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Re: 2024 Draft Watch
Please don’t take it to the bank. From an interview I read with Leon Cameron it sounds like his son is up in 2025. Cooney is 2025, but could be 2026. Levi West is 100% 2026.
But we have heaps of F/S. Heaps. One is if they want to play footy, see Mitch Croft. Whether they even make rep sides, see Kai Dimattina. Whether they make U/18 sides but don’t cut it see Macca, Romero, Wallis etc. - A video from last year had I think Darcy’s brother, a couple of Eagletons, Croft, West, Cooney, Cameron and others.
It’s for some reason a little harder to follow than it used to be, I don’t know why. But relax knowing the media will bang on relentlessly about another gun F/S as soon as they get a sniff of it. So we will get advanced intel.Rocket Science: the epitaph for the Beveridge era - whenever it ends - reading 'Here lies a team that could beat anyone on its day, but seldom did when it mattered most'. 15/7/2023Comment
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Re: 2024 Draft Watch
Levi West and Cooney are probably the big gets from F/S over the next couple of years.
I think that Cameron is part of the Giant's Academy so it seems pretty unlikely that he nominates for F/S.Comment
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Rocket Science: the epitaph for the Beveridge era - whenever it ends - reading 'Here lies a team that could beat anyone on its day, but seldom did when it mattered most'. 15/7/2023Comment
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Rocket Science: the epitaph for the Beveridge era - whenever it ends - reading 'Here lies a team that could beat anyone on its day, but seldom did when it mattered most'. 15/7/2023Comment
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Re: 2024 Draft Watch
Vic Metro and Country Summer training squads
Listening to Brahm's 3rd RacketComment
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Re: 2024 Draft Watch
Not so sure on that...
He is now Sydney's Footy Boss. That is a pretty good role.
More of an In Bruges guy?Comment
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Rocket Science: the epitaph for the Beveridge era - whenever it ends - reading 'Here lies a team that could beat anyone on its day, but seldom did when it mattered most'. 15/7/2023Comment
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Re: 2024 Draft Watch
Had Leon played 1 more year at Richmond (and given he was only 31 when he retired and played 21 games in his final season he probably could have), his son would likely have qualified for Richmond father/son as well.
This is part of the problem with the northern academies. I understand they are fighting against rugby in those states for the talent but players like Cameron and Blakey were always going to play AFL.Comment
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Re: 2024 Draft Watch
Certainly interesting and I wonder if it was a factor in us trading out our 2024 first rounder. Would not be surprised it all if we plan to move a 2025 first into next year for additional 2025 points knowing we may have a couple of F/Ss potentially coming on board. We'd need to be certain of their potential ability however.Comment
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Re: 2024 Draft Watch
AFL Draft 2024: Profiles for 29 of the top prospects to watch
According to Chinese astrology, 2024 is the year of the Wood Dragon.
But when it comes to the AFL draft, next year shapes as the year of the midfielder.
While there were a range of different types of players selected in the top-30 in this year's draft, clubs searching for gun midfielders look set to be spoiled for choice in 2024.
"There appears to be an incredible amount of depth through the midfield group next year, which is exciting," AFL Academy coach Tarkyn Lockyer said.
"But the other part is that we’re 12 months away from next year's draft. There’s always a few that come on that you don’t really expect, so that’s great for those kids as well."
Harley Reid was earmarked as the No. 1 pick for 2023 more than 12 months out and was subsequently snapped up by West Coast with that selection last month.
However, the race for the No. 1 pick in 2024 is a little less clear at this early stage.
“I think the thing about next year’s group is at the moment there’s no real clear standout prospect for who potentially could be No. 1,” Lockyer said.
Finn O’Sullivan, Jagga Smith, Levi Ashcroft, Sid Draper and Josh Smillie are among the top group of contenders vying for the coveted pick.
Next year’s draft class is also stacked with father-son prospects, including Ashcroft (Brisbane), twins Ben and Lucas Camporeale (Carlton) and Tyler Welsh (Adelaide).
Some gun Academy prospects also feature among the top group of prospects, headlined by Leonardo Lombard (Gold Coast Suns Academy), Joel Cochran (Sydney Swans Academy) and Sam Marshall (Brisbane Lions Academy).
AFL Academy coach Tarkyn Lockyer on five names to watch in 2024 …
Finn O’Sullivan: "Finn’s had a fantastic couple of years. He's just a natural ball winner, a natural football player who just knows where to go to get the ball. He's played inside, outside, back and forward. He’s got a little bit of height where he can mark the ball really well as well. So he's going to have a lot of attention coming his way."
Jagga Smith: "Jagga's a ripping kid. He’s got so much energy and such a thirst for knowledge. He's got really good agility and fast feet and really good speed as well. He wins his own ball, but he’s got that speed to get out and find time and space."
Levi Ashcroft: "As a bottom-ager this year in the champs and through his under-16s as well, he’s played some amazing footy. Even with the Sandringham Dragons, he's done some great stuff as well. He’s got great game awareness, really good hands, and he’s a really good decision-maker."
Ben Camporeale: "No doubt the Blues fans will be watching him pretty closely over the next 12 months, both he and his brother Lucas. He does play a little bit like his dad (Scott), where he wins his own ball and he uses it really well. He’s a great decision-maker and he’s got that little bit of height as well. He’s got a light body at the moment, so no doubt he’ll get in the gym and put a couple of kilos on his frame."
Tyler Welsh: "He's a key position player who marks the ball really well on the lead and overhead. He's a very dangerous player. He's got the ability to hit the scoreboard and he’s incredibly raw as well. He’s got a fantastic opportunity to link in with the Adelaide Crows as well as the father-son."
29 TOP DRAFT PROSPECTS IN 2024
Bo Allan
Peel Thunder/WA
Defender, 189cm
DOB: 16/2/06
While he looks best playing as a third-tall defender, Allan also displayed his ability to feature forward and through the midfield in the WAFL Colts this year. He is a great athlete and is described as a “very smart footballer” who reads the play exceptionally well. Allan played all four games for Western Australia as a bottom-age player in the under-18 national championships, spending time lining up against the likes of top-10 picks Harley Reid and Zane Duursma.
Levi Ashcroft
Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
Midfielder, 179cm
DOB: 18/12/06
One of the youngest players in next year’s draft pool has also been one of the most impressive to date. The younger brother of Brisbane’s Will Ashcroft and son of Lions great Marcus Ashcroft, Levi is eligible to join Brisbane as a father-son next year. He had an ultra-consistent bottom-age year at all levels and was named as an All-Australian in the under-18 team after three impressive games for Vic Metro. While primarily a ball-winning midfielder, Levi has shown an ability to push forward and hit the scoreboard. He is creative, hard-at-it and brings teammates into the game. Levi was the leading disposal winner for Team Selwood in the under-17 Futures game, gathering 26 disposals.
Ben Camporeale
Glenelg/SA
Midfielder/Defender, 184cm
DOB: 21/07/06
A right-footed midfielder or halfback, Camporeale had a big year in the SANFL under-18s and backed it up in the under-17 Futures game on AFL Grand Final Day. He was named best-on-ground in that key match after finishing as the top-ranked player on the ground with 30 disposals, eight marks and eight rebound-50s. Camporeale breaks the lines and is all class with ball in hand. He is the son of former Carlton star Scott and is eligible to join the Blues as a father-son in 2024.
Lucas Camporeale
Glenelg/SA
Midfielder/Defender, 182cm
DOB: 21/07/06
A left-footed outside midfielder or halfback, Camporeale is a smooth-mover who uses the ball well by hand and foot and provides great drive for his team. He has nice composure and played some big games in the SANFL under-18s this year. Camporeale also impressed in the under-17 Futures match for Team Selwood with 19 disposals and nine marks playing a range of roles. He is eligible to join Carlton as a father-son, with his dad Scott having played 233 games for the club including a premiership in 1995.
Malakai Champion
Subiaco/WA
Forward, 176cm
DOB: 17/05/06
A livewire small forward, Champion is an X-Factor player who brings great class, electric speed and pressure. He can get the job done both offensively and defensively and has an outstanding goal sense. Champion kicked 22 goals from 14 WAFL Colts games as a bottom-age player this year and racked up 16 disposals in the under-17 Futures game for Team Selwood. Hailing from Kalgoorlie in regional WA, he is a member of West Coast’s Next Generation Academy.
Joel Cochran
Sydney Swans Academy/NSW-ACT
Defender/Ruck, 195cm
DOB: 28/03/06
An athletically gifted tall, Cochran dominated in defence at the under-16 national championships this year as an approved over-age player. He averaged 25.3 disposals, 8 marks and 162 ranking points across the three games. Cochran can play as a lockdown defender on opposition talls, but also reads the play well and brings great intercepting ability in the air. He has a good mix of speed and endurance and has shown that he can also assist as a back-up ruckman.
Archer Day-Wicks
Bendigo Pioneers/Vic Country
Midfielder/Forward, 185cm
DOB: 13/05/06
Some injury and illness restricted Day-Wicks’ bottom-age season, but he showed plenty when he was on the park. The left-footer can find the footy when he’s up the ground, while he also has great goal sense when he’s featuring closer to the big sticks and loves getting on the end of a major. Day-Wicks possesses super athleticism, including good power and speed, while he is also strong above head and at ground level. He featured in one match for Vic Country at the under-18 national championships this year, collecting 13 disposals.
Oliver Dean
Tasmania Devils/TAS
Ruck, 199cm
DOB: 16/10/06
A promising young ruckman, Dean featured in 13 games for the Tasmanian Devils in the Coates Talent League as a bottom-age player. His tap work is a strength, but he also showed that he push forward and kick goals this year. Dean booted two majors in each of his two Tasmanian State League appearances for North Launceston this season.
Sid Draper
South Adelaide/SA
Midfielder, 180cm
DOB: 05/07/06
The tough onballer featured in all four games of the under-18 national championships for South Australia, won the side’s MVP award and was named an All-Australian despite being a bottom-age player. He has burst speed from stoppages, clean hands, good footy smarts and a nice balance between his inside and outside game. A consistent high performer, Draper averaged 116 ranking points across 14 SANFL under-18 games this year. He is the younger brother of Arlo Draper, a 2021 draftee who was delisted by Collingwood in October.
Jonty Faull
GWV Rebels/Vic Country
Forward, 194cm
DOB: 01/02/06
A key forward who showed plenty of promise this year, Faull finished his bottom-age season in style. He averaged 125 ranking points, 15 disposals, 6.3 marks and kicked 16 goals across his final six matches of the year in the Coates Talent League. Faull also kicked two goals from limited opportunities in the under-17 Futures game in September. He has a good set of hands in the air, presents well and can assist with ruck duties when required.
Tom Gross
Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro
Midfielder/Forward, 180cm
DOB: 15/09/06
A classy midfielder who has breakaway pace and thrives around the contest, Gross can also have an impact on the scoreboard in the forward half. He kicked two goals playing forward during the first half of the under-17 Futures match in September, before being pushed into the midfield and finishing with 18 disposals for Team Selwood. Gross was a consistently strong performer as a bottom-age player in the Coates Talent League, averaging 23 disposals and 7.2 score involvements across 10 games. He also featured in one match for Vic Metro at the national championships, racking up 17 touches.
Kade Herbert
Woodville-West Torrens/SA
Midfielder, 183cm
DOB: 3/04/06
After being so impressive as a bottom-age player in the SANFL under-18s in the first half of this year, Herbert was called up to the seniors for five games in the back end of the season and did not look out of place. He spent time playing on a wing and across half-forward for the Eagles and racked up 20 disposals, nine marks, four score assists and one goal in the final match of the season. Herbert’s versatility to play a range of roles is a clear strength, while he also has clean hands, great agility and good footy IQ.
Isaac Kako
Calder Cannons/Vic Metro
Forward, 175cm
DOB: 7/03/2006
A dynamic forward who finds plenty of the footy, Kako is a member of Essendon’s Next Generation Academy. He featured in 11 games in the Coates Talent League this year, averaging 15.7 disposals and kicking 24 goals. The campaign was highlighted by a 22-disposal and 7-goal game against Northern Territory in round 4. Kako has great speed, is tough and works hard up the ground to provide an option for teammates. He was his usual lively self in the under-17 Futures game in September, gathering 14 disposals and kicking two goals to be one of the better players for Team Selwood.Western Bulldogs Football Club "Where it's cool to drool"Comment
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