2018 Draft Watch

[Mofra]

Re: 2018 Draft Watch

Jono Marsh wants another crack at AFL. I'd definitely consider, super-quick for his size and mature body.

[divvydan]

Re: 2018 Draft Watch

The main issue is that the biggest risk factor for doing an ACL is having already done an ACL. Doing your ACL at a younger age is also a risk factor for doing it again but that might be due to a longer time span where you can potentially do it (elite sports level) than for people who do their ACL when they're near the end of their careers.

The fact that it was a contact based incident is good news for Ben King as it doesn't suggest any pre-disposition genetically.

If I was drafting Max King, I would probably try and hold him back for at least 15months from the time of the injury, but that's a lot easier said than done, especially if it's an interstate club where homesickness is a bigger issue for those in rehab or not playing consistently.

[GVGjr]

Re: 2018 Draft Watch

The main issue is that the biggest risk factor for doing an ACL is having already done an ACL. Doing your ACL at a younger age is also a risk factor for doing it again but that might be due to a longer time span where you can potentially do it (elite sports level) than for people who do their ACL when they're near the end of their careers.

The fact that it was a contact based incident is good news for Ben King as it doesn't suggest any pre-disposition genetically.

If I was drafting Max King, I would probably try and hold him back for at least 15months from the time of the injury, but that's a lot easier said than done, especially if it's an interstate club where homesickness is a bigger issue for those in rehab or not playing consistently.

I think that is an excellent point regarding Max King. Planning of him being eased into the 2019 season would be the sensible approach and if we was available for selection even at the half way mark of 2019.

There is a school of thought that the Suns might draft both brothers so that would lessen any impact of homesickness and of course the Saints should be very interested in Max at number 4.

[GVGjr]

Re: 2018 Draft Watch

Jono Marsh wants another crack at AFL. I'd definitely consider, super-quick for his size and mature body.

Almost a Hamling clone with his size, build and athleticism. Hopefully he would consider moving interstate.
Has that been reported anywhere?

Ah just found it

You would imagine that the Pies might have some interest in getting him back given they're a bit light in for tall defenders.

[lemmon]

Re: 2018 Draft Watch

For those who are more educated on the matter, how do you rate Caldwell in comparison to Smith and King?

[GVGjr]

Re: 2018 Draft Watch

For those who are more educated on the matter, how do you rate Caldwell in comparison to Smith and King?

Strong midfielder with a bit of pace and a good kick. It's a shame he didn't play more this year.
Smith will be rated higher but Caldwell is a definite top 10 player candidate. Geelong will probably be hoping he slips to pick 12

I think King and Smith are the better options but I wouldn't be disappointed if Caldwell was selected.

[mjp]

Re: 2018 Draft Watch

Almost a Hamling clone with his size, build and athleticism. Hopefully he would consider moving interstate.
Has that been reported anywhere?
.

Hugely different personalities. One laidback and the other a stress head. Marsh has Hamling well covered for speed...lateral movement I am not so sure. Marsh has primarily been playing as an inside mid for East Fremantle...making a pretty good fist of it but they have been so poor it really is hard to tell/measure effectiveness.

Pretty sure he has a Victorian girlfriend and is already back in Melbourne.

Remember - he left the afl to deal with some mental health stuff as much as anything...it wasn’t footy based.

I

[GVGjr]

Re: 2018 Draft Watch

Hugely different personalities. One laidback and the other a stress head. Marsh has Hamling well covered for speed...lateral movement I am not so sure. Marsh has primarily been playing as an inside mid for East Fremantle...making a pretty good fist of it but they have been so poor it really is hard to tell/measure effectiveness.

Pretty sure he has a Victorian girlfriend and is already back in Melbourne.

Remember - he left the afl to deal with some mental health stuff as much as anything...it wasn’t footy based.

I

Thanks for the insights

Do you think he could slot back into the AFL environment based on his form in the WAFL?
I checked his stats and he looks like he is getting enough of the ball.
What might be his best position in the AFL?

[mjp]

Re: 2018 Draft Watch

Thanks for the insights

Do you think he could slot back into the AFL environment based on his form in the WAFL?
I checked his stats and he looks like he is getting enough of the ball.
What might be his best position in the AFL?

He is an amazing athlete who kicked 5 goals vs vic metro as an 18yo in a performances that probably had 10 running bounces. He then couldn’t get a kick as a vfl forward, asked to be switched to defence and made a fair fist of things at senior level. It really is all between the ears...if he has matured - which he seems to have - then he would be a menegola clone. A massive hhf/inside mid who can run the lines, win clearances and kick goals.

[GVGjr]

Re: 2018 Draft

Just listened to the Draft podcast and Twoomey thinks Jye Caldwell is very much in the mix for us at pick 7.
St Kilda at pick 4 talked about him being considered as well.

[Bornadog]

Re: 2018 Draft

Dogs prospect believes he can cover Dahlhaus role

IF Rhylee West gets to the Western Bulldogs as expected, the father-son prospect believes he can fill the pressure forward role left vacant by Luke Dahlhaus' departure to Geelong.

As revealed by AFL.com.au, the son of seven-time best and fairest and five-time All Australian Scott West has been nominated by Bulldogs, and they will match a rival club's bid expected somewhere late in the first round of November's NAB AFL Draft.

After trading away this year's second-round selection for Josh Schache in the 2017 Trade Period, coincidently it's the pick the Dogs received as compensation for losing free agent Dahlhaus - currently pick No.28 overall - that West is likely to cost on draft night.

A standout inside midfielder with the Calder Cannons and Vic Metro this season, West told AFL.com.au he feels ready to test himself at the highest level.

"Most draftees don't play in their preferred position straight away, so definitely playing as that pressure forward is a role I could definitely play early days," West said.

"I like to think I'm ready to play senior footy because I've got a bit of size on me and I can put that up against the bigger bodies.

"The pre-season will also help my endurance and put a bit more meat on me, so I should be raring to go.

"The great midfielders like (Patrick) Dangerfield and (Dustin) Martin both push forward because you can't play one position these days."

While he has the physical attributes to help make the transition from junior football to the AFL, West is well aware he needs to improve his kicking if he wants to play regular senior football at a club that doesn't have an overabundance of players who are a reliable kick.

The 17-year-old finished the TAC Cup season with a disposal efficiency of just 56 per cent, but in an encouraging sign his effectiveness increased with the lift in standard at the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships, finishing the carnival as an All Australian that averaged 22 disposals at 69 per cent efficiency.

The apple hasn't fallen too far from the tree, with West inheriting his dad's creative hands and vision, but the pair have been fine-tuning his ability to hit the target by foot.
While his kicking is a work in progress, fatherly advice regularly hits the mark.

"Everyone has a knock on them and kicking is the one I've got, but I've been working really hard on it with Dad and at training, so I've given myself every opportunity to improve it," West said.

"Dad's someone I can bounce any questions off because he watches all the levels of footy I play.

"He's been an assistant at AFL level and coached in the VFL, so he's good at critiquing my games and being that coach at home.

[The Adelaide Connection]

Re: 2018 Draft Watch

Fox sports are putting out a two parter on the Top 50, starting with their "Hidden gems" that they are stating will be bargains at 26-50.

A few things that interested me:
-Khamis at #35
-Ely Smith down at #39
-Jacob Koschitzke at #44
-Almost every list I have seen (this one included) has AA's at picks into the 40's.
-No sign of Boyd Woodcock. I don't think I have seen him listed in anyones Top 25 odd, I wonder if Fox have bucked the trend or if they have him outside the 50? I think Woodcock outside of 50 would be the biggest bargain of the draft (maybe of the last five drafts).
-Jacob Kennerly (#46) sounds like he has what we need- speed and damaging skills (not to mention that he broke the 2km record and is also apparently a big ball winner). Anyone seen much of him?

https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-2018-draft-board-power-rankings-26-to-50-the-hidden-gems-that-loom-as-draft-bargains/news-story/9f1044dcf7c125149ed2139eaa5108e3

26. Luke VALENTE

Clubs: Norwood/South Australia

Position: Midfielder

Size: 186cm, 80kg

Bio: The inside midfielder captained South Australia in the Under 18 Championships. And after scoring an invite to the AFL draft at Marvel Stadium, he could well be drafted inside the first round. His contested ball winning ability is impressive and he won South Australia’s MVP at the carnival, averaging 22.8 disposals at 84 per cent efficiency.

27. Will KELLY

Clubs: Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro

Position: Key defender

Size: 193cm, 83kg

Bio: The athletic defender is the son of former Collingwood player Craig and is eligible to join the Magpies as a father-son prospect in the draft. Kelly got better with every game he played in the Under 18 Championships, performing well on the MCG against Vic Country and showed off his marking ability right throughout the year. Kelly can also play as a key forward if needed.

28. Bailey WILLIAMS

Clubs: Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country

Position: Key forward/Ruck

Size: 198cm, 95kg

Bio: The athletic tall has a wide draft range, but could even be snapped up inside the first round. At his very best, Williams is hard to stop, where he leaps high above all other opposition players. His leap helps him pull down big marks, while he often dominates the ruck thanks to his height. He was also a member of the AFL Academy. Williams is very mobile when the ball hits the ground, he is as athletic as any general forward.

29. Xavier O’HALLORAN

Clubs: Western Jets/Vic Metro

Position: Midfielder

Size: 187cm, 83kg

Bio: The inside midfielder is one of the best leaders in the 2018 draft pool. The Vic Metro captain showed an extra string to his bow during the Under 18 Championships, pushing forward and booting multiple goals. The 18-year-old wins the contested ball and is strong at winning the clearances.

30. Connor McFADYEN

Clubs: Brisbane Lions Academy/Allies

Position: Midfielder

Size: 190cm, 88kg

Bio: McFadyen jumped onto the scene early in the season when he booted four goals in a trial match at Ikon Park. The inside midfielder missed the draft combine through injury, but showed his skills during the Under 18 Championships and was named in the All-Australian squad. He can win the football in the contest and works hard to get the ball inside 50.

31. Toby BEDFORD

Clubs: Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country

Position: Forward/Midfielder

Size: 176cm, 65kg

Bio: The Melbourne next generation academy prospect had a fine finish to the season, which helped him rise up draft boards. Bedford possesses outstanding speed and the indigenous prospect was a strong contributor at all levels. He is far from the finish product and has plenty of improvement left in him.

32. Luke FOLEY

Clubs: Subiaco/Western Australia

Position: Midfielder

Size: 187cm, 75kg

Bio: The 19-year-old was completely overlooked last year by all 18 clubs, but in 2018 he seems destined to have his name called out on draft night. The tall inside midfielder has battled multiple injury setbacks throughout 2018, but has shown at all levels he is capable of becoming a strong player at AFL level. He uses it well and has a strong athletic ability. Also kicks it well off his right boot.

33. Kieren BRIGGS

Clubs: GWS Giants Academy/Allies

Position: Ruck/Key forward

Size: 200cm, 98kg

Bio: The Greater Western Sydney Academy prospect had an outstanding season and was named in the All-Australia side after the national carnival. The ruckman is physical in the contest but can also be useful at ground level where he is mobile and reasonably clean below his knees. Briggs won the Allies’ MVP after averaging 24 hit-outs during the carnival.

34. Sydney STACK

Clubs: Perth/Western Australia

Position: Midfielder

Size: 177cm, 72kg

Bio: On talent alone, Stack is one of the more impressive prospects to come out of Western Australia. The indigenous midfielder jumped into the WAFL league for Perth this season, not looking out of place. Stack is good at the stoppages and in the contest, possessing good smarts and skills. He has the capability to do some eye-catching things that others in the draft pool cannot.

35. Buku KHAMIS

Clubs: Western Jets/Vic Metro

Position: Key defender

Size: 190cm, 81kg

Bio: The Sudanese key defender is linked with the Western Bulldogs via their next generation academy. Khamis is a tall defender who intercepts the ball with ease in the defensive 50. The left-foot kick was also named in the Under 18 All-Australian team, averaging 14.8 disposals and 3.8 marks per game.

36. Fraser TURNER

Clubs: Clarence/Tasmania

Position: Midfielder

Size: 186cm, 75kg

Bio: The wingman runs hard all day on the outside and is a real link-up player who can get the ball from half-back to half-forward. Turner averaged 23.8 disposals for the Allies in Division 1 and was a strong performer for Tasmania in the Under 18 Academy Series. He is a reasonable kick and competes well around the ground.

37. Jack ROSS

Clubs: Oakleigh Chargers

Position: Midfielder

Size: 186cm, 85kg

Bio: The strong-bodied midfielder does everything you want from an inside player: He tackles hard and wins the clearances. While he could polish up a few things in his game, his inside work is very attractive and he is a powerful prospect. Might be one of the few prospects who didn’t represent their state during the year that will get a chance in the draft.

[The Adelaide Connection]

Re: 2018 Draft Watch

38. Will HAMILL

Clubs: Dandenong Stingrays

Position: Utility

Size: 185cm, 70kg

Bio: Hamill has the capabilities to play anywhere on the ground, but looks most suited to playing as a defender. In defensive 50, he has the capabilities to break the lines and rebound the ball at speed. Hamill is a decent kick of the football and can mark well overhead. Was part of the Dandenong Stingrays’ TAC Cup premiership.

39. Ely SMITH

Clubs: Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country

Position: Midfielder

Size: 188cm, 86kg

Bio: Smith’s mid-season form was so good that he was rushed into the Vic Country squad for their final match of the carnival. The contested bull averaged 23.5 disposals and 5.0 tackles at TAC Cup level and is a strong stoppage player. He proved any doubters over his running ability wrong at the AFL draft combine, performing well in the endurance events.


40. Jarrod CAMERON

Clubs: Swan Districts/Western Australia

Position: Forward

Size: 180cm, 69kg

Bio: The creative small forward has speed and goal nous, highlighted by his five goals for WA in the Under 18 Championships against Vic Country. The brother of Brisbane Lions’ Charlie has plenty of potential and is linked to the West Coast Eagles, via their next generation academy.

41. Laitham VANDERMEER

Clubs: Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country

Position: Defender

Size: 180cm, 76kg

Bio: The over-ager narrowly missed out on being drafted last year after spending most of his time at Xavier College. But the defender has line-breaking speed which can be used to his advantage. He missed a chunk of the middle of the season after an Ian Hill sling tackle in the Under 18 Championships resulted in a broken collarbone and a concussion. He showed his capabilities at times up on a wing throughout 2018.

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42. Harry REYNOLDS

Clubs: Brighton Grammar/Sandringham Dragons

Position: Midfielder

Size: 190cm, 75kg

Bio: The Brighton Grammar footballer’s fine season saw him jump into the eyes of recruiters after dominating the APS private school boy competition. The on-baller has plenty of upside and moves very well in the midfield. He also has a long arm span and can leap high in the air, meaning he has the ability to play forward, which he did during his junior football days. Was a late call-up to the Sandringham Dragons squad, playing four games and averaging 17.5 disposals.

43. Jack BYTEL

Clubs: Calder Cannons/Vic Metro

Position: Midfielder

Size: 189cm, 80kg

Bio: It’s been a frustrating season for the inside midfielder, who was sidelined with a nasty back injury. But Bytel has enough runs on the board to suggest he should be drafted. The contested ball winner is good at the stoppages and has the ability to win plenty of the ball. Was a member of the AFL Academy.

44. Jacob KOSCHITZKE

Clubs: Murray Bushrangers/Allies

Position: Key defender

Size: 196cm, 94kg

Bio: The tall defender is a strong contested mark and won All-Australian honours after a fine Under 18 Championships. The cousin of former St Kilda player Justin Koschitzke, he’s strong in one-on-one battles and took 49 marks this season in the TAC Cup.

45. Oscar BROWNLESS

Clubs: Geelong Falcons/Vic Country

Position: Midfielder

Size: 186cm, 76kg

Bio: The son of Geelong great Billy is set to land at the club as a father-son selection. Brownless has shown his ability in 2018 playing mostly as a high half-forward, where he was a consistent performer at all levels. He has the ability to hit the scoreboard and can win the football in the contest.

46. Jacob KENNERLEY

Clubs: Norwood/South Australia

Position: Midfielder

Size: 184cm, 76kg

Bio: The running machine not only took out the 2km time trial at the AFL draft combine, he broke the record. Kennerley also has a good mix of speed, along with damaging skills. The midfielder is a big ball winner, blitzing the SANFL Under 18 competition for Norwood. He averaged 18.0 disposals for SA during the Under 18 Championships.

47. James ROWBOTTOM

Clubs: Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro

Position: Midfielder

Size: 185cm, 78kg

Bio: The midfielder had a consistent season at all levels. While his foot skills is an area he can improve, his ball-winning nous and clearance work is his strength. He can win the contested ball and gets the ball inside 50 on multiple occasions during games.

48. Joe AYTON-DELANEY

Clubs: Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro

Position: Defender

Size: 179cm, 68kg

Bio: The rebounding defender isn’t hard to miss during games, standing out not only with his red boots but his trademark run and dash from defensive 50. Ayton-Delaney has plenty of tricks and rebounds the ball well. He is very agile, but his small frame means he is likely to spend some time in the state leagues before AFL game time, if drafted. His very best, though, would make an impact at AFL level. He often had 20-plus disposals during the year in the TAC Cup.

49. Tom JOYCE

Clubs: East Fremantle/Western Australia

Position: Midfielder

Size: 181cm, 73kg

Bio: A hip injury curtailed Joyce’s season, but he has shown enough in the last three years to suggest he will find a home in November’s national draft. The small midfielder is a strong runner and his outstanding endurance means he can work hard all day in the middle of the ground. His tackling and pressure off the ball is also impressive. Was a member of the AFL Academy.

50. Josh KEMP

Clubs: PEGS/Calder Cannons

Position: Forward

Size: 184cm, 73kg

Bio: Kemp was a late riser after blitzing the AGSV schoolboy football competition, where he played for PEGS. Kemp booted multiple bags of goals and was called up to Calder’s TAC Cup squad, where he didn’t look out of place. Kemp showed off his strong marking ability and his mobility and goal sense. A club could well take a punt on the 18-year-old in the national draft.

[kruder]

Re: 2018 Draft Watch

Williams or O'Halloran at our 3rd pick would be perfect.

[dog town]

Re: 2018 Draft Watch

Is there any chance Port go for Hately or Valente at 6? I know that’s not the popular thinking but I can’t find a reason that either won’t be a good player. With Valente he does most things really well so it seems he has dropped in some people’s thinking due to a lack of a stand out quality. Is it a risk for Port to overlook them both?