Mid Season Draft 2023 Discussion

[Axe Man]

Re: Mid Season Draft 2023 Discussion

Several clubs interested in former Cat Quinton Narkle ahead of Mid-Season Rookie Draft

Former Cat Quinton Narkle is attracting attention ahead of the 2023 Mid-Season Rookie Draft, following his 2022 delisting by Geelong.

Narkle signed on with Essendon's VFL side earlier in the year, averaging averaging 18 disposals throughout his time with the club so far, but is now garnering interest at AFL level.

The 25-year-old was close to earning a spot on Richmond's list via the Supplementary Selection Period (SSP) earlier this year, with the spot eventually going to Kaelan Bradtke.

Speaking on SEN's Sportsday, AFL Media's Josh Gabelich revealed that several clubs, including Richmond, Essendon, West Coast and the Western Bulldogs, are keeping a close eye on the former Cat.

?If Richmond got their way with the AFL he would be on Richmond's list already,? Gabelich said on SEN's Sportsday.

?Jason Castagna retired three or four days after the SSP deadline closed and they pitched to the AFL to get Quinton Narkle for that spot. They only had one spot and went with Kaelan Bradtke instead of Narkle, then Castagna retired.

?He's been playing for Essendon's VFL side and there is interest around the competition.

?West Coast is a club that has monitored him, the Bulldogs, Richmond, Essendon, so there's every chance that Quinton Narkle might be back in the system by the end of this month.?

Narkle made his debut for the Cats in Round 15, 2018, going on to play 41 games for the club after being drafted with Pick No.60 in the 2016 National Draft.

[macca]

Re: Mid Season Draft 2023 Discussion

It be interesring to know why Narkle was delisted?
Lots of contest and depth in mids-fwd lime
-tanner Bruhn being recruited
-x2 henry
- close taking midfield time
- stengle playing consistent games and reaching his potential
- rohan being able to play more than 3 games without getting injured
-Miers

[GVGjr]

Re: Mid Season Draft 2023 Discussion

It be interesring to know why Narkle was delisted?
Lots of contest and depth in mids-fwd lime
-tanner Bruhn being recruited
-x2 henry
- close taking midfield time
- stengle playing consistent games and reaching his potential
- rohan being able to play more than 3 games without getting injured

I don't think he is that good. Capable of being an exciting player but without the necessary consistency.

[Testekill]

Re: Mid Season Draft 2023 Discussion

It's becoming pretty clear that Keath is done at the end of the year and Busslinger isn't going to be a one on one stopper unless he has a lot of development. Makes Ethan Phillips a very appealing pick up.

Ditto Duryea, we don't have any like for like replacement so Teal is also very appealing.

[azabob]

Re: Mid Season Draft 2023 Discussion

A couple of questions for mine are

1) Will we use a pick?

2) If we do, do we go for an immediate need to plug a list gap with a view the player comes straight in or do we draft with a development focus ?

[Mofra]

Re: Mid Season Draft 2023 Discussion

It's becoming pretty clear that Keath is done at the end of the year and Busslinger isn't going to be a one on one stopper unless he has a lot of development. Makes Ethan Phillips a very appealing pick up.

Ditto Duryea, we don't have any like for like replacement so Teal is also very appealing.

Gallagher seems closer to Duryea than Teal (to my limited viewing).

[GVGjr]

Re: Mid Season Draft 2023 Discussion

A couple of questions for mine are

1) Will we use a pick?

2) If we do, do we go for an immediate need to plug a list gap with a view the player comes straight in or do we draft with a development focus ?

Good questions Aza.

1) We should use the pick because getting a player into the system many weeks before the National Draft could be invaluable however, we could also easily pass if there is no one that really stands out to us. Perhaps bringing in O'Donnell lessens the need to add someone mid season.

2) Our current needs, as a few of us assessed last year, are still the same as what we had after the two drafts in 2022 so it would be unlikely that the club sees a genuine gap. Given our list profile, especially from an age perspective, bringing in a 19yo makes some sense but the likely scenario is we will take a player we might otherwise have high on our list to draft later in the year.

I'll be interested to see what we might do.

[bulldogtragic]

Re: Mid Season Draft 2023 Discussion

Logistically it’s interesting.

We need to promote or delist all of Roarke, Scott & McNeil. That would give us four rookie list spot at years end, so perhaps pick 5-6 in the MSD is better value.

However, if two rookie list spots go back to the main list, in a rebalance, then we have just the two rookie list spots. In which case I guess it’s the player at pick 5-6 in the MSD, or say pick 30 or a DFA assuming g we used the first pick as a live pick.

So to circle back to the list rebalance, it depends on if we promote any or all of the three players and how many picks we want to take and players trade in. I can’t see us delisting 6 or more players, so I think it’s a decision of need and availability in a few weeks versus the expected list movement at the end of the year and if we rate the expected depth of the rookie draft.

I’d love to know what Sam Power is thinking about. I can’t call it just yet. But the player now will slightly limit what we do later on so and MSD player will have to be really highly rated.

[Bulldog Joe]

Re: Mid Season Draft 2023 Discussion

Good questions Aza.

1) We should use the pick because getting a player into the system many weeks before the National Draft could be invaluable however, we could also easily pass if there is no one that really stands out to us. Perhaps bringing in O'Donnell lessens the need to add someone mid season.

2) Our current needs, as a few of us assessed last year, are still the same as what we had after the two drafts in 2022 so it would be unlikely that the club sees a genuine gap. Given our list profile, especially from an age perspective, bringing in a 19yo makes some sense but the likely scenario is we will take a player we might otherwise have high on our list to draft later in the year.

I'll be interested to see what we might do.

Surely we MUST use the pick.
What happens in the next 3 weeks may determine how we use the pick, but a pass would be completely unacceptable.

This is a free hit. It doesn't compromise our position in the draft at the end of the year.

There is an opportunity to pick up someone who may actually contribute this year (and potentially all the way to a flag)

or
pick up someone who we can assess for the future and retain that player regardless of our draft position. With an option to cut from the list if he doesn't meet standards.

[GVGjr]

Re: Mid Season Draft 2023 Discussion

Surely we MUST use the pick.
What happens in the next 3 weeks may determine how we use the pick, but a pass would be completely unacceptable.

This is a free hit. It doesn't compromise our position in the draft at the end of the year.

There is an opportunity to pick up someone who may actually contribute this year (and potentially all the way to a flag)

or
pick up someone who we can assess for the future and retain that player regardless of our draft position. With an option to cut from the list if he doesn't meet standards.

I think Mid season picks get an 18 month deal so it may not be a quick cut option.
We have had a good look at how players are performing at the VFL and junior leagues by now so we should back our judgement and bring someone in and then the question becomes do we need someone who might be able to make a contribution this year or if we are taking a longer term view?
Essentially do we want a recycled player starved of opportunities at his previous club much like Baker or do we go with the 2023 version of Gallagher?

I'd be surprised if anything has happened that changes our mindset with regards to covering a KPP or what us fans might regard as a gap in the playing list so I suspect we will mine the leagues for the best 19yo regardless of what position they might play.

Prefer a ruckman, mid or smaller back man but the old best available probably fits us

[hujsh]

Re: Mid Season Draft 2023 Discussion

I think Mid season picks get an 18 month deal so it may not be a quick cut option.
We have had a good look at how players are performing at the VFL and junior leagues by now so we should back our judgement and bring someone in and then the question becomes do we need someone who might be able to make a contribution this year or if we are taking a longer term view?
Essentially do we want a recycled player starved of opportunities at his previous club much like Baker or do we go with the 2023 version of Gallagher?

I'd be surprised if anything has happened that changes our mindset with regards to covering a KPP or what us fans might regard as a gap in the playing list so I suspect we will mine the leagues for the best 19yo regardless of what position they might play.

Prefer a ruckman, mid or smaller back man but the old best available probably fits us

IIRC they can nominate 6 or 18 kinda like how players can put a contract price on their head in the draft if they were in the system already

[GVGjr]

Re: Mid Season Draft 2023 Discussion

Geelong are among the clubs showing interest in Claremont teen



A rangy Claremont teenager who has played just two senior games of WAFL football has emerged as a mid-season rookie draft “smokey” with interest from several clubs including Geelong.

Ben Clarke, 19, who played one game of seniors last year for Claremont and broke back into their senior team for the weekend’s clash with East Perth, is believed to be one of at least three WAFL players on AFL club radars ahead of the May 31 draft.

Tigers teammate Jack Buller has attracted strongest interest with at least half of the 18 clubs, including West Coast and Fremantle, tracking him closely. Subiaco’s Robert Hansen Junior has also turned recruiters’ heads in the early part of the WAFL season.

Clarke is a 193 centimetre, 84 kilogram midfielder from Scotch College whose strong performances at reserves level saw him elevated into the Tigers powerful midfield for the clash against East Perth at the weekend.

Clarke, who had also played a solitary league game in 2022, finished Saturday’s game with 10 disposals off a wing.

State talent manager Adam Jones said Clarke was still building a body that would enable him to play more consistently at senior level but he possessed some obvious AFL traits.

When he was at Colts level he was a really nice size and he looked like he was going to fill out quite well,” Jones said. “He had a really athletic physique. He was a good runner, with good skills and a developing body at that stage so the impact wasn’t super consistent but you could definitely see some potential there.”

Clarke had played 16 games in the Claremont reserves in 2022, averaging 10 disposals a game, but had stepped up his output in three reserves matches this year averaging 17 disposals playing off a wing before being promoted to the seniors.

Buller, a 21-year-old, 199cm, 99kg forward/ruckman was arguably the form player in the competition in the first three rounds of the 2023 WAFL season before a corked calf sidelined him in the past fortnight. He had kicked six goals in the first three games and averaged almost 10 marks a game including 14 taken in round two against South Fremantle.


Hansen Junior started the season in the Subiaco reserves but has made an impression as a small forward in the seniors in the past three matches which have coincided with the Lions’ strong form.

He is 180cm, 70kg, slightly built but quick and known for putting pressure on defenders.

[Bornadog]

Re: Mid Season Draft 2023 Discussion

AFL considers mid-season draft eligibility change


The AFL have sounded out clubs on whether players who have played state league football this season should be allowed to nominate for the mid-season draft scheduled for May 31.

Multiple recruiters, who preferred to remain anonymous, confirmed to The Age that the change in the eligibility criteria was canvassed with clubs recently, as they contemplate whether to make a selection in the mid-season draft.

Under existing rules players are eligible for the mid-season draft if they nominated for last year?s national draft and were not selected, were delisted or are a retired player who has not been on an AFL list for one season.

Players who didn?t fit that eligibility criteria could apply for an exemption, with 11 players given exemptions ahead of last year?s mid-season draft that saw West Coast select Jai Culley with pick No.1.

Club recruiters told The Age the AFL had not yet decided whether to make the change that would give players such as Box Hill Hawks wingman Ethan Taylor, who was a standout for the Young Guns in Sunday?s game against Vic Country at Ikon Park, the chance to nominate rather than have to seek an exemption.

The view of some clubs is that widening the eligibility criteria could streamline the process and potentially increase the pool slightly. One recruiter told The Age much of the talent overlooked in the national and rookie drafts were grabbed during the pre-season supplemental selection period, making the pool shallow under existing rules.

Essendon, Fremantle, Geelong, Hawthorn and the Western Bulldogs began the season with a list vacancy while other clubs might consider putting a player on their inactive list to give them the chance to pick a player in the mid-season draft.

Ryan Maric is considered the leading candidate to be selected in the mid-season draft after a strong start to the season. He was less effective playing in defence for the Young Guns on Sunday although he won a vital free kick late in the game to help his team to victory. He ended with 23 disposals but was a little ambitious at times.

Eastern Ranges ruckman Clay Tucker is also considered a chance to be selected as clubs again look to the mid-season draft to bolster their ruck stocks.

The mid-season draft has proved a success, with Richmond?s Marlion Pickett and Collingwood?s John Noble the most notable players establishing AFL careers after being mid-season draft selections.

[GVGjr]

Re: Mid Season Draft 2023 Discussion

Son of ex-Aussie cricketer among 11 set for medicals ahead of MSD


Will Elliott and James Trezise are among 11 prospects set for medicals ahead of the mid-season draft. Pictures: AFL Photos

THERE will be 11 prospects who undergo medical testing from the AFL ahead of the Mid-Season Rookie Draft in a strong indicator on the players who could be selected later this month.

The AFL informed clubs on Thursday that the group of players had received multiple draft nominations to complete medical screenings and psychometric testing by likely the end of next week before names are called on Wednesday, May 31.

The group shows a range of interest, including overlooked pair Clay Tucker, a ruckman from Eastern Ranges, and potential top mid-season pick Ryan Maric, a forward from the Gippsland Power, as well as Ethan Stanley (Box Hill Hawks), Brandon Ryan (Northern Bullants) and Mutaz El Nour and James Trezise (Richmond) from the VFL competition.

Claremont key forward Jack Buller will also go through a medical as he captures interest, the same for talented youngster Robert Hansen jnr, who has caught the eye of clubs this season with Subiaco.

Jaiden Hunter, who was first eligible for the draft in 2020 but was not taken by clubs, has also received a call-up, with the athletic 21-year-old tall on the radar of clubs after a run of form in the WAFL with Perth.

Rye Penny, another player from the Coates Talent League program with the Calder Cannons, and Will Elliott, the son of former Australian Test cricketer Matthew, rounds out the group of players set to do medicals.

Clubs are able to do further medicals on players if they do not appear on the list, meaning there will likely be others selected outside of the group.

Five clubs started the season with selections available for the mid-season draft – Essendon, Fremantle, Geelong, Hawthorn and the Western Bulldogs – after beginning the year with list vacancies.

But five more clubs now have potential selections available due to retirements or long-term injuries, with Port Adelaide (Mitch Georgiades), West Coast (Jai Culley), Greater Western Sydney (Darcy Jones and Adam Kennedy) and Sydney (Sam Reid) also now having available spots at the draft because of their players' unavailability for the rest of the season, while Richmond can open a pick due to Jason Castagna's retirement. Hawthorn, too, has opened a second position on its list by placing ruckman Max Lynch on the long-term injury list.

The Mid-Season Rookie Draft will be broadcast live and exclusively on AFL.com.au.

MID-SEASON ROOKIE DRAFT MEDICALS LIST
Clay Tucker (Eastern Ranges)
Ethan Stanley (Box Hill)
Flynn Riley (Northern Bullants)
Jack Buller (Claremont)
Jaiden Hunter (Perth)
James Trezise (Richmond VFL)
Mutaz El Nour (Richmond VFL)
Robert Hansen jnr (Subiaco)
Ryan Maric (Gippsland Power)
Rye Penny (Calder Cannons)
Will Elliott (Oakleigh Chargers)

[GVGjr]

Re: Mid Season Draft 2023 Discussion

VFL’s best prospects for the AFL’s mid-season draft

The AFL’s mid-season draft is three weeks away and recruiters are running an eye over the state-league players capable of joining lists.

Here are some hopefuls from the VFL.
Jye Chalcraft, Geelong

The 22-year-old won the Cats’ VFL best and fairest in 2022 as an inside midfielder and there’s a good chance he’s leading the count this year.

Coach Mark Corrigan has used Chalcraft at half forward at times “just to try to add another string to his bow and I guess add to the appeal from a draftable point of view’’.

“He’s a beautiful ball-user, he finishes his work, he’s clean, he’s tough and he’s got enough power, his tank is good enough … he’s a very good player,’’ Corrigan declares. “If you put him in a full-time program you’ll see him go to another level.’’

The midfielder is from Shepparton United, went through the Murray Bushrangers and became a VFL Cat in 2021.

Aaron Clarke, Coburg

There aren’t many tall forwards kicking around the VFL. The Lions have one in 23-year-old Clarke, 195cm and 100kg, who can take a contested mark and is a reliable kick.

He has a chance to see how he stacks up against Northern Bullant Brandon Ryan in this week’s Battle of Bell Street at Coburg City Oval.

Mitch Cox, Williamstown

The powerful right-footer spent last year on Brisbane’s list as a selection in the pre-season supplemental period.

He hasn’t quite shown his best for the Towners as he makes the transition back to part-time footballer, but he’s a dynamic player and started May the right way, having 23 touches and kicking a goal against Collingwood.

Mutaz El Nour, Richmond

The tall defender was considered a mid-season draft hope last year as a Northern Bullant and was disappointed when he was overlooked.

But he’s presented again as a Tiger, negating with hard spoils or creating with his intercept marking, and there’s a touch of class to whatever he does.

Felix Flockhart, Port Melbourne

There were quiet raps on the young ruckman after his late rise at the Sandringham Dragons, and he’s back in the thoughts of clubs now that he’s overcome injuries (groin last year, ankle in the 2023 pre-season) and served as Sam Naismith’s back-up.

His athleticism is apparent with his ability to play forward and his skill at ground level.

“He’s turning himself into a competitive footballer,’’ Borough coach Adam Skrobalak says.

Marcus Herbert, Geelong

The Cats have a high opinion of the former Greater Western Victoria Rebel, who sat out a few games with concussion and has impressed since his return to the half back line.

“I look at him and I think he’s got attributes that could go to another level,’’ Geelong coach Mark Corrigan says. “Beautiful ball user, really clean, he changes the game when he gets the ball in his hands.

“But he also defends really well. He’s not just a purely offensive-minded player. He’s really good in the contest, he finds his way out of traffic quickly and he dilutes the pressure situations for us.’’

Herbert, 20, joined Geelong VFL in 2021.

Marty Hore, Williamstown

It’s believed two AFL clubs have contacted Willy about the 14-game former Demon.

Hore, 27, joined the Seagulls this year from North Melbourne VFL and has averaged 21.7 disposals across six games.

Ben Jepson, Coburg

The Lions knew they were getting a good player when they recruited Jepson from Old Carey three years ago.

At 21 and with more confidence, his football has taken off this season; he’s the best decision-maker and kick in the Coburg team.

Jepson is averaging 23 possessions across his first six matches, boosted by 34 and 30-disposal hauls in his past two outings.

“His last fortnight has been awesome, and hopefully he can carry that all the way into the mid-season draft and be a realistic chance,’’ Coburg coach Jamie Cassidy-McNamara says.

Sam Lowson, North Melbourne

Roos coach Tom Lynch calls the small forward “the most dynamic player in the VFL’’.

Touted as the No.1 mid-season pick in 2019, only to pick up an injury before the draft, Lowson has kicked 16.10 for the Roos this season since crossing from Coburg.

Trent Mynott, Frankston

Few VFL midfielders are going as well as Frankston’s co-captain, who led his team to its first victory of the season with four goals and 23 possessions against Sandringham in Round 4.

Mynott was an Essendon rookie in 2018-19 but he’s still only 23 and there are Dolphins officials who will tell you he’s their most influential and important player as an “inside’’ midfielder.

Sam Naismith, Port Melbourne

Clubs needing to bolster their ruck divisions will look at the former Sydney 30-gamer, who has proven his fitness this year as a dominant big man in the VFL.

He’s averaging 43.2 hit-outs and 15.7 disposals per game, and his leadership has been exemplary.

“He’s been really solid in his performances. His ruck work has been outstanding and he’s building his around-the-ground game,’’ Borough coach Adam Skrobalak says.

“As a person and player, his buy-in at our club has been exceptional. He’s getting through week to week and he’s covering a lot of ground and he’s crashing and bashing. He’s doing all the things I would think an AFL club would want to see.’’

Kai Owens, Frankston

The 23-year-old is the older brother of fast-rising Saint Mitch, and his move into the midfield this season has been the making of him.

Previously a forward lending an occasional hand in the ruck, Owens (192cm) has flourished as an onballer alongside Will Fordham and Trent Mynott, averaging 24 disposals and seven tackles.

“Kai’s got that bit of swerve and curve about him that comes from his basketball background and he’s also got hops – he can really jump. He’s in good nick because his game’s in good shape and he’s bubbling along off some of the buzz around his brother,’’ Dolphins coach Danny Ryan told CODE Sports last week.

Fraser Rosman, Port Melbourne

Drafted during the Covid period and delisted after two years at Melbourne, the athletic and sure-handed Rosman is relishing his move to Port Melbourne.

With his spring and speed, the 194cm defender is capable of playing on opponents of all shapes and sizes.

Brandon Ryan, Northern Bullants

No VFL player has risen as quickly this year as 25-year-old Ryan, a 200cm forward who joined the Ants from Essendon District league club Maribyrnong Park.

The strong-marking left-footer caught the eye in the state-alone practice-match carnival in Craigieburn – “Who is No 12 for Bullants? He’s not on the team sheet?’’ a recruiter asked on the day – and has since kicked 17 goals from six matches, including five against Sydney.

Ryan is raw but has a lot of natural ability.

Ryley Stoddart, Frankston

In his second year with the Dolphins, the 23-year-old former Sydney Swan will be some chance for a second AFL listing if he maintains his slashing start to the season.

His left-foot kicking has been on show from half back, spearing Frankston forward, and he’s displayed plenty of dash and aggression too.

He had 37 touches against Port Melbourne in round five and is averaging 29 disposals from five matches.

Shaun Mannagh, Werribee

The dynamic Mannagh hurtled into the headlines with his round three performance for Werribee, when he stacked up 40 possessions and booted four goals against Southport.

“He’s a matchwinner. He’s special,’’ Sharks coach Steve Daniels declared after the game.

The 25-year-old had 31 touches against Essendon last Sunday and is averaging 27.6 disposals per outing as he pushes for the next level.

“He’s a jet,’’ a VFL coach says of the former Murray Bushranger.

Oscar McDonald, Williamstown

At 27, McDonald appears set to join a third AFL club, with talk around that Sydney will seek to strengthen its defence with the former Demon and Blue.

His performances and professionalism have been everything Willy expected of him, and they’re resigned to going into the second half of the season without their No.1 backman.

Tom Phillips, Essendon

The former Magpie and Hawk is building towards his best after recovering from a minor knee injury. The left-footer had 20 touches on a wing in the round seven loss to Werribee.

“He’s good enough to play AFL again,’’ Bombers coach Leigh Tudor says.

“He’s still really determined and doing everything right. He’s still got that belief.’’

Jack Sexton, Southport

Sharks coach Steve Daniel says he’s taken calls from AFL clubs about his small forward, who joined the club this year after a stint with Richmond VFL.

“He’s quick, he’s tough, his tackle-pressure is through the roof, he uses the ball really well and he’s quite smart,’’ Daniel says of the 178cm, who came out of Finley Cats juniors and took some star turns for Yarrawonga last year in the strong Ovens and Murray league.

Ethan Stanley, Box Hill Hawks

The 188cm, 81kg Stanley has been a surprise package this year for the Hawks.

Recruited from local club Frankston YCW, where he played some senior games last year but mostly in the Under 19s, he has made four appearances as a wing and flanker.

He also turned out in last Sunday’s Young Guns game at Sandringham, performing handily in tough conditions.

“We’ve been rapt with him,’’ says Box Hill Hawks coach Zane Littlejohn.

“There was no expectation on him when he came here – he’s never been a pathways kid, just played local footy with his local club – and he’s been a breath of fresh air, I guess.

“He’s excited, he wants to learn, he’s hungry. He’s played four games as the 23rd player, but we’re arguably missing him and he’s going to be a big chance to play regardless of the 23rd. He can play a variety of roles – wing, half back, half forward, inside – he’s got athleticism and running power, and he’s a beautiful user of the footy.’’

Lachie Sullivan, Footscray Bulldogs

The Dogs’ VFL captain is one of the league’s most consistent players, rarely leaving the ground without having handled the ball 25 times. He won the Dogs’ best and fairest and was in the VFL team of the year in 2022.

James Trezise, Richmond

The Tigers have latched on to a good prospect in 21-year-old Trezise, who featured in West Gippsland club Tooradin-Dalmore’s premiership last season alongside former AFL Magpies Brent Macaffer and Adam Oxley.

“Needs to be on an AFL list,’’ Oxley declared on social media last month after Tigers VFL coach Steve Morris called the 20-year-old a “super exciting player’’.

Trezise is 188cm and versatile enough to play any position on the ground; he’s even done some ruck work for the Tigers this season.

Unheralded but not to be underestimated, Sullivan might appeal to a club keen to add another number to its midfield.