Draft Watcher Young Talent Time 2017

[M Malice]

Who did you rate number one last year?

Really interested what your long term projection for Stephenson is?

From a Brisbane perspective, if Schache stays I'm very keen on Luke Davis-Uniacke (even though there is a genuine perceived flight risk with LDU). If Schache goes, I'd lean towards Darcy Fogarty.

Other players I have a keen interest in are Lochie O'Brien, Jack Higgins and James Worpel. Also very interested to follow Jack Petruccelle, to see if he has some genuine x factor about him other than pure speed.

C25s top 4 PD last year in order were McGrath, Taranto, Ainsworth, McCluggage. His own power rankings in order were Petrevski-Seton, McGrath, Ainsworth, McCluggage. That was in draft week though, not sure of his rankings at this time last year. I have linked last years thread if you want to spend the time to go through it briztoon.

https://www.bigfooty.com/forum/threads/2016-young-talent-time.1123596/

 

[Chris25]

Thanks Chris25 , great stuff. I'm a big fan of Stephenson, interesting you have him at number 1. I think you are the first PD to have him there.

I've turned into a real draft/trade nerd over the last few years, of late its been about all we Lions supporters have to look forward to. We are highly likely to have pick 1 this year, Chris Fagan has said we need midfielders and small forwards who exert extreme pressure. A few questions on Stephenson-

1) Can you compare him to any past or present player?
2) Do you see him as a forward who can do stints in the middle or is he a player that could transition to a full time midfielder?
3) Strengths and weaknesses?

I've always had him #1, and probably always will. I'd have taken him in the top 2 last year as a 17 year old.

I don't really like straight up player comparisons, I find it's a lazy way to do a draft analysis. Most players have elements of people in their games, and Stephenson is no different. First of all, in terms of his actual role I see him as a forward who can rotate through the midfield. He's too good in the forward half, a bit like Steve Johnson in that regard. He could have had a long career as a midfielder, but he was a match winner in the forward fifty. One of Stephenson's biggest strengths is that he is such a difficult match up. He's deceptively strong in the body with good balance and hands above his head, so small defenders can't go with him. But he's too quick and agile for tall defenders. It's a similar problem that Nat Fyfe presents when he plays forward.

Otherwise, his real strength is just his x factor and game winning ability. He just does things when he gets the ball. His midfield game is improving, a couple of matches now this year he has read the ball well from the taps and won first possession. I expect we'll see more of that the remainder of the year. Only real weakness is that he can drift in and out of games a bit, and his field kicking isn't always perfect. But nothing I see being long term problems.

Who did you rate number one last year?

Really interested what your long term projection for Stephenson is?

From a Brisbane perspective, if Schache stays I'm very keen on Luke Davis-Uniacke (even though there is a genuine perceived flight risk with LDU). If Schache goes, I'd lean towards Darcy Fogarty.

Other players I have a keen interest in are Lochie O'Brien, Jack Higgins and James Worpel. Also very interested to follow Jack Petruccelle, to see if he has some genuine x factor about him other than pure speed.

For Brisbane, I would hope they are looking at Jack Higgins at the top of the second round. I like him as a small forward, a little bit like Ben Ainsworth who they passed on last year. He's a ball winner and strong tackler. And I also think he'd be an immediate performer next year, which obviously Brisbane would benefit by.

Worpel could fall anywhere from the second round to rookie draft, it's just a matter of how you weigh up clearance work with average foot skills. Otherwise, speed is Petruccelle's x factor. Not many players have two, and his is obvious. But being a dual threat as a forward/midfielder could be argued as being a second x factor. He has to be considered top 10 for me.

Last year, I had Sam Petrevski-Seton as my #1 on both my first and last draft rankings.

 

[Chris25]

Thanks for your insight Chris it's much appreciated .
Can you please give me your thoughts on Darcy Fogarty and Jarrod Brander either are my dream selection for the Baggers.

Well, they're both good players.

I haven't seen a lot of Brander this year yet, he had a couple of weeks off with a minor knee injury and has played some school football. So I'm looking forward to seeing him play for the Allies. He's a bit like Jacob Weitering, just a level below. But he also has an imposing frame to build on, and both attacks and marks strongly. His field kicking is elite for a KPP, it's part of the reason some like him better down back where he has the freedom to win more ball and use his skills. Combination of size, skills and athleticism is enough to see him go top 5 but I would like to see him really dominate the Championships up forward. Would certainly be a good piece for Carlton. Not a lot of competition in regards to the #1 KPP this year, but if he were to choose AFL then I could see Will Sutherland edging out Brander though. So Brander can't be resting on his laurels quite yet.

Fogarty is just a good footballer, at 190cm he can play either tall or small. Strong body, moves well and clean. For Carlton specifically, they do already have a similar propsect in Charlie Curnow. Fogarty is a more natural midfielder, but they both play similar roles - sort of a 60% forward, 40% midfield.

 

[bmaurizio]

Well, they're both good players.

I haven't seen a lot of Brander this year yet, he had a couple of weeks off with a minor knee injury and has played some school football. So I'm looking forward to seeing him play for the Allies. He's a bit like Jacob Weitering, just a level below. But he also has an imposing frame to build on, and both attacks and marks strongly. His field kicking is elite for a KPP, it's part of the reason some like him better down back where he has the freedom to win more ball and use his skills. Combination of size, skills and athleticism is enough to see him go top 5 but I would like to see him really dominate the Championships up forward. Would certainly be a good piece for Carlton. Not a lot of competition in regards to the #1 KPP this year, but if he were to choose AFL then I could see Will Sutherland edging out Brander though. So Brander can't be resting on his laurels quite yet.

Fogarty is just a good footballer, at 190cm he can play either tall or small. Strong body, moves well and clean. For Carlton specifically, they do already have a similar propsect in Charlie Curnow. Fogarty is a more natural midfielder, but they both play similar roles - sort of a 60% forward, 40% midfield.

Thanks Chris,
Really appreciate your comments and insights. We'll problably finish up with pick 2 ton3 so hopefully Silvagni & Brodie get it right. We certainly need another quality KPP .
Sutherland must something special.
Haven't read much about him.

 

[ringo1]

Thoughts on Tac players that play VFL after missing Nationals?..Brayshaw.

 

[borderbarry]

Chris25, being in Adelaide do you have any knowledge of this years crop from the N.T.? Any that you consider draftable? Dominic Grant gets mentioned a fair bit.

 

[Chris25]

Thoughts on Tac players that play VFL after missing Nationals?..Brayshaw.

If you miss the Championships, then you really need to do something extra to get noticed. Whether that's VFL selection, or absolutely dominate the TAC Cup with the bigger names all missing. I think there should be more incentive for draft eligible players to get some VFL exposure, particularly in the last month or so. SA and WA kids can play the whole season playing senior football if they're good enough.

Chris25, being in Adelaide do you have any knowledge of this years crop from the N.T.? Any that you consider draftable? Dominic Grant gets mentioned a fair bit.

Dominic Grant is probably the best chance at going in the national draft - maybe around the third round or so. Depends on his Championships for the Allies. But he's a real smooth moving half forward/wing, with good size too. His 2016 season in the SANFL wasn't anything special, which was disappointing. But the natural talent is there. And if Adam Sambono lights up the U18 Championships, then he could easily get drafted quite early too. Small forwards are in increased demand at the moment.

NT also have a handful of players who could be rookie draft chances this year, I'd like to see clubs taking a chance on some of them. Tony Olango should be rookie listed this year. Zac Bailey is a small midfielder, a ball magnet in the middle although not always the cleanest. He'll work hard and should get a chance with the Allies, he's played some good football in the SANFL and in school football this year. Two players I like are Rodney Baird and Kieran Parnell. Parnell was a much hotter prospect this time last year, but had some injury problems. An outside rookie chance, but a high reward pick. Baird has been picked for the Allies, he's a 192cm defender - more of a third tall, he's still new to the game from a rugby background. But I'd really like to see a club invest in him, he's flashed some ability so far and nobody escapes his tackles.

Next year, Michael Mummery and Matthew Green are looking like two of the better prospects for a few years. Liam Holt-Fitz is exciting too.

 

[Hutchy Jnr]

Hey Chris25,

Whats your thoughts on Hugo Barry and Cole Gerloff from PAC? In state u18 squad. Hugo kick 8.6 and Cole got another high 30's. Both didnt get picked for the WA game this weekend... Where do you see them going? what range?

 

[Chris25]

Hey Chris25,

Whats your thoughts on Hugo Barry and Cole Gerloff from PAC? In state u18 squad. Hugo kick 8.6 and Cole got another high 30's. Both didnt get picked for the WA game this weekend... Where do you see them going? what range?

Both have probably played their best football for PAC, which I haven't seen myself. I have seen some of Hugo Barry for North Adelaide this year though, and he's been reasonably impressive. A very good mark, shame his kicking can let him down a bit. Clean that up and it'd be hard to ignore the numbers he puts up. In terms of the Championships, he should be a chance to play later in the tournament - it depends how the SA attack goes, there are a lot of players around that 190-192cm mark that he is competing with. Draft range, you'd have to be looking at a possible rookie pick at the moment. Longer term, it may well be that the back line is his best chance - marking and athleticism being a strength, he'll probably be a good SANFL goal kicker but a touch undersized to be an AFL key forward.

Cole Gerloff is in a similar situation, in that there is plenty of competition in the midfield. SA have a few players of similar size and ball winning ability, again I think he'll get a chance but he doesn't appear to be a first choice player for SA which obviously hurts his draft stock.

 

[briztoon]

Chris25 what type of player/projection is Izak Rankine?

 

[blueiris]

Chris I know this about South Australian draftees but what's you're early top 10 rankings before the Championships

 

[hugecannon]

Chris what are your thoughts on Ian Milera? I saw him play against the Crows SANFL team the other week and some of his decisions and skill level in the F50 were outstanding, do you think he's a chance to be drafted this year?

 

[Hutchy Jnr]

Both have probably played their best football for PAC, which I haven't seen myself. I have seen some of Hugo Barry for North Adelaide this year though, and he's been reasonably impressive. A very good mark, shame his kicking can let him down a bit. Clean that up and it'd be hard to ignore the numbers he puts up. In terms of the Championships, he should be a chance to play later in the tournament - it depends how the SA attack goes, there are a lot of players around that 190-192cm mark that he is competing with. Draft range, you'd have to be looking at a possible rookie pick at the moment. Longer term, it may well be that the back line is his best chance - marking and athleticism being a strength, he'll probably be a good SANFL goal kicker but a touch undersized to be an AFL key forward.

Cole Gerloff is in a similar situation, in that there is plenty of competition in the midfield. SA have a few players of similar size and ball winning ability, again I think he'll get a chance but he doesn't appear to be a first choice player for SA which obviously hurts his draft stock.

Thanks for that info Chris25! Appreciate the reply

 

[Chris25]

Chris25 what type of player/projection is Izak Rankine?

I'm super high on Izak Rankine, I think he's the most naturally talented player in next years pool. As a 16 year old last year, I'd have drafted him in the first round ahead of someone like a Florent or Simpkin. And I'd back him to have performed at AFL level this year. He's a half forward/midfielder, can play as a crumbing forward or right inside at the stoppages. A Michael Walters type, but a touch more explosive...if I haven't talked him up enough yet.

Chris I know this about South Australian draftees but what's you're early top 10 rankings before the Championships

It's no longer just about South Australians, my rankings are on the first page. From a month ago, but most of the changes I'd make now would be in the 10-25 range...

1. Jaidyn Stephenson (189cm, 76kg from Eastern Ranges)
2. Luke Davis-Uniacke (187cm, 85kg from Dandenong Stingrays)
3. Darcy Fogarty (192cm, 88kg from Glenelg)
4. Jarrod Brander (195cm, 90kg from Bendigo Pioneers)
5. Lochie O'Brien (184cm, 75kg from Bendigo Pioneers)
6. Adam Cerra (186cm, 85kg from Eastern Ranges)
7. Sam Hayes (203cm, 93kg from Eastern Ranges)
8. Jack Petruccelle (184cm, 73kg from Northern Knights)
9. Cameron Rayner (187cm, 88kg from Western Jets)
10. Nicholas Shipley (190cm, 90kg from St George/GWS Academy)

 

[Chris25]

Chris what are your thoughts on Ian Milera? I saw him play against the Crows SANFL team the other week and some of his decisions and skill level in the F50 were outstanding, do you think he's a chance to be drafted this year?

Glenelg have themselves an exciting team with the Milera brothers and Dom Barry all playing. And Ian Milera is certainly stepping up, Glenelg have hardly missed Willie Rioli this year. As a 19 year old in his first season of league football, he has 20 goals from 9 games. That alone has to create interest, bit like Charlie Cameron in that he doesn't always get a lot of ball but his touches usually seem to end in goals for someone. At 173cm and being a small forward only, I'd say he'd be a rookie type prospect. But I'm saying every year that clubs need to focus more on specialist small forwards, so I'd be looking at him.

 

[mickjagger]

Travelled up the Calder to Watch the Rays play Pioneers on Sunday expecting a good game. The Pioneers were very disappointing and undisciplined. The players that I thought were impressive were Piper and D'arcy from the Rays and Darby Henderson from the Pioneers. Where are these guys at?

 

[M Malice]

I'm super high on Izak Rankine, I think he's the most naturally talented player in next years pool. As a 16 year old last year, I'd have drafted him in the first round ahead of someone like a Florent or Simpkin. And I'd back him to have performed at AFL level this year. He's a half forward/midfielder, can play as a crumbing forward or right inside at the stoppages. A Michael Walters type, but a touch more explosive...if I haven't talked him up enough yet.



It's no longer just about South Australians, my rankings are on the first page. From a month ago, but most of the changes I'd make now would be in the 10-25 range...

1. Jaidyn Stephenson (189cm, 76kg from Eastern Ranges)
2. Luke Davis-Uniacke (187cm, 85kg from Dandenong Stingrays)
3. Darcy Fogarty (192cm, 88kg from Glenelg)
4. Jarrod Brander (195cm, 90kg from Bendigo Pioneers)
5. Lochie O'Brien (184cm, 75kg from Bendigo Pioneers)
6. Adam Cerra (186cm, 85kg from Eastern Ranges)
7. Sam Hayes (203cm, 93kg from Eastern Ranges)
8. Jack Petruccelle (184cm, 73kg from Northern Knights)
9. Cameron Rayner (187cm, 88kg from Western Jets)
10. Nicholas Shipley (190cm, 90kg from St George/GWS Academy)

Big wrap on Rankine Chris25, where would you have him in your top 10 for this year, above Stephenson?

 

[hugecannon]

Glenelg have themselves an exciting team with the Milera brothers and Dom Barry all playing. And Ian Milera is certainly stepping up, Glenelg have hardly missed Willie Rioli this year. As a 19 year old in his first season of league football, he has 20 goals from 9 games. That alone has to create interest, bit like Charlie Cameron in that he doesn't always get a lot of ball but his touches usually seem to end in goals for someone. At 173cm and being a small forward only, I'd say he'd be a rookie type prospect. But I'm saying every year that clubs need to focus more on specialist small forwards, so I'd be looking at him.

Thanks for the insight, I'd be more than happy for the Crows to pick him, which would allow Cameron to spend more time in the midfield.

 

[Wymo]

Seeing Rankine for the first time this morning I can see why you rate him this highly Chris. Everything he touches seems to turn to gold.

 

[Chris25]

Big wrap on Rankine Chris25, where would you have him in your top 10 for this year, above Stephenson?

It was good to see Rankine perform so well after I gave him the wrap I did! There's certainly nobody in this draft class like him. He would walk into the best 22 of all 18 AFL clubs this weekend. I'd probably have him at #1 this year if he was available.

 

[LemmingMaster]

It was good to see Rankine perform so well after I gave him the wrap I did! There's certainly nobody in this draft class like him. He would walk into the best 22 of all 18 AFL clubs this weekend. I'd probably have him at #1 this year if he was available.

I think there is another SA talent that I would pick before Rankine if he was draftable.

 

[Hutchy Jnr]

I think there is another SA talent that I would pick before Rankine if he was draftable.

Rozee or Lukosius

 

[Chris25]

I think there is another SA talent that I would pick before Rankine if he was draftable.

I'm sure Lukosius will go first, looking like a star KPP and all. But for immediate impact and match winning ability, hard to go past Rankine.

 

[LemmingMaster]

I'm sure Lukosius will go first, looking like a star KPP and all. But for immediate impact and match winning ability, hard to go past Rankine.

I do love Rankine, but Lukosius looks very solid for someone his height.

 

[Chris25]

I'm working on a rankings update at the moment, and I'll add a 2018 top 10 or so too. Hard to squeeze next years talent in, whereas I was struggling to fill out an extended top 30 this year. There are a few later round players I like though, including a player not picked in Vic Country's round 1 squad at #25.