Draft Expert Knightmare's 2021 Draft Almanac

[briztoon]

AFL Mid-Season Draft. How every club can fill their most pressing list need: https://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_...y-afl-club-needs-do-2021-mid-season-afl-draft

lol

Who is Bolton replacing in Brisbane’s best 22 midfield?
Neale
Lyons
Zorko
Robertson
McCluggage
Berry
Bailey

Reserve mids:
Mathieson
Robertson
Prior
Sharp
Joyce
Berry jr.

You haven’t even seen Tom Joyce (just coming back from 3rd degree burns) to know how good this kid is.

What we need is either a genuine back up ruck or developing young ruck, or a young KPF.

 

[Knightmare]

Can't say I watch a lot of other teams, but if your assessment of the GIANTS needs and possible target is an indication I reckon you'll have a few complaints, we're well and truly stocked for medium/ small defenders

I can't say I love GWS' defence when the likes of Buckley, Idun, Keeffe and Buntine are receiving senior games. They're not components of a premiership back-6.

Cumming has improved this year beyond expectation to his credit and Ash has come good, so they're positives. Hopefully Nic Haynes gets back to playing some of his better footy as he's important and highly valuable when he's up and flying. The key defenders are good with Taylor exceptional, Davis still able when he is available and Jake Riccardi I want to see play more in defence, and beyond question ahead of Keeffe, Buckley, Idun and Buntine.

I'm happy to be on my own re. GWS needing a rebounder. But the likes of Whitfield and Perryman. They shouldn't need to play back anymore. It's all about Cumming and Ash now. And with that noted, I'd like to see Ash still get minutes in defence, but also get midfield minutes with a view towards providing an injection of some speed as a point of contrast to an otherwise one-paced midfield, as that's a second position he has shown as a junior he can also play so no reason for the purposes of AFL play he shouldn't be given the opportunity to see if he can add that to his game also to expect and round out his game.

If Fahey is joining next year, having Parnell as a smaller type who can rebound and be there to take on the opposition's best small forward, and adding that to Cumming, and having Ash rotates mid/def. I like that as a general defence group to complement the talls. If Fahey and Parnell respectively develop, that's to me a complete complement.

We're desperately in need of a plug and play key defender. Crumbing forward too, I like Thorne a lot, but Weightman is doing well in that role. If we had a spot I think we'd be more likely to take a tall.

Do you believe Weightman can be that crumbing forward? For me he's more of a small marking forward than someone who is going to hurt teams with his crumbing, speed or forward pressure. Thorne if he isn't picked mid-season would be a great fit for the Dogs, but if he is, it's more so a Lambert if Richmond don't F/S him, or a Lowson for his speed and pressure.

 

[Knightmare]

lol

Who is Bolton replacing in Brisbane’s best 22 midfield?
Neale
Lyons
Zorko
Robertson
McCluggage
Berry
Bailey

Reserve mids:
Mathieson
Robertson
Prior
Sharp
Joyce
Berry jr.

You haven’t even seen Tom Joyce (just coming back from 3rd degree burns) to know how good this kid is.

From last weekend's team, Mathieson and Robertson, Bolton has distinct separation on.

From the group you suggest to be part of Brisbane's best team, I'd be suggesting Bolton play alongside that group. They don't all have to play such extensive midfield minutes that they don't all fit into the same team, just like at the start of the year Rayner was getting minutes through that midfield - and needless to say is nowhere near Bolton's level at this point in his development either.

 

[PMBangers]

I can't say I love GWS' defence when the likes of Buckley, Idun, Keeffe and Buntine are receiving senior games. They're not components of a premiership back-6.

Keeffe prior to his knee was probably our best KPD for the prior 10-12 games, he's not a superb player by any means but dies his job with shutting down oppo KPDs, the other 3 are medium/ depth guys that are being forced to play taller because of our lack of KPD depth, so no you're not on your own, you're agreeing with me in a round about way

 

[weltschmerz]

Do you believe Weightman can be that crumbing forward? For me he's more of a small marking forward than someone who is going to hurt teams with his crumbing, speed or forward pressure. Thorne if he isn't picked mid-season would be a great fit for the Dogs, but if he is, it's more so a Lambert if Richmond don't F/S him, or a Lowson for his speed and pressure.

I wasn't sure at first, but he's playing that role really well. Kicked some really good crumbing goals and he's one of our best pressure options in the forward line.

 

[LittleG]

Do you believe Weightman can be that crumbing forward? For me he's more of a small marking forward than someone who is going to hurt teams with his crumbing, speed or forward pressure. Thorne if he isn't picked mid-season would be a great fit for the Dogs, but if he is, it's more so a Lambert if Richmond don't F/S him, or a Lowson for his speed and pressure.

Weightman is alright in that role. Better than we have had for quite a while.

Dogs are being exposed in the KPD department. Any of the ones you keep mentioning as being in the top 3 best KPD inmid-season draft, would potentially play for us ASAP IF we had a draft pick. I am not sure that Thorne would play immediately, he would have to beat out Weightman for that spot. The Dogs are unlikely to play 2 small pressure-forwards, as we tend to play lots of rotational midfielders OR a forward half tagger like JJ has become.

 

[Knightmare]

Weightman is alright in that role. Better than we have had for quite a while.

Dogs are being exposed in the KPD department. Any of the ones you keep mentioning as being in the top 3 best KPD inmid-season draft, would potentially play for us ASAP IF we had a draft pick. I am not sure that Thorne would play immediately, he would have to beat out Weightman for that spot. The Dogs are unlikely to play 2 small pressure-forwards, as we tend to play lots of rotational midfielders OR a forward half tagger like JJ has become.

Callow if he got through would be the best key defender possible. Schlensog if there would be a great get. Charlie Dean also worth consideration. Callow and Schlensog can play this year if you need them to.

 

[Knightmare]

Weightman is alright in that role. Better than we have had for quite a while.

Dogs are being exposed in the KPD department. Any of the ones you keep mentioning as being in the top 3 best KPD inmid-season draft, would potentially play for us ASAP IF we had a draft pick. I am not sure that Thorne would play immediately, he would have to beat out Weightman for that spot. The Dogs are unlikely to play 2 small pressure-forwards, as we tend to play lots of rotational midfielders OR a forward half tagger like JJ has become.

Just again, as per in my article, Dogs don't have a pick. So the Dogs will have to wait until end of season, unless there is someone the Dogs can put on their inactive list I'm not yet aware of.

 

[GWS Goose]

Can't say I watch a lot of other teams, but if your assessment of the GIANTS needs and possible target is an indication I reckon you'll have a few complaints, we're well and truly stocked for medium/ small defenders

Agree, Especially the rebounding types.

we need a tall defender both short and long term.

 

[Knightmare]

Agree, Especially the rebounding types.

we need a tall defender both short and long term.

What do you think of Riccardi?

His game is ideal to shift into defence.

If GWS don't make him into a key defender, if I'm a rival list manager, I'm trading for Riccardi and switching him back.

 

[GWS Goose]

What do you think of Riccardi?

His game is ideal to shift into defence.

If GWS don't make him into a key defender, if I'm a rival list manager, I'm trading for Riccardi and switching him back.

I think that is what they'll do with him, or at least have him as a swingman. With Davis and keefe nearing the end I think they see him becoming the third key tall behind Taylor and Buckley.
he has the physical attributes to play defence. He did very well in the VFL game down back but played a little loose.
Against West Coast he was able to launch a few attacks from down back and he will do that far better than most KPD. At this stage he hasn't got the accountability bit down back yet, a full off season learning to play defense and I think he'll be very handy (assuming he can get the mindset to defend).

 

[Knightmare]

I think that is what they'll do with him, or at least have him as a swingman. With Davis and keefe nearing the end I think they see him becoming the third key tall behind Taylor and Buckley.
he has the physical attributes to play defence. He did very well in the VFL game down back but played a little loose.
Against West Coast he was able to launch a few attacks from down back and he will do that far better than most KPD. At this stage he hasn't got the accountability bit down back yet, a full off season learning to play defense and I think he'll be very handy (assuming he can get the mindset to defend).

Riccardi behind Buckley?

Riccardi I feel can become at his peak a top-10 key defender in the competition and I wouldn't be surprised to see become a competition leader in intercept marks at some point. He's unbelievable reading it in flight and attacking it aerially. And at 195cm/196cm, he's far from too short to play KPP.

This is why I've spoken about Riccardi both here and on other platforms as someone I would trade for and make a priority if I'm after a key defender at this time. I can offer at the trade table what is today considered fair or market value and I can get him for next to nothing relative to what I project he can become.

I don't disagree that it could take Riccardi a year to fully adapt to the new position, but I would encourage him to continue to play aggressively as an intercepter and to back himself where possible. He doesn't fundamentally need to change the way he plays, as much as make minor tweaks and get more games behind him in defence to learn that balance. I may have a differing view to most on key defenders, but their primary purpose I don't view as stopping their opponent, but rather intercepting first, rebounding second, then limiting their opponents influence third - with a view towards having teammates held to clog up spaces to stop them from having spaces to lead into and having the key defender able to ideally turn as many 1v1s into marks for. That's why I don't care if key defenders are all that athletic or otherwise, it's all about that intercepting and contested marking above all else.

 

[Turbocat]

Knightmare ... what do you know about Hugh Stagg?

 

[GWS Goose]

Riccardi behind Buckley?

Riccardi I feel can become at his peak a top-10 key defender in the competition and I wouldn't be surprised to see become a competition leader in intercept marks at some point. He's unbelievable reading it in flight and attacking it aerially. And at 195cm/196cm, he's far from too short to play KPP.

This is why I've spoken about Riccardi both here and on other platforms as someone I would trade for and make a priority if I'm after a key defender at this time. I can offer at the trade table what is today considered fair or market value and I can get him for next to nothing relative to what I project he can become.

I don't disagree that it could take Riccardi a year to fully adapt to the new position, but I would encourage him to continue to play aggressively as an intercepter and to back himself where possible. He doesn't fundamentally need to change the way he plays, as much as make minor tweaks and get more games behind him in defence to learn that balance. I may have a differing view to most on key defenders, but their primary purpose I don't view as stopping their opponent, but rather intercepting first, rebounding second, then limiting their opponents influence third - with a view towards having teammates held to clog up spaces to stop them from having spaces to lead into and having the key defender able to ideally turn as many 1v1s into marks for. That's why I don't care if key defenders are all that athletic or otherwise, it's all about that intercepting and contested marking above all else.

Buckley is going terrific, but I meant as the third tall as opposed to being the third best. Which I think by your follow up is what you also think.

At the moment the GWS fans are really into Buckley as potentially a really good player (if he isnt already a really good player), I think it will take a while for others to catch on. He beat Riewoldt and Darling in consecutive weeks, and with Darling he squared a few contests where the ball flew in and you'd back the key forward to win 9 out of 10.

GWS get a bit less coverage and our unheralded players take a little while longer to get the credit they deserve. Sam Taylor is now highly rated but he did it for a long while before they caught on. Perryman and Daniels are also underrated in my opinion. Buckley is in that mold, I suspect this time next year people will talk about Buckley pretty positively.

 

[Knightmare]

Knightmare ... what do you know about Hugh Stagg?

Stagg will be my focus player of the week. So in short, like him.

Looks good fwd/mid. Has some power and a freak when it comes to breaking tackles.

Will elaborate more in my weekly wrap.

Buckley is going terrific, but I meant as the third tall as opposed to being the third best. Which I think by your follow up is what you also think.

At the moment the GWS fans are really into Buckley as potentially a really good player (if he isnt already a really good player), I think it will take a while for others to catch on. He beat Riewoldt and Darling in consecutive weeks, and with Darling he squared a few contests where the ball flew in and you'd back the key forward to win 9 out of 10.

GWS get a bit less coverage and our unheralded players take a little while longer to get the credit they deserve. Sam Taylor is now highly rated but he did it for a long while before they caught on. Perryman and Daniels are also underrated in my opinion. Buckley is in that mold, I suspect this time next year people will talk about Buckley pretty positively.

I'm about as disconnected with the popular opinion of the day as you can get on particular players, so you'll find my ratings of players probably pretty varied to other watchers. I hold a completely different set of values in terms of what's important by position and what leads to success or alternatives caps ones scope to development by position.

Taylor I'm a huge fan of as we speak, he's borderline All-Australian this year and already in my view top-5 in the competition by position, and a clear-cut top-10 key defender in the competition.

Perryman in 2019 started to come good. People should have caught on he can play by now and is a capable component.

Buckley as a defender isn't my type and is someone I'd rather not have to play if I had control of the GWS playing list. He's going fine stopping the smaller key forwards, but that's about where my complements stop. He's not an intercepter =73th in average intercepts per game and 154th for contested marks average per game. He's not a good intercept mark and isn't good one-on-one either, posing no threat to turn one-on-ones into marks and struggles against the taller and stronger key forwards. Holding this view, that's why I expressed surprise that he could be rated ahead of Riccardi, or really viewed all that favourably, but my values in terms of what makes a key defender aren't the exact same as coaches or others within the industry may hold.

Brent Daniels is another I'm not a fan of either, and like with Buckley, I'm sure he has his fans internally. But he's a forward and doesn't hit the scoreboard, and hasn't proven a threat in any season so far. His primary purpose is forward pressure, but in the games I've seen of him this year, and you may disagree, but I've found his pressure to be ho-hum, as a component of his game that was really the only component of value he provided previously.

If Buckley holds his spot ahead of Riccardi in GWS' best 22, and I'm expecting that to be the case, as that's how things stand, I'd be approaching Riccardi and letting him know exactly how good I think he can be and how much I'd want him on my list. Top-10 key defender in the competition, possible intercept mark leader of the competition, and just let him know all he has to do is be him and play his natural game, and attack the ball aerially and go for intercept marks as often as he can, as a featured component.

 

[GWS Goose]

Stagg will be my focus player of the week. So in short, like him.

Looks good fwd/mid. Has some power and a freak when it comes to breaking tackles.

Will elaborate more in my weekly wrap.



I'm about as disconnected with the popular opinion of the day as you can get on particular players, so you'll find my ratings of players probably pretty varied to other watchers. I hold a completely different set of values in terms of what's important by position and what leads to success or alternatives caps ones scope to development by position.

Taylor I'm a huge fan of as we speak, he's borderline All-Australian this year and already in my view top-5 in the competition by position, and a clear-cut top-10 key defender in the competition.

Perryman in 2019 started to come good. People should have caught on he can play by now and is a capable component.

Buckley as a defender isn't my type and is someone I'd rather not have to play if I had control of the GWS playing list. He's going fine stopping the smaller key forwards, but that's about where my complements stop. He's not an intercepter =73th in average intercepts per game and 154th for contested marks average per game. He's not a good intercept mark and isn't good one-on-one either, posing no threat to turn one-on-ones into marks and struggles against the taller and stronger key forwards. Holding this view, that's why I expressed surprise that he could be rated ahead of Riccardi, or really viewed all that favourably, but my values in terms of what makes a key defender aren't the exact same as coaches or others within the industry may hold.

Brent Daniels is another I'm not a fan of either, and like with Buckley, I'm sure he has his fans internally. But he's a forward and doesn't hit the scoreboard, and hasn't proven a threat in any season so far. His primary purpose is forward pressure, but in the games I've seen of him this year, and you may disagree, but I've found his pressure to be ho-hum, as a component of his game that was really the only component of value he provided previously.

If Buckley holds his spot ahead of Riccardi in GWS' best 22, and I'm expecting that to be the case, as that's how things stand, I'd be approaching Riccardi and letting him know exactly how good I think he can be and how much I'd want him on my list. Top-10 key defender in the competition, possible intercept mark leader of the competition, and just let him know all he has to do is be him and play his natural game, and attack the ball aerially and go for intercept marks as often as he can, as a featured component.

Daniels is involved in an awful lot of scoring chains, often playing a very important role in breaking the line or bursting out of traffic. In 2019 he was very high up in both score involvements and score assists (or goal involvements, assists forgotten which), last year we played so poorly it was at the other end, but he was spark in the middle. This year he has been injured. He doesn't kick enough goals is fair criticism.
We are definitely a better team with him playing.

 

[blueiris]

From last weekend's team, Mathieson and Robertson, Bolton has distinct separation on.

From the group you suggest to be part of Brisbane's best team, I'd be suggesting Bolton play alongside that group. They don't all have to play such extensive midfield minutes that they don't all fit into the same team, just like at the start of the year Rayner was getting minutes through that midfield - and needless to say is nowhere near Bolton's level at this point in his development either.

Bolton is 29 Brisbane already have a muture enough midfield he’s not a massive need for the Lions a Running Defender or back-up Ruck is a more passing need

 

[Swiggy]

Knightmare are you surprised freo aren’t going to take a pick in mid season draft?

 

[Knightmare]

Bolton is 29 Brisbane already have a muture enough midfield he’s not a massive need for the Lions a Running Defender or back-up Ruck is a more passing need

Archie Smith and Tom Fullarton is decent for depth. I'm not seeing a ruckman in the state leagues clearly better than Smith. Luke Strnadica is perhaps comparable and the better state league ruckman, but I wouldn't say clearly better to be worth bothering with, and would be behind McInerney, so it's just more depth, when really it's the best-22 that needs to be upgraded to help push past other teams.

I agree with you on Brisbane's defense needs though. Angus Baker would be great, but wouldn't be there if Essendon take him. Avery I like, but he hasn't put his name into the MSD.

Patrick Parnell would be a nice fit but may not be there.

Newman I like, but he hasn't put his name in for the MSD.

So if those guys aren't available, I'm not necessarily seeing who pushes ahead of Brisbane's existing defenders either. There wouldn't be anyone who moves the needle without those guys available, or who add to the best-22.

That said, and Brisbane's midfield is by no means weak, it's excellent as you've got a terrific contested ball winning and clearance winning team, but I do see Brisbane still short one good midfielder when I go through the names. For AFL purposes Bolton is another 25d per game mid and one who kills it in big games. He's an any team best-22 enhancer who can help come finals football. His value over replacement I view as the highest for a contender of those available in the MSD as the best player outside the AFL and someone who can help any contending side. The likes of Mathieson and Robertson would be immediately moved down the depth charts along with Keidean Coleman.

 

[Knightmare]

Knightmare are you surprised freo aren’t going to take a pick in mid season draft?

Doesn't sound like they see anyone they like or feel can add to their best-22.

They've drafted mature age talent recently enough, so it is a surprise to hear they won't take anyone as taking them in rookie drafts past suggests they do watch the state leagues.

I see it as an opportunity missed as I'm seeing a number of players across different positions who could add value and potentially become pieces for Fremantle. Max Pescud who I listed as a possible list fit for Fremantle is one example of a player I liked as a fit. He was terrific last year and has found another level this year. If the Dockers took him, I wouldn't put it past him either this year or next year to break into their best side. And that's before going through the likes of Thorne and Lowson who also as forwards are very capable in their own right, if after more established players with more senior state league experience behind them.

 

[Smythe]

Stagg will be my focus player of the week. So in short, like him.

Looks good fwd/mid. Has some power and a freak when it comes to breaking tackles.

Will elaborate more in my weekly wrap.



I'm about as disconnected with the popular opinion of the day as you can get on particular players, so you'll find my ratings of players probably pretty varied to other watchers. I hold a completely different set of values in terms of what's important by position and what leads to success or alternatives caps ones scope to development by position.

Taylor I'm a huge fan of as we speak, he's borderline All-Australian this year and already in my view top-5 in the competition by position, and a clear-cut top-10 key defender in the competition.

Perryman in 2019 started to come good. People should have caught on he can play by now and is a capable component.

Buckley as a defender isn't my type and is someone I'd rather not have to play if I had control of the GWS playing list. He's going fine stopping the smaller key forwards, but that's about where my complements stop. He's not an intercepter =73th in average intercepts per game and 154th for contested marks average per game. He's not a good intercept mark and isn't good one-on-one either, posing no threat to turn one-on-ones into marks and struggles against the taller and stronger key forwards. Holding this view, that's why I expressed surprise that he could be rated ahead of Riccardi, or really viewed all that favourably, but my values in terms of what makes a key defender aren't the exact same as coaches or others within the industry may hold.

Brent Daniels is another I'm not a fan of either, and like with Buckley, I'm sure he has his fans internally. But he's a forward and doesn't hit the scoreboard, and hasn't proven a threat in any season so far. His primary purpose is forward pressure, but in the games I've seen of him this year, and you may disagree, but I've found his pressure to be ho-hum, as a component of his game that was really the only component of value he provided previously.

If Buckley holds his spot ahead of Riccardi in GWS' best 22, and I'm expecting that to be the case, as that's how things stand, I'd be approaching Riccardi and letting him know exactly how good I think he can be and how much I'd want him on my list. Top-10 key defender in the competition, possible intercept mark leader of the competition, and just let him know all he has to do is be him and play his natural game, and attack the ball aerially and go for intercept marks as often as he can, as a featured component.

keep away from my Stagg you two

 

[DaKids]

Knightmare ... what do you know about Hugh Stagg?

Posted some good performances of late BUT have to remember that as of R5 of SANFL U18’s all the college kids leave the comp.

He had a huge game v South the other week - South had no Roberts or no Draper. Last week v West there was no Kobe Ryan.

Not saying he’s not a good prospect but always worth being a bit cautious on kids who burst on to scene at this time of season.

Early games where all players available he was playing fine but not out of ordinary. Worth seeing how he goes in champs though

 

[Knightmare]

Posted some good performances of late BUT have to remember that as of R5 of SANFL U18’s all the college kids leave the comp.

He had a huge game v South the other week - South had no Roberts or no Draper. Last week v West there was no Kobe Ryan.

Not saying he’s not a good prospect but always worth being a bit cautious on kids who burst on to scene at this time of season.

Early games where all players available he was playing fine but not out of ordinary. Worth seeing how he goes in champs though

Stagg has put up consistent numbers to date. That said, I'm not expecting Stagg feature inside the first round at this stage.

 

[Knightmare]

Second ESPN podcast appearance for 2021. Covering tomorrow's AFL Mid-Season draft.

 

[Knightmare]

Why Jackson Callow went undrafted and how he exposes an AFL recruiting blind spot: