2024 Draft Watch

[Mofra]

Re: 2024 Draft Watch

Bo Allan is a GOOD player.

Just a footballer.

For all the talk of WA talent this year, a hack like me sees a couple of likely types.

[Axe Man]

Re: 2024 Draft Watch

One of the "potential later first-round selections" is from my club, would be great to see him get drafted.

FUTURE TRADING WATCH

CLUBS are expected to try to trade next year's first-round picks into this year's draft as recruiters grow more enamoured with the class of 2024.

Although there is no consensus on pick No.1 in this year's draft pool like Harley Reid last year, the depth of quality in the top 30 picks has clubs considering attempting moves to try to trade into this year's group using their picks in next year's pool.

The ability to trade two years in advance with draft selections, which is expected to be formally added to this year's exchange period in coming weeks, will also give clubs another chip to try and break into the top-end of the 2024 group.

The largely strong run of games in the Marsh Under-18 Championships and even group of prospects has scouts happy with the best 30 players available and depth compared to some recent seasons.

Josh Smillie and Finn O'Sullivan are still considered the most likely candidates for the No.1 pick, but the likes of Luke Trainor, Sam Lalor, Murphy Reid, Jagga Smith, Sid Draper, Bo Allan and Taj Hotton are also viewed as the top-10 contenders as well as Brisbane father-son Levi Ashcroft and Gold Coast Academy's Leo Lombard.

Tall prospects Jack and Matt Whitlock, Jobe Shanahan, Alixzander Tauru, Noah Mraz and Harry Armstrong are all also seen as potential later first-round selections. ? Callum Twomey

[Bornadog]

Re: 2024 Draft Watch

ESPN rankings updated

1. Sid Draper (June ranking: 3)
South Adelaide/South Australia
MID, 182cm
2024 Champs: 4 games, 21.0 disposals, 3.8 clearances, 2.8 marks

There's a new No. 1 at the top of the board. Draper returned from injury for SA and took time picking up the pace of play, but by the end of the carnival he was at his explosive best. The past two weeks at SANFL level have shown the on-baller is AFL ready. Draper is tough, courageous, powerful and all-consuming in his pursuit of the football. He's one-touch fighting for contested balls and takes on would-be tacklers with an elite turn of pace, then has the foot skills in the open field to spot up leading forwards. Draper has averaged 25 disposals and 10.5 tackles in two SANFL outings, elevating his standing atop the draft rankings with inspiring defensive intensity.

2. Jagga Smith (4)
Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro
MID, 181cm
2024 Champs: 4 games, 29.3 disposals, 6.8 clearances, 4.8 marks

Smith led the country for disposals at the national carnival and did it while spending a chunk of each game resting forward. He is the draft's best prospect at whisking the ball from congestion into open space, finding teammates with crafty kicks and weighted handballs. Smith went at 82% per outing, with nearly half of his disposals contested. The knocks on the maestro are twofold; he's a diminutive figure in the engine room and isn't a metres gained player, averaging a tick under 20 metres per disposal. On Sunday he laid those concerns to rest with a true captain's performance, fighting through physical targeting from Country to be his side's most influential midfielder with eight clearances and 425 metres gained. His heroic performance included winning the final pivotal clearance of the game which led to Luke Trainor's game-winning goal after the siren.

3. Leonardo Lombard (6)
SUNS Academy/Allies
MID/FWD, 178cm 2024
Champs: 4 games, 26.2 disposals, 4.8 clearances, 1.0 goals

Lombard was named a joint Larke Medallist after leading from the front for the Allies throughout the championships. The on-baller boasts incredible top speed and the strength to dominate on the inside, exerting his physical dominance at VFL level after winning a premiership last season. Lombard is at his best linking play in transition and driving the ball forward. The Suns are certainties to match a bid for the Gold Coast Academy product.

4. Finn O'Sullivan (2)
Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Country
MID, 182cm 2024
Champs: 2 games, 11.5 disposals, 1.5 marks, 3.5 tackles

It's been a frustrating campaign for O'Sullivan who was visibly underdone in his return from a fractured finger. He played off the wing for Vic Country but wasn't his typical damaging self. Last season as a bottom-ager for his state he averaged 17 disposals and looked every bit a pick one contender. Recruiters still view him as such, with his floor as a prospect as high as anyone in his draft class. The cousin of Sam Walsh possesses a similarly insatiable work rate and blend of inside-outside craft. O'Sullivan's elite aerial ability gives him a point of difference in a midfield-heavy draft, but will need to recapture his best to challenge for the first selection this year.

5. Josh Smillie (1)
Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro
MID, 194cm
2024 Champs: 4 games, 18.8 disposals, 5.8 clearances, 3.5 tackles

Smillie has all the tools to end up the best player in his draft class. He possesses unmatched size and strength as an inside midfielder and has used it to great effect at times this season. But he couldn't solidify his pick one claim at the national carnival, failing to take a contested mark and going at 56% by foot through four games. The Ranges star was visibly frustrated on Sunday against Vic Country, but still had moments of brilliance powering out of congestion. Smillie remains in the pick one race but needs to prove his potency in open play.

6. Sam Lalor (9)
GWV Rebels/Vic Country
MID, 187cm
2024 Champs: 3 games, 11.0 disposals, 5.0 marks, 1.3 goals

Lalor is a match-up nightmare, routinely winning contested one-on-ones both at ground level and in the air. His most damaging moments have come as a makeshift full forward, leading full-chested out of the goal square and clunking marks above his head. Lalor offers an abundance of raw power and defensive tenacity through the midfield, plus hits the scoreboard forward of centre. He spent the majority of his championships playing deep forward as he was eased back after an injury layoff, and the co-captain's leadership came to the fore after the final siren, bringing his Country squad into a tight knit huddle after tough umpiring decisions cost his side.

7. Levi Ashcroft (5)
Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
MID, 179cm
2024 Champs: 4 games, 25.5 disposals, 3.2 clearances, 1.0 goals

Ashcroft has been a dominant midfielder throughout his junior career, and may end up with three Coates Talent League premierships to go with his Vic Metro title this season. The younger brother of Brisbane's Will is equally as hard working, getting from contest to contest and accumulating possessions. He's a neat ball user and has a penchant of getting forward to hit the scoreboard, but lacks the top end speed of his older brother. Ashcroft is yet to nominate Brisbane under the father-son rule but is expected to do so closer to November.

8. Tobie Travaglia (12)
Bendigo Pioneers/Vic Country
DEF, 187cm 2024
Champs: 4 games, 21.8 disposals, 6.2 marks, 8.2 intercepts

Travaglia was desperately unlucky in the final minute of Sunday's decider, giving up a holding free kick and an abuse 50 metre penalty that put Vic Metro in front after the siren. But it won't detract from his exploits throughout the four quarters. Travaglia is an elite rebounder off halfback, showcasing all of the speed, dare and skill necessary for the modern-day defender. He's a desperate and courageous defender to go with his offensive firepower. Travaglia led the championships for intercept marks with 3.5 per outing and used the ball at 85%. It was a dominant carnival that put him in the top-10 frame.

9. Luke Trainor (7)
Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
DEF, 194cm
2024 Champs: 4 games, 19.8 disposals, 5.8 marks, 4.5 intercepts

Trainor will forever be remembered for a goal after the siren to beat Vic Country in one of the great national championship games. It's a testament to his immense aerial prowess that he was swung forward late to win the game for Vic Metro and delivered. Trainor is the premier tall in the draft, playing above his size when necessary and reading the play with aplomb. The interceptor is also an elite rebounding defender, taking the kick ins for his sides and showcasing a penetrating right boot. Trainor doesn't have genuine key position height at the next level so will need to play alongside those types to be effective.

10. Harvey Langford
Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country
MID, 190cm
2024 Champs: 25.5 disposals, 6.2 clearances, 6.2 marks

Langford was named Vic Country's MVP and the joint Larke Medallist after a truly dominant carnival through the middle of the park. The big-bodied on-baller proved impossible to contain at stoppage, but it was his transition run and carry that impressed the most. Langford took a huge pack mark at the top of the goal square in the final term on Sunday as he willed his side to the line, but also had a costly miss late in the piece. He led Vic Country for disposals, contested possessions, clearances, inside 50s, score involvements and metres gained across the championships.

Read the rest here

[Bornadog]

Re: 2024 Draft Watch

Cal Twomey also has his rankings

Read here

Cal's number one is different to ESPN

[The Doctor]

Re: 2024 Draft Watch

Armstrong & Trainor surely have to be top 5.

[GVGjr]

Re: 2024 Draft Watch

Armstrong & Trainor surely have to be top 5.

Whats your thoughts on Lalor Doc?
He's missed a bit of footy but he's a bull.

[mjp]

Re: 2024 Draft Watch

For all the talk of WA talent this year, a hack like me sees a couple of likely types.

Who do you like?

[angelopetraglia]

Re: 2024 Draft Watch

My son has played against Jagga Smith, Josh Smillie and Isaac Kako. So I have seen them all play in person.

Kako is freakish and I have only seen him play once as it was a practice match across leagues (my son plays in the YJFL) Kako was playing for Pascoe Vale. We had defenders on him who have played football for the Oakeligh Chargers and he made them all look silly. Only 175cm but solid in the air and deadly when the ball hit the ground.I didn't know who he was when I was at the match, but I was just asking everyone, who is this kid!

Smith is your typical athletic, hard running, ball magnet midifelder. In everything and really stood out at club level in the YJFL.

Smillie is just a beast of kid and was just a bull at club level in the YJFL. Just man handled kids and was too strong and had plenty of skill on the outside and in the air at that level. Looks like a stronger and taller Cripps at that level. Not too sure how easily that will relate to the AFL level.

[Bornadog]

Re: 2024 Draft Watch

My son has played against Jagga Smith, Josh Smillie and Isaac Kako. So I have seen them all play in person.

Kako is freakish and I have only seen him play once as it was a practice match across leagues (my son plays in the YJFL) Kako was playing for Pascoe Vale. We had defenders on him who have played football for the Oakeligh Chargers and he made them all look silly. Only 175cm but solid in the air and deadly when the ball hit the ground.I didn't know who he was when I was at the match, but I was just asking everyone, who is this kid!

Smith is your typical athletic, hard running, ball magnet midifelder. In everything and really stood out at club level in the YJFL.

Smillie is just a beast of kid and was just a bull at club level in the YJFL. Just man handled kids and was too strong and had plenty of skill on the outside and in the air at that level. Looks like a stronger and taller Cripps at that level. Not too sure how easily that will relate to the AFL level.

Thanks for the insight

[The Doctor]

Re: 2024 Draft Watch

Whats your thoughts on Lalor Doc?
He's missed a bit of footy but he's a bull.

Lalor has some tools that could propel him into the top 5. Twomey even suggested pick 1 as a possibility. I'm not sure what to make of him to be honest. He can do terrific things then go missing, a bit Stringer like ie 10 possies and one great snap for goal. The next week he plays midfield and has 30+ disposals and kicks 3 goals and you think he is the next coming of Petracca. Will watch with some interest how his year pans out.

Players of interest to me from a Dogs perspective.

If we get into the first round we must bid on Kako if that opportunity arises. For me he is the perfect fit for the bulldogs. A dynamic ground level small forward WHO KICKS & CREATES GOALS and does the other stuff. As the AFL (they really can be stupid sometimes in case anyone hasn't noticed) are changing the bidding rules for NGA we won't get him regardless but we could get another small forward in Joe Berry. A different type to Kako. A goal kicker without the pizazz but he just keeps hitting the scoreboard (ave 3 goals per game) and has a good work rate, a bit like Dylan Moore.

I also think Christian Moraes would be a good fit. A clever goal kicking winger/half forward. Something we badly need. Ive read somewhere we have shown some interest. I hope so!

Others with later picks

Keighton Matafei-Forbes - midsized half forward from Metro. He has that burst ability and can hit the scoreboard. something about him, maybe it's the X factor!

Small/medium defenders Harry Charleson (VC) and Jaxon Artemis (WA) caught the eye for different reasons. Think Charleson is more likely a late/rookie pick and could be a lockdown small defender. Artemis looks a better dasher/rebounder.

Lucas Impey (Metro) also a Western Jet looks a key position prospect. Played ruck but at 196cm I don't think that will be his go at AFL level. His strong marking and bullocking presence would lend themselves to key defender in my view.

There are others. With our draft hand as it stands it's hard to place names to potential draft picks at this stage. There isn't even a stand out number 1 as yet.

[Mofra]

Re: 2024 Draft Watch

Who do you like?

Luke Urquhart - I know everyone says he can't kick. The guy just seems to have heart.
There are probably some who wouldn't touch him at all. I tend to rate 'competitors' a bit higher than others. I'll take ticker over a freak who gives up when the going gets tough.

Bo Allen just seemed to have 'something' and I expect he rises late in the year (injury interruption early?)

Malakai Champion I noticed as well but if I'm being honest I just want us to keep finding quick small forwards and I probably got swayed by him having the same first name as Picken Jnr. Plus, I get jealous of West Coast taking chances we won't on guys who just seem to make it despite being picked late.

I did see Rohr's 1 "good" game but he's not relevant to us

Thoughts on Hamish Davis? There's a you-tube guy (noobermensch) putting videos of the kids up and Davis seems to have his fans

[The Doctor]

Re: 2024 Draft Watch

AFL Draft Combine Invites

https://www.afl.com.au/news/1185018/2024s-most-wanted-draft-combine-nominees-revealed

2024 NATIONAL DRAFT COMBINE LIST

VIC COUNTRY

Jasper Alger (Oakleigh Chargers)
James Barrat (Bendigo Pioneers)
Joe Berry (Murray Bushrangers)
Floyd Burmeister (Greater Western Victoria Rebels)
Harry Charleson (Greater Western Victoria Rebels)
Archer Day-Wicks (Bendigo Pioneers)
Jonty Faull (Greater Western Victoria Rebels)
Cooper Hynes (Dandenong Stingrays)
Lachie Jaques (Geelong Falcons)
Sam Lalor (Greater Western Victoria Rebels)
Harvey Langford (Dandenong Stingrays)
Xavier Lindsay (Gippsland Power)
Noah Mraz (Dandenong Stingrays)
Finn O'Sullivan (Oakleigh Chargers)
Jack Ough (Greater Western Victoria Rebels)
Alix Tauru (Gippsland Power)
Tobie Travaglia (Vic Country)
Rhys Unwin (Greater Western Victoria Rebels)
Oliver Warburton (Murray Bushrangers)
Jack Whitlock (Murray Bushrangers)
Matt Whitlock (Murray Bushrangers)


VIC METRO

Cody Anderson (Eastern Ranges)
Harry Armstrong (Sandringham Dragons)
Levi Ashcroft (Sandringham Dragons)
Adrian Cole (Sandringham Dragons)
Jesse Dattoli (Northern Knights)
Josh Dolan (Sandringham Dragons)
Tom Gross (Oakleigh Chargers)
Taj Hotton (Sandringham Dragons)
Isaac Kako (Calder Cannons)
Christian Moraes (Eastern Ranges)
Harry O'Farrell (Calder Cannons)
Harrison Oliver (Sandringham Dragons)
Murphy Reid (Sandringham Dragons)
Thomas Sims (Northern Knights)
Josh Smillie (Eastern Ranges)
Jagga Smith (Oakleigh Chargers)
Gabriel Stumpf (Northern Knights)
Luke Trainor (Sandringham Dragons)


SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Ned Bowman (Norwood)
Ben Camporeale (Glenelg)
Lucas Camporeale (Glenelg)
Angus Clarke (Glenelg)
Alex Dodson (Sturt)
Sid Draper (South Adelaide)
Phoenix Hargrave (South Adelaide)
Jacob Newton (Norwood)
Charlie Nicholls (Central District)
Charlie West (Woodville-West Torrens)


WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Bo Allan (Peel Thunder)
Cody Angove (Claremont)
Jaxon Artemis (South Fremantle)
Malakai Champion (Subiaco)
Hamish Davis (Claremont)
Clancy Dennis (Claremont)
Kayle Gerreyn (West Perth)
Will Hayes (Claremont)
Aiden Riddle (Claremont)
Luke Urquhart (East Fremantle)


QUEENSLAND

Leo Lombard (Gold Coast Academy)
Sam Marshall (Brisbane Academy)


NEW SOUTH WALES-ACT

Cooper Bell (Giants Academy)
Joel Cochran (Sydney Academy)
Jobe Shanahan (Bendigo Pioneers)
Logan Smith (GWS Academy)


FIRST INTAKE 2024 STATE COMBINE LIST

Benny Barrett (South Adelaide/SA)
Hugh Boxshall (Claremont/WA)
Evan Bradley (North Adelaide/SA)
Charlie Burke (Subiaco/WA)
Zane Cochrane (Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro)
Sam Davidson (Richmond VFL/Vic Metro)
Oliver Dean (Tasmania Devils/North Launceston)
Josaia Delana (Giants Academy/NSW-ACT)
Asher Eastham (Gippsland Power/Vic Country)
Tom Gillett (Brisbane Academy/QLD)
Lucca Grego (Western Jets/Vic Metro)
Kade Herbert (Woodville-West Torrens/SA)
Lennox Hofmann (Sandringham/Vic Metro)
Damon Hollow (Calder Cannons/Vic Metro)
Lucas Impey (Western Jets/Vic Metro)
Xavier Ivisic (Geelong Falcons/Vic Country)
Zak Johnson (Northern Knights/Vic Metro)
Ben Kennedy (Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country)
Nash King (Calder Cannons/Vic Metro)
Thomas McKay (Glenelg/South Australia)
Ricky Mentha (Gippsland Power/NT)
Josh Murphy (Murray Bushrangers/NSW-ACT)
Jayden Nguyen (Calder Cannons/Vic Metro)
Harrison Ramm (Glenelg/South Australia)
Tyler Welsh (Adelaide/South Australia)

[ledge]

Re: 2024 Draft Watch

AFL Draft Combine Invites

https://www.afl.com.au/news/1185018/2024s-most-wanted-draft-combine-nominees-revealed

2024 NATIONAL DRAFT COMBINE LIST

VIC COUNTRY

Jasper Alger (Oakleigh Chargers)
James Barrat (Bendigo Pioneers)
Joe Berry (Murray Bushrangers)
Floyd Burmeister (Greater Western Victoria Rebels)
Harry Charleson (Greater Western Victoria Rebels)
Archer Day-Wicks (Bendigo Pioneers)
Jonty Faull (Greater Western Victoria Rebels)
Cooper Hynes (Dandenong Stingrays)
Lachie Jaques (Geelong Falcons)
Sam Lalor (Greater Western Victoria Rebels)
Harvey Langford (Dandenong Stingrays)
Xavier Lindsay (Gippsland Power)
Noah Mraz (Dandenong Stingrays)
Finn O'Sullivan (Oakleigh Chargers)
Jack Ough (Greater Western Victoria Rebels)
Alix Tauru (Gippsland Power)
Tobie Travaglia (Vic Country)
Rhys Unwin (Greater Western Victoria Rebels)
Oliver Warburton (Murray Bushrangers)
Jack Whitlock (Murray Bushrangers)
Matt Whitlock (Murray Bushrangers)


VIC METRO

Cody Anderson (Eastern Ranges)
Harry Armstrong (Sandringham Dragons)
Levi Ashcroft (Sandringham Dragons)
Adrian Cole (Sandringham Dragons)
Jesse Dattoli (Northern Knights)
Josh Dolan (Sandringham Dragons)
Tom Gross (Oakleigh Chargers)
Taj Hotton (Sandringham Dragons)
Isaac Kako (Calder Cannons)
Christian Moraes (Eastern Ranges)
Harry O'Farrell (Calder Cannons)
Harrison Oliver (Sandringham Dragons)
Murphy Reid (Sandringham Dragons)
Thomas Sims (Northern Knights)
Josh Smillie (Eastern Ranges)
Jagga Smith (Oakleigh Chargers)
Gabriel Stumpf (Northern Knights)
Luke Trainor (Sandringham Dragons)


SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Ned Bowman (Norwood)
Ben Camporeale (Glenelg)
Lucas Camporeale (Glenelg)
Angus Clarke (Glenelg)
Alex Dodson (Sturt)
Sid Draper (South Adelaide)
Phoenix Hargrave (South Adelaide)
Jacob Newton (Norwood)
Charlie Nicholls (Central District)
Charlie West (Woodville-West Torrens)


WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Bo Allan (Peel Thunder)
Cody Angove (Claremont)
Jaxon Artemis (South Fremantle)
Malakai Champion (Subiaco)
Hamish Davis (Claremont)
Clancy Dennis (Claremont)
Kayle Gerreyn (West Perth)
Will Hayes (Claremont)
Aiden Riddle (Claremont)
Luke Urquhart (East Fremantle)


QUEENSLAND

Leo Lombard (Gold Coast Academy)
Sam Marshall (Brisbane Academy)


NEW SOUTH WALES-ACT

Cooper Bell (Giants Academy)
Joel Cochran (Sydney Academy)
Jobe Shanahan (Bendigo Pioneers)
Logan Smith (GWS Academy)


FIRST INTAKE 2024 STATE COMBINE LIST

Benny Barrett (South Adelaide/SA)
Hugh Boxshall (Claremont/WA)
Evan Bradley (North Adelaide/SA)
Charlie Burke (Subiaco/WA)
Zane Cochrane (Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro)
Sam Davidson (Richmond VFL/Vic Metro)
Oliver Dean (Tasmania Devils/North Launceston)
Josaia Delana (Giants Academy/NSW-ACT)
Asher Eastham (Gippsland Power/Vic Country)
Tom Gillett (Brisbane Academy/QLD)
Lucca Grego (Western Jets/Vic Metro)
Kade Herbert (Woodville-West Torrens/SA)
Lennox Hofmann (Sandringham/Vic Metro)
Damon Hollow (Calder Cannons/Vic Metro)
Lucas Impey (Western Jets/Vic Metro)
Xavier Ivisic (Geelong Falcons/Vic Country)
Zak Johnson (Northern Knights/Vic Metro)
Ben Kennedy (Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country)
Nash King (Calder Cannons/Vic Metro)
Thomas McKay (Glenelg/South Australia)
Ricky Mentha (Gippsland Power/NT)
Josh Murphy (Murray Bushrangers/NSW-ACT)
Jayden Nguyen (Calder Cannons/Vic Metro)
Harrison Ramm (Glenelg/South Australia)
Tyler Welsh (Adelaide/South Australia)

Thanks for this, it?s a shame they don?t name the home clubs they come from and not the clubs they are forced to play for to get AFL look in.
I think fans would be more attached to players if they know they come from a local club.
I see the first Tassie mention in there too. The new era begins.

[mjp]

Re: 2024 Draft Watch

Luke Urquhart

Bo Allen

Malakai Champion

Rohr

Hamish Davis

Hamish Davis is playing league footy at Claremont now and aquitting himself pretty well. Clean hands, nice user...he should be on a list somewhere.

Rohr? What even is he? I'm not sure where he plays at senior level.

Champion? What position is he going to play? Small forward?? Yeah - I don't see it.

Urquhart is a tough kid and was heart and soul at the champs...his disposal is a genuine worry though right?? I mean, he's big and runs well, catches it OK (he must be about 188/190'ish) for his size...

I do like Gerryn who plays mid at club level (WP) vs out of the cage for WA...sometimes team selection/needs don't feed into the skills of a player.

Bo Allen is just good.

[mjp]

Re: 2024 Draft Watch

it?s a shame they don?t name the home clubs they come from

So Jaxon Artemis would be: (Jandakot Jets/Trinity/South Fremantle/WA)

Umm? Nope.

South is his state league club and he would have been doing development programs with them since 13.