Draft Watcher Knightmare's 2018 AFL Draft Almanac

[footylover18]

KM, regarding your comments about the GWS list build i will say one thing that i think they've buggered up.

they failed in ensuring they had a viable back up ruck for when Mummy was there and a succession plan for when he retired.

I guess Flynn was supposed to be that guy but 3yrs in and he's not ready (not unusual for a ruck, i know) and they're having to use a stop gap like Simpson.

Addressing the ruck position has been poor by them

 

[PMBangers]

KM, regarding your comments about the GWS list build i will say one thing that i think they've buggered up.

they failed in ensuring they had a viable back up ruck for when Mummy was there and a succession plan for when he retired.

I guess Flynn was supposed to be that guy but 3yrs in and he's not ready (not unusual for a ruck, i know) and they're having to use a stop gap like Simpson.

Addressing the ruck position has been poor by them

I'd argue that Simpson has been fantastic, and has proven we don't need an A-Grade ruck to be an effective stoppage team, we're currently second in the league for clearances and if you're winning the majority of clearances then hit-outs don't matter.

 

[footylover18]

I'd argue that Simpson has been fantastic, and has proven we don't need an A-Grade ruck to be an effective stoppage team, we're currently second in the league for clearances and if you're winning the majority of clearances then hit-outs don't matter.

He's been better than i thought he'd be, for sure. But he's most def a stop gap. And considering the resources you had, i doubt he was the best you could have done.

Agree regarding hitouts, your midfield is elite so you'll do fine in clearances regardless, but hit outs (to advantage) isn't the only benefit of having an elite ruck. The best rucks (Grundy, Gawn) are most damaging around the ground. Disposals, marks in D50, going forward and kicking goals etc etc.

Dawson is averaging less than 10 touches a game and taking 1 mark a game and hasn't kicked a goal all season (kicked 4 for his career).

 

[PMBangers]

He's been better than i thought he'd be, for sure. But he's most def a stop gap. And considering the resources you had, i doubt he was the best you could have done.

Agree regarding hitouts, your midfield is elite so you'll do fine in clearances regardless, but hit outs (to advantage) isn't the only benefit of having an elite ruck. The best rucks (Grundy, Gawn) are most damaging around the ground. Disposals, marks in D50, going forward and kicking goals etc etc.

Dawson is averaging less than 10 touches a game and taking 1 mark a game and hasn't kicked a goal all season (kicked 4 for his career).

Absolutely just a stop gap. I see your point with us having the ability to get a better ruck but I'd much rather us settle with Simpson for 1-2 seasons and bring Flynn up when he's ready than go out and use draft picks on another ruck. We're fortunate enough to have Briggs hitting some form as a 19-year-old as well who I'd expect we match a bid for which could mean next year we have 3 ruckmen ready to go for one spot, a good problem to have.

If it were up to me we'd have a Gawn or a Grundy, one can only imagine how good our midfield would be with that service and around the ground work

 

[Knightmare]

I dont feel you are giving player development enough credit.

certainly player identification is important, but player development is equally if not more important imo.

I think if a team is going to build through the draft then they have to double down on investing in scouting and coaching development. and i think thats where teams like Carlton etc have fallen over previously.

Player development is essential - that's why I rattle on about veteran leadership so much. It's an essential component and just as important as correct talent ID - though draft/trade etc. The veteran leaders assist the coaches in their duties - creating buy-in amongst the playing group, showing them how to do things properly, acting as coaches out on the field and ensuring the structures are not breaking down and making sure everyone is where they need to be.

Player development should get credited equally to correct talent ID, but an essential part of the player development process you're not getting anywhere without is that leadership from within the playing group. It's not yet understood by AFL list managers, but it should be among the most basic of understandings given the prominence it plays in so many other world sports and how highly in those sports it is valued by those better list managers.

 

[Candiru]

Hi Knightmare - assuming WC are looking for midfielders, who would you suggest? At this stage, I think they'll have a pick mid-teens as compensation for Gaff, and another in the early 20s (GC second-rounder). And then another pick in the mid-30s. Who is likely to be available at that point who ticks the boxes for WC? Valente?

 

[Harlequin Dream]

Player development is essential - that's why I rattle on about veteran leadership so much. It's an essential component and just as important as correct talent ID - though draft/trade etc. The veteran leaders assist the coaches in their duties - creating buy-in amongst the playing group, showing them how to do things properly, acting as coaches out on the field and ensuring the structures are not breaking down and making sure everyone is where they need to be.

Player development should get credited equally to correct talent ID, but an essential part of the player development process you're not getting anywhere without is that leadership from within the playing group. It's not yet understood by AFL list managers, but it should be among the most basic of understandings given the prominence it plays in so many other world sports and how highly in those sports it is valued by those better list managers.

In saying that, would it be crazy for a team like Carlton to pick up a player like Kyal Horsley despite his age. Very good captain of Subiaco and the recent WAFL sides, can play too.

 

[McCraeBF]

Hi Champ..

Your thoughts?
With Bulldogs not going to win another game this year see outs below:
Suckling
Wood
Smith
Campbell
Webb
Libba
Boyd
Adams
Redpath
Williams
Picken
Dale
Jong
Dickson

The ladder will look like this
18-Carl 12 points
17-G Coast 16 points
16-Bulldogs 20 points
15-Brisbane 20 points
14-St Kilda 26 points

I think this is what will play out.....

Carl-Walsh
Gold Coast-M King
Gold Coast trade Pick 3 to Adelaide for Picks 8,13,19-Lukosius
Bulldogs-Rankine
Lions-B.Smith
St Kilda-B King
Frem-Hately
Gold Coast-Collier-Dawkins
Ess-Taylor
North-Thomas

 

[eastfreo75]

Hi Champ..

Your thoughts?
With Bulldogs not going to win another game this year see outs below:
Suckling
Wood
Smith
Campbell
Webb
Libba
Boyd
Adams
Redpath
Williams
Picken
Dale
Jong
Dickson

The ladder will look like this
18-Carl 12 points
17-G Coast 16 points
16-Bulldogs 20 points
15-Brisbane 20 points
14-St Kilda 26 points

I think this is what will play out.....

Carl-Walsh
Gold Coast-M King
Gold Coast trade Pick 3 to Adelaide for Picks 8,13,19-Lukosius
Bulldogs-Rankine
Lions-B.Smith
St Kilda-B King
Frem-Hately
Gold Coast-Collier-Dawkins
Ess-Taylor
North-Thomas

Do you think that the Adelaide-Gold Coast will be first live trade? or do they do it in the trade period?

If the Blues take Lukosius, would the Crows take Rankine?

 

[McCraeBF]

Do you think that the Adelaide-Gold Coast will be first live trade? or do they do it in the trade period?

If the Blues take Lukosius, would the Crows take Rankine?

Carlton are all over Walsh

But Adelaide will pay overs for Lukosius

The smart play would be trading with Adelaide but

If.. it goes
1.Walsh
2.M.King
3.B.King

Pick could be dogs or brissie the Adelaide will trade up for sure and might leave Rankine as the bargain..

 

[Mofra]

Carlton are all over Walsh

But Adelaide will pay overs for Lukosius

The smart play would be trading with Adelaide but

If.. it goes
1.Walsh
2.M.King
3.B.King

Pick could be dogs or brissie the Adelaide will trade up for sure and might leave Rankine as the bargain..

Stop. Please stop.

 

[Chrizzt]

Hey KM, you talk sometimes about penetrating/damaging kicks as being long kicks, but I'm also interested in the guys that can consistently nail those low spearing passes to a teammate. Seems like distance can be improved but you rarely see a player "learn" to consistently kick spear-kicks.

Rankine certainly has this talent from what I've seen. Some Port people are excited by Rozee but I feel he floats his kicks too much. Who would be the top few players in this crop with this ability?

 

[M Malice]

Hey KM, you talk sometimes about penetrating/damaging kicks as being long kicks, but I'm also interested in the guys that can consistently nail those low spearing passes to a teammate. Seems like distance can be improved but you rarely see a player "learn" to consistently kick spear-kicks.

Rankine certainly has this talent from what I've seen. Some Port people are excited by Rozee but I feel he floats his kicks too much. Who would be the top few players in this crop with this ability?

Very under rated skill, Chris Johnson from our 3peat side was elite at those hard stab spearing kicks.

 

[Knightmare]

Hi Knightmare - assuming WC are looking for midfielders, who would you suggest? At this stage, I think they'll have a pick mid-teens as compensation for Gaff, and another in the early 20s (GC second-rounder). And then another pick in the mid-30s. Who is likely to be available at that point who ticks the boxes for WC? Valente?

Luke Valente and Jye Caldwell are two mids I can see going around that late teens/early 20s range.

Mid 30s, Jack Bytel is another mid who has the performances on the board and feels like a typical WCE selection - with the club traditionally liking those who at younger ages went well.

In saying that, would it be crazy for a team like Carlton to pick up a player like Kyal Horsley despite his age. Very good captain of Subiaco and the recent WAFL sides, can play too.

I see him as a fit. Probably not best 22 on other teams, but he's a solid mid and probably would be for Carlton. He is the type of guy who can come in. Just more ideal is those who have had more storied AFL careers as they're more likely to command respect.

Hi Champ..

Your thoughts?
With Bulldogs not going to win another game this year see outs below:
Suckling
Wood
Smith
Campbell
Webb
Libba
Boyd
Adams
Redpath
Williams
Picken
Dale
Jong
Dickson

The ladder will look like this
18-Carl 12 points
17-G Coast 16 points
16-Bulldogs 20 points
15-Brisbane 20 points
14-St Kilda 26 points

I think this is what will play out.....

Carl-Walsh
Gold Coast-M King
Gold Coast trade Pick 3 to Adelaide for Picks 8,13,19-Lukosius
Bulldogs-Rankine
Lions-B.Smith
St Kilda-B King
Frem-Hately
Gold Coast-Collier-Dawkins
Ess-Taylor
North-Thomas

As good a guess as any at this stage.

It's line ball at the moment as to whether Carlton take Lukosius with the view towards making Adelaide pay them for the combination of picks.

If they keep the pick, Walsh is believed to be favoured.

As for Dogs as you're a Dogs fan, I'm hearing interest in Rozee. Who is the best fit? Smith for mine. Rankine is another if there I'd be weighing up v Smith though and let their play over the second half determine who the better choice is - assuming availability.

Hey KM, you talk sometimes about penetrating/damaging kicks as being long kicks, but I'm also interested in the guys that can consistently nail those low spearing passes to a teammate. Seems like distance can be improved but you rarely see a player "learn" to consistently kick spear-kicks.

Rankine certainly has this talent from what I've seen. Some Port people are excited by Rozee but I feel he floats his kicks too much. Who would be the top few players in this crop with this ability?

Those types I talk about as lowering their eyes rather than just talking exclusively kicking. I also often talk up the decision making of these types.

Best short damaging kicks? It seems the case every year, but it's those AFL Academy boys that get that drilled into them and develop this skill better than others. Rankine, Smith, Walsh, Blakey, Valente and West are the better short kicks top of mind.

 

[Schtinker]

Player development is essential - that's why I rattle on about veteran leadership so much. It's an essential component and just as important as correct talent ID - though draft/trade etc. The veteran leaders assist the coaches in their duties - creating buy-in amongst the playing group, showing them how to do things properly, acting as coaches out on the field and ensuring the structures are not breaking down and making sure everyone is where they need to be.

Player development should get credited equally to correct talent ID, but an essential part of the player development process you're not getting anywhere without is that leadership from within the playing group. It's not yet understood by AFL list managers, but it should be among the most basic of understandings given the prominence it plays in so many other world sports and how highly in those sports it is valued by those better list managers.

This is why I can't understand why Gold Coast isn't playing Barlow. The guy is racking up 50+ disposals in the two's whilst the young guys are getting leadership from players who haven't bought into the club.

 

[ROYAL EAGLE]

Knightmare have you had the chance to look at Jacob Msando
Been very impressed with him for East Perth looks very good.
He is also a possible nga recruit for wce

 

[Knightmare]

This is why I can't understand why Gold Coast isn't playing Barlow. The guy is racking up 50+ disposals in the two's whilst the young guys are getting leadership from players who haven't bought into the club.

Absolutely agree on Barlow. I'd struggle to identify a team I wouldn't look to play him every week if I was a selector.

Their omission of Jarryd Lyons I also take exception to, and it's not the first time this year. He's the best player on their list. The selectors have lost their minds.

Knightmare have you had the chance to look at Jacob Msando
Been very impressed with him for East Perth looks very good.
He is also a possible nga recruit for wce

Haven't seen as he didn't play u18 champs for WA.

His numbers over the past couple of months look pretty reasonable. What should I know about his game?

 

[LittleG]

Absolutely agree on Barlow. I'd struggle to identify a team I wouldn't look to play him every week if I was a selector.

Their omission of Jarryd Lyons I also take exception to, and it's not the first time this year. He's the best player on their list. The selectors have lost their minds.



Haven't seen as he didn't play u18 champs for WA.

His numbers over the past couple of months look pretty reasonable. What should I know about his game?

Not that it will ever be admitted but Tanking?

Like not tagging JJ when you play the Bulldogs?

No need to reply just my take on the situation.

 

[footylover18]

Absolutely agree on Barlow. I'd struggle to identify a team I wouldn't look to play him every week if I was a selector.

Their omission of Jarryd Lyons I also take exception to, and it's not the first time this year. He's the best player on their list. The selectors have lost their minds.

People are looking at Barlow's numbers in the NEAFL and saying wtf, why isnt he playing. The reality is that he is genuinely cooked. A few weeks ago he had like 45 touches but literally a third of his possessions were a direct turnover. And this is in the NEAFL. Barlow will be able to get 40+ touches a week in the NEAFL till he's like 50y.o., he's a magnet and the NEAFL is not a strong competition. The last time we saw Barlow in the AFL it was extremely clear that he is genuinely cooked. The Suns are doing the right thing not playing him.

Not playing Lyons is an utter disgrace. The only explanation is that Dew is not a fan of him and I do wonder if Lyons might get moved on at the end of the year.

 

[gcsunsfc]

People are looking at Barlow's numbers in the NEAFL and saying wtf, why isnt he playing. The reality is that he is genuinely cooked. A few weeks ago he had like 45 touches but literally a third of his possessions were a direct turnover. And this is in the NEAFL. Barlow will be able to get 40+ touches a week in the NEAFL till he's like 50y.o., he's a magnet and the NEAFL is not a strong competition. The last time we saw Barlow in the AFL it was extremely clear that he is genuinely cooked. The Suns are doing the right thing not playing him.

Not playing Lyons is an utter disgrace. The only explanation is that Dew is not a fan of him and I do wonder if Lyons might get moved on at the end of the year.

Poor defensive running the cited reason for Lyons omission
His loose checking lead to easy Matt Wright goal from stoppage last week about 50m in front of me. Thats the only example I have but seems like it might be a consistent thing. Clearly Dew is very strong on this because he does a lot of good for the team.

 

[Michael Jezz]

Knightmare, Please take note of Harry Mackay's game today against quality opposition.....Show's incredible potential...note his contested marking

 

[footylover18]

Poor defensive running the cited reason for Lyons omission
His loose checking lead to easy Matt Wright goal from stoppage last week about 50m in front of me. Thats the only example I have but seems like it might be a consistent thing. Clearly Dew is very strong on this because he does a lot of good for the team.

haha, if he's dropping Lyons for that. then he can prob drop half the side for the same thing.

Lyons is your best stoppage player and one of the best clearance players in the comp.

Its clowning Lyons by making an example of him. I would not be surprised to see him ask out.

 

[gcsunsfc]

haha, if he's dropping Lyons for that. then he can prob drop half the side for the same thing.

Lyons is your best stoppage player and one of the best clearance players in the comp.

Its clowning Lyons by making an example of him. I would not be surprised to see him ask out.

Yeah everyone bit mystified.

 

[dlanod]

haha, if he's dropping Lyons for that. then he can prob drop half the side for the same thing.

Lyons is your best stoppage player and one of the best clearance players in the comp.

Its clowning Lyons by making an example of him. I would not be surprised to see him ask out.

He has been dropping half the side every second week, which I'm guessing isn't doing wonders either.

 

[Cleric]

Knightmare did you hear anything about why Nathan Kreuger didnt get picked up last year? Has had a really good year in the SANFL seniors and is bulking up to be quite a big guy. Has a very good ability to mark the ball at its highest point, strong hands and can play back, forward and mid.