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From a Western Bulldogs perspective there is probably only one thing we can lock in for certain and that is Scott West's son Rhylee West will be at the club in 2019 with Buku Khamis a strong possibility.
Pick 7 has 4 players in serious contention:
Bailey Smith is a very determined and focused midfielder and forward who is both quick and highly skilled particularly by foot. He's a player who is the total package in terms of attitude, focus, physical attributes that includes explosive pace and he has a high football IQ. It also appears that Smith has somehow convinced interstate clubs not to select him otherwise I think Gold Coast at pick 6 would be all over him. StKilda shapes as our likely opponent for his services and could trump us at pick 4.
Jye Caldwell is an explosive midfielder and is a powerful runner and kick. While he has missed a lot of football this year he has never been out of the potential top 10 conversation. His highlight package on the AFL Draft Machine is impressive but like Smith he is also highly regarded for his application and dedication towards his football. Gold Coast are right in the mix with their pick at #6.
Ben King is this years most versatile tall. Primarily seen as a tall defender before the unfortunate injury to his to this twin brother Max, Ben moved forward to great effect. At 202cm tall it's hard to believe how well he tested at the Draft Combine where he was as elite for his sprinting recording an impressive sub 3 second result for the 20mtr sprint test.
Port are apparently keen with their pick 5.
Connor Rozee is a highly versatile midfielder who kicking skills, athleticism and balance make him an eye-catcher this year. He didn't have a great National Carnival especially when compared to the way he finished off the season for North Adelaide but his smooth moving style and quick reflexes caught the attention of many. He is also a very good mark for his size.
Gold Coast at picks 3 and 6, StKilda at pick 4 and Port at pick 5 could all have him high on their draft priorities.
Others to be considered at this spot include the unlikely chance that Max King is still there, Jordan Clark who is an impressive mid sized defender and maybe someone like Jackson Hately although that would be a stretch.
Pick 27 seems to locked in for for Rhylee West. He is highly regarded for his stoppage and ball winning abilities and is strong in the contests. He is certainly a big chance to play significant senior football next season possibly more as a small forward with some stints in the midfield.
Pick 32 is a great spot for us this year because there is nothing surer than the fact there will be a number of quality players still available.
I get the impression that this is the pick that starts Nick Austins recruiting career with us. At pick 7 it's just best available and at pick 27 it's Rhylee West, they are the locks for the club and recruiter, but pick 32 is where it all starts for him.
Does he go with best available, does he consider the gaps with the playing list, does he speculate just a bit on a player who excites him or do we already have a predetermined player in mind like we've done in the past?
Given the talent pool this year it really is a great spot for a first year recruiting manager with us.
Potential sliders include:
Xavier O'Halloran a highly regarded midfielder and forward with strong leaderships skills with a Bulldog heritage and passion already in place. It's hard to see him still being available but sometimes you just have to dream. His testing results at the combine were excellent.
Jez McLennan is an intercept marking and quick mid sized defender from SA who just takes the game on.
Luke Foley is an excellent all round midfielder who can kick goals from WA who would easily play senior football in his first season.
Jack Bytel is a midfielder who was highly rated early in the season but a bit limited somewhat by injury.
Ed McHenry is a spirited and feisty small forward and midfielder who knows where the goals are and yes he supports the Dogs.
Tom McKenzie who is a lightning quick midfielder or defender who posses good kicking skills.
Connor McFadyen is a midfielder or forward who had an impressive season but is tied to Brisbane through their academy.
Needs based players include
Bailey Williams a highly athletic tall who has slid down the order but in a draft lacking tall's he should be in demand.
Jacob Koschitzke at 195cm he one of the more versatile talls in the draft. More of a defender but a very capable player
Kieran Briggs is a physical and competitive ruckman who is a strong mark. Tied to GWS he is the best ruckman this year.
Riley Bowman is another ruckman who can play forward.
The players who could excite
Sydney Stack has plenty of pace and ball getting abilities along with being a natural tackler. It's hard to understand why a player who made the All Australian side isn't higher rated in many phantom drafts given his best is excellent.
Laitham Vandermeer is probably more of a last pick consideration but he is a very exciting player who's run and carry abilities are eye-catching. Not drafted last year but has been impressive in 2018
Boyd Woodcock is a small forward who knows how to kick goals and is a surprisingly strong mark for his size.
Tom Sparrow a very solid inside midfielder who had a great season. Looks to be a touch slow but he would be worth considering.
And there are plenty of others who are around the mark for picks 45 and 63.
Buku Khamis is well known to most now. A latecomer to AFL football, Khamis has made a significant advancement this year playing for Vic Metro and even the All Australian side which is a tremendous effort. He has plenty more to learn but he has a good size about him and has excellent kicking skills.
Thomas Berry had an injury interrupted season but make no mistake he is a very good midfielder or defender. His ability at attack a contest and take the game makes him standout out from many others. Highly rated earlier in the year he could be a bargain for us with a later pick
James Rendell is a key position ruckman or forward with plenty of upside. Son of Matt we would need to be patient but for a team looking for a bit more height on the playing list he could be a good addition. More of a rookie prospect but could surprise.
James Blanck is a tall and quick defender who tested well at the combine and is a neat kick. Lacks some strength but has significant upside. His sprints and agility testing were excellent at the combine and he is a good mark plus he supports the Dogs.
Noah Gown is a key forward who finished the season strongly for the Gippsland Power. A very strong mark.
I'll post some other names to consider later on but I'm very much looking forward to the draft and seeing which players we select.
Pick 7 has 4 players in serious contention:
Bailey Smith is a very determined and focused midfielder and forward who is both quick and highly skilled particularly by foot. He's a player who is the total package in terms of attitude, focus, physical attributes that includes explosive pace and he has a high football IQ. It also appears that Smith has somehow convinced interstate clubs not to select him otherwise I think Gold Coast at pick 6 would be all over him. StKilda shapes as our likely opponent for his services and could trump us at pick 4.
Jye Caldwell is an explosive midfielder and is a powerful runner and kick. While he has missed a lot of football this year he has never been out of the potential top 10 conversation. His highlight package on the AFL Draft Machine is impressive but like Smith he is also highly regarded for his application and dedication towards his football. Gold Coast are right in the mix with their pick at #6.
Ben King is this years most versatile tall. Primarily seen as a tall defender before the unfortunate injury to his to this twin brother Max, Ben moved forward to great effect. At 202cm tall it's hard to believe how well he tested at the Draft Combine where he was as elite for his sprinting recording an impressive sub 3 second result for the 20mtr sprint test.
Port are apparently keen with their pick 5.
Connor Rozee is a highly versatile midfielder who kicking skills, athleticism and balance make him an eye-catcher this year. He didn't have a great National Carnival especially when compared to the way he finished off the season for North Adelaide but his smooth moving style and quick reflexes caught the attention of many. He is also a very good mark for his size.
Gold Coast at picks 3 and 6, StKilda at pick 4 and Port at pick 5 could all have him high on their draft priorities.
Others to be considered at this spot include the unlikely chance that Max King is still there, Jordan Clark who is an impressive mid sized defender and maybe someone like Jackson Hately although that would be a stretch.
Pick 27 seems to locked in for for Rhylee West. He is highly regarded for his stoppage and ball winning abilities and is strong in the contests. He is certainly a big chance to play significant senior football next season possibly more as a small forward with some stints in the midfield.
Pick 32 is a great spot for us this year because there is nothing surer than the fact there will be a number of quality players still available.
I get the impression that this is the pick that starts Nick Austins recruiting career with us. At pick 7 it's just best available and at pick 27 it's Rhylee West, they are the locks for the club and recruiter, but pick 32 is where it all starts for him.
Does he go with best available, does he consider the gaps with the playing list, does he speculate just a bit on a player who excites him or do we already have a predetermined player in mind like we've done in the past?
Given the talent pool this year it really is a great spot for a first year recruiting manager with us.
Potential sliders include:
Xavier O'Halloran a highly regarded midfielder and forward with strong leaderships skills with a Bulldog heritage and passion already in place. It's hard to see him still being available but sometimes you just have to dream. His testing results at the combine were excellent.
Jez McLennan is an intercept marking and quick mid sized defender from SA who just takes the game on.
Luke Foley is an excellent all round midfielder who can kick goals from WA who would easily play senior football in his first season.
Jack Bytel is a midfielder who was highly rated early in the season but a bit limited somewhat by injury.
Ed McHenry is a spirited and feisty small forward and midfielder who knows where the goals are and yes he supports the Dogs.
Tom McKenzie who is a lightning quick midfielder or defender who posses good kicking skills.
Connor McFadyen is a midfielder or forward who had an impressive season but is tied to Brisbane through their academy.
Needs based players include
Bailey Williams a highly athletic tall who has slid down the order but in a draft lacking tall's he should be in demand.
Jacob Koschitzke at 195cm he one of the more versatile talls in the draft. More of a defender but a very capable player
Kieran Briggs is a physical and competitive ruckman who is a strong mark. Tied to GWS he is the best ruckman this year.
Riley Bowman is another ruckman who can play forward.
The players who could excite
Sydney Stack has plenty of pace and ball getting abilities along with being a natural tackler. It's hard to understand why a player who made the All Australian side isn't higher rated in many phantom drafts given his best is excellent.
Laitham Vandermeer is probably more of a last pick consideration but he is a very exciting player who's run and carry abilities are eye-catching. Not drafted last year but has been impressive in 2018
Boyd Woodcock is a small forward who knows how to kick goals and is a surprisingly strong mark for his size.
Tom Sparrow a very solid inside midfielder who had a great season. Looks to be a touch slow but he would be worth considering.
And there are plenty of others who are around the mark for picks 45 and 63.
Buku Khamis is well known to most now. A latecomer to AFL football, Khamis has made a significant advancement this year playing for Vic Metro and even the All Australian side which is a tremendous effort. He has plenty more to learn but he has a good size about him and has excellent kicking skills.
Thomas Berry had an injury interrupted season but make no mistake he is a very good midfielder or defender. His ability at attack a contest and take the game makes him standout out from many others. Highly rated earlier in the year he could be a bargain for us with a later pick
James Rendell is a key position ruckman or forward with plenty of upside. Son of Matt we would need to be patient but for a team looking for a bit more height on the playing list he could be a good addition. More of a rookie prospect but could surprise.
James Blanck is a tall and quick defender who tested well at the combine and is a neat kick. Lacks some strength but has significant upside. His sprints and agility testing were excellent at the combine and he is a good mark plus he supports the Dogs.
Noah Gown is a key forward who finished the season strongly for the Gippsland Power. A very strong mark.
I'll post some other names to consider later on but I'm very much looking forward to the draft and seeing which players we select.
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