2017 Rookie List

[bornadog]

ROOKIE LIST NEWS:

As of the 2018 AFL Season, Category A Rookies will be available for selection for Round 1 without being elevated to the senior list.
Which means players like Brad Lynch, Josh Prudden, Nathan
Mullenger-McHugh and Roarke Smith are eligible for selection while Tristan Tweedie would need to be elevated in the old system due to being a Next Generation Academy Player (Cat B)

[Hotdog60]

That's good news for those players and the clubs.

[bulldogtragic]

ROOKIE LIST NEWS:

As of the 2018 AFL Season, Category A Rookies will be available for selection for Round 1 without being elevated to the senior list.
Which means players like Brad Lynch, Josh Prudden, Nathan
Mullenger-McHugh and Roarke Smith are eligible for selection while Tristan Tweedie would need to be elevated in the old system due to being a Next Generation Academy Player (Cat B)

So they've ended the RL then?

[westdog54]

Effectively, yes.

[azabob]

What are the thoughts around Lynch being elevated at years end? Or do we think he needs to be in a strong showing in the VFL in the second half of the season? Hopefully either way he can stay injury free to give himself the best opportunity to be elevated.

[bulldogtragic]

Effectively, yes.

So can we elevate the current rookies at the draft this year to fill 2 of our 3 obligated selections?

[Mofra]

What are the thoughts around Lynch being elevated at years end? Or do we think he needs to be in a strong showing in the VFL in the second half of the season? Hopefully either way he can stay injury free to give himself the best opportunity to be elevated.

He has something (he had a run of pre-season games) but he's behind Williams.
Has pace and skill, is as outside as anyone on our list though.

[bornadog]

What are the thoughts around Lynch being elevated at years end? Or do we think he needs to be in a strong showing in the VFL in the second half of the season? Hopefully either way he can stay injury free to give himself the best opportunity to be elevated.

He does look like a likely type. He has been described as one of the best kicks at the club. You never know he may get a chance to show if he is up to AFL level, if we need someone on a HBF.

[westdog54]

So can we elevate the current rookies at the draft this year to fill 2 of our 3 obligated selections?

We could have done that anyway.

The rookie list will still be there. It will just operate differently.

[azabob]

He has something (he had a run of pre-season games) but he's behind Williams.
Has pace and skill, is as outside as anyone on our list though.

I thought he was impressive against Melbourne at the Whitten Oval in the pre season game.

[GVGjr]

What are the thoughts around Lynch being elevated at years end? Or do we think he needs to be in a strong showing in the VFL in the second half of the season? Hopefully either way he can stay injury free to give himself the best opportunity to be elevated.

I'd say it's line ball with him and he has the balance of the season to impress. I think it depends on how deep we are prepared to cut into the list. The hard part for him is we are very deep at the half back position even if you assume it's Murphy and M.Boyds last season.

[bulldogtragic]

I'd say it's line ball with him and he has the balance of the season to impress. I think it depends on how deep we are prepared to cut into the list. The hard part for him is we are very deep at the half back position even if you assume it's Murphy and M.Boyds last season.

I don't see a way he's not staying. The way I see it, Bob, Boyd and possibly Prudden to go, as well as possibly JJ. Roarke has durability questions too. That's 5 HBFs this year who may not be around or reliable physically. Plus Lynch seems to have tools to work with.

[GVGjr]

I don't see a way he's not staying. The way I see it, Bob, Boyd and possibly Prudden to go, as well as possibly JJ. Roarke has durability questions too. That's 5 HBFs this year who may not be around or reliable physically. Plus Lynch seems to have tools to work with.

You could also add the uncertainty on JJ and perhaps we might move Sucking away from the back line as well.
He's got a lot of upside but he needs to do a bit more by the end of the season.

[bornadog]

Rookie Review - link

Over the years, the Bulldogs have predominantly used the rookie list to develop young talent, but have also used it to bring in experienced and older players such as Jed Adcock and Brett Goodes. They've also given second chances to Josh Prudden and former Dog Daniel Pearce by rookie-listing them after they were delisted.

Brad Lynch
A player in the mould of Robert Murphy, the West Australian's desire for a senior debut was stymied by a hamstring injury and indifferent form. Needs to bulk up and improve his physicality, but has the speed and skills to be a League footballer.

Nathan Mullenger-McHugh
The raw and versatile tall has been impressive at times playing at both ends of the ground in first season at Whitten Oval. The Eastern Ranges product has a strong set of hands and possesses great athleticism.

Josh Prudden
Demoted to the rookie list at the end of 2016, the utility hasn't added to his four senior games. His wretched run of injuries has continued this season with a hamstring complaint costing him several weeks. The 22-year-old needs some luck and a strong finish to the season.

Roarke Smith
The dashing defender succumbed to his second ACL tear in 18 months during the JLT Community series, and won't play again this season. Showed plenty in his two senior games and should be retained at season's end.

Tristan Tweedie
The category B rookie has battled in recent games, but kicked two goals in his VFL debut back in May. At 190cm, the indigenous forward possesses a safe pair of hands, is good on the ground and is a reliable shot for goal. - Ryan Davidson


Could Brad Lynch be the ideal replacement for veteran skipper Robert Murphy? Picture: AFL Photos