Draft Watcher Knightmare's 2016 Draft Almanac

[Bicks]

Knightmare, went to the Ballarat Rebels vs Eastern Ranges game on Saturday, played in typical Ballarat cold, wet, windy conditions and saw an outstanding game from Willem Drew, he was in everything all day and best on for mine, outshone even McCluggage who was good again also.....where do you see Drew's draft position KM?, I'm hoping he's there around Adelaide's pick. Jarrod Berry was again having a good game in the midfield until he was involved in a nasty collision with a Ranges player only a minute or so into the last quarter which resulted in the Ranges player looking to be suffering concussion and Berry being assisted off by two trainers with what appeared to be a leg injury not to return, heard after the game they think it's a badly corked thigh, poor bugger can't catch a break this season with injuries. Wellings also good for the Rebels.

Galucci other than kicking a couple of goals I thought was underwhelming apart from his disposal by foot for someone touted as a likely 1st round pick. Really impressed by a couple of kids eligible for next year's draft, Jayden Stephenson looks an outstanding prospect and I can now see why he's being touted so highly, Aiden Domic with his blistering pace and neat skillset will also be one to watch I reckon.

 

[Jeffcrowe]

Lol, mate just got to look at it all. The Cheery on the top was not playing the final u18 game down at Simmo Stadium with all the scouts, recruiters, list managers, coaches, player agents, media all in attendence. Since then he has fell and players like Brodie and Marshall have firmed.

Saw him play NEAFL just over a month ago v Sydney with Heeney playing and O'Meara ...... Did not look out of place next to those 2 and was GCs best player in a 120 point thumping

 

[Knightmare]

Kayle Kirby KM?

Has had a really nice finish to the season. Powerful forward who can win the contested ball and hit the scoreboard. I like him.

Could be a late riser up draft boards with his five goal performance on the weekend sure to be an eye-opener for many. If I'm to extend my power rankings to 40. He is inside that group on my draft board and is one more great game away from pushing inside my top 30.

Whether he is up there on the draft boards of AFL clubs. I don't know at this stage. But I'd agree with those who say he should.

 

[Knightmare]

Are you surprised that Jake Comitogianni wasn't given an invite to combines?

He played well in the Under 18s when selected - I'm not sure what I'm missing and why he isn't seen as a late round pick lock. Can't just be size? I know his kicking can sometimes be wayward.

Good, highly productive midfielder. Brings a good energy to the contest. Definite snub for mine. I agree with you that he is deserving of a late draft position. I haven't had the issues with the games that club recruiters seemingly do so I'll leave it to the weekly SA viewers to put forward their theories.

Personally I view him as something like Luke Dahlhaus at the same stage from the perspective that he just has that same spark to him around the ball from those games I watched of him during the U18 champs.

Knightmare, went to the Ballarat Rebels vs Eastern Ranges game on Saturday, played in typical Ballarat cold, wet, windy conditions and saw an outstanding game from Willem Drew, he was in everything all day and best on for mine, outshone even McCluggage who was good again also.....where do you see Drew's draft position KM?, I'm hoping he's there around Adelaide's pick. Jarrod Berry was again having a good game in the midfield until he was involved in a nasty collision with a Ranges player only a minute or so into the last quarter which resulted in the Ranges player looking to be suffering concussion and Berry being assisted off by two trainers with what appeared to be a leg injury not to return, heard after the game they think it's a badly corked thigh, poor bugger can't catch a break this season with injuries. Wellings also good for the Rebels.

Galucci other than kicking a couple of goals I thought was underwhelming apart from his disposal by foot for someone touted as a likely 1st round pick. Really impressed by a couple of kids eligible for next year's draft, Jayden Stephenson looks an outstanding prospect and I can now see why he's being touted so highly, Aiden Domic with his blistering pace and neat skillset will also be one to watch I reckon.

Thanks for the review.

Drew is a beauty. I've been speaking about him excitedly this season for a reason. For me he is that most underappreciated midfielder who could be one of the best in this draft potentially.

Drew is a first round quality player for mine, but with the depth of midfielders available this year I predict features somewhere in the second or third round.

I just love the contested style of game, strong tackling and the hardness he plays with. His game is perfectly compatible with AFL play.

 

[Harris 10]

Knightmare, how will the change in draft points rules impact on this years academy selections?

Do the Northern clubs already have enough early picks to cover all of their selections this year?

 

[SumTingWong]

KM, a few have Brodie not going until pick 5. How realistic is this or is it way too early to tell atm.

 

[LemmingMaster]

Thanks for the review.

Drew is a beauty. I've been speaking about him excitedly this season for a reason. For me he is that most underappreciated midfielder who could be one of the best in this draft potentially.

Drew is a first round quality player for mine, but with the depth of midfielders available this year I predict features somewhere in the second or third round.

I just love the contested style of game, strong tackling and the hardness he plays with. His game is perfectly compatible with AFL play.

First time I watched Drew, I started placing him in my top 15, then the following times I watched him he did not show the same output.

 

[Knightmare]

Knightmare, how will the change in draft points rules impact on this years academy selections?

Do the Northern clubs already have enough early picks to cover all of their selections this year?

Each club already with their current picks would be fine to get the academy players they want.

Many of those clubs could move some combination of those picks for 2017 picks or players potentially.

They'll also no doubt again make use of the points system by trading down some of the clubs picks for a combination of later picks to gain further points.

With GWS and Gold Coast particularly sure to lose players to opposition clubs. They're along with Brisbane and Sydney in an excellent place again to secure their academy talents.

KM, a few have Brodie not going until pick 5. How realistic is this or is it way too early to tell atm.

Brodie probably goes at pick 1.

I don't know of anyone who has Brodie going as late as pick 5? Perhaps I haven't been reading widely enough of late.

All the talk I've heard to date is Essendon are red hot on him with pick 1.

 

[briztoon]

Each club already with their current picks would be fine to get the academy players they want.

Many of those clubs could move some combination of those picks for 2017 picks or players potentially.

They'll also no doubt again make use of the points system by trading down some of the clubs picks for a combination of later picks to gain further points.

With GWS and Gold Coast particularly sure to lose players to opposition clubs. They're along with Brisbane and Sydney in an excellent place again to secure their academy talents.



Brodie probably goes at pick 1.

I don't know of anyone who has Brodie going as late as pick 5? Perhaps I haven't been reading widely enough of late.

All the talk I've heard to date is Essendon are red hot on him with pick 1.

How? The new rules state you can only take the same number of picks in to the draft as you have open roster spots.

 

[Knightmare]

How? The new rules state you can only take the same number of picks in to the draft as you have open roster spots.

Another rule change this year?

In the past it has been a case of clubs with academies stockpiling late picks and just adding up the points to get their academy players.

 

[briztoon]

Another rule change this year?

In the past it has been a case of clubs with academies stockpiling late picks and just adding up the points to get their academy players.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-08-22/draft-loophole-to-remain-despite-some-clubs-concern

 

[briztoon]

The AFL has made one change to its bidding system that will come into immediate effect this year, with clubs no longer able to access 'hidden picks' during the draft.

It means clubs will only be able to enter the draft with the number of selections that matches the available primary list positions at that time.

Last year some clubs entered the draft with more picks than they had available spots on their list. The extra picks were purely held so they could pay for academy prospects that attracted early bids.

The rule tweak means if a club needs to use multiple selections in matching a bid, and therefore require extra selections to be filled on its list, the new draft picks would be given to the club at the back of the draft so not to impact other clubs' picks.

Clubs not being able to use 'hidden' picks means they cannot store points in late draft picks that they never intended to use.

It reduces the incentive to trade backwards in the draft and for them to accumulate a large group of picks and convert them into points.

In removing hidden picks, the AFL has stopped clubs from taking picks to the draft that they never intended on using on a player.

Last year, the Brisbane Lions went into the draft with five spots open on their list and their first hidden draft selection was No.42. But that pick would have been forfeited under the new rules and the advantage they gained from trading backwards would have been lost.

Or, it could have delisted an extra player before the draft and then been free to use pick No.42.

 

[eDPS]

Brodie probably goes at pick 1.

I don't know of anyone who has Brodie going as late as pick 5? Perhaps I haven't been reading widely enough of late.

All the talk I've heard to date is Essendon are red hot on him with pick 1.

Isnt that based on is Essendon wanting him to play a game in thier VFL side? Dont think that would make him a guarantee for pick 1. Unless you have heard some more information I wouldn't say it's a guarantee.

 

[Determinant]

The AFL has made one change to its bidding system that will come into immediate effect this year, with clubs no longer able to access 'hidden picks' during the draft.

It means clubs will only be able to enter the draft with the number of selections that matches the available primary list positions at that time.

Last year some clubs entered the draft with more picks than they had available spots on their list. The extra picks were purely held so they could pay for academy prospects that attracted early bids.

The rule tweak means if a club needs to use multiple selections in matching a bid, and therefore require extra selections to be filled on its list, the new draft picks would be given to the club at the back of the draft so not to impact other clubs' picks.

Clubs not being able to use 'hidden' picks means they cannot store points in late draft picks that they never intended to use.

It reduces the incentive to trade backwards in the draft and for them to accumulate a large group of picks and convert them into points.

In removing hidden picks, the AFL has stopped clubs from taking picks to the draft that they never intended on using on a player.

Last year, the Brisbane Lions went into the draft with five spots open on their list and their first hidden draft selection was No.42. But that pick would have been forfeited under the new rules and the advantage they gained from trading backwards would have been lost.

Or, it could have delisted an extra player before the draft and then been free to use pick No.42.

I don't mind this tbh, whilst it could hurt us it seems a fair outcome

 

[avishka5]

As a junior was sheed a good kick on his opposite foot? One thing thats really stood about him since returning is his willingness to to use his right foot and actually nailing them. In his first two season he would always try to find his left foot and if he used his right boot, it would be the shakiest kick.
http://gph.is/2bwUHmt thats him this year.


I always thought kicking was one of the hardest things to improve later on (especially on the opposite).

 

[Bicks]

Knightmare Harrison Bult a KPP from the Western Jets I see has a State Combine invite, a big unit at 197cm and 91kg so must be on someone's radar...opinion??

 

[blueiris]

The AFL has made one change to its bidding system that will come into immediate effect this year, with clubs no longer able to access 'hidden picks' during the draft.

It means clubs will only be able to enter the draft with the number of selections that matches the available primary list positions at that time.

Last year some clubs entered the draft with more picks than they had available spots on their list. The extra picks were purely held so they could pay for academy prospects that attracted early bids.

The rule tweak means if a club needs to use multiple selections in matching a bid, and therefore require extra selections to be filled on its list, the new draft picks would be given to the club at the back of the draft so not to impact other clubs' picks.

Clubs not being able to use 'hidden' picks means they cannot store points in late draft picks that they never intended to use.

It reduces the incentive to trade backwards in the draft and for them to accumulate a large group of picks and convert them into points.

In removing hidden picks, the AFL has stopped clubs from taking picks to the draft that they never intended on using on a player.

Last year, the Brisbane Lions went into the draft with five spots open on their list and their first hidden draft selection was No.42. But that pick would have been forfeited under the new rules and the advantage they gained from trading backwards would have been lost.

Or, it could have delisted an extra player before the draft and then been free to use pick No.42.

Brisbane never actually used that pick last season with our players being bid on later than expected

 

[dlanod]

Brisbane never actually used that pick last season with our players being bid on later than expected

We got Skinner as a result of it coming into play though. If it had basically been discarded we'd have ended up using a pick right at the end of the draft (or passing and getting an extra rookie).

 

[SumTingWong]

KM, If a club were to bid a top 6 pick for Macreadie to do you think GWS would let him go? Do you think a pick 5,6,7 would be way too high for him?

 

[coniglio_number1]

KM, If a club were to bid a top 6 pick for Macreadie to do you think GWS would let him go? Do you think a pick 5,6,7 would be way too high for him?

Club has moved him to Sydney and has invested heavily into him. If the rumours are true then it's setterfield we may pass on.

 

[Jeffcrowe]

Club has moved him to Sydney and has invested heavily into him. If the rumours are true then it's setterfield we may pass on.

From what I've seen I'd take Setterfield over Macreadie every day of the week

Smarter kid with mentality to thrive in AFL system and the prototype AFL mid at that size

Macreadie good with ball in hand but miles off with the way he defends

 

[Knightmare]

Isnt that based on is Essendon wanting him to play a game in thier VFL side? Dont think that would make him a guarantee for pick 1. Unless you have heard some more information I wouldn't say it's a guarantee.

My assumption is based on Essendon wanting to play Brodie in their VFL side that he is their preferred recruiting choice. Nothing is set in stone.

I have also heard interest from Essendon in Todd Marshall (if he is to have a breakout game or two), but that has not yet eventuated.

As a junior was sheed a good kick on his opposite foot? One thing thats really stood about him since returning is his willingness to to use his right foot and actually nailing them. In his first two season he would always try to find his left foot and if he used his right boot, it would be the shakiest kick.
http://gph.is/2bwUHmt thats him this year.

I always thought kicking was one of the hardest things to improve later on (especially on the opposite).

Sheed was an ok but not outstanding kick. Remembering back don't recall proficiency on his opposite side. Good on him if he has developed his opposite side to a good standard though.

Knightmare Harrison Bult a KPP from the Western Jets I see has a State Combine invite, a big unit at 197cm and 91kg so must be on someone's radar...opinion??

Bult as a key defender has been invited mostly due to the lack of outstanding key defence options. Not a major ball winner or rebounder but can play a shutdown role.

KM, If a club were to bid a top 6 pick for Macreadie to do you think GWS would let him go? Do you think a pick 5,6,7 would be way too high for him?

I can't see a club bidding such a high pick on Macreadie. A club would be more likely to bid pick 26 on him based on his only ok standard of play this year I would have thought (without discussing him specifically with any other recruiters to get a clear feel on his draft position).

Pick 5/6/7 is way too high for Macreadie. I'm toying with leaving him out of my top 30 power rankings for my September edition for some perspective as to just how far he has dropped down my draft board.

I expect GWS to still take Macreadie, but I can't see them needing to spend that much.

If a pick inside the top 10, GWS may not take him, but after around pick 10 with some key defence needs Macreadie is someone GWS will make a point of matching a reasonable bid for I would have thought.

Club has moved him to Sydney and has invested heavily into him. If the rumours are true then it's setterfield we may pass on.

I don't know about any rumours regarding Setterfield being passed up. He has the scope to be as good as any midfielder in this draft, being 190cm and having his skills, composure and ball winning capacilities. GWS do have a loaded midfielder, but even so, he is too good to reasonable pass up I would have thought, as with Hopper and Kennedy last year.

He to my eyes is a top 10 quality player in this draft who looks set to go later than that.

 

[Lore]

The AFL has made one change to its bidding system that will come into immediate effect this year, with clubs no longer able to access 'hidden picks' during the draft.

It means clubs will only be able to enter the draft with the number of selections that matches the available primary list positions at that time.

Last year some clubs entered the draft with more picks than they had available spots on their list. The extra picks were purely held so they could pay for academy prospects that attracted early bids.

The rule tweak means if a club needs to use multiple selections in matching a bid, and therefore require extra selections to be filled on its list, the new draft picks would be given to the club at the back of the draft so not to impact other clubs' picks.

Clubs not being able to use 'hidden' picks means they cannot store points in late draft picks that they never intended to use.

It reduces the incentive to trade backwards in the draft and for them to accumulate a large group of picks and convert them into points.

In removing hidden picks, the AFL has stopped clubs from taking picks to the draft that they never intended on using on a player.

Last year, the Brisbane Lions went into the draft with five spots open on their list and their first hidden draft selection was No.42. But that pick would have been forfeited under the new rules and the advantage they gained from trading backwards would have been lost.

Or, it could have delisted an extra player before the draft and then been free to use pick No.42.

Seems fair, although I feel sorry for Gold Coast with their 11 picks in the first seven rounds and 8 picks with points value (before we even get to the trade period).

Clubs would still be able to deduct points off the following year's picks if they run out of 'active picks' in the current draft wouldn't they? Remembering that this applies to father/sons just as much as academy kids.

 

[dlanod]

Seems fair, although I feel sorry for Gold Coast with their 11 picks in the first seven rounds and 8 picks with points value (before we even get to the trade period).

Rumour going around is that picks traded in last year won't count to the total for this year only, to avoid disadvantaging teams who traded in the 2016 picks.

Clubs would still be able to deduct points off the following year's picks if they run out of 'active picks' in the current draft wouldn't they? Remembering that this applies to father/sons just as much as academy kids.

Yep.

 

[Excellence]

Km do you know when the teams for the all stars games are announced?