BigFooty Official The 2013 BigFooty Phantom Draft

[maverick001]

SANFL but the U18s probably wasn't that far behind the TAC this year. It might have been better if there was not the leak to the reserves and seniors of the best kids.

Really it is fair enough to weight performances based on the level of opposition but you also have to look at how those guys adapted when the competition stepped up. What is annoying me atm are clowns like Twomey talking up TAC kids who didn't perform at the Champs but suddenly they are top 10 or 20 guys based on the fact that they did okay in the TAC in a very weak year for that competition.

Which players? Are Lennon, Salem amongst these? Thanks

 

[Richo83]

Not the first time that Twomey has been potted on these boards.

 

[Quigley]

Which players? Are Lennon, Salem amongst these? Thanks

Salem is not someone I was including. He has been around the mark for a while although admittedly I don't agree with him being talked up as high as 6.

Lennon certainly is one to be included. Apeness recently. Darcy Gardner until recently. Freeman another although I will admit that one I wouldn't be overly be surprised if someone reached for him.

 

[Chris25]

Nice to see the SANFL getting some love in here. Best state league for mine, and the U18s was stronger than usual too.

 

[tigs2010]

Sorry guys this moved wayyyyy faster than I was expecting. I just have to go through my list to cross off whose gone as I'll be taking best available for the Hawks.

 

[irel]

Simples. Pick the skinnier one.

Not skinny Bob, sinewy.

 

[Thunderstruck]

I understand that this is personal opinion and all, but I'd be pretty upset if the Crows overlooked someone like Hartung with 23 to take a KPD.
Didn't want to take a Victorian?

I'm not touching Hartung with a barge pole at 23. Maybe 46. I don't rate him that highly to be honest. I back my eyes and I certainly picked best available and a little for needs. We URGENTLY, repeat URGENTLY need a quality tall that can play back or forward and play it well. He can rebound and with some help, can be taught to play tighter on his man (Giles). One of the best marks in the draft and for a big man, has some of the best skills. In my overall rankings, Giles is much higher than 23.

Other bloke I was close on was Battersby, and he is my favourite kid in the draft this year but we have someone very similar in Laird.

 

[tigs2010]

Actually I take that back. My best available is a small forward so lets not go with that for the Hawks.

Pick #24 - Eli Templeton - 182cm - 75kg - Midfielder - Burnie

One of my absolute favourites in this draft, Templeton is a highly skilled midfielder who can play multiple positions. Templeton seems to have dropped off the radar a bit this year and one of the major knocks on him seems to be that he's only 67kg. Funny thing is, he actually isn't. He's 75kg. No different to Aish, Kelly, Kolodjashnij, Z.Jones and many others that I can't think of off the top of my head. All the articles I've read on him say 3rd rounder and in this draft any club who gets him in the 3rd round has got themselves a bargain. I think he's one of the few players in this draft that could become an A-grader and would be happy with him at Richmond for pick 12.

Strengths: Templeton is one of the cleanest players in this draft pool. He rarely fumbles the footy, even under pressure. He has very, very high skill level by both hand and foot, which are only helped by his excellent decision making. Of all the midfielders in the draft, Templeton has one of the bigger tanks going around having run a 10:05 in the 3km time trial (7th) and reached level 15.3 on the beep test (4th.) This combination of elite endurance and a high skill level and decision making have seen him used primarily in an outside role this year. However, put a few more kgs on him so he can match it with the men and you will end up with a very talented inside/outside midfielder.

Weaknesses: IMO Templeton is a very well-rounded midfielder so there aren't a lot of weaknesses. He's skilful, he runs hard and although maybe lacking a little pace (not sure how he tested?) I don't think this is really a weakness more so that it's not a weapon he possesses. If anything his only real weakness has been his lack of size, though as I've mentioned I see it as a non-issue at a now healthy 75kg.

Why Hawthorn? A couple of reasons I've gone with Templeton. Firstly, Hawthorn don't seem to have any real weaknesses. I mean they just lost one of their better players in the comp on the biggest contract in history and they'll still be challenging hard next year. Therefore, there are no immediate needs that I can see. Secondly, he was pretty much equal best on my list of best available and with the other potentially fighting with Cyril for a spot I decided to go Eli. Finally, whilst there are no immediate needs at Hawthorn, I think it is important to start recruiting the next wave of midfielders as part of a succession plan and Eli fits the bill perfectly.

 

[Thunderstruck]

I'd be really disappointed if we spent our first pick on a key defender.

Nobody else stood out enough to demand being picked. Trust me, I deliberated with a couple of others for a while but would kick myself if I didn't pick him.

We do need a key defender and a versatile one at that. Rutten is almost gone. Hartigan can take his place and Talia is also there but we are thin. I'm not a fan of Siggins and I expect him to be delisted in a year or two. Giles has weapons for a 195cm player. Powerful mark, very agile, great kick. He can be a bit loose but he's atm more the running off type. Think of a blend of Frawley and Bock/Sam Gilbert.

 

[tigs2010]

Quigley you're up again.

 

[Snoop Dog]

Bugger.

Number 1 KPD I think.

That's a bold call Q

 

[Snoop Dog]

I don't have Taylor in my top 40. Hartung in the 30s. Personally I am more than happy to see someone else take these guys.

People see these guys differently. Some rate their strengths really highly others like myself are really down on their weaknesses. To think that these guys are not high risk is simply closing your eyes to the way they play.

I gotta say I reckon this is one of the best phantoms we've had. The difference in views is vast and making for good debate. Not that I necessarily agree but I can see why Hartung could / should be 20-30 but for Taylor to be 40+ I find staggering unless his foot is much worse than I thought. Sure this TAC year was average but he was outstanding last year as a bottom ager and was v good and he was again this year. I am one that can see parelells to Harvey. His speed and lateral movement is terrific and his ball use is sublime. He can cut through traffic and break lines open. He tested well over last 2 years and has no issues there. Yes he is short and suspect he will drop to 10-20 at worst because of it and maybe bc of concerns on foot but he is one of the most talented kids in this pool for mine.

 

[Mego Red]

Nobody else stood out enough to demand being picked. Trust me, I deliberated with a couple of others for a while but would kick myself if I didn't pick him.

We do need a key defender and a versatile one at that. Rutten is almost gone. Hartigan can take his place and Talia is also there but we are thin. I'm not a fan of Siggins and I expect him to be delisted in a year or two. Giles has weapons for a 195cm player. Powerful mark, very agile, great kick. He can be a bit loose but he's atm more the running off type. Think of a blend of Frawley and Bock/Sam Gilbert.

I just think you can always find KPD's later - but it's important we get a first 22 talent here, so I guess it works.

 

[dlanod]

Actually I take that back. My best available is a small forward so lets not go with that for the Hawks.

Pick #24 - Eli Templeton - 182cm - 75kg - Midfielder - Burnie

I imagine Thurlow2Mackie doing his happy dance after every Tasmanian picked this high...

 

[Quigley]

I gotta say I reckon this is one of the best phantoms we've had. The difference in views is vast and making for good debate. Not that I necessarily agree but I can see why Hartung could / should be 20-30 but for Taylor to be 40+ I find staggering unless his foot is much worse than I thought. Sure this TAC year was average but he was outstanding last year as a bottom ager and was v good and he was again this year. I am one that can see parelells to Harvey. His speed and lateral movement is terrific and his ball use is sublime. He can cut through traffic and break lines open. He tested well over last 2 years and has no issues there. Yes he is short and suspect he will drop to 10-20 at worst because of it and maybe bc of concerns on foot but he is one of the most talented kids in this pool for mine.

The comparison I am going with is Justin Sherman. The way he runs himself into trouble time after time and then dumps the ball onto a teammate is classic Sherman. He demands the ball and then puts his team in a worse position. He doesn't break the lines nearly as much as people think and when under pressure he panics.

Anyway Templeton was the next cab off the rank for me. I am starting to get annoyed with people jumping on my players and am thinking I might be a bit too BF group think this year.

Anyway give me a chance to consider whether I want to go high risk or not.

 

[Snoop Dog]

The comparison I am going with is Justin Sherman. The way he runs himself into trouble time after time and then dumps the ball onto a teammate is classic Sherman. He demands the ball and then puts his team in a worse position. He doesn't break the lines nearly as much as people think and when under pressure he panics.

Anyway Templeton was the next cab off the rank for me. I am starting to get annoyed with people jumping on my players and am thinking I might be a bit too BF group think this year.

Anyway give me a chance to consider whether I want to go high risk or not.

Dont get me wrong I reckon all Lions supporters should be ecstatic if they copped Sheed and McCarthy at first 2 selections. Were you thinking about him at #7 and betting he might drop to your next picl? Anyway, McCarthy the perfect choice at that point for mine and was thinking Apenness might have got a look in but given you dont rate TAC thought could have reached for Thurlow

Re Sherman and Taylor....as I said everybody got a perspective but I dont see the link. Taylor is much more composed

Ps I dont think BF group think has ever been a label used on you.

 

[Quigley]

Pick 25 Brisbane

Okay I chickened out and decided to pass on Garlett here and take Battersby instead. Battersby was the highest ranked player left on my board so fair enough. The Lions have said they are looking to bring in guys to replace some of the veterans in a couple of years and Battersby could step in for Jed Adcock pretty easily. He does not fit the stereotype for a typical Brisbane draftee of recent years but if we decide to go back to bringing in quality footballers then he should be a chance.

We have been discussing the relative strengths of the junior competitions this year and it is worth noting that Battersby played at the highest standard in the SANFL and was probably the best performed. The kid will do okay at the next level.

James Battersby
DOB 7/11/95 Ht 177 Wt 82

In truth I have no idea where Battersby will go in this draft. I like him and have him pretty high but he doesn't really have a stand out feature which would really entice to pick him. He is just an all around good footballer I think who will have a long AFL career. In a year where there is little depth I think he is a safe second round pick and someone who is going to give you some quality games for a lot of years and probably be an underestimated cog in a good team.

Battersby played most of his game time in the defensive half in the games that counted at the Champs and that is probably where I expect him to start in the AFL. As he develops he could move into the midfield or establish himself as a quality general at the back. He played plenty of midfield time for Sturt in the SANFL and he knows how to go about finding the ball in the kitchen so his chances of ending up playing plenty of time as a midfielder should not be discounted. As a midfielder he has a great knack for sneaking forward and when he runs through the midfield he is usually good for a goal a game and sometimes a few more than that.

After leading the Champs in disposal efficiency he has a reputation for being a good kick but I think that is overstated. It’s not that he is a bad kick but he doesn't have a lot of hurt factor. He specialises in little 3/4 strength chip kicks that are not going to be terribly effective at AFL level. I have seen him bring out some flat punching kicks but they are rare. He will need to work on flattening out his kicking to be effective at AFL level. What he does do well which will appeal to teams is that he executes under pressure so whilst he might not have the most hurt factor in the draft he is not going to hurt his own team with turnovers. When he gets forward he is a really nice shot at goal and a little bit surprisingly to me he has no trouble kicking them from 50. He is capable on the left but is pretty right dominant.

Whilst he has a reputation for being a good kick it is actually his handballing that I like. Again he doesn't have a hell of a lot of length on his handballs but he has very quick hands and gets it out of a contest before the opposition has time to react. He hands are clean and I like having small defenders who have clean quick hands at the back. It just allows for tight situations to be tidied up more easily and for pressure to be avoided or at least reduced. I think his handballing got better over the course of the year as he played more SANFL playing mostly through the midfield. If I was a team I would be impressed in his ability to not just to step up but to improve and excel.

After starting the year in the SANFL Reserves for two games he played out SANFL seniors every game he was available for selection. He played mostly through the midfield and averaged a very impressive 19.3 disposals a game and in his last game in the seniors in round 19 before injury cut short his season he was excellent with 25 disposals 8 marks 4 tackles 5 clearances and a goal. Kerridge played in a few games with Battersby and Battersby regularly outshone him. Battersby is a capable inside ball winner but I like his ability on the outside running more. He has an excellent feel for where to run to receive and he spreads from the contest really nicely.

In tight I see him being a decent option but not one of the best in the draft. He reads it okay off hands but does not attack the contest like the elite guys. When he does get his hands on it he has decent awareness and as mentioned quick hands to allow him to get it away.

At the back I really like his ability to read the play and choose when to drop off his man. He and Scharenberg controlled the back half for SA at the Champs and he was composed and directed traffic well. He defended well although occasionally challenged for pace and going forward he was always open as an option. He worked hard both ways.

He did not test at Combine so I am just guessing here but I suggest his athleticism would be pretty middle of the road. Not overly quick nor slow and okay but not great endurance. His agility looks pretty good but I would not put him in the elite category. He is a bit on the short side but not too bad and whilst he needs to put on some bulk he is not too bad given his age.

If you are looking for a comparison at AFL level I would probably say Jed Adcock. Nothing flash but does his job. His height is a little bit of a concern but this is a kid who has stood up at SANFL level and excelled and I back him to be a solid option at least at AFL level. At this stage of this draft that is a win. He can be thrown all over the park and has a great attitude by all accounts.

 

[Toadvine]

Anyway Templeton was the next cab off the rank for me. I am starting to get annoyed with people jumping on my players and am thinking I might be a bit too BF group think this year.

Undermining the other selectors there a bit don't you think?



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[Quigley]

Dont get me wrong I reckon all Lions supporters should be ecstatic if they copped Sheed and McCarthy at first 2 selections. Were you thinking about him at #7 and betting he might drop to your next picl? Anyway, McCarthy the perfect choice at that point for mine and was thinking Apenness might have got a look in but given you dont rate TAC thought could have reached for Thurlow

Re Sherman and Taylor....as I said everybody got a perspective but I dont see the link. Taylor is much more composed

Ps I dont think BF group think has ever been a label used on you.

When I first starting writing up my mock I had us taking McCarthy at 7 and whilst a reach I was comfortable with that. Since then though we have added Freeman, Paine and McGuane with only Cornelius going out of our side. I just can't see us going with him in the first round and I was shocked he got through to me in the second. So no it was not part of some cunning plan it was pure opportunism.

I came in not intended to go with any KPFs or rucks. Giles at 22 was the original plan.

 

[Dannnnnnnnnn]

Taylor reminds me so much of Hrovat last year. Highly rated talent, then all of these concerns and 'problems' with his game seem to come out of nowhere and he slides a ridiculous amount. They're reasonably similar players too, for me.

Completely agree that Taylor can sell teammates into trouble but personally I think it's a bit overstated. Will be interesting to see where he goes.

I have to admit, while this year's draft isn't particularly exciting for me due to the drop off, it's one of the more interesting drafts in a while. So many players that are really difficult to place and so many players that really divide opinion.

 

[Quigley]

Undermining the other selectors there a bit don't you think?



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Group think happens to everyone including the professionals. Darling and Grundy are two prime examples.

I do DT with a bunch of very knowledgable crazies and every year we end up talking each other into guys we end up regretting. You will not find a more self opinionated group and yet it happens there. So I don't think it is undermining them and history has shown that as keen as we all are we are often very wrong. Sometimes I just like to be wrong in ways different to everyone else.

With my mock I try not to be overly influenced by others (definitely happens though) and I have rated a few guys a fair bit higher than others but I have been hoping a few of them would fall to these picks but it hasn't happened. I rate Giles, Cripps, Templeton and Byrne-Jones highly but all are dropping off the board. Credit those guys who picked them, they are obviously smart guys given that they agree with me

 

[LemmingMaster]

I also find that when you rate someone highly and then BF/private boards start to also show their love, it makes me wonder if it is group think.

 

[C4[2]Yo`DooR]

Sorry to derail this somewhat -

Does anybody know how Matt Crouch compares to Clay Smith?

 

[tigs2010]

I imagine Thurlow2Mackie doing his happy dance after every Tasmanian picked this high...

I knew my post would get at least one like, hence the choice.

 

[Aldo]

Sorry to derail this somewhat -

Does anybody know how Matt Crouch compares to Clay Smith?

From what I've seen, both are tough inside players who don't have particularly good disposal. Crouch gets more of the ball though and racks it up more consistently, while Smith is more athletic and has more a knack for kicking goals.