2023 Draft Watch

[Mantis]

Re: 2023 Draft Watch

Good article from Ben Waterworth on the state of play post champs. He seems to have a good grasp on the prospects for this years draft.

https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/draft/afl-draft-2023-prospects-rankings-bolters-sliders-after-national-championships-stats-luamon-lual-western-bulldogs/news-story/51e1f87bd14058eaa9acc0f83e1a817e

"Athletic 200cm key forward ? and 2023 Western Bulldogs father-son prospect ? Jordan Croft booted four goals from three champs games and has lots of fans,"

"There's also growing excitement around exciting GWV Rebels defender Luamon Lual, who got better with every champs game he played and finished on a high with a spectacular performance against Vic Metro, including a breathtaking third-quarter goal. A speedy and balanced 181cm prospect who provides explosive run off half-back yet is just as adept defending one-on-one, Lual looms as an ideal mid-sized backman for AFL clubs.

The Western Bulldogs, who are linked to Lual via their Next Generation Academy, are hoping that club will be them. But they'll only be able to match a bid on him if it comes within the top 40 picks and considering the post-champs hype around Lual from clubs, it seems highly unlikely he'll still be on the board by then."

I thought we could only match a bid if it comes outside the top 40 picks??

[bulldogtragic]

Re: 2023 Draft Watch

I thought we could only match a bid if it comes outside the top 40 picks??

I think the journo was a little tired, and doesn?t have an AFEL knowledgeable editor. He got the pick 40 right, but the side of it wrong. Or missed the word ?doesn?t?. You?re dead right.

[The Doctor]

Re: 2023 Draft Watch

I thought we could only match a bid if it comes outside the top 40 picks??

BT is right. We can't match a bid inside the top 40.

The NGA is a farce. You can put years of work into some of these kids and then not have the right to recruit them. So why bother? I like the NGA idea, subject to tightening eligibility somewhat, and clubs should be able to match bids. Or scrap the clubs involvement all together and make it a junior pathways program perhaps linked to the U/18 competition.

[Grantysghost]

Re: 2023 Draft Watch

BT is right. We can't match a bid inside the top 40.

The NGA is a farce. You can put years of work into some of these kids and then not have the right to recruit them. So why bother? I like the NGA idea, subject to tightening eligibility somewhat, and clubs should be able to match bids. Or scrap the clubs involvement all together and make it a junior pathways program perhaps linked to the U/18 competition.

Top 20 makes way more sense. What a dumb knee jerk reaction to the Jamarra situation. Clearly some powerful people had a significant whinge.

[GVGjr]

Re: 2023 Draft Watch

Top 20 makes way more sense. What a dumb knee jerk reaction to the Jamarra situation. Clearly some powerful people had a significant whinge.

I seem to recall that the Saints made a complaint about us landing Marra even though we paid a bit to get him and if their vote counted for much they eventually stiffed themselves out of landing Cam McKenzie last year.
I get there needs to be a bit of a balance so that the process doesn't get rorted but the pick 40 benchmark needs to come in to about the end of the first round.

[Grantysghost]

Re: 2023 Draft Watch

I seem to recall that the Saints made a complaint about us landing Marra even though we paid a bit to get him and if their vote counted for much they eventually stiffed themselves out of landing Cam McKenzie last year.
I get there needs to be a bit of a balance so that the process doesn't get rorted but the pick 40 benchmark needs to come in to about the end of the first round.

Melbourne missed Mac Andrew too.

[Bulldog Joe]

Re: 2023 Draft Watch

I seem to recall that the Saints made a complaint about us landing Marra even though we paid a bit to get him and if their vote counted for much they eventually stiffed themselves out of landing Cam McKenzie last year.
I get there needs to be a bit of a balance so that the process doesn't get rorted but the pick 40 benchmark needs to come in to about the end of the first round.

Melbourne missed Mac Andrew too.

Classic cases of be careful what you wish for as you may get.

No doubt the rule will change again, probably when Essendon or Carlton have an NGA more highly rated.

[GVGjr]

Re: 2023 Draft Watch

There were numerous rucks who showed a bit that should appeal to us as late selections or rookies. will comment on them later in the season.

majority of the players I have mentioned above are forward half players who specialise. Its is the area of our list that I think is weakest so I focussed a bit on players who can deliver I50 or can score themselves.

It's a great list you assembled Doc and I agree with your assessment that half forwards (and in my opinion wingers) need to be a bit of a focus for us particularly if we can also identify ones who can kick some goals.

With that in mind I'd like to hear your thoughts on some other players

Harry DeMattia who is a speedy winger and midfielder
Koltyn Tholstrup who looks more of a half forward but has done some run with roles
Darcy Wilson who is a classic winger but can also score a goal or two
Koen Sanchez who was very impressive at times for WA and is a midfielder HFF player
George Stevens who I know you're right across
Joel Freijah who is a big winger
Tom Anastasopoulos who can also kick a goal
Oskar Smartt who I think was a bit of a quiet achiever

And finally Luamon Lual who had an impressive game against Vic Metro

[hujsh]

Re: 2023 Draft Watch

I think a great pickup for us would be a half forward who will in time become a mid. With our strong midfield it's been hard for the likes of West/Garcia to cement roles as half forwards but a development path similar to Rayner or Petracca where a player with more natural forward instincts/abilities plays that role with an occasional taste of the midfield until they're ready to take over for the older mids we now have would be perfect.

[Mofra]

Re: 2023 Draft Watch

Good article from Ben Waterworth on the state of play post champs. He seems to have a good grasp on the prospects for this years draft.

https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/draft/afl-draft-2023-prospects-rankings-bolters-sliders-after-national-championships-stats-luamon-lual-western-bulldogs/news-story/51e1f87bd14058eaa9acc0f83e1a817e

"Athletic 200cm key forward ? and 2023 Western Bulldogs father-son prospect ? Jordan Croft booted four goals from three champs games and has lots of fans,"

"There?s also growing excitement around exciting GWV Rebels defender Luamon Lual, who got better with every champs game he played and finished on a high with a spectacular performance against Vic Metro, including a breathtaking third-quarter goal. A speedy and balanced 181cm prospect who provides explosive run off half-back yet is just as adept defending one-on-one, Lual looms as an ideal mid-sized backman for AFL clubs.

The Western Bulldogs, who are linked to Lual via their Next Generation Academy, are hoping that club will be them. But they?ll only be able to match a bid on him if it comes within the top 40 picks ? and considering the post-champs hype around Lual from clubs, it seems highly unlikely he?ll still be on the board by then."

Interesting to read the comments on Ollie Murphy. O'Sullivan seems a lot more highly rated but I loved the games from Murphy at the champs. Still a stick, didn't realize he's grown 2cm this year (was listed at 198cm previously).

[GVGjr]

Re: 2023 Draft Watch

Interesting to read the comments on Ollie Murphy. O'Sullivan seems a lot more highly rated but I loved the games from Murphy at the champs. Still a stick, didn't realize he's grown 2cm this year (was listed at 198cm previously).

O'Sullivan is a fantastic prospect and even though our focus this year is likely to be more around mids I'd be very excited if we landed him.
Murphy was impressive performer through the champs and while he will take some time to fill out and add some strength he'd be another good addition.

[The Doctor]

Re: 2023 Draft Watch

It's a great list you assembled Doc and I agree with your assessment that half forwards (and in my opinion wingers) need to be a bit of a focus for us particularly if we can also identify ones who can kick some goals.

With that in mind I'd like to hear your thoughts on some other players

Harry DeMattia who is a speedy winger and midfielder
Koltyn Tholstrup who looks more of a half forward but has done some run with roles
Darcy Wilson who is a classic winger but can also score a goal or two
Koen Sanchez who was very impressive at times for WA and is a midfielder HFF player
George Stevens who I know you're right across
Joel Freijah who is a big winger
Tom Anastasopoulos who can also kick a goal
Oskar Smartt who I think was a bit of a quiet achiever

And finally Luamon Lual who had an impressive game against Vic Metro

Harry De Mattia - I like his speed and breakaway pace. Seems to have leadership traits. I noticed at 1/2 time in one of the champs matches he was in the rooms with his midfield team mates gathered around him and he was speaking to them, and they were listening. He wasnt a prolific ball getter at the champs but I expect there could be some upside with him. His focus has been cricket.

Koltyn Tholstrup - I expect he will go in the first round which is why I didn't include him in my earlier list which was focussed on possible later round options. He would be a good fit for us I would think. Seems to have a bit of power and good ball user. I could see him slotting in at half forward. MJP will have a better idea of him than me.

Darcy Wilson - would be the perfect fit for our needs. Gets a lot of the ball, uses it well and kicks lots of goals. Can play wing, half forward or deep forward and play them all very well. Has been playing for Metro since U/12's. My question mark on him is his contested ball work.

Koen Sanchez - I always like players who know how to kick goals and create goal scoring opportunities. He is one of the best small forwards in this year's draft. Clever player.

George Stevens - He is very good! A powerhouse and excellent kick. What will be his best position at AFL level? Midfield or across half back? I see him as a Luke Hodge style strong and creative half back myself.

Joel Freijah - He didn't quite hit the heights I was hoping for at the champs but we saw his capabilities in the 3rd term especially v Metro. I do like him. Great size for a winger and can go into the centre square effectively as well. You can even throw him in at full forward too, which Ive seen him do for GWV Rebels. Reminds me a bit of a young Isaac Smith. Could go first round which could be 47 picks long with all the Academy, Father/son, Free Agency compensations, & possible draft concessions. If West Coast get a priority pick I will "spew up" or lolNorf. Could be the most compromised Draft since GWS came in.

Tom Anasatsopoulos - was in great goal scoring form for Geelong early this season. Didn't quite do that at the champs although played well v Metro. Not quite sold on him. Might be a rookie option.

Oskar Smartt - didn't really stand out in any way that I noticed. Did a few nice things but not sure what his elite trait is.

[The Doctor]

Re: 2023 Draft Watch

Lual - every time I have seen him this year he hasn't performed all that well. Until the Metro game. That was easily the best game Ive seen him play. I don't see him as a first rounder. Maybe a second rounder. GWV are a good team this year and should play finals. Hopefully he finishes the year strongly. He could be a small lock down defender for us but I would like to see more of what he did v Metro consistently.

[The Doctor]

Re: 2023 Draft Watch

AFL Draft Combine Invites

VIC METRO

Nate Caddy (Northern Knights)
Matthew Carroll (Sandringham Dragons)
Jordan Croft (Calder Cannons)
Will Green (Northern Knights)
Harvey Johnston (Sandringham Dragons)
Luke Lloyd (Sandringham Dragons)
Will Lorenz (Oakleigh Chargers)
Logan Morris (Western Jets)
Oliver Murphy (Sandringham Dragons)
Cameron Nyko (Eastern Ranges)
Tarkyn O'Leary (Sandringham Dragons)
Nathan Philactides (Oakleigh Chargers)
Archie Roberts (Sandringham Dragons)
Vigo Visentini (Sandringham Dragons)
Nick Watson (Eastern Ranges)
Caleb Windsor (Eastern Ranges)


VIC COUNTRY

Wil Dawson (Gippsland Power)
Kade De La Rue (Dandenong Stingrays)
Harry DeMattia (Dandenong Stingrays)
Zane Duursma (Gippsland Power)
Joel Freijah (Greater Western Victoria Rebels)
Angus Hastie (Geelong Falcons)
Luamon Lual (Greater Western Victoria Rebels)
Archer Reid (Gippsland Power)
Harley Reid (Bendigo Pioneers)
Oscar Ryan (Murray Bushrangers)
Cooper Simpson (Dandenong Stingrays)
George Stevens (Greater Western Victoria Rebels)
Darcy Wilson (Murray Bushrangers)


SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Jack Delean (South Adelaide)
Taylor Goad (South Adelaide)
Kane McAuliffe (North Adelaide)
Will McCabe (Central District)
Ashton Moir (Glenelg)
Will Patton (West Adelaide)
Bodie Ryan (Glenelg)


WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Lance Collard (Subiaco)
Daniel Curtin (Claremont)
Mitch Edwards (Peel Thunder)
Clay Hall (Peel Thunder)
Riley Hardeman (Swan Districts)
Aiden O'Driscoll (Perth)
Koen Sanchez (East Fremantle)
Evan Smith (Swan Districts)
Koltyn Tholstrup (Subiaco)
Reece Torrent (Peel Thunder)
Xavier Walsh (East Perth)
Zane Zakostelsky (Claremont)


NSW-ACT

Caiden Cleary (Sydney Academy)
Phoenix Gothard (Murray Bushrangers)
Connor O'Sullivan (Murray Bushrangers)


QUEENSLAND

Will Graham (Gold Coast Academy)
Ethan Read (Gold Coast Academy)
Jake Rogers (Gold Coast Academy)
Jed Walter (Gold Coast Academy)


TASMANIA

Jack Callinan (Clarence)
James Leake (Launceston)
Colby McKercher (Launceston)
Ryley Sanders (Sandringham Dragons/North Launceston)
Arie Schoenmaker (Launceston)


NORTHERN TERRITORY

Will Rowlands (NT Academy/Norwood/Southern Districts)



2023 CURRENT STATE DRAFT COMBINE LIST
Tom Anastasopoulos (Geelong Falcons)
Will Brown (Sandringham Dragons)
Lachlan Cabor (Sydney Academy)
Jed Dignan (North Adelaide)
Logan Evans (Norwood)
Liam Fawcett (Central District)
Joe Fonti (Claremont)
Charlton Harrop (Sandringham Dragons)
Oscar Hine-Baston (Perth)
Tew Jiath (Gippsland Power)
Coen Livingstone (Perth)
Charlie McCormack (Greater Western Sydney Academy)
Heath Ollington (Tasmania Devils)
Loch Rawlinson (Sturt)
Patrick Snell (Brisbane Academy)
Harvey Thomas (Greater Western Sydney Academy/Oakleigh Chargers)
Orlando Turner (NT Academy/Norwood)
Sam van Rooyen (Claremont)
Nick Williams (Gold Coast Academy)
Billy Wilson (Dandenong Stingrays)

[GVGjr]

Re: 2023 Draft Watch

AFL Draft Intel:

A forward who kicked 19 goals in a game this year and a sibling of an AFL star have emerged as serious bolters. Plus, the latest on the top prospects, current order and the draft dates.

Another Lloyd kicking goals


A forward who kicked 19 goals in a game this year and a sibling of an AFL star have emerged as serious bolters. Plus, the latest on the top prospects, current order and the draft dates.

Another Lloyd kicking goals

A forward who kicked 19 goals in a game earlier this year has emerged as a draft bolter.

Sandringham Dragons forward Luke Lloyd has been invited to the AFL Draft Combine in October, generating plenty of interest from clubs despite missing the under-18 national championships.

A quad injury late in pre-season meant Lloyd missed the early rounds of the Coates League campaign for the Dragons and therefore missed selection for Vic Metro ahead of the championships.

However, Lloyd set a school record when he booted 19 goals for De La Salle in a match against Mazenod in May.

The 193cm forward has since produced some good form for the Dragons and has also featured in two VFL matches for Frankston in recent weeks.

"He's a third-tall forward of defender who's got fantastic hands," Dragons coach Rob Harding said.

"He's got as good a hands as any player in the Coates League.

"We've played him in a couple of different roles in his Dragons footy and he's had the opportunity to play a couple of games of VFL with Frankston, which has been great for his development. I think he's one of the most naturally talented footballers on our list this year."

Lloyd also has great athletic traits and works hard up the ground as a link-up forward.


Hawthorn defender Changkuoth Jiath could have a sibling join him at Waverley Park next year, with his younger brother Tew Jiath emerging as a genuine draft prospect.

Tew only joined the Gippsland Power program as a top-age player this year and was viewed as a prospect who could take some time to develop before making the step up to the AFL.

However, recruiters spoken to by this column said Tew was on their draft boards and of interest after some impressive development across the season.

Listed at 187cm, Tew measures 2cm more than his other brother and boasts a similarly impressive natural leap and amazing athleticism.

A defender who reads the play well, Tew logged 16 disposals and four intercept marks in Gippsland's most recent Coates Talent League match against Bendigo Pioneers a fortnight ago.

The Hawks have lodged paperwork for Tew to be included in their Next Generation Academy, with his older brother having joined the club as a Category B rookie in 2017 through that pathway.

Tew has been invited to the state draft combine in October.


'Ridiculous' high-end runner

A first-round draft prospect has been compared to a Carlton rising star as he too eyes a role on a wing at AFL level.

Murray Bushrangers midfielder Darcy Wilson has excited in the Coates Talent League this season and shapes as one of the most athletically gifted players in this year's draft pool.

Wilson ranked fifth in the Yo-Yo test during Victorian pre-season testing in March and has transferred that running ability onto the field this season.

He racked up a season-high 35 disposals for the Bushrangers in their round 15 win last weekend, along with seven marks, six clearances and a goal.

Carlton wingman Ollie Hollands, who was this week?s AFL Rising Star nominee, also came through the Bushrangers program before being selected at pick 11 in last year?s national draft.

He (Wilson) logs twice as many high-speed metres or he did on the weekend as what Ollie Hollands did when played with us, Bushrangers coach Mark Brown said.

His high-end running speed is ridiculous. That allows him to get to a lot of contests.

While Wilson has been playing largely onball for the Bushrangers, a role on a wing beckons in the AFL.

He lends perfectly to the wing, Brown said.

He's also got some really good forward craft and he's hitting the scoreboard pretty consistently and he's a really nice mark.

'He's got a lot of upside, no doubt.'

Draft hopefuls get another taste of VFL

With the Coates Talent League observing a general bye last weekend, a number of AFL draft hopefuls took the opportunity to test themselves in the VFL.

Melbourne got another close look at father-son prospect Kynan Brown last weekend as he lined up in a second VFL game for Casey.

Playing forward against Carlton, Brown logged nine disposals, two score assists and snapped a nice goal during the opening quarter.

The Oakleigh Chargers product is the son of former Demons defender Nathan Brown, who played 146 games for the club, and shapes as a potential third-round draft prospect.

Gold Coast played three of its Suns Academy guns in its win over Sydney last Saturday.

Ethan Read spent time forward and in the ruck and logged 12 disposals, five hitouts and 0.4 in front of goal, while Jake Rogers had seven disposals and a goal through the midfield and Will Graham logged 14 disposals and two clearances playing around the ball.

Elsewhere, Vic Metro under-18 captain and midfielder Will Brown made his VFL debut for Frankston and recorded five disposals and a goal, while George Stevens starred in his second VFL match for Geelong with 29 disposals, five marks and four clearances.
Dates locked in as draft countdown begins

The AFL has locked in all the key dates in the lead up to November?s AFL draft, which will be held a week earlier than usual.

The national draft combine will be held in Melbourne from October 6 to 8, with the Victorian state combine also set for October 8.

The South Australia and Northern Territory state combine will be held on October 14, with the Western Australia combine to follow on October 15.

AFL draft nominations close on November 13, with the first round of the national draft to be held a week later on November 20.

The remaining rounds of the national draft will be held on November 21, before the pre-season draft and rookie draft wrap up a busy period for clubs on November 22.

Clubs queuing up for Suns first pick

Only two rounds remain in the AFL home-and-away season, but the order of the top-10 picks in this year's draft are far from set.

Gold Coast, which currently holds pick 4, is listening to plenty of preliminary offers from rival clubs for that selection as it looks to move back in the order given it has a raft of high-end Suns Academy players available for selection this year.

The Suns may need to match bids on Jed Walter, Ethan Read and Jake Rogers within the first 15 picks on draft night, while they also have another Academy prospect in Will Graham who is expected to attract a bid in the second round of the draft.

West Coast has also indicated it may listen to offers for its first pick, which could cause a further shake up at the pointy end of the draft order.

Clubs have the ability to swap picks during October's trade period and are also able to conduct live trades of selections during the draft.