Draft Expert PMBangers' (and ‘friends’) 2022 Draft Board

[pushintheback]

Considering the 2023 cohort has missed multiple years of rep footy and with the amount of 17yr olds that have played the first 4 rounds it’s pretty poor they are not getting an opportunity to play state footy. Yes the top 3 or 4 17 yr olds might get an opportunity in the u18 comp, but what about the rest. Surely the common sense would be to play u16, u17, u18 in 2022 only, then back to u16 & u18 in 2023. Thoughts?

 

[eDPS]

Considering the 2023 cohort has missed multiple years of rep footy and with the amount of 17yr olds that have played the first 4 rounds it’s pretty poor they are not getting an opportunity to play state footy. Yes the top 3 or 4 17 yr olds might get an opportunity in the u18 comp, but what about the rest. Surely the common sense would be to play u16, u17, u18 in 2022 only, then back to u16 & u18 in 2023. Thoughts?

A fair amount got to play in the 16s festival they just had and plenty will get a chance in front of recruiters when the APS and NAB League split happens.

 

[pushintheback]

A fair amount got to play in the 16s festival they just had and plenty will get a chance in front of recruiters when the APS and NAB League split happens.

Only a handful at best from each team got to play In the u16 carnival. And these 17yr olds are not eligible to play in the up coming u16 national carnival. Then there are the 17 yr olds that were playing u18s so were not eligible to play in the recent u16 carnival. Yes they have got some visibility but it’s nothing like the national carnival provides. So what happens to these kids? I have seen some really good 17yr olds in the first 4 rounds, none of them played u16s. Poor form that the AFL have not even acknowledged what their plans are for the 2023 cohort. I’m tipping the AFL clubs would want to see the best compete against one another.

 

[briztoon]

Only a handful at best from each team got to play In the u16 carnival. And these 17yr olds are not eligible to play in the up coming u16 national carnival. Then there are the 17 yr olds that were playing u18s so were not eligible to play in the recent u16 carnival. Yes they have got some visibility but it’s nothing like the national carnival provides. So what happens to these kids? I have seen some really good 17yr olds in the first 4 rounds, none of them played u16s. Poor form that the AFL have not even acknowledged what their plans are for the 2023 cohort. I’m tipping the AFL clubs would want to see the best compete against one another.

Are you forgetting the U17 curtain raiser on grand final day?

50 or so of the country’s best play in that game.

And honestly, the 2023 cohort still have all of next year to play.

So yes they miss out on an underage national carnival, but they have plenty of time to shine this year and next at colts or nab league level, or during school footy.

It’s not like we’re going to go back in to lockdowns, and the kids won’t get any exposure.

 

[pushintheback]

Are you forgetting the U17 curtain raiser on grand final day?

50 or so of the country’s best play in that game.

And honestly, the 2023 cohort still have all of next year to play.

So yes they miss out on an underage national carnival, but they have plenty of time to shine this year and next at colts or nab league level, or during school footy.

It’s not like we’re going to go back in to lockdowns, and the kids won’t get any exposure.

You raise valid points but I still think they are being hard done by. It’s great 50 get to play GF day but what about the other 120-150 players that miss out. Each state prob has 35 or so in a squad so a lot still miss out. Loads of kids get picked up on their carnival performance particularly ones that miss the following season through injury. I reckon the AFL can afford an u17 carnival. Even VM v VC would be better than nothing as the other states played rep footy during COVID. Just my PoV

 

[briztoon]

You raise valid points but I still think they are being hard done by. It’s great 50 get to play GF day but what about the other 120-150 players that miss out. Each state prob has 35 or so in a squad so a lot still miss out. Loads of kids get picked up on their carnival performance particularly ones that miss the following season through injury. I reckon the AFL can afford an u17 carnival. Even VM v VC would be better than nothing as the other states played rep footy during COVID. Just my PoV

I would imagine most of the perceived draftable kids would make up that 50 for the rep game.

It sucks for this years U17 kids, that a lot of fringe kids will miss the highlight of their junior career.

But unfortunately that’s the times we live in. Most kids don’t get picked up on their bottom age performances if they have under performed in their draft year.

It is true that some injured kids have been picked up on the basis of U16 or U17 performances, but these are kids who were usually highly rated in their underage years. A kid like Campbell Chesser was considered a top 10 talent based off his U16 championships.

Such kids would still likely get drafted next year, even without a nation championship.

Even then, some of these kids have had to return as 19 year olds to get drafted. Noah Answerth is such an example.

 

[Turbocat]

Along with small forwards and to a degree general defenders I think it's a thin draft for KPD's, as it stands Busslinger is the clear standout, I think Henry Hustwaite (Dandenong) and Lewis Hayes (Eastern) are good options from the second round onward, although Hustwaite is more based on height given he plays more as a tall flanker. Past there, James Van Es (GWV) is capable but not really a high potential pick imo, Brodie Tuck and Koby Cockshell are two that have played more forward recently but I think would be good down back and have shown they are good down there. I think Harry Barnett could be trained as a defender long term as well but he's probably too good in the Ruck or would require too high of a pick to do it

As most of the talent plays forward..would there be some of the KPF that would seem likely to adapt and go back at the next level. Often KPD seem to be failed key forwards. Geelong really need to add to it KPD stocks after losing Kruger to Collingwood we are thin in talls.

I have read a few opinions that its good draft for talls ...and that seems to be key in a list build. Getting it right when to go hard at talls , as they are like hens teeth and the chance to get them is is rare. Rating the talls from year to year ..trying to gauge their worth must be a job. Do you rely on eye... combine type data ..word of moth from with in the clubs..?

I feel they are not like mids, its not ideal to load up each year ,there are so many roles within clubs. Pick the year to go for it. Get it right or wrong , and it can define your list for years. Stkilda look like they have hit gold with the MKing selection after missing with McCartin. I feel GC may have pulled the wrong reighn but hopefully Luk becomes a gun player for them. I look back at 2017 and Geelong went past several talls that now we would love to have to pick Fogarty, so every club faces challenges and no one gets it spot on all the time.

Thanks for your efforts and enjoy the rookieme website. Do you guys ever do podcasts?

 

[PMBangers]

As most of the talent plays forward..would there be some of the KPF that would seem likely to adapt and go back at the next level. Often KPD seem to be failed key forwards. Geelong really need to add to it KPD stocks after losing Kruger to Collingwood we are thin in talls.

I have read a few opinions that its good draft for talls ...and that seems to be key in a list build. Getting it right when to go hard at talls , as they are like hens teeth and the chance to get them is is rare. Rating the talls from year to year ..trying to gauge their worth must be a job. Do you rely on eye... combine type data ..word of moth from with in the clubs..?

I feel they are not like mids, its not ideal to load up each year ,there are so many roles within clubs. Pick the year to go for it. Get it right or wrong , and it can define your list for years. Stkilda look like they have hit gold with the MKing selection after missing with McCartin. I feel GC may have pulled the wrong reighn but hopefully Luk becomes a gun player for them. I look back at 2017 and Geelong went past several talls that now we would love to have to pick Fogarty, so every club faces challenges and no one gets it spot on all the time.

Thanks for your efforts and enjoy the rookieme website. Do you guys ever do podcasts?

Matt Jefferson has played a bit of backline in school footy previously but I'd say he's most suited to the forward line long term regardless, the only Key Forward in the crop that I could really see translating well is Aaron Cadman from GWV, strong hands and high workrate to go with his athleticism and a good user of the ball, pretty much ticks all those boxes you need, my only concern would be height, as we get more and more of these 199-204cm key forwards I'm not sure that the traditional 194cm is going to cut the mustard as well in the future.

I don't know what's happening podcast wise this year, I'm assuming the weekly episodes will start back up some time next month

 

[RedmanWasHere]

I don't know what's happening podcast wise this year, I'm assuming the weekly episodes will start back up some time next month

The ones hosted by The Wookie?

 

[PMBangers]

The ones hosted by The Wookie?

Nah that was the bigfooty one

 

[RedmanWasHere]

Nah that was the bigfooty one

I know but will that be back?

 

[PMBangers]

I know but will that be back?

Maybe, need other draft watchers to be available for it

 

[Turbocat]

Matt Jefferson has played a bit of backline in school footy previously but I'd say he's most suited to the forward line long term regardless, the only Key Forward in the crop that I could really see translating well is Aaron Cadman from GWV, strong hands and high workrate to go with his athleticism and a good user of the ball, pretty much ticks all those boxes you need, my only concern would be height, as we get more and more of these 199-204cm key forwards I'm not sure that the traditional 194cm is going to cut the mustard as well in the future.

I don't know what's happening podcast wise this year, I'm assuming the weekly episodes will start back up some time next month

194cm is shortish for a KPD these days. Id put that at Kolodjashnij height. Not sure it rules him out but as you say, put him next to Max King and watch the result

 

[pushintheback]

Did anyone watch the Murray v Northern game? Looks like it was very one sided. 3 Northern boys not registering a stat. Is this correct? Is Cooper Harvey getting drafted?

 

[PMBangers]

Did anyone watch the Murray v Northern game? Looks like it was very one sided. 3 Northern boys not registering a stat. Is this correct? Is Cooper Harvey getting drafted?

I watched the first half and not surprised by it, outside of some of the Northern defenders it was very one sided for Murray. Cooper will get drafted, just doubt it'll be early on

 

[eDPS]

Did anyone watch the Murray v Northern game? Looks like it was very one sided. 3 Northern boys not registering a stat. Is this correct? Is Cooper Harvey getting drafted?

Think those 3 where late outs or emergencies. Northern have looked fairly lacking defensively the last few weeks and are really lacking some spark. Murray backline had a field day and Murray midfield looked to bat fairly deep.

 

[pushintheback]

Think those 3 where late ours or emergencies. Northern have looked fairly lacking defensively the last few weeks and are really lacking some spark. Murray backline had a field day and Murray midfield looked to bat fairly deep.

Ah makes sense. Was surprised to see Caddy have 0. He’s in their best 22. Is he injured?

 

[eDPS]

Ah makes sense. Was surprised to see Caddy have 0. He’s in their best 22. Is he injured?

Might have pulled up sore in the warm up maybe, he is more than best 22 he is in their best 3

 

[HumanMeatball]

What’s the depth like? A pick like richmonds at 19 or 20 gonna be valuable for midfield types?

 

[PMBangers]

What’s the depth like? A pick like richmonds at 19 or 20 gonna be valuable for midfield types?

Midfielders are always rife through the draft so you're safe there, from my point of view though after the top 5 prospects there's a bit of a drop (A+ Tier; Wardlaw, Ashcroft. A Tier; Tsatas, Lemmey, Hewett), not massive necessarily, but noticeable, and then there's probably about 6 or 7 prospects in that 6-11/12 range that are even and a small drop off again. In saying that it's really early in the season, most of the WA kids haven't even played 2 games yet so as the year roles on it'll become clearer, but that 13-35 range of prospects is close for me, hard to separate a lot in that group

 

[briztoon]

What’s the depth like? A pick like richmonds at 19 or 20 gonna be valuable for midfield types?

I’m going to bite, how are you getting pick 19 or 20?

Surely West Coast and North almost have a lock on the bottom two.

 

[Gratees]

I’m going to bite, how are you getting pick 19 or 20?

Surely West Coast and North almost have a lock on the bottom two.

We have Norths second rounder this year, got it in the Coleman Jones trade

 

[briztoon]

We have Norths second rounder this year, got it in the Coleman Jones trade

Nice trade.

 

[pushintheback]

Oakleigh v Calder my view before the stats are released.
Best Players in alpha order.
OC - Badr, Dammersmith, Davey, Jefferson, Philactides, Tsatsas, Wardlaw
CC - Alessio, Andronaco, Penny, Valensisi,
Oakleigh dominated this game. Tsatsas and Wardlaw won their usual fair share of the ball. Tsatsas is class, he impresses me more every week. He brings his teammates into the game, really good hands. RFI balance when he’s running full tilt. Wardlaw is a grade 6 playing against preps, he’s the leading #1 pick. Dammersmith he’s a 19yr old but was great kicking 5. Should have kicked 7 or 8. Strong grabs. Hits up nicely. Bottom Agers Badr and Philactides continue to impress down back. Badr is slick and reliable. Philactides had a heap of the ball. His run and speed off HB results in scoring opportunities. Both are the better bottom agers I have seen so far. Davey, wow wee. He’s quick. Loves a bounce and while he wouldn’t be the highest possession winner today he was arguably BOG. I love how he tempts the oppo to come at him. He s a jet. Jefferson will go high in this yrs draft. He’s a strong grab and when he gets into a FT environment he will improve significantly. Oakleigh had other good players as well. Ben Moyle, Brayden Andrews, Jerome Lawrence 2 goals. Tom Warner and Riley Voulanas hit the scoreboard as well.
Calder - Harrison Andronaco is a 19yr old but he was good. Tough inside mid who won plenty of the ball And kick a snag. I really liked Rye Penny, Valensisi and Alessio down back. These 3 boys were hard as nails and took a lot of great contested marks. Alessio was probably the best for Calder. He will be a nice addition to the bombers in 2023. Having said this Penny is an animal, looks like he loves the contact. Will Hubik kicked 3 and was a shining light up fwd for Calder. Competes well and has a lot of enthusiasm with his goal celebrations. November baby so has a lot of upside. Jack Newit, Sam Wilson, Paul Pascu and Jamieson Jarvis snagged 1 each for CC.

 

[PMBangers]

Oakleigh v Calder my view before the stats are released.
Best Players in alpha order.
OC - Badr, Dammersmith, Davey, Jefferson, Philactides, Tsatsas, Wardlaw
CC - Alessio, Andronaco, Penny, Valensisi,
Oakleigh dominated this game. Tsatsas and Wardlaw won their usual fair share of the ball. Tsatsas is class, he impresses me more every week. He brings his teammates into the game, really good hands. RFI balance when he’s running full tilt. Wardlaw is a grade 6 playing against preps, he’s the leading #1 pick. Dammersmith he’s a 19yr old but was great kicking 5. Should have kicked 7 or 8. Strong grabs. Hits up nicely. Bottom Agers Badr and Philactides continue to impress down back. Badr is slick and reliable. Philactides had a heap of the ball. His run and speed off HB results in scoring opportunities. Both are the better bottom agers I have seen so far. Davey, wow wee. He’s quick. Loves a bounce and while he wouldn’t be the highest possession winner today he was arguably BOG. I love how he tempts the oppo to come at him. He s a jet. Jefferson will go high in this yrs draft. He’s a strong grab and when he gets into a FT environment he will improve significantly. Oakleigh had other good players as well. Ben Moyle, Brayden Andrews, Jerome Lawrence 2 goals. Tom Warner and Riley Voulanas hit the scoreboard as well.
Calder - Harrison Andronaco is a 19yr old but he was good. Tough inside mid who won plenty of the ball And kick a snag. I really liked Rye Penny, Valensisi and Alessio down back. These 3 boys were hard as nails and took a lot of great contested marks. Alessio was probably the best for Calder. He will be a nice addition to the bombers in 2023. Having said this Penny is an animal, looks like he loves the contact. Will Hubik kicked 3 and was a shining light up fwd for Calder. Competes well and has a lot of enthusiasm with his goal celebrations. November baby so has a lot of upside. Jack Newit, Sam Wilson, Paul Pascu and Jamieson Jarvis snagged 1 each for CC.

Agree with a bit of this, Davey BOG especially, was definitely the Chargers most consistent across 4 quarters and is really growing into the midfield role more with each game. Wardlaw started the game on fire but seemed to be heavily rotated in the second half which was a bit disappointing, but coming back from illness it's not super surprising. Teal was shaky early but worked into the game well, his composure by hand under pressure was really good in patches, hope to see him get some more midfield time whether that's in APS or when he comes back to the Chargers. I thought Heine had his best game for the year off half back too, especially impactful early on.
I found it hard to get Calders bests, no one really did it across 4 quarters outside of Newitt and Ktona, Burquest had a few moments too. I'm a big Penny fan, for mine he's their best draft chance atm, kicking could do with some polishing but athletically and application wise he's awesome. Jarvis was also good, got some speed and leads to the right spots regardless of where he is on field