Draft Watcher Knightmare's 2019 Draft Almanac

Knightmare · Feb 4, 2019

Knightmare · Feb 4, 2019

November AFL Draft Power Rankings: https://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/id/28148905/afl-draft-power-rankings-late-bolters-make-their-run

1. Matthew Rowell

Best position: Inside midfield/outside midfield

Height, weight: 180cm, 78kg

Recruited from: Oakleigh Chargers

Projected draft range: 1-2

Plays like: Joel Selwood

October Ranking: 1

Rationale: Rises to the occasion like no other and has built a reputation as a big game player. He has earned back-to-back medals for best on ground in TAC Cup/NAB League Grand Finals, during the Under-17 All-Stars Grand Final curtain raiser and in the Under-18 vs. Casey clash earlier in the year. Rowell is likely to have the most immediate impact in this draft.

Strengths: Performances on the biggest of stages, plays with urgency and displays a rare will to win and make winning plays in big moments, consistency, attack on the ball, contested ball-winning, wins the ball on the move at speed, aggressive tackler, comfortable at stoppages as either the ball winner or receiver, distribution by hand, strength to keeps his feet through tackles and dispose of the ball, explosive acceleration, run and carry, endurance, evasion, two way running, work rate, movement without the ball, run in support, always leading up at the football to provide a leadup option, versatility to play inside or outside midfield, overhead marking, intercept marking, leadership and voice on the field

Weaknesses: Often slow to move the ball on after marks and free kicks, hurt factor and consistency by foot, unclear scope to play forward

2. Noah Anderson

Best position: Inside midfield/general forward

Height, weight: 191cm, 87kg

Recruited from: Oakleigh Chargers

Projected draft range: 1-2

Plays like: Jordan De Goey

October Ranking: 2

Rationale: A match winner who breaks games open in the matter of minutes. One of the most influential in the pool whether he's used as a midfielder or forward. Anderson's influence both as a forward and midfielder set him apart from Rowell and Green. Anderson places behind Rowell with a productive but not as influential finals series the clincher.

Strengths: Impact per possession, moments where he individually takes games over, versatility to impact games through the midfield, forward or back, first possession winner at stoppages, contested ball winning, distribution by hand, threat one-out in the goal square, work at ground level inside 50m, crumbing, reading of the ball in flight, overhead marking inside 50m, finds space inside 50m, scoreboard impact, instinctive finisher around goal and from around the 50m arc, hurt factor by foot, vision, moves the ball on aggressively, spread from the contest, explosive line breaker, endurance, work rate, agility, evasion, repeat speed, two way run

Weaknesses: Inconsistency across four quarters, has quiet patches where his impact isn't felt, kicking consistency

3. Thomas Green (Greater Western Sydney Academy)

Best position: Inside midfield

Height, weight: 188cm, 85kg

Recruited from: GWS Giants

Projected draft range: 3-5

Plays like: Patrick Cripps

October Ranking: 3

Rationale: The most prolific first possession winner at stoppages I've seen at this age and stage.

Strengths: First possession winner at stoppages, contested ball winning, wins clearances, reading of the ball off the hands of the ruckmen, hunts ground balls with a greater want than any other, distribution by hand, strength through the hips to stand up through tackles, capabilities forward of centre, marking threat on the lead and inside 50m, overhead marking, reading of the drop of the ball, scoreboard impact, production on the board in the NEAFL, composure, vision, reliable skills, leadership and encouragement of teammates on the field, evasion, work rate

Weaknesses: Agility, athleticism

4. Sam Flanders

Best position: General forward/inside midfield

Height, weight: 182cm, 81kg

Recruited from: Gippsland Power

Projected draft range: 5-10

Plays like: Robbie Gray

October Ranking: 4

Rationale: One of the draft's most damaging forward of centre and shows continued improvement as a ball-winning midfielder. His finals performance against Oakleigh -- where he outplayed projected top-two choices Rowell and Anderson -- reminded recruiters that despite playing mostly midfield this year, forward of centre, only Anderson at his best is comparable.

Strengths: Scoreboard impact, threat one-out in the goal square, overhead marking, one-on-one marking, aerial marking, leadup marking, keeps his feet, low centre of gravity, reading of the drop of the ball, crumbing, contested ball winning, loose ball winner, first possession winner at stoppages, quick and clean hands in close, aggressive tackler, strength through the hips to stand up through tackles, explosive acceleration, agility, vertical leap, takes on the game, hurt-factor by foot, finishing around goal, vision, leadership and voice out on the field

Weaknesses: Effective but not as influential through the midfield as he can be up forward, consistency, with body very physically advanced ceiling may be lower than some other top end prospects, sometimes rushes kicks without assessing best options

5. Brodie Kemp

Best position: Inside midfield/tall utility

Height, weight: 192cm, 89kg

Recruited from: Bendigo Pioneers

Projected draft range: 5-15

Plays like: Marcus Bontempelli

October Ranking: 5

Rationale: Among the midfielders or tall utilities with the greatest upside in the pool, Kemp made big plays in big moments during the Under-18 Championships. He sustained a season-ending ACL tear which likely will keep him out for the next year.

Strengths: Stands up in the big moments, versatility to impact games in any position other than ruck, acceleration, breaks the lines at high speed, movement and evasion through traffic, wins first possession at stoppages on the move, wins ground balls on the move, ground ball winning, distribution by hand, intercept marking, reading of the ball in flight, aerial marking, one-on-one marking, leadup marking, contested marking, marking forward of centre, threat one-out in the goal square, hurt factor by foot, places kicks out in front of targets to lead onto, vision

Weaknesses: Needs to find more of the ball to become a top tier midfielder, consistency over four quarters, unclear best position

6. Fischer McAsey

Best position: Key defence

Height, weight: 197cm, 93kg

Recruited from: Sandringham Dragons

Projected draft range: 5-15

Plays like: Darcy Moore

October Ranking: 14

Rationale: Winner of Vic Metro's MVP, he is the premier key defender in this draft. On review of his Under-18 Championships, his updated measurements, McAsey rises up draft board.

Strengths: Intercept marking, reads of the drop of the ball, reads the ball early in flight, contested marking, marking on the lead, aerial marking, attack on ball aerially, one-touch overhead mark, closing speed, leap, clean at ground level, aggressive spoiling, reliable kick out in front of targets to lead onto, courageous, tackling, versatility to hold down key position posts at either end though looks at his best in defence

Weaknesses: One-on-one strength, one-on-one marking

7. Deven Robertson

Best position: Inside midfield

Height, weight: 184cm, 81kg

Recruited from: Perth

Projected draft range: 5-15

Plays like: Adam Treloar

October Ranking: 8

Rationale: Nephew of Darren Glass, Robertson is one of the most productive ball-winning midfielders in the pool. Robertson won the Larke Medal for the best player during the Under-18 Championships and was as consistent and influential as any during the carnival. One of the most ready-to-go midfielders and rises on review of Under-18 Championships play.

Strengths: Attack on the ball, contested ball winning, freakish reflexes on ground ball pickups, stoppage work, distribution by hand, work rate, moves the ball on quickly, endurance, speed, run and carry, agility, evasion, tackling, pressure around the ground, courage, leadership on and off the field, performances on the board during the Under-18 Championships

Weaknesses: Scoreboard impact, kicking under pressure, kicking reliability, unclear versatility

8. Dylan Stephens

Best position: Outside midfield

Height, weight: 183cm, 74kg

Recruited from: Norwood

Projected draft range: 5-15

Plays like: Lachie Hunter

October Ranking: 11

Rationale: Review of Stephens' SANFL League play leads to rise up rankings.

Strengths: Endurance, agility, speed, run and carry, movement without the ball, work rate, leading up at the football and multiple leads in general play, loose ball winning, reliable ball user, versatility to play midfield in an inside or outside role or as a forward, tackling, pressure around the ground, scoreboard impact, performances at SANFL League level

Weaknesses: Size, strength

9. Lachlan Ash

Best position: General defence

Height, weight: 187cm, 83kg

Recruited from: Murray Bushrangers

Projected draft range: 4-15

Plays like: Kade Simpson

October Ranking: 7

Rationale: A well-rounded defender who intercepts and damages the opposition with his run and hurt-factor by foot from defence. Drops as others rise.

Strengths: Line-breaking run and carry, daring runner who will take on opponents, agility, evasion, endurance, damaging kick, vision, hits meaningful targets by foot in the corridor, intercept marking, reading of the ball in flight, ground ball-winning, tackling, forward pressure, versatility to push up through the midfield

Weaknesses: Prone to trying to do too much with ball in hand, contested ball winning, midfield craft

10. Hayden Young

Best position: General defence/midfield

Height, weight: 188cm, 83kg

Recruited from: Dandenong Stingrays

Projected draft range: 3-15

Plays like: Christian Salem

October Ranking: 6

Rationale: Provides consistent drive from defence with his work by foot a highlight. Drops slightly behind Ash on review due to less speed and lesser running capabilities.

Strengths: Precise and damaging kick who places ball out in front of targets to lead onto, vision, decision making under pressure, aggressive attack on the ball, contested ball winning, stoppage work, run and carry, agility, leap, one-on-one defence, one-on-one marking, defensive accountability, reading of the drop of the ball, intercept marking, courage, second and third efforts, versatility to play defence or midfield

Weaknesses: Sometimes too accountable, needs to provide a marking target more often around the ground rather running around the back for cheap handball receives, provides minimal run and carry from defence

11. Caleb Serong

Best position: Inside midfield/general forward

Height, weight: 178cm, 83kg

Recruited from: Gippsland Power

Projected draft range: 5-15

Plays like: Isaac Heeney

October Ranking: 10

Rationale: Consistent impact through Vic Country's midfield during the Under-18 Championships and the NAB League. One of this draft's best midfielders and forwards. Drops one spot as McAsey rises.

Strengths: One-on-one capabilities, powerful overhead mark, aerial marking, body control in the air to absorb hits and take marks, reading of the ball in flight, high leaper who times his leaps effectively, explosive first step, agility, evasion, strong tackler, impact per possession, scoreboard impact, finishing around goal, contested ball-winning capabilities, first possession winning, first to loose balls, crumbing, plays on when the opportunity is there

Weaknesses: Kick placement and reliability, skill execution under pressure, very physically advanced, ceiling may be lower than some other top end prospects

12. Liam Henry (Fremantle Next-Generation Academy)

Best position: General forward

Height, weight: 180cm, 68kg

Recruited from: Claremont

Projected draft range: 5-15

Plays like: Michael Walters

October Ranking: 12

Rationale: One of Western Australia's most influential through the Under-18 Championships and is one of this year's most exciting forwards. Drops as others rise.

Strengths: Freakish ground ball pickups on the move at speed, crumbing, forward pressure, second and third efforts, kicks placed out in front of targets to lead onto, vision, composure with ball in hand, skill execution under pressure, instinctive finisher around goal, moves the ball on quickly, line-breaking speed, dare with ball in hand, agility, evasion, impact per possession, feels dangerous any time the ball is in his area, leadup marking, protects the drop zone in one-on-one marking contests, early reading of the ball in flight, comfortable pushing up through the midfield

Weaknesses: One-on-one strength, inconsistent overhead mark, kicking penetration

13. Luke Jackson

Best position: Ruck

Height, weight: 199cm, 94kg

Recruited from: East Fremantle

Projected draft range: 3-7

Plays like: Paddy Ryder

October Ranking: 16

Rationale: A raw, athletic, high leaping ruckman who made the decision to pursue football instead of basketball. An aggressive tackler who follows up powerfully from ruck contests, often winning first possession. Improves ranking position on review of second half of season play during which time his ball-winning capabilities improved.

Strengths: High leaper, follow-up work, contested ball-winning, tackling aggression, contested marking, aerial marking, reading of the ball in flight, endurance

Weaknesses: Short for a ruckman, raw, skills, running patterns, struggles to find the ball outside the contest

14. Will Gould

Best position: General defence/key defence

Height, weight: 192cm, 106kg

Recruited from: Glenelg

Projected draft range: 20-40

Plays like: Shannon Hurn

October Ranking: 9

Rationale: An Under-18 All-Australian, Gould is the most physically advanced and imposing prospect in the pool. A season one-ready defender who performs reliably at SANFL League level each week. Gould finished the season strongly in the SANFL at League level as a premiership player. Gould drops on review of Under-18 Championships play when weighed against the performances of what is a very even 4-14 grouping.

Strengths: Aggression, imposing presence, attack on the ball, one-on-one strength, body positioning in the contest, penetrating and damaging kick with 60m penetration, vision, reading of the ball in flight, reading of the drop of the ball, intercept marking, explosive speed, strength through the hips to stand up through and absorb tackles, leadership through on field courage and presence allowing teammates to gain confidence, consistent performances on the board against SANFL league competition

Weaknesses: Endurance, unclear whether tall enough to be a key defender at AFL level, weight management, limited upside due to already developed body

15. Harry Schoenberg

Best position: Inside midfield

Height, weight: 182cm, 83kg

Recruited from: Woodville-West Torrens

Projected draft range: 20-40

Plays like: Dylan Shiel

October Ranking: 17

Rationale: Rocketed into the draft discussion on the back of his Under-18 Championships performances where he was South Australia's most prolific midfielder and won his state's MVP award. On review of Under-18 Championships play moves up.

Strengths: Contested ball-winning, wins first possession on the move, high work rate and is always on the move whether at stoppages or around the ground, endurance, agility, acceleration to burst away from stoppages, strength to shrug tackles, tackling, smothers, skills by hand and foot, vision, evasion, impact per possession, courage

Weaknesses: Unclear versatility, scoreboard impact

16. Jeremy Sharp

Best position: General defence/outside midfield

Height, weight: 189cm, 181kg

Recruited from: East Fremantle

Projected draft range: 20-35

Plays like: Nathan Wilson

October Ranking: 13

Rationale: One of the premier rebounding defenders and outside runners in the draft. His speed, endurance and ball use are his greatest assets. Drops slightly in comparing his contested ball-winning capabilities to his similarly rated peers.

Strengths: Speed, endurance, line-breaking capabilities, daring runner who will take on opponents, evasion, composure, decision making with ball in hand, vision, long and damaging kick, versatility to play in defence or on a wing, one touch ground ball pickups, WAFL League performances on the board

Weaknesses: Contested ball-winning, unclear midfield capabilities, intercept marking

17. Finn Maginness (Hawthorn - father-son)

Best position: Inside midfield/general forward

Height, weight: 189cm, 82kg

Recruited from: Sandringham Dragons

Projected draft range: 10-30

Plays like: Jack Ziebell

October Ranking: 15

Rationale: Balance of performance through the midfield and impact forward of centre earned Maginness a top-20 position over the second half of the season. Maginness is an improving player who rose late in the season due to his improved hurt-factor and his impact forward of centre. Drops as others rise.

Strengths: First possession winner through the midfield, ground ball winning, tackling, strength to stand up through tackles and dispose of the ball, crumbing, lowers his eyes, kicks out in front of leading targets, work rate, endurance, speed, one-on-one marking, overhead marking, threat one-out in the goal square, scoreboard impact, evasion, endurance, kick placement out in front of targets to lead onto

Weaknesses: Production not on the level of other highly touted midfielders, athletically tests very well but needs to tap into his speed and endurance more often in game, kicking consistency

18. Ryan Byrnes

Best position: Inside midfield

Height, weight: 182cm, 84kg

Recruited from: Sandringham Dragons

Projected draft range: 20-50

Plays like: Jake Steven

October Rankings: 18

Rationale: On performance in the NAB League, Byrnes has been one of the most damaging midfielders by winning the ball and hurting the opposition with his acceleration and hurt-factor by foot.

Strengths: Wins first possession at stoppages, wins ground ball on the move, use of speed with ball in hand around stoppages, line-breaking pace, agility, evasion in traffic, impact per possession, hurt factor by foot, places kicks out in front of targets to lead onto, vision to find targets inside 50m

Weaknesses: Scoreboard impact, unclear versatility

19. Miles Bergman

Best position: General forward

Height, weight: 189cm, 83kg

Recruited from: Sandringham Dragons

Projected draft range: 5-15

Plays like: Jeremy Howe

October Rankings: unranked

Rationale: Bergman has been on the edge of the top 20 for a while but after growing to 189cm, he is more appealing than the 186cm he was listed at during the Under-18 Championships. Bergman while mostly used as a forward possesses a mix of attributes to suggest he would be best suited in defence.

Strengths: Overhead marking, aerial marking, body control in the air to absorb contact and take marks, one-on-one marking, reading of the ball in flight, leap, penetrating kick, strength to shrug tackles, clean ground ball pickups on the move, still growing, capable forward with the tools to be an even better in defence

Weaknesses: Low production, kicking consistency, unclear midfield potential

20. Trent Rivers

Best position: General defender/inside midfield

Height, weight: 188cm, 83kg

Recruited from: East Fremantle

Projected draft range: 15-30

Plays like: Jarrad McVeigh

October Rankings: unranked

Rationale: Classy defender who looks equally adept in defence and through the midfield. Earns top-20 position on review of Under-18 Championships play.

Strengths: Kicking, vision, composure with ball in hand, evasion, agility, versatility to play midfield or defence, contested ball winning, tackling, intercept marking, strength one-on-one

Weaknesses: Endurance, unclear best position

Knightmare · Feb 4, 2019

Extended power rankings 21-55:
21. Cooper Stephens
22. Joshua Worrell
23. Bigoa Nyuon (St Kilda Next-Generation Academy)
24. Dylan Williams
--potential best 15-22 players
25. Jackson Mead (Port Adelaide father-son)
26. Jack Mahony
27. Cody Weightman
28. Cameron Taheny
29. Joshua Shute
30. Connor Budarick (Gold Coast Academy)
31. Trent Bianco
32. Elijah Taylor
33. Kysaiah Pickett
34. Jake Riccardi
35. Angus Baker
36. Ben Sokol
37. Jay Rantall
38. Sam De Koning
39. Harrison Jones
40. Will Day
-- suitable for selection as rookies/potential role players
41. Haiden Schloithe (did not nominate)
42. Jye Bolton
43. Sam Lowson
44. Luke Partington
45. Hewago Paul Oea (Gold Coast Academy)
46. Mitch O’Neill
47. Brodie Newman
48. Dyson Hilder
49. Karl Finlay
50. Josh Gore (Gold Coast Academy)
51. Malcolm Rosas Junior (Gold Coast – NT assistance package)
52. Jackson Davies
53. Nicholas Murray
54. Bailey Schmidt
55. Brock Smith

Knightmare · Feb 4, 2019

27/11/2019 - Full phantom draft. Every team, every pick, every bid: https://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/id/28164931/every-club-every-pick-espn-full-afl-phantom-draft

1. Gold Coast - Matthew Rowell (VIC)
Height, Weight:180cm/78kg
Profile: A big game player, Rowell is the first ever winner of two successive Grand Final best-on-ground medals in TAC Cup/NAB League history. He is this year's premier midfielder as a hardworking, ball winning midfielder with explosive pace.

2. Gold Coast - Noah Anderson (VIC)
Height, Weight:191cm/87kg
Profile: A match winner who breaks games open in the matter of minutes whether he is winning his own ball or hitting the scoreboard. The most influential in the pool whether he's used as a midfielder or forward.

3. Melbourne - Luke Jackson (WA)
Height, Weight:199cm/94kg
Profile: A raw, athletic, high leaping ruckman who made the decision to pursue football instead of basketball. Jackson is an aggressive tackler who follows up powerfully from ruck contests, often winning first possession.

4. Greater Western Sydney - Lachlan Ash (VIC)
Height, Weight:187cm/83kg
Profile: Line breaking defender who breaks games open with his speed, agility and kicking. Does his best work generating drive from defence but has the versatility to push up through the midfield.

5. Greater Western Sydney - Thomas Green (NSW/ACT - GWS Academy) - matching Sydney's bid
Height, Weight: 190cm/89kg
Profile: The most prolific stoppage player and contested ball winner to come through the junior ranks in recent years. Able to rotate forward as required and provide a leadup target.

6. Sydney - Sam Flanders (VIC)
Height, Weight:183cm/82kg
Profile: Arguably this year's most damaging forward of centre and has become just as valuable as a midfielder. Flanders is ready to go, plays a high impact per possession game and possesses explosive power.

7. Adelaide - Fischer McAsey (VIC)
Height, Weight:197cm/93kg
Profile: This year's most promising key defender. A high-level intercept mark and stopper with athleticism.

8. Fremantle - Hayden Young (VIC)
Height, Weight:188cm/83kg
Profile: One of if not this year's premier ball user from defence. A reliable stopper and has the capability to push through the midfield and win his own ball.

9. Fremantle - Caleb Serong (VIC)
Height, Weight:178cm/83kg
Profile: Strong ball winner and tackler through the midfield. Serong is just as good up forward with his ground ball winning and aerial marking causing problems for opposition sides.

10. Fremantle - Liam Henry (WA - Fremantle Academy) - matching Carlton's bid
Height, Weight:180cm/68kg
Profile: Speedy forward who is dangerous at ground level and on the lead inside 50m. Henry is a composed ball user and applies heavy forward pressure.

11. Carlton - Dylan Stephens (SA)
Height, Weight:183cm/74kg
Profile: Consistent performer at SANFL League level playing 13 games through Norwood's midfield. Stephens is a ready-to-go, hard running left-footer who can play outside or inside.

12. Melbourne - Cody Weightman (VIC)
Height, Weight:178cm/75kg
Profile: Speedy small forward who makes something out of nothing. Weightman is dangerous at ground level, flies for marks, applies heavy forward pressure and hits the scoreboard.

13. Hawthorn - Kysaiah Pickett (SA)
Height, Weight:171cm/71kg
Profile: Lively forward with speed who applies forward pressure as well as any in the pool. Kysaiah is the nephew of dual premiership player Byron.

14. Port Adelaide - Will Day (SA)
Height, Weight:188cm/76kg
Profile: Lightly built outside midfielder with good skills and speed. Viewed by recruiters as one of the prospects with the greatest upside in this draft.

15. Western Bulldogs - Miles Bergman (VIC)
Height, Weight:189cm/83kg
Profile: High leaping, strong marking medium forward. Arguably possesses the most penetrating kick in the draft pool.

16. Geelong - Deven Robertson (WA)
Height, Weight:184cm/81kg
Profile: A worthy winner of the Larke Medal for the best performer during the Under-18 Championships. Robertson is one of this year's premier midfielders, winning the ball and moving it on aggressively.

17. Gold Coast - Brodie Kemp (VIC)
Height, Weight:192cm/89kg
Profile: Explosive ball winning utility who impacts games through the midfield, up forward or in defence. Torn ACL likely keeps Kemp out until mid-2020.

18. Port Adelaide - Sam De Koning (VIC)
Height, Weight:201cm/86kg
Profile: Athletic and versatile but raw key position player who may transition to play more through the ruck over coming years if he keeps growing. Sam is the younger brother of Carlton's Tom.

19. Geelong - Josh Worrell (VIC)
Height, Weight:195cm/83kg
Profile: Athletic utility with the scope to play key defence, key forward or on a wing. Worrell is an excellent reader of the ball in flight, displays a high work rate and was Vic Metro's leading goalkicker during the Under-18 Championships.

20. Port Adelaide - Harrison Jones (VIC)
Height, Weight:196cm/78kg
Profile: Lightly built key forward who is at his best taking marks at full stretch. Jones is athletic, capable at ground level, hits the scoreboard heavily and possesses a high ceiling.

21. Hawthorn - Finn Maginness (VIC - Hawthorn Father-Son) - matching Richmond's bid
Height, Weight:189cm/82kg
Profile: Ball winning midfielder with athleticism who is a hard to stop mark one-on-one inside 50m. Finn is the son of Hawthorn defender Scott Maginness.

22. Richmond - Cooper Stephens (VIC)
Height, Weight:188cm/83kg
Profile: Strong ball winning midfielder who distributes effectively by hand and bursts out of stoppages at speed. Has not played since round three due to a fractured fibula.

23. Gold Coast - Trent Rivers (WA)
Height, Weight:188cm/83kg
Profile: Possesses the versatility to play either as a ball winning midfielder or in defence. A strong contested ball winner, Rivers combines this with class and composure.

24. Brisbane - Sam Philp (VIC)
Height, Weight:186cm/79kg
Profile: Ball winning midfielder and distributor with explosiveness. Philp won the 20m sprint at this year's AFL Draft Combine.

25. Adelaide - Jay Rantall (VIC)
Height, Weight:185cm/83kg
Profile: Endurance running machine who set a new draft combine record in the 2km time trial. Rantall is a basketball convert who is excellent at stoppages as a ball winner and distributor.

26. Adelaide - Trent Bianco (VIC)
Height, Weight:178cm/73kg
Profile: Precise and consistent ball user who displays the versatility to play on a wing or in defence. Captained the talented Oakleigh Chargers to this year's NAB League premiership.

27. Geelong - Charlie Comben (VIC)
Height, Weight:199cm/84kg
Profile: Key forward and ruckman with athleticism and a strong overhead mark. A raw, project player with scope to develop.

28. Sydney - Elijah Taylor (WA)
Height, Weight:188cm/77kg
Profile: Instinctive forward with speed and tricks around goal. Possesses good skills and is composed, evasive and dangerous aerially.

29. North Melbourne - Will Gould (SA)
Height, Weight:192cm/106kg
Profile: Strong bodied defender with the performances on the board at SANFL League level including a premiership for Glenelg. Gould throws his weight around, plays an aggressive style of game and is a penetrating kick.

30. North Melbourne - Harry Schoenberg (SA)
Height, Weight:182cm/83kg
Profile: Won South Australia's state MVP award during the Under-18 Championships. Schoenberg is a prolific ball winning midfielder with a high work rate.

31. Melbourne - Thomson Dow (VIC)
Height, Weight:184cm/76kg
Profile: Dow is a speedy midfielder with growing ball winning capabilities. Thomson is the younger brother of Carlton's Paddy but is comparatively lighter bodied and less advanced than Paddy was at the same age.

32. Port Adelaide - Jackson Mead (SA - Port Adelaide Father-Son) - matching Brisbane's bid
Height, Weight:183cm/83kg
Profile: Ball winning midfielder with class and reliable skills. Jackson is the son of former Power defender Darren.

33. Brisbane - Jack Mahony (VIC)
Height, Weight:176cm/70kg
Profile: Mahony is a crumbing forward who can push up through the midfield. He's a polished ball user and applies forward pressure.

34. North Melbourne - Chad Warner (WA)
Height, Weight:183cm/83kg
Profile: An aggressive ball winner who wins a high proportion of ball in contested situations. Warner is a strong tackler and does his best work at stoppages and in close.

35. Essendon - Jeremy Sharp (WA)
Height, Weight: 189cm/81kg
Profile: Speedy line-breaker who is also damaging by foot. Has performed strongly in his six WAFL League performances where he has averaged 16 disposals per game.

36. Sydney - Darcy Chirgwin (VIC)
Height, Weight:191cm/80kg
Profile: Ball winning midfielder who does his best work at stoppages. Wins a high proportion of his ball contested and is a strong tackler.

37. Essendon - Mitch Georgiades (WA)
Height, Weight:192cm/87kg
Profile: The son of former Footscray forward John, Mitch is an athletic key forward who missed the season with a quad injury. Georgiades possesses a good leap, speed and is a strong mark aerially and on the lead.

38. Brisbane - Brock Smith (VIC)
Height, Weight:189cm/82kg
Profile: A brick wall in defence with the way he reads the ball in flight and takes intercept marks. Smith competes well one-on-one and aerially.

39. Collingwood - Nick Bryan (VIC)
Height, Weight:202cm/87kg
Profile: Bryan is a mobile ruckman with a good leap. He is clean at ground level, reads the ball well in flight and will often get a kick behind the ball to take intercept marks.

40. Geelong - Dylan Williams (VIC)
Height, Weight:186cm/81kg
Profile: Talented forward and midfielder who hurts opponents aerially and at ground level. Projecting as a top-five selection this time last year, Williams has battled injury and form in 2019 which has limited his output.

41. Adelaide - Cameron Taheny (SA)
Height, Weight:185cm/80kg
Profile: A strong marking forward who does his best work close to goal. Taheny doesn't need much of the ball to hit the scoreboard heavily.

42. Richmond - Hugo Ralphsmith (VIC)
Height, Weight:188cm/75kg
Profile: Ralphsmith is a damaging forward and midfielder who enjoys breaking the lines and taking on the game with his speed. He reads the ball in flight effectively and is a difficult to stop mark aerially, on the lead and one-on-one.

43. Richmond - Flynn Perez (VIC)
Height, Weight:188cm/81kg
Profile: Missing the season due to a ruptured ACL, Perez remains an in-demand prospect. Perez does his best work off half-back generating drive with his run from defence and clean ball use on either side of his body.

44. Richmond - Jai Jackson (WA)
Height, Weight:185cm/81kg
Profile: An aggressive ball winner and tackler through the midfield and up forward, Jackson wins a high proportion of his ball in contested situations. Jackson is one of the drafts most competitive and hits the scoreboard.

45. Carlton - Brady Rowles (VIC)
Height, Weight:186cm/75kg
Profile: One of this year's most explosive line-breakers. Rowles breaks games open with his run, with his speed with ball in hand as good as any in the pool.

46. Sydney - Callum Jamieson (WA)
Height, Weight:200cm/80kg
Profile: Mobile ruckman who finds plenty of the ball around the ground. A project ruckman who will take time to develop physically.

47. Adelaide - Henry Crauford (SA)
Height, Weight:202cm/99kg
Profile: Mature age ruckman with a strong body and powerful contested mark. Has the size and presence to suggest he has scope to develop.

48. West Coast - Riley Garcia (WA)
Height, Weight:177cm/70kg
Profile: Ball winning midfielder with good speed and reliable skills. Garcia starred in all four Under-18 Championships games for Western Australia's before ruptured his ACL in the final game.

49. North Melbourne - Mitch O'Neill (TAS)
Height, Weight:176cm/72kg
Profile: Touted a potential first round selection at the beginning of the season, O'Neill has struggled with injury for much of the year. O'Neill is an outside midfielder who is a polished ball user and moves well.

50. Collingwood - Jake Riccardi (VIC)
Height, Weight:195cm/96kg
Profile: Turning 20 in November, Riccardi showed positive signs in the TAC Cup last year as an overager and has made meaningful progress this year in the VFL. Riccardi is a strong marking, athletic key forward and won the Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal as the VFL's Rising Star.

51. St Kilda - Ryan Byrnes (VIC)
Height, Weight:182cm/84kg
Profile: Consistent ball winner through the midfield. Not only wins the contested ball but combined that with pace and damaging ball use.

52. Western Bulldogs - Ned Cahill (VIC)
Height, Weight:179cm/78kg
Profile: Classy small forward and midfielder with speed, agility, evasion and the capacity to turn opponents inside out. Cahill is a composed ball user who can hit the scoreboard and win his own ball.

53. Richmond - Jack Bell (VIC)
Height, Weight:202cm/81kg
Profile: Athletic, strong marking key forward who can relieve through the ruck. A project player who has had enough positive moments to suggest scope to develop.

54. Brisbane - Keidean Coleman (QLD - Brisbane Academy) - matching Carlton's bid
Height, Weight:183cm/75kg
Profile: A speedy utility who is one-touch at ground level. He has looked comfortable as an overager in the NEAFL and has shown x-factor and class with ball in hand.

55. Carlton - Josh Honey (VIC)
Height, Weight:185cm/82kg
Profile: Athletic midfielder/forward with speed and x-factor. Honey comes from a sporty family with father Neil (pole vaulter), Di (netballer), sister Tayla (netballer) and twin sister Olivia (sprinter).

56. Essendon - Sam Ramsay (VIC)
Height, Weight:180cm/72kg
Profile: Prolific accumulator through the midfield with strong contested ball winning capabilities. His work in close and long kick are his greatest assets.

57. Collingwood - Kaden Schreiber (VIC)
Height, Weight:188cm/79kg
Profile: Hard working defender and outside midfielder who uses the ball consistently and demonstrates vision, placing passes out in front of targets to lead onto. Schreiber has an uncommon knack for finding space to move into to provide a marking target.

58. Hawthorn - Cooper Sharman (VIC)
Height, Weight:192cm/79kg
Profile: Goalkicking forward who doesn't need much of the ball to hit the scoreboard heavily. One of the best readers of the ball in flight in the draft, strong overhead and clean at ground level.

59. Hawthorn - Will Martyn (QLD - Brisbane Academy) - bid not matched
Height, Weight:183cm/73kg
Profile: Prolific outside accumulator who averaged 29 disposals in the NAB League for Brisbane's Academy. A hard-running midfielder, Martyn displays excellent endurance and is a strong overhead mark.

60. Essendon - Ben Sokol (WA)
Height, Weight:184cm/88kg
Profile: The goalkicking medium forward won the Simpson Medal for best on ground in the WAFL Grand Final, kicking six goals. Sokol was the WAFL's leading goalkicker, kicking 60 goals from 20 games while also taking a competition high 166 marks.

61. St Kilda - Fraser Phillips (VIC)
Height, Weight:187cm/72kg
Profile: Phillips is a damaging forward who hits meaningful targets inside 50m and is dangerous around goal. He possesses a damaging long kick and is effective both aerially and at ground level.

62. Western Bulldogs - Joshua Shute (SA)
Height, Weight:187cm/74kg
Profile: A smooth moving, classy ball user with evasion. Shute showed strong improvement throughout the year as a midfielder placing in Sturt's SANFL Reserves bests in four of his last five matches.

63. West Coast - Darcy Cassar (VIC)
Height, Weight:184cm/82kg
Profile: Midfielder with the versatility to play forward or back. Cassar does his best work on the outside and possesses good skills.

64. Greater Western Sydney - Ryan Sturgess (VIC)
Height, Weight:190cm/80kg
Profile: Tall flanker who can play in defence or up forward. Sturgess takes on games with his run, possesses speed, a damaging kick and the strength to take one-on-one marks.

65. Fremantle - Daniel Mott (VIC)
Height, Weight:183cm/80kg
Profile: Mott is a consistent midfielder accumulator who had a strong season for Calder. He possesses strong ball winning capabilities, clean hands in close and reliable skills.

66. Greater Western Sydney - Bigoa Nyuon (VIC - St Kilda Next-Generation Academy) - bid not matched
Height, Weight:195cm/87kg
Profile: Nyuon is a tall utility who looks best suited as a key defender. He is a freak athlete who leaps high, runs fast, reads the ball effectively in flight and takes intercept marks.

Players Gold Coast have pre-listed under the AFL's assistance package:

Connor Budarick (QLD - Gold Coast Academy)
Height, Weight: 177cm/74kg
Profile: One of this year's premier pressure player whether used up forward or through the midfield. Budarick is not only a great tackler but also possesses good speed, endurance and makes winning plays that don't show up on the stat sheet. Budarick likely would have attracted a second-round bid otherwise.

Malcolm Rosas Jr (NT - Gold Coast Zone)
Height, Weight: 178cm/69kg
Profile: Rosas is a talented crumbing forward who plays a rare, instinctive style of game. Possessing genius football IQ, Rosas demonstrates goal sense around goal, is a one touch ground ball winner, has the speed and agility to break the lines and provides second and third efforts. Rosas likely would have featured in the second half of the draft if not zoned to Gold Coast as part of the AFL's assistance package.

Matthew Conroy (QLD - Gold Coast Academy)
Height, Weight: 201cm/97kg
Profile: A mobile overager who can play through the ruck or as a key forward. Conroy is a strong tackler who plays an aggressive style of game and has bulked up over the past 12-months.

Knightmare · Feb 4, 2019

Knightmare · Feb 4, 2019

Post 6 if necessary

Knightmare · Feb 4, 2019

Post 7 if necessary

Knightmare · Feb 4, 2019

First piece of the year. A fun one to debate. The order is the order I'd take them rather than a prediction of what clubs would do to make that element clear.

2013 AFL Redraft: http://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/id/25865721/afl-draft-doerre-redrafting-top-20-2013-draft

GUMBLETRON · Feb 4, 2019

Do you know if those mature alternatives taken in later years had actually nominated in 2013?

Virgin Dog · Feb 4, 2019

GUMBLETRON said:
Do you know if those mature alternatives taken in later years had actually nominated in 2013?

Adding to this question, is there actually a publicly available record of all players who have nominated for each draft?

Knightmare · Feb 4, 2019

GUMBLETRON said:
Do you know if those mature alternatives taken in later years had actually nominated in 2013?

A great question.

Tom Stewart I'm not aware whether or not he nominated earlier - I half suspect not but I don't know for sure. The others I believe did.

Not having a list of those who nominated I don't know and that's an element I didn't take into account.

It's something overall I'm looking at from the perspective of - they weren't on AFL lists and were of draft age so they were available. So in theory, and I'm taking some creative licence, but if Mason Cox was deemed a clear best 20 player (and he's not) but he's of an age where I'd say in theory - he could based on age/availability have been had those years earlier, so he could on that basis be included. That's the criteria I'm going with - rightly or wrongly. Everyone will have their own takes and ways of looking at it. It's one I look at as - if you know they're going to be one of the best in the draft. You tell them - nominate. We're going to pick you. And they would. So in that regard it takes that out of the equation.

But I'm only going to take into account their actual playing careers and not speculating if they entered the league earlier - they may have played this many more games. Because at the end of the day when you look back at it all, you don't look at Sam Mitchell's career and think - he could have been drafted sooner and count those games to his name because it was 329 games he played rather than 350 that he may have played if drafted sooner.

Virgin Dog said:
Adding to this question, is there actually a publicly available record of all players who have nominated for each draft?

If there is, I'm not aware of it, but I'd be interested to see it if indeed there is.

GUMBLETRON · Feb 4, 2019

Knightmare said:
It's something overall I'm looking at from the perspective of - they weren't on AFL lists and were of draft age so they were available. So in theory, and I'm taking some creative licence, but if Mason Cox was deemed a clear best 20 player (and he's not) but he's of an age where I'd say in theory - he could based on age/availability have been had those years earlier, so he could on that basis be included. That's the criteria I'm going with - rightly or wrongly. Everyone will have their own takes and ways of looking at it. It's one I look at as - if you know they're going to be one of the best in the draft. You tell them - nominate. We're going to pick you. And they would. So in that regard it takes that out of the equation.

But I'm only going to take into account their actual playing careers and not speculating if they entered the league earlier - they may have played this many more games. Because at the end of the day when you look back at it all, you don't look at Sam Mitchell's career and think - he could have been drafted sooner and count those games to his name because it was 329 games he played rather than 350 that he may have played if drafted sooner.

It's an interesting exercise, but what of the other half of the equation - do they make that same progress if they do get drafted earlier? It seems fair to assume AFL clubs are the best place for a player to develop, but that perhaps devalues the work sub-AFL teams did to get these guys up to draftable (let alone top 20) standard, as well as the psychological impact of not being drafted on a player's motivation.

Tipungwuti for example had major flaws as a junior, but through his work with the Essendon VFL program demonstrated he had the commitment to get his body and fitness to a standard necessary for AFL. He can get that opportunity because of the relatively low resource burden of a VFL list spot - whether an AFL club would be willing to offer a list spot on a small with no expectation of return for several years is less clear, as is whether there is the same incentive to develop if a player already feels they've "made it" by being drafted. To raise another example, Gach Nyuon, Essendon rookie ruckman, had all the tools to develop but washed rapidly out of the system after he let getting drafted go to his head.

Knightmare · Feb 4, 2019

GUMBLETRON said:
It's an interesting exercise, but what of the other half of the equation - do they make that same progress if they do get drafted earlier? It seems fair to assume AFL clubs are the best place for a player to develop, but that perhaps devalues the work sub-AFL teams did to get these guys up to draftable (let alone top 20) standard, as well as the psychological impact of not being drafted on a player's motivation.

Tipungwuti for example had major flaws as a junior, but through his work with the Essendon VFL program demonstrated he had the commitment to get his body and fitness to a standard necessary for AFL. He can get that opportunity because of the relatively low resource burden of a VFL list spot - whether an AFL club would be willing to offer a list spot on a small with no expectation of return for several years is less clear, as is whether there is the same incentive to develop if a player already feels they've "made it" by being drafted. To raise another example, Gach Nyuon, Essendon rookie ruckman, had all the tools to develop but washed rapidly out of the system after he let getting drafted go to his head.

It's a good question - and that element of if drafted earlier and whether that would lead to more progress (or less being potentially to immature and dropping out of the system) or more games played I'm leaving out of it completely with a view towards - of those eligible who will all things said and done have the best career. But that's something arguments could be made for both ways as to how to break that down best. This is just the method I chose to be consistent with who they actually are and how many games and how impactful they will actually be over their careers.

Gach Nyuon is one I'd show up to games and watch, and invariably someone sitting next to me would be exclaiming 'wow! this guy is something!' *Observing how high he can leap/reach at ruck contests. But ultimately he is one I look at as a one trick pony who regardless of whether he was drafted to another club, drafted later etc I don't believe would have become anything. He can leap and get hitouts - but he doesn't have that second way of impacting games - not taking marks i50, not hitting the scoreboard, not finding it around the ground or following up all that spectacularly. Everyone needs something to hang their hat on, but you can't have nothing else you're even passable at. When that's the case. You're looking at someone only appropriate for state league play.

Tipungwuti was one I liked as far back as his draft year feeling he should have gone mid draft. Was always lively and whenever the ball was in his area would have an impact. He's one I know particularly with my 2014 redraft coming next week, as with the 2013 redraft I'll have people laughing at me for rating him as highly as I do, but he's a legit footballer who with his pressure and kicking is a seriously good forward.

GUMBLETRON · Feb 4, 2019

Knightmare said:
Gach Nyuon is one I'd show up to games and watch, and invariably someone sitting next to me would be exclaiming 'wow! this guy is something!' *Observing how high he can leap/reach at ruck contests. But ultimately he is one I look at as a one trick pony who regardless of whether he was drafted to another club, drafted later etc I don't believe would have become anything. He can leap and get hitouts - but he doesn't have that second way of impacting games - not taking marks i50, not hitting the scoreboard, not finding it around the ground or following up all that spectacularly. Everyone needs something to hang their hat on, but you can't have nothing else you're even passable at. When that's the case. You're looking at someone only appropriate for state league play.

Tipungwuti was one I liked as far back as his draft year feeling he should have gone mid draft. Was always lively and whenever the ball was in his area would have an impact. He's one I know particularly with my 2014 redraft coming next week, as with the 2013 redraft I'll have people laughing at me for rating him as highly as I do, but he's a legit footballer who with his pressure and kicking is a seriously good forward.

Both had serious flaws in their draft years though, no? Tipungwuti was able to work on his, with missing out providing motivation. Nyuon was not, as being drafted seemingly meant he didn't feel that pressure. There will of course be players for whom the opposite is the case - where missing out on a draft sees them give up on footy, or getting into a club system opens up vital opportunity for development. Anyway, impossible to factor all that into your rankings, I was just curious on your view, so thanks for humouring me.

RedmanWasHere · Feb 5, 2019

The most boring word for these threads.

SUBBED!

Knightmare · Feb 5, 2019

GUMBLETRON said:
Both had serious flaws in their draft years though, no? Tipungwuti was able to work on his, with missing out providing motivation. Nyuon was not, as being drafted seemingly meant he didn't feel that pressure. There will of course be players for whom the opposite is the case - where missing out on a draft sees them give up on footy, or getting into a club system opens up vital opportunity for development. Anyway, impossible to factor all that into your rankings, I was just curious on your view, so thanks for humouring me.

Tipungwuti was always small which was my main issue with him but I always felt like he was lively and impacting games - which is why I've all along considered him draftable. So he's not one I ever looked at as bad and if drafted sooner maybe he'd have been a regular AFL footballer earlier or maybe as you're speculating he may not be who he is today. I don't have the answer to that. Most would benefit from being inside the AFL system sooner as you're training harder and getting better coaching in the system. It can also mean if you're a super long term prospect, that could hurt and can sap their confidence, or for some others at lower levels they may gain confidence, though those types generally don't make it anyway. Smalls though are usually pretty ready and can slot into roles.

It's one of those that can work both ways and isn't necessarily clear cut either way a lot of the time - though more often (let's say 80% of the time to estimate) I'd say they're better off in the AFL system sooner.

RUNVS · Feb 9, 2019

15. Sydney
Who they picked: Zak Jones
Who they should have picked: Aliir Aliir (pick 44)
Analysis: Sydney have a long-term player in Jones, though he narrowly misses making the top 20 with his kicking and stoppage work needing improvement. Aliir is my choice on the back of his 2018 season managing 91 marks from 12 games. It's a speculative choice, but if he continues intercepting at an elite level and stopping his opponents, he will justify this position.

Damn, the Swans really missed out there :fire:

Knightmare · Feb 9, 2019

RUNVS said:
Damn, the Swans really missed out there

Jones is clear top 30 from 2013.

I really like the way Aliir has developed. Was hopeless as a junior. Couldn't read it in the air and now he's an intercept marking monster and looking like a really nice long term player.

A good draft for Sydney.

RUNVS · Feb 9, 2019

Knightmare said:
Jones is clear top 30 from 2013.

I really like the way Aliir has developed. Was hopeless as a junior. Couldn't read it in the air and now he's an intercept marking monster and looking like a really nice long term player.

A good draft for Sydney.

I tend to agree. Aliir is still a little suspect one on one but as you said he is a very good intercept mark and he also has a very attacking mindset, getting the ball and trying to play on very quickly. He usually plays on within his limitations as well, and while he has a certain LRT feeling about him, where it constantly looks like he is making it up as he goes along, he is usually pretty effective.

Knightmare · Feb 11, 2019

My 2014 AFL Draft top 20 (including all who were and could have been selected): http://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/id/25926168/afl-draft-doerre-reselecting-top-20-2014-draft

THE_GUN · Feb 11, 2019

Your boy Sydney Stack has just been signed on by Richmond KM , Hope you are correct in your opinion on this kid

Knightmare · Feb 11, 2019

THE_GUN said:
Your boy Sydney Stack has just been signed on by Richmond KM , Hope you are correct in your opinion on this kid

Having trained with Richmond, he's off to a positive start earning a list position with the club getting to try before buying and still liking what they see.

It's going to be a hard team to crack into, but hopefully it proves a good environment that allows him to maximise his development and have a career.

GUMBLETRON · Feb 11, 2019

On that, do you think the supplementary system will change the way clubs approach slightly sketchier options, be they kids with behaviour/commitment question marks or state league players? Let them slide in the hope they go undrafted, then get them in the system for a while before committing a list spot.

Dayle Garlett is a good example from previous years, where the regular U18 placements were enough to ward at least one club off, and that bit more exposure in the year he was passed over might have saved Hawthorn a decent pick in the following draft.

Knightmare · Feb 11, 2019

GUMBLETRON said:
On that, do you think the supplementary system will change the way clubs approach slightly sketchier options, be they kids with behaviour/commitment question marks or state league players? Let them slide in the hope they go undrafted, then get them in the system for a while before committing a list spot.

Dayle Garlett is a good example from previous years, where the regular U18 placements were enough to ward at least one club off, and that bit more exposure in the year he was passed over might have saved Hawthorn a decent pick in the following draft.

My prediction is it doesn't alter team drafting habits. If you want someone and don't want to miss out. You'll take them.

A lot of those deemed 'unlucky' (and some will be those with character questionmarks) and a lot of mature agers who train with the clubs and impress will be the ones who will get picked up.

yaco55 · Feb 12, 2019

Interesting that quite a few of your top 20 Rewind draft were rookie selections - I counted five in your top 20.

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