2018 Draft Watch

[Webby]

Re: 2018 Draft Watch

The last time I recall us trading one low pick for two later picks was 2015.

We traded what was pick 11 for picks 20 & 21.
(After FA compo, it effectively became pick 12 for picks 25 & 26.)

We drafted Dunkley and Collins. Collins is now delisted and Dunkley is a solid player. Albeit with disposal deficiencies.

Carlton used the pick 12 we gave them to draft Charlie Curnow.
All respect to Dunkley - as above, he’ll be a good servant. However Curnow is a superstar in the making.

The bird in the hand was almost literally worth three in the bush. I say keep pick 7.

[Dancin' Douggy]

Re: 2018 Draft Watch

Yes this is the perfect case study.
I hope we wouldn't do that again.
The elite talent is at the top.
You can fill the rest of the list with foot soldiers, and 'very good' players from all over the place.

But Charlie Curnows don't grow on trees.

The last time I recall us trading one low pick for two later picks was 2015.

We traded what was pick 11 for picks 20 & 21.
(After FA compo, it effectively became pick 12 for picks 25 & 26.)

We drafted Dunkley and Collins. Collins is now delisted and Dunkley is a solid player. Albeit with disposal deficiencies.

Carlton used the pick 12 we gave them to draft Charlie Curnow.
All respect to Dunkley - as above, he’ll be a good servant. However Curnow is a superstar in the making.

The bird in the hand was almost literally worth three in the bush. I say keep pick 7.

[GVGjr]

Re: 2018 Draft Watch

The last time I recall us trading one low pick for two later picks was 2015.

We traded what was pick 11 for picks 20 & 21.
(After FA compo, it effectively became pick 12 for picks 25 & 26.)

We drafted Dunkley and Collins. Collins is now delisted and Dunkley is a solid player. Albeit with disposal deficiencies.

Carlton used the pick 12 we gave them to draft Charlie Curnow.
All respect to Dunkley - as above, he’ll be a good servant. However Curnow is a superstar in the making.

The bird in the hand was almost literally worth three in the bush. I say keep pick 7.

And we first bid on Ben Keays with Brisbane matching that pick and then Dunkley which obviously Sydney didn't. We finished the draft off with Collins, Adams and Williams. 2 of those players are gone.

There are plenty of good reasons to keep pick 7 but I'm not opposed for us to be listening to offers. It's not like we are going to take 2 x 2nd rounders like we did in 2015.

[The Adelaide Connection]

Re: 2018 Draft Watch

The last time I recall us trading one low pick for two later picks was 2015.

We traded what was pick 11 for picks 20 & 21.
(After FA compo, it effectively became pick 12 for picks 25 & 26.)

We drafted Dunkley and Collins. Collins is now delisted and Dunkley is a solid player. Albeit with disposal deficiencies.

Carlton used the pick 12 we gave them to draft Charlie Curnow.
All respect to Dunkley - as above, he’ll be a good servant. However Curnow is a superstar in the making.

The bird in the hand was almost literally worth three in the bush. I say keep pick 7.

Not that it is necessarily true, but I remember Dal was almost hysterical after this draft when he got Collins that late and was saying he was under strong consideration for our No 11 (bumped to 12 pick) that we on traded. So, if true, we came out of the whole ordeal with a bonus Dunkley.

Just because Curnow got taken at 12 doesn’t mean we would have taken him at 12.

Also, look at the Pick 12’s in the drafts before this:
2014- Corey Ellis (Fringe player, 27 games in 4 years. Traded to GC for a late pick)
2013- Ben Lennon (20 odd games in 5 years)
2012- Kristina Jaksch (14 games in 5 years, Delisted in 2017)
2011- Sam Docherty (Traded to Carlton, 100 odd games so far)
2010- Lucas Cook (Delisted, 0 games. One Pick after Tom Lynch!)
2009- Kane Lucas (40 odd games for Carlton, traded to WC delisted in 2016 after 0 games)
2008- Lewis Johnston (2 games for Sydney, 8 games for Adelaide. Delisted in 2014)
2007- Cyril Rioli (you may have heard of this guy)

The whole thing is a giant lottery. We’ve just got to back our judgement and keep our fingers crossed.

[GVGjr]

Re: 2018 Draft Watch

Thought people might be interested in an article on Jackson Hately

The AFL draft prospect so good ‘you would want to adopt him’

IF JACKSON Hately needed any more motivation ahead of next months AFL draft, he’s suddenly found it.

Lost in the frenzy of Port Adelaide and Adelaide being locked in a bidding war and trading for high-end draft picks to try to get their hands on the three most highly-rated South Australians — Jack Lukosius, Izak Rankine and Connor Rozee — is just how good their AFL under-18 national championship-winning teammate is.

“They are all great players and really good people, so I feel happy for them and all the publicity they are getting, they deserve it,’’ Hately says.

“But I’ve kept an eye on what’s been said and if anything it just motivates me a little bit to try to get to the level that those guys are at.’’

While the big-bodied midfielder from SANFL club Central District barely rated a mention in the AFL exchange period as the “big three’’ Lukosius, Rankine and Rozee dominated the headlines, Hately is no mug.

He is a top-12 talent who will come under serious consideration by Adelaide with selections 8 and 13 and Port with pick 10.

Hately’s state under-18 coach, Tony Bamford, describes him as “a ripper of a kid, almost too good to be true’’.

“He is a kid that you would want to adopt,’’ said Bamford, gushing in his praise of one of his championship-winning leadership group members.

“Clearly he is a very good footballer, an outstanding talent, but it’s not just his on-field stuff that makes him so appealing but also his off-field demeanour.

“I’ve said to some of the recruiting guys that have inquired about him that your staff will fall in love with him.

“I’m not talking about just your football staff but your administration, marketing and media staff too.

“They will fall in love with him because he is such a wonderful human being. He will say hello and he will remember people’s names.

“He’s school captain (at Trinity College, Gawler) and he is a good looking rooster. He’s got a lot going for him.’’

Hately, 18, is a head prefect at Trinity. He also happens to be the headmaster’s son.

“That’s an interesting one but it’s never been an issue for me,’’ Hately said.

“I’m pretty confident people treat me for who I am, not because my dad is headmaster.

“I don’t see dad a lot at school, he tends to just deal with the pretty serious stuff.

“But I am forever grateful to Dad (Nick) and Mum (Melinda) because they’ve been terrific role models.

“They’ve got very different jobs and personalities but have made me the person I’ve become.

“Dad’s taught me the value of hard work and pushed me in those areas while mum has kept me grounded and relaxed.

“She’s a yoga instructor and I’ve joined her classes in the past year or so and it’s proved beneficial.’’

Hately, a terrific size for an onballer at 190cm and 82kg, began the season as a pure inside player. He ended it having become more well-rounded, with a strong outside game complementing his contested ball work.

Bamford credits this to Bulldogs league coach Roy Laird, who in Hately’s 12 league games played him in various roles, including as a wingman and goalkicking forward.

“He has become almost as good outside the contest as he is in inside the contest,’’ Bamford said.

“When these guys (AFL recruiters) watch these midfielders play they want to see guys who can impact in the bubble and also in transition and Jacko can do that now.’’

Hately is a Collingwood supporter who models his game on Magpies captain Scott Pendlebury.

Like Pendlebury, he was a state junior basketballer who had to make the tough decision to give up the sport to focus on his football at age 16.

“I was probably a bit more serious about my basketball than football when I was younger but at 16 I had to make a decision on whether to play state under-16 football or under-18 basketball,’’ Hately said.

“One of my main goals for that year was to make the AFL Academy squad and I wasn't going to do that if I didn't play in the nationals, so the decision was made easier for me.

“Once I got into that squad my basketball fell by the wayside.’’

Hately has been interviewed by all 18 AFL clubs and, true to his professionalism, doesn’t intend to settle for second best.

“I want to become the best player I can be, a great AFL player,’’ he said.

[Testekill]

Re: 2018 Draft Watch

Apparently we're the reason that Jordan Clark is being considered a top ten bolter. Raps on him are that he's a phenomenal user of the football, quick, good reader of the ball and a good tackler. Played as a HBF during the championships and is decent on the inside but is considered potentially elite on the outside.

[GVGjr]

Re: 2018 Draft Watch

Apparently we're the reason that Jordan Clark is being considered a top ten bolter. Raps on him are that he's a phenomenal user of the football, quick, good reader of the ball and a good tackler. Played as a HBF during the championships and is decent on the inside but is considered potentially elite on the outside.

He's an an excellent naturally attacking player who can take the game on. He tested very well with his agility at the combine and has a strong kick. He's certainly around the mix for top 10 calculations

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Re: 2018 Draft Watch

Clark does sound a decent player. With English and Naughton as other recent top draft picks from WA, how much of a risk to us is the potential for these kids to want to go home?

[GVGjr]

Re: 2018 Draft Watch

Clark does sound a decent player. With English and Naughton as other recent top draft picks from WA, how much of a risk to us is the potential for these kids to want to go home?

The simple answer is that we shouldn't cater to the players greed. Sure there are on occasions a genuine pull to heading home however this whole homesick sales pitch that is rampant in the AFL is rarely followed by an inferior contract offer by the club they want to head to.

It's a small consideration, perhaps a tie breaker, but I wouldn't let it rule my decision on recruiting the best player. The recruiting process should identify the players with a higher flight risk profile.

For what it's worth, Clark is a good player but I think his best football is possibly across half back and we already have some depth there.

[GVGjr]

Re: 2018 Draft Watch

Clark does sound a decent player. With English and Naughton as other recent top draft picks from WA, how much of a risk to us is the potential for these kids to want to go home?

The simple answer is that we shouldn't cater to the players greed. Sure there are on occasions a genuine pull to heading home however this whole homesick sales pitch that is rampant in the AFL is rarely followed by an inferior contract offer by the club they want to head to.

It's a small consideration, perhaps a tie breaker, but I wouldn't let it rule my decision on recruiting the best player. The recruiting process should identify the players with a higher flight risk profile.

For what it's worth, Clark is a good player but I think his best football is possibly across half back and we already have some depth there.

[ledge]

Re: 2018 Draft Watch

Clark does sound a decent player. With English and Naughton as other recent top draft picks from WA, how much of a risk to us is the potential for these kids to want to go home?

I guess if we have a few coming from the one state they might want to stay together.
They form their own type of club inside the club.
The western Australian east coast club.
Could work.
Encourages them to stay psychologically.

[ledge]

Re: 2018 Draft Watch

Thought people might be interested in an article on Jackson Hately

The AFL draft prospect so good ‘you would want to adopt him’

IF JACKSON Hately needed any more motivation ahead of next months AFL draft, he’s suddenly found it.

Lost in the frenzy of Port Adelaide and Adelaide being locked in a bidding war and trading for high-end draft picks to try to get their hands on the three most highly-rated South Australians — Jack Lukosius, Izak Rankine and Connor Rozee — is just how good their AFL under-18 national championship-winning teammate is.

“They are all great players and really good people, so I feel happy for them and all the publicity they are getting, they deserve it,’’ Hately says.

“But I’ve kept an eye on what’s been said and if anything it just motivates me a little bit to try to get to the level that those guys are at.’’

While the big-bodied midfielder from SANFL club Central District barely rated a mention in the AFL exchange period as the “big three’’ Lukosius, Rankine and Rozee dominated the headlines, Hately is no mug.

He is a top-12 talent who will come under serious consideration by Adelaide with selections 8 and 13 and Port with pick 10.

Hately’s state under-18 coach, Tony Bamford, describes him as “a ripper of a kid, almost too good to be true’’.

“He is a kid that you would want to adopt,’’ said Bamford, gushing in his praise of one of his championship-winning leadership group members.

“Clearly he is a very good footballer, an outstanding talent, but it’s not just his on-field stuff that makes him so appealing but also his off-field demeanour.

“I’ve said to some of the recruiting guys that have inquired about him that your staff will fall in love with him.

“I’m not talking about just your football staff but your administration, marketing and media staff too.

“They will fall in love with him because he is such a wonderful human being. He will say hello and he will remember people’s names.

“He’s school captain (at Trinity College, Gawler) and he is a good looking rooster. He’s got a lot going for him.’’

Hately, 18, is a head prefect at Trinity. He also happens to be the headmaster’s son.

“That’s an interesting one but it’s never been an issue for me,’’ Hately said.

“I’m pretty confident people treat me for who I am, not because my dad is headmaster.

“I don’t see dad a lot at school, he tends to just deal with the pretty serious stuff.

“But I am forever grateful to Dad (Nick) and Mum (Melinda) because they’ve been terrific role models.

“They’ve got very different jobs and personalities but have made me the person I’ve become.

“Dad’s taught me the value of hard work and pushed me in those areas while mum has kept me grounded and relaxed.

“She’s a yoga instructor and I’ve joined her classes in the past year or so and it’s proved beneficial.’’

Hately, a terrific size for an onballer at 190cm and 82kg, began the season as a pure inside player. He ended it having become more well-rounded, with a strong outside game complementing his contested ball work.

Bamford credits this to Bulldogs league coach Roy Laird, who in Hately’s 12 league games played him in various roles, including as a wingman and goalkicking forward.

“He has become almost as good outside the contest as he is in inside the contest,’’ Bamford said.

“When these guys (AFL recruiters) watch these midfielders play they want to see guys who can impact in the bubble and also in transition and Jacko can do that now.’’

Hately is a Collingwood supporter who models his game on Magpies captain Scott Pendlebury.

Like Pendlebury, he was a state junior basketballer who had to make the tough decision to give up the sport to focus on his football at age 16.

“I was probably a bit more serious about my basketball than football when I was younger but at 16 I had to make a decision on whether to play state under-16 football or under-18 basketball,’’ Hately said.

“One of my main goals for that year was to make the AFL Academy squad and I wasn't going to do that if I didn't play in the nationals, so the decision was made easier for me.

“Once I got into that squad my basketball fell by the wayside.’’

Hately has been interviewed by all 18 AFL clubs and, true to his professionalism, doesn’t intend to settle for second best.

“I want to become the best player I can be, a great AFL player,’’ he said.

My main man! Please please

[Axe Man]

Re: 2018 Draft Watch

A profile on Xavier Duursma who has been mentioned on here as a smokie for pick 7:

Link

Xavier Duursma

Height
185cm
Weight
71kg
Current Team
Gippsland Power, Vic Country

DRAFT ANALYSIS: "Behind Sam Walsh and Bailey Smith, Duursma is arguably the next most complete midfielder from Victoria, with top athleticism, leadership and defensive traits."

OVERVIEW

Gippsland Power skipper Xavier Duursma is a player that ticks so many boxes for AFL clubs, with his ability to play multiple positions and roles making him a genuine first round prospect after an excellent season on the field. Duursma always looked a draft relevant footballer in his bottom-age season for Gippsland, but those attractive attributes would only be present for short periods and were mostly seen in space. In 2018, he has become a far more consistent player and has balanced his contested and uncontested play superbly. He spent a majority of 2017 starting on the flanks or the wing, but has become a regular at the stoppages and through the midfield this year. His opening month and a half for the Power was simply outstanding, winning the ball at will and having a large influence on his side’s success.

He was flying leading into the National Under 18 Championships and it was no surprise to see the utility replicate that form for Vic Country. He spent time in the midfield with success, but was especially impressive off half-back against South Australia where he proved his all-round talent and finished it off with a huge contested mark in the fourth term. He would have been mentioned during the All Australian discussions, but Vic Country’s poor campaign collectively did not help his cause.

He returned to Gippsland exactly where he left off against the Western Jets, winning 26 disposals and hitting the scoreboard with two goals in an impressive display. His form never tapered heading into a finals campaign which saw his side as a serious threat, but it all ended in disappointing fashion as Gippsland fell to Oakleigh by 94 points in the Preliminary Final. Duursma’s reputation wasn’t dented on that day though, as he fought inside, attacked the ball aerially and at times dived desperately for tackles despite the game being out of reach from early in the contest.

STRENGTHS

Flexibility
All round athleticism
Inside/outside ability
Marking relevance for size
Courage
Leadership
Desperate defensively
Minimal flaws

One of the most exciting things about Duursma is that his strengths run long and deep, while his improvements are short and solvable. He is an extremely flexible footballer, having shown traits and form in every area of the ground. A club will take him knowing it has the opportunity to develop him in any position they like. He is a serious athlete, possessing pace (multiple sub three second 20 metre sprints), an elite vertical leap in which he ranked third off the right foot at the combine jumping 83cm, agility and excellent endurance results (ran a 6-minute, 30-second 2km time trial and 21.1 on the Yo-yo test at the National Draft Combine). The best thing is that he uses these attributes on the field, which enhances his inside and outside ability. In congestion he can side step or spin out of trouble and accelerate away from the contest. On the flanks or wing, he runs and carries the ball with high metres gained and works hard on the spread offensively to get in dangerous positions forward of centre.

Duursma’s marking ability and contested aerial prowess is arguably his most exciting feature, as he continually bats well above his average in this area considering his light frame. The way he flies into contests from any angle appears suicidal at times, but he backs his courage up with strong hands to often clunk the ball from difficult positions. These examples of determination earn the admiration of his teammates and they follow, while his off-field leadership is reportedly just as impressive.

IMPROVEMENTS

Kicking consistency
Body development

As already mentioned, Duursma does not possess a long list of obvious improvements, which is what makes him such a tantalising proposition. Kicking consistency is certainly an area where he can get better, mainly for the fact that he is really skilful by foot. He operated at just a tick under 56 per cent during the 2018 season, which is not horrendous when considering he won a lot more contested ball this year, but he has the potential to lift that dramatically. He has a long, penetrating right boot, but at times tries to take on low percentage options. Duursma is generally a very good decision maker, but I think he is just backing his ability to hit the target on these occasions and such turnovers are very correctable.

The other identifiable improvement is adding muscle to that currently very skinny frame, but this is an exciting part of his development. Duursma has already proven that he is more than capable of performing at a high level at 71kgs, so filling out suggests that the ceiling is quite high. It will be fascinating to see what else he has to offer with a bit more beef and whether it will change his current style.

DRAFT PROJECTION: 12-25

SUMMARY

Xavier Duursma is a rangy utility who has the potential to develop through the midfield, off half back or even as a difficult match up forward. His inside and outside attributes create enough appeal alone, but his aerial capabilities and courage add a dynamic that sets him apart. He will fight desperately in congestion, but next minute can be found in space carrying the ball or changing direction at speed. He balances his game arguably as well as any player available this year, which is complimented further by an outstanding athletic profile. He is a talent that certainly would not look out of place in the first round.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Re: 2018 Draft Watch

It's interesting the number of non "top-8" names coming into frame as we get closer to the draft. Duursma and recently Clark. Its providing fuel to the fire of trading down to nab two of these kids.

For me, if Smith is available at 7, i'm taking him. But if he's gone, and so is Rozee, i'd pass on Ben King and try and take potentially both Clark and Duursma later in the draft. The fact we were so adamant on holding onto pick 7 tells me we have someone or maybe multiple someones that we really want at this pick. It's going to be a very interesting night.

[choconmientay]

Re: 2018 Draft Watch

Theroar mock draft has got us taking Caldwell, passing on Rozee for Adelaide to pick him after our pick.
Rhylee name is not mentioned in the top 20.

2018 AFL mock draft: Round 1

1. Carlton – Sam Walsh, Midfielder, Geelong Falcons
Though I discussed how the Blues couldn’t afford to pass on South Australian key forward Jack Lukosius in an article during the season, I’ve come to my senses. Walsh would add another exciting prospect to an all-of-sudden budding midfield group of co-captain Patrick Cripps, Paddy Dow, Will Setterfield and Zac Fisher.

2. Gold Coast – Max King, Key Forward/Ruck, Sandringham Dragons
Really intrigued as to what the Suns will do if they hang on to both picks on draft night. Taking the King boys would be one for the romantics, while also filling two huge areas of concern. Max is the key forward capable of pinch-hitting in the ruck who, despite a devastating ACL injury early in the season, would still be worthy of the second overall pick.

3. Gold Coast – Ben King, Key Defender, Sandringham Dragons
The best defender in the draft, Ben played up forward for the Dragons this year after Max went down with an injury. Capable at both ends, but should slot in at fullback for the Suns from day one.

4. St. Kilda – Jack Lukosius, Key Forward, Woodville-West Torrens (SA)
Awkward position for the Saints, as the supremely talented Lukosius doesn’t exactly fill a ‘need’. However, it would have been unfathomable six months ago to predict Lukosius would fall to pick four. Clearly best player available.

5. Port Adelaide – Izak Rankine, Half-Forward/Midfield, West Adelaide, (SA)
Port get their wish by adding South Australia’s second-best product at pick 5. Rankine is a supreme talent who gets better as the occasion gets bigger. A freak who arguably boasts the most naturally gifted talent in the draft class.

6. Sydney (bid) – Nick Blakey, Forward/Midfield, Sydney Swans Academy
Didn’t have the year he wanted due to persistent injuries, but the 195cm specimen still showed glimpses of his enormous potential. Expect a bid to come around this mark for the Swans next academy gem.

7. Gold Coast – Bailey Smith, Midfielder, Sandringham Dragons
The Suns should keep it simple here and take the best midfielder at this point. That’s Smith, a quality, well-rounded midfielder that possesses speed, endurance and ball-winning ability.

8. Western Bulldogs – Jye Caldwell, Midfielder, Bendigo Pioneers
Caldwell is another who was hampered by injuries seemingly all season. Still, recruiters would have seen enough to know that the hard-working inside midfielder would be a valuable addition to any engine room.

9. Adelaide – Connor Rozee, Half-Forward/Midfielder, North Adelaide, (SA)
A really exciting local prospect with a bag of tricks that, in all honesty, would be a steal at pick nine. Has the ability to have an impact off half-back, in the middle or on a half-forward flank.

In full ...