Competitions WCE Board Mock Draft 2024

[Keys]

Draft Order and Selections

ROUND 1:

1. Richmond - SAM LALOR
2. Brisbane - LEVI ASHCROFT (Bid matched)
3. North Melbourne Richmond - JAGGA SMITH
4. Carlton - SID DRAPER
5. Adelaide - FINN O’SULLIVAN
6. Melbourne - ALIX TAURU
7. Richmond North Melbourne - HARRY ARMSTRONG
8. Gold Coast - LEO LOMBARD (Bid matched)
9. St Kilda - HARVEY LANGFORD
10. St Kilda - TOBY TRAVAGLIA
11. Melbourne - JOSH SMILLIE
12. Richmond - MURPHY REID
13. Richmond - JOE BERRY
14. West Coast - XAVIER LINDSAY
15. Port Adelaide - TAJ HOTTON
16. Essendon - ISAAC KAKO (Bid matched)
17. Fremantle - BO ALLAN
18. Brisbane - SAM MARSHALL (Bid matched)
19. GWS - JOBE SHANAHAN
20. GWS - COOPER HYNES
21. Bulldogs - CHRISTIAN MORAES
22. Richmond - JACK WHITLOCK
23. Sydney - JESSE DATTOLI
24. Richmond North Melbourne - LUKE TRAINOR
25. GWS - OLIVER HANNAFORD
26. Sydney - JONTY FAULL
27. Richmond - MATT WHITLOCK

ROUND 2:

28. Richmond - HARRISON OLIVER
29. Bulldogs - TOM GROSS
30. West Coast - CLANCY DENNIS
27. Brisbane Matched Ashcroft bid
31. Essendon Adelaide - ALEX DODSON
32. Port Adelaide - NOAH MRAZ
33. Fremantle - ANGUS CLARKE
32. Essendon Matched Kako bid
34. St Kilda - HAMISH DAVIS
35. Hawthorn - KALE GERREYN
34. Brisbane Matched Ashcroft bid
36. Bulldogs - LACHIE JAQUES
37. Port Adelaide - BEN CAMPOREALE (Bid not matched)
38. GWS - JAMES BARRAT
39. Carlton - HARRY O’FARRELL
38. Gold Coast Matched Lombard bid
39. Essendon Matched Kako bid
40. Gold Coast Matched Lombard bid
42. Brisbane Matched Ashcroft bid

ROUND 3:

43. Brisbane Matched Ashcroft bid
40. Sydney - JACK OUGH
41. Geelong - LUKE URQUHART
42. Essendon - THOMAS SIMS
43. St Kilda - GABRIEL STUMPF
44. Bulldogs - JOSH DOLAN
44. Brisbane Matched Marshall bid
45. Port Adelaide - CHARLIE NICHOLLS
48. Gold Coast Matched Lombard bid
46. Collingwood - HUGH BOXSHALL
47. Essendon - JASPER ALGER
48. Essendon - OLLIE WARBURTON
49. Essendon Surplus points from bid match - HARRY CHARLESON
50. Collingwood - JAXON ARTEMIS
51. GWS - ARCHER DAY-WICKS
52. West Coast - MALAKAI CHAMPION (Bid matched)
53. Geelong - WILL HAYES

Multiple players found. Use birthday to differentiate. eg [PLAYERCARD="23/11/1962"]Joe Smith[/PLAYERCARD]

53. Brisbane Matched Marshall bid
54. GWS - LOGAN SMITH (Bid matched)
55. Sydney - ADRIAN COLE (Bid not matched)
56. Collingwood - RHYS UNWIN

ROUND 4:

58. Gold Coast Matched Lombard bid
57. North Melbourne - RIVER STEVENS
58. Carlton - SAM DAVIDSON
59. Adelaide - ZAK JOHNSON
60. Gold Coast - Surplus points from bid match - BAILEY MCKENZIE
61. Essendon - TOM BELL

Tom Bell

Age

33

Ht

188cm

Wt

102kg

Pos.

Fwd

Career

Season

Last 5

D

17.0

4star

K

10.4

4star

HB

6.6

4star

M

3.4

3star

T

3.5

5star

G

0.8

4star

No current season stats available

D

14.0

4star

K

9.0

4star

HB

5.0

4star

M

2.4

3star

T

4.2

5star

G

0.6

3star

62. Collingwood - MAX KNOBEL
63. Fremantle - FLOYD BURMEISTER
64. Carlton - RIAK ANDREW
65. Carlton - ISIAH WINDER
66. Gold Coast - PHOENIX HARGRAVE
67. Hawthorn - LUCAS CAMPOREALE
68. Carlton Adelaide - TYLER WELSH
67. West Coast Matched Champion bid
68. GWS Matched Smith bid
69. Geelong - AIDEN RIDDLE
70. Gold Coast - SAM TONER
71. Hawthorn - CODY ANDERSON
72. West Coast - Surplus points from bid match - LOCH MCTAGGART

 

[Miguel Sanchez]

Very well. My selection at pick 15 is Jobe Shanahan.
View attachment 2161685
Jobe is a veritable local for GWS living in Moama.

Jobe's year
Jobe has enjoyed a fantastic year at every level he has played.
He had some big games for the Pioneers including 6 goals and 4 goals against the Bushrangers in round 19 and round 2 respectively and 5 goals against the Stingrays.
He was also consistently good at the U18 Combine in an Allies team that was far less competitive this season and was a constant presence and factor. This resulted in him being selected in the All-Australian team.
He also enjoyed decent form in the two Academy games.
But, without a doubt, his most impressive performances were saved for the VFL. The Pioneers have an ongoing relationship with both Carlton and Essendon which saw most of their top performing players (both boys and girls) go down and train with either Carlton or Essendon and be given an opportunity to play with them. All of Shanahan, Barrat and Travaglia were able to play for their respective sides. Travaglia was very impressive and very much a factor in his 2nd game for Carlton.
However, Shanahan was undeniably the best performed draft prospect at reserves level this year.
In his first game for the Essendon VFL team Jobe played well and finished with 9 disposals, 4 marks, 3 tackles and, importantly, 4 goals. It's fair to say that two of his goals came deep into the final term, however, as this was his first VFL game this is still a really good return. Notably he outscored Peter Wright on the day.
In his second game for Essendon Shanahan had 11 disposals, 7 marks, 3 tackles and 2 goals and 3 behinds. Jobe was a bit wayward in his set shot kicking this game but was much more rounded in his overall game, as demonstrated by his 7 marks.
In the final game of Essendon's season Jobe played a blinder having 9 disposals, 4 marks, 2 tackles and kicking 5 goals straight. Jobe was on fire against the Coburg Lions and they did not have a match for him. It honestly looked like he was the adult playing amongst the kids.
These three performances resulted in Jobe kicking a total of 11 goals and really stamping a mark on him as the best challenger for Armstrong as the best key forward in this years draft (which IMO he is a better prospect than Armstrong).

Jobe's attributes
Jobe is an exceptional aerialist and thrives on being left one-on-one leading outside 50. Jobe has very reliable hands and is a very good pack mark. He is also a good mover and enjoys getting up on the wings and presenting an option for the down-the-line relief kick and often concentrates on simply halving contests when he is out-numbered.
Having interacted with Jobe a lot this year I can say that Jobe personally is a very attentive footballer who seems very measured and down-to-earth despite the fact that he has been spoken about as an elite talent around the Pioneers for the past two seasons.

He has indicated his willingness to go anywhere and is a great clubman who loves a joke and comradery with his teammates, although, at this point (at the start of his AFL career) I wouldn't suggest that he is necessarily exemplified leadership (in contrast to James Barrat who just oozes leadership).

Whilst there is no perfect comparison at AFL level there's a bit of peak Oscar Allen that I see in Jobe, at least in terms of the pack marking and aerial prowess.

I don't think GWS would have any hesitations in selecting Jobe who will have no go-home factor and provide a sensational one-two punch with Cadman in years to come.

You’ve got another pick.

 

[eaglespremiers]

My selection at pick 16 is Cooper Hynes.

GWS lack for very little at this point but, despite having Green I think one area that GWS might be short on is big body midfielders.

Hynes' year
Hynes was extremely dependable at Talent League level.
He played 15 games for the Stingrays averaging 23.7 disposals and hitting the scoreboard in 9 of these games, including multiple goals in 6 of them. This included games where he kicked 5 and 4 goals.
Hynes had 20 or more disposals in 13 of his 15 games.
Because of this output Hynes came 2nd to Lindsay in the Morrish Medal for the best player at Talent League level.

All U18 Champs level Hynes averaged 17 disposals and kicked goals in three of the four games. Unfortunately, he was not able to play too much time on-ball due to the amount of midfielders that Country had squeezed into their squad and this affected his overall possession count. Still he was reliable and ended the carnival with 4 goals.

Hynes' attributes
Hynes is predominantly a forward who is quick off the mark but stands at 190cm, making it a challenge to find the right match-up for him. Hynes also spends time running through the midfield where he is fantastic at the contest and has a quick turn of pace making him dangerous in open space and transition. Hynes foot skills are dependable although not elite

A comparable player is someone like Warner who I think displays a similar upper-body strength at the contest, dynamism in leaving the contest (although Warner is quicker) and is a difficult proposition when resting forward. Though I am sceptical than Hynes will reach the same heights as Warner they are similar players. It is uncanny that the way that Hynes mimics Warner in navigating traffic. You can see an example here:

The haircut that he sported for much of this year also supports this comparison.

 

[eaglespremiers]

You’ve got another pick.

Don't I get another 12 hours for my next pick?

AsterixTheGaul

 

[AsterixTheGaul]

Doggies having so much inside game need an outside leaning mid.

And Fcuk you eaglespremiers, I was so ready for Cooper Hynes you made me think a bit deeper

At pick 17, Doggies select Christian Moraes


Over to you KBLT

 

[eaglevision]

My selection at pick 16 is Cooper Hynes.

GWS lack for very little at this point but, despite having Green I think one area that GWS might be short on is big body midfielders.

Hynes' year
Hynes was extremely dependable at Talent League level.
He played 15 games for the Stingrays averaging 23.7 disposals and hitting the scoreboard in 9 of these games, including multiple goals in 6 of them. This included games where he kicked 5 and 4 goals.
Hynes had 20 or more disposals in 13 of his 15 games.
Because of this output Hynes came 2nd to Lindsay in the Morrish Medal for the best player at Talent League level.

All U18 Champs level Hynes averaged 17 disposals and kicked goals in three of the four games. Unfortunately, he was not able to play too much time on-ball due to the amount of midfielders that Country had squeezed into their squad and this affected his overall possession count. Still he was reliable and ended the carnival with 4 goals.

Hynes' attributes
Hynes is predominantly a forward who is quick off the mark but stands at 190cm, making it a challenge to find the right match-up for him. Hynes also spends time running through the midfield where he is fantastic at the contest and has a quick turn of pace making him dangerous in open space and transition. Hynes foot skills are dependable although not elite

A comparable player is someone like Warner who I think displays a similar upper-body strength at the contest, dynamism in leaving the contest (although Warner is quicker) and is a difficult proposition when resting forward. Though I am sceptical than Hynes will reach the same heights as Warner they are similar players. It is uncanny that the way that Hynes mimics Warner in navigating traffic. You can see an example here:

The haircut that he sported for much of this year also supports this comparison.

Great picks and great write ups. GWS would be very happy with those two boys.

 

[KBLT]

With Pick 18, the Tigers select, from the Murray Bushrangers;

Jack Whitlock



“A mobile key forward capable of chopping out in the ruck, boasting an outstanding reach and strong contested marking ability.”

Jack Whitlock has had an edge on the competition throughout his junior career – not just being taller than most, but also paving his way alongside twin brother, Matt. The arguably more well developed and physical sibling is a key forward with terrific mobility and aerial ability, which has been on show across several levels since turning out for the Murray Bushrangers’ Under 16 side in 2022.

He suits the modern day requirements of key position players in that he is mobile across the ground and quite nimble below his knees, to compliment his aerial range. Whitlock also has the competitiveness to hold his own and along with his athletic gifts, projects as a forward with one of the biggest upsides available. His ability to ruck is an added bonus.

Sydney up with their first pick Hook461123

 

[Hook461123]

With pick 19 Swans select Jesse Dattoli
Write up to come.

stallon your up

Swans add a versatile hardworking mid/fwd with a good goal sense and delivery I50. He was an important part of the Vic Metro winning team and avg 15 disposals, 7 marks and 6 score involvements and a goal a game. He moved to the wing in the final and had 20 touches and was second only to Jagga Smith for metres gained.
In the CTL he averaged 23 disposals a game along with 1.7goals

STRENGTHS:

• Accumulation
• Creativity
• Forward craft
• Goal sense
• Running patterns
• Versatility

 

[We_The_West]

Looking at yesterday's draft highlights...


WEST COAST SELECTS XAVIER LINDSAY WITH PICK 14.



West Coast has entered the draft picking up the best available midfielder, while also addressing a need following the retirements of Andrew Gaff

3

Andrew Gaff

Age

32

Ht

184cm

Wt

83kg

Pos.

Mid

Career

Season

Last 5

D

26.6

5star

K

15.9

5star

HB

10.7

5star

M

4.8

5star

T

2.0

4star

CL

2.5

4star

D

24.5

5star

K

15.6

5star

HB

8.9

4star

M

5.4

5star

T

2.0

3star

CL

2.5

4star

D

11.2

3star

K

8.0

3star

HB

3.2

3star

M

3.2

4star

T

0.6

3star

CL

0.6

3star

and Shannon Hurn

25

Shannon Hurn

Age

37

Ht

187cm

Wt

95kg

Pos.

Def

Career

Season

Last 5

D

20.9

5star

K

15.7

5star

HB

5.2

4star

M

7.0

5star

T

1.6

4star

MG

389.5

5star

D

16.1

4star

K

12.1

5star

HB

4.0

3star

M

5.3

5star

T

1.0

2star

MG

271.6

4star

D

19.0

5star

K

11.6

4star

HB

7.4

5star

M

6.8

5star

T

1.6

4star

.

XL will likely slot into the half-back or wing role and provide some much needed class to the Eagles on-ball brigade.

"Lindsay is a player whose improvement areas are difficult to identify given he does so many things well, and has no glaring weaknesses. His best trait is arguably his ball use, credit to a raking left-foot kick when is often used to penetrate the attacking 50. He uses the ball well on the run, either wheeling away from stoppages or chaining possessions on the outside."

"Having been named Gippsland’s skipper for 2024, Lindsay continued to go from strength-to-strength. He looked a class above at times and became the Power’s first Morrish Medal winner in a decade, despite facing a couple of injury setbacks."

Also among Lindsay’s accolades were CTL Team of the Year and All-Australian selection.

 

[daddy_4_eyes]

Looking at yesterday's draft highlights...


WEST COAST SELECTS XAVIER LINDSAY WITH PICK 14.

View attachment 2161799

West Coast has entered the draft picking up the best available midfielder, while also addressing a need following the retirements of Andrew Gaff and Shannon Hurn.

XL will likely slot into the half-back or wing role and provide some much needed class to the Eagles on-ball brigade.

"Lindsay is a player whose improvement areas are difficult to identify given he does so many things well, and has no glaring weaknesses. His best trait is arguably his ball use, credit to a raking left-foot kick when is often used to penetrate the attacking 50. He uses the ball well on the run, either wheeling away from stoppages or chaining possessions on the outside."

"Having been named Gippsland’s skipper for 2024, Lindsay continued to go from strength-to-strength. He looked a class above at times and became the Power’s first Morrish Medal winner in a decade, despite facing a couple of injury setbacks."

Also among Lindsay’s accolades were CTL Team of the Year and All-Australian selection.

This kid seems a more complete player than a lot of the touted #1 contenders.
What are his weaknesses that are pushing him down to the tail end of the first round?

 

[stallon]

At pick 20/24 North Melbourne selects Luke Trainor

Potentially a steal at this pick, North would be very happy to get Trainor here.
Trainor will be a great point of difference to their other defenders like Comben or Mckay as that 3rd interceptor type with his ability to read the ball and distribute being big strengths.
Concussion issues are still a potential threat but at this pick hes just too much value to not take here.

Armstrong + Trainor would be an exceptional result for North imo



eaglespremiers back to you I believe

 

[Monocle]

This kid seems a more complete player than a lot of the touted #1 contenders.
What are his weaknesses that are pushing him down to the tail end of the first round?

There is not a lot of things that push him down IMO and some of them are hairsplitting however here is my take.

• He is coming off a late season PCL injury and that injury generally drop players down 5-6 places.​
• Mostly being an outside player, history shows that balanced and inside mids generally go before outside players.​
• The endurance side of his game by comparison to those touted as going earlier.​

We are talking very fine lines of differentiation, because most years he would be being picked with a single digit draft pick.

 

[Keys]

There is not a lot of things that push him down IMO and some of them are hairsplitting however here is my take.

• He is coming off a late season PCL injury and that injury generally drop players down 5-6 places.​
• Mostly being an outside player, history shows that balanced and inside mids generally go before outside players.​
• The endurance side of his game by comparison to those touted as going earlier.​

We are talking very fine lines of differentiation, because most years he would be being picked with a single digit draft pick.

How does he compare to Caleb Windsor?

 

[eaglevision]

How does he compare to Caleb Windsor?

No doubt Monocle will have more to add but I posted this brief comparison about a month ago in response to a comment about Melbourne potentially taking Lindsay. You’re right, Windsor is the best comparison IMO:

Lindsay doesn’t have the pace of Caleb Windsor but they are similar, line breaking metres gained players. Windsor more with his speed and Lindsay more with his kicking and has an inside game. They are both 70m transition players IMO so perhaps a little too similar for Melbourne to take Lindsay.

 

[eaglevision]

At pick 20/24 North Melbourne selects Luke Trainor

Potentially a steal at this pick, North would be very happy to get Trainor here.
Trainor will be a great point of difference to their other defenders like Comben or Mckay as that 3rd interceptor type with his ability to read the ball and distribute being big strengths.
Concussion issues are still a potential threat but at this pick hes just too much value to not take here.

Armstrong + Trainor would be an exceptional result for North imo

View attachment 2161809

eaglespremiers back to you I believe

Pretty much the perfect result for North stallon , well done. Getting both those players instead of just Tauru is a huge win. Why does it say pick 20/24?

 

[Monocle]

How does he compare to Caleb Windsor?

Caleb is a great comparison as player likeness and Windsors draft position, is about where Lindsay would sit, most other years.

No doubt Monocle will have more to add but I posted this brief comparison about a month ago in response to a comment about Melbourne potentially taking Lindsay. You’re right, Windsor is the best comparison IMO:

Lindsay doesn’t have the pace of Caleb Windsor but they are similar, line breaking metres gained players. Windsor more with his speed and Lindsay more with his kicking and has an inside game. They are both 70m transition players IMO so perhaps a little too similar for Melbourne to take Lindsay.

Great summary and I really don't have much to add to this, as it's spot on.

 

[stallon]

Pretty much the perfect result for North stallon , well done. Getting both those players instead of just Tauru is a huge win. Why does it say pick 20/24?

its 24, but its 20 going by how everybody else was numbering them

 

[ArdentEagle]

Write up for St. Kilda pick 10 - Tobie Travaglia.

After picking Langford at 9, strengthening the midfield further, I wanted to take board favourite TT as best available talent. TBH, I was very close to taking Lindsay as I'd love the thought of both Windsor and Lindsay in the same team but TT was just a little ahead, so I picked best available.

We've spoken about him ad-nauseum on this board but below is the RMC profile chart, some highlight vids and a further detailed profile.

Tobie Travaglia: The Complete Utility for St Kilda FC’s Future​

Why St Kilda FC Picked Him to Bolster Their Defence and Midfield​

Tobie Travaglia's selection by St Kilda FC represents a calculated move to strengthen both the defensive unit and the midfield depth for the future. A versatile, gut-running defender with exceptional endurance and agility, Travaglia has all the attributes to make an immediate impact at AFL level, particularly with his ability to cover ground quickly and create rebound opportunities from the back half. His skill set fits perfectly into the modern AFL, where players are expected to perform a hybrid role—defending, intercepting, and transitioning quickly into attack.
In particular, St Kilda has been focusing on adding pace and flexibility to their midfield and defensive rotations, and Travaglia brings both in spades. His capacity to move seamlessly between defence and midfield, offering both rebounding prowess and the potential to contribute as a midfielder in rotations, makes him an exciting prospect for the Saints. This dual-purpose ability gives the club the flexibility to experiment with him across the ground, depending on the needs of the game, further adding to his value.
Moreover, the Saints have been looking to boost their defensive depth following the departures of key personnel in recent years, and Travaglia’s intercepting abilities and work rate will certainly fill that gap. His competitiveness and defensive pressure can help tighten the backline, while his offensive capabilities—particularly his run-and-carry—give the Saints a dynamic edge in transitioning the ball from defence to attack.

Why He Has some of the Cleanest Pairs of Hands in the Business​

Tobie Travaglia’s hands are one of his standout features, and his ability to cleanly intercept the ball under pressure makes him a rare talent in his age group. His contested marking and ability to read the play are exceptional, and this is a major reason why he was named to the All-Australian Under-18 team. Travaglia’s clean hands are a product of his natural ability to attack the ball in flight, as well as his composure in high-pressure situations. Whether it’s an overhead mark or a quick pick-up in tight spaces, Travaglia’s sure hands under pressure are among the best in the draft pool.
His intercept marking ability is particularly noteworthy. He has a strong sense of positioning and anticipation, allowing him to make crucial intercept marks, often in critical moments of the game. This makes him a constant threat for opposition forwards, as his ability to read the play allows him to consistently disrupt attacking forward 50 entries.
In addition, Travaglia’s hands are not just about taking marks; his clean disposal is also a critical asset. While there is some room for improvement in his overall disposal efficiency, he is consistently able to deliver clean kicks and handballs to set up teammates, particularly in transition from defence to attack. His ability to gather the ball cleanly and dispose of it efficiently is a trait that will only improve further once he is exposed to the elite standards of the AFL system.

Why He Will Be a Star at AFL Level​

Tobie Travaglia’s development trajectory and current skill set suggest that he has the potential to become a star at AFL level. His combination of speed, endurance, defensive pressure, and clean hands makes him an incredibly well-rounded player with the versatility to impact a variety of roles. His performance during the National Championships, where he earned All-Australian honours, highlighted his ability to compete against the best young talent in the country, and his continued strong performances for the Bendigo Pioneers and Vic Country further showcase his readiness for AFL football.
Travaglia’s development has been rapid, with many pundits initially overlooking him as a top prospect before his exceptional performances during the 2023 season. His ability to move quickly across the ground, both defensively and offensively, sets him apart from many other prospects. His endurance allows him to cover large portions of the field, while his agility and speed enable him to break away from congestion and create attacking opportunities.
On the defensive side of the game, Travaglia is a tireless worker. His pressure around the contest, combined with his ability to read the ball in flight, makes him an excellent intercept defender, capable of disrupting opposition attacks and launching counter-attacks with his run and carry. His work ethic and competitive nature ensure that he doesn’t take a backwards step, even when matched up against bigger bodies, as seen in his performances with the AFL Academy against Coburg and Footscray.
In the future, as he continues to add size and strength to his frame, Travaglia will become even more dangerous. His strong foot skills, particularly on the run, will allow him to create more opportunities for teammates and push further into the midfield rotation. As he refines his disposal efficiency and adjusts to the AFL pace, his potential as a versatile, 80-100 metre player—covering the half-back line, wing, and possibly even moving into the middle—becomes even more tantalizing.
Travaglia has been compared to some of the AFL’s rising stars, such as Will Day (Hawthorn), Brayden Maynard

4

Brayden Maynard

Age

28

Ht

189cm

Wt

93kg

Pos.

Def

Career

Season

Last 5

D

17.4

4star

K

11.6

4star

HB

5.9

4star

M

3.9

4star

T

3.6

5star

MG

327.8

4star

D

20.7

5star

K

14.0

5star

HB

6.7

4star

M

3.9

4star

T

3.0

4star

MG

417.4

5star

D

13.8

4star

K

8.6

4star

HB

5.2

4star

M

2.8

3star

T

3.6

5star

MG

205.8

4star

(Collingwood), and Trent Rivers

24

Trent Rivers

Age

23

Ht

188cm

Wt

87kg

Pos.

Def

Career

Season

Last 5

D

10.7

3star

K

6.0

2star

HB

4.7

3star

M

2.0

2star

T

2.0

4star

MG

171.3

3star

D

10.7

3star

K

6.0

2star

HB

4.7

3star

M

2.0

2star

T

2.0

3star

MG

171.3

3star

D

10.7

3star

K

6.0

3star

HB

4.7

4star

M

2.0

3star

T

2.0

4star

MG

171.3

3star

(Melbourne)—all players who play a similar role across half-back and possess the ability to move into the midfield. With his profile, it is easy to see how Travaglia could follow a similar trajectory, contributing both defensively and offensively and potentially becoming a key player in St Kilda’s engine room in the coming years.

Conclusion​

Tobie Travaglia has all the tools to become a standout AFL player. With his elite running ability, competitive nature, and elite intercepting skills, he is well-equipped to make an immediate impact at AFL level, both in defence and potentially in midfield. St Kilda FC’s decision to bring him in will be a game-changer, as his versatility and upside offer the Saints a player who can evolve into a dynamic, two-way force for years to come.
4o mini

 

[ArdentEagle]

No doubt Monocle will have more to add but I posted this brief comparison about a month ago in response to a comment about Melbourne potentially taking Lindsay. You’re right, Windsor is the best comparison IMO:

Lindsay doesn’t have the pace of Caleb Windsor but they are similar, line breaking metres gained players. Windsor more with his speed and Lindsay more with his kicking and has an inside game. They are both 70m transition players IMO so perhaps a little too similar for Melbourne to take Lindsay.

I know you and I have discussed this before but I just don't see his similarity to Windsor being a bad thing for Melbourne.

As an oppo coach, it'd be one hell of a headache.

 

[eaglespremiers]

GWS take Oliver Hannaford.


Hannaford's Year
Whilst he enjoyed moderate success further up the ground earlier in the season Oliver improved markedly as the Talent League season went on and he was playing more time in the forward line. In his first eight games he failed to score a goal, however, from round 11 he scored goals in every single game he played including five goals against the Oakleigh Chargers and 6 goals against the Geelong Falcons in the finals. As well as hitting the scoreboard Oliver averaged 16.7 disposals and laid, on averaged, 4.4 tackles a game.

Unfortunately Oliver was less successful at Championship level where he did not hit the scoreboard and his disposal count was way down. His form, however, post-carnival at Talent League was exceptional.

Hannaford's Attributes
Oliver is an extremely smart footballer and is in the top echelon of draftees this year at reading the play. He is quick off the mark and excels at navigating congestion and has an uncanny ability to swerve around opponents with ease. Oliver's 2nd efforts and defensive ability are great, however, his field kicking can be suspect.
Again the Falcons in the finals Oliver proved that he can be the match winner kicking crucial goals in the 2nd half to keep the Rebels in touch and then to finish the game off with his sixth goal. Then he was huge in the midfield for the Rebels in the Grand Final.

In terms of comparisons there's a bit of Josh Rachele about Hannaford's forward craft and ability to impact in the midfield.

 

[eaglespremiers]

Hook461123, you're up.

 

[We_The_West]

This kid seems a more complete player than a lot of the touted #1 contenders.
What are his weaknesses that are pushing him down to the tail end of the first round?

I honestly think there's a chance he goes at one of St Kilda's picks he's rated so highly. He didn't test at the combine unfortunately, so had he of tested well then I'm sure he could have pushed into the top 10.

Some of the other young mids may have other attributes that point to them having a higher ceiling possibly?

This kid models his game on Pendlebury so I'm sure he's a professional.

 

[Hook461123]

With pick 26 Swans
Take Jonty Faull

Swans get a mobile tall forward who is good below his knees and good in the air. He finished the year with a bang kicking 13 goals in last 4 games including 4 in the quarter final and 5 in the prelim. He kicked 27 goals for the year in the CTL and 5 in the championships from 3 games.
He's a good set shot kick and often gets goals in clumps. He also averaged 13 possessions a game which is pretty good for a key forward showcasing his work rate and running patterns.

STRENGTHS:

• Competitiveness
• Mobility
• Scoreboard impact
• Set shot goalkicking
• Work rate

 

[Hook461123]

KBLT your up

 

[eaglevision]

I know you and I have discussed this before but I just don't see his similarity to Windsor being a bad thing for Melbourne.

As an oppo coach, it'd be one hell of a headache.

Your argument is perfectly reasonable. I just think Melbourne are about to go off a cliff and need to address multiple list holes that have no young players developing but absolutely having to plan against both of them would be a nightmare in a few years.

 

[KBLT]

With Pick 27, the Tigers select, from the Murray Bushrangers;

Matt Whitlock



“A versatile key position prospect with enormous upside, able to showcase his athleticism and raw talent at either end of the ground.”

Murray Bushrangers tall Matt Whitlock has long been touted as a highly developable and richly talented prospect. He progressed through the footballing pathway alongside twin brother Jack, often playing at the opposite end of the ground to each other in the same representative sides. Fittingly, they were even named at full back and full forward respectively in the 2024 Coates Talent League Team of the Year.

Recruiters hold many of Whitlock’s best traits in high regard, with his athletic profile and versatility lending to high upside in a key position prospect. There is really no limit to what he could be at the top level, looking most at home down back but proving he is just as promising as a forward. He does things less conventionally than other talls would – even his twin brother – thriving more in his work across the ground rather than as an imposing aerial threat.

Whitlock was selected as an injury replacement to represent the National Academy in its second showcase match, against Footscray VFL, after his sibling did so in game one. Both brothers attended the National Draft Combine, with Matt achieving top 10 results in both the standing and running vertical jumps.

A nice story for the Tigers to take both brothers.