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Now that the trade period has been completed and the draft order known, I've knocked up a rough draft order and then looked at who might be available around our picks. These aren't necessarily the players I would pick but might be a bit of a form guide for those interested in the upcoming draft. I look forward to some feedback and some other options being listed.
Picks 20 and 21
Strategy: The aim here would be to pick up two quality players but ideally we need to go with at least one tall.
Potential Sliders: Ryan Burton, Harry McKay, Riley Bonner, Daniel Rioli, Darcy Tucker*
In the mix: Michael Hibberd, Clayton Oliver, Kieran Collins, Ben McKay
Likely Picks: Clayton Oliver and Ben McKay
Clayton Oliver
Height: 187cm
Weight: 85.7kg
Combine Highlight: Agility test 8.11 which was in the top 3% of the players tested
Strengths: Good mark for his size, quicker than people expect, quick hands, tackles well, strong mark for his size and can kick a goal
Weakness: Skill level can vary particularly his kicking, stamina and he needs to trim down a bit.
Summary:
Oliver would provide us with a creative and strong midfielder who is capable of playing as a forward. He had a strong finish to the season winning the Morrish Medal. He also averaged 15 disposals in two matches for Richmond's VFL team. His TAC highlights include a 27 touch performance and a game where he kicked 6 goals.
Ben McKay
Height: 198.9cm
Weight: 95.3kg
Combine Highlight: 5mtr sprint 1.07 which was in the top 30% of the players tested
Strengths: Great scope for further improvement, strong mark, versatile.
Weakness: Lacks confidence, he's not a great athlete and would be regarded as a long term investment.
Summary:
McKay might be the lesser known twin but possibly fits us better as a potential key defender/forward who's more than capable of taking a turn in the ruck. He dropped out of the Gippsland Power programme during the season before returning and performing well.
He will still be just 17 years old when the draft is completed. TAC highlight includes a game where he had 16 disposals and seven marks with five of those marks contested.
Pick 30
Strategy: It's tempting to draft for needs here and go with Mitch Brown but best available probably wins.
In the mix: Aidyn Johnson, Mitch Brown, Brayden Fiorini*, Mason Redman, Josh Dunkley, Tom Cole
Likely Pick: Aidyn Johnson
Aidyn Johnson
Height: 183.9cm
Weight: 75.0kg
Combine Highlight: Agility test 8.15 which was top 4%. Repeat Sprint 24.83 which was top 20%.
Strengths: Highly athletic with a great blend of speed and endurance, kicking skills, work rate and an exciting player to watch.
Weakness: Very outside player, quad injury curtailed his season, defensive ethic and not overly versatile.
Summary:
A half forward or winger, Johnson might be one of the more exciting players in this years draft although because he didn't play much due to injury so clubs would be assessing him on his form and attitude displayed during his time as a member of the NAB AFL Academy.
His injury occurred during and NAB AFL Academy game on the MCG against the Northern Blues where he tore his central tendon in his right quad. Johnson is an exciting player to watch and I think it would be hard to pass on him if he was available.
Pick 51
Strategy: It becomes a bit of a lottery here, but we must address our lack of key position players
In the mix: Mitch Brown, Michael Hartley, Nick Coughlan, Sam Collins, Darcy MacPherson, Pat Levicki, Reuben William*
Likely Pick: Mitch Brown
Mitchell Brown
Height: 196.0cm
Weight: 93.0kg
Strengths: Versatile player capable of playing forward and back. He's been in the system for a number of years and would bring considerable experience. He has improved his marking and confidence since his shoulder surgery
Weakness: Shoulder injuries, he hasn't played at the top level for 2 years. Durability.
Summary:
In a team desperately needing to add some depth in the key positions, Mitch Brown could be a solid late order selection that could come in straight away if required.
Picks 20 and 21
Strategy: The aim here would be to pick up two quality players but ideally we need to go with at least one tall.
Potential Sliders: Ryan Burton, Harry McKay, Riley Bonner, Daniel Rioli, Darcy Tucker*
In the mix: Michael Hibberd, Clayton Oliver, Kieran Collins, Ben McKay
Likely Picks: Clayton Oliver and Ben McKay
Clayton Oliver
Height: 187cm
Weight: 85.7kg
Combine Highlight: Agility test 8.11 which was in the top 3% of the players tested
Strengths: Good mark for his size, quicker than people expect, quick hands, tackles well, strong mark for his size and can kick a goal
Weakness: Skill level can vary particularly his kicking, stamina and he needs to trim down a bit.
Summary:
Oliver would provide us with a creative and strong midfielder who is capable of playing as a forward. He had a strong finish to the season winning the Morrish Medal. He also averaged 15 disposals in two matches for Richmond's VFL team. His TAC highlights include a 27 touch performance and a game where he kicked 6 goals.
Ben McKay
Height: 198.9cm
Weight: 95.3kg
Combine Highlight: 5mtr sprint 1.07 which was in the top 30% of the players tested
Strengths: Great scope for further improvement, strong mark, versatile.
Weakness: Lacks confidence, he's not a great athlete and would be regarded as a long term investment.
Summary:
McKay might be the lesser known twin but possibly fits us better as a potential key defender/forward who's more than capable of taking a turn in the ruck. He dropped out of the Gippsland Power programme during the season before returning and performing well.
He will still be just 17 years old when the draft is completed. TAC highlight includes a game where he had 16 disposals and seven marks with five of those marks contested.
Pick 30
Strategy: It's tempting to draft for needs here and go with Mitch Brown but best available probably wins.
In the mix: Aidyn Johnson, Mitch Brown, Brayden Fiorini*, Mason Redman, Josh Dunkley, Tom Cole
Likely Pick: Aidyn Johnson
Aidyn Johnson
Height: 183.9cm
Weight: 75.0kg
Combine Highlight: Agility test 8.15 which was top 4%. Repeat Sprint 24.83 which was top 20%.
Strengths: Highly athletic with a great blend of speed and endurance, kicking skills, work rate and an exciting player to watch.
Weakness: Very outside player, quad injury curtailed his season, defensive ethic and not overly versatile.
Summary:
A half forward or winger, Johnson might be one of the more exciting players in this years draft although because he didn't play much due to injury so clubs would be assessing him on his form and attitude displayed during his time as a member of the NAB AFL Academy.
His injury occurred during and NAB AFL Academy game on the MCG against the Northern Blues where he tore his central tendon in his right quad. Johnson is an exciting player to watch and I think it would be hard to pass on him if he was available.
Pick 51
Strategy: It becomes a bit of a lottery here, but we must address our lack of key position players
In the mix: Mitch Brown, Michael Hartley, Nick Coughlan, Sam Collins, Darcy MacPherson, Pat Levicki, Reuben William*
Likely Pick: Mitch Brown
Mitchell Brown
Height: 196.0cm
Weight: 93.0kg
Strengths: Versatile player capable of playing forward and back. He's been in the system for a number of years and would bring considerable experience. He has improved his marking and confidence since his shoulder surgery
Weakness: Shoulder injuries, he hasn't played at the top level for 2 years. Durability.
Summary:
In a team desperately needing to add some depth in the key positions, Mitch Brown could be a solid late order selection that could come in straight away if required.
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