Zookotas 2017 AFL Phantom Draft Round 1+2

[Jordie_tackles]

Paddy Dow grew up in Swan Hill, boarded at Geelong Grammar and played for Bendigo.

Berry grew up in Horsham, Hugh McCluggage grew up in Warrnambool and both boarded at Clarendon. Both played TAC for the North Ballarat Rebels.

How could the Brisbane guys be mates with Dow? They played for different TAC regions, went to schools 150kms apart, and grew up in completely different districts of Western Victoria.

AFL Academy's? Vic country squads?

 

[HedgeFund]

AFL Academy's? Vic country squads?

Nup and nup.

He wasn’t Academy Level 1 in 2016, nor was he in the Vic Country Squad.

 

[Hutchy Jnr]

link to this please.

Not everything needs to be put on the internet. Through conversation of people in important roles within the club.
Freo will have no hesitation in taking Naughton at 5. He's ranked 3rd-4th on their list.

 

[theGav56]

Not everything needs to be put on the internet. Through conversation of people in important roles within the club.
Freo will have no hesitation in taking Naughton at 5. He's ranked 3rd-4th on their list.

Wow that is a huge shift from the club. What they have actually said out loud is that they rate the top seven quite evenly, and that they will look to address midfield and forward issues, having addressed KPDs in last years draft/trade period.

 

[Go_Blues!]

Hey Guys, just want to thank you all for this awesome thread. The work that has gone into the original post and the effort in prosecuting the case is pretty amazing. I have no time (nor interest) in acquiring this information but I really appreciate the people who do. The OP has the most individually reasoned take on the draft and is a pleasant departure from the consensus based, mass agreement we seem to have around the draft each year. Thanks guys

 

[zookota123]

Watch the video of his combine “performance”. All he did was jump and tap some plastic tags a bit higher than the others (in runners, on a wooden surface), then he ran 20m on a wooden floor quickly. Not “classy” - just springy and quick. Excellent if you’re a Basketballer.

I still think he will at least go top 20, but can’t honestly understand the fuss if others can’t get excited about Murphy who has played better football in (TAC) games that actually count for something - not an exhibition game where everyone was just trying to get a touch and show their wares for recruiters.

The draft combine just showed how athletic he is and how it affects our perception. I think he definitely looks classy with the ball and the way he handles himself dodging opposition and gliding through. However I do agree there's some things I don't like with him on that when he is under pressure his kicking or handballing is poor. I also don't think he is top 10 worthy just yet and baffles me that of course everyone has him at St kilda because they see other people having him there. I do think he will be top 15 though and go to Sydney.

 

[zookota123]

I like dow for pick 1 as well. Ldu suits too but i think dows friendships with berry n mcluggage gets him over the line. Not a major factor but having mates here already helps with our retention. Not sure with balta at pick 18 when we look to get ballenden and payne with later picks hopefully. Would like to see a small forward or half forward taken at 18 instead. We have half backs coming out our ying yang so someone with more of a midfield pedigree at 15 to my liking. I like you ignore unsubstantiated sources and would rather believe whats in front of me than rumor.

I don't think Dow is friends with Berry or Mcluggage, its just there are rumors they have interest in him to join Brisbane. But who knows rumors are rumors. Yeah I can understand that for sure in regards to Balta with Payne and Ballenden. Hunter Clark is someyone you should be wanting instead of thinking he suits more in the half back. The kid is a bloody star and has focused all this year on being an inside mid with some stints in the half back this year due to his beautiful speed out of the back. When put in the midfield he does very well through the stoppages getting contested ball and running from opposition with great speed. His a tough player too. Once in the AFL I definitely see him more of a midfielder than a half back. Its like Brisbane wont take Constable because he can play half back as well. Look at Dyson Heppell for example. Played half back/mid tac and once entered AFL played midfield and won rising star and is a pure midfielder for Essendon. Clark is a star and you should be gunning for him, however I think saints could gun for him and possibly take him with one of their 7/8th pick. Thanks mate, appreciate that.

 

[zookota123]

Hey Guys, just want to thank you all for this awesome thread. The work that has gone into the original post and the effort in prosecuting the case is pretty amazing. I have no time (nor interest) in acquiring this information but I really appreciate the people who do. The OP has the most individually reasoned take on the draft and is a pleasant departure from the consensus based, mass agreement we seem to have around the draft each year. Thanks guys

Thank you very much mate. I enjoy what I do and try my absolute best so that you guys can enjoy the read. This thread wouldn't be the same without all your views and opinions, such as yourself. One last thing...GO_BLUES!

 

[PMBangers]

I'd be stoked with O'Brien, Miers, and Crossley! I've seen a few phantoms with us taking Coleman-Jones who I also enjoy because I think he can make an immediate impact but either are good enough for me

 

[nightstalker]

I don't think Dow is friends with Berry or Mcluggage, its just there are rumors they have interest in him to join Brisbane. But who knows rumors are rumors. Yeah I can understand that for sure in regards to Balta with Payne and Ballenden. Hunter Clark is someyone you should be wanting instead of thinking he suits more in the half back. The kid is a bloody star and has focused all this year on being an inside mid with some stints in the half back this year due to his beautiful speed out of the back. When put in the midfield he does very well through the stoppages getting contested ball and running from opposition with great speed. His a tough player too. Once in the AFL I definitely see him more of a midfielder than a half back. Its like Brisbane wont take Constable because he can play half back as well. Look at Dyson Heppell for example. Played half back/mid tac and once entered AFL played midfield and won rising star and is a pure midfielder for Essendon. Clark is a star and you should be gunning for him, however I think saints could gun for him and possibly take him with one of their 7/8th pick. Thanks mate, appreciate that.

Pick 1 LDU

PICK 2 Dow

Pick 3 Rayner

Pick 4 Brayshaw

Pick 5 Stephenson

Pick 6 Cerra

Pick 7 Clark

Pick 8 Higgins

Pick 9 Coffield

Pick 10 D Fogarty

 

[Obeanie1]

So Eagles:

13 Constable
21 Oscar Allen
26 Ainsworth > Kelly
32 Dylan Moore > Worpel
37 McFerson > Dylan Moore

I could actually see 4 out of these 5 happening. If Allen is there at 21 Eagles will swoop without a doubt at all.

Ainsworth at 26 is a big call and one I haven't seen too many suggest. Allegedly Eagles are interested in Tim Kelly and so are Carlton who you have picking him at 30. Ainsworth at 26 is where I see Kelly going even though I think that is a reach.

I really like Worpel and would encourage the Eagles to take him at 32, he's big, he's hard in close and is getting better every game.

A small mid / forward like Moore at 37 I would also like. Some out West feel Liam Ryan will be taken then but I'm not a fan. Great highlights reel but little defensive effort / two way running. Freo fringe defenders playing for Peel monstered him in the WAFL GF and he had a very quiet game.

Good effort.

 

[Harlequin Dream]

So Eagles:

13 Constable
21 Oscar Allen
26 Ainsworth > Kelly
32 Dylan Moore > Worpel
37 McFerson > Dylan Moore

I could actually see 4 out of these 5 happening. If Allen is there at 21 Eagles will swoop without a doubt at all.

Ainsworth at 26 is a big call and one I haven't seen too many suggest. Allegedly Eagles are interested in Tim Kelly and so are Carlton who you have picking him at 30. Ainsworth at 26 is where I see Kelly going even though I think that is a reach.

I really like Worpel and would encourage the Eagles to take him at 32, he's big, he's hard in close and is getting better every game.

A small mid / forward like Moore at 37 I would also like. Some out West feel Liam Ryan will be taken then but I'm not a fan. Great highlights reel but little defensive effort / two way running. Freo fringe defenders playing for Peel monstered him in the WAFL GF and he had a very quiet game.

Good effort.

Does anyone know the Eagles broad strategy?

Are they primarily preparing for the post Hurn/Kennedy era?

Are they looking for a shorter term boost to make the most of their senior players while keeping an eye on the future?

If the former I can see them taking 4 juniors plus Kelly.

However, I would not be surprised if they take 3 state league players after their first 2 picks. Namely Kelly, Fritsch and maybe Oskar Baker.

 

[Psicosis]

I'm sure back in 2015 when Clayton Oliver went pick 4 to Melbourne they were thinking the same when most people didn't even know who he was. I would not be surprised at all if Brayshaw goes to North at pick 4 as I think he is a definite at top 5 who had a great year and one of the best in the draft combine.

I don't question his ability, he's a fine young player and would love him at north. Why he won't be at north was mentioned by yourself, he's more inside then out, and we need the opposite of that.

 

[Obeanie1]

Does anyone know the Eagles broad strategy?

Are they primarily preparing for the post Hurn/Kennedy era?

Are they looking for a shorter term boost to make the most of their senior players while keeping an eye on the future?

If the former I can see them taking 4 juniors plus Kelly.

However, I would not be surprised if they take 3 state league players after their first 2 picks. Namely Kelly, Fritsch and maybe Oskar Baker.

They will go to youth early Kelly maybe the one mature ager in the draft, rookie list another. Already have Ah chee come in.

 

[JuddgementDay]

Thank you very much mate. I enjoy what I do and try my absolute best so that you guys can enjoy the read. This thread wouldn't be the same without all your views and opinions, such as yourself. One last thing...GO_BLUES!

Bias & all...
Who do you like for #3, 10 & 30 and genuine chance at those picks

 

[6yearsold]

happy with bonar constable or clark but preference would be the reverse order.

 

[zookota123]

I'd be stoked with O'Brien, Miers, and Crossley! I've seen a few phantoms with us taking Coleman-Jones who I also enjoy because I think he can make an immediate impact but either are good enough for me

Sorry for the long wait of a reply, I have been busy with work and trying to catch up with stuff. Yeah in my eyes those 3 would suit GWS very well with O'brien who could start in the half back and than progress into the mid years to come, Miers who would start as a small forward and Crossley who I think needs at least one year in development before he can start in the AFL but in future years could be very dominant and a key for GWS in future years. CCJ is good but I rate Crossley better and don't think both could make an immediate impact just yet. Crossley is not a ruck/key forward like CCJ, however he can push forward and kick more goals than CCJ and takes big marks himself. With more development I think crossley will be the better player I'm just hoping people see his talent and take him early on 2nd round- 3rd round, but wouldnt be surprised he goes later.

 

[PMBangers]

Sorry for the long wait of a reply, I have been busy with work and trying to catch up with stuff. Yeah in my eyes those 3 would suit GWS very well with O'brien who could start in the half back and than progress into the mid years to come, Miers who would start as a small forward and Crossley who I think needs at least one year in development before he can start in the AFL but in future years could be very dominant and a key for GWS in future years. CCJ is good but I rate Crossley better and don't think both could make an immediate impact just yet. Crossley is not a ruck/key forward like CCJ, however he can push forward and kick more goals than CCJ and takes big marks himself. With more development I think crossley will be the better player I'm just hoping people see his talent and take him early on 2nd round- 3rd round, but wouldnt be surprised he goes later.

My main concern with O'Brien his he doesn't get enough contested balls, that mixed with his lack of physicality means I don't think he would be best deployed on the Back Flank.

 

[zookota123]

Pick 1 LDU

PICK 2 Dow

Pick 3 Rayner

Pick 4 Brayshaw

Pick 5 Stephenson

Pick 6 Cerra

Pick 7 Clark

Pick 8 Higgins

Pick 9 Coffield

Pick 10 D Fogarty

Not bad mate, I just don't think Collingwood should be taking Cerra at 6 considering all our mids and mid depth. If Collingwood take best available and go with Cerra I would be disappointed. I see Naughton 100% making the top 10 though and with him being a mad collingwood supporter and signs of collingwood interested in him plus us in need of a tall KPP Naughton definitely ticks the boxes there. With Collingwood its between Brander and Naughton for me. I like Stephenson at pick 5 Fremantle, wouldn't be surprised with that pick at all and who knows could be the next Fyfe that kid. I think if he can work on his weaknesses and gain muscle, he could be the best pick of the draft when years to come. Higgins and Clark to saints I like and respect. I think if Stephenson gets picked at 5 to freo than I see Cerra and Clark with pick 7/8 leaving higgins to dogs 9 and Fogarty pick 10. Overall I like.

 

[foodles05]

Depends on if you’re picking someone who appears to do the exciting things themselves.....or someone who makes his team-mates play/look better with each touch of the footy he has / gives them.

As a Hawk fan, that’s why I’d pick a Shaun Burgoyne over an Isaac Smith every day of the week.

Interesting observation. As a cats fan and someone who has had the misfortune of being torched by SB on many occassions I think he does all the things in an exciting individual sense that IS does but he just does the other aspects as well. A true champion. Still take Corey Enright though. hahaha

 

[zookota123]

So Eagles:

13 Constable
21 Oscar Allen
26 Ainsworth > Kelly
32 Dylan Moore > Worpel
37 McFerson > Dylan Moore

I could actually see 4 out of these 5 happening. If Allen is there at 21 Eagles will swoop without a doubt at all.

Ainsworth at 26 is a big call and one I haven't seen too many suggest. Allegedly Eagles are interested in Tim Kelly and so are Carlton who you have picking him at 30. Ainsworth at 26 is where I see Kelly going even though I think that is a reach.

I really like Worpel and would encourage the Eagles to take him at 32, he's big, he's hard in close and is getting better every game.

A small mid / forward like Moore at 37 I would also like. Some out West feel Liam Ryan will be taken then but I'm not a fan. Great highlights reel but little defensive effort / two way running. Freo fringe defenders playing for Peel monstered him in the WAFL GF and he had a very quiet game.

Good effort.

Yeah if Allen is there at 21 eagles will pounce. Won't be surprised if Richmond go for him as an undersized Key Forward, but I have him going eagles. I don't think Ainsworth at pick 26 is a big call at all. Just because his name isn't going around in other drafts or media doesn't mean crap if I have to be honest. Noyone expected Parfitt or Fisher to be second round but they both had an incredible year but just so underrated. Ainsworth is just the same, having a great year in my eyes and is a clearance machine and contested possession ball winner who will feel a great need for West Coast with the loss of Priddis. I like worpel a lot but I have West Coast drafting Constable and Ainsworth 2 big boys that can work there way into West Coasts midfield. I love Dylan Moore and think he would be great at west coast. Liam Ryan is great but all his highlights are his high leap marks over packs which is great but I want to see more of him other than that.

 

[zookota123]

Does anyone know the Eagles broad strategy?

Are they primarily preparing for the post Hurn/Kennedy era?

Are they looking for a shorter term boost to make the most of their senior players while keeping an eye on the future?

If the former I can see them taking 4 juniors plus Kelly.

However, I would not be surprised if they take 3 state league players after their first 2 picks. Namely Kelly, Fritsch and maybe Oskar Baker.

I'm not sure anyone knows any teams draft strategy until draft day. However by looking at needs they definitely need 2-3 mids, a key forward and a small forward or half back.

 

[zookota123]

I don't question his ability, he's a fine young player and would love him at north. Why he won't be at north was mentioned by yourself, he's more inside then out, and we need the opposite of that.

You need outside pace and speed for sure but you mainly need midfielders. You have Cunnington and Ziebell as your main insiders and than Higgins now too who has all his AFL career mainly been a forward until last year. Brayshaw is exactly what you need in the midfield to help out cunnington and ziebell who are lacking to be top midfielders. Norths whole side is crumbling and a midfield is always the powerhouse and with ziebell and cunnington as the main two insiders it just doesn't excite me at all. Ben Cunnington is 26 and had his best year this year averaging 25 disposals. I'd definitely go with Brayshaw pick 4 as a pure midfielder if Dow,Raynor,Brayshaw are already taken. I than would take a player at pick 23 who has incredible outside pace and speed that can break lines. I have Richards there but would take Ling,Petrucelle or even the risk on Spargo at that pick.

 

[zookota123]

Bias & all...
Who do you like for #3, 10 & 30 and genuine chance at those picks

Pick 3 I have LDU going here but my next pick would be Dow
Pick 10 Fogarty is my pick here and if not him I wouldn't be surprised with Clark or Higgins.
Pick 30 Tim Kelly I have here strongly and my next pick if its not him would be Dylan Moore or Worpel.

 

[foodles05]

No need to be sorry at all that I have my own opinion, each to their own. I like when people join in and give their own thoughts. Pick 17 for Sam Hayes isn't going early for what I think he should be going. He made the under 18 all australian twice in a row which is an incredible effort. Hayes could even go to Geelong in the second round but Hayes is a player that doesn't deserve to go to the second round, which is why I think and have him in round 1 draft. Young ruckman back in the day that were touted highly such as Grundy and English all deserved to be in the top 10 but as you mentioned before which is definitely true, is that ruckman aren't valued as much. However Grundy (averaged 15 disposals and 24.2 hit outs in TAC) went pick 18 and English (averaged 15.6 disposals and 22.8 hit outs in TAC) with pick 19 which were both still in the first round of the draft. With Hayes rated even better averaging 16 disposals and 24 hitouts why can't Hayes make it here to pick 17. In my eyes I have Balta getting picked up before pick 17 and regards to Oscar yeah he could go to Richmond but I feel like he would be the one to slide as he is abit undersized for a Key Forward and next years draft theres more options.

In regards to Nathan Murphy I wouldnt consider pick 20 a late pick for him at all. What makes YOU highly doubt he wont go to pick 20 which is a 'late' pick for him? Has been dominating in the APS football competitions and midway through this year joined back into the Sandringham Dragons to only pursue in football and not cricket. In his 8 games for the year he played well averaging 16 disposals 5 marks and only scored 3 goals those whole 8 games. He isnt a forward/mid he is a swingman that goes in the defence or forward line like Harry Taylor or Tom Mcdonald who are 5cm taller. I never mentioned murphy to be a Key Forward but a third tall. Murphy has a lot of scope and potential to be anything and I think no doubt would suit Richmond in the future. Next year there are more KPPs that Richmond could go for and not as shallow as this draft.

I don't understand where your TAC stats regarding Grundy come from assuming you are talking about Brodie Grundy. He is a South Australian who was playing league footy for Sturt before getting drafted. Do you mean his National Champs stats otherwise I don't know what you are talking about?