Draft Watcher Knightmare's 2014 Phantom Draft

[Knightmare]

Hi Knightmare, Is there any mature aged Midfielders (Replacement for Christensen) that Geelong should look at? Thanks C2B

Geelong could probably look at a Matthew Panos as a mature age tall inside midfielder.

Otherwise there will be some good draft age midfielders available. A Bampton, Gore, Neal-Bullen, Blakely would all in the second round be suitable additions. De Goey in the first round as a rotational mid/fwd is another. None of them should take long before they're playing at AFL level.

I really like Christensen and he will be hard to replace but there are some guys in this draft who still be good long term players.

 

[JPod_31]

Geelong could probably look at a Matthew Panos as a mature age tall inside midfielder.

Otherwise there will be some good draft age midfielders available. A Bampton, Gore, Neal-Bullen, Blakely would all in the second round be suitable additions. De Goey in the first round as a rotational mid/fwd is another. None of them should take long before they're playing at AFL level.

I really like Christensen and he will be hard to replace but there are some guys in this draft who still be good long term players.

Cheers. Would Cockatoo be a good replacement for Christensen?

 

[Knightmare]

Cheers. Would Cockatoo be a good replacement for Christensen?

Cockatoo would more likely be a Varcoe replacement. He isn't that same level inside player and more a linebreaker.

 

[Footypie32]

Hi KM,

Just a quick one. What do you see as a bigger need for the Crows at their first pick, a quick mid or a KPD?

I would personally go with a KPD and would love Goddard.

Also, you have Lever listed as a CHB. Do you think he has the size to play that position at the next level?

 

[Knightmare]

Hi KM,

Just a quick one. What do you see as a bigger need for the Crows at their first pick, a quick mid or a KPD?

I would personally go with a KPD and would love Goddard.

Also, you have Lever listed as a CHB. Do you think he has the size to play that position at the next level?

Going key defence this year would be my recommendation for Adelaide. There are just so many options and around smack bang at Adelaide's first round selection. It's the time to do it.

Pickett if there would be intriguing and another good option but a Lever/Durdin/Goddard would be my picks.

Goddard is terrific down back and seems by the media to be really underrated. He's a genuine top 10 quality pick for me. Whether he goes that high is another question.

Lever if he is the reported 194cm, he'll be fine. He has the right competitiveness to make it as a key defender.

 

[manny100]

Hi KM, when Roos took over the Swans they had a number of young players who would turn out to be elite or a least very, very good. They topped up very well also. I think he has recognised that the DEES do not have anywhere near the number of that type of player on their list. So I am not surprised that they have said they are happy to use picks 2 and 3 in the draft and look like trading up to pick 12. There appears to be elite talent at the top end. Perhaps Petrracca and Brayshaw or McArtin and Brayshaw at 2 and 3. Given Garlett, Frost and Lumamba are set to join who would you think they would be looking at for pick 12?

 

[ThePuppetMaster]

Goddard is terrific down back and seems by the media to be really underrated. He's a genuine top 10 quality pick for me. Whether he goes that high is another question.

Agree, he's much more competitive and courageous down back (probably a product of comfort) and seems to enjoy getting a good spoil in - also has clean skills and good size to him.

 

[theGav56]

Going key defence this year would be my recommendation for Adelaide. There are just so many options and around smack bang at Adelaide's first round selection. It's the time to do it.

Pickett if there would be intriguing and another good option but a Lever/Durdin/Goddard would be my picks.

Goddard is terrific down back and seems by the media to be really underrated. He's a genuine top 10 quality pick for me. Whether he goes that high is another question.

Lever if he is the reported 194cm, he'll be fine. He has the right competitiveness to make it as a key defender.

I am thinking the same advice follows for Fremantle. Hoping one of those 3 might be available, and from reading the Phantoms I am hoping that they may be able to begin to step up early (after a year) once MacPharlin retires. I think we need to replace his creativity, and while Silvagni and Dawson are decent negators they are not the ones you want with ball in hand and a decision to make.

PICK 13, Fremantle, Goddard. Sounds good to me.

 

[Mr Bombastic]

Hey KM, If Collingwood were to get pick 5 from Brisbane as part of the trade for Beams who do you see us using that pick on?
Do you think we will go after another key position player in someone like Wright even though we're drafting Moore with pick 9?

 

[Knightmare]

Hi KM, when Roos took over the Swans they had a number of young players who would turn out to be elite or a least very, very good. They topped up very well also. I think he has recognised that the DEES do not have anywhere near the number of that type of player on their list. So I am not surprised that they have said they are happy to use picks 2 and 3 in the draft and look like trading up to pick 12. There appears to be elite talent at the top end. Perhaps Petrracca and Brayshaw or McArtin and Brayshaw at 2 and 3. Given Garlett, Frost and Lumamba are set to join who would you think they would be looking at for pick 12?

I'm very surprised to see Melbourne even vaguely interested in being involved in this draft to be honest with you and the talk about a Trengove trade is even more startling. I'm expecting a breakout season from Trengove next season and I imagine he is of greater usefulness in Melbourne's list build than whoever goes at pick 10/12.

Pick 3 I'd personally be looking to ship off still if there is an appropriate talent available to trade for with Melbourne still needing more guys who can help elevate Melbourne now into something relevant. Making a move for two of GWS' previous first rounders might be something that could be looked at with GWS no doubt open to taking that pick 3 with the idea to trade picks 3+4 to St Kilda for pick 1. Or that would be my rough thought process if the appropriate deal was there.

At pick 12 if Melbourne do go that route (not out of the question Adelaide move pick 10 for Trengove either) it's probable that Melbourne would go for a key defender - say a Lever/Durdin/Goddard/Marchbank with all three expected to go in that range, and the key defenders being where the value is around that position. The other popular names - Weller, Pickett and Laverde are highly likely to be gone by that stage. A De Goey could be another plausible alternative as a rotational mid/fwd. Maybe Liam Duggan who from reports interviewed particularly well.

I am thinking the same advice follows for Fremantle. Hoping one of those 3 might be available, and from reading the Phantoms I am hoping that they may be able to begin to step up early (after a year) once MacPharlin retires. I think we need to replace his creativity, and while Silvagni and Dawson are decent negators they are not the ones you want with ball in hand and a decision to make.

PICK 13, Fremantle, Goddard. Sounds good to me.

I'd definitely be looking tall for Fremantle. Same advise to Geelong a pick later if there are any leftovers when there selection comes around. It's just the perfect range to be stocking up with such a depth of options worth taking around that point. While the chance to fill that key position post is there it's a case of why not?

Hey KM, If Collingwood were to get pick 5 from Brisbane as part of the trade for Beams who do you see us using that pick on?
Do you think we will go after another key position player in someone like Wright even though we're drafting Moore with pick 9?

Collingwood have shutdown talks so a Beams move looks unlikely with Brisbane proving a point to their existing players that they will stay loyal to them no matter what due to what happened last year and Collingwood not making the move because pick 5 isn't of any usefulness and given the recent heavy recruiting of early draft talent these past few years and all 2000+ games of experience lost these past couple of seasons Collingwood are looking to add established players rather than further picks.

There are no players who suit Collingwood well at 5 and it would be logical if the club did go down that route to move the pick for an experienced player. If the pick is added and retained I see Collingwood most likely going small and for an injection or pace or some outside ability. Wright I don't see Collingwood being keen on as someone who struggled during the finals and really struggled to win the 1v1 contests. Jake Lever if available given his leadership qualities may appeal depending on whether the club like him over the current key defence stocks, but given the depth of Collingwood's key defence stocks that would be a puzzling selection. Weller/Pickett/Laverde are the three more likely. Put me on the spot and I'd say Collingwood go with Weller given he has a good mix of pace/skill and some versatility and probably the more immediate game of those guys. But it's really the wrong selection for the wrong club at that point for there to be a clear guy they should at that point be taking.

 

[Mr Bombastic]

Thanks mate appreciate the response.

 

[Shuperman]

Hey Knightmare, did you get the impression that Pickett was a lazy player when you saw him play?

 

[Yoda_]

With Goddard to an extent it does depend on your evaluation of your current stocks. Is Hurley even going to have a healthy season and take that next step? Is Hooker going to replicate the season he just had and continue to build on it? Will Steinberg break through and can he play key defence at the next level? Is Pears adequate? Then Gwilt is a short term rental. I'm assuming Hurley does eventually get healthy and take the next step and that Hooker continues his strong form so Goddard isn't a need.

With Goddard I'm not a fan of what he does in the front half and I'd be putting a line through him as a key forward. Key defence though at 19/20 if available he would for me represent superior value as someone who has the talent and want and ability to fulfill that talent to become the best key defender in this draft. I'd agree with you that Goddard wouldn't be a need in the Dons situation but if he is the clear best available I'd probably stockpile him too and then from there look to move some of the others over coming offseasons once Goddard eventually establishes himself.

If Goddard could play 'small' then I would heavily look at him. If not, put a line through him. Hurley played 21 games and finished top 10 in our club B&F whilst Hooker has been in the top 5 backmen in the comp, 2 years running.

We do still lack that 3rd tall defender, said tall defender must be able to play 'small' if required (think Mackie, Birchall, Alex Johnson/Laidler).

With the reported signature of James Gwilt coming on Monday, I'm putting a line through Steinberg (as a 3rd year rookie) with Pears' saving grace being his contract. key back/3rd tall defender isn't high on our list right now.

 

[typewriter]

If Goddard could play 'small' then I would heavily look at him. If not, out a line through him. Hurley played 21 games and finished top 10 in our club B&F whilst Hooker has been in the top 5 hackmen in the comp, 2 years running.

We do still lack that 3rd tall defender, said tall defender must be able to play 'small' if required (think Mackie, Birchall, Alex Johnson/Laidler).

With the reported signature of James Gwilt coming on Monday, I'm putting a line through Steinberg (as a 3rd year rookie) with Pears' saving grace being his contract. key back/3rd tall defender isn't high on our list right now.

Id imagine Goddard is versatile enough to be able to play against the mid-sized forwards (as well as the true talls) aka Crameri/Gunston, although having watched a bit of him this year - id imagine he'd struggle against the true smalls. Can play up forward, but I'm with Knightmare on this one am yet to be persauded by anything that he has done in the forward half, Good tall backman.

 

[MightyDons4]

As a Bombers fan, I think once we construct a trade with GWS to get Giles (possibly straight swap for Hardingham?) our main attention should turn to getting pick 17, 37 and possibly a player from Port for Ryder. This would mean going into the draft we would have picks 17 20 37 53 to draft players. Our main needs seem to be that we need another line breaker and a key forward to help out Joey. If we could draft a Garlett/Cockatoo/Menadue at 17, R.Mckenzie/Kietel at 20, McClean/Lonie/Anderson at 37 and Rainbow or another rebounding defender at 53 I think it would be a decent trade/draft period given we lost Paddy. Thoughts?

 

[typewriter]

As a Bombers fan, I think once we construct a trade with GWS to get Giles (possibly straight swap for Hardingham?) our main attention should turn to getting pick 17, 37 and possibly a player from Port for Ryder. This would mean going into the draft we would have picks 17 20 37 53 to draft players. Our main needs seem to be that we need another line breaker and a key forward to help out Joey. If we could draft a Garlett/Cockatoo/Menadue at 17, R.Mckenzie/Kietel at 20, McClean/Lonie/Anderson at 37 and Rainbow or another rebounding defender at 53 I think it would be a decent trade/draft period given we lost Paddy. Thoughts?

Surely GWS wouldnt entertain that trade. Hardingham is a 187cm 3rd tall, who are as common as common can be, he would have been delisted anyway before he jumped. Ruckman usually have higher currency than any other player type in our game.

 

[Determinant]

Surely GWS wouldnt entertain that trade. Hardingham is a 187cm 3rd tall, who are as common as common can be, he would have been delisted anyway before he jumped. Ruckman usually have higher currency than any other player type in our game.

Yeah pass, he'd be lucky to get NEAFL game time

 

[Snake Charmer]

Hey KM, wasn't Tyler Keitel rated pretty highly before this season? I liked the look of him. You have him at 37 now. Why has he dropped?

 

[CatRiot]

KM, Give me all you have on Taylor Grace? Made TAC Cup team of year 2014 on inter-change as an over-ager. Seems to rack them up (avg 33 touches) this season in TAC. What are his strengths and weaknesses, and why are most phantom drafts don't have him or have him as a very late pick or rookie pick?

 

[Knightmare]

Hey Knightmare, did you get the impression that Pickett was a lazy player when you saw him play?

I wouldn't be inclined to say lazy, that would be on a kid who is improving an unfair call I wouldn't make. Lazy for me would be more a guy who isn't showing a commitment to improve and elevate their game in any way.

His relative lack of commitment to running defensively I assume is where you are coming from with this comment but offensively with his running he really goes for it at every opportunity so and will have the defensive side of the game coached into him and likely will receive limited senior opportunities until he plays two way ball and shows that same commitment to both sides of the ball without losing his offensive running that with him is such a weapon.

If Goddard could play 'small' then I would heavily look at him. If not, out a line through him. Hurley played 21 games and finished top 10 in our club B&F whilst Hooker has been in the top 5 hackmen in the comp, 2 years running.

We do still lack that 3rd tall defender, said tall defender must be able to play 'small' if required (think Mackie, Birchall, Alex Johnson/Laidler).

With the reported signature of James Gwilt coming on Monday, I'm putting a line through Steinberg (as a 3rd year rookie) with Pears' saving grace being his contract. key back/3rd tall defender isn't high on our list right now.

Goddard is your genuine key defender and not someone to play as a third tall. He could as required probably play smaller if required but I certainly wouldn't use him that way.

 

[footycardtrader]

What are your thoughts on Matthew Hammelmann... Understand he was a Brisbane Academy player but they didn't choose him... Maybe a long-term project type player?

 

[Knightmare]

As a Bombers fan, I think once we construct a trade with GWS to get Giles (possibly straight swap for Hardingham?) our main attention should turn to getting pick 17, 37 and possibly a player from Port for Ryder. This would mean going into the draft we would have picks 17 20 37 53 to draft players. Our main needs seem to be that we need another line breaker and a key forward to help out Joey. If we could draft a Garlett/Cockatoo/Menadue at 17, R.Mckenzie/Kietel at 20, McClean/Lonie/Anderson at 37 and Rainbow or another rebounding defender at 53 I think it would be a decent trade/draft period given we lost Paddy. Thoughts?

Giles would take more than Hardingham to acquire. His value is likely somewhere around pick 30 given that is the usual asking price for ruckmen around his age and with his perceived value. Otherwise it would take a trade of a best 22 player to get Giles with clubs always valuing ruckmen more highly than small/medium size types.

The draft picks are relatively realistic and at each selection could be possible, though Rainbow likely is not available at 53.

Giles I like as a trade target as someone who round 1 is a plug and play type as someone who in a ruck combination is terrific and someone in the front half with a real presence and ability to take a big grab and hit the scoreboard.

I'd also somewhere in there look for a good onballer. Peter Bampton is my guy, but a Connor Blakely, Dean Gore or Alex Neal-Bullen would be other suitable choices. Jobe Watson nearing 30, as is needs more inside help.

But a further key forward and a small forward would be those other needs I identify for Essendon. Perhaps further ruck depth if that can be had.

Any further outside types is just a bonus if those other list needs are met.

Hey KM, wasn't Tyler Keitel rated pretty highly before this season? I liked the look of him. You have him at 37 now. Why has he dropped?

I just haven't been big on his production. Keitel has played a mix of key forward and key defence but I've just hoped for a higher level or dominance in a draft class dominated so heavily by dominant key forwards and key defenders. Keitel hasn't got the same production or the same top end talent for me. He hasn't elevated his game with his numbers lower than last year, hasn't played at all at WAFL League level and does not give off the sense of the same scope to develop given his limited improvement this year and early season birthday.

His two big games of six and eight goals in consecutive weeks are the headline stories and should get him drafted but at the end of the day you have to say no to some of the talls (as you'll see going through my power rankings I like a lot of them) and at the end of the day of those more lower end talls I like the scope to develop particularly of some of those academy guys specifically given many of them are newer to the game and showing much more rapid development and some more intriguing traits than what I'm seeing from Keitel.

KM, Give me all you have on Taylor Grace? Made TAC Cup team of year 2014 on inter-change as an over-ager. Seems to rack them up (avg 33 touches) this season in TAC. What are his strengths and weaknesses, and why are most phantom drafts don't have him or have him as a very late pick or rookie pick?

Grace finds the footy. That's for sure. He is a low flash guy, and he can get 30 disposals and you may not even once notice him unless you're really looking out for him. Much of that is due to the inside nature of his game. He has a very good inside game and finds the footy but his footskills are low impact and he isn't a linebreaker either as more your vanilla midfielder if you like, though he can find the outside footy and find space on the outside for easy marks.

As an overager while he racks it up at TAC Cup level he has also played 7 games in the VFL and his performances were good enough but slightly underwhelming given guys his age are putting forward some more dominant performances at that level. He at VFL level (I may have seen one of those games without noting him specifically) but going by his numbers through those games I expect he mostly on a back flank which he can do, but did not find as much of the ball as he does at the lower levels and had limited impact. Not named in the bests in any of those VFL games etc.

He has been in and out of my power rankings but I'm inclined to pass on Grace in favour of others with others out on the field playing through the midfield feeling more impactful and having more tricks in their arsenals.

I see him as being in the mix for selection. Maybe a club likes the performances he has on the board and takes the chance late/rookie draft and if I was to extend my power rankings out he would be somewhere around 60 for me on my draft board.

With overagers you really have to stand out and have something special to go the following year. Given the success of Tom Langdon as a similarly well performed guy coming back as an overager and also playing for Sandringham Dragons Grace will be given that comparison but Grace isn't in that same category as someone who feels more limited and without as many tricks.

 

[Knightmare]

What are your thoughts on Matthew Hammelmann... Understand he was a Brisbane Academy player but they didn't choose him... Maybe a long-term project type player?

Hammelmann is an interesting one. Terrific on the lead, dominant in fact on the lead. But other than that lots of questionmarks and wishing and hoping he will develop and he is definitely a long term project player. Brisbane I can only assume are committed to their current group of key forwards or do not intend to make so many selections in the national draft this year, or perhaps they felt they would be outbid and had no intention of bidding quite so high.

Somewhere around pick 40, maybe pick 50 Hammelmann may well get taken.

James Stewart from Collingwood as a father son selection was not nominated and taken in the 30s by GWS not too long ago so it's hardly curtains for Hammelmann. Hammelmann still has the opportunity to get drafted and in my view has shown more than adequate talent to be worth a shot, whether that be late/rookie draft.

 

[x_les_x]

Still updating tonight knighter?

 

[El_Scorcho]

Speaking of Brisbane academy guys, how do you feel about Nick Jackson? He starred in the GF curtain raiser but probably didn't blow the combine away. Has he done enough to get selected?