Draft Watcher Knightmare's 2013 phantom draft

[Spanish Sahara]

Thoughts on some of the Frankston VFL boys?

Pongracic, Kitchin and Potts. Any chance these guys get looked at, maybe a rookie spot?

 

[Barrels]

KM, know anything about the Geelong Falcons' Jack Berry? 195cm 94kgs from Irrewarra-Beeac. Seems to ruck for the Falcons but would be too short for that at Senior level. Chris suggested he's a pretty smooth mover for a bloke that size. Big for a bottom-aged bloke.

 

[Knightmare]

KM, know anything about the Geelong Falcons' Jack Berry? 195cm 94kgs from Irrewarra-Beeac. Seems to ruck for the Falcons but would be too short for that at Senior level. Chris suggested he's a pretty smooth mover for a bloke that size. Big for a bottom-aged bloke.

Has only played the two Tac Cup games to my knowledge. Have not yet seen him play.

I'm sure I'll see him later in the year with the Falcons one of those teams who will surely go deep into the finals.

 

[Barrels]

Has only played the two Tac Cup games to my knowledge. Have not yet seen him play.

I'm sure I'll see him later in the year with the Falcons one of those teams who will surely go deep into the finals.

Ta mate.

 

[Aldo]

Strong. Not a super draft but strong.

Excellent year to add to your midfield stocks. I wouldn't be wanting an elite young ruck prospect this year though, none project as guys you'd take within the first two rounds.

How would you compare it to last years draft? Last year was initially thought to be a super draft but didn't turn out to have as much depth as expected. The top end of last year still looks like it's really good though, is the top end of this draft just as good?

 

[Knightmare]

How would you compare it to last years draft? Last year was initially thought to be a super draft but didn't turn out to have as much depth as expected. The top end of last year still looks like it's really good though, is the top end of this draft just as good?

Better than last year and a better top end. Much deeper.

To be honest I'm not a big wrap for the top end last year.

Whitfield isn't a no.1 overall selection. O'Rourke and Plowman I'm not a big wrap for and wouldn't take either as top 10 selections.

This year will probably be the better draft we'll see for the next 3-4 years but it's nowhere close to a superdraft.

 

[Grockadoc]

What are the chances of Gardiner being there at the Tigers pick, Knightmare?

Wouldn't mind taking him, and letting him develop for a year or two at Coburg, until he is ready enough to replace Chaplin. Could play a few games in between if Grimes injures himself again.

 

[Chris25]

Better than last year and a better top end. Much deeper.

I think it compares pretty well with last year, maybe the first round is slightly better in terms of midfielders. But then there is no Jaksch, Corr or Grundy. So it evens out in that regard. And while I do like the depth, I like the depth in flankers - guys like Spina and Knight for example. I'm not convinced the actual midfield depth is there though.

 

[Aldo]

Better than last year and a better top end. Much deeper.

To be honest I'm not a big wrap for the top end last year.

Whitfield isn't a no.1 overall selection. O'Rourke and Plowman I'm not a big wrap for and wouldn't take either as top 10 selections.

This year will probably be the better draft we'll see for the next 3-4 years but it's nowhere close to a superdraft.

You've probably been asked this before, if so, I apologise in advance but where would those drafts rank in comparison to previous ones? For example, how would you order the 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 drafts?

 

[Unfinished]

Darcy Byrne-Jones any chance?

 

[Knightmare]

Darcy Byrne-Jones any chance?

I don't have him getting drafted at this stage but he has some pace so with a strong second half of the season he still has the opportunity to catch someones eye.

You've probably been asked this before, if so, I apologise in advance but where would those drafts rank in comparison to previous ones? For example, how would you order the 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 drafts?

Pretty even group of drafts and difficult to seperate. 2010+2011 if there weren't consessions would probably be the two strongest.

But I'd go with:
2013
2009
2012
2010
2011

I think it compares pretty well with last year, maybe the first round is slightly better in terms of midfielders. But then there is no Jaksch, Corr or Grundy. So it evens out in that regard. And while I do like the depth, I like the depth in flankers - guys like Spina and Knight for example. I'm not convinced the actual midfield depth is there though.

It's not a year for ruckmen or key defenders but good for most other positions. Key forwards looking pretty good after not looking great early with Harvey and McCarthy in my view both looking like strong options.

Early there are a few flankers but otherwise I like the mids this year: Freeman, Sheed, Dunstan, Crouch, Bontempelli, Perris, Garlett, Merlo, Jansen, Cripps, Tsitas, Conway.
It's just the SA talent is more flankers.

What are the chances of Gardiner being there at the Tigers pick, Knightmare?

Wouldn't mind taking him, and letting him develop for a year or two at Coburg, until he is ready enough to replace Chaplin. Could play a few games in between if Grimes injures himself again.

I have him going before the Tigers pick at this stage. More your strong bodied key defender. Reminds me a little of Glass if anything and has a real physical edge to him as more a shutdown type but can still use it well and provide some rebound.
Looks like that main quality key defender at this stage if you're going to invest in anyone.

Thoughts on some of the Frankston VFL boys?

Pongracic, Kitchin and Potts. Any chance these guys get looked at, maybe a rookie spot?

Pongracic has played some good footy and has had a strong past month and now looks really comfortable at VFL level with his physical edge, ball winning ability and tackling ability really shining through. Still has the opportunity to win a position on a list.

Kitchin and Potts have been on the radar for some years now but as Dwyer showed last year you can never quite know when a club is going to take a shot at you.

KM, who would you have as the top five picks for next year? And a brief description of them if you could, thanks.

1. Hugh Goddard (Tall. Athletic. Strong mark. Strongly build. Reads it well. Can play behind the ball and generate some real drive for a tall but as a forward is a major goal kicker already and in my view is that standout no.1 guy at this point)
--
2. Patrick McCartin (Key forward who really had a really impressive game v WA. Very strong 1v1 and physically developed. Set shot goalkicking not great *could say the same about Goddard so far this year but is a serious marking target up forward and early signs very promising)
3. Clem Smith (Probably doesn't go top 5 on draft day next year but plays like Byron Pickett for those who remember the guy. Has real pace but a fanatical hunger for the contest with his tackling aggression and more hardness than you'll ever see in a guy)
4. Jarrod Pickett (Absolute freak speedster who has really caught the eye and in recent weeks played some really impressive football in the u18s and back in WA. Big improver this past month and if he keeps improving may go high)
5. Alex Harnett (Midfielder who is playing some good footy in the TAC)

Some others to watch for (to give you a full first round worth of names):
Jake Lever
Alec Waterman (WCE - F/S)
Tyler Keitel
Jackson Nelson
Dylan Winton
Christian Petracca
Billy Stretch
Touk Miller
Jordan Cunico
Sam Durdin
Darcy Moore (Coll - F/S)
Lachlan Weller
Liam Dawson
Jake Johansen

 

[aussierulesrules]

Looks like some very good indigenous talent next year. Hearing good things about Miller, as long as he sticks with footy.

If we were looking to add to our key forward stocks over the next two offseasons, do you think it would be worth us looking to upgrade our first pick to pick one this year (to get Boyd), or do you think we ought to just wait a year and if we finish really low again grab a Goddard or McCartin then?

Who out of those three do you think would best compliment White and Lee, who are both quick, mobile and athletic and who does McCartin play like?

 

[Chris25]

Just on the 2014 talent, SA have a heap coming through. Peter Spurling, Sam Durdin and Jesse Watchman are as good as any of the talls this year, if not better (well, except Boyd). While Mac Bower and Jack Donkersley would be shaping up as first round picks. And Peter Bampton is a contested ball winning machine.

It's not a year for ruckmen or key defenders but good for most other positions. Key forwards looking pretty good after not looking great early with Harvey and McCarthy in my view both looking like strong options.

Early there are a few flankers but otherwise I like the mids this year: Freeman, Sheed, Dunstan, Crouch, Bontempelli, Perris, Garlett, Merlo, Jansen, Cripps, Tsitas, Conway.
It's just the SA talent is more flankers.

Of those you've listed, the first 5 are likely first round picks. One is a Scholarship player, one is an Academy player and one is a 19 year old (who again is a possible first round pick). Which pretty much proves my point in that the depth of genuine midfielders isn't great in my opinion, particularly if you're banking on a butcher like Merlo. Give me Battersby or McKay over him any day (see, SA isn't just flankers )

 

[Knightmare]

Looks like some very good indigenous talent next year. Hearing good things about Miller, as long as he sticks with footy.

If we were looking to add to our key forward stocks over the next two offseasons, do you think it would be worth us looking to upgrade our first pick to pick one this year (to get Boyd), or do you think we ought to just wait a year and if we finish really low again grab a Goddard or McCartin then?

Who out of those three do you think would best compliment White and Lee, who are both quick, mobile and athletic and who does McCartin play like?

There is some absolutely exceptional indigenous talent next year so it will be a year of good viewing with those West Australian speedsters looking particularly special.

There are some pretty handy key forwards this season: Boyd, C.McCarthy, Conlon, M.Harvey, Hourigan, Marsh, Apeness, Nankervis. Tickner if you see him as a key forward. So it's not a draft without options, just the key defenders in my view this year aren't as solid a group and if you want a key defender I'd recommend going to the trade table unless you have a pick in the 5-10 range to use on McCarthy.

But next year there should also be options and if St Kilda get a high draft pick (with GWS probably taking a leap forward as Gold Coast did my guess is there is a strong change of this) I'd wait until next year as you'll have access to those higher end options which you probably don't have this year. Perhaps Hugh Goddard may be an option or if not available then McCartin early on is really showing some signs and would be a very good fit alongside White/Lee.

On McCartin he remins me a little of Alistair Lynch as that really strong 1v1 marking deep forward which alongside White certainly would give St Kilda a very different look up forward.

 

[THEOX]

Some others to watch for (to give you a full first round worth of names):
Jake Lever
Alec Waterman (WCE - F/S)
Tyler Keitel
Jackson Nelson
Dylan Winton
Christian Petracca
Billy Stretch
Touk Miller
Jordan Cunico
Sam Durdin
Darcy Moore (Coll - F/S)
Lachlan Weller
Liam Dawson
Jake Johansen

Billy Stretch is also F/S Melb

 

[tigs2010]

So it's not a draft without options, just the key defenders in my view this year aren't as solid a group and if you want a key defender I'd recommend going to the trade table unless you have a pick in the 5-10 range to use on McCarthy.

Do you mean Gardiner?

 

[Knightmare]

Billy Stretch is also F/S Melb

Sorry fellas. I should ban myself from posting after 1AM.

Stretch is a F/S prospect this year not next year. Not a high end talent but has serious pace and as a rookie I think is a real chance.

Do you mean Gardiner?

As the key defender yes Gardiner. Though McCarthy as a key defender could intrigue.

 

[Punchy Demons]

Sorry fellas. I should ban myself from posting after 1AM.

Stretch is a F/S prospect this year not next year. Not a high end talent but has serious pace and as a rookie I think is a real chance.

I don't think this is right KM. I think he is only 16 yo. He is either 2014 or maybe even 2015 draft???

 

[Chris25]

Billy Stretch is next year.

 

[Knightmare]

I don't think this is right KM. I think he is only 16 yo. He is either 2014 or maybe even 2015 draft???

My mistake he is a 1996 boy.

Just ignore me today.

Why I have him in my top 200, 2013 power rankings I do not know.

I just have stuck in the back of my mind all the names I have listed in my 2013 rankings document but clearly an error on my part..

 

[Grockadoc]

What are the odds of Nick Rodda going this year, Knightmare. Was an interesting one last year, along with Pongracic. I saw a few drafts that had him going late first round, others in the third. Ultimately, didn't get drafted.

Would think he would be worth a late round draft pick this year, if not a rookie pick.

 

[Rancid Trogs]

My 1st couple of rounds look as follows (based on where I think the ladder will end up):

#01 GWS - T.Boyd
#02 MEL - J.Aish
#03 W.B - M.Scharenberg
#04 STK - L.Dunstan
#05 GC - B.Lennon
#06 BRI - J.Kelly
#07 NM - L.McDonald (F/S)
#08 WCE - D.Sheed
#09 P.A - D.Gardiner
#10 GWS - M.Bontempelli
#11 CARL - J.Marsh
#12 RICH - M.Crouch
#13 ESS - J.Billings
#14 COLL - N.Freeman
#15 FRE - D.Hourigan
#16 SYD - L.Taylor
#17 GEE - J.Tsitas
#18 HAW - K.Kolodjashnij
---------------------------------------------
#19 GC - B.Hartung
#20 GWS - J.Kennedy-Harris
#21 MEL - C.Salem
#22 WB - C.McCarthy
#23 STK - T.Dumont
#24 GC - A.Spina
#25 BRI - M.Merlo
#26 NM - J.Impey
#27 WCE - B.Acres
#28 P.A - D.Wilson
#29 CARL - M.Harvey
#30 RICH - Z.Merrett
#31 ESS - D.Garlett
#32 COLL - C.Conlon
#33 FRE - L.Reynolds
#34 SYD - J.Jenson
#35 GEE - N.Robertson
#36 HAW - E.Templeton

Thoughts??

 

[Knightmare]

What are the odds of Nick Rodda going this year, Knightmare. Was an interesting one last year, along with Pongracic. I saw a few drafts that had him going late first round, others in the third. Ultimately, didn't get drafted.

Would think he would be worth a late round draft pick this year, if not a rookie pick.

I wasn't a massive wrap for Rodda last year and felt he was a touch overrated on bigfooty anyway. Big lad and playing senior footy which is a great start and will have caught the attention of recruiters but at this stage I have some others ahead of him.

Pongracic has really improved this past month or so and could enter the mix for a position late/rookie but with a number of other strong bodied midfielders/forwards it will be competitive and he'll need to continue his improvement.

My 1st couple of rounds look as follows (based on where I think the ladder will end up):

#01 GWS - T.Boyd
#02 MEL - J.Aish
#03 W.B - M.Scharenberg
#04 STK - L.Dunstan
#05 GC - B.Lennon
#06 BRI - J.Kelly
#07 NM - L.McDonald (F/S)
#08 WCE - D.Sheed
#09 P.A - D.Gardiner
#10 GWS - M.Bontempelli
#11 CARL - J.Marsh
#12 RICH - M.Crouch
#13 ESS - J.Billings
#14 COLL - N.Freeman
#15 FRE - D.Hourigan
#16 SYD - L.Taylor
#17 GEE - J.Tsitas
#18 HAW - K.Kolodjashnij
---------------------------------------------
#19 GC - B.Hartung
#20 GWS - J.Kennedy-Harris
#21 MEL - C.Salem
#22 WB - C.McCarthy
#23 STK - T.Dumont
#24 GC - A.Spina
#25 BRI - M.Merlo
#26 NM - J.Impey
#27 WCE - B.Acres
#28 P.A - D.Wilson
#29 CARL - M.Harvey
#30 RICH - Z.Merrett
#31 ESS - D.Garlett
#32 COLL - C.Conlon
#33 FRE - L.Reynolds
#34 SYD - J.Jenson
#35 GEE - N.Robertson
#36 HAW - E.Templeton

Thoughts??

Billings looks set to go much higher up the draft order. WHile he's more of a forward than a midfielder few can kick like he can or mark as strongly at his size.

Dunstan and Sheed are likely to be pick 10 and onward selections as much as I like their games clubs want quicker mids.

Marsh as an undersized key forward history suggests will go from pick 20 onwards. Hourigan same.

Kolodashnij likely goes somewhere in the top 15 with clubs really liking his game and the way he produced through the champs.

Tsitas will most likely go somewhere from pick 20 onward.

Salem should go somewhere in the top 20 along with McCarthy and Dumont both of whom clubs are really liking.

Otherwise a good first attempt.

 

[Rancid Trogs]

Billings looks set to go much higher up the draft order. WHile he's more of a forward than a midfielder few can kick like he can or mark as strongly at his size.

Dunstan and Sheed are likely to be pick 10 and onward selections as much as I like their games clubs want quicker mids.

Marsh as an undersized key forward history suggests will go from pick 20 onwards. Hourigan same.

Kolodashnij likely goes somewhere in the top 15 with clubs really liking his game and the way he produced through the champs.

Tsitas will most likely go somewhere from pick 20 onward.

Salem should go somewhere in the top 20 along with McCarthy and Dumont both of whom clubs are really liking.

Otherwise a good first attempt.

Cheers KM,

Agreed on Billings. More in hope that anything else, haha. But you never know. Both Heppell and Kavanagh slid to the Bombers so here's hoping.

Dunstan I see as STK new L.Hayes. They may look at Kelly, but they need to correct their list at the coal face and with genuine leadership.

Marsh undersised but genuinely quick. Carlton desperate for forward line targets, particularly if they don't get Boyd from GWS. Marsh similar to J.Darling - although not as dominant yet.

Kolodjashnij an interesting one. I can see GC or GWS swooping on him earlier, maybe even GEE at #17. But I feel he slides a little and the Hawks move Suckling to a wing, Guerra retires and KK joins Birchall as the best rebounding duo in the AFL.

Tsitas to the Cats due to proximity - they love keeping things in-house down at the Cattery.

I like Salem, Dumont and McCarthy. Can see them going higher that I've suggested.

And I do feel Garlett is left until #31

 

[Grockadoc]

Dunstan and Sheed are likely to be pick 10 and onward selections as much as I like their games clubs want quicker mids.

Otherwise a good first attempt.

I'd be so pissed if Dom Sheed was there at the Tigers pick and we passed. Very, very good footballer, and would be the cherry on top of our midfield.

Dunstan is one I could see very much becoming a duo with Dustin Martin. I think they are very similar players, and we could rotate them through the middle and the forward without losing out on either of the positions.

How I hope we go, in terms of our first pick, and their availability:

1: D. Sheed
2: N. Freeman
3: L. Taylor
4: K. Kolodjashnij
5: C. Salem
6: J. Billings
7: L. Dunstan