WOOF - Official Phantom Draft #1 (4 Rounds)

[Bulldog Revolution]

Re: WOOF - Official Phantom Draft #1 (4 Rounds)

These phantom drafts always make me want the club to take more picks

Anyone else feel the same way?

[LostDoggy]

Re: WOOF - Official Phantom Draft #1 (4 Rounds)

Western Bulldogs - pick 15, 31 and 63

Pick 16 Daniel Talia recruited from Assumption College/Calder Cannons
Height 195cms
Weight: 89kgs
DOB: 02/10/91

Versatile key position player who can play well at either end of the ground. Clean hands and great endurance for his size are strengths. Vic Metro U18 representative in 2009, winning All-Australian honours.

Grandson of Footscray Premiership Player, Talia is suprisingly quick for his height. Play him at either end - he has a good defensive side to his game, and if he can't mark will bring it to ground.

Talia was a given as I think he can be a KPP at either end. A bit cocky, but there is a lot to like about him, and a bit of cockiness at the kennel wouldn't go astray.

Pick 31 - This was a toss up between Sam Reid and Dylan Grimes who went a couple of picks later.

Sam Reid (Murray Bushrangers, VIC)
Height: 192cm, Weight: 84kg, DOB: 27/12/91
Recruited from: Wangaratta
Versatile rebounding defender who provides plenty of run from defence. Athleticism, vertical leap and speed are strengths.

http://www.bordermail.com.au/news/local/sport/football-australian-rules/reid-could-be-firstround-pick/1663813.aspx

Finally, a speculative pick was Taylea Duryea, as a succession plan for Aker.
Taylor Duryea – Nippy small crumbing forward with some tricks that can push further up the ground. Played in the U18 Championships last year and for Murray in the their winning 2008 TAC Cup winning premiership team.

[LostDoggy]

Re: WOOF - Official Phantom Draft #1 (4 Rounds)

Only need the Dogs 4th rounder at #63 from dogs_r_barking and we are done, unless Temel or Roberton are chosen.

Will be interesting to see if DRB has any thoughts on a 5th rounder as well as it seems we will take 4 draft picks and we traded our 3rd rounder

It wouldn't suprise me at all if we throw a lifeline to a player, but as the clubs have not finalised their lists yet, I would not like to suggest who.

[Throughandthrough]

Re: WOOF - Official Phantom Draft #1 (4 Rounds)

Great effort all,


now can someone summarise it so i can point out all the Glenelg players that are gonna get drafted that you have missed?

[GVGjr]

Re: WOOF - Official Phantom Draft #1 (4 Rounds)

These phantom drafts always make me want the club to take more picks

Anyone else feel the same way?

Sure do. To me the depth of the draft wasn't bad but it was light on for star players.
It's a shame that GC have raided so many of the better players.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Re: WOOF - Official Phantom Draft #1 (4 Rounds)

Essendon's Draft Summary
Pick 10: Luke Tapscott (Mid/Forward)
Pick 24: Ryan Bastinac (Mid/Forward)
Pick 26: Troy Taylor (Forward)
Pick 33: Callum Bartlett (Mid)

Coming into this draft I identified two main needs. Inside midfielders to assist Watson and players with class to finish off their hard running. In recent seasons, Essendon has turned the ball over far too much with ordinary disposal. They've been quick and exciting - but often lack the polish to defeat the better sides. Losing Lovett is a big blow but securing Mark Williams from Hawthorn provides another solid option in the forward half which they desperately need. No Lloyd and Lucas means they need one of Gumbleton/Neagle to step up but both look a long way off the pace at this stage. Hurley will likely spend most of his time up forward but they need to find other dangerous options.

Tapscott is a good fit for Essendon because he's very physical and isn't restricted to simply playing as an inside midfielder. He's got a devastating long kick which means he should become a player they regularly look to give the ball to. Should really compliment Essendon's midfield/forward mix well as whilst he's got an appetite for the contest, his finishing skills are great. Fills a need and is quality - happy with this selection.
Also considered: Daniel Talia, Lewis Jetta.

Bastinac was taken with Pick 24 and I strongly considered Mitch Duncan. I felt Bastinac slightly edged him in the class department and especially under pressure. Bastinac is a really clever player despite a lack of pace. He's very good at ground level and always makes the right decisions. He's only a light frame but again, he loves a contest. Not a noted goal kicker but he could certainly play as an effective half forward because he's creative. Bastinac gave Essendon another player who can play inside and outside with class. Along with Tapscott, he addressed a need and was perhaps best available too.
Also considered: Andrew Moore (Taken a few picks earlier).

Troy Taylor is a very interesting story and could find himself in the first round. He's had a troubled childhood but football has helped him get back on track. He's a Motlop/Jurrah clone. Capable of pulling off the impossible, but does make ordinary and indifferent mistakes too. He's a raw prospect but I think he has the most potential in this entire draft. Don't be surprised if Taylor turns out to be a superstar. At 188cm, he's got a huge leap and very strong hands. He's equally as good at ground level which what makes him such an enticing talent. He'll be extremely difficult to match up on because he doesn't have any glaring weaknesses. He'll need to get a lot stronger and refine parts of his game but Taylor is a super talent with scary upside. Essendon lack X factor in their forward half and have been without a genuine match winner for a few years. Taylor gives them something different and would be perfect for their set-up.
Also considered: Nat Fyfe.

Callum Bartlett lasting to Pick 33 was a surprise. He is a very talented footballer who was cut down by a season ending knee injury. Fallen off the radar somewhat, but I was delighted to pick him up and IMO will be the steal of the draft. Bartlett has blistering pace and really knows how and when to use it. He's very evasive and his skills are seriously elite. Bartlett's the perfect modern day midfielder; he's quick, finds plenty of the ball, evasive, hard running, clever and has first rate disposal. Ironically, he's exactly the type of player Essendon like but there are two concerns. How will he return from a serious knee injury? Can he improve his defensive game? Obviously it's a bit of a risk but he's only young and has plenty of time to develop. Touted as a potential Top 10 pick at the beginning of the year, Bartlett would be a great addition to an impressive young list.
Also considered: None.

Overall: Addressed the needs for inside midfielders, players with smarts/disposal and a quality forward. Extremely happy with all selections and feel Taylor/Bartlett could easily become the biggest stories of the draft.

[comrade]

Re: WOOF - Official Phantom Draft #1 (4 Rounds)

North Melbourne's two major deficiencies are midfield depth (pacy options in particular) and forward options, so with plenty of picks those were the two areas I wanted to hone in on.

# 5 - North Melbourne - Gary Rohan

I'm a big fan of Rohan and I think he's a good fit for the Kangaroos. Gives them much needed pace and an X-factor type player that they sorely lack. Some have compared him to Dale Thomas but I think he'll be better than that.

# 21 - North Melbourne - Andrew Moore

I deviated a little with this pick and went best available, rather than looking to secure a genuine mid or forward. Moore is the type of player that will give solid service, year in year out and works his butt off. I can see him running of half back or playing a lead up option up forward - his versatility is a real asset.

# 25 - North Melbourne - Ben Griffiths

There were a few I was looking at at this pick but felt I had to choose a good tall before they were all taken. Griffiths could easily turn out to be a fizzer - he's injury prone and inconsistent, but he's very mobile for his size and his kick is massive. With Tarrant an unknown quantity at this stage, I think the big man from Eastern Ranges was worth the punt.

# 37 - North Melbourne - Travis Colyer

I was pretty rapt that Colyer was available at this pick - I think he'll go higher in the real thing. Blessed with blistering pace, great balance at high speed and naturally attacking instincts, he's perfect for North's workmanline midfield group. I can see Ziebell winning the hardball and giving it off to Colyer screeching by.

# 41 - North Melbourne - Nat Fyfe

Another solid forward option who showed a bit during the carnival. A little bit inconsistent but capable of doing some special things, he's built as a third tall and will provide another goal kicking avenue for the Kangaroos.

# 53 - North Melbourne - Zac Ledin

An overage midfielder from the Falcons, Ledin is an absolute ball magnet. His disposal is decent and will benefit from further development at an AFL club. At this stage of the draft, I was happy to snare him to add depth to the midfield.

-------

All in all, I'm pretty happy with the draft picks I was able to secure. Colyer was my biggest coup, but with the blistering pace of Rohan, the versatility of Moore, the goal kicking options of Griffiths and Fyfe and the ball winning ability of Ledin - hopefully I've been able to address some deficiencies in the North Melbourne list.

[Happy Days]

Re: WOOF - Official Phantom Draft #1 (4 Rounds)

Melbourne have proven themselves over the last two years to be the worst team in the competition, and thus have glaring weaknesses all over the field. Thus with my selections, I have tried to adress as many needs as possible, whilst still looking to go with the best available player where feasible.

#1 - Tom Scully
Even though this draft is said to be weak on talent, it doesn't mean that there isn't a superstar or two in the mix, and Scully is one of those guys. He is a midfielder who can go inside and win his own ball, but can also go outside and provide run and carry. He also has great leadership qualities, and is as tough as nails. Can also kick a goal. Melbourne will be thrilled to have him

#2 - Jack Trengrove
Everything said for Scully works for Jack as well. Some have talked him as being perhaps an even better player, but time will tell. Is a great user of the footy.

By drafting these two, almost instantly any midfield problems have been adressed.

#11 - Nathan Vardy
Vardy is the best ruck in this draft, but is perhaps a bit high at #11. This is a pick made purely on need, as Melbourne's rucks are just that bad, and Vardy has the potential to be quite good. He just needs to improve his fitness, but a couple of pre-seasons and some work down at Casey should take care of this for him

#18 - Matthew Panos
Having adressed the midfield problem, there was a need to give them someone to kick it too, and Panos was the best available key forward at this point in the draft. Was actually quite happy to get him, as I thought he would be gone by this stage. Has good hands and is a lovely finisher, so there is no reason why he can't turn into a good option inside 50.

#34 - Dylan Grimes
Whilst Frawley, Warnock and perhaps even Martin have shown glimpses as backmen, there is nothing to say that they are the answer. By bringing in Grimes, Melbourne add dependability to their backline, as well as versitility, as Grimes can play on just about anyone.

#51 - Josh Thomas
At this stage in the draft, it really is all about taking the best available player. Was hoping that Ah Chee would fall to this pick, but it was not to be, so I took another slider in Josh. An inside mid from the Gold Coast, often compared to Dayne Beams. Should be able to help around clearances.

Overall, I'm pretty happy with this group, and have been able to cover alot of holes in the Dees line-up.

[mjp]

Re: WOOF - Official Phantom Draft #1 (4 Rounds)

I pinched that BIO from the afl draft camp invite list which was on the afl site. How would you describe him Mike?

Strong bodied half forward/mid. Good kicking skills, strong one-on-one...bit of a stoppages specialist. Not sure where he would play at senior level - not super quick and endurance not great...not big enough for a kpp. Aggression could see him as a classier version of Mitch Hahn I guess - but Weedon is a HFF who can burst through the mid-field, whereas Hahn played as a legit on-baller (albeit in divvy 2) at u18 level.

He is a good player but I am not really sure what to make of him.

[Mitcha]

Re: WOOF - Official Phantom Draft #1 (4 Rounds)

Melbourne have proven themselves over the last two years to be the worst team in the competition, and thus have glaring weaknesses all over the field. Thus with my selections, I have tried to adress as many needs as possible, whilst still looking to go with the best available player where feasible.

#1 - Tom Scully
Even though this draft is said to be weak on talent, it doesn't mean that there isn't a superstar or two in the mix, and Scully is one of those guys. He is a midfielder who can go inside and win his own ball, but can also go outside and provide run and carry. He also has great leadership qualities, and is as tough as nails. Can also kick a goal. Melbourne will be thrilled to have him

#2 - Jack Trengrove
Everything said for Scully works for Jack as well. Some have talked him as being perhaps an even better player, but time will tell. Is a great user of the footy.

By drafting these two, almost instantly any midfield problems have been adressed.

[B]#11 - Nathan Vardy
Vardy is the best ruck in this draft, but is perhaps a bit high at #11.[/B] This is a pick made purely on need, as Melbourne's rucks are just that bad, and Vardy has the potential to be quite good. He just needs to improve his fitness, but a couple of pre-seasons and some work down at Casey should take care of this for him

#18 - Matthew Panos
Having adressed the midfield problem, there was a need to give them someone to kick it too, and Panos was the best available key forward at this point in the draft. Was actually quite happy to get him, as I thought he would be gone by this stage. Has good hands and is a lovely finisher, so there is no reason why he can't turn into a good option inside 50.

#34 - Dylan Grimes
Whilst Frawley, Warnock and perhaps even Martin have shown glimpses as backmen, there is nothing to say that they are the answer. By bringing in Grimes, Melbourne add dependability to their backline, as well as versitility, as Grimes can play on just about anyone.

#51 - Josh Thomas
At this stage in the draft, it really is all about taking the best available player. Was hoping that Ah Chee would fall to this pick, but it was not to be, so I took another slider in Josh. An inside mid from the Gold Coast, often compared to Dayne Beams. Should be able to help around clearances.

Overall, I'm pretty happy with this group, and have been able to cover alot of holes in the Dees line-up.

Spot on with Vardy, reasonable ruck prospect but could not possibly use pick 11 on him.
Panos does have good hands and is excellent in front of goal but I seriously question his workrate and wonder how many opportunites he would get during a game if he is not prepared to work hard. Grimes on occassions last year seemed to play the Paul Roos role of defender, not interested in picking up an opponent while kick chasing, his skills aren't flash either.

[Go_Dogs]

Re: WOOF - Official Phantom Draft #1 (4 Rounds)

Wish list for selection 8:

1. Trengove
2. Martin
3. Scully
4. Morabito
5. Butcher
6. Lucas
7. Cunnington
8. Tapscott

Port Power #8 - John Butcher - 197cm, 84kgs.
We were really keen to add a tall forward, and are very happy to have Butcher fall through to #8. Although he has dropped in the rankings a bit as the year progressed, he is still the best KPP in the draft. He's athletic, very good at ground level and his second/defensive efforts are very good for a big man, as well as having a clean pair of hands. His kicking will however need some work. We had Butcher rated as the 5th best player in the draft, so very happy to walk away with him here.

Others considered: Once Butcher had fallen through, he became an easy choice. The Doc selecting Melksham probably ahead of where we thought helped us a lot.

Wishlist for selection 9:
1. Trengove
2. Martin
3. Scully
4. Morabito
5. Butcher
6. Lucas
7. Cunnington
8. Tapscott
9. Rohan - If a small with #8, take best available tall at #9.
10. Black - If a tall with #8, take best available small at #9.
11. Talia

Port Power #9 - Ben Cunnington - 186cm, 84kgs
After securing a KPF with #8, grabbing a quality mid was the next need. We were hopeful Lucas would slip, as he offers a good combination of outside - inside, however we are thrilled to land Cunnington. Cunnington is probably more inside - outside, and his hands and vision in congestion are probably his strengths. He attacks the contest hard, and is a strong body who can probably play senior footy in his first year. At times, his poise and awareness looks exceptional, but can just as easily turn it over through a lack of awareness. Should thrive in an AFL environment and will add some inside grunt to Port's midfield and feed the likes of Pearce and Salopek.

Others considered: Lucas was probably our preferred option as he can play outside as well and could provide a good option for a longer term replacement for Shaun Burgoyne. Cunnington was also rated very highly for his inside work, and again Melksham going where he did really helped us out here as we were able to land Cunnington. Tapscott and Rohan were the other types who would have been on our radar here, and if Butcher had not been available at #8 Black and then Talia would have come into calculation.

Wishlist for selection 16:
This is where it got very tricky. We had about 10 players who could have been taken with this selection. Tapscott, Black, Jetta, Talia and Stevens were all selected and taken out of the equation making our decision a bit easier. If Black or Talia had been available there would have been a real temptation to go tall again and try and lock down our bookends for the next 10 years.

McMillian-Pittard, Crichton and Moore were around the mark, however a tough, inside and ready made player in Hutchings was favored. We need a good season in 2010, and Hutchings can provide immediate improvement to our mix, and is certainly a needs based, as well as best available style selection.

Port Power #16 - Mark Hutchings - 180cm, 82kgs
After taking a real best available approach with a tall/mid combination in mind, we were happy to follow a similar approach here. We were hopeful Talia would fall, however once he hadn't it became a 3 horse race, between Hutchings, McMillian-Pittard and Crichton. McMillian-Pittard was probably seen as the 'best' player, but adding more grunt is a greater priority than run and carry.

Hutchings is a good inside - outside player, and his outside work is probably underrated imo. His foot skills are tidy, he attacks the contest and runs hard outside in space. Inside he's strong over the ball and good with his hands, and also the quick release kick to advantage. We're confident we can grab a few run and carry developing types in the rookie draft, so the other upside of Hutchings will be his ability to play a role immediately in 2010. Along with Harlett, Boak and Cunnington, the midfield mix looks very good.