2021 draft watch

[The Adelaide Connection]

Re: 2021 draft watch

I feel like if we do want him we have done a pretty terrible job of hiding him. Or a pretty terrible job of convincing him to not mention we are keen on him.

I'd almost lay down money that Melbourne take him with a pick just before ours. They get off on that.

[GVGjr]

Re: 2021 draft watch

Picking from late in the draft is both restrictive but also one that provides plenty of opportunities to land a player or two who slides down the order. The safety net is that we have a number of players already at Footscray that are around the mark of AFL standards.

Probably the pick of the Footscray boys is Corey Preston - a lively small forward or midfielder who can take a grab and use the ball well.

Robbie McComb is another player who impressed. A strong midfielder who takes the game on.
He made the VFL team of the Year and won the Bulldogs B&F this year.

If we are after some height and versatility then Bailey Van De Heuvel and Jesse Glass-McCasker might be worth a spot.

We have also had a good look at Jordan Boyd, and Ewan Macpherson who both caught the eye at times this year.
Cody Raak is someone well known to us.

Another from the VFL is Charlie Dean who's a tall defender and this is an area we might need to add some depth.
Sam Skinner in the SANFL is also a tall defender and intercept mark who might be worth considering and I'm surprised why Greg Clark from WA isn't in the mix for a lot of clubs.

From the junior ranks we've been linked with Hugh Stagg is had a great season for Glenelg and SA this year.


I'm not sure if we will take a couple of selections after Sam Darcy but I think there are some gems to be had.

[mjp]

Re: 2021 draft watch

...I'm surprised why Greg Clark from WA isn't in the mix for a lot of clubs.

Is it because he was thought of as the best 16 year old in Australia who then fell off a cliff before his 18th year and has steadily rebuilt into the player he is now.

Which career arc does he remind me of? Sam Meneghola...except Meneghola went through two AFL clubs before really 'proving it' at WAFL level as a midfielder (originally selected as a tall-ish forward) after being given a real chance by Subi.

Just by-the-by, he is an absolute MONSTER these days and could 100% play in a wing rotation with an occasional turn inside at AFL level.

[GVGjr]

Re: 2021 draft watch

Is it because he was thought of as the best 16 year old in Australia who then fell off a cliff before his 18th year and has steadily rebuilt into the player he is now.

Which career arc does he remind me of? Sam Meneghola...except Meneghola went through two AFL clubs before really 'proving it' at WAFL level as a midfielder (originally selected as a tall-ish forward) after being given a real chance by Subi.

Just by-the-by, he is an absolute MONSTER these days and could 100% play in a wing rotation with an occasional turn inside at AFL level.

Is there any chance he could be remodeled into a mobile key position defender? 193cm and 94kg confirms he is a big lad.

Three other players from then West I wouldn't mind your opinion on:
Jahmal Stretch, Jack Avery and Eric Benning?

[mjp]

Re: 2021 draft watch

Is there any chance he could be remodeled into a mobile key position defender? 193cm and 94kg confirms he is a big lad.

Three other players from then West I wouldn't mind your opinion on:
Jahmal Stretch, Jack Avery and Eric Benning?

Clark is a midfielder...he always has been and that's where he plays his footy. He is a man mountain and the fact he can cover the ground well enough to play outside mid is remarkable.

Avery I love but I'm a bit too close to that one. Needs to work on his kicking I guess but to be able to hold down a spot in the back 6 at league level in his first season? Quite remarkable.

Stretch? Talented player but basically doesn't get the ball. I wonder where he will play? I mean, small forward obviously but he was an absentee on GF day when Claremont needed him to just do 'something' (and the ball was down there enough). I don't want to go all Matt Rendall here but moving from Halls Creek to Perth is one thing...moving from Halls Creek to Melbourne is something else again. I could see someone taking a chance 'cos he has tricks but - and I don't know the kid - I just feel we have seen this film before (and we didn't like the ending).

Benning. Yep - he's a talented ruckman but I would think (keeping it Claremont centric) that as this stage of development Oliver Eastland is a better bet...he would have played 18's in 2017/18 and has 3x full years of senior footy since then. I like Benning fine but realistically he's not going to play for a few years...can we afford to wait?

[The Doctor]

Re: 2021 draft watch

Kevin Sheehan reveals his top NAB AFL Draft Prospects:

https://www.afl.com.au/news/686053/kevin-sheehan-reveals-his-top-nab-afl-draft-prospects-tall-forwards-rucks

Tall forwards/rucks


Jye Amiss
East Perth, WAFL / Bussellton FC
State: Western Australia
Height: 196cm
Weight: 83kg
Date of Birth: 31/07/03

Tall forward who has been a sensation at under-18s level in the WAFL, kicking 51 goals and just 15 behinds in 15 matches this year. Has excellent acceleration on the lead, strong one-touch hands as well being a strong pack mark. As his numbers indicate, he is a deadly accurate kick on his preferred left foot, as well as being an unselfish and team-oriented player which is prominent with his goal assists. Showed a thin slice of these appealing traits in kicking two goals and setting up other opportunities for Western Australia against South Australia in NAB AFL U19 Championships game in August. He suffered an injury to his knee in the Toyota AFL Grand Final curtain-raiser curtailing his season.



Mac Andrew
Dandenong Stingrays, NAB League / Berwick FC / St. Joseph’s Ferntree Gully
State: Victoria (Country)
Height: 200cm
Weight: 70kg
Date of Birth: 12/04/03

Emerging tall forward/ruckman who showed sparkling form at the start of the year with his overhead marking, natural leap, agility and speed. His standout features propelled him into the Australian under-18s team for its NAB AFL Academy match against Geelong’s VFL team in April where he was lively. Born in Egypt to Sudanese parents, he is part of Melbourne’s Next Generation Academy, noting the Demons can only match any bid for him after selection 20 with alterations made to the bidding system for the NAB AFL 2021 Draft in November. Looked highly promising with his aerial ability and mobility for Victoria Country in the AFL Challenge match against Victoria Metro, and averaged 12.7 disposals, 2.7 marks and 12.7 hitouts in six matches for the Dandenong Stingrays this year to claim NAB League Team of the Year honours.



Will Bella
Gold Coast Suns Academy / Mackay
State: Queensland
Height: 196cm
Weight: 98kg
Date of Birth: 13/04/03

Tall forward who is an imposing target up front with his size and willingness to create contests by launching at the ball - think Aaron Naughton. Quick and agile with natural goal sense, he works hard up and back to provide options for his team. Had a taste of VFL football this year, playing four matches for Gold Coast as well as two matches at under-19s level in the NAB League where he averaged 16 disposals, 4.5 marks and 1.5 goals. Showed his impressive standing vertical jump at the NAB AFL Draft Combine testing in Queensland with his 75cm leap, ranked second nationally. Comes from a real sporting family with his father representing Queensland in rugby at under-17 level and his mother a state basketballer.



Eric Benning
Claremont FC, WAFL / Waringarri Crows
State: Western Australia
Height: 196cm
Weight: 85kg
Date of Birth: 14/07/03

Indigenous tall forward/ruckman with some of the traits of a young Paddy Ryder. Mobile, versatile and athletic, he represented Western Australia at under-19s level against South Australia on three occasions and was among his state’s best players in game two at Optus Stadium on AFL Grand Final day. Played 13 matches at under-18s level in the WAFL, averaging 11.5 disposals, 2.2 marks and 3.2 tackles. Part of the Next Generation Academy with Fremantle coming from the East Kimberley Football League.



Anthony Caminiti
Northern Knights, NAB League / Heidelberg FC / Carey Grammar
State: Victoria (Metro)
Height: 196cm
Weight: 83kg
Date of Birth: 09/12/03

Tall forward who can win the ball in the air and at ground level. Marking is his real weapon and his five-goal performance against the Brisbane Lions in the NAB League was an eye-catching performance. Only played three NAB League matches (averaging 11 disposals and four marks) as he shared his season with Carey Grammar. A state under aged athlete, he quickly was added to the trials for Victoria Metro this year before the shutdown curtailed the championships in September.


Toby Conway
Geelong Falcons, NAB League / St. Mary’s FC / Geelong Grammar
State: Victoria (Country)
Height: 205cm
Weight: 97kg
Date of Birth: 24/04/03

Ruckman who continues to develop, growing taller after first coming onto the radar and winning All-Australian honours at the 2019 NAB AFL U16 Championships when he was 197cm. Had a compelling season as a NAB AFL Draft prospect, playing six matches with the Geelong Falcons and averaging 13.8 disposals, 2.8 marks and 27 hitouts to claim NAB League Team of the Year honours. Was also prominent for both Victoria Country at under-19s level and Australia at under-18s levels in representative matches this year. His marking, ruck craft and preparedness to support his team and work hard defensively, has drawn comparisons to Brisbane ruckman Oscar McInerney.



Lukas Cooke
Woodville-West Torrens, SANFL / Westminster
State: South Australia
Height: 195cm
Weight: 83kg
Date of Birth: 26/09/03

Athletic tall forward who has improved dramatically this year after not making the Eagles under-18s last year. His quick leads and contested marking have been a feature of his eight matches at under-18s level in the SANFL where he has averaged 14.6 disposals, 6.3 marks and kicked 20 goals. Has also played a couple of reserve grade matches to accelerate his development and he represented South Australia at under-19s level in all four matches this year, kicking four goals in the final match against Western Australia to be among his side’s best players.



Joshua Cripps
East Fremantle FC, WAFL / Northampton
State: Western Australia
Height: 198cm
Weight: 92kg
Date of Birth: 13/08/02

Tall forward/ruckman who has shown great resilience in overcoming an ACL injury in 2020 to impose himself at under-18s level in the WAFL, playing 12 matches and averaging 15.7disposals, 4.2 marks and kick 16 goals that has created immediate interest from scouts. Very competitive by nature and mobile, he’s also strong overhead, drawing comparisons to St Kilda’s Rowan Marshall at a younger age. Younger brother of Carlton captain Patrick Cripps, he represented Western Australia at under-19s level in the final match against South Australia in October.



Sam Darcy
Oakleigh Chargers, NAB League / Glen Iris FC / Scotch College
State: Victoria (Metro)
Height: 204cm
Weight: 73kg
Date of Birth: 19/07/03

Tall forward who can also play down back or in the ruck, using his athletic attributes and skill set to great effect. A one-touch mark overhead, he also reads the ball very well in flight and launches himself to take contested marks, drawing comparisons to the King twins, Max and Ben, a couple of years back. Has a technically sound goalkicking routine, and booted six goals in a Victorian Metro trial match. He then kicked a special goal on his non-preferred left foot from the boundary line in the AFL Challenge match against Victoria Country. Only played three matches with the Chargers, averaging 16 disposals, 6.3 marks and six hitouts, as well as sparkling for Scotch College. He was selected in the Team of the Year on his overall performances. Is the son of former Western Bulldogs star Luke Darcy and eligible for the Bulldogs under the father-son rule.


Ryan Eyers
Murray Bushrangers, NAB League / Corowa-Rutherglen FC / Galen College
State: NSW/ACT
Height: 198cm
Weight: 76kg
Date of Birth: 24/04/03

Tall forward and can also assist his team with a turn in the ruck. Agile player who presents well as a marking target and is exceptional below his knees with his one-touch hands and vision. Been in the Allies squad in the last two years but, due to lockdowns and border restrictions, has been unable to show his potential at representative level. Played eight games with the Bushrangers and averaged nine disposals and six hitouts.



Felix Flockart
Sandringham Dragons, NAB League / Old Brighton FC / Sandringham Zebras, VFL
State: Victoria (Metro)
Height: 203cm
Weight: 94kg
Date of Birth: 05/11/01

Resilient young ruckman who has overcome adversity with injury, illness as well as pandemic shutdowns in the last three years. Has a very impressive, athletic profile, competing at state level in the 800 metres and high jump, indicating he has some of the physical traits of the modern ruckman. Still developing his ruck craft and positioning around the ground to impact the game, but has shown distinct promise to be selected in the Victorian Young Guns game this year, as well as playing four matches with the Sandringham Dragons for an average of 10.2 disposals, three marks and 12.5 hitouts.



Jordan Lukac
Woodville-West Torrens, SANFL / Henley Sharks FC
State: South Australia
Height: 196cm
Weight: 88kg
Date of Birth: 18/09/02

Tall forward who captained his side at under-18s level and has shown he can impose himself with his physical presence, athleticism, and skill in important games. He kicked five goals in the preliminary final for the Eagles and two goals in a winning Grand Final team, bringing his total to 35 goals in 15 matches this year. Had a taste of open-aged football, with three games at reserves level. He also represented South Australia in three under-19 games this year. Missed nearly two years of football due to stress fractures, but has plenty of upside and is now beginning to put his game together. Impressed with his 2.98 seconds for 20 metres at the NAB AFL Draft Combine in SA. Is of African descent with his mother born in Zimbabwe.

[The Doctor]

Re: 2021 draft watch

CONT


Sam Paea
Calder Cannons, NAB League / Aberfeldie FC
State: Victoria (Metro)
Height: 194cm
Weight: 94kg
Date of Birth: 14/07/02

Tall forward whose hard running allows him to consistently present as a marking target up forward. Strong overhead and good below the knees, he was a member of the Victoria Metro under-19 squad as well as playing in the Young Guns game earlier in the year. Strong performer for the Calder Cannons in seven games, and outstanding late in the shortened season, kicking four goals against the Jets and five goals against the Falcons to be his team's best. Had a taste of VFL with Essendon as he continued his development. Comes from a sporting family with father representing New Zealand in basketball.



Luke Polson
Peel Thunder FC, WAFL / Warnbro FC
State: Western Australia
Height: 194cm
Weight: 92kg
Date of Birth: 10/04/03

Tall forward who can also pinch hit in the ruck for his team, using his athletic ability, particularly his speed, to win the ball through the midfield. Been a dominant player at under-18s level for Peel, averaging 16.8 disposals, 3.8 marks and kicking 14 goals before debuting at League level late in the year that gave him a glimpse of the requirements for the next level. First appeared on the radar when he represented Western Australian at under-16s representative level in 2019. Played two matches for his state at under-19s level against South Australia, providing a strong presence up forward in both matches.


Josh Rentsch
GWV Rebels, NAB League / Penshurst FC / Ballarat Grammar
State: Victoria (Country)
Height: 197cm
Weight: 100kg
Date of Birth: 14/09/03

Tall forward who plays with a real physical presence up forward for his team. A natural leader on the field, he is very team oriented as well as being a strong mark both on the lead and overhead. He showcased his prowess in representing Victoria Country in AFL Challenge match this year. Developed another string to his bow this season, assisting with ruck duties up forward and around the ground, using his ruck craft to help his team dominate clearances. Played nine matches for the Rebels, averaging 11.8 disposals 8.8 hitouts and 1.6 goals, and was a very worthy joint winner of the Morrish Medal as the NAB League’s best-and-fairest player and selected in the Team of the Year.



Jake South
Subiaco FC, WAFL / Carine JFC
State: Western Australia
Height: 196cm
Weight: 91kg
Date of Birth: 25/03/02

Athletic ruckman who competes aggressively and with great intensity. His second efforts often allow his team to win clearances, and he has clean hands below the knees, good composure, and is a sound kick. Been impressive in 10 matches at under-18s level in the WAFL, averaging 12.1 disposals, 2.6 matches with 15 hitouts, as well as being among his state’s best in the win over South Australia in the NAB AFL U19 Championship match in August, having 16 disposals, six clearances and 11 hitouts.



Will Splann
Tasmania Devils, NAB League / North Hobart FC / Guildford Young College
State: Tasmania
Height: 195cm
Weight: 90kg
Date of Birth: 25/10/03

Indigenous tall forward who is also capable of playing in defence. Still has massive upside having missed almost two years due to injury/illness, but his undoubted potential began to unfold with some exciting performances for the Tasmania Devils this year in the NAB League. His three goals from six marks against the Bushrangers gave a thin slice of what he is capable of as a forward. His attack on the ball in the air and strong hands are real weapons. Played six matches, averaging nine disposals and 3.4 marks for the Devils in the NAB League this season as well as playing some eye-catching matches for North Hobart late in the year.



Oscar Steene
West Adelaide, SANFL / Goodwood FC / Adelaide High School
State: South Australia
Height: 201cm
Weight: 85kg
Date of Birth: 23/08/03

Developing ruckman who can go forward and have an impact on the scoreboard. Played 15 games at under-18s level this season, averaging 11.8 disposals and 19 hitouts for Westies, as well as putting in strong performances for South Australia in under-19 state matches against Western Australia (on two occasions) and against the Allies to average nine disposals and 17 hitouts. Earned a late call-up to the NAB AFL Draft Combine but was unable to test due to injury.



Ned Stevens
Northern Territory Thunder / Gold Coast Academy / Waratah FC / Labrador FC
State: Northern Territory
Height: 194cm
Weight: 83kg
Date of Birth: 07/06/03

Tall forward from the Northern Territory who has also represented the Territory in basketball. With his natural leap and mobility, first caught the AFL eye when he represented NT in the NAB AFL U16 Championships in 2019. Has since relocated to Queensland, joining the Gold Coast Academy to pursue a potential AFL career. Has had an injury interrupted year but returned late in the season with Labrador.



Dante Visentini
Sandringham Dragons, NAB League
State: Victoria (Metro)
Height: 201cm
Weight: 88kg
Date of Birth: 13/02/03

Imposing athletic tall forward whose overhead marking is his competitive advantage, along with his height. Presents well as a target and provides that vital contest which brings the ball to ground if he doesn’t mark, providing his team with opportunities. Very useful option also in the ruck, a role he played this year for both Victoria Metro at under-19s level (11 disposals and 10 hitouts) as well as for the Sandringham Dragons in six matches, averaging 10.3 disposals, 2.8 marks and 8.5 hitouts.



Patrick Voss
Oakleigh Chargers, NAB League / GWS Giants Academy / Turvey Park FC / Wesley College
State: New South Wales / ACT
Height: 194cm
Weight: 84kg
Date of Birth: 29/06/03

Tall forward who also looks comfortable in defence, bringing his sharp, competitive edge, strong marking, and aggressive tackling to the fore. An athletic type who works hard up and back as a forward, he’s also courageous in his attack on the ball and brings a real physical presence for his team. From the Riverina of NSW, he attends Wesley College in Melbourne, sharing his football with the Oakleigh Chargers whilst still a member of the GWS Giants Academy. Impressed for Chargers in seven matches, averaging 14.7 disposals, 5.6 marks and 0.6 goals.



Jack Williams
East Fremantle FC, WAFL / Rossmoyne FC
State: Western Australia
Height: 195cm
Weight: 94kg
Date of Birth: 01/12/03

Tall forward who is constantly on the move and presenting as a marking target up forward for his team using his vice like grip in front and overhead to great effect. Been an outstanding player at Under 18s level in WAFL playing 15 matches and averaging 14.6 disposals, 5.9 marks and kicking 40 goals as well as being prominent for Western Australia in two of its wins over South Australia in the Under 19s matches being very prominent in final match with 16 disposals, taking 7 marks and kicking 2 goals to be among his side’s best players. A member of the NAB AFL Academy he also showed his AFL promise in representing Australia in a representative match against Geelong’s VFL team back in April.

[josie]

Re: 2021 draft watch

Thanks Doctor.

Apart from FS Sam Darcy, who if any of these maybe more likely to slip down order to where we still have picks?

[GVGjr]

Re: 2021 draft watch

Thanks Doctor.

Apart from FS Sam Darcy, who if any of these maybe more likely to slip down order to where we still have picks?

I'll get busy with some suggestions in the next few days.

[Axe Man]

Re: 2021 draft watch

South Australia’s top 10 mature-age draft hopefuls

Sam Skinner wants another crack at the AFL.

Having successfully overcome three knee reconstructions and then shining in his first season in the SANFL with South Adelaide this year, the 24-year-old says he is ready – physically and mentally – to jump back into the big league.

Declaring his rebuilt knees had not troubled him for years, Skinner said he has plenty to offer an AFL club and just needs another opportunity to prove himself.

“The main reason I moved to the SANFL was to play in the best competition outside the AFL to potentially give myself another shot at getting on a (AFL) list,’’ Skinner said.

“The first half of the year was a little bit different for my partner (Charlotte) and me, moving from interstate and coming off two months training with North Melbourne.

“But once I settled in I started playing better footty and especially when I moved down back (in the second half of the season).

“I felt a heap more comfortable down there and was able to probably show why I have been on lists for a while, which was nice.’’

The 198cm Skinner, who had trained with the Kangaroos in the hope of being thrown an AFL lifeline in the pre-season before being overlooked, spent the first half of the year with the Panthers stationed in attack before moving to centre half-back and starring.

He turned heads with a standout first semi-final performance against Norwood, where he took 11 intercept marks – the most in a SANFL game since the statistic started being recorded in 2010.

“I hadn’t played down there for three years and forgot how much I enjoyed playing there,’’ Skinner said.

“I was drafted as a defender but since my recos I’ve played mainly as a forward. But I found my love for playing as a defender again this year.’’

Skinner, who was drafted by Brisbane at pick 47 at the 2015 national draft from Gippsland Power, had three knee reconstructions by the time he was 20, derailing his career.

He played three AFL games in five years on the Lions’ list from 2016-20 before being delisted.

“I often get asked about how my knees are holding up but, touch wood, I haven’t had any problems with them since my last surgery (at the end of 2017),’’ Skinner said.

“I feel really good, having been able to get some good, consistent footy under my belt, particularly this year, and I’d love another chance in the AFL.

“I still feel I’ve got a bit to prove, especially having gone through those three knee reconstructions, and would love for all my hard work to be rewarded.’’

Skinner has fielded some minor interest from AFL clubs, with Port Adelaide one of those linked with him.

With Woodville-West Torrens premiership small forward Tyson Stengle having already been handed a third AFL lifeline by Geelong, which has secured him as a delisted free agent after stints at Richmond and Adelaide, Skinner is among the top mature-age SANFL prospects hoping to find an AFL home for next season.

[GVGjr]

Re: 2021 draft watch

He'd be a nice addition for us and provide some KP depth.

He is also coming off a strong season and appears to quite adept with his intercept marking.
Given we are right in a premiership window I have we have a close look at him.

[Mofra]

Re: 2021 draft watch

IIRC we were interested in his draft year but Brisbane took him just before our pick - so we took Bailey Williams instead

[azabob]

Re: 2021 draft watch

IIRC we were interested in his draft year but Brisbane took him just before our pick - so we took Bailey Williams instead

Yeah, we'd be happy with that.

[jazzadogs]

Re: 2021 draft watch

Skinner has been signed to Port Adelaide as a free agent.

[GVGjr]

Re: 2021 draft watch

Skinner has been signed to Port Adelaide as a free agent.

I think that is a good pick up for them.