build with the stronger body though. Heck of a talent though and will be very interesting to see whether he can go early-mid draft.

 

[Hawkinspired]

Kurt Heatherley can go to Hawthorn as an international rookie i believe?

 

[Knightmare]

Kurt Heatherley can go to Hawthorn as an international rookie i believe?

Correct. Not much different to the NSW/ACT program from what I understand it.

Heatherley looks a good get and one to get excited about. Looks at this stage like a late 1st, maybe 2nd round quality prospect which is very good for likely that final draft selection being that international talent.

 

[blueiris]

Brisbane, would go best defender in the draft after taking forwards this year. Next year would be time to fix the defence. You might think perhaps Clarke and Tickner would be the defenders you thought we might add next year. And go for best inside midfielder with pace with our first pick.

 

[DREAM TEAM BUFF]

Strong draft for the SA lads

 

[Knightmare]

Brisbane, would go best defender in the draft after taking forwards this year. Next year would be time to fix the defence. You might think perhaps Clarke and Tickner would be the defenders you thought we might add next year. And go for best inside midfielder with pace with our first pick.

Certainly Brisbane need to add more KPPs and I think more key forwards and key defenders of quality are still needed.

First round at this stage the value looks to be more in those midfielders so likely, even with KPP needs that first selection will likely be a midfielder for Brisbane assuming a bottom half finish unless Cameron Conlon really breaks through this season as that other key forward not named Thomas Boyd.

Strong draft for the SA lads

Certainly early draft I see plenty of South Australian's going. Just some really strong top end talents who have already produced on the national stage. Jack Martin and Jesse Hogan both going in the minidraft does help but I think South Australia will be optimistic going into the 2013 draft that they'll produce some top end talents with Aish and Dunstan those two real standouts at this point.
But early days, things happen. Matthew Boyd could go boom and do a Jonathan Patton or Dominic Sheed could break out and take his game to that next level again so this will be interesting to watch.

 

[Chris25]

Bit too Victorian centric for my liking. And I wont even touch the just awful ladder prediction you attempted.

I have my own first round, which maybe I'll post. Few different players in there, I have two in the top 15 that you haven't listed in your 52. But otherwise, it's hard to expect many differences - not so far out. Looking at your list, it would appear as though it's a weak draft for KPPs. But I wouldn't be worrying quite yet, it's only because underage midfielders are always performing better than underaged KPPs - but they quickly catch up. Although, Conlon showed some more promising signs than a number of KPPs drafted this year. You're being a tad harsh on him, having him so far down.

 

[Knightmare]

Bit too Victorian centric for my liking. And I wont even touch the just awful ladder prediction you attempted.

I have my own first round, which maybe I'll post. Few different players in there, I have two in the top 15 that you haven't listed in your 52. But otherwise, it's hard to expect many differences - not so far out. Looking at your list, it would appear as though it's a weak draft for KPPs. But I wouldn't be worrying quite yet, it's only because underage midfielders are always performing better than underaged KPPs - but they quickly catch up. Although, Conlon showed some more promising signs than a number of KPPs drafted this year. You're being a tad harsh on him, having him so far down.

At this stage as a Victorian having seen more of the Victorian boys outside of those first two rounds it was always going to have a Victorian bias but I feel at this point anyway that top 35 is fairly balanced and probably about as close as I can get for now until I see some footy next season.

I know you like Lachlan Everett but I'd like to see more of him before I put him in my 50. I wonder who that second player missing from my top 50 is?

Next year as with this year I feel is more of a midfielders draft but I'm hoping to find some KPPs who break through and find that next level. Until they've produced it's all speculative.

Conlon showed some real talent early season as a forward and you are right to rate him highly. He is one who certainly has the talent to climb up my rankings in a hurry at his height and with his athleticism and marking ability, but with talls I'm a touch conservative a year out and I'm more interested in what they do the next year as plenty have really slid after being rated highly whereas mids typically are more likely if top end to stay top end.

 

[Chris25]

I know you like Lachlan Everett but I'd like to see more of him before I put him in my 50. I wonder who that second player missing from my top 50 is?

Ah, you'll just have to wait and see. Might post something tomorrow.

Everett isn't one of them. I do like him though. He is just one of many South Australians (well, technically he isn't a South Australian but I'm claiming him anyway) in that 'second group' I like.

 

[Knightmare]

Ah, you'll just have to wait and see. Might post something tomorrow.

Everett isn't one of them. I do like him though. He is just one of many South Australians (well, technically he isn't a South Australian but I'm claiming him anyway) in that 'second group' I like.

Interesting to hear.

Look forward to it when you get around to putting your draft together.

 

[captainrich]

interesting, are you prediciting west coast to be premiers next year, lions to finish in the same spot, and gold coast to have a big improvement (sorry bit outside the point of this thread)

 

[Stringer2Dogs]

Hi KM, loved your work with the 2012 mock.
I think the dogs could be in the hunt for some KPPs (at both ends) or silk in the mid.
Can you see any other key forwards developing into genuine top 10 picks apart from Thomas Boyd?
I expect to be bottom 4 again so there's a good chance of us having a great pick.

On a different note, have you heard anything re: our potential 2014 f/s prospects in Zaine Cordy or Josh Wallis?
Is Luke Kennedy or Jayden Foster playing juniors? eligible this year (both f/s dogs)

 

[Knightmare]

interesting, are you prediciting west coast to be premiers next year, lions to finish in the same spot, and gold coast to have a big improvement (sorry bit outside the point of this thread)

It's all part of the discussion.

With West Coast I think with a healthy list can be a very, very strong team next season. Wellingham and Morton I think have the ability to help West Coast then a healthy LeCras, Dick, Nicoski and then Embley and Kennedy who play some, but not all games and I see this as a genuine contender.

With Gold Coast and even GWS I see it as an incremental improvement process. In ladder % terms I see both clubs improving another 15% this year. In the case of GWS it probably isn't yet enough to take them from the bottom of the ladder for 2013 but Gold Coast should start to be more competitive and pass some rebuilding teams by with a more stable back half (Broughton, Murphy, Osborne and a healthy Bock) as well as the natural improvement of the list. O'Meara and Lonergan also have the ability to add some more quality to that young midfield so it should be a more competitive, more mature team.

 

[Knightmare]

Hi KM, loved your work with the 2012 mock.
I think the dogs could be in the hunt for some KPPs (at both ends) or silk in the mid.
Can you see any other key forwards developing into genuine top 10 picks apart from Thomas Boyd?
I expect to be bottom 4 again so there's a good chance of us having a great pick.

On a different note, have you heard anything re: our potential 2014 f/s prospects in Zaine Cordy or Josh Wallis?
Is Luke Kennedy or Jayden Foster playing juniors? eligible this year (both f/s dogs)

I think you might be right about the additional KPPs. Watch for Boyd early if available, perfect fit as that powerhouse key forward and a Cutler or Fort as a key defender could be looked at perhaps in the 2nd or 3rd round as an additional key defenders.

Macrae should with time prove to be that silky mid but more class can always be added. I'm slightly surprised that Ben Duscher was overlooked as a rookie for the WBD as he would add significant class but plenty of options in 2013.

Kennedy and Foster to my knowledge are eligable this season. Whether they get drafted unclear.

Cordy and Wallis being 2014 prospects I don't have a strong enough feel for yet but I expect both to be strong draft chances then.