Draft Watcher Knightmare's 2015 Draft Almanac

[Knightmare]

What chances are bushrangers pair Kyle Galloway and Jake Marshall to ty drafted?

Marshall is probable to get drafted, Galloway in the mix.

Marshall is a really damaging forward who can hit the scoreboard in bunches and also find the footy up the field. Like him.

Galloway at 206cm and 104kg is promising and a late year birthday to go with it. Height and size you can't teach so that's a start. Kicked a couple of goals in round 1 and needs to continue hitting the scoreboard. Doesn't find enough of it around the ground and is a work in progress as a tap ruckman, but at that height with improvement is a chance.

 

[ROYAL EAGLE]

What are your thoughts on Chapman Jones from perth footy club ?

 

[aussierulesrules]

Has Wietering ever been played forward in the TAC Cup and did he play last year? I looked up his TAC Cup stats last night and they didn't have any for him for 2014, which surprised me.

 

[Knightmare]

What are your thoughts on Chapman Jones from perth footy club ?

Not one I've seen so can't comment at this stage.

Stats look pretty good from a quick glance. What should I know about Jones?

Has Wietering ever been played forward in the TAC Cup and did he play last year? I looked up his TAC Cup stats last night and they didn't have any for him for 2014, which surprised me.

Weitering I have never seen played forward. He has played up on a wing, but otherwise has played back flank and more recently given his growth centre half back.

So as such nothing can be assumed about his ability as a forward, but his ability down back certainly and even on a wing when necessary is excellent.

 

[aussierulesrules]

Thanks for that. Would think he'd get a crack up forward at some point this year to give everyone a look at whether he has another string to his bow.

So did he play last year in the Champs and/or TAC Cup?

 

[Knightmare]

Thanks for that. Would think he'd get a crack up forward at some point this year to give everyone a look at whether he has another string to his bow.

So did he play last year in the Champs and/or TAC Cup?

13 tac cup games and 2 u18 champs games for Weitering in 2014.

 

[Skippos]

13 tac cup games and 2 u18 champs games for Weitering in 2014.

Just a segue to Weitering's championship game against SA (I reckon it was round 2 of the champs?) and it was immense. I had him close to best on that day so have watched him closely ever since. If he was able stand up in such a crucial role as an underaged player - and not just an underaged player but a December birth in such a crucial game then the sky's the limit. Looks like the best junior KPD I've seen from my moderate exposure to him, glad to see most of the Vics agree.

Came into this thread to point out Partington to you though. You've got him high but he's definitely our best prospect this year IMO unless Francis grows a little. Was everywhere in the ressies this weekend, contested ball winning is much improved on last year and his spread and hurt factor outside good as ever. He's class. Don't know how many touches and clearances he had but I reckon it would have been 25 and close to 7 or 8 clearances too.

Haven't seen him all year but after a real promising season last year Dew seems to be a bit down this year. Surprising. Kyle Presbury one who's consistently performing in the ressies and putting up superb numbers for Central. Milera another great league game with 15 touches and 2 goals - he's a good kid too, works super hard, wants to make the best of himself. Goes above and beyond off field from all reports. Haysman probably pushing onto draft boards too - was known to those who follow it closely but his push into the league side has been a bit surprising and unexpected hence why he's taken a bit of time to get talked about but he's one of those smaller kids who has some real AFL ready traits to him; not an undersized contested ball winner like Snelling but does a bit outside which is a role that could accommodate his size a little more.

Just thought I'd chip in, hope that's okay.

 

[Knightmare]

Just a segue to Weitering's championship game against SA (I reckon it was round 2 of the champs?) and it was immense. I had him close to best on that day so have watched him closely ever since. If he was able stand up in such a crucial role as an underaged player - and not just an underaged player but a December birth in such a crucial game then the sky's the limit. Looks like the best junior KPD I've seen from my moderate exposure to him, glad to see most of the Vics agree.

Came into this thread to point out Partington to you though. You've got him high but he's definitely our best prospect this year IMO unless Francis grows a little. Was everywhere in the ressies this weekend, contested ball winning is much improved on last year and his spread and hurt factor outside good as ever. He's class. Don't know how many touches and clearances he had but I reckon it would have been 25 and close to 7 or 8 clearances too.

Haven't seen him all year but after a real promising season last year Dew seems to be a bit down this year. Surprising. Kyle Presbury one who's consistently performing in the ressies and putting up superb numbers for Central. Milera another great league game with 15 touches and 2 goals - he's a good kid too, works super hard, wants to make the best of himself. Goes above and beyond off field from all reports. Haysman probably pushing onto draft boards too - was known to those who follow it closely but his push into the league side has been a bit surprising and unexpected hence why he's taken a bit of time to get talked about but he's one of those smaller kids who has some real AFL ready traits to him; not an undersized contested ball winner like Snelling but does a bit outside which is a role that could accommodate his size a little more.

Just thought I'd chip in, hope that's okay.

With Weitering I saw the opposite, seeing game one in Sandy (VIC) I think it was. Then with game two probably in SA, or certainly interstate I didn't see that game. He is looking like a top 5 overall pick this year at this point, and early season form strong so no reason he won't go early at years end.

Always like hearing about the SA boys. Beyond the televised league games that I can get tape of and the stats across the competitions, that's all I'm getting pre-champs. So keep bringing on the reviews/comments regarding the SA boys. Will only educate me on what I should be looking for through the u18 champs when they come around.

 

[Eons]

Brisbane have the opportunity to utilise trade week and free agency.

If you need a key position player and you need one now. The draft is not the way to go about it. You're waiting 3-4 years even with correct talent identification until you develop someone into an AFL relevant player.

And outside the first round you're not likely to get a guaranteed AFL quality key position player, particularly with forwards, the good ones come inside the first round, and if Brisbane still have that first round pick in addition to Keays. There is not a thing to complain about.

On the Brisbane list I'm seeing a lot of tradeable players. Leuenberger is an obvious one, serving no usefulness in the same team as Stefan Martin and he may leave as a free agent and get Brisbane a further second round pick. Mitch Golby may hold some value. James Aish may ask out. Those players as three that come to mind probably hold enough currency to add some pieces, including a key position player or two.

Then Mitch Brown (ex Geelong) who was delisted could pretty easily come in late draft as either a forward or back. A Brett Eddy if he has another strong season may be a further mature key forward option.
On opposition lists Charlie Dixon, Levi Casboult, Jack Redpath could be among some cheap options as some big forwards who can take a grab.

And that's all before considering the talls Brisbane are likely to gain through the academy Hipwood as a forward and Nate Dennis as a ruckman who can also play some key position.

So it's on Brisbane to make something happen. Because there are some serious opportunities available. But the bigger the pieces Brisbane are willing to put on the table, the better the players that could come in may be.

Throw a package of at GWS and for all you know you may be able to get Patton or maybe Sam Reid from Sydney as two examples of established forwards who are surplus. Perhaps Brisbane can get Lachie Henderson back. Put forward a serious and worthwhile offer, and things can happen.

We'll defintely have some handy picks to play around at the end of the year if things go as expected. Aish will get us a top 10 pick, hopefully we pick up Rance so we won't get any compo for Leuey.

We need to get someone like Henderson or Dixon. We've failed miserably by getting second rate KPF in the past like Lisle, Paine and McGuane and would hate to see us going down that path again. Our young forwards will be ok in time, they just need some support, we need someone who can take the best defender while they develop and impact the scoreboard.

What do you think Henderson and Dixon would cost us? Something like pick 10-12 and their secnd rounder coming back our way?

 

[Knightmare]

We'll defintely have some handy picks to play around at the end of the year if things go as expected. Aish will get us a top 10 pick, hopefully we pick up Rance so we won't get any compo for Leuey.

We need to get someone like Henderson or Dixon. We've failed miserably by getting second rate KPF in the past like Lisle, Paine and McGuane and would hate to see us going down that path again. Our young forwards will be ok in time, they just need some support, we need someone who can take the best defender while they develop and impact the scoreboard.

What do you think Henderson and Dixon would cost us? Something like pick 10-12 and their secnd rounder coming back our way?

Henderson would be worth roughly pick 10 I'd imagine. He is injury prone but still productive when playing. Charlie Dixon something more like pick 20 given his milder production.

 

[Yabadoo22]

Hey knightmare. I know the season has a long way to play out and things can change quickly but at this stage it looks like the saints will finish bottom 2. If so what are the chances of them receiving a compensation pick straight after their pick 1 or 2? If so, with their lack of polished pacy midfielders which players would you see suiting best. Could you see them taking both parish and tucker? Cheers

 

[blueiris]

Hey knightmare. I know the season has a long way to play out and things can change quickly but at this stage it looks like the saints will finish bottom 2. If so what are the chances of them receiving a compensation pick straight after their pick 1 or 2? If so, with their lack of polished pacy midfielders which players would you see suiting best. Could you see them taking both parish and tucker? Cheers

I'd say 0% chance of getting a priority pick

 

[Gmod23]

Hey knightmare. I know the season has a long way to play out and things can change quickly but at this stage it looks like the saints will finish bottom 2. If so what are the chances of them receiving a compensation pick straight after their pick 1 or 2? If so, with their lack of polished pacy midfielders which players would you see suiting best. Could you see them taking both parish and tucker? Cheers

Saints for continually traded out more senior players for draft picks. This will mean no priority pick will come their way. Can't trade players out for picks (also to perform worse and finish lower on the ladder) and then appeal for a priority pick because you are bottom 2. Dees tried this and sucked for much longer and didn't get a priority pick. IF Stevens hadn't signed on, then you could have got FA compo.

 

[TheLastEmperor]

With equalisation a hot topic and free agents favouring big clubs priority picks are back on the agenda. Expect them to be introduced again. Not sure who qualifies tho.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Knightmare]

Hey knightmare. I know the season has a long way to play out and things can change quickly but at this stage it looks like the saints will finish bottom 2. If so what are the chances of them receiving a compensation pick straight after their pick 1 or 2? If so, with their lack of polished pacy midfielders which players would you see suiting best. Could you see them taking both parish and tucker? Cheers

The extra compensation/priority picks last happened in 2009 with Melbourne. I don't believe they exist any-more with relation to number of losses in consecutive seasons as they did previously. Though I may be wrong and someone will surely point that out if indeed I am.

I assume the AFL would have to award the priority picks and deem that there is some exceptional circumstance, and I get the sense that priority picks won't be in this case or similar cases provided and won't in this case be provided to St Kilda even in the situation the Saints only get 2-3 wins.

Hypothetically I'd say St Kilda probably just pick whoever are deemed the two best there. Maybe that's considered to be Parish and Tucker. Maybe Parish and Weitering. But best available would be the most likely outcome.

Maybe pick one or two could be shopped, and maybe a package such as Tom Mitchell, Sam Reid and Alex Johnson from Sydney could be had or perhaps a Dylan Shiel or Jon Patton if one of them request a move to a Victorian club. And if you still had pick 2 in that situation.

The more picks the more options really, and certainly the higher the draft pick the greater the options.

 

[Knightmare]

With equalisation a hot topic and free agents favouring big clubs priority picks are back on the agenda. Expect them to be introduced again. Not sure who qualifies tho.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

It's a good point re. equalisation.

I'd personally be looking at equalisation differently though.

Adding kids through the draft doesn't make you better or more competitive, it generally makes teams worse certainly in the short term. So that's not helping teams in the win column and making a team more competitive any time soon. And that path isn't even a guaranteed building strategy with Melbourne and Carlton two examples of teams even with those priority picks that have never built a relevant team.

I'd personally advocate opening up the salary cap space for those clubs down the bottom to allow them more salary cap money to get greater opportunity to add costly free agents and players through trade (perhaps give them $2m in extra salary cap space for a short number of years, and give these struggling teams a chance to genuinely build a list). That way the teams actually can get better and become more competitive than they would be with just another draft pick.

 

[dlanod]

Hey knightmare. I know the season has a long way to play out and things can change quickly but at this stage it looks like the saints will finish bottom 2. If so what are the chances of them receiving a compensation pick straight after their pick 1 or 2? If so, with their lack of polished pacy midfielders which players would you see suiting best. Could you see them taking both parish and tucker? Cheers

Not Knightmare, but if Melbourne didn't get a priority pick after 8 years at 12th or worse, it's going to be a long long time before anyone qualifies.

 

[TheLastEmperor]

In 2010 wasn't Jack Darling taken with a priority pick?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[TheLastEmperor]

It's a good point re. equalisation.

I'd personally be looking at equalisation differently though.

Adding kids through the draft doesn't make you better or more competitive, it generally makes teams worse certainly in the short term. So that's not helping teams in the win column and making a team more competitive any time soon. And that path isn't even a guaranteed building strategy with Melbourne and Carlton two examples of teams even with those priority picks that have never built a relevant team.

I'd personally advocate opening up the salary cap space for those clubs down the bottom to allow them more salary cap money to get greater opportunity to add costly free agents and players through trade (perhaps give them $2m in extra salary cap space for a short number of years, and give these struggling teams a chance to genuinely build a list). That way the teams actually can get better and become more competitive than they would be with just another draft pick.

Certainly a viable alternative.

Listening to Gill on 3AW the other week it seems there's going to be some changes to allow greater equalisation.

The argument was that smaller clubs aren't attracting high profile trades or free agents therefore are required to build a list via the draft exclusively.

It really sounded like priority picks will come back I'm just hoping there's strict conditions to exclude any favouritism.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[aussierulesrules]

Not Knightmare, but if Melbourne didn't get a priority pick after 8 years at 12th or worse, it's going to be a long long time before anyone qualifies.

Hearing lots of whispers that the AFL are strongly considering being prepared to hand them out more willingly again because they are really concerned that the bottom teams are staying down the bottom for much longer and the top teams staying up the top longer (especially with teams like Hawthorn raiding the bottom teams for the likes of Frawley).

So what happened with Melbourne may have zero relevance. The AFL would have also been reluctant to give them a PP because they effectively found them guilty of tanking. They weren't about to find them guilty of tanking for a PP and then hand them a PP a few months later!

Something needs to be done, IMO, perhaps even giving the bottom 4 teams the first 8 picks.

 

[TheLastEmperor]

KM, who's your early season top 5 'bolter?'


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[blueiris]

If the early picks are midfielders should Brisbane trade pick 1 for a key forward at another club ?

 

[Knightmare]

KM, who's your early season top 5 'bolter?'


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Ryan Clarke. Big improver and really playing terrific footy for Eastern.

 

[dlanod]

Hearing lots of whispers that the AFL are strongly considering being prepared to hand them out more willingly again because they are really concerned that the bottom teams are staying down the bottom for much longer and the top teams staying up the top longer (especially with teams like Hawthorn raiding the bottom teams for the likes of Frawley).

So what happened with Melbourne may have zero relevance. The AFL would have also been reluctant to give them a PP because they effectively found them guilty of tanking. They weren't about to find them guilty of tanking for a PP and then hand them a PP a few months later!

Something needs to be done, IMO, perhaps even giving the bottom 4 teams the first 8 picks.

Must say I look forward to Brisbane's PP then - five years without a finish above 12th compared to Saint's two finishes of 16 and 18.

 

[Knightmare]

If the early picks are midfielders should Brisbane trade pick 1 for a key forward at another club ?

I'd advise trading down a few draft positions if a team is willing to trade a suitable player to make it worthwhile. Certainly.

There at this time doesn't feel like much of a difference between pick 1 and pick 10. And if you're getting a seriously good player, and you still have a pretty good first round pick. It's something I'd look into if there is a player expected to be available at 10 that greatly appeals and appeals as much as those options likely to go before that pick, as well as a player who also help improve the team.

At this stage I'd be saying not to definitely do it, but certainly to be thinking about that possibility and assessing that option.