Draft Watcher Knightmare's 2014 Phantom Draft

[Punchy Demons]

KM,

Thanks for your work. I have a few Q's for you:

I hope that Frawley stays but history indicates that he is probably more likely to leave then stay.
I also expect Melbourne to finish bottom 4 and depending on what Frawley does, it could mean we end up with two selections in the first five.

If we do end up with two top five picks, I hope one is used on a tall (eg. Wright, Durdin, Goddard, McCartin) and the other one used on Brayshaw.

If the two top 5 pick scenario plays out, in your opinion what would be the best combination for Melbourne?
Secondly, is it a stretch to take Brayshaw in the top 5 over the other talls?

Thanks in advance

 

[JR95]

KM,

As an Essendon fan our obvious weakness is our forward line.

I think what we need is a big bodied, strong in the contest, contested marking goal scorer, much like a Patton. Are there any in the draft of that ilk around our first pick? I know Wright would probably be the best of the KPF's in the draft along with Goddard, McCartin etc but I'm thinking someone like a Petracca could do this but more as a third tall kind of player. Possibly Lamb if he slipped?

We also need pace and cumbers, any idea who would be around in the 3rd or 4th round and is a genuine forward pocket or line-breaker with a bit of polish that we could look at?

 

[leggs]

Is the u18 carnival on fox?

 

[HBF]

Would be wrapped if Carlton managed to land Brayshaw. Hard at it, dual sided and hits the scoreboard.
What more could you want from an elite mid.

 

[JR95]

Would be wrapped if Carlton managed to land Brayshaw. Hard at it, dual sided and hits the scoreboard.
What more could you want from an elite mid.

Aaahhhhhhh Carlton... Where they draft midfielders every year and never even think about a key position player, excellent recruiting system which I hope they keep for many more years to come.

 

[Knightmare]

Cheers, it'll be interesting to see how clubs treat him. He's a relatively known quantity as you said, but it's always interesting to see whether sides elect to err on the side of caution when it's their jobs on the line. Would love for him to land at the Dogs although I believe we probably have greater needs.

Another sort of player that I'd be looking towards is a genuine elite runner through the midfield that pushes up and back to a high level already. By elite runner I don't necessarily mean electrifying pace, just somebody that will continue to run no matter what stage the game's in. You watch Daniel Cross, for example, and he's not the fastest bloke but he just keeps moving and makes sure he gets himself into the right positions. I realise this isn't always the strong suit of under 18s as they adapt to AFL structures, and I definitely don't expect one to do it to Cross' level, but are there any that will just keep running even in the early stages of their careers?

Griffiths is one that I've got a lot of interest in, but having seen only little bits and pieces of him I'm uncertain of whether this sort of work rate both offensively and defensively is a feature of his game. He certainly has the physical capabilities to do it, with a great endurance base, but does he actually put it to good use?

Griffiths is a good one. He's the no.2 talent from NSW. Just keep in mind though in a similar way to how the F/S rule works GWS have the rights to draft Griffiths if they want him with that next selection - from how I'm understanding those academy rules have changed for this year. He's still a developing player and is still getting that balance of offensive and defensive running right but it's something he does have the scope to develop and my sense is he's a worker so it's something he should with time learn.

Cross was/is an incredible endurance athlete. Not quick but have heard rumours in his early days he's run a near marathon pre-game as a warm-up.

The testing will reveal who are the strongest endurance athletes. There are some onballers who can really find the footy and are still pretty good endurance athletes but there is no one guy I'd really look at and say "that guy will like Daniel Cross get to every contest, run all day and cover 20km each week."

Most years there are a few but that might be something to look for next draft unless someone really reveals themselves as an endurance specialist over the remainder of the season.

KM,

Thanks for your work. I have a few Q's for you:

I hope that Frawley stays but history indicates that he is probably more likely to leave then stay.
I also expect Melbourne to finish bottom 4 and depending on what Frawley does, it could mean we end up with two selections in the first five.

If we do end up with two top five picks, I hope one is used on a tall (eg. Wright, Durdin, Goddard, McCartin) and the other one used on Brayshaw.

If the two top 5 pick scenario plays out, in your opinion what would be the best combination for Melbourne?
Secondly, is it a stretch to take Brayshaw in the top 5 over the other talls?

Thanks in advance

It will be interesting to see whether Frawley elects to stay or go.

Worth noting the intent of the AFL with regard to compensation formula - that it is "not designed to fully compensate a club for the loss of a player." Perhaps Melbourne end up with a pick directly after that first round selection but if that's a top 4 selection I wouldn't be surprised with the AFL not looking to fully compensate clubs that, that pick may and quite possibly will be an end of first round selection.

In the first round and even more so in the top 5, best available is the way to go. If any of Wright, Durdin, McCartin or Goddard are there they are must select guys and only if they're all gone that's when you'd look at the midfielders who are all slightly behind the big 4.

Brayshaw at 5 isn't a stretch but top 4 the talls are too good to pass up I'd say at this stage.

My best combo if Melbourne had the two top 5 picks would be to go tall and find other ways to improve in other positions around the ground.

Maybe if looking to add another midfielder Toby Greene becomes available from GWS depending on how hard they come down on him or perhaps there is an underutilised player at the bottom of a clubs list who can help or perhaps some young player on that GWS or Gold Coast list, say Jon O'Rourke who may look to come home as Dom Tyson did at the end of last season which could mean a reshuffle of draft selections.

In any case regardless of how things go Melbourne will have opportunities to proceed and add talent.

KM,

As an Essendon fan our obvious weakness is our forward line.

I think what we need is a big bodied, strong in the contest, contested marking goal scorer, much like a Patton. Are there any in the draft of that ilk around our first pick? I know Wright would probably be the best of the KPF's in the draft along with Goddard, McCartin etc but I'm thinking someone like a Petracca could do this but more as a third tall kind of player. Possibly Lamb if he slipped?

We also need pace and cumbers, any idea who would be around in the 3rd or 4th round and is a genuine forward pocket or line-breaker with a bit of polish that we could look at?

Jesse Watchman should be available and would be a possibility as a big bodied key forward. He's not Jon Patton big but he's one of the bigger guys who should be available.

Another possibility might be looking at Geelong's Josh Walker who is stuck in the VFL at the moment and a potential fit as a 196cm, 100kg guy.

Lamb I don't see slipping but Petracca could play as a key forward even at 185cm. It would be unusual but he's a powerhouse and could be used in a similar way to Hawthorn's Gunston where he can play as a key forward for periods and push up the field at times also and add a bit more size up forward, even if it is unconventionally because he will require a stronger body to contain him. Mid draft could be a strong value choice I wouldn't discount.

Of the speedy types I like them more as back flankers and wingmen. Will be keeping an eye out for a speedy crumber over the remainder of the year but not seeing one yet that appeals to this point.

Is the u18 carnival on fox?

No idea. Don't have Fox. From what I'm led to believe in recent years they've televised the div 1 games from final two rounds of the u18 champs so I'd expect the same happens again this year.

It would be great if they could get all the games up this year though or some time down the track.

Would be wrapped if Carlton managed to land Brayshaw. Hard at it, dual sided and hits the scoreboard.
What more could you want from an elite mid.

Brayshaw is a good one and probably the more ready to go, sure thing early draft. I think a number of teams would love a shot at him.

He's the best midfielder in this draft at this point with Waterman, Duggan, and Weller those others in that conversation.

 

[leggs]

Hey knightmare do u know much about jake Lovett next years father son?

 

[Knightmare]

Hey knightmare do u know much about jake Lovett next years father son?

He's played just the one TAC Cup game to this point. Found a bit of the ball and was named in the bests so that's a positive sign.

Once he's played more I'll know more about him.

 

[Lyyynnnchy]

Hey Knightmare,

There was a recent article in The West saying Waterman was expected to go in the late 2nd to early third round. Wishful thinking I would have thought unless he has a terrible championships?

If we were to pick him up in the 2nd round as I expect who do you see as the best big bodied mid who isn't one paced and with good disposal that will be around say pick 6 to 10?

 

[HBF]

Aaahhhhhhh Carlton... Where they draft midfielders every year and never even think about a key position player, excellent recruiting system which I hope they keep for many more years to come.

Well we still have Giles and Watson developing with the Northern Blues.
And I was commenting on Knightmare's mock draft, rather than what we should be come November.

 

[Knightmare]

Hey Knightmare,

There was a recent article in The West saying Waterman was expected to go in the late 2nd to early third round. Wishful thinking I would have thought unless he has a terrible championships?

If we were to pick him up in the 2nd round as I expect who do you see as the best big bodied mid who isn't one paced and with good disposal that will be around say pick 6 to 10?

I rate Waterman a top 10 guy. Whether others do also at this point I do not know.

There is the chance being father/son that he slides into the second round if West Coast finish in the lower half of the ladder but he's certainly a first round quality player. He's one of the few genuinely dominant midfielders who can play right away next year and round one if required.

If Waterman does slide into the second round as may well happen if the club finish low a Jarrod Pickett or Liam Duggan would be strong gets and excellent list fits.

The best big bodied midfielder early is Brayshaw and he's the only bigger body worth taking in the 6-10 range.

 

[JR95]

Thanks Knightmare

 

[Andre the Giant]

Knightmare, Is there a midfield clearance king in this years draft?? In spite of all the talent we have at GWS I still don't think we have drafted this kind of player with the exception of Dom Tyson who is now a Demon. I would think this type of player as well as a clever small forward (perhaps a Clem Smith) are our priorities to draft as we are good for talls.

From your summaries Angus Brayshaw looks the kid we should draft.

 

[Membling]

Knightmare, Is there a midfield clearance king in this years draft?? In spite of all the talent we have at GWS I still don't think we have drafted this kind of player with the exception of Dom Tyson who is now a Demon. I would think this type of player as well as a clever small forward (perhaps a Clem Smith) are our priorities to draft as we are good for talls.

Heeney

 

[Knightmare]

Knightmare, Is there a midfield clearance king in this years draft?? In spite of all the talent we have at GWS I still don't think we have drafted this kind of player with the exception of Dom Tyson who is now a Demon. I would think this type of player as well as a clever small forward (perhaps a Clem Smith) are our priorities to draft as we are good for talls.

From your summaries Angus Brayshaw looks the kid we should draft.

Angus Brayshaw is the pick. If GWS finish around 4th or 5th that's about where you'd be looking at Brayshaw.

Clem Smith looks better running off a back flank but there will probably be more of a crumber who will pop up as the draft draws closer.

 

[RGpies]

Angus Brayshaw is the pick. If GWS finish around 4th or 5th that's about where you'd be looking at Brayshaw.

Clem Smith looks better running off a back flank but there will probably be more of a crumber who will pop up as the draft draws closer.

It looks like gws will finish bottom 3, do you think they can pass on wright, mccartin, durdin or goddard? They now have so many first round key position players its hard to imagine they could pick more. Are the best midfieders good enough to be picked top 3 or would gws be better trading for established players?

 

[Big Fresh]

Knightmare , reading your Hugh Goddard description I get kind of a Jack Watts vibe - all of the talent and attributes, but without that ineffable element critical to becoming a dominant power forward. His professionalism and hard work is supposed to be a strength, but do you think he's lacking in the necessary aggression, physicality, presence, competitiveness, etc.?

 

[tigs2010]

Knightmare , reading your Hugh Goddard description I get kind of a Jack Watts vibe - all of the talent and attributes, but without that ineffable element critical to becoming a dominant power forward. His professionalism and hard work is supposed to be a strength, but do you think he's lacking in the necessary aggression, physicality, presence, competitiveness, etc.?

That was one of my worries about him. Watching him in the AIS game against Collingwood alleviated a few of those worries for mine.

 

[Knightmare]

It looks like gws will finish bottom 3, do you think they can pass on wright, mccartin, durdin or goddard? They now have so many first round key position players its hard to imagine they could pick more. Are the best midfieders good enough to be picked top 3 or would gws be better trading for established players?

In the top three it's pretty hard to pass on the bigs. Top two I don't see anyone passing on the bigs.

GWS you'd think look the established player route if an appropriate option presents.

Knightmare , reading your Hugh Goddard description I get kind of a Jack Watts vibe - all of the talent and attributes, but without that ineffable element critical to becoming a dominant power forward. His professionalism and hard work is supposed to be a strength, but do you think he's lacking in the necessary aggression, physicality, presence, competitiveness, etc.?

Goddard is harder and stronger than Watts. He's more Sam Day. He does have the competitiveness and he won't shirk from the contest but I'm not convinced despite his size and athleticism as I'd say with Day that he becomes a no.1 option. As a no.2 option in a front half though he is a strong get.

 

[bumsonseats]

G'day KM

What can you tell us about Harry Dear, son of Paul Dear. Have been reading some good things about him on the Hawthorn board but looking for a neutral view.

What round would you rate him if at all....?

Have read about half of this thread but didn't find anything about him.

Thank you

 

[Knightmare]

G'day KM

What can you tell us about Harry Dear, son of Paul Dear. Have been reading some good things about him on the Hawthorn board but looking for a neutral view.

What round would you rate him if at all....?

Have read about half of this thread but didn't find anything about him.

Thank you

Dear has in the early portion of the season showed signs.

He's among the leading goalkickers in the TAC Cup which is a good start and he's converting from his opportunities.

He's a nice height at 197cm and there is at that height some real scope to develop with above average athleticism at his height and a strong frame already. Good tackler at his size.

He doesn't find much of the footy and isn't at this stage anyway a first round prospect with some of the high end key position players more dominant but second or third round is more where he has the opportunity to feature with continued improvement as someone who may develop.

 

[Footyking123]

Bendigos Billy Evans will be one to watch during nationals I expect him to jump onto a lot of people radars

 

[Hayes4PM]

What the hell man, Urban up to 28?! Not cool, I'm hoping the Saints would get him with a pick in the 30's or early 40's.

 

[Wild Bill]

Hey KM - two players that have been named in the under 18's Vic metro side - Matt Goodyear and Corey Ellis - both have had a great start to the 18's comp. Are these 2 now in draft calculations at years end?

 

[Knightmare]

Hey KM - two players that have been named in the under 18's Vic metro side - Matt Goodyear and Corey Ellis - both have had a great start to the 18's comp. Are these 2 now in draft calculations at years end?

Goodyear does some good things and has shown some signs. Wins his own footy and has pace but really struggles by foot to hit his targets. Will need to see more before he features in my draft.

Ellis is good though and more me having not seen Western Jets yet this year. He'll move up my rankings next update along with a few others. The Jets are unusually draft relevant this year and will be one of the teams I'll be paying more attention to in the second half of the season with some real improvers on that team.