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1. Tom Boyd - Key Forward - 198.9cm, 102.7kgs
The standout player in this years draft, key forward who ticks all the boxes. Much like Daniher was last year for me, a very tall player who is the prototype key forward for the next generation of footballers, incredibly big, strong but agile with good kicking ability and hands. GWS have done well in securing key forwards with their concessions and this is another keeper for them.
2. James Aish - Midfielder - 182cm, 74.2kgs
If you've read my top 20's before, I always manage to get a few South Aussie's up there - Aish is my man this year. Having seen a lot of him at Norwood over the past few years, and knowing a bit about his family stock, I'm pretty confident putting Aish here even though most experts have him dropping significantly at the moment. Aish is a class act, he can play inside and out and will continue to improve his inside game as he adds more strength. He's a quality user, he has space and time where others don't, good decision making and could play a variety of roles at AFL level before eventually settling as an inside-outside midfielder. Everyone knows about him, 2 league premierships, played and proven himself against men etc.
My best guess is he'll end up with us, Collingwood or Melbourne as I don't think GWS or GC need him. I really hope it's us.
3. Jack Billings - Forward/Midfielder - 183cm, 76.7kgs
Billings is a very interesting one for mine, but I cannot go past the underage game I saw him destroy live down at Alberton Oval against SA last year. He's had a bit of a quieter year this year, although much like Aish, I get the feeling players who have already shone as underage players can coast a bit, or perhaps it's that they get more attention and scouts look harder to find faults rather than focusing on what they do well. Either way, Billings is a dynamic forward who projects as a midfielder with great hands, time and space, excellent disposal skills and enough pace to play at the level. His endurance appears an issue, as perhaps does his injury history, but I'm confident he can develop his endurance if he can keep his body right for a few pre-seasons and will eventually become a midfielder who can rest forward and have a high hurt factor on the scoreboard.
St Kilda appear the logical spot for him to land, although I think GWS are a big chance to snare him at 2. Us and GC are also big chances if he's available.
4. Matt Scharenberg - Utility - 189cm, 88.4kgs
Another one who is somewhat slipping in the rankings at the moment according to media experts and another that leaves me scratching my head as to why? yes, he's a utility, but he's a classy player, who has proven himself at State level for 2 years as well as proving himself in the SANFL against men. He can play as a defender, and whilst his ability to play midfield has been questioned somewhat, I think he certainly can develop himself as a midfield player. He's got great game sense, excellent disposal, he's quick enough and is a good player one on one who'll continue to develop that in an AFL system. I don't think it's too much of a stretch to project him as a midfielder, he's a great size almost a Ryan Griffen type in that respect with his height and weight, and once he adds more strength should become a powerful midfield weapon. Clubs that outsmart themselves and don't go for him will kick themselves for the next 10 years.
I get a feeling that he's still very much in the mix for GWS and that St Kilda, us and GC will heavily consider him. If he got past the first 5 picks, I can't see how Collingwood don't pick him but at the very worst, surely this talented kid who has been rated as a top 3/4 pick all year doesn't slip out of the top 10?
5. Dom Sheed - Midfielder - 185cm, 83.2kgs
I probably rate Dom higher than most do in this crop, he might not be as exciting as some of the other players in that he's a no nonsense footballer who just gets the job done. He isn't super quick (although he's not that slow either!) he isn't flashy outside (although he sure is effective!) and for some reason he hasn't got the amount of love I feel he would have if he played in Victoria (funny about that!). He's good inside and outside, his outside ability is underrated for mine. He can win clearances, he has reasonable hands inside, he's a reliable user by foot and hand, he can play forward and be damaging with his overhead ability and keen goal sense. He's got great leadership abilities from all reports. Basically, it's hard to see him not playing 200+ games of AFL footy and it's hard not to see him being a high production midfielder who averages a goal a game over his career. I'd love him at the Dogs.
It's really hard to get a read on where he may end up, but I think Melbourne could do a lot worse than going for Sheed, and Brisbane may be another club that like his consistency and leadership to help them out. Collingwood and both WA based clubs are also chances in the first round.
6. Luke McDonald - Midfield/Utility - 187.5cm, 85.3kgs
Well, he's off to North for a first round selection which is what they should pay and thankfully have. He's a good size player for the modern game, a good user by foot who is a good mix of inside and outside and works well defensively. Likely to start as a flanker and then play all over the park where he's needed. A good get who should become a 200 game player for North.
7. Kade Kolodjashnij - HB/utility - 189cm, 79.3kgs
This is where it gets a bit tougher in my rankings - but I'll elaborate on that more at the end. KK is a highly touted player who has shot up the ranks after his exceptional testing at the Draft Combine when considered on the back of his good State Champs carnival for Tasmania. He's a great athlete, but also a good footballer who is more outside at the moment, but with his frame and time in an AFL environment should become a better contested and inside player. I project him as a back flanker initially, but does project as someone who could become a wing, midfielder or even a forward as he develops his game at the next level, another very versatile player who should be adaptable. Good user, good hands.
It seems he could be in the mix anywhere from us onwards, but I get a feeling he'll land at GC or Collingwood. Brisbane and Melbourne are both the other strong chances in the first round.
8. Marcus Bontempelli - Midfield/Utility - 192cm, 84kgs
He's one who has moved up and down my rankings a bit over the course of the year, but I've settled with him inside my top 10, just. He's a great size, good endurance and a relatively skillful player who projects as someone who can play midfield, but could also be suited to playing as a third tall at either end of the ground. Another of those types who, like Macrae and Ward before him have improved as the year goes on which is a trait that I like. His often talked about dominant game of school footy is one thing, but the concern is what is he going to do at AFL level, where will he settle and play his best footy? If I knew the answer to that I'd feel more confident putting him here, but as it is, I think he has most of the tools to become a good AFL player and is a great size. He may go bust, but has a bit more development in him and should end up a reasonable player.
It appears he could go anywhere from our pick onwards, but Collingwood have been heavily linked to him. I think Melbourne may hold some interest in him because of his size and at worst Richmond or Carlton may see the appeal in a big bodied midfielder.
9. Matt Crouch - Midfielder - 181cm, 79.6kgs
A bit of a surprise perhaps given most have him outside the top 10 now, but like Mitch Grigg before him, I think there are major concerns not going for someone based on how they tested at DC, just as much as there is an over-inflating a player based on DC (I'm guilty of both, I'm sure recruiters are too). He's a good inside player who played under duress at the Champs, but will become a high production inside midfielder in the Tom Liberatore style. Not quite as good as his brother, but he looks like the type of player that will thrive and improve at AFL level and is a pretty sure thing to play 150 games of AFL footy. Another who perhaps isn't as flashy or exciting as some others but he can play, he'll do everything he can to succeed and has shown attributes which should allow him to do so.
I think Carlton onwards is where he'll end up, but wouldn't be surprised if someone such as Melbourne elected to jump early. Definitely gone by 20 at the latest I'd say and a steal if he gets selected outside the top 15.
10. Trent Dumont - Midfielder - 184cm, 85kgs
Probably not the most popular top 10 player I'll have in my mix, but I've rated him highly for a few years and have seen quite a bit of him. I didn't see the SANFL GF this year live given I fled to Victoria mid year but based on the tape and what I've heard from those there, he was a standout performer on the day. He's just a solid footballer who has improved his disposal over the past few years and is now a fairly reliable user. He accumulates the ball, he's very good defensively and one on one. I think in an AFL system he'll thrive and will become a very good midfielder who is strong inside and outside the contest who can run all day and be difficult to match up on because of his core strength. He's not a flashy speedster, but he's another no nonsense footballer who should be able to play 150+ games at AFL level.
He probably sits somewhere between late first round and early second on draft day. I think both the Crows and Port will have a bit of interest in him as will a few others including Sydney and St Kilda.
The standout player in this years draft, key forward who ticks all the boxes. Much like Daniher was last year for me, a very tall player who is the prototype key forward for the next generation of footballers, incredibly big, strong but agile with good kicking ability and hands. GWS have done well in securing key forwards with their concessions and this is another keeper for them.
2. James Aish - Midfielder - 182cm, 74.2kgs
If you've read my top 20's before, I always manage to get a few South Aussie's up there - Aish is my man this year. Having seen a lot of him at Norwood over the past few years, and knowing a bit about his family stock, I'm pretty confident putting Aish here even though most experts have him dropping significantly at the moment. Aish is a class act, he can play inside and out and will continue to improve his inside game as he adds more strength. He's a quality user, he has space and time where others don't, good decision making and could play a variety of roles at AFL level before eventually settling as an inside-outside midfielder. Everyone knows about him, 2 league premierships, played and proven himself against men etc.
My best guess is he'll end up with us, Collingwood or Melbourne as I don't think GWS or GC need him. I really hope it's us.
3. Jack Billings - Forward/Midfielder - 183cm, 76.7kgs
Billings is a very interesting one for mine, but I cannot go past the underage game I saw him destroy live down at Alberton Oval against SA last year. He's had a bit of a quieter year this year, although much like Aish, I get the feeling players who have already shone as underage players can coast a bit, or perhaps it's that they get more attention and scouts look harder to find faults rather than focusing on what they do well. Either way, Billings is a dynamic forward who projects as a midfielder with great hands, time and space, excellent disposal skills and enough pace to play at the level. His endurance appears an issue, as perhaps does his injury history, but I'm confident he can develop his endurance if he can keep his body right for a few pre-seasons and will eventually become a midfielder who can rest forward and have a high hurt factor on the scoreboard.
St Kilda appear the logical spot for him to land, although I think GWS are a big chance to snare him at 2. Us and GC are also big chances if he's available.
4. Matt Scharenberg - Utility - 189cm, 88.4kgs
Another one who is somewhat slipping in the rankings at the moment according to media experts and another that leaves me scratching my head as to why? yes, he's a utility, but he's a classy player, who has proven himself at State level for 2 years as well as proving himself in the SANFL against men. He can play as a defender, and whilst his ability to play midfield has been questioned somewhat, I think he certainly can develop himself as a midfield player. He's got great game sense, excellent disposal, he's quick enough and is a good player one on one who'll continue to develop that in an AFL system. I don't think it's too much of a stretch to project him as a midfielder, he's a great size almost a Ryan Griffen type in that respect with his height and weight, and once he adds more strength should become a powerful midfield weapon. Clubs that outsmart themselves and don't go for him will kick themselves for the next 10 years.
I get a feeling that he's still very much in the mix for GWS and that St Kilda, us and GC will heavily consider him. If he got past the first 5 picks, I can't see how Collingwood don't pick him but at the very worst, surely this talented kid who has been rated as a top 3/4 pick all year doesn't slip out of the top 10?
5. Dom Sheed - Midfielder - 185cm, 83.2kgs
I probably rate Dom higher than most do in this crop, he might not be as exciting as some of the other players in that he's a no nonsense footballer who just gets the job done. He isn't super quick (although he's not that slow either!) he isn't flashy outside (although he sure is effective!) and for some reason he hasn't got the amount of love I feel he would have if he played in Victoria (funny about that!). He's good inside and outside, his outside ability is underrated for mine. He can win clearances, he has reasonable hands inside, he's a reliable user by foot and hand, he can play forward and be damaging with his overhead ability and keen goal sense. He's got great leadership abilities from all reports. Basically, it's hard to see him not playing 200+ games of AFL footy and it's hard not to see him being a high production midfielder who averages a goal a game over his career. I'd love him at the Dogs.
It's really hard to get a read on where he may end up, but I think Melbourne could do a lot worse than going for Sheed, and Brisbane may be another club that like his consistency and leadership to help them out. Collingwood and both WA based clubs are also chances in the first round.
6. Luke McDonald - Midfield/Utility - 187.5cm, 85.3kgs
Well, he's off to North for a first round selection which is what they should pay and thankfully have. He's a good size player for the modern game, a good user by foot who is a good mix of inside and outside and works well defensively. Likely to start as a flanker and then play all over the park where he's needed. A good get who should become a 200 game player for North.
7. Kade Kolodjashnij - HB/utility - 189cm, 79.3kgs
This is where it gets a bit tougher in my rankings - but I'll elaborate on that more at the end. KK is a highly touted player who has shot up the ranks after his exceptional testing at the Draft Combine when considered on the back of his good State Champs carnival for Tasmania. He's a great athlete, but also a good footballer who is more outside at the moment, but with his frame and time in an AFL environment should become a better contested and inside player. I project him as a back flanker initially, but does project as someone who could become a wing, midfielder or even a forward as he develops his game at the next level, another very versatile player who should be adaptable. Good user, good hands.
It seems he could be in the mix anywhere from us onwards, but I get a feeling he'll land at GC or Collingwood. Brisbane and Melbourne are both the other strong chances in the first round.
8. Marcus Bontempelli - Midfield/Utility - 192cm, 84kgs
He's one who has moved up and down my rankings a bit over the course of the year, but I've settled with him inside my top 10, just. He's a great size, good endurance and a relatively skillful player who projects as someone who can play midfield, but could also be suited to playing as a third tall at either end of the ground. Another of those types who, like Macrae and Ward before him have improved as the year goes on which is a trait that I like. His often talked about dominant game of school footy is one thing, but the concern is what is he going to do at AFL level, where will he settle and play his best footy? If I knew the answer to that I'd feel more confident putting him here, but as it is, I think he has most of the tools to become a good AFL player and is a great size. He may go bust, but has a bit more development in him and should end up a reasonable player.
It appears he could go anywhere from our pick onwards, but Collingwood have been heavily linked to him. I think Melbourne may hold some interest in him because of his size and at worst Richmond or Carlton may see the appeal in a big bodied midfielder.
9. Matt Crouch - Midfielder - 181cm, 79.6kgs
A bit of a surprise perhaps given most have him outside the top 10 now, but like Mitch Grigg before him, I think there are major concerns not going for someone based on how they tested at DC, just as much as there is an over-inflating a player based on DC (I'm guilty of both, I'm sure recruiters are too). He's a good inside player who played under duress at the Champs, but will become a high production inside midfielder in the Tom Liberatore style. Not quite as good as his brother, but he looks like the type of player that will thrive and improve at AFL level and is a pretty sure thing to play 150 games of AFL footy. Another who perhaps isn't as flashy or exciting as some others but he can play, he'll do everything he can to succeed and has shown attributes which should allow him to do so.
I think Carlton onwards is where he'll end up, but wouldn't be surprised if someone such as Melbourne elected to jump early. Definitely gone by 20 at the latest I'd say and a steal if he gets selected outside the top 15.
10. Trent Dumont - Midfielder - 184cm, 85kgs
Probably not the most popular top 10 player I'll have in my mix, but I've rated him highly for a few years and have seen quite a bit of him. I didn't see the SANFL GF this year live given I fled to Victoria mid year but based on the tape and what I've heard from those there, he was a standout performer on the day. He's just a solid footballer who has improved his disposal over the past few years and is now a fairly reliable user. He accumulates the ball, he's very good defensively and one on one. I think in an AFL system he'll thrive and will become a very good midfielder who is strong inside and outside the contest who can run all day and be difficult to match up on because of his core strength. He's not a flashy speedster, but he's another no nonsense footballer who should be able to play 150+ games at AFL level.
He probably sits somewhere between late first round and early second on draft day. I think both the Crows and Port will have a bit of interest in him as will a few others including Sydney and St Kilda.
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