Draft Watcher Knightmare's 2019 Draft Almanac

[Knightmare]

Who would be the standouts in that regard and whereabouts in the draft do you think they could fall? Would there be one worth taking a chance on that would be available around our 1st 2 selections, probably around the picks 14 and 19 region.

Some in all parts of the draft.

Early Anderson, Ash, Kemp all really have that.

In the 14-19 range Jeremy Sharp and Liam Henry (Freo Academy) stand out. D.Williams/Taheny/Taylor are others as forwards. Weightman if he goes earlier than expected.

Later the likes of Weightman, Pickett, Potter, Peppin, R.Clarke, Thorne, C.Anderson are some others.

X-factor everywhere.

 

[kickthething]

Some in all parts of the draft.

Early Anderson, Ash, Kemp all really have that.

In the 14-19 range Jeremy Sharp and Liam Henry (Freo Academy) stand out. D.Williams/Taheny/Taylor are others as forwards. Weightman if he goes earlier than expected.

Later the likes of Weightman, Pickett, Potter, Peppin, R.Clarke, Thorne, C.Anderson are some others.

X-factor everywhere.

Have been reading and watching with some real interest the rise in form of Knights skipper Jackson Davies. From my junior club at St Mary's. I reckon he has been BOG for Northern in their last 6 games. I have read a few write ups as well. Could he be a bit of a surprise selection to watch out for. His leadership of the side, composure with ball in hand and some of his intercept marks are really special. He reads the ball as good as any at the level I think. I know he had a slow start to 2019 but how did he not get a Metro start. Do you think he is likely to be drafted and if so, at what selection.

 

[briztoon]

This draft has the most speed/skill/x-factor I've seen. That's the greatest area of strength in this draft.

Key forward options are thin, but there are a good number of key defenders who should feature from the second round onwards.

There is good depth of options, so clubs don't need first round picks to find a talent, with good talent ID there will be plenty mid draft and some late.

er, what?

To expand, I really question the skill part, because the most common comment on this years U18 championships was that it was generally lacking in skill.

There are some genuinely fast players, but a lot of those same players have a lot of question marks over them.

X-factor needs to be more than just being able to run fast.

 

[Knightmare]

Have been reading and watching with some real interest the rise in form of Knights skipper Jackson Davies. From my junior club at St Mary's. I reckon he has been BOG for Northern in their last 6 games. I have read a few write ups as well. Could he be a bit of a surprise selection to watch out for. His leadership of the side, composure with ball in hand and some of his intercept marks are really special. He reads the ball as good as any at the level I think. I know he had a slow start to 2019 but how did he not get a Metro start. Do you think he is likely to be drafted and if so, at what selection.

I mentioned Davies in my wrap last week. He's one rising up my board in a hurry. I want to see how he goes once the APS kids are back.

I'd consider him in the second round personally and consider that a realistic draft position if he closes the season strongly.

 

[Knightmare]

er, what?

To expand, I really question the skill part, because the most common comment on this years U18 championships was that it was generally lacking in skill.

There are some genuinely fast players, but a lot of those same players have a lot of question marks over them.

X-factor needs to be more than just being able to run fast.

Sounds like I don't agree with most analysts.

There are the special level kicks in this draft - Gould/Bianco/Young but there also aren't many relative to normal where I feel like their ball use is poor or a liability either. Plenty who move the ball on quickly and what feels like relatively less turnovers by foot than I have seen in years past with the skill level in the TAC Cup even going back 3 or more years ago feeling like every few kicks it was a kick that would get intercepted. Watch the likes of Sandringham and Oakleigh this year and the ball movement is so crisp, compared to what we've seen any year and during the U18 Champs similarly it's the cleanest and most consistent ball use I've seen at that level in my years watching from my eye test.

Also on the x-factor of the prospects this year. And that's the clear point of difference this year. Those WA boys - half their team had x-factor. The number of fast twitch guys who can play. I've never seen that many good ones before. Allies have plenty. We're not talking track guys, but guys who can take on the game with their speed and/or others who dance on you and hurt you with their disposal.

 

[Davo-27]

I mentioned Davies in my wrap last week. He's one rising up my board in a hurry. I want to see how he goes once the APS kids are back.

I'd consider him in the second round personally and consider that a realistic draft position if he closes the season strongly.

Jackson Davies is one i've had in my lists for awhile, he did well against the school footy kids earlier in the year, it will be interesting to see how he goes in the lead up and during the finals.

 

[db26]

This draft has the most speed/skill/x-factor I've seen. That's the greatest area of strength in this draft.

Key forward options are thin, but there are a good number of key defenders who should feature from the second round onwards.

There is good depth of options, so clubs don't need first round picks to find a talent, with good talent ID there will be plenty mid draft and some late.

Thanks a lot. I think we may target a KPB in our two second round picks. As for Aboriginal talent how does it fare ?.

 

[Johnny Bananas]

The number of fast twitch guys who can play. I've never seen that many good ones before. Allies have plenty. We're not talking track guys, but guys who can take on the game with their speed and/or others who dance on you and hurt you with their disposal.

I'm guessing Malcolm Rosas is one of those you're referring to? I'm keen on him, although Brisbane don't really need more small forward/mid types.

 

[Knightmare]

Thanks a lot. I think we may target a KPB in our two second round picks. As for Aboriginal talent how does it fare ?.

Key defence options are there in the second round. Hilder I like. McAsey if he falls. De Koning could be there.

Lots of quality indigenous talent with scope to develop and x-factor. And not just early draft.

I'm guessing Malcolm Rosas is one of those you're referring to? I'm keen on him, although Brisbane don't really need more small forward/mid types.

Rosas has x-factor in spades. One of this year's most impressive forwards. Like him a lot for value in the second/third round.

 

[Sleezy]

Hey KM,

I watch a fair bit of Williamstown in the VFL, Interested in your thoughts on a couple of players, as to their draftability:

Leigh Masters - 27 yo HBF. Has the composure to be an AFL player. Maybe too old, but too good for VFL football.

Jaylon Thorpe - 25 yo third tall. Has genuine X factor. Leap, speed, game sense. Great pack mark, and takes regular hangers. Average kick though, in general play and set shot.

Tom Mundy - 20 yo mid. Just looks like a footballer. Blocks, quick hands, composure under pressure. In the right spot when required. Decent skills. Not daunted by the adult opposition.

 

[Knightmare]

Hey KM,

I watch a fair bit of Williamstown in the VFL, Interested in your thoughts on a couple of players, as to their draftability:

Leigh Masters - 27 yo HBF. Has the composure to be an AFL player. Maybe too old, but too good for VFL football.

Jaylon Thorpe - 25 yo third tall. Has genuine X factor. Leap, speed, game sense. Great pack mark, and takes regular hangers. Average kick though, in general play and set shot.

Tom Mundy - 20 yo mid. Just looks like a footballer. Blocks, quick hands, composure under pressure. In the right spot when required. Decent skills. Not daunted by the adult opposition.

Masters is a good utility and has been one of the better state leaguers for a while now but hasn't stepped his game up in recent years as hoped. On the old side now as you say but not of that standard I'd necessarily seek.

Thorpe is a good forward but I'd like for him to hit the scoreboard for more like 2 goals per game. Needs to improve his forward pressure and tackle more.

Mundy doesn't do anything much for me either as a small who doesn't find enough of the footy to be viable at this stage.

I've actually found Mitch Hibberd to be Williamstown's best and more interesting from my viewings now that he is playing through the midfield and winning it. As a regular Williamstown viewer do you think his ball use and particularly decision making is good enough for another shot?

 

[Sleezy]

Masters is a good utility and has been one of the better state leaguers for a while now but hasn't stepped his game up in recent years as hoped. On the old side now as you say but not of that standard I'd necessarily seek.

Thorpe is a good forward but I'd like for him to hit the scoreboard for more like 2 goals per game. Needs to improve his forward pressure and tackle more.

Mundy doesn't do anything much for me either as a small who doesn't find enough of the footy to be viable at this stage.

I've actually found Mitch Hibberd to be Williamstown's best and more interesting from my viewings now that he is playing through the midfield and winning it. As a regular Williamstown viewer do you think his ball use and particularly decision making is good enough for another shot?

Mitch Hibberd is an interesting one. He's played well, and Bob's up at important moments. However I get a Matthew Panos vibe from Hibberd. He plays as a big inside mid at VFL level, and uses his size to advantage.

However, I don't think he can play the same role at AFL level. He doesn't have fast enough hands or decision making to make the step up IMO. And he is not clean, skilled or composed enough to play another, more outside role at AFL level. He reminds me of current Brad Ebert without the contested marking (supremely fit and hard at it, but has lost a yard of pace and hand/decision speed).

 

[Knightmare]

Mitch Hibberd is an interesting one. He's played well, and Bob's up at important moments. However I get a Matthew Panos vibe from Hibberd. He plays as a big inside mid at VFL level, and uses his size to advantage.

However, I don't think he can play the same role at AFL level. He doesn't have fast enough hands or decision making to make the step up IMO. And he is not clean, skilled or composed enough to play another, more outside role at AFL level. He reminds me of current Brad Ebert without the contested marking (supremely fit and hard at it, but has lost a yard of pace and hand/decision speed).

Your view matches mine on Hibberd. His decision making under pressure particularly has long been his limiting factor.

 

[Yoda_]

Feel we may have an unprecedented number of 19 year olds and older taken this year.

up to 8 19 year olds going great guns at VFL level/NAB League overager.

Riley Bowman, Bailey Schmidt, Campbell Hustwaite, Marcus Lentini the leading contenders imho. Certainly set to fit into the draft this year

 

[Knightmare]

Feel we may have an unprecedented number of 19 year olds and older taken this year.

up to 8 19 year olds going great guns at VFL level/NAB League overager.

Riley Bowman, Bailey Schmidt, Campbell Hustwaite, Marcus Lentini the leading contenders imho. Certainly set to fit into the draft this year

Schmidt I agree on and would draft if needing a ruckman as a rookie. Lentini I would consider as a mid without prioritising, he's actually a 20 year old and this is his second VFL season. Bowman I'm not as high on as a tweener without a clear position - too short to ruck and not potent enough forward.

For some others immediately coming to mind.

Angus Hanrahan has found form. William Kennedy, Daly Andrews and Matt McGuinness are the other NAB Leaguers I consider draftable.

Hobley from WA, Peatling/Lucas/Murray are all good from GWS.

Keidan Coleman from Brisbane is good and as draftable as any of these.

So you're right to point out there are plenty who are draftable. Less than half of these will get picked, but they're types late/rookie I'd consider if needing their type.

Having the midseason draft dilutes what may otherwise have been there, same story with mature age picks. But there are still plenty.

 

[Yoda_]

Bowman has been impressive in our VFL side. Reminds me a little of Shaun McKernan (other way round though) in that he can fill in as a fwd or a ruck.

I like his aggression and work around the ground, is getting involved as a link man at VFL level already and has hit the score board in 1/3 of his games to date. All as a 19 year old.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Knightmare]

AFL Draft wrap with a focus on St Kilda NGA prospect Biggy Nyuon: https://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_...rap-saints-prospect-biggy-rise-strong-showing

 

[bird_man]

Dylan Stephens not in the top 20

 

[Knightmare]

Dylan Stephens not in the top 20

Stephens is in my tightly contested 15-25 area on my draft board. He's on that edge where he is either in/out, but not by much. He's put together a good month so he's firmly in the mix to get back into my top 20.

I'm not looking at Stephens as a top 10 choice on quality as many are, nor do I view him a clear top 15 choice either.

He's a hard runner who can find the footy but isn't as damaging or influential as I'd like.

 

[RegionalFan]

Mitch Hibberd is an interesting one. He's played well, and Bob's up at important moments. However I get a Matthew Panos vibe from Hibberd. He plays as a big inside mid at VFL level, and uses his size to advantage.

However, I don't think he can play the same role at AFL level. He doesn't have fast enough hands or decision making to make the step up IMO. And he is not clean, skilled or composed enough to play another, more outside role at AFL level. He reminds me of current Brad Ebert without the contested marking (supremely fit and hard at it, but has lost a yard of pace and hand/decision speed).

Hibberd is also one I've followed closely. He had the ability to play off the HBF which I believe is the position he was drafted from, so at his age surely someone would take a punt on him working out. Worse options out there for sure.

 

[Johnny Bananas]

KM, who do you think is a better wing prospect between Sharp and Bianco? Both have the speed, carry and foot skills to be able to succeed, but who is more likely to make it? Any other players in the 12-25 range who would also be a good wing prospect?

 

[Long live PAFC]

Howdy Knightmare, where do you think Cassar fits? How does he compare with those other quick, outside types in this year’s draft? Definitely see this as being Port’s need.

What’s your read on where Taheny, Stephens, Sharp and McAsey will go come draft night?

 

[Knightmare]

KM, who do you think is a better wing prospect between Sharp and Bianco? Both have the speed, carry and foot skills to be able to succeed, but who is more likely to make it? Any other players in the 12-25 range who would also be a good wing prospect?

I prefer Sharp. He has the extra height but isn't any worse than Bianco. Sharp is the more explosive athlete while Bianco's kicking precision is hard to beat. I feel Sharp may even be the slightly more damaging of the two. I also like that he's playing at WAFL League level and going really well, it's a good indicator, particularly from a high impact per possession type.

In that range, Dylan Stephens may be there but if he is he's going around picks 12/13 as a probable 5-15 pick. Darcy Cassar and Mitch O'Neil also are suitable for selection in that range though for me are more back end of that range or a touch after. Joshua Worrell perhaps if like him as a wing, and he can play anywhere as a KPP height utility but he may have found his spot more forward during the U18 champs. They're a few to think about.

But Sharp for me of those I view as the best and most damaging footballer.

Howdy Knightmare, where do you think Cassar fits? How does he compare with those other quick, outside types in this year’s draft? Definitely see this as being Port’s need.

What’s your read on where Taheny, Stephens, Sharp and McAsey will go come draft night?

Cassar from around pick 20 I'd be thinking about. He's a 20-40 pick roughly. He's a damaging player. Has the skills/vision/composure and some pace to go with it. He's a good talent and inside my personal top 30.

For some rough draft ranges I'm expecting:
Taheny: 10-40
Stephens 5-15
Sharp: 10-30
McAsey: 10-40

And in each case I'm expecting somewhere in the middle of that range somewhere, though there is potential for variability with a few of them.

 

[robbieando]

Hey Knightmare are there any former Swans academy players currently playing in the TAC Cup or VFL that are tipped to go in the draft. No names ring a bell but it has been suggested that a combine invite is a former academy member

 

[Knightmare]

Hey Knightmare are there any former Swans academy players currently playing in the TAC Cup or VFL that are tipped to go in the draft. No names ring a bell but it has been suggested that a combine invite is a former academy member

As per my weekly wrap, no Sydney Academy players among the combine invites. Doesn't mean Sydney don't have their eye on any, it's more a case of there aren't five or more clubs putting up their hand and saying they want to see the testing of anyone specific from Sydney's Academy (past or present).

Sydney's better academy prospects in Gulden and Campbell are eligible next year and will be the ones to watch from a draft context.

Hamish Ellem I've enjoyed the play of and feel is worth Sydney picking as a key forward if he can be rookied. Big body who can take a grab at the highest point but is also able at ground level. Sam Thorne is the other I'd look at if liking his NEAFL play and consider as a rookie.

Gulden/Campbell/Thorne are all small mids, so Sydney if interested in adding them or a combination of them into the mix this year/next year will be going for taller mids you'd think.