Draft Watcher Knightmare's 2018 AFL Draft Almanac

[Knightmare]

Getting in a early KM but who are the family links we should be read about in next year's draft outside of Noah Anderson and Finn Maginness?

Can't say I've given next years draft a moments thought.

I don't follow the u16s, so a lot of the family links for next years draft I'm not yet aware of. Still getting my head around all this years long list of father son and academy prospects.

 

[RedmanWasHere]

Can't say I've given next years draft a moments thought.

I don't follow the u16s, so a lot of the family links for next years draft I'm not yet aware of. Still getting my head around all this years long list of father son and academy prospects.

Not to mention non father son prospects and cousins/nephews/sons of non Football players.

 

[PMBangers]

Lot of footy to played but two prospects I'm really excited for and want at the giants are Matthew Green and Bailey Williams, where abouts do you see the two of them going?

 

[Knightmare]

Lot of footy to played but two prospects I'm really excited for and want at the giants are Matthew Green and Bailey Williams, where abouts do you see the two of them going?

Bailey Williams I liked a lot having watched him last year. Incredible leaper! He could sneak in late first round or feature second round.

Matthew Green at this stage is a mid-late draft chance. He was fairly quiet yesterday and while he has attributes he needs to have more positive moments, more often and get stronger.

Both may be possible gets for the Giants.

 

[PMBangers]

Bailey Williams I liked a lot having watched him last year. Incredible leaper! He could sneak in late first round or feature second round.

Matthew Green at this stage is a mid-late draft chance. He was fairly quiet yesterday and while he has attributes he needs to have more positive moments, more often and get stronger.

Both may be possible gets for the Giants.

Great news, I'd be happy using pick 15+ on Williams but am shocked to hear Green is so far down your rankings, if we could get him with a 3rd round pick as well as our academy product Walker I'd be very happy with that draft haul

 

[Bicks]

Knightmare I'm intrigued as to why Brodie Grundy's brother SA's Riley Grundy hasn't had more focus from the draft watchers, an athletic 195cm KPP, member of the SA U18 squad that ran an outstanding 2.91 for the 20m sprint at the state testing in December? Thoughts?

 

[Pieeyeinthesky]

Great news, I'd be happy using pick 15+ on Williams but am shocked to hear Green is so far down your rankings, if we could get him with a 3rd round pick as well as our academy product Walker I'd be very happy with that draft haul

GWS plays NT on Saturday at Blacktown. Should see Green.


On iPhone using BigFooty.com mobile app

 

[HedgeFund]

Knightmare I'm intrigued as to why Brodie Grundy's brother SA's Riley Grundy hasn't had more focus from the draft watchers, an athletic 195cm KPP, member of the SA U18 squad that ran an outstanding 2.91 for the 20m sprint at the state testing in December? Thoughts?

Isn’t it common for most focus to fall on AFL Academy players (who history shows are an 85 - 90% chance of getting drafted) until the championships are played (where probably 70% of the likely draftees are on show), culminating in various state based finals campaigns, where the “smokeys” start to come to light.

If I’m right, then the Grundy watching will start in earnest in a couple of months’ time.

 

[Chris25]

Knightmare I'm intrigued as to why Brodie Grundy's brother SA's Riley Grundy hasn't had more focus from the draft watchers, an athletic 195cm KPP, member of the SA U18 squad that ran an outstanding 2.91 for the 20m sprint at the state testing in December? Thoughts?

None of the draft watchers have seen any of the South Australians yet.

 

[GreyCrow]

Subscribed for the 3 x 1st Rounders the AFC are looking for

 

[eDPS]

None of the draft watchers have seen any of the South Australians yet.

Well the ones that have played champs and academy. Not in person but I watched the trial game this year aswell, it’s limited exposure but better than nothing.

 

[HedgeFund]

Well the ones that have played champs and academy. Not in person but I watched the trial game this year aswell, it’s limited exposure but better than nothing.

From all reports the SA players in the Academy team went OK on Saturday.

Only one game, but it was apparently an even performance by the group. So I’m sure Lukosius, Rankine, Hateley, et al did what was expected (without standing head and shoulders above the others).

 

[eDPS]

From all reports the SA players in the Academy team went OK on Saturday.

Only one game, but it was apparently an even performance by the group. So I’m sure Lukosius, Rankine, Hateley, et al did what was expected (without standing head and shoulders above the others).

Rankine didnt play in the academy game and im sure he would have had an influence as he usually does. If anybody enhanced their draft position from the academy it was Jackson Hately

 

[Tbonefreo]

Subscribed for the 3 x 1st Rounders the AFC are looking for

3x first rounders?

 

[GreyCrow]

3x first rounders?

Always hopeful. Already have 2 (Melbournes 1st , Adelaides 1st) and Carltons 2nd. If Carlton finish 2nd bottom or bottom we have 3 under 20 . If Sloane or Lynch goes we are hopeful of a 3rd 1st. Its all hope.

Adelaide have 15,16 and 19 based on current ladder positions

 

[ItsAllAboutMe]

A few videos I have seen of Lukosius as impressive as he is, he seems to double grab marks far too frequently for my liking. Is this a trend that others had noticed and is it a concern at the next level when the closing speed of defenders is obviously far superior to that at SANFL level.

Also how come Rankine has not played the first 2 games of the year at West Adelaide?

 

[Blue fish]

A few videos I have seen of Lukosius as impressive as he is, he seems to double grab marks far too frequently for my liking. Is this a trend that others had noticed and is it a concern at the next level when the closing speed of defenders is obviously far superior to that at SANFL level.

Also how come Rankine has not played the first 2 games of the year at West Adelaide?

Rankine is suspended for the first 3 games for striking in the trial match.

 

[GreyCrow]

A few videos I have seen of Lukosius as impressive as he is, he seems to double grab marks far too frequently for my liking. Is this a trend that others had noticed and is it a concern at the next level when the closing speed of defenders is obviously far superior to that at SANFL level.

Also how come Rankine has not played the first 2 games of the year at West Adelaide?

Your first paragraph is something I have noticed more and more with new players.

It happens at AFL level as well. I wonder if it is a taught thing to if not mark the ball to keep it in front

 

[Knightmare]

Great news, I'd be happy using pick 15+ on Williams but am shocked to hear Green is so far down your rankings, if we could get him with a 3rd round pick as well as our academy product Walker I'd be very happy with that draft haul

Green hasn't done much and is still very much someone who needs a strong season to get drafted. Just the three disposals v North Melbourne was a team low. He's a type who might get picked late because he has the attributes (speed/skill/composure) and scope to develop. But he's a project player who will take time to develop the ball winning capabilities and physical strength to hold up at senior level.

Knightmare I'm intrigued as to why Brodie Grundy's brother SA's Riley Grundy hasn't had more focus from the draft watchers, an athletic 195cm KPP, member of the SA U18 squad that ran an outstanding 2.91 for the 20m sprint at the state testing in December? Thoughts?

I'm aware of Grundy but have not to my knowledge seen him live.

He was in Sturt's best in his first two SANFL u18 games for the season which is a start.

His performances haven't been so noteworthy yet that I've felt like he has deserved a mentioned with just the 10 disposals in each game, with 4 and 3 marks respectively in each.

I look forward to seeing him during the U18 Champs, but I wouldn't be getting my hopes up that he's anywhere near as good as Brodie. He's not a certain draft choice, just one who may be picked with a strong season.

A few videos I have seen of Lukosius as impressive as he is, he seems to double grab marks far too frequently for my liking. Is this a trend that others had noticed and is it a concern at the next level when the closing speed of defenders is obviously far superior to that at SANFL level.

Also how come Rankine has not played the first 2 games of the year at West Adelaide?

A good pickup with Lukosius, and you're right he can here/there be two grab though I've found him to be pretty good normally. His marking is the one thing to nitpick that could be better. Otherwise he's Nick Riewoldt with a much sweeter kick. It would be interesting if there is anyone out there with details of his arm length and hand size, as that could be telling as to his potential to develop as a mark.

Rankine missed due to suspension. No doubt he would have added a lot if available for selection.

 

[Knightmare]

AFL Draft weekly wrap with a focus on North Melbourne Next Gen Academy prospect Tarryn Thomas: http://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/...mber-tarryn-thomas-shines-north-melbourne-vfl

Rhylee West (Western Bulldogs) and Ben Silvagni (Carlton) are two father sons I also again mention.

 

[db26]

Gday Knightmare who do you like out of Tigers academy kids.Ajak Dang had a good game on the weekend is he a fullback and Solomon looks good to.That's our zone below.
Anthony Walker
Kyle Clarke
Coen Cooper
Ajak Dang
Kai Madgwick
Phillip Moi Moi
Kailen Walker
Phillip Solomon
David Smith

 

[kaistar]

Gday Knight,
Just a couple things. So I’ve noticed that al Richards has appeared among various draft boards and seems to be in contention from playing underage for sandi in the grand final last year. I’ve played against al from under 9s until last year and although he’s a good footballer. He would never dominate as his only trait seemed to be his athleticism and speed. He’s ridiculously quick and can jump really high but really can’t kick up to even division 1 SMJFL standard let alone TAC cup or AFL standard. No hate towards him at all, he’s always appeared to be a top bloke but just finding it hard to see how he’s rated this highly. Other than the occasional 200m run down the wing, where no one could catch him, I don’t really see many traits to his game. Just wanna know your thoughts on him and why he’s attracting interest. Cheers. Also wanted to ask
Considering, I’ve also played against bailey smith for years as he and Al both played for east malvern together. Bailey always dominated and last year in a local match I actually was asked to tag him and he’s a hell of a footballer. Does possess great leadership as well and everyone seems to look up to him, justifying him being annoted sandi captain. Just seems to rack up disposals at an insane level and more devoted to becoming an afl footballer then anyone else. Do you think he’s a chance to be selected in the top 5, come November?

 

[HedgeFund]

Gday Knight,
Just a couple things. So I’ve noticed that al Richards has appeared among various draft boards and seems to be in contention from playing underage for sandi in the grand final last year. I’ve played against al from under 9s until last year and although he’s a good footballer. He would never dominate as his only trait seemed to be his athleticism and speed. He’s ridiculously quick and can jump really high but really can’t kick up to even division 1 SMJFL standard let alone TAC cup or AFL standard. No hate towards him at all, he’s always appeared to be a top bloke but just finding it hard to see how he’s rated this highly. Other than the occasional 200m run down the wing, where no one could catch him, I don’t really see many traits to his game. Just wanna know your thoughts on him and why he’s attracting interest. Cheers. Also wanted to ask
Considering, I’ve also played against bailey smith for years as he and Al both played for east malvern together. Bailey always dominated and last year in a local match I actually was asked to tag him and he’s a hell of a footballer. Does possess great leadership as well and everyone seems to look up to him, justifying him being annoted sandi captain. Just seems to rack up disposals at an insane level and more devoted to becoming an afl footballer then anyone else. Do you think he’s a chance to be selected in the top 5, come November?

If you’re at a loose end on Saturday, you should pop into Ikon Park and watch Al Richards playing in the Metro v Country trial game.

You might be surprised at how his kicking and contested football craft has improved in the past 18 months.

He wouldn’t be playing in one of those games if his kicking was not even up to local footy standard (as you claim). If you drop by, you can make your own assessment.

 

[Eastcoasteagle]

Hi Knightmare, I noticed in your latest power rankings you didn't have Luke English? Any reason for that?

I read he kicked 3 and 35 odd disposals in his first colts game this year. Obviously won the Jack Clarke medal last year as an under ager. Think he polled equal highest votes ever. Surely this guy has to be top 5 midfielder in draft.

 

[Sin City]

If you’re at a loose end on Saturday, you should pop into Ikon Park and watch Al Richards playing in the Metro v Country trial game.

You might be surprised at how his kicking and contested football craft has improved in the past 18 months.

He wouldn’t be playing in one of those games if his kicking was not even up to local footy standard (as you claim). If you drop by, you can make your own assessment.

I've only seen him in round two this year but I thought he had a terrific game and yes, got a tick for his kicking.