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Re: 2023 Draft Watch
21 to 40
21. Archer Reid
Reid still has plenty to prove, but recruiters put it simply in his case: there are not many 200-centimetre-plus footballers who can move like he does. The brother of Essendon’s Zach – who was a top-10 pick three years ago – is a polarising prospect, but there are enough clubs intrigued by him that he is tipped to be grabbed in the 20s. Reid’s increased ruck exposure late in the season also enhanced his reputation, as well as answering some of the criticism about his competitiveness.
22. Will Graham
This ranking might surprise some, but may not even be high enough, with the possibility the future Sun attracts an opposition bid in the teens. Gold Coast are well-positioned to match bids on all four of their star academy graduates, but would prefer if Graham went later than this. Can play as a midfielder or at half-back and brings speed, athleticism and toughness. Many recruiters think he could step straight into AFL football next year. Has strongly hinted to scouts that he wants to remain on the Gold Coast.
23. Arie Schoenmaker
Schoenmaker’s raking left boot was a weapon for every team he played for this year – he averaged six more kicks than anyone else in the Talent League – and undoubtedly will transfer to whichever AFL club takes a chance on him. In a draft that thins out quickly, that strength, plus his intercepting, should ensure the defender finds a home in the 20s. There are some questions on his contest work but others off the field, based in part on an indiscretion in a Devils training camp that cost him the chance to make an early impact in his draft season.
24. Charlie Edwards
Everything changed for Edwards once his midfield exposure increased late in the season, coinciding with Dragons teammate Will Brown going forward more. He grabbed that opportunity with both hands to produce a withering finish, which greatly impressed recruiters looking for upside. Edwards’ height, smart decision-making, and the way he covers the ground are among his strengths, with his ability to also play forward another tick. Recruiters think his upside might be greater than others in this range.
25. Taylor Goad
Relatively unknown at the start of the year, Goad is suddenly emerging as a potential first-rounder. His vast improvement throughout the season and incredible speed for his size – he ran a sub-three-second 20-metre sprint at the combine – saw him pass many of his ruck peers. The former basketballer is still raw and doesn’t yet have the football nous of fellow top ruck prospects, but many recruiters believe that will come with more exposure to high-level coaching.
26. Harry DeMattia
There will be risks taken at this stage of the draft, but recruiters know what they will get from DeMattia. The Stingrays and Vic Country co-captain is a rock-solid footballer with above-average athleticism and speed. He works hard, is versatile and has leadership in spades. Probably projects as a forward at AFL level, but some think he could end up down the other end. DeMattia also represented Australia in underage cricket as a batsman.
27. Tew Jiath
It is all about the potential upside with Jiath, whose brother Changkuoth plays for Hawthorn. The younger Jiath, another defender who loves to take the game on, is a Hawks Next Generation Academy product, but would need to fall outside the top 40 to be eligible to the club through that means, which is highly unlikely after his breakout second half of the season. He is considered more advanced than his older sibling at the same age and recruiters think the possible reward outweighs the risk.
28. Will Green
This is the year to grab a ruckman, and Green is one of the new-age big men with impressive endurance, which he proved at the combine. He could be the second ruckman taken behind Ethan Read, with Taylor Goad and Mitch Edwards other contenders, and Vigo Visentini rising. Green was the starting ruckman in the Talent League team of the year, in a nod to his strong season. His height, mobility and improvement all make him appealing.
29. Phoenix Gothard
Recruiters preferred Gothard’s form throughout the championships for the title-winning Allies to what he produced at the Bushrangers in a team that struggled. His performances in those contrasting scenarios were understandable given his predominant role as a small forward. Gothard’s combine testing confirmed what was already known: he is fast, exciting and athletic, with tricks that most players this late in the draft don’t possess. There is also a belief that extra exposure to an elite training environment will take him to another level.
30. Mitch Edwards
The top-10, and even first-round, hype is long gone, but Edwards still has fans, even if there are fewer of them at season’s end. He is still not expected to be available beyond pick 40, which would enable Fremantle to match any bid on their Next Generation Academy player. However, it would no longer be a surprise if he slipped into the late 30s. Edwards’ critics point to his running, competitiveness and general lack of development, but he slashed about a minute off his two-kilometre time at the combine, which was a positive. You can’t teach his height, and his skills are good.
31. Angus Hastie
It’s been a steep rise for the ex-basketballer and cricketer in the past 18 months since bursting onto the scene with the Falcons. There is even some suggestion Hastie could be a top-25 pick, with a third-place finish in the agility test at the combine rounding out his draft resume. The dashing defender performed well at the under-18 championships and was a consistently strong contributor in the Talent League, where he was effective as a stopper and interceptor.
32. Zane Zakostelsky
Zakostelsky’s size and excellent athletic profile have sent him soaring up draft boards, with both assets coveted in the AFL, especially in a market that proved itself desperate for key defenders this year. He was among the standouts in combine testing, ranking in the top 10 in four events: the 20-metre sprint, agility and the standing and running vertical jumps. But the other consistent theme with Zakostelsky is not so positive – his kicking. It is a reason not to draft him for some recruiters, but others think it’s fixable and could have him taken closer to pick 25.
33. Archie Roberts
Roberts is universally viewed as a rebounding defender now, whereas there were some midfield claims earlier in the season. He was named at half-back in the under-18 All-Australian team and has a similar draft range to Hastie, behind Hardeman and Leake among defenders. Some recruiters are still unconvinced about Roberts, in part due to questions about his contested game, and they do not expect a non-Victorian club to select him, but his penetrating kicking is a plus.
34. Caiden Cleary
Cleary will graduate from Sydney’s academy to their AFL list, barring a major surprise, after enjoying a prolific season as an on-baller, including performing well at VFL level. He may not have blazing speed or elite kicking skills, but his consistently big numbers, under-18 All-Australian selection and equal-fifth finish in the two-kilometre time trial at the combine won’t leave him tumbling too far in the draft. Could Cleary be the Swans’ next draft bargain?
35. Aiden O’Driscoll
Another draft combine standout, the brother of Dockers Nathan and Emma clocked the quickest 20-metre sprint (2.871 seconds) but also placed top 10 in the two-kilometre time trial, agility test and the standing and running vertical jumps. The knocks on O’Driscoll are his lack of size and not winning enough of the Sherrin, but not everyone shares those concerns. Others are enamoured with his athleticism and think he fits the high half-forward role perfectly.
36. Logan Morris
One of the most polarising players in the draft pool. There are few concerns about Morris’ skill or performance – some argue he is the best contested mark in this year’s class – but recruiters are worried his running limitations (speed and endurance) will make it harder for him to thrive in the AFL at his height. His admirers think his in-game running is better than his combine results showed, and he has a history of kicking bulk goals. Played as a forward and defender at the championships.
37. Cooper Simpson
An injury-marred season made it more challenging for Simpson to press his draft claims, but he finished the year well for the Stingrays. There are different schools of thought about him as an AFL prospect: some are convinced he is better as a forward – where his decision-making and good skills can thrive – but others would select him only if they think he can be a midfielder, on which the jury is still out. The consensus is Simpson is a good all-round player without a major weapon.
38. Luamon Lual
There is a realistic scenario where Lual slides beyond the first 40 picks and into the laps of the Western Bulldogs, who have his draft rights at that stage as a Next Generation Academy prospect. He performed well at the championships – sparking suggestions he might be picked in the 20s – and his defensive instincts, courage and speed appeal to clubs. However, Lual’s decision-making and ball use are why he could fall down the order.
39. Vigo Visentini
Visentini shares a similar aggressive and physical playing style to his brother Dante, a developing ruckman at Port Adelaide. There are recruiters who have more confidence in him than other big men in this top 40, comfortable that his size, running ability and rate of improvement make him a better prospect. Others are not quite as bullish, but believe the dearth of ruckmen next year should only help Visentini’s cause.
40. Koen Sanchez
Played predominantly as a midfielder for East Fremantle, and was a big ball-winner. However, Sanchez also spent time as a forward at the under-18 championships – where he earned All-Australian honours – and recruiters expect him to play that position more in the AFL. Has dealt with repeat injuries in recent years, and there are some question marks on whether he is quick enough to be a small forward at the top level.
21 to 40
21. Archer Reid
Reid still has plenty to prove, but recruiters put it simply in his case: there are not many 200-centimetre-plus footballers who can move like he does. The brother of Essendon’s Zach – who was a top-10 pick three years ago – is a polarising prospect, but there are enough clubs intrigued by him that he is tipped to be grabbed in the 20s. Reid’s increased ruck exposure late in the season also enhanced his reputation, as well as answering some of the criticism about his competitiveness.
22. Will Graham
This ranking might surprise some, but may not even be high enough, with the possibility the future Sun attracts an opposition bid in the teens. Gold Coast are well-positioned to match bids on all four of their star academy graduates, but would prefer if Graham went later than this. Can play as a midfielder or at half-back and brings speed, athleticism and toughness. Many recruiters think he could step straight into AFL football next year. Has strongly hinted to scouts that he wants to remain on the Gold Coast.
23. Arie Schoenmaker
Schoenmaker’s raking left boot was a weapon for every team he played for this year – he averaged six more kicks than anyone else in the Talent League – and undoubtedly will transfer to whichever AFL club takes a chance on him. In a draft that thins out quickly, that strength, plus his intercepting, should ensure the defender finds a home in the 20s. There are some questions on his contest work but others off the field, based in part on an indiscretion in a Devils training camp that cost him the chance to make an early impact in his draft season.
24. Charlie Edwards
Everything changed for Edwards once his midfield exposure increased late in the season, coinciding with Dragons teammate Will Brown going forward more. He grabbed that opportunity with both hands to produce a withering finish, which greatly impressed recruiters looking for upside. Edwards’ height, smart decision-making, and the way he covers the ground are among his strengths, with his ability to also play forward another tick. Recruiters think his upside might be greater than others in this range.
25. Taylor Goad
Relatively unknown at the start of the year, Goad is suddenly emerging as a potential first-rounder. His vast improvement throughout the season and incredible speed for his size – he ran a sub-three-second 20-metre sprint at the combine – saw him pass many of his ruck peers. The former basketballer is still raw and doesn’t yet have the football nous of fellow top ruck prospects, but many recruiters believe that will come with more exposure to high-level coaching.
26. Harry DeMattia
There will be risks taken at this stage of the draft, but recruiters know what they will get from DeMattia. The Stingrays and Vic Country co-captain is a rock-solid footballer with above-average athleticism and speed. He works hard, is versatile and has leadership in spades. Probably projects as a forward at AFL level, but some think he could end up down the other end. DeMattia also represented Australia in underage cricket as a batsman.
27. Tew Jiath
It is all about the potential upside with Jiath, whose brother Changkuoth plays for Hawthorn. The younger Jiath, another defender who loves to take the game on, is a Hawks Next Generation Academy product, but would need to fall outside the top 40 to be eligible to the club through that means, which is highly unlikely after his breakout second half of the season. He is considered more advanced than his older sibling at the same age and recruiters think the possible reward outweighs the risk.
28. Will Green
This is the year to grab a ruckman, and Green is one of the new-age big men with impressive endurance, which he proved at the combine. He could be the second ruckman taken behind Ethan Read, with Taylor Goad and Mitch Edwards other contenders, and Vigo Visentini rising. Green was the starting ruckman in the Talent League team of the year, in a nod to his strong season. His height, mobility and improvement all make him appealing.
29. Phoenix Gothard
Recruiters preferred Gothard’s form throughout the championships for the title-winning Allies to what he produced at the Bushrangers in a team that struggled. His performances in those contrasting scenarios were understandable given his predominant role as a small forward. Gothard’s combine testing confirmed what was already known: he is fast, exciting and athletic, with tricks that most players this late in the draft don’t possess. There is also a belief that extra exposure to an elite training environment will take him to another level.
30. Mitch Edwards
The top-10, and even first-round, hype is long gone, but Edwards still has fans, even if there are fewer of them at season’s end. He is still not expected to be available beyond pick 40, which would enable Fremantle to match any bid on their Next Generation Academy player. However, it would no longer be a surprise if he slipped into the late 30s. Edwards’ critics point to his running, competitiveness and general lack of development, but he slashed about a minute off his two-kilometre time at the combine, which was a positive. You can’t teach his height, and his skills are good.
31. Angus Hastie
It’s been a steep rise for the ex-basketballer and cricketer in the past 18 months since bursting onto the scene with the Falcons. There is even some suggestion Hastie could be a top-25 pick, with a third-place finish in the agility test at the combine rounding out his draft resume. The dashing defender performed well at the under-18 championships and was a consistently strong contributor in the Talent League, where he was effective as a stopper and interceptor.
32. Zane Zakostelsky
Zakostelsky’s size and excellent athletic profile have sent him soaring up draft boards, with both assets coveted in the AFL, especially in a market that proved itself desperate for key defenders this year. He was among the standouts in combine testing, ranking in the top 10 in four events: the 20-metre sprint, agility and the standing and running vertical jumps. But the other consistent theme with Zakostelsky is not so positive – his kicking. It is a reason not to draft him for some recruiters, but others think it’s fixable and could have him taken closer to pick 25.
33. Archie Roberts
Roberts is universally viewed as a rebounding defender now, whereas there were some midfield claims earlier in the season. He was named at half-back in the under-18 All-Australian team and has a similar draft range to Hastie, behind Hardeman and Leake among defenders. Some recruiters are still unconvinced about Roberts, in part due to questions about his contested game, and they do not expect a non-Victorian club to select him, but his penetrating kicking is a plus.
34. Caiden Cleary
Cleary will graduate from Sydney’s academy to their AFL list, barring a major surprise, after enjoying a prolific season as an on-baller, including performing well at VFL level. He may not have blazing speed or elite kicking skills, but his consistently big numbers, under-18 All-Australian selection and equal-fifth finish in the two-kilometre time trial at the combine won’t leave him tumbling too far in the draft. Could Cleary be the Swans’ next draft bargain?
35. Aiden O’Driscoll
Another draft combine standout, the brother of Dockers Nathan and Emma clocked the quickest 20-metre sprint (2.871 seconds) but also placed top 10 in the two-kilometre time trial, agility test and the standing and running vertical jumps. The knocks on O’Driscoll are his lack of size and not winning enough of the Sherrin, but not everyone shares those concerns. Others are enamoured with his athleticism and think he fits the high half-forward role perfectly.
36. Logan Morris
One of the most polarising players in the draft pool. There are few concerns about Morris’ skill or performance – some argue he is the best contested mark in this year’s class – but recruiters are worried his running limitations (speed and endurance) will make it harder for him to thrive in the AFL at his height. His admirers think his in-game running is better than his combine results showed, and he has a history of kicking bulk goals. Played as a forward and defender at the championships.
37. Cooper Simpson
An injury-marred season made it more challenging for Simpson to press his draft claims, but he finished the year well for the Stingrays. There are different schools of thought about him as an AFL prospect: some are convinced he is better as a forward – where his decision-making and good skills can thrive – but others would select him only if they think he can be a midfielder, on which the jury is still out. The consensus is Simpson is a good all-round player without a major weapon.
38. Luamon Lual
There is a realistic scenario where Lual slides beyond the first 40 picks and into the laps of the Western Bulldogs, who have his draft rights at that stage as a Next Generation Academy prospect. He performed well at the championships – sparking suggestions he might be picked in the 20s – and his defensive instincts, courage and speed appeal to clubs. However, Lual’s decision-making and ball use are why he could fall down the order.
39. Vigo Visentini
Visentini shares a similar aggressive and physical playing style to his brother Dante, a developing ruckman at Port Adelaide. There are recruiters who have more confidence in him than other big men in this top 40, comfortable that his size, running ability and rate of improvement make him a better prospect. Others are not quite as bullish, but believe the dearth of ruckmen next year should only help Visentini’s cause.
40. Koen Sanchez
Played predominantly as a midfielder for East Fremantle, and was a big ball-winner. However, Sanchez also spent time as a forward at the under-18 championships – where he earned All-Australian honours – and recruiters expect him to play that position more in the AFL. Has dealt with repeat injuries in recent years, and there are some question marks on whether he is quick enough to be a small forward at the top level.
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