Draft Watcher Knightmare's 2018 AFL Draft Almanac

[briztoon]

It is not often that there are a couple of guys that are as highly rated as these two that might be available in the top 5 or 6. With GC losing Lynch and May being and unknown if he stays or not, it looks like the perfect opportunity for them to grab these two lads to stock up as high quality pillars at both ends. As I have mentioned, if my 2 first choice players are off the board at our 1st pick whatever that may be (and for the record I am 99.999% sure Rankine will be a crow, but that is for another forum), I would hope the club seriously consider drafting either of the king twins if either is still there with our 1st pick as they look very good structurally going forward and as you know we are not lacking good KPP's atm

Edit: Oh, and thanks Knightmare for your reply

As a Lions fan, I would very much like the draft to go as follows:
1. Carlton - Sam Walsh*
2. Gold Coast - Max King
3. Gold Coast - Ben King
4. St Kilda - Jack Lukosius
5. Brisbane - Bailey Smith*

But a majority of Brisbane fans probably would like Sam Walsh and Bailey Smith to swap places.

 

[Hazelsnuts]

Brayshaw has played the better football at AFL level this year. No debate.

I'm still liking LDU more over the long run though. He's coming good and has the attributes to become impactful at the next level. He has the scope both as a mid and a forward to hurt you. Has the explosiveness. 1v1 marking strength. Has the contested ball winning power and can hit it on the move at speed. He has the better game and if he puts in the work should be the better of the two.

Brayshaw is a JSelwood clone, I’d take him any day over LDU who is a good player don’t get me wrong, but young Sitcks loves the contested ball.
He is all guts and jam tart.

 

[eDPS]

Brayshaw is a JSelwood clone, I’d take him any day over LDU who is a good player don’t get me wrong, but young Sitcks loves the contested ball.
He is all guts and jam tart.

Of all players to compare to Selwood I don’t think Brayshaw is one of them, for me he has way more class with disposal, Selwood is a contested machine and I wouldn’t say that’s Brayshaws go, maybe Angus but not Andrew.

 

[Walkingwounded]

Of all players to compare to Selwood I don’t think Brayshaw is one of them, for me he has way more class with disposal, Selwood is a contested machine and I wouldn’t say that’s Brayshaws go, maybe Angus but not Andrew.

In his first year the stat comparison favour Selwood, but not by much. Selwood played in a winning team, Andrew a non winning team!

I suspect the comparison is more a individual willing to put body on the line and team first attitude.

Both players have it in spades.

 

[Knightmare]

How do you compare the King twins to the likes of Schache, Boyd, Patton KM?

Max I rate similarly to Boyd/Patton as a prospect going into his draft. Well ahead of Schache who I felt was overrated in his draft year.

Ben while much better as a key back is more similar to Schache on projected quality going into the draft.

Fans of Carlton, Gold Coast and Brisbane all feel we are adequately stocked for tall options. I know Gold Coast fans and Brisbane fans look to a few of our academy talls who haven't yet played AFL as providing depth and may be future starters.

Brisbane has three, two (KPF/Ruck Connor Ballenden and KPD Jack Payne) who were drafted last year, and a third (Tom Fullarton KPF) who we signed as Cat B rookie as we brought him back from Basketball.

Gold Coast has academy graduate who they drafted last year, Brayden Crossley KPF/Ruck. Another tall KPD they look to draft this year, and more coming through their academy.

Carlton have a lot of young KPP draftees from recent drafts developing as well.

Saints fans might think the same with their recent KPP draftees as well.

Gold Coast definitely need talls. With Lynch leaving, Wright and Crossley are their only tall forwards who look like long term options, and Crossley I'd look at eventually as more of a ruckman. Charlie Ballard I like and he may also be able to play some forward but isn't being used that way at present.

Down back they have May. Will he stay long term? Thompson is ok, but not fantastic. No options I like after that.

Saints also need a good key forward.

Brisbane and Carlton also could do with key forwards, though other needs are likely to be prioritised by both clubs.

 

[Hazelsnuts]

Of all players to compare to Selwood I don’t think Brayshaw is one of them, for me he has way more class with disposal, Selwood is a contested machine and I wouldn’t say that’s Brayshaws go, maybe Angus but not Andrew.

Agree to disagree.
Brayshaw is measured and consistent with his disposal, but he is at every contest when on the ground- I don’t know where you get that it isn’t Andrews go.
I see every game and his forte is tackling - in and under - repeat effort after repeat effort to exhaustion.

 

[theGav56]

As a Lions fan, I would very much like the draft to go as follows:
1. Carlton - Sam Walsh*
2. Gold Coast - Max King
3. Gold Coast - Ben King
4. St Kilda - Jack Lukosius
5. Brisbane - Bailey Smith*

But a majority of Brisbane fans probably would like Sam Walsh and Bailey Smith to swap places.

You mean we get Rankine....yeeeeha!

 

[Hazelsnuts]

Knightmare, I know everyone is constantly asking but with Freo having pick 5/6, who do you think we should go at. We have talls, though average or potential to develop, imo we really need an explosive mid/forward.
On the weekend against the Cats it was so evident we lack quality midfield depth, who do you think best fits that need?
We have Brayshaw, Cerra (hopefully long term) - would you go insurance on a pure mid or a player in the mound of Rankine, I Hill?
Hill being the obvious link to Freo because of his cousins, but a stretch at 5/6 definitely I think.
Do we downgrade to get two picks one/couple in the teens and one in the twenties?

 

[Knightmare]

Brayshaw is a JSelwood clone, I’d take him any day over LDU who is a good player don’t get me wrong, but young Sitcks loves the contested ball.
He is all guts and jam tart.

I don't see them as all that similar. I don't see Brayshaw being that same volume ball winner. I see his output as being closer to Scott Selwood's, though I see him as a more skilled version.

 

[Knightmare]

Knightmare, I know everyone is constantly asking but with Freo having pick 5/6, who do you think we should go at. We have talls, though average or potential to develop, imo we really need an explosive mid/forward.
On the weekend against the Cats it was so evident we lack quality midfield depth, who do you think best fits that need?
We have Brayshaw, Cerra (hopefully long term) - would you go insurance on a pure mid or a player in the mound of Rankine, I Hill?
Hill being the obvious link to Freo because of his cousins, but a stretch at 5/6 definitely I think.
Do we downgrade to get two picks one/couple in the teens and one in the twenties?

Bailey Smith if there, Rankine if there. They're the two top talents who could plausibly be available. Max King in the surprising scenario he slides.

Rankine is the guy if you want someone who can do damage as a forward and also push through the mids.

Smith as a mid does have the explosion though as a mid as well as the ball winning.

I'd hold firm on Fremantle's pick personally. It feels like a potential sweet spot where a high value prospect could make it through to. Those best 1-8 talents in this draft are as impressive as you'll get any year.

Hill I wouldn't personally take inside the first round. He's a talent. But he's a 175cm, low production type who hasn't progressed this season. He's someone I'd allow another side to take. If there in the second round, he wouldn't be a bad get.

 

[eDPS]

Agree to disagree.
Brayshaw is measured and consistent with his disposal, but he is at every contest when on the ground- I don’t know where you get that it isn’t Andrews go.
I see every game and his forte is tackling - in and under - repeat effort after repeat effort to exhaustion.

What I liked about him in his draft year was his class and decision making and his ability to finish infront of goal was a bonus. Sure he could win his own ball but it was what he did on the outside with his skill that impressed me more than anything.

 

[Hazelsnuts]

Bailey Smith if there, Rankine if there. They're the two top talents who could plausibly be available. Max King in the surprising scenario he slides.

Rankine is the guy if you want someone who can do damage as a forward and also push through the mids.

Smith as a mid does have the explosion though as a mid as well as the ball winning.

I'd hold firm on Fremantle's pick personally. It feels like a potential sweet spot where a high value prospect could make it through to. Those best 1-8 talents in this draft are as impressive as you'll get any year.

Hill I wouldn't personally take inside the first round. He's a talent. But he's a 175cm, low production type who hasn't progressed this season. He's someone I'd allow another side to take. If there in the second round, he wouldn't be a bad get.

Thanks.... personally I would be amazed if we got the opportunity for Rankine if he slipped to us as I see it two ways.
If he gets to our pick I reckon the Crows would be throwing a couple of first rounders at us during live trading to get him, however if he doesn’t have the go home yips in his interview I’d start the car and run off with him.
Bailey Smith I would also be over the moon with, maybe even a bid on Tarryn Thomas if he’s worth a crack depending on who’s been already picked.

 

[Hazelsnuts]

What I liked about him in his draft year was his class and decision making and his ability to finish infront of goal was a bonus. Sure he could win his own ball but it was what he did on the outside with his skill that impressed me more than anything.

Just going on what I’ve seen first hand at our games, watching the whole field. He is in everything when he is on the ground, bonus to know that you rate his outside game so highly as with more games and experience in the 1’s he looks like a very savvy pick - even at 2 when most thought he was overrated.

 

[foodles05]

Bailey Smith if there, Rankine if there. They're the two top talents who could plausibly be available. Max King in the surprising scenario he slides.

Rankine is the guy if you want someone who can do damage as a forward and also push through the mids.

Smith as a mid does have the explosion though as a mid as well as the ball winning.

I'd hold firm on Fremantle's pick personally. It feels like a potential sweet spot where a high value prospect could make it through to. Those best 1-8 talents in this draft are as impressive as you'll get any year.

Hill I wouldn't personally take inside the first round. He's a talent. But he's a 175cm, low production type who hasn't progressed this season. He's someone I'd allow another side to take. If there in the second round, he wouldn't be a bad get.

Agreed I have watched quite a bit of rankine over the last two years and he reminds me of a Michael Walters with more talent. The ability to go through the middle but also be incredibly damaging up forward.

 

[HedgeFund]

Agree to disagree.
Brayshaw is measured and consistent with his disposal, but he is at every contest when on the ground- I don’t know where you get that it isn’t Andrews go.
I see every game and his forte is tackling - in and under - repeat effort after repeat effort to exhaustion.

Maybe he’s a Joel Selwood with better footskills and less tendency to play for free kicks at contests?

 

[HedgeFund]

Just going on what I’ve seen first hand at our games, watching the whole field. He is in everything when he is on the ground, bonus to know that you rate his outside game so highly as with more games and experience in the 1’s he looks like a very savvy pick - even at 2 when most thought he was overrated.

Yes....most....not all

 

[GUMBLETRON]

I don't see them as all that similar. I don't see Brayshaw being that same volume ball winner. I see his output as being closer to Scott Selwood's, though I see him as a more skilled version.

Scott Selwood had no trouble getting the ball before his injuries. Was regularly winning 30+ despite being played predominantly as a tagger back in 2012-13.

 

[Knightmare]

Scott Selwood had no trouble getting the ball before his injuries. Was regularly winning 30+ despite being played predominantly as a tagger back in 2012-13.

That's why I mention him and roughly his numbers.

I see Brayshaw getting enough of it and like Scott having those high end tackle numbers, but just being a better kicking version of someone with that kind of output, though more as a balanced mid rather than tagger.

 

[GUMBLETRON]

That's why I mention him and roughly his numbers.

My point is he was getting almost as many as his big brother, and when allowed to play freely often more.

 

[curnow inferno]

hi km,
I read earlier this week that a lot of afl recruiters are starting to think this year is not so much a super draft as everyone thought and is actually on par with most other drafts with the main difference being the bevy of key position players likely to go early. do you subscribe to this theory or do you believe this draft is actually what it is hyped to be?

also you mentioned walsh seems to be a similar player to josh Kelly with his inside/outside ability but without the skills & composure. do you think walsh's speed & other attributes make him a better prospect than Kelly at same age given you rated him at no.14 in his draft year? or if Kelly developed much more at afl level than expected, do you think walsh could become someone who has as much impact (in his own way) as a mid like a Kelly has been able to have in the afl?

 

[Knightmare]

hi km,
I read earlier this week that a lot of afl recruiters are starting to think this year is not so much a super draft as everyone thought and is actually on par with most other drafts with the main difference being the bevy of key position players likely to go early. do you subscribe to this theory or do you believe this draft is actually what it is hyped to be?

also you mentioned walsh seems to be a similar player to josh Kelly with his inside/outside ability but without the skills & composure. do you think walsh's speed & other attributes make him a better prospect than Kelly at same age given you rated him at no.14 in his draft year? or if Kelly developed much more at afl level than expected, do you think walsh could become someone who has as much impact (in his own way) as a mid like a Kelly has been able to have in the afl?

It's not a super draft. But it's a draft I like, particularly up the pointy end.

We may have the best pick 1 (or wherever he goes in Lukosius) we have seen. That top three in more years than not could would with pick 1. The best 8 would all fit into the top 5 in any draft. The top end KPP options are high end.

Then there is also likely a historic number of father-son and academy prospects set to get taken.

They're the elements with this draft that make it particularly interesting.

Take those dynamics out of the equation and this draft reverts roughly back to what you would get most years. SA have a particularly strong crop, Tasmania strong than in usual years. Victoria relatively weaker than normal. It evens out.

 

[The Bandwagon]

Knightmare I've noticed Idun isn't getting a mention anywhere in phantom drafts despite gaining selection for Vic Country and being invited to the combine. He's a Geelong next generation academy player so i'm interested in your thoughts on where you see him in the pecking order of this years draft.

 

[Knightmare]

Knightmare I've noticed Idun isn't getting a mention anywhere in phantom drafts despite gaining selection for Vic Country and being invited to the combine. He's a Geelong next generation academy player so i'm interested in your thoughts on where you see him in the pecking order of this years draft.

Is Idun part of Geelong's Academy? He's not down on my list as being in their Academy.

He's one later in the draft who can come into consideration as a strong bodied, 190cm key defender who can also play forward. He's strong, strong mark, reads it in flight well.

Probably more a 3rd tall defender at AFL level.

 

[Pie 4 Life]

Is Idun part of Geelong's Academy? He's not down on my list as being in their Academy.

He's one later in the draft who can come into consideration as a strong bodied, 190cm key defender who can also play forward. He's strong, strong mark, reads it in flight well.

Probably more a 3rd tall defender at AFL level.

Idun isn’t, you’re right. Schlensog and Nyak are the Cats NGAs.

 

[jakefooty23]

Of all players to compare to Selwood I don’t think Brayshaw is one of them, for me he has way more class with disposal, Selwood is a contested machine and I wouldn’t say that’s Brayshaws go, maybe Angus but not Andrew.

Agreed, Andy's to much of a pussy to be compared to selwood