The Official 2010 Draft Watch Thread

[Kimbo]

I agree BTron. Certainly looking like that (if not at 17, not at all for I. Smith).

Notice the AFL website has stuff on the WA combine up there. I've referred to Cripps before, and they list him and Conca as 15-20 prospects. Cripps has been played on wing, not just HB, and showed a bit it seems.

Jamie Cripps: His performances for WA in the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships were only reasonable, but in the second half of the season he shone as a wingman in East Fremantle’s senior team. In one game he kicked five goals. In a final, he had two magic runs that showcased his ability to be an 80-metre player. Cripps grabbed the ball at half-back and took two bounces before firing at goal from outside 50. Some say Cripps’s performances with the Sharks late in the season had him ranked in the club’s top-five players. He’s likely to go in the 15-20 range at the national draft.

Reece Conca: The 18-year-old was desperately unlucky to miss out on an All-Australian guernsey after the under-18 championships, possibly because of his unobtrusive playing style. But he made the senior team at Perth not long after returning and was impressive at half-back. Conca was best on ground in one of his senior games, and then showed exceptional reflexes during the psycho-motor testing at the national draft combine. His problem is that he wore a plaster cast on one leg during the combine, courtesy of a post-season operation to remove spurs from his ankle. It might be unfair, but the sight of an invalid player amid so many striking young colts tends to push that player down the rankings. Nonetheless, Conca, like Cripps, should go in the 15-20 range.

 

[GarnerSmash]

There seems to be about 20 guys that should go in the 15-20 range. Brewis Lice, work your magic.

 

[curiousLplater]

I would be interested to see how many of you actually have watched any of these kids play, more than once on telly. Pykie and about 5% or less posters do watch the kids, and know what they are talking about. Everyone else just reads, listens, hears etc.

As an example, there was a site called draftinfo (extremely in depth analasys of 2009 potential draftees), the person who ran the site and wrote the blogs was a Western Australian. He wrote a piece about one of the draftees and when I asked him where he got his info from (as it was inaccurate), his reply was, no I have never seen him live, all the info I get is via the internet and watching the carnival etc, he then added to let him know what was wrong and he will change it. PEOPLE TOOK HIS WORD AS GOSPEL.

I enjoy reading the discussions on the subject, but I will not comment on this years crop as I have not seen enough of them.

I will back Lewis and Co to do their job.

 

[Kimbo]

Yeah, there are definitely 2 categories of posters in this regard. Those with in-depth, first-hand observation of the kids in question and those of us (like me) who rely on their input. The other source of information, of course, being from journalists who are reporting the views of officials who we are led to believe are in the know.

Nothing wrong with the uninformed posting, as long as they aren't making claims to be more informed than they really are. And yes, if their views are coming from 'YouPorn', nothing wrong with that as long as we're clear it isn't the same as more extensive observation.

I must say, I get a bit annoyed when less informed posters are put down for offering thoughts, even if it is based on YouTube. It would be a boring place if some of these views weren't expressed, even if they are baseless or extravagant at times. It is usually clear which group is which and you take the post for what it's worth. Sometimes you get some interesting views, even if the opinion doesn't have a lot of grounding. It is often less about the player, and more about the view on what is needed.

For example, Kieran Harper. Pykie reckons he's been overrated here. Fair enough, I respect Pykie's knowledge and understand the reasoning re consistency. I also read Harper was injured and had no preseason for 2010. I also see the X-factor in the clip of his play and notice others' opinions of his playing style. I put it all together to get a sense of what selecting Harper would mean for us if we did that. (Just using him as an example.)

 

[Twinkletoes]

Yeah, all views are welcome. Some invite a retort, others a giggle, but they all go towards a big picture of how people generally feel about prospective draftees. I don't mind them at all, YouPorn sourced or otherwise.

I especially love the reposting of the thoughts of the Wisbey types, and love even more reading someone like Pykie's views on their mock drafts etc.

Bring 'em all on

 

[curiousLplater]

You are both on the money, I too enjoy reading peoples opinions, but not when they are stated as truth, when in fact they are fiction.

Kimbo, I know he was your example but, I can comment on Harper, watched him the 2008 & 2009 alot, from what I saw a good footballer, but no I dont think he is first round, but you never know.

 

[NiceCunnington]

The AFL just took down all of the YouPorn vids I uploaded anyway .

 

[Twinkletoes]

The AFL just took down all of the YouPorn vids I uploaded anyway .

Bloody Gilligan and Adrian AGAIN! Bastards

 

[LemmingMaster]

I must say, I get a bit annoyed when less informed posters are put down for offering thoughts, even if it is based on YouTube.

My main issue is when someone uses hindsight to discredit a poster. Pykie, I will not trust your thoughts because you thought Joe Bloggs was going to be a star and he turned out to be a dud.

Hence all further input from you can be taken with a grain of salt.

It reminds me of Wiz, he would post amazing indepth thoughts on players and would get blasted because he would miss judge a player or two. His judgement could have been wrong due to injuries, a player going off the rails, poor development from the club..... a multitude of issues.

I now there are several people on BF who I always make sure I pay attention to their assessment on players. It is impossible for me living in W.A to get a decent guide on all players, so at times you rely on people in S.A, Victoria and QLD.... to post their thoughts.

 

[RandySavageNMFC]

Pick 17 - Jed Lamb
Compensation Pick - Jayden Pitt

I think Lamb would be an excellent addition to our side, adds a lot of class and poise to our midfield, as well as an exciting X-factor up forward. The addition also of Pitt who can play as a wingman and is damaging by foot, would really compliment our sides already contested ball winning juggernaut with some extreme pace and class.

Is Lamb a chance to last till 17?
Pitt really could go anywhere in the top 30.

 

[Joshen]

I don't think he will fall to us more likely WCE imo (in the 25-35) but it was nice to see a draftee from interstate say he supports North; from his 'Meet the Draftees':

Which AFL team do you support and how did you come to barrack for them?
North Melbourne, I just loved the team and my favourite player was Glenn Archer.

Whole mini-interview here ...http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/101748/default.aspx

 

[Hatchy1992]

I admit I haven't seen any of these potential draftees in action first hand so i can only go by what i've seen on youtube and other sources, but for me, Kieren harper looks the best, followed by Jaiden Pitt. I really hope we get one of these two blokes. Although others like Josh caddy and Jed lamb looks the goods too.

But I trust Brad Scott and the rest of the recruiting team. If they think someone else looks good, they must be.

 

[GarnerSmash]

Liked Gavin Roberts for a late pick last year but wasn't drafted as he had injuries. At recent state screening in SA he performed well:

http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/104729/default.aspx

Roberts, a mature-aged midfielder, recorded 2.85 for the sprint and 13.1 for the beep test, indicating that a little endurance work is needed to complement his speed. It’s never been doubted that Roberts can play; he’s a smooth-moving left-footer with elite disposal. It’s just a question of whether his hamstrings will hold up under the duress of a professional footy career.

Wouldn't say not to a rookie spot if he is still available. His video fron last year is still available.

http://www.afl.com.au/tabid/208/default.aspx?newsid=87122

 

[Hollow Knight]

Don't know if this is news to you guys or not.

Kangaroos likely to use compensation pick.

 

[Efficient]

here's a bit of information on Luke Delaney's younger brother:

Name: Cameron Delaney
Height: 194cm
Weight : 82kg
Club: Geelong Falcoms

Tall defender with a surprising leg speed for his size, plus the agility to match. Can and will win the ball for himself. He is a rangy type with good closing speed and was a Vic Country representative in the 2010 NAB AFL Under-18 Championships, managing 42 disposals at 66.9% effectiveness in five games.

 

[King Corey]

I don't think he will fall to us more likely WCE imo (in the 25-35) but it was nice to see a draftee from interstate say he supports North; from his 'Meet the Draftees':



Whole mini-interview here ...http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/101748/default.aspx

Legend. Draft him.

 

[Tas]

I would be interested to see how many of you actually have watched any of these kids play, more than once on telly. Pykie and about 5% or less posters do watch the kids, and know what they are talking about. Everyone else just reads, listens, hears etc.

As an example, there was a site called draftinfo (extremely in depth analasys of 2009 potential draftees), the person who ran the site and wrote the blogs was a Western Australian. He wrote a piece about one of the draftees and when I asked him where he got his info from (as it was inaccurate), his reply was, no I have never seen him live, all the info I get is via the internet and watching the carnival etc, he then added to let him know what was wrong and he will change it. PEOPLE TOOK HIS WORD AS GOSPEL.

I enjoy reading the discussions on the subject, but I will not comment on this years crop as I have not seen enough of them.

I will back Lewis and Co to do their job.

The problem is it is all very much subjective, you have to watch 1 kid a shit load more than just the odd game or carnival to know anything other than does he have some raw talent. At times some kids just have exceptional carnivals.

Lewis and co do a fantastic job, but nobody is perfect otherwise we would have drafted all the guns.

The issue recruiters have is the playing field is not level, at some clubs kids are taught a lot, at others they are taught **** all and even potentially have zero chance to make the AFL largely by the decisions of junior coaches.

Should ask some of the juniors who played with Hawkins, most fo the other forwards were given instructions to get out of his way or play decoy. Some junior coach that wants to win games or make a particular player look like a standout rather than give every kid equal opportunity. I doubt AFL clubs look to recruit decoys.

Come the AFL and that shit doesn't fly. From time to time you get recruiters have to approach junior coaches and say can you stick kid X here, or Y there because they are often not playing roles in the juniors that they are ever likely to play at AFL level.

 

[Tas]

Don't know if this is news to you guys or not.

Kangaroos likely to use compensation pick.

Yeah, there was a slight chance to bank it while we had room for only 3 player as we have 1 first and 2 third round picks, with O'Keefe's de-listing club is pretty much guaranteed to use it.

 

[roos_fanatic08]

here's a bit of information on Luke Delaney's younger brother:

Name: Cameron Delaney
Height: 194cm
Weight : 82kg
Club: Geelong Falcoms

Tall defender with a surprising leg speed for his size, plus the agility to match. Can and will win the ball for himself. He is a rangy type with good closing speed and was a Vic Country representative in the 2010 NAB AFL Under-18 Championships, managing 42 disposals at 66.9% effectiveness in five games.

Could be worth a late pick or a rookie list spot. Very different build o his brother however!

 

[roos_fanatic08]

Yeah, there was a slight chance to bank it while we had room for only 3 player as we have 1 first and 2 third round picks, with O'Keefe's de-listing club is pretty much guaranteed to use it.

Definately Using it now. Not opposed to it with the quality that will be around the end of the first round. With O'keefe's delisting, I think with our first picks we will pick up 1 tall and 1 mid! Although It wouldn't surprise me if we went with 2 talls considering) how many talls we have de-listed/lost this year (i.e Smith, O'keefe, Hale, Obst. we are fairly light on for KP players. We really only have one backup KPD (assuming Tarrant is playing) in Luke Delaney, while we only have Black and McKinley as back ups in the forward line. Alot of pressure on Petrie and Grima to stay fit for 22 games.

 

[King Corey]

Could be worth a late pick or a rookie list spot. Very different build o his brother however!

He looks alright in the footage. Very mobile and good off the turf as well. Would be interested in getting him with the compo or later picks.

Don't think we're as set in the KPD category as people think, getting a reliable support act for Grima would free Scott T for specific jobs and allow Tarrant to go forward.

 

[Groucho]

Just looking through te Inside Football Draft edition and, with te demise of NOK, I was looking for a possible bargain for pick 69 or 71. came across the name Jeremy Howe from Tassie. Haven't seen any write ups on him but is described as an "absolute jack in the box who takes screamers". He's 20 and 191cm and hasn't had a traditional pathway through the talent identification programs. Might be one to look out for.

 

[GarnerSmash]

Only North are likely to use the compo pick this year, effectively giving us pick 27.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/104843/default.aspx

 

[Groggyk]

2 weeks to go and it seems to be the consenus on here that it is a mid first up, which is a no brainer. I think mid for 27 as well, then best available most likely.

Either of Pitt or I. Smith for 17, imo as they both fill our biggest need as a running outside linebreaker that can slip forward. Having seen a little of Smith he certainly fits that criteria, but I don't know what the running capabilities of Pitt are and would be interested to here from some of the closer draft watchers on this aspect of his game. Smith looks to be a running machine. Neither player appears to be a huge accumalator of the pill, although both seem to have the class & potential to lift in that area. My reasoning? Both have lifted considerably when asked to perform in a higher level team.

It will most likely come down to and either/or decision with these two blokes. It would be an absolute miracle if we were able to land both.

Am interested to here from our more knowledgable draft watchers who they think we might target for our second and third pick.

 

[NiceCunnington]

http://www.afl.com.au/News/NEWSARTICLE/tabid/208/Default.aspx?newsId=104450

Does anyone know much about our NSW Scholarship player Matt Hutton?

Haven't heard much about him but I think we can draft him with our last pick if we want to. Bit hard to make a judgement off of 45 seconds from one game.


Tom Ledger is another player that caught my eye for a late pick. He kicked a ripping goal in the game on Fox but it's not in the afl.com.au highlights. Great pace and runs with the ball.

http://www.afl.com.au/News/NEWSARTICLE/tabid/208/Default.aspx?newsId=104473

As for our first pick give me Ben Jacobs.