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Gary Buckenara has come up with his top 30
READ GARY BUCKENARA’S TOP 30 DRAFT PROSPECTS BELOW
1. DARCY FOGARTY
Half-forward/midfielder, 192cm, 92kg, Glenelg/South Australia
Buckenara says: Darcy has been restricted by some injury problems this year and he just couldn’t get going in the U18 championships for South Australia. He was used in different roles during the championships and we saw a glimpse of his talent when he was played in defence in the final clash against Vic Country. Fogarty is a tough, physical and imposing type when up and going. He’s a great mark and a damaging kick and is big enough to play as a leading target in attack and I believe he has a huge upside and for a club in need of a future third tall forward or possibly a defender. I’ve got him rated as No.1 because he’s so flexible in that he can play forward but also play a role down back, similar to what Jack Gunston has done in the second half of this season. I don’t think he’ll go No.1 but I would put him there because I think he’s a class player and will be a star.
Plays like: Stronger Jack Gunston and Jake Stringer
2. CAMERON RAYNER
Half-forward/midfielder, 187cm, 88kg, Western Jets/Vic Metro
Buckenara says: The powerful midfielder/half-forward reminds me of watching a young Dustin Martin. Rayner ticks a lot of boxes — he’s a long and penetrating kick on both feet, has a leap to take grabs in the air, is dangerous in attack, quick off the mark and at U18 level he is strong at stoppages. He showed all of those traits and more through the national carnival, having a brilliant few weeks for Vic Metro and his dominant five-goal haul against South Australia in Round 4 showcased his ability inside 50, while his 23-disposal and six-clearance effort against WA highlighted his midfield capacity. There’s a lot to like about Rayner and I am sure as he gets used to playing against the bigger and stronger bodies at AFL level he could become an elite player.
Plays like: Dustin Martin
3. LUKE DAVIES-UNIACKE
Midfielder, 187cm, 85kg, Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country
Buckenara says: Luke is a tough, composed and hard-working midfielder and he was outstanding when he steered Vic Country to a win over the Allies with 34 disposals and 10 marks during the championships. Despite not having quite the same impact thereafter, recruiters are well aware of his talents. Davies-Uniacke is the right size for a modern midfielder and I really like that he’s so competitive, a good kick and has a turn of speed — his breakaway goal from a centre clearance against Vic Metro in Round 3 of the carnival showed everyone his talent. He is a prospect I can see playing some AFL football in 2018 and with luck, I’m sure he will have a good career.
Plays like: Modern-day tall midfielder similar to Nat Fyfe
4. JACK HIGGINS
Small forward/midfielder, 178cm, 76kg, Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro
Buckenara says: Higgins showed he is a ‘real footballer’ during the carnival and across the TAC Cup year. He is a determined, dedicated and professional and his game against Western Australia, where he finished with 30 disposals (including 22 in the first half), seven clearances and two goals demonstrated he is more than just a clever and dangerous small forward — he can also go into the midfield and be damaging because he’s such a tenacious player. Higgins is a very clever kick on both feet, has adequate speed, uses his body well in marking contests and loves a goal. Pound for pound there aren’t too many better players in this draft — something good usually happens when he has the ball.
5. SAM HAYES
Ruckman/key forward, 203cm, 93kg, Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro
Buckenara says: The Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro big man is one of the best ruck/forwards in this year’s crop. Sam didn’t have the greatest carnival but his clever tap work was on display and he has proven at under-18 level this season he is more than a ruckman. Hayes can push forward and kick goals — he booted six for the Ranges in one game playing as a permanent forward. He does need to improve his fitness but has plenty of upside and these types of players are so hard to find so a club won’t have any hesitation in pouncing on him with an early pick because his values will be huge.
Plays like: David Hale, Max Gawn
6. ADAM CERRA
Midfielder, 186cm, 85kg, Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro
Buckenara says: Cerra didn’t dominate at this year’s U18 carnival but he is a midfielder that is classy by foot, has a big engine, makes good decisions with ball in hand and wins the ball at stoppages. He also doesn’t appear panicked when under pressure, which is an important trait AFL clubs are looking for in players. A knee injury limited Cerra last season but he has had a year of consistent performances in 2017, which makes him one of the leading midfielders up for grabs in this year’s draft. He is a powerful player.
Plays like: Patrick Dangerfield
7. PATRICK NAISH (Father-son opportunity for Richmond)
Midfielder, 183cm, 73kg, Northern Knights/Vic Metro
Buckenara says: Naish gives the top end of the draft some genuine pace and he loves to tuck the ball under his arm and take them on and with his penetrating right-foot kicking, is a combination that will be attractive to all clubs. The Richmond father-son prospect (his dad Chris Naish played 143 games for the Tigers) would be a great fit for them and when a quality father-son pick comes along it is dangerous to overlook them, especially if they end up at another club and become a star. A first-round bid will come for Naish and I have no doubt Richmond will match it. He has really developed and impressed this year.
Plays like: Jordan De Goey
8. JARROD BRANDER
Key defender/key forward, 194cm, 89kg, Bendigo Pioneers/Allies
Buckenara says: The 194cm Brander appears better placed as a key forward than a key defender at this stage despite spending most of his carnival down back with the Allies. But when he was moved forward in the final game he really stood out, playing an outstanding game in which he kicked three goals from 16 disposals and nine marks. He is one of the leading taller types in the 2017 draft — he has been a bit inconsistent so far this year but as I often say, potential key position players are always harder to find so clubs must take him when they’re available. Brander is a good mark, a long right-foot kick and is capable of influencing a game at either end of the ground.
Plays like: Josh Bruce
9. LOCHIE O’BRIEN
Midfielder, 184cm, 75kg, Bendigo Pioneers/Vic Country
Buckenara says: O’Brien is an elite runner and brilliant kick and as a rebound defender or outside midfielder he is a potentially very damaging player of the future. He sets up the play and makes things happen because he breaks the lines and isn’t afraid of taking on the opposition. A knee injury ruled him out of the Vic Country’s first game but he impressed after that, showing his ball-winning ability, particularly against Western Australia.
Plays like: Isaac Smith
10. JAIDYN STEPHENSON
Half forward, 189cm, 76kg, Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro
Buckenara says: A high half forward, Stephenson has been around the TAC Cup scene with the Eastern Ranges for three seasons now. He impressed during the U18 carnival, with five goals from 28 disposals against South Australia his best outing when he played on the wing and was able to find space, link up with teammates and most importantly, hit the scoreboard. Stephenson is wiry but is a very good mark because he has a big leap but he’s also dangerous when the ball hits the ground. He also has the ability to manufacture something from nothing. He would be an ideal high half forward that could also push into the midfield.
11. NICK COFFIELD
Midfielder/half back, 190cm, 83kg, Northern Knights/Vic Metro
Buckenara says: Coffield’s combination of speed and size makes him a very attractive player. The Northern Knights captain has played his best football across half back this year but he can also move into the midfield and push forward to kick a goal, which he did for Vic Metro against Western Australia in Round 2 of the national carnival. He is quick and agile and was one of the best afield in Metro’s final game when he had 29 disposals and seven marks against the Allies.
Plays like: Grant Birchall
12. AARON NAUGHTON
Key defender, 194cm, 84kg, Peel Thunder/Western Australia
Buckenara says: Naughton had a really good carnival as he led Western Australia’s defence through and more than that, he was one of their most reliable players. Most impressively he was able to shut down his opponents as a genuine key position defender, while also offering serviceable rebound. The 194cm prospect will have plenty of admirers because his ability to read the play is outstanding and can be the type of player to back himself and take marks from opposition kicks.
Plays like: Steven May/Brian Lake
13. CHARLIE CONSTABLE
Midfielder, 190cm, 83kg, Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
Buckenara says: At 190cm Constable is the modern-day midfield prototype. His height gives him an advantage over other players and he uses that to his advantage with his marking around the ground. He also uses his size well at stoppages and is generally a smart footballer who reads the game well. Constable missed Vic Metro selection in its first game of the carnival but he featured prominently in its final three games.
Plays like: Nat Fyfe
14. LACHLAN FOGARTY
Midfielder, 179cm, 75kg, Western Jets/Vic Metro
Buckenara says: An injury delayed Fogarty’s start to the championships but when he returned with 23 disposals, 12 tackles and two goals against Vic Country in round three it was a quick reminder of his talent. Fogarty is a good kick, is extremely hard working and keeps himself involved in the game with his tackling and work ethic. No relation to Darcy Fogarty.
Plays like: Kieren Jack
15. PADDY DOW
Midfielder, 184cm, 78kg, Bendigo Pioneers/Vic Country
Buckenara says: Dow has plenty of natural talent with a genuine turn of speed and good goal sense but he combines that with a strong work ethic. He’s a midfielder with lots of attributes and he had a reasonably consistent carnival for Vic Country without being brilliant. He has a bit of x-factor and is a player to keep an eye on.
Plays like: Patrick Dangerfield
READ GARY BUCKENARA’S TOP 30 DRAFT PROSPECTS BELOW
1. DARCY FOGARTY
Half-forward/midfielder, 192cm, 92kg, Glenelg/South Australia
Buckenara says: Darcy has been restricted by some injury problems this year and he just couldn’t get going in the U18 championships for South Australia. He was used in different roles during the championships and we saw a glimpse of his talent when he was played in defence in the final clash against Vic Country. Fogarty is a tough, physical and imposing type when up and going. He’s a great mark and a damaging kick and is big enough to play as a leading target in attack and I believe he has a huge upside and for a club in need of a future third tall forward or possibly a defender. I’ve got him rated as No.1 because he’s so flexible in that he can play forward but also play a role down back, similar to what Jack Gunston has done in the second half of this season. I don’t think he’ll go No.1 but I would put him there because I think he’s a class player and will be a star.
Plays like: Stronger Jack Gunston and Jake Stringer
2. CAMERON RAYNER
Half-forward/midfielder, 187cm, 88kg, Western Jets/Vic Metro
Buckenara says: The powerful midfielder/half-forward reminds me of watching a young Dustin Martin. Rayner ticks a lot of boxes — he’s a long and penetrating kick on both feet, has a leap to take grabs in the air, is dangerous in attack, quick off the mark and at U18 level he is strong at stoppages. He showed all of those traits and more through the national carnival, having a brilliant few weeks for Vic Metro and his dominant five-goal haul against South Australia in Round 4 showcased his ability inside 50, while his 23-disposal and six-clearance effort against WA highlighted his midfield capacity. There’s a lot to like about Rayner and I am sure as he gets used to playing against the bigger and stronger bodies at AFL level he could become an elite player.
Plays like: Dustin Martin
3. LUKE DAVIES-UNIACKE
Midfielder, 187cm, 85kg, Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country
Buckenara says: Luke is a tough, composed and hard-working midfielder and he was outstanding when he steered Vic Country to a win over the Allies with 34 disposals and 10 marks during the championships. Despite not having quite the same impact thereafter, recruiters are well aware of his talents. Davies-Uniacke is the right size for a modern midfielder and I really like that he’s so competitive, a good kick and has a turn of speed — his breakaway goal from a centre clearance against Vic Metro in Round 3 of the carnival showed everyone his talent. He is a prospect I can see playing some AFL football in 2018 and with luck, I’m sure he will have a good career.
Plays like: Modern-day tall midfielder similar to Nat Fyfe
4. JACK HIGGINS
Small forward/midfielder, 178cm, 76kg, Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro
Buckenara says: Higgins showed he is a ‘real footballer’ during the carnival and across the TAC Cup year. He is a determined, dedicated and professional and his game against Western Australia, where he finished with 30 disposals (including 22 in the first half), seven clearances and two goals demonstrated he is more than just a clever and dangerous small forward — he can also go into the midfield and be damaging because he’s such a tenacious player. Higgins is a very clever kick on both feet, has adequate speed, uses his body well in marking contests and loves a goal. Pound for pound there aren’t too many better players in this draft — something good usually happens when he has the ball.
5. SAM HAYES
Ruckman/key forward, 203cm, 93kg, Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro
Buckenara says: The Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro big man is one of the best ruck/forwards in this year’s crop. Sam didn’t have the greatest carnival but his clever tap work was on display and he has proven at under-18 level this season he is more than a ruckman. Hayes can push forward and kick goals — he booted six for the Ranges in one game playing as a permanent forward. He does need to improve his fitness but has plenty of upside and these types of players are so hard to find so a club won’t have any hesitation in pouncing on him with an early pick because his values will be huge.
Plays like: David Hale, Max Gawn
6. ADAM CERRA
Midfielder, 186cm, 85kg, Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro
Buckenara says: Cerra didn’t dominate at this year’s U18 carnival but he is a midfielder that is classy by foot, has a big engine, makes good decisions with ball in hand and wins the ball at stoppages. He also doesn’t appear panicked when under pressure, which is an important trait AFL clubs are looking for in players. A knee injury limited Cerra last season but he has had a year of consistent performances in 2017, which makes him one of the leading midfielders up for grabs in this year’s draft. He is a powerful player.
Plays like: Patrick Dangerfield
7. PATRICK NAISH (Father-son opportunity for Richmond)
Midfielder, 183cm, 73kg, Northern Knights/Vic Metro
Buckenara says: Naish gives the top end of the draft some genuine pace and he loves to tuck the ball under his arm and take them on and with his penetrating right-foot kicking, is a combination that will be attractive to all clubs. The Richmond father-son prospect (his dad Chris Naish played 143 games for the Tigers) would be a great fit for them and when a quality father-son pick comes along it is dangerous to overlook them, especially if they end up at another club and become a star. A first-round bid will come for Naish and I have no doubt Richmond will match it. He has really developed and impressed this year.
Plays like: Jordan De Goey
8. JARROD BRANDER
Key defender/key forward, 194cm, 89kg, Bendigo Pioneers/Allies
Buckenara says: The 194cm Brander appears better placed as a key forward than a key defender at this stage despite spending most of his carnival down back with the Allies. But when he was moved forward in the final game he really stood out, playing an outstanding game in which he kicked three goals from 16 disposals and nine marks. He is one of the leading taller types in the 2017 draft — he has been a bit inconsistent so far this year but as I often say, potential key position players are always harder to find so clubs must take him when they’re available. Brander is a good mark, a long right-foot kick and is capable of influencing a game at either end of the ground.
Plays like: Josh Bruce
9. LOCHIE O’BRIEN
Midfielder, 184cm, 75kg, Bendigo Pioneers/Vic Country
Buckenara says: O’Brien is an elite runner and brilliant kick and as a rebound defender or outside midfielder he is a potentially very damaging player of the future. He sets up the play and makes things happen because he breaks the lines and isn’t afraid of taking on the opposition. A knee injury ruled him out of the Vic Country’s first game but he impressed after that, showing his ball-winning ability, particularly against Western Australia.
Plays like: Isaac Smith
10. JAIDYN STEPHENSON
Half forward, 189cm, 76kg, Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro
Buckenara says: A high half forward, Stephenson has been around the TAC Cup scene with the Eastern Ranges for three seasons now. He impressed during the U18 carnival, with five goals from 28 disposals against South Australia his best outing when he played on the wing and was able to find space, link up with teammates and most importantly, hit the scoreboard. Stephenson is wiry but is a very good mark because he has a big leap but he’s also dangerous when the ball hits the ground. He also has the ability to manufacture something from nothing. He would be an ideal high half forward that could also push into the midfield.
11. NICK COFFIELD
Midfielder/half back, 190cm, 83kg, Northern Knights/Vic Metro
Buckenara says: Coffield’s combination of speed and size makes him a very attractive player. The Northern Knights captain has played his best football across half back this year but he can also move into the midfield and push forward to kick a goal, which he did for Vic Metro against Western Australia in Round 2 of the national carnival. He is quick and agile and was one of the best afield in Metro’s final game when he had 29 disposals and seven marks against the Allies.
Plays like: Grant Birchall
12. AARON NAUGHTON
Key defender, 194cm, 84kg, Peel Thunder/Western Australia
Buckenara says: Naughton had a really good carnival as he led Western Australia’s defence through and more than that, he was one of their most reliable players. Most impressively he was able to shut down his opponents as a genuine key position defender, while also offering serviceable rebound. The 194cm prospect will have plenty of admirers because his ability to read the play is outstanding and can be the type of player to back himself and take marks from opposition kicks.
Plays like: Steven May/Brian Lake
13. CHARLIE CONSTABLE
Midfielder, 190cm, 83kg, Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
Buckenara says: At 190cm Constable is the modern-day midfield prototype. His height gives him an advantage over other players and he uses that to his advantage with his marking around the ground. He also uses his size well at stoppages and is generally a smart footballer who reads the game well. Constable missed Vic Metro selection in its first game of the carnival but he featured prominently in its final three games.
Plays like: Nat Fyfe
14. LACHLAN FOGARTY
Midfielder, 179cm, 75kg, Western Jets/Vic Metro
Buckenara says: An injury delayed Fogarty’s start to the championships but when he returned with 23 disposals, 12 tackles and two goals against Vic Country in round three it was a quick reminder of his talent. Fogarty is a good kick, is extremely hard working and keeps himself involved in the game with his tackling and work ethic. No relation to Darcy Fogarty.
Plays like: Kieren Jack
15. PADDY DOW
Midfielder, 184cm, 78kg, Bendigo Pioneers/Vic Country
Buckenara says: Dow has plenty of natural talent with a genuine turn of speed and good goal sense but he combines that with a strong work ethic. He’s a midfielder with lots of attributes and he had a reasonably consistent carnival for Vic Country without being brilliant. He has a bit of x-factor and is a player to keep an eye on.
Plays like: Patrick Dangerfield
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