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Western Bulldogs: 2016 Premiers -
Re: 2022 Draft Watch
Where do we sign for Ethan Phillips? Sounds ideal and at 198cm is close to BAD's +200cm requirement.Comment
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Re: 2022 Draft Watch
Probably not at 23. Someone will pick him up by the sounds of it.
AFL clubs keeping eye on latest VFL Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal winner Ethan Phillips
Another Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal winner could join the AFL ranks at season's end, with the VFL's latest winner of the heralded honour understood to be gaining attention from the top flight.
The Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal has seen its past 15 recipients go on to play AFL football, a list that includes recently retired triple premiership Tiger Kane Lambert, Dockers defender Luke Ryan, premiership Demons duo Bayley Fritsch and Michael Hibberd, former Docker and Sun Michael Barlow, and ex-Roo and Tiger Robbie Nahas.
The award is handed to the most promising young payer in the VFL.
2021 winner Charlie Dean was drafted to Collingwood in last year's Rookie Draft as the second overall selection, joining the Magpies after a stellar season with Williamstown.
The former Seagulls defender has endured an injury-interrupted campaign this year, but firms as a future asset after re-signing with Collingwood until the end of 2024 in April.
Attention is now turning to Port Melbourne's Ethan Phillips, who took out the Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal during Monday's VFL Awards night, capping off a dominant campaign in defence for the Borough.
Phillips averaged 19.6 disposals and 9.8 marks in 2022 to earn full-back honours in the VFL Team of the Year, placing alongside former Hawk Teia Miles, ex-Demon Marty Hore and Swans youngster Will Gould in the side's backline.
Now potentially in line to follow in the footsteps of previous Fothergill-Round-Mitchell medallists, Phillips is already in the sites of AFL clubs.
Speaking to CODE Sports, Borough coach Adam Skrobalak revealed he has taken "five or six" calls from AFL clubs inquiring about Phillips, stating his star defender would be ready for the jump.
“I think he settled into his role, he’s got a good number of games under his belt now, he’s 23, he’s got a mature body, he’s stable off-field and he understands what it takes at the level,’’ Skrobalak said.
“All those things go into it, and we had a game plan where he could go over and intercept and beat his opponent one-on-one with aggressive positioning.
“It sort of super-charged the way he played. He’s got beautiful hands and reads the ball very well off the boot. But him getting a bit more belief into what he could do was a big part of his improvement. Yes, we set it up for him a little bit, but he really took the opportunity and ran with it. The belief thing was big for him.’
"...I think he’s got enough upside to play AFL.
"Being in a full-time system would help him a lot. A pre-season in the gym, some more run under his belt, more learnings about the game … I definitely think there’s something there."
Phillips is 23 years old and would be of interest to several clubs needing to bolster their key defensive stocks for next season.
Tall defenders have become in demand this off-season, with Fremantle's Griffin Logue, Crow Billy Frampton and Sydney's Lewis Melican among those linked to the exit.Comment
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Re: 2022 Draft Watch
2022 AFL U/18 All Australian Team
Back Pocket
Jed Hagan (Western Australia/East Fremantle/Brigades)
Date of Birth: 15/10/04; Height: 175cm; Weight: 73kg
Versatile player who played in all parts of the ground in the Championships, averaging 17 disposals (75% efficiency) and four tackles. Was among his team’s best players in all three matches, always playing with passion and determination that belies his physical size.
Full Back
Josh Weddle (Victoria Metro/Oakleigh Chargers/Eltham)
Date of Birth: 25/05/04; Height: 192cm; Weight: 89kg
Rock solid in defence in all matches for Victoria Metro. His intercept marking, strength one-on-one and dash from the back half are features of his game. Averaged 15 disposals, four marks, three tackles and four rebound 50s per game in an impressive Championships.
Back Pocket
Lewis Hayes (Victoria Metro/Eastern Ranges/Lysterfield)
Date of Birth: 17/12/04; Height: 197cm; Weight: 81kg
Tall and agile defender who made great decisions on when to mark or spoil, as well as being neat with his ball use on the way out of defence. Averaged 17 disposals (91% efficiency), six marks and five rebound 50s to be an important cog in Victoria Metro’s Championships-winning team.
Half Back Flank
Lachlan Cowan (Allies/Tasmania Devils/North Launceston)
Date of Birth: 01/12/04; Height: 188cm; Weight: 81kg
A strong and powerful medium defender who intercepted extremely well and provided dash for the Allies. Averaged 22 disposals (75% efficiency), four tackles and six rebound 50s to be consistently one of his team’s best players. Being named an All-Australian capped off a superb year for Cowan, who was the joint winner of the NAB League’s Morrish Medal.
Centre Half Back
Jedd Busslinger (Western Australia/East Perth/Coolbinia)
Date of Birth: 11/03/04; Height: 196cm; Weight: 83kg
A tall defender whose intercept marking is a feature of his game, along with his precise ball use and composure. Was among his side’s best in matches against Victoria Metro and the Allies, averaging 22 disposals (75% efficiency) seven marks and five rebound 50s, before being curtailed by a shoulder injury.
Half Back Flank
Harley Reid (Victoria Country/Bendigo Pioneers/Tongala)
Date of Birth: 17/04/05; Height: 185cm; Weight: 78kg
A versatile bottom-aged player who was outstanding for his team predominantly in defence. His contested marking, line-breaking speed and precise ball use are all features of his play. Moved forward in the final quarter of the deciding match of the Championships and almost lifted Victoria Country over the line with two goals from contested marks. Averaged 20 disposals (83% efficiency) and seven marks.
Wing
Jaspa Fletcher (Allies/Brisbane Lions Academy/Sherwood)
Date of Birth: 24/02/04; Height: 184cm; Weight: 73kg
A medium midfielder who played on both the inside and outside. Key features of his game include his step through traffic, composure with the ball and ability to win the contested ball. Averaged 23 disposals (78% efficiency) and three tackles. Also won the Hunter Harrison Medal as the Best and Fairest player in the Academy series as part of selection for the Allies.
Centre
Will Ashcroft (Victoria Metro/Sandringham Dragons/Old Brighton Grammarians)
Date of Birth: 06/05/04; Height: 183cm; Weight: 79kg
Exciting midfielder who dominated throughout the Championships. Averaged 33 disposals, 15 contested possessions, nine clearances and six tackles to completely impose himself on all matches. Won the ball on both the inside and outside with an exciting burst of speed. His influence on games was a major factor in Victoria Metro winning the Championships. Won both his side’s MVP and the Larke Medal as the Best and Fairest player of the Championships.
Wing
Jaxon Binns (Victoria Country/Dandenong Stingrays/Berwick)
Date of Birth: 29/10/04; Height: 182cm; Weight: 72kg
Played on the wing for the majority of the Championships and was a running machine, averaging 26 disposals and six marks per game. Has the ability to find space as well as connect with teammates, as demonstrated by averaging 11 handball receives. He provided consistent forward entries for this team with his 39 disposal game against the Allies, which was an outstanding individual performance.
Half Forward Flank
Harry Rowston (Allies/GWS Giants Academy/Calder Cannons/Griffith Swans)
Date of Birth: 12/08/04; Height: 182cm; Weight: 78kg
A midfielder/forward who excelled in both roles. Was a prolific ball winner in the centre of the ground and kicked important goals for his team when forward for the Allies. Averaged 23 disposals (72% efficiency) with 10 contested possessions. Was a model of consistency throughout the Championships and won the Allies’ MVP award.
Centre Half Forward
Jed Walter (Allies/Gold Coast Suns Academy/Palm Beach Currumbin)
Date of Birth: 08/06/05; Height: 195cm; Weight: 91kg
Bottom-aged tall forward who played with a real physical presence up forward. His attack on the ball in marking contests and at ground level was a real asset. Also used his speed and agility to great effect. Averaged nine disposals and four marks, which belied his real influence as he kicked multiple goals in three matches and finished with nine goals for the Championships.
Half Forward Flank
Cameron Mackenzie (Victoria Metro/Sandringham Dragons/Beaumaris)
Date of Birth: 21/01/04; Height: 187cm; Weight: 80kg
A medium midfielder who had an ultra-consistent Championship, averaging 25 disposals (75% efficiency) with an excellent balance of contested possessions (10) and uncontested possessions (15). Used his elite speed, along with his vision and neat disposal to set up his team forward of centre.
Forward Pocket
Harry Sheezel (Victoria Metro/Sandringham Dragons/Ajax)
Date of Birth: 13/10/04; Height: 183cm; Weight: 74kg
Medium forward who showed a touch of class with a special ability to make something out of nothing around the goals. Kicked eight majors for the Championships, as well as averaging 15 disposals and three marks. Showed the ability to read the cues ahead of others, with his crafty winning of the ball whether in the air or off hands. Always looked dangerous and capable of turning opponents inside out.
Full Forward
Aaron Cadman (Victoria Country/GWV Rebels/Darley)
Date of Birth: 03/03/04; Height: 194cm; Weight: 88kg
A left-footed tall forward with a vice-like grip overhead. Averaged six marks and 14 disposals to be a real standout performer for Victoria Country. Kicked 10 goals for the Championships, including three goals in the deciding match against Victoria Metro, when he was one of the most influential players on the ground.
Forward Pocket
Matthew Jefferson (Victoria Metro/Oakleigh Chargers/Ashburton)
Date of Birth: 08/03/04; Height: 195cm; Weight: 78kg
A tall forward whose marking both on the lead and in a contested situation was his weapon. Averaged four marks and nine disposals to be the key deep target for the Championships-winning team. Finished with 14 goals overall, including seven goals against Western Australia in a standout performance.
Ruck
Harry Barnett (South Australia/West Adelaide/Goodwood)
Date of Birth: 22/01/04; Height: 202cm; Weight: 93kg
A strong-marking ruckman and tall forward who showed a real physical presence around the ball, as well as impressive ruck craft and strong hands overhead. Was his team’s best player in their narrow loss to Victoria Country, which was his standout performance. Averaged 12 disposals and 15 hitouts in his three matches, being the best performed ruckman despite missing one game.
Ruck Rover
Reuben Ginbey (Western Australia/East Perth/Dunsborough)
Date of Birth: 10/09/04; Height: 188cm; Weight: 81kg
Left-footed midfielder who was outstanding in winning contested ball and showed a real burst of speed from stoppage. Averaged 21 disposals, 10 contested possessions, four tackles and three clearances to be a shining light for Western Australia. Considered more of a defender coming into the Championships, he was his team’s best player against the Allies and Victoria Country and consistent in other matches to win Western Australia’s MVP award.
Rover
Jhye Clark (Victoria Country/Geelong Falcons/Queenscliff)
Date of Birth: 23/07/04; Height: 180cm; Weight: 77kg
Hard-edged midfielder who attacked the ball aggressively and distributed it neatly by both hand and foot on either side of his body. Also displayed hard running both ways. Averaged 23 disposals (70% efficiency), four clearances and five tackles in an outstanding Championships. Finished runner-up in the Larke Medal, as well as winning Victoria Country’s MVP award.
Interchange
Adam D’Aloia (South Australia/Woodville West Torrens/Henley)
Date of Birth: 09/04/04; Height: 186cm; Weight: 86kg
A strong-bodied medium midfielder who was ultra-consistent for South Australia throughout the Championships. Averaged 24 disposals (78% efficiency), with 14 contested possessions and five inside 50s to take out his team’s MVP award.
Oliver Hollands (Victoria Country/Murray Bushrangers/Wodonga)
Date of Birth: 16/01/04; Height: 183cm; Weight: 73kg
Medium midfielder who used his elite aerobic capacity, courage and clean hands to be a prolific ball winner for Victoria Country. Averaged 24 disposals (75% efficiency) and four tackles to be one of his team’s consistent performers throughout the Championships.
Olli Hotton (Victoria Metro/Sandringham Dragons/Hampton Rovers)
Date of Birth: 06/09/04; Height: 181cm; Weight: 77kg
Quick and agile forward with a very good feel for the game. Got into dangerous spots to create for his team throughout the Championships. Averaged 17 disposals, seven contested possessions and finished with six goals across four matches. Was outstanding in Victoria Metro’s comprehensive win over South Australia, with 24 disposals and three goals.
Darcy Jones (Western Australia/Swan Districts/Kalamunda)
Date of Birth: 03/04/04; Height: 174cm; Weight: 63kg
A small midfielder who is quick, skilful and has footy smarts, all attributes which were displayed prominently in his three matches. Averaged 20 disposals and eight contested possessions per game, as well as finishing with four goals. Missed one match but was an eyecatcher for his team.
Max Michalanney (South Australia/Norwood/ Glenunga)
Date of Birth: 26/02/04; Height: 192cm; Weight: 78kg
Mobile defender who used his reach and speed to negate the effectiveness of his opponents throughout the Championships. Was South Australia’s best player in its win over the Allies and narrow loss to Victoria Country. Averaged 13 disposals (72% efficiency) and five tackles per game.
Coach
Jason Davenport (Victoria Metro)
Players by team
Victoria Metro: (7) Will Ashcroft, Lewis Hayes, Olli Hotton, Matthew Jefferson, Cameron Mackenzie, Harry Sheezel, Josh Weddle
Victoria Country: (5) Jaxon Binns, Aaron Cadman, Jhye Clark, Oliver Hollands, Harley Reid
Allies: (4) Lachlan Cowan, Jaspa Fletcher, Harry Rowston, Jed Walter
Western Australia: (4) Jedd Busslinger, Reuben Ginbey, Jed Hagan, Darcy Jones
South Australia: (3) Harry Barnett, Adam D’Aloia, Max MichalanneyListening to Brahm's 3rd RacketComment
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Re: 2022 Draft Watch
2 bottom agers in the U18 AA team. 21 of them have been invited to the combine.Western Bulldogs Football Club "Where it's cool to drool"Comment
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Re: 2022 Draft Watch
I really enjoy having all the draft talent information on one thread. Anyone got some recommendations on players to keep an eye on even if its not for the Dogs?Doing my best to use emojis more frequently :oComment
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Re: 2022 Draft Watch
Yeah he's a nice hard working player and would fit on a wing. Think he will have a good career.
It doesn't look like we will have many pics in the draft this year. I'm hoping we look for a bit of impact or x factor in our selections. Guys who can kick and create goals. Such a pity George had such an injury riddled year. He might have been that guy. Not saying we should do it but even a guy like Munkara or that type of player to add to the mid/forward line. Perhaps Darcy Jones even though our list is overloaded with smalls (many OOC next year) I just don't want treadmill runners and vanilla types.Listening to Brahm's 3rd RacketComment
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Re: 2022 Draft Watch
Draft Profiles from The Australian
Listening to Brahm's 3rd RacketComment
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Re: 2022 Draft Watch
I like your thinking. It was one of the reasons why I was a bit focused on Humphreys who has some of that x factor. I suspect he will be gone before our pick though.
Our draft fortunes might all hinge on what we get for Dunkley and if we get a trade done for Lobb.Western Bulldogs Football Club "Where it's cool to drool"Comment
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Western Bulldogs Football Club "Where it's cool to drool"Comment
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Re: 2022 Draft Watch
Van Es didn't have a great game against Metro.
I like the SA boys, especially Dowling. I wonder where he'll end up in the draft.
Bond is a tidy player who I'm keen to follow.
There's a few who I'll watch with interest to see if they can translate their U18 form into becoming AFL players. Binns, Keeler, Konstanty, and Hustwaite have AFL attributes but also have weaknesses that they'll need to develop to make the next level. They'll be interesting ones to watch.
Barnett is also impressive although I think he could end up becoming a quality Key position player.Comment
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Re: 2022 Draft Watch
Jaiden Magor could be a steal, although by the above draft profile it sounds like he's attracting a lot of interest. Dominated at SANFL level and he was playing quite well at championship level before injury hit him after half time against the Allies.Comment
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