- Sep 25, 2005
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Here is the 2019 version. Lot of fun putting it together. Couple of standout points;
- Not many quality talls so think a fair chance a few go ahead probably where people would have in a talent ranking
- Its pretty even. First 20 are all potentially very good players
- The pick swaps on the night will be significant. I think a number of clubs are wanting to get into the first 20-25.
Enjoy,
# 1 Gold Coast
Matt Rowell / Oakleigh / 180cm / 78kg
Absolute A grader and one of the best prospects have seen for some time. Footy smarts in spades, tough, good ball user and most importantly influences games.
Why / Who else - Clear standout for #1.
# 2 Gold Coast
Noah Anderson / Oakleigh / 191cm / 86kg
Watched a lot of him at Oakleigh and one of the best have seen through the middle and forward. Just so clean and effective with the ball.
Why / Who else - Nobody
#3 Melbourne
Luke Jackson East Fremantle / 199cm / 84kg
Genuine top 3 - 5 contender and a real chance to land at the Demons at 3. He is very similar to Grundy is his draft year insomuch as very athletically blessed, hunts the ball all over the ground, uses it well. Solid enough and you can just how he will fill out. Havent seen a lot of him forward but the little I have suggests enough to work with. Major difference to Grundy for mine is his leap.
Why / Who else – Wont slip past # 4. Think Young only other contender here but word is Ash is coming with a ‘rush’.
# 4 GIANTS
Lachlan Ash / Murray Bushrangers/ 187cm / 83kg
High end talent who has enormous speed and strength. Will start as a HB flanker but has scope to go in the midfield. His defensive side is very good but it’s his power away from the contest combined with his speed and ball use that makes him a weapon for whoever lands him.
Why / Who else – It opens up here as not sure they have made their selection. If not Jackson one of Ash, Young or Flanders.
# 5 GIANTS (MB)
Tom Green / GWS / 188cm / 85kg
The GWS Academy member who is a big inside midfielder in the Cripps mould. Strong and powerful reads the game well, wins first possession and uses it by hand and foot well. Not overly blessed with speed so going to be an interesting transition for him but he is a player.
# 6 Sydney
Sam Flanders / Gippsland Power / 183cm / 81kg
Been a big fan for sometime. Midfielder who is just a beast and will win first possession and make good decisions clearing it. Also has the ability to play on the outside and really influence games. He can also double as a dangerous HF. He is going to go high because he just breathes a 200 game career and an ability to influence games.
Why / Who else – Swans need a big inside midfielder. Kemp would be a slight reach but type they could really like. Robertson and Serong would be in the mix. Ultimately think that Hawks will try and get this pick and take McAsey. Swans would have their pick of a few high end inside mids at #13 and get another first rounder for next year!
# 7 Adelaide
Fischer McAsey / Sandringham Dragons / 197cm / 91kg
I like this kid. Quality key position player who just knows where to be to intercept and how to out body his opponent. Can also play forward and looks to have some smarts there that will appeal to clubs but just such a good key defender think you would let him develop there. Been impressive at all levels.
Why / Who else – Hard to let Stephens past as also a player that is around this mark and the type Crows need. Having said that I suspect Hawks will get to pick 6 and take McAsey in which case I think they will take Stephens and Finlay or Hilder later.
# 8 Fremantle
Hayden Young / Dandenong / 188cm / 82kg
Love this kid and have had him at high end of this draft all year. Reads the game exceptionally well and uses it on defence and attack. Really clean, makes elite decisions and can back them up with devasting ball use. Scope to move up the ground as well.
Why / Who else – Just to good to pass up. If GIANTS went Flanders or Young then could see Ash here.
# 9 Fremantle
Dylan Stephens / Norwood / 183cm / 69kg
Elite athlete who has been on the scene at SA level for a while and is highly regarded by his SA coaches. Midfield is his go but will be interesting to see where he lands in the draft as has played more outside than inside in games I have seen. That doesn’t necessarily mean he cant win footy on the inside. Either way cannot see it impacting his ranking given Macrae and Whitfield were similar at same age. Like them is a natural athlete with good endurance and running power. Has a bit of speed when he needs it and can find space where others cannot. Ball use is high end as well so the comparisons with those other two are fair.
Why / Who else – If they take Young first then given Longmuir wants run then I suspect Stephens is picked ahead of Robertson. If Ash got through to #8 then maybe they would look at Robertson. Close call either way.
# 10 Fremantle (MB)
Liam Henry / Claremont / 180cm / 70kg
Great package this kid. Incredible highlight reel and when he is on you wont stop him. Has that Walters sort of feel about him. Agile, reads game, creative, wonderful skill and can play through the forward half but will absolutely be able to go into the midfield. Suspect he sees games early but he does need to build out a bit.
Why / Who else – Did well to get their picks in as I have Carlton, melbourne and Hawks into him.
# 11 Carlton
Caleb Serong / Gippsland / 179cm / 82kg
Think Rob Gray. Have seen a lot of Caleb and has real presence on the ground. He doesn’t need a lot of footy to influence a game from HF or through the midfield. Some things to work on but he has a lot of talent and his ceiling is high.
Why / Who else – I think Carlton should bid on Maginness. Be a great fit for them. Would think Kemp is in mix as have put the work into him and Miles Bergman would be another I reckon would be a nice fit.
# 12 Melbourne
Kysiah Pickett / WWT / 171cm / 71kg
Really exciting small forward type who is just loaded with talent. Blessed with great agility, speed and explosiveness, magnificent leap and has that x factor about him in spades. Good in close and has very clean hands and makes good decisions. Will apply the defensive pressure the other way as well. The knock is his consistency but that will come. Coming with a rush this kid. Scouts love him.
Why / Who else – I don’t think Melbourne will have this pick. I think they may split is rumoured and take one of Pickett or Weightman and then a classy ball user such as Bergman / Serong.
# 13 Hawthorn
Brodie Kemp / Bendigo / 192cm / 82kg
Powerful HF and mid type from Bendigo who got hurt at Champs and hence haven’t seen much of since. At his best he is a dangerous player and potentially a really top end talent in the pool. Got good movement on his and looks have real footy smarts about him. He is composed with ball in hand and his decisions hurt opposition. Be interesting to see where he goes but I think it is still pretty high.
Why / Who else – would love McAsey and suspect they will trade up to get him. Have to be a chance to look at a quality small forward. Worrall or De Koning would be talls they could look at but I think they have put a bit of work into Kemp. Serong would be another and could even go small forward.
# 14 Port Adelaide
Miles Bergman / Sandringham Dragons / 190cm / 77kg
I think some are still jury out on him but I loved what I saw at the carnival and even more so what have seen since. HF / Wing type but he could play back as well. Reads the game so well, covers the ground with his running, plays inside and out, good in the air, got a bit of x factor and a really good user. One of those that has a high footy IQ. He will appeal to clubs big time. I think could land around the 10 – 15 mark
Why / Who else – Could be chasing a tall, small forward or classy mid. If Fremantle don’t hit Robertson he could well be here as hard to know what they will prioritise
# 15 Western Bulldogs
Cody Weightman / Dandenong / 177cm/ 73kg
Smart and skillful small forward who plays with genuine energy and aggression. He is going to appeal to clubs as someone who will just compete all day and work with coaching staff and players in a team environment.
Why / Who else – Pickett but really could be one of many as they don’t really want for much. Bergman a big chance here as well.
# 16 Geelong
Deven Robertson Perth / 184cm / 81kg
Just a warrior this kid. Absolutely loves the contest in a way that reminds you of Selwood and he just racks up getting footy. Real leader and whilst a slight knock on ball use he is the sort of player that would go well in a finals series so rates high.
Why / Who else – I think they will go a tall first unless there is a mid that slides like Robertson or Kemp. If they wanted Cooper Stephens or Bergman now might have to be the time
Why / Who else - they will take the Selwood v2.o if he is available. if not might need to get a tall here or look at a Stephens or Rivers. Bergman if he is here a great pick.
# 17 Gold Coast
Will Day / West Adelaide / 189cm / 76kg
Lightly framed kid who did went at Champs and who offers a lot of scope. Ticks the box in all the athletic traits, has good footy IQ and a very good ball user. His trajectory is good but I think his contested side is reasonable but he could probably improve it a bit and get a better balance between his inside and outside work given he wins most of his footy off the contest.
Why / Who else – Will Gould / Trent Rivers / Trent Bianco
# 18 Port Adelaide
Sam De Koning / Dandenong / 201cm / 86kg
Really excited by this kid. Didn’t really have a close eye on him but he really stood up at Champs for me as a key defender. His agility and closing speed were fantastic and combined it with a really good ability to read the attackers coming at him. Got good clean hands and is a good ball user.
Why / Who else – If Pickett was here they would hit him wouldn’t they. They may end up having to trade up to get him. Bergman is another have had in this spot.
# 19 Hawthorn (MB)
Finn Maginess / Sandringham Dragons / 187cm / 80kg
Real big wrap for this kid and think a genuine chance of being bid anywhere from 9-10. His best games are very top end and he has a real influence on them. Bargain get here.
# 20 Geelong
Josh Worrall / Sandringham Dragons / 195cm / 83kg
Tall, athletic and got some genuine scope back and forward. I really enjoy watching him play because he reads it so well, gets in to good spots and makes good decisions. Very influential at his best and a good ball user. Got some filling out to do and have seen types like Worrell drop as a result.
Why / Who else – Depends on what happens the pick earlier. If they nabbed a tall do they take another depending on who of Jones, De Koning and Worrall is available or hit a Stephens / Rivers / Bergman / Sharp etc.
# 21 Port Adelaide
Jeremy Sharp / East Fremantle / 187cm / 79kg
Really like this kid and think he has some real footy smarts about him. Just knows where to be all the time and is good inside and outside the contest. His kicking can probably be cleaned up a touch but appeals as a winger / utility type who just seems he belongs in the highest grade. Athletically very good and seems to have good running power and burst of speed when required. His agility in game is very good, with him and is really good in the air and clean on the ground.
Why / Who else – Last selection and given Mead will be the last Sharp gives them the polish to put around the inside mids they have and will add to. If Cody Weightman or Pickett go to here I could see them taking him.
# 22 Richmond
Trent Rivers / East Fremantle / 189cm / 85kg
Big bodied HB / Midfielder type who shows real intent and hardness at the contest. Think he probably starts as more a HB type where he can lock down and then attack. His decision making and ball use are effective and he shows a bit of power and speed in his running. Beauty of this kid is doesn’t really have a weakness.
Why / Who else – A classy HB such as Bianco or quality inside mid like Stephens or Rivers if they got to here. Have also had them looking at players like Georgiades and Jones. Hard to know what the club with everything wants.
# 23 Gold Coast
Will Gould / Glenelg / 192cm / 100kg
Ready to go this fella. No doubt he will get the body in good shape to walk into a side Round 1 next year. Damaging HB who can lock down players but also attack off the back. He uses it really well and opens the play up with that penetrating kick and good decision making. Got genuine leadership qualities and hence only issue is he needs to get that body in AFL trim and does he have the speed and endurance required.
Why / Who else – Be a great fit for Gold Coast.
# 24 Brisbane
Trent Bianco / Oakleigh / 178cm / 73kg
Going to be an outstanding HB and potential wing type at AFL level. He is a class act and another seen a bit of over last couple of years. Clean, decision making and ball use will put him at the pointy end of a lot of clubs draft boards. Could go as high as 15-20 for mine. Very draftable player. Great leader.
Why / Who else – would Gould get to here? Day would be another.
# 25 Adelaide
Cooper Stephens / Geelong 188cm / 85kg
Hard inside midfielder with the outstanding ability to win the ball and make good really good decisions by hand or foot. We didnt get to see him much this year so was off the radar. That being said, I have had him rated all year and his combine results have shown he has kept himself in really good nick so expect he will go around the 20-30 range.
Why / Who else – So many different ways they could go but I think Smith and Milera push up the ground so someone like Day is a nice fit.
# 26 Adelaide
Jay Rantall / GWV / 185cm / 83kg
Been playing basketball and might surprise on draft night given has so much upside. Been a bit up and down but had some fine performances including those at Champs. Really effective at stoppages and has wonderful vision and has that ability to play inside and out. Athletically strong and will use it to take the game on and be prepared to run both ways. The knock on him is kicking but his upside is significant so he goes earlier than people might think.
Why / Who else – I reckon a kid called Fraser Phillips is a classic crows selection. They love a bolter.
# 27 Geelong
Harrison Jones / Calder Cannons / 194cm / 75kg
Another who has had an up and down year and hence really hard to get a read on where he might go. Tall forward who can also go back and hence will be interesting to see where clubs think his best spot is. At his best he influences games. Got good agility and speed for his size and he can get separation on his opponent. Hands and skills are good so everything there to work with its the gulf between best and worst that’s the issue.
Why / Who else – Rantall would be one for sure and Fraser Phillips comes in around here. If haven’t taken a tall Georgiades a chance as here he has admirers around here.
# 28 Port Adelaide (MB)
Jackson Mead/ WWT / 183cm / 83kg
Not overly tall but a powerful inside ball winner and gives his team first use. Probably doesn’t have a stand out trick but he does everything pretty well and has won praise from the coaches aroudn him. Suspect will get bid mid 20's and cannot see Port passing on him.
# 29 Sydney
Sam Philp / Northern Knights / 187cm / 80kg
Inside midfielder who missed Metro selection despite being one of the best players at Knights all year. I really rated some of his games this year where he was able to really influence games through his work at stoppages and then get on his bike and break away. His speed is high end. Would like to see him use that a bit more in his outside game a little more but this kid can play and be surprised if doesn’t go a bit higher than people think.
Why / Who else – I think they go mid again so maybe Schoenberg / Mott / Chirgwin / Cassar all have to be in mix. Comben might be a chance as well if think they need to pounce early.
# 30 North Melbourne
Dylan Williams / Oakleigh 186cm / 81kg
Mid size forward / midfielder who had an exceptional bottom age year but has struggled due to injury this year and as a result has dropped in my rankings. Fully fit he could be the best small / medium forward in the draft. Plays tall and is pretty agile and creative and has some serious x factor moments. He was sent back at times through the year and I think that’s probably a reflection of his defensive pressure. Clubs will focus on that and also need to decide how much did the injuries curtail him.
Why / Who else – I have had Taylor here and just think he gives them some real class but its hard to pass on Williams.
# 31 North Melbourne
Mitch O'Neill / Tas / 176cm / 72kg
Really well performed kid at all levels for the past couple of years and looks set to have a great career. Good balance of inside and outside and has a high footy IQ and influences games. All his skills are solid and one I think could step up pretty quickly.
Why / Who else - Could be the next Lachie Neale.
# 32 Melbourne
Elijah Taylor / Perth / 188cm / 75kg
All class this kid but lacks the consistency. At his best he can do things few in the raft pool can. Great mover, gets through traffic, reads the game well, sees it all ahead of him and with ball in hand is devastating. Is a chance he goes much earlier than this.
Why / Who else – They do have a couple of these types but this kid is going to be a star I reckon. Has genuine x factor. If want to go a mid would get Schoenberg / Ralph-Smith or Dow. All good types for them. They often take a bolter so even a Fraser Phillips. Taheny?
# 33 Brisbane
Cameron Taheny / Norwood / 185cm / 80kg
Another who has been in the system for a while with SA and has had some wonderful games through the year. His performance were probably book ended up a bit. A great start and a really good finish in the reserves GF but was laced with some up and down stuff in the middle. We have to remember these kids have a lot going on in their draft year! That said, I really rate him, good in the air, nice hands and a lovely kick. Has a bit of class about him and knows how to find the goals. He probably lacks a bit of positional scope and hence runs the risk of other medium forwards who dont have the tricks to offer teams. Still think he lands in the 20 - 40 range.
Why / Who else – Williams would be ideal for them or a classy mid like Tom Dow.
# 34 North Melbourne
Thomson Dow / Bendigo / 182cm / 72kg
Interesting prospect and struggled where to place him as think he could go a bit higher than I have him. Midfielder who really good ability to play inside the contest and win in his own ball as well as get on the outside. Inside the contest he is impressive. Wins it, moves through the stoppage well, is composed and distributes it to advantage. Also seen him play through HF and he again is able to read and use his agility to get into good spots. Ceiling could be pretty high.
Why / Who else – They need a tall defender like Finlay or Hilder here but I just thought it’s a bit of a reach. I wouldn’t mind betting they try and package selections to get up the order and find a De Koning / Jones etc.
# 35 Essendon
Harry Schoenberg / WWT / 180cm / 78kg
Made a real statement at the Nationals with his inside / outside midfield work at the carnivals. Has genuine ball winning ability and that speed that lets him get away from the contest pretty easily. Once with ball in hand he seems to have good vision and therefore makes good decisions which he backs up with good ball use.
Why / Who else – Could mix in his game. Cassar / Mott / Phillips would be others
- Not many quality talls so think a fair chance a few go ahead probably where people would have in a talent ranking
- Its pretty even. First 20 are all potentially very good players
- The pick swaps on the night will be significant. I think a number of clubs are wanting to get into the first 20-25.
Enjoy,
# 1 Gold Coast
Matt Rowell / Oakleigh / 180cm / 78kg
Absolute A grader and one of the best prospects have seen for some time. Footy smarts in spades, tough, good ball user and most importantly influences games.
Why / Who else - Clear standout for #1.
# 2 Gold Coast
Noah Anderson / Oakleigh / 191cm / 86kg
Watched a lot of him at Oakleigh and one of the best have seen through the middle and forward. Just so clean and effective with the ball.
Why / Who else - Nobody
#3 Melbourne
Luke Jackson East Fremantle / 199cm / 84kg
Genuine top 3 - 5 contender and a real chance to land at the Demons at 3. He is very similar to Grundy is his draft year insomuch as very athletically blessed, hunts the ball all over the ground, uses it well. Solid enough and you can just how he will fill out. Havent seen a lot of him forward but the little I have suggests enough to work with. Major difference to Grundy for mine is his leap.
Why / Who else – Wont slip past # 4. Think Young only other contender here but word is Ash is coming with a ‘rush’.
# 4 GIANTS
Lachlan Ash / Murray Bushrangers/ 187cm / 83kg
High end talent who has enormous speed and strength. Will start as a HB flanker but has scope to go in the midfield. His defensive side is very good but it’s his power away from the contest combined with his speed and ball use that makes him a weapon for whoever lands him.
Why / Who else – It opens up here as not sure they have made their selection. If not Jackson one of Ash, Young or Flanders.
# 5 GIANTS (MB)
Tom Green / GWS / 188cm / 85kg
The GWS Academy member who is a big inside midfielder in the Cripps mould. Strong and powerful reads the game well, wins first possession and uses it by hand and foot well. Not overly blessed with speed so going to be an interesting transition for him but he is a player.
# 6 Sydney
Sam Flanders / Gippsland Power / 183cm / 81kg
Been a big fan for sometime. Midfielder who is just a beast and will win first possession and make good decisions clearing it. Also has the ability to play on the outside and really influence games. He can also double as a dangerous HF. He is going to go high because he just breathes a 200 game career and an ability to influence games.
Why / Who else – Swans need a big inside midfielder. Kemp would be a slight reach but type they could really like. Robertson and Serong would be in the mix. Ultimately think that Hawks will try and get this pick and take McAsey. Swans would have their pick of a few high end inside mids at #13 and get another first rounder for next year!
# 7 Adelaide
Fischer McAsey / Sandringham Dragons / 197cm / 91kg
I like this kid. Quality key position player who just knows where to be to intercept and how to out body his opponent. Can also play forward and looks to have some smarts there that will appeal to clubs but just such a good key defender think you would let him develop there. Been impressive at all levels.
Why / Who else – Hard to let Stephens past as also a player that is around this mark and the type Crows need. Having said that I suspect Hawks will get to pick 6 and take McAsey in which case I think they will take Stephens and Finlay or Hilder later.
# 8 Fremantle
Hayden Young / Dandenong / 188cm / 82kg
Love this kid and have had him at high end of this draft all year. Reads the game exceptionally well and uses it on defence and attack. Really clean, makes elite decisions and can back them up with devasting ball use. Scope to move up the ground as well.
Why / Who else – Just to good to pass up. If GIANTS went Flanders or Young then could see Ash here.
# 9 Fremantle
Dylan Stephens / Norwood / 183cm / 69kg
Elite athlete who has been on the scene at SA level for a while and is highly regarded by his SA coaches. Midfield is his go but will be interesting to see where he lands in the draft as has played more outside than inside in games I have seen. That doesn’t necessarily mean he cant win footy on the inside. Either way cannot see it impacting his ranking given Macrae and Whitfield were similar at same age. Like them is a natural athlete with good endurance and running power. Has a bit of speed when he needs it and can find space where others cannot. Ball use is high end as well so the comparisons with those other two are fair.
Why / Who else – If they take Young first then given Longmuir wants run then I suspect Stephens is picked ahead of Robertson. If Ash got through to #8 then maybe they would look at Robertson. Close call either way.
# 10 Fremantle (MB)
Liam Henry / Claremont / 180cm / 70kg
Great package this kid. Incredible highlight reel and when he is on you wont stop him. Has that Walters sort of feel about him. Agile, reads game, creative, wonderful skill and can play through the forward half but will absolutely be able to go into the midfield. Suspect he sees games early but he does need to build out a bit.
Why / Who else – Did well to get their picks in as I have Carlton, melbourne and Hawks into him.
# 11 Carlton
Caleb Serong / Gippsland / 179cm / 82kg
Think Rob Gray. Have seen a lot of Caleb and has real presence on the ground. He doesn’t need a lot of footy to influence a game from HF or through the midfield. Some things to work on but he has a lot of talent and his ceiling is high.
Why / Who else – I think Carlton should bid on Maginness. Be a great fit for them. Would think Kemp is in mix as have put the work into him and Miles Bergman would be another I reckon would be a nice fit.
# 12 Melbourne
Kysiah Pickett / WWT / 171cm / 71kg
Really exciting small forward type who is just loaded with talent. Blessed with great agility, speed and explosiveness, magnificent leap and has that x factor about him in spades. Good in close and has very clean hands and makes good decisions. Will apply the defensive pressure the other way as well. The knock is his consistency but that will come. Coming with a rush this kid. Scouts love him.
Why / Who else – I don’t think Melbourne will have this pick. I think they may split is rumoured and take one of Pickett or Weightman and then a classy ball user such as Bergman / Serong.
# 13 Hawthorn
Brodie Kemp / Bendigo / 192cm / 82kg
Powerful HF and mid type from Bendigo who got hurt at Champs and hence haven’t seen much of since. At his best he is a dangerous player and potentially a really top end talent in the pool. Got good movement on his and looks have real footy smarts about him. He is composed with ball in hand and his decisions hurt opposition. Be interesting to see where he goes but I think it is still pretty high.
Why / Who else – would love McAsey and suspect they will trade up to get him. Have to be a chance to look at a quality small forward. Worrall or De Koning would be talls they could look at but I think they have put a bit of work into Kemp. Serong would be another and could even go small forward.
# 14 Port Adelaide
Miles Bergman / Sandringham Dragons / 190cm / 77kg
I think some are still jury out on him but I loved what I saw at the carnival and even more so what have seen since. HF / Wing type but he could play back as well. Reads the game so well, covers the ground with his running, plays inside and out, good in the air, got a bit of x factor and a really good user. One of those that has a high footy IQ. He will appeal to clubs big time. I think could land around the 10 – 15 mark
Why / Who else – Could be chasing a tall, small forward or classy mid. If Fremantle don’t hit Robertson he could well be here as hard to know what they will prioritise
# 15 Western Bulldogs
Cody Weightman / Dandenong / 177cm/ 73kg
Smart and skillful small forward who plays with genuine energy and aggression. He is going to appeal to clubs as someone who will just compete all day and work with coaching staff and players in a team environment.
Why / Who else – Pickett but really could be one of many as they don’t really want for much. Bergman a big chance here as well.
# 16 Geelong
Deven Robertson Perth / 184cm / 81kg
Just a warrior this kid. Absolutely loves the contest in a way that reminds you of Selwood and he just racks up getting footy. Real leader and whilst a slight knock on ball use he is the sort of player that would go well in a finals series so rates high.
Why / Who else – I think they will go a tall first unless there is a mid that slides like Robertson or Kemp. If they wanted Cooper Stephens or Bergman now might have to be the time
Why / Who else - they will take the Selwood v2.o if he is available. if not might need to get a tall here or look at a Stephens or Rivers. Bergman if he is here a great pick.
# 17 Gold Coast
Will Day / West Adelaide / 189cm / 76kg
Lightly framed kid who did went at Champs and who offers a lot of scope. Ticks the box in all the athletic traits, has good footy IQ and a very good ball user. His trajectory is good but I think his contested side is reasonable but he could probably improve it a bit and get a better balance between his inside and outside work given he wins most of his footy off the contest.
Why / Who else – Will Gould / Trent Rivers / Trent Bianco
# 18 Port Adelaide
Sam De Koning / Dandenong / 201cm / 86kg
Really excited by this kid. Didn’t really have a close eye on him but he really stood up at Champs for me as a key defender. His agility and closing speed were fantastic and combined it with a really good ability to read the attackers coming at him. Got good clean hands and is a good ball user.
Why / Who else – If Pickett was here they would hit him wouldn’t they. They may end up having to trade up to get him. Bergman is another have had in this spot.
# 19 Hawthorn (MB)
Finn Maginess / Sandringham Dragons / 187cm / 80kg
Real big wrap for this kid and think a genuine chance of being bid anywhere from 9-10. His best games are very top end and he has a real influence on them. Bargain get here.
# 20 Geelong
Josh Worrall / Sandringham Dragons / 195cm / 83kg
Tall, athletic and got some genuine scope back and forward. I really enjoy watching him play because he reads it so well, gets in to good spots and makes good decisions. Very influential at his best and a good ball user. Got some filling out to do and have seen types like Worrell drop as a result.
Why / Who else – Depends on what happens the pick earlier. If they nabbed a tall do they take another depending on who of Jones, De Koning and Worrall is available or hit a Stephens / Rivers / Bergman / Sharp etc.
# 21 Port Adelaide
Jeremy Sharp / East Fremantle / 187cm / 79kg
Really like this kid and think he has some real footy smarts about him. Just knows where to be all the time and is good inside and outside the contest. His kicking can probably be cleaned up a touch but appeals as a winger / utility type who just seems he belongs in the highest grade. Athletically very good and seems to have good running power and burst of speed when required. His agility in game is very good, with him and is really good in the air and clean on the ground.
Why / Who else – Last selection and given Mead will be the last Sharp gives them the polish to put around the inside mids they have and will add to. If Cody Weightman or Pickett go to here I could see them taking him.
# 22 Richmond
Trent Rivers / East Fremantle / 189cm / 85kg
Big bodied HB / Midfielder type who shows real intent and hardness at the contest. Think he probably starts as more a HB type where he can lock down and then attack. His decision making and ball use are effective and he shows a bit of power and speed in his running. Beauty of this kid is doesn’t really have a weakness.
Why / Who else – A classy HB such as Bianco or quality inside mid like Stephens or Rivers if they got to here. Have also had them looking at players like Georgiades and Jones. Hard to know what the club with everything wants.
# 23 Gold Coast
Will Gould / Glenelg / 192cm / 100kg
Ready to go this fella. No doubt he will get the body in good shape to walk into a side Round 1 next year. Damaging HB who can lock down players but also attack off the back. He uses it really well and opens the play up with that penetrating kick and good decision making. Got genuine leadership qualities and hence only issue is he needs to get that body in AFL trim and does he have the speed and endurance required.
Why / Who else – Be a great fit for Gold Coast.
# 24 Brisbane
Trent Bianco / Oakleigh / 178cm / 73kg
Going to be an outstanding HB and potential wing type at AFL level. He is a class act and another seen a bit of over last couple of years. Clean, decision making and ball use will put him at the pointy end of a lot of clubs draft boards. Could go as high as 15-20 for mine. Very draftable player. Great leader.
Why / Who else – would Gould get to here? Day would be another.
# 25 Adelaide
Cooper Stephens / Geelong 188cm / 85kg
Hard inside midfielder with the outstanding ability to win the ball and make good really good decisions by hand or foot. We didnt get to see him much this year so was off the radar. That being said, I have had him rated all year and his combine results have shown he has kept himself in really good nick so expect he will go around the 20-30 range.
Why / Who else – So many different ways they could go but I think Smith and Milera push up the ground so someone like Day is a nice fit.
# 26 Adelaide
Jay Rantall / GWV / 185cm / 83kg
Been playing basketball and might surprise on draft night given has so much upside. Been a bit up and down but had some fine performances including those at Champs. Really effective at stoppages and has wonderful vision and has that ability to play inside and out. Athletically strong and will use it to take the game on and be prepared to run both ways. The knock on him is kicking but his upside is significant so he goes earlier than people might think.
Why / Who else – I reckon a kid called Fraser Phillips is a classic crows selection. They love a bolter.
# 27 Geelong
Harrison Jones / Calder Cannons / 194cm / 75kg
Another who has had an up and down year and hence really hard to get a read on where he might go. Tall forward who can also go back and hence will be interesting to see where clubs think his best spot is. At his best he influences games. Got good agility and speed for his size and he can get separation on his opponent. Hands and skills are good so everything there to work with its the gulf between best and worst that’s the issue.
Why / Who else – Rantall would be one for sure and Fraser Phillips comes in around here. If haven’t taken a tall Georgiades a chance as here he has admirers around here.
# 28 Port Adelaide (MB)
Jackson Mead/ WWT / 183cm / 83kg
Not overly tall but a powerful inside ball winner and gives his team first use. Probably doesn’t have a stand out trick but he does everything pretty well and has won praise from the coaches aroudn him. Suspect will get bid mid 20's and cannot see Port passing on him.
# 29 Sydney
Sam Philp / Northern Knights / 187cm / 80kg
Inside midfielder who missed Metro selection despite being one of the best players at Knights all year. I really rated some of his games this year where he was able to really influence games through his work at stoppages and then get on his bike and break away. His speed is high end. Would like to see him use that a bit more in his outside game a little more but this kid can play and be surprised if doesn’t go a bit higher than people think.
Why / Who else – I think they go mid again so maybe Schoenberg / Mott / Chirgwin / Cassar all have to be in mix. Comben might be a chance as well if think they need to pounce early.
# 30 North Melbourne
Dylan Williams / Oakleigh 186cm / 81kg
Mid size forward / midfielder who had an exceptional bottom age year but has struggled due to injury this year and as a result has dropped in my rankings. Fully fit he could be the best small / medium forward in the draft. Plays tall and is pretty agile and creative and has some serious x factor moments. He was sent back at times through the year and I think that’s probably a reflection of his defensive pressure. Clubs will focus on that and also need to decide how much did the injuries curtail him.
Why / Who else – I have had Taylor here and just think he gives them some real class but its hard to pass on Williams.
# 31 North Melbourne
Mitch O'Neill / Tas / 176cm / 72kg
Really well performed kid at all levels for the past couple of years and looks set to have a great career. Good balance of inside and outside and has a high footy IQ and influences games. All his skills are solid and one I think could step up pretty quickly.
Why / Who else - Could be the next Lachie Neale.
# 32 Melbourne
Elijah Taylor / Perth / 188cm / 75kg
All class this kid but lacks the consistency. At his best he can do things few in the raft pool can. Great mover, gets through traffic, reads the game well, sees it all ahead of him and with ball in hand is devastating. Is a chance he goes much earlier than this.
Why / Who else – They do have a couple of these types but this kid is going to be a star I reckon. Has genuine x factor. If want to go a mid would get Schoenberg / Ralph-Smith or Dow. All good types for them. They often take a bolter so even a Fraser Phillips. Taheny?
# 33 Brisbane
Cameron Taheny / Norwood / 185cm / 80kg
Another who has been in the system for a while with SA and has had some wonderful games through the year. His performance were probably book ended up a bit. A great start and a really good finish in the reserves GF but was laced with some up and down stuff in the middle. We have to remember these kids have a lot going on in their draft year! That said, I really rate him, good in the air, nice hands and a lovely kick. Has a bit of class about him and knows how to find the goals. He probably lacks a bit of positional scope and hence runs the risk of other medium forwards who dont have the tricks to offer teams. Still think he lands in the 20 - 40 range.
Why / Who else – Williams would be ideal for them or a classy mid like Tom Dow.
# 34 North Melbourne
Thomson Dow / Bendigo / 182cm / 72kg
Interesting prospect and struggled where to place him as think he could go a bit higher than I have him. Midfielder who really good ability to play inside the contest and win in his own ball as well as get on the outside. Inside the contest he is impressive. Wins it, moves through the stoppage well, is composed and distributes it to advantage. Also seen him play through HF and he again is able to read and use his agility to get into good spots. Ceiling could be pretty high.
Why / Who else – They need a tall defender like Finlay or Hilder here but I just thought it’s a bit of a reach. I wouldn’t mind betting they try and package selections to get up the order and find a De Koning / Jones etc.
# 35 Essendon
Harry Schoenberg / WWT / 180cm / 78kg
Made a real statement at the Nationals with his inside / outside midfield work at the carnivals. Has genuine ball winning ability and that speed that lets him get away from the contest pretty easily. Once with ball in hand he seems to have good vision and therefore makes good decisions which he backs up with good ball use.
Why / Who else – Could mix in his game. Cassar / Mott / Phillips would be others
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