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There's some fine talent in Thursday's AFL draft, but while club needs and father-son selections will determine the final order our expert just picks the best players.
( just our picks )
5. JONATHAN O'ROURKE
(Calder Cannons. 18, 184cm, 73kg)
O'Rourke is another classy onballer who makes life much, much easier for his forwards, zooming towards the 50-metre line and placing the ball up in front of them. It took him a while to hit form this year but he's one of those players who can arch his back, duck back to get around a player rushing at him, dash off and kick while fully balance.
Who will pick him? He could become a Giant in the top three. If not, expect him to become a Bulldog at pick 5 or 6.
6. LACHIE PLOWMAN
(Calder Cannons. 18, 192cm, 84kg)
Plowman is the best key defender in the draft and another natural: he's not fast but he reads the play so well that he's usually able to get to where he needs to be in ample time. He's smart too, knowing when he can pick off a mark, when he can carry the ball out of trouble and when to simply punch the ball away. He's a competitor, but calm as well, which makes him so well suited to defence.
Who will pick him? He's a big chance for GWS. Similarly to Menzel, the Giants could either make sure they got him in the top three or roll the dice and hope he slips through to 12. The Dogs, Lions and Blues would all take a big look.
22. TIM O'BRIEN
(Glenelg. 18, 193cm, 80kg)
O'Brien's marking sets him apart. He runs hard and throws himself up and at the ball when it's coming in high. Tested really well for speed and agility and having only recently moved to Adelaide from the country, has plenty of scope to improve.
Who will pick him? O'Brien is popular. Fremantle's considering him, as well as Geelong, Collingwood and Adelaide.
Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-new...#ixzz2CWgUkbFh