2017 Draft Watch

[Go_Dogs]

Re: 2017 Draft Watch

Thanks for your thoughts GVG.

Wishing I'd held off another few days before starting my top 20 - Stephenson is rising fast and the talent on offer is shaping up nicely, the first 15 particularly should net high quality players but there will be plenty to like well into the second round too.

[GVGjr]

Re: 2017 Draft Watch

Jackson Ross is going to be something somewhere down the track. Under developed physically if you project forward a couple of years when he adds some strength he will become an excellent prospect.

Judging where he goes in the draft is difficult.

[kruder]

Re: 2017 Draft Watch

I had a good look at yesterdays game and despite a few of the more highly rated players like Raynor, Dow, Cerra, Higgins, Constable and Naughton missing I think thought a few of the other players enhanced their reputations with their efforts.

Jaidyn Stephenson was a standout again and has transitioned from a mid sized forward into a damaging midfielder capable of turning a game with his pace and poise. He can still go forward and kick a goal as well and yesterday he kicked 3. He's a top 4 or 5 player in this years draft and has put his name strongly forward for pick one considerations.

Luke Davies-Uniacke put in a solid performance and won a lot of 50/50 contests. With his performances over the last month or two he has put his name forward as a strong chance for the number one pick. To me he is similar to Sydney's Josh Kennedy

Hunter Clark - He started off slowly yesterday but got stronger throughout the game. His ability to kick with both feet and his endurance are impressive traits. He can play in a variety of positions as well.

Lochie O'Brien - put in an excellent performance. His great pace endurance and elite kicking were on display and I haven't rated him high enough.

Jack Petruccelle - bounced back after an inconsistent season. His run and carry plus his pace were on display. There might be some queries about his kicking skills and decision making but that can be ironed out.

Brandon Starcevich - looked a likely type and kicked a couple of goals including one from a tight angle. He's a big strong midfielder who can kick goals

Brayden Crossley - I've mentioned him before and I think rated him as the best ruckman but he was impressive yesterday albeit he doesns't have a great leap. He is vigorous in a contest and really cracks in.

Oscar Allen - Is that 3rd tall type who takes his makes and coverts his chances. He wasn't that prominent yesterday but he should be on draft day. He has excellent endurance as well.

Andrew Brayshaw - He's had an excellent season and has positioned himself well for an early selection in the draft his last 6 or 8 weeks have been impressive. Inside and outside midfielder who can kick a goal

Noah Balta - Impact player and can play KP in the backline or even up forward. He;s been used in the ruck. He takes the game on

Patrick Naish - He will end up at the premiers next year and will be an excellent addition. He can play in a variety of positions.

James Worpel - Is a strong bodied midfielder ready to play senior football next season. His work at the stoppages was impressive yesterday

Aiden Bonnar - Has made a remarkable recovery from his injuries and finished the season off strongly.

Was really impressed with Starcevich just a natural footballer, finds the ball, clean inside and out and as you say can hit the scoreboard. I'd like to see how he tests speed wise as we have many that can win the pill but it would be nice to add a yard of pace. Haven't seen him in many top selections but the kid can play for sure. Bonnar and O'brein really impressed me also I must say it was an enjoyable game to watch there seems to be plenty of talent available.

[GVGjr]

Re: 2017 Draft Watch

Was really impressed with Starcevich just a natural footballer, finds the ball, clean inside and out and as you say can hit the scoreboard. I'd like to see how he tests speed wise as we have many that can win the pill but it would be nice to add a yard of pace. Haven't seen him in many top selections but the kid can play for sure. Bonnar and O'brein really impressed me also I must say it was an enjoyable game to watch there seems to be plenty of talent available.

It's part of the reason why I'm advocating more than 2 lives picks in the draft, there is plenty of depth.

[GVGjr]

Re: 2017 Draft Watch

Fascinating listening to Mick Turner on trade radio. He's got a great perspective on the draft and see's this years group as a deep one

[Twodogs]

Re: 2017 Draft Watch

The Spargos were a sprinting family who also lived at the Footscray Fire Station as the old man was a Fireman. EJ, himself, spent a fair bit of time at the fire station with the Spargos as they were smart with sprint training, massage etc. (Ted wasn't just all natural talent - he worked hard on his preparation and was a tea-totaller early in his career.)

I believe Bob moved up to the Riverina and his son, Paul, was as a result zoned to Norf. However they're a Footscray family!

I don't want to libel the bloke so I am going to say that I seem to recall that Teddy's dad was a drinker. The kids of drinkers tend to steer clear early in life?

[Twodogs]

Re: 2017 Draft Watch

Does anyone know what Cam Rayner's local club was before he went to the Jets? Was it a WFRL or an Essendon league club?

[Go_Dogs]

Re: 2017 Draft Watch

Fascinating listening to Mick Turner on trade radio. He's got a great perspective on the draft and see's this years group as a deep one

Just listened to the segment, very insightful.

His thoughts on the draft reflect a lot of what we've been thinking, albeit it also highlights one of the major constraints we have as amateur draft watchers with limited information around the personality and temperament of players.

The welfare component when a player doesn't get picked up was also something I would've liked to hear more on. Knowing a few players who for various reasons just missed the cut, it certainly can take the less resilient ones considerable time to get over that disappointment and move on.

[GVGjr]

Re: 2017 Draft Watch

Brett Anderson has listed the following for his Big Board
1. Cameron RAYNER – Western Jets
DOB: 21/10/99 | Ht: 185.4cm | Wt: 88.5kg | Medium Forward

Rayner holds onto the top spot despite battling thumb and knee issues in the back half of the year that kept him out of the NAB All Stars game and prevented him from completing the physical assessments at the combine.

By his own admission his school footy form was a touch disappointing, but he still had some ‘wow’ moments with the Jets and he is still the genuine match-winner of the crop with his work in attack and through midfield.

Big Board 1.0 Ranking: 1
2. Luke DAVIES-UNIACKE – Dandenong Stingrays
DOB: 8/6/99 | Ht: 187.3cm | Wt: 85.5kg | Medium Midfielder

Some of Davies-Uniacke’s form at school level and with the Stingrays raised a few question marks, but the way he finished the year reminded us of his qualities as a pure midfielder.

The way he helped to drag Dandenong back from a 50-point half time deficit in the opening week of the TAC Cup finals, then his output in the All-Stars game put him right back in the mix as a potential No.1 pick.

Big Board 1.0 Ranking: 2
3. Jaidyn STEPHENSON – Eastern Ranges
DOB: 15/1/99 | Ht: 187.6cm | Wt: 76.0kg | Medium Midfielder

No player in the draft pool had a better last eight weeks than Stephenson. Maybe it was the haircut!

He became more and more confident in a new role in midfield, but was still able to be a threat on the scoreboard due to his ability to break the lines and get involved in scoring chains. His All-Stars outing was the icing on the cake as he was clearly the best player on the field.

Big Board 1.0 Ranking: 9
4. Paddy DOW – Bendigo Pioneers
DOB: 16/10/99 | Ht: 184.6cm | Wt: 80.4kg | Medium Midfielder

A shoulder injury sustained late in the season for the Pioneers prematurely ended Dow’s season, but his body of work both in the TAC Cup and in the APS school competition with Geelong Grammar put him firmly in the discussion to be the top overall selection in the draft.

He boasts that bit of power and burst away from congestion that clubs now crave and he has shown the ability to impact the scoreboard.

Big Board 1.0 Ranking: 10

5. Charlie CONSTABLE – Sandringham Dragons
DOB: 18/5/99 | Ht: 190.3cm | Wt: 83.5kg | Medium Midfielder

Constable isn’t going to wow with his athleticism, but when it comes to footy smarts, composure, competitiveness and production, there aren't too many (if any) better.

The nephew of Mick Malthouse has elite hands and vision in the contest and stands tall when tackled. He struggled with a groin injury late in the year but was still the top rated player in the TAC Cup Grand Final despite having his game time managed.

Big Board 1.0 Ranking: 4
6. Adam CERRA – Eastern Ranges
DOB: 7/10/99 | Ht: 185.9cm | Wt: 79.5kg | Medium Midfielder

Cerra is another who’s season was cut short by a shoulder injury, but his quality was there for all to see with the Ranges – and Wesley in school foot. He can win the ball inside and out and gets from contest to contest very well.

He is rated by Darren Bewick as the best kid he’s coached in his time at Eastern – some wrap considering the names that have preceded him.

Big Board 1.0 Ranking: 5
7. Nick COFFIELD – Northern Knights
DOB: 23/10/99 | Ht: 190.2cm | Wt: 82.6kg | Utility

The Northern Knights captain was a strong perfomer in the national championships and continued that level of consistency through to the end of the TAC Cup season.

He has played in all three zones, but looks most comfortable running off half back where his speed, decision making and kicking are a genuine threat. At the next level, some feel he’ll end up as an inside midfielder.

Big Board 1.0 Ranking: 8
8. Sam HAYES – Eastern Ranges
DOB: 9/6/99 | Ht: 202.3cm | Wt: 92.5kg | Ruck

Hayes finished the season in decent form but wasn’t at his absolute best with Eastern – his game against Sandringham where he took eight marks and had 20 possessions was probably his high point.

At 202cm, he projects as a ruck at the next level, but he can also play out of the goal square. Hayes needs to improve his running ability – he’s a bit of a young Sam Jacobs in that regard – but he’s smart and uses the ball well for a big man.

Big Board 1.0 Ranking: 7
9. Aaron NAUGHTON – Peel Thunder
DOB: 30/11/99 | Ht: 193.5cm | Wt: 84.0kg | Tall Defender

The intercepting tall defender made his senior WAFL debut in Round 17 and racked up nearly 30 marks and 60 disposals in his first three matches in defence.

He reads the play extremely well and chooses the right time to defend or attack. His kicking action isn’t going to win many style contests, but it generally gets the ball to where it needs to go.

Big Board 1.0 Ranking: N/R
10. Darcy FOGARTY – Glenelg
DOB: 25/9/99 | Ht: 192.3cm | Wt: 88.8kg | Utility

After an underwhelming national championships, Fogarty struggled a bit back at SANFL with Glenelg and was sent in for knee surgery to repair a small meniscus tear, which put an end to his 2017 season.

Clubs are finding it tough to peg where Fogarty sits among this draft group and where he best projects to play at AFL level. He does though have just as much talent as any of those rated above him and if he can improve his running, he’ll be a bargain.

Big Board 1.0 Ranking: 11
11. Aiden BONAR – Dandenong Stingrays
DOB: 8/5/99 | Ht: 190.0cm | Wt: 89.0kg | Utility

The Stingrays eased him into things up forward and also in defence after he returned mid-season, and with each game he gained more confidence and touch. In the All Star game he spent time through midfield and was an eye-catcher – and that is where he sees his future at AFL level.

He is strong, powerful, quick and he good hands and vision. He also kicks the ball very well with genuine penetration and many feel he would have been a potential No.1 prior to his knee issues. He tested off the charts at the combine.

Big Board 1.0 Ranking: N/R
12. Jack HIGGINS – Oakleigh Chargers
DOB: 19/3/99 | Ht: 178.2cm | Wt: 75.9kg | Small Forward

Towards the end of the year, the ultra-smart small forward/midfielder was spending most of his time deep in attack with short stints in the middle and he managed to boot 15 goals in his last four matches.

A shoulder issue hampered him in the finals and saw him miss the All-Stars game, but while he didn’t test as well as he’d like at the combine, his footy IQ is off the charts.

Big Board 1.0 Ranking: 15
13. Andrew BRAYSHAW – Sandringham Dragons
DOB: 8/11/99 | Ht: 183.4cm | Wt: 79.3kg | Medium Midfielder

Playing mainly through midfield, Brayshaw shares similar many traits to Richmond skipper Trent Cotchin with his ball winning ability, decision making, kicking and endurance.

He rarely plays a bad game and is possibly the most consistent player in this pool – especially in the back half of the season – where he was always among the best for the Dragons and Haileybury.

Big Board 1.0 Ranking: 19
14. Jarrod BRANDER – Bendigo Pioneers
DOB: 11/2/99 | Ht: 194.6cm | Wt: 88.9kg | Tall Defender/Forward

Back or forward? That is the $1 million question that scouts are asking themselves when it comes to where Brander best fits in the future. He has shown the capability to play at either end equally well, but it might be defence where he starts out.

Brander is talented, but needs to work harder at times and add a more consistent physical edge – like the one we saw in the last game of the championships.

Big Board 1.0 Ranking: 13
15. Hunter CLARK – Dandenong Stingrays
DOB: 26/3/99 | Ht: 185.9cm | Wt: 79.3kg | Medium Midfielder

Clark enjoyed a strong back half of the 2017 season and his move into midfield saw his game blossom. His work as an inside midfielder who can also burst from congestion and push forward to hit the scoreboard makes him an attractive prospect for clubs selecting in the mid-late first round.

A well balanced player on both sides of his body, if he can tidy up his kicking efficiency he’ll become an even more damaging player with ball in hand.

Big Board 1.0 Ranking: N/R
16. Nathan MURPHY – Sandringham Dragons
DOB: 15/12/99 | Ht: 188.0cm | Wt: 84.0kg | Medium Defender

Cricket may have had a win by luring Will Sutherland, but football looks set to get one back with Murphy looming as a top 20 draft pick after re-joining the Dragons in the second half of the year.

Murphy has played most of his footy in defence, but a switch forward with Brighton Grammar showed that he has the ability to play at either end with good effect. He is a good decision maker and ball user with great awareness of what is happening around him.

Big Board 1.0 Ranking: N/R
17. Oscar ALLEN – West Perth
DOB: 19/3/99 | Ht: 191.0cm | Wt: 83.2kg | Tall Forward

Allen enjoyed an ultra-consistent season at all levels with West Perth, Western Australia and in the All Stars game. After the championships he stepped up to reserves level, then earned a league debut where he averaged five marks in two outings.

He returned to the colts for the final home and away game and had 28 possessions, seven mark and 10 tackles. He is a hard-working forward that always gives 100 per cent effort.

Big Board 1.0 Ranking: 18
18. Patrick NAISH – Northern Knights
DOB: 15/1/99 | Ht: 180.2cm | Wt: 69.1kg | Small Forward

The Richmond father-son prospect’s form in the back half of the year was hot and cold with both Ivanhoe Grammar and the Knights. His best footy is played in the front half where his goal nous and ability to make things happen are as good as any in this draft pool.

He continues to be a somewhat polarising prospect among the recruiting fraternity with some see him being a 10-12 pick, while others feel his sits somewhere in the 20s. The Tigers won’t match a bid if it comes too high.

Big Board 1.0 Ranking: 17
19. Ed RICHARDS – Oakleigh Chargers
DOB: 3/7/99 | Ht: 183.9cm | Wt: 77.5kg | Medium Defender

Richards missed the national championships with a knee injury, but his ability to tuck the ball under his arm and break the lines with Carey Grammar and Oakleigh in the back half of the season has seen him emerge as a possible top 20 prospect.

He plays the game much quicker than he tested at the combine and is a good user on his left boot. His shock of red hair catches the eye and can play both as a rebounding half back or up on a wing.

Big Board 1.0 Ranking: N/R
20. Noah BALTA – Calder Cannons
DOB: 23/10/99 | Ht: 194.6cm | Wt: 90.2kg |

Tall Defender Balta continues to be somewhat of an enigma…and an extremely tough one to project at the next level. His best is good enough to become the pick of this draft crop, but his inconsistency also raises plenty of doubts.

Athletically there aren’t too many players ahead of him but he needs to impact games more no matter which position he is playing. Some see him as a defender with Alex Rance-like traits, while others want to see him up forward.

Big Board 1.0 Ranking: 20
21. Connor BALLENDEN – Brisbane Lions

DOB: 21/3/99 | Ht: 199.0cm | Wt: 95.7kg | Tall Forward

Ballenden was projected to be one of the top key forwards in this draft pool at the start of the season, but like Brander, his best footy has been played in defence. The question is, can he play back at AFL level, or is he more likely to return to attack and a forward/ruck? I think the latter is more likely.

He booted eight goals in five outings with the Lions NEAFL team post-championships, including a bag of four against Canberra.

Big Board 1.0 Ranking: N/R
22. Matthew LING – Geelong Falcons
DOB: 21/4/99 | Ht: 181.9cm | Wt: 74.1kg | Medium Midfielder

Ling continues to loom as the TAC Cup premiers’ top draft hope in November, but his form in the back half of the season was up and down.

As a speedy, agile, left-footed running defender, Ling has some quality attributes than will translate well at AFL level, but he also needs to be more competitive and maintain consistent concentration. He is one with a great deal of upside.

Big Board 1.0 Ranking: 14
23. Joel GARNER – Eastern Ranges

DOB: 21/5/99 | Ht: 183.2cm | Wt: 80.8kg | Medium Defender

The highly-regarded left footer has had a disappointing second half of the season after doing well down back in the national championships with Vic Metro.

He has been thrown all over the field with both Scotch College and the Eastern Ranges and hasn’t been able to find any real consistency in finding the footy. He does though have plenty of talent and good attributes, but his ranking has slipped due to his form.

Big Board 1.0 Ranking: 6
24. Jordan HOULAHAN – Sturt
DOB: 19/2/99 | Ht: 185.0cm | Wt: 75.4kg | Medium Forward

Houlahan is a quick, agile, instinctive forward who looms as the South Australia’s second best prospect – ahead of the likes of Harrison Petty and Charlie Ballard.

His four goals in the first half of the SANFL under 18 grand final highlighted his ability to break games open in attack and his aerial work is one of his real strengths. He can sit on an opponent’s head to take a hanger, but also find space on a lead.

Big Board 1.0 Ranking: N/R
25. Lochie O’BRIEN – Bendigo Pioneers
DOB: 18/9/99 | Ht: 184.0cm | Wt: 77.5kg | Medium Midfielder

O’Brien was another who had an up and down back half of the 2017 season – both at school level with Geelong Grammar and in a few appearances with Bendigo.

The knock is that he needs to add a harder edge to his game and be more competitive, but he possesses some excellent traits – he’s quick, has great endurance and a piercing left boot.

Big Board 1.0 Ranking: 12

[GVGjr]

Re: 2017 Draft Watch

This is a bit of a mixed bag compared to my ratings for our first pick.

For our first pick I had Andrew Brayshaw, Charlie Constable and Lochie O'Brien in the mix for pick 9.
Brayshaw for his midfield and forward prowess, Constable for his versatility and competitiveness and O'Brien for his long kicking and athleticism.

Anderson clearly rates Constable highly, Brayshaw around the mark and O'Brien possibly more for our 2nd round pick.

He's been talking up Aiden Bonnar in the last month and has rated him accordingly.

It's going to be interesting to see who we take with pick 9.

[dog town]

Re: 2017 Draft Watch

Does anyone know what Cam Rayner's local club was before he went to the Jets? Was it a WFRL or an Essendon league club?

Hillside Sharks I think.

[Webby]

Re: 2017 Draft Watch

Hillside Sharks I think.

Yeah initially Hillside in the WRFL, then Doutta Stars in the EDFL.

That may explain why he's Jets rather than Cannons.. I always thought Doutta were in the Cannons zone - not the Jets zone, so the Hillside connection might explain it. Either that or they tweaked the Jets/Cannons border..

[dog town]

Re: 2017 Draft Watch

Yeah initially Hillside in the WRFL, then Doutta Stars in the EDFL.

That may explain why he's Jets rather than Cannons.. I always thought Doutta were in the Cannons zone - not the Jets zone, so the Hillside connection might explain it. Either that or they tweaked the Jets/Cannons border..

Hillside are EDFL as well but they are aligned with jets. Doutta are still aligned with cannons. Sometimes it can depend on where the kid lives too.

[Missing Dog]

Re: 2017 Draft Watch

This is a bit of a mixed bag compared to my ratings for our first pick.

For our first pick I had Andrew Brayshaw, Charlie Constable and Lochie O'Brien in the mix for pick 9.
Brayshaw for his midfield and forward prowess, Constable for his versatility and competitiveness and O'Brien for his long kicking and athleticism.

Anderson clearly rates Constable highly, Brayshaw around the mark and O'Brien possibly more for our 2nd round pick.

He's been talking up Aiden Bonnar in the last month and has rated him accordingly.

It's going to be interesting to see who we take with pick 9.

I wonder how accurate he normally is.

The Constable one is interesting because I don't really see elite player him. I see him as possibly a good inside mid, not sure he has the bull like aggression in him to be an elite kind of player like say a Cripps. He's also quite limited athletically, so he may struggle a lot more in other positions at the next level. I read recently even his endurance wasn't amazing in testing earlier in the year, only managed a level 13 beep test.

The O'Brien one I can understand. His contested numbers are enough to put you off him a bit.

I wonder if we do manage to get pick 11, should we take a risk on a Bonar? The guy could be anything.

[GVGjr]

Re: 2017 Draft Watch

I wonder how accurate he normally is.

The Constable one is interesting because I don't really see elite player him. I see him as possibly a good inside mid, not sure he has the bull like aggression in him to be an elite kind of player like say a Cripps. He's also quite limited athletically, so he may struggle a lot more in other positions at the next level. I read recently even his endurance wasn't amazing in testing earlier in the year, only managed a level 13 beep test.

The O'Brien one I can understand. His contested numbers are enough to put you off him a bit.

I wonder if we do manage to get pick 11, should we take a risk on a Bonar? The guy could be anything.

He's never been that accurate but I don't mind the way he looks at players. By the way, Stephenson is at number 3. I didn't bold his name and have done so now

Bonar is en exciting type perhaps a Stringer type selection (you know what I mean) based on his injuries.
I can't believe how well he has tested.