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The lads most likely by Emma Quayle
1. TOM BOYD
(Eastern Ranges, 201cm, 103kg)
Boyd is a one-off. No other key forwards are this big, this good, this proven or this ready-to-go. He's huge, yet doesn't rely on his size or a mean streak to put opponents in their place: he takes a lot of marks because he leads to the right spots, reads the flight of the ball and positions himself well. A neat kick, who doesn't waste shots. Boyd can dominate games. He has a knowing, perceptive personality and is as switched on as they come. No. 1, all the way.
Who will pick him? GWS.
2. JOSH KELLY
(Sand. Dragons, 184cm, 75kg)
Kelly does most if not all things to a high, consistent level. He has elite endurance, and his composure and smart decision-making means his possessions really mean something. He's a death-by-a-thousand cuts type player: he'll get you, in the end. There's not much he can't do but he works hard at everything anyway: last pre-season he hired a sprint coach to help improve his acceleration then spent time working on his inside game. Wherever he's played, his teammates have wanted to be like him. That's a good sign.
Who will pick him? GWS.
3. JAMES AISH
(Norwood, 184cm, 79kg)
Aish has poise, composure and a way of knowing how things are going to pan out. You feel comfortable when the ball is in his hands, because he sizes things up and makes such sensible decisions. He's faced some challenges this year, coming back from a shoulder reconstruction and getting used to being tagged. He's played two years of senior football for Norwood as an outside sweeper, and is used to adhering to structures and doing what his team needs him to do.
Who will pick him? The Saints will have researched but he seems likely to go from pick 4-7. A nice surprise for Collingwood or Brisbane?
4. JACK BILLINGS
(Oakleigh Chargers, 185cm, 76kg)
Billings could be the most gifted player in this group. Combine that with his dedication - he had a post-game stretching routine worked out when he was an under-12 - and you have a very promising player to work with. He's slight, but not necessarily small: he throws himself around for marks, can nudge other players out of the way and outsmart them. He thinks a little quicker than most around him, and has the foot skills and goal sense to make his sixth sense count. The question is when - or whether - he'll be able to do it in the midfield.
Who will pick him? He's a chance for St Kilda at No. 3. After that, the Bulldogs, Suns, Collingwood and Lions will all consider him.
5. KADE KOLODJASHNIJ
(Launceston, 190cm, 79kg)
Watching Kolodjashnij play this year you could almost see him start to realise how well he belonged and how good he could be. He's a runner, someone who can go and get the ball, then carry it away with him. He has a burst of pace, and the endurance to make sure he's where he needs to be to link pieces of play together. Smart, instinctive, and competitive.
Who will pick him? The Saints, Bulldogs and Suns have taken a big look. Will most likely go to Gold Coast, at pick 5. It's hard to see him getting out of the first dozen.
6. MATTHEW SCHARENBERG
(Glenelg, 191cm, 88kg)
Scharenberg's club won't have to find a position for him, just choose which position suits him best on any given day. He's proven himself mostly in defence, where he reads the play incredibly well. He's looked better out in space than he does locking down on a player, because he's so good at setting things up. Just keeps getting the ball. Doesn't get ruffled, and calms the players around him.
Who will pick him? He's in contention at pick 3 for St Kilda, and the Bulldogs have looked at him. Could be a nice surprise for Collingwood or the Lions.
7. LUKE McDONALD
(Oakleigh Chargers, 189cm, 85kg)
A busy, energetic player who could start off half-back and come crashing through the centre square. McDonald likes to take games on and to do things: you can tell, watching him, how much he loves the game. He had a down patch during the year where he struggled to find a way into games, but finished off with a couple of impressive finals for Werribee in the VFL. A warm personality who draws teammates to him and drags them along with him.
Who will pick him? He's North Melbourne-bound, as the highest priced father-son draftee ever.
8. CHRISTIAN SALEM
(Sand. Dragons, 185cm, 78kg)
A smart, creative midfielder with the concentration and discipline to take on big jobs. He has rolling pace, rather than a ''burst'', and posted some excellent results in the endurance testing at the combine. You want Salem to be the one kicking the ball because he rarely wastes it. He is super competitive, with a likeable, eager-to-learn personality and an appreciation for hard work.
Who will pick him? He should go somewhere between 10-12, with Melbourne, Collingwood and Richmond all interested.
9. BEN LENNON
(Northern Knights, 189cm, 80kg)
Lennon is a smart, instinctive player. Things tend to happen when he's around the play and he's able to create goals from either a) half-chances or b) deliberate, well-timed leads. He's dynamic, and demands the ball like much bigger players usually do. At this point you'd choose him as an (excellent, ambitious) forward who could go into the middle provided he improves his endurance. A natural.
Who will pick him? He'll come under consideration by Collingwood and Brisbane. Is a big chance to head to West Coast at 11, and could be Richmond's pick at 12.
10. LEWIS TAYLOR
(Geelong Falcons, 175cm, 75kg)
Taylor loves being busy. Loves the give-and-go, zig zags all over the ground, and it feels like he's playing on fast-forward at times. He has pace, and that combined with his foot skills makes up for the fact he's so small. He's highly independent and knows how to look out for himself. Adds energy, on and off the field.
Who will pick him? He should get taken in the teens, perhaps GWS or Fremantle. Most of the clubs around there have spent a lot of time on him. Shouldn't get out of the top 20.
11. MARCUS BONTEMPELLI
(Northern Knights, 194cm, 84kg)
Bontempelli's size and mobility make him a unique prospect. At the start of the season he looked good as a rebounder, someone who wasn't necessarily fast, but knew when to dart past a contest and get the ball. By the end of the season he'd spent time in the middle and shown an ability to a) get his hands to the ball and b) make good, quick decisions and get the ball away tidily. Not as complete a prospect as others on offer, but has huge scope. If he works out, he'll be hard to match up on.
Who will pick him? He's in the mix for St Kilda at 3 and a chance for the Bulldogs at 4. Will come into contention at each pick from then, down to Collingwood at 10.
12. NATHAN FREEMAN
(Sand. Dragons, 184cm, 85kg)
There's not a lot of explosive speed in this draft, but Freeman has it. He likes to take off with a shake of his hips, and attack. His challenge this year was been to pick up his disposal efficiency, to handball a little more and to improve the defensive side of his game, and he's worked hard in all areas. He's strong, keeps his feet, plays like he loves it and is always looking to get involved.
Who will pick him? He or Salem would be a perfect fit for Melbourne at pick 9. Should be drafted somewhere from pick 9-13.
13. CAMERON McCARTHY
(South Fremantle, 194cm, 83kg)
There's a bit of mystery about McCarthy, who played footy as a kid but had a few years away playing cricket and went back to footy only this year. He kicked a bunch of goals, was drafted into the WA under-18 and kicked even more. He was bold, he attacked the ball, he showed a natural knack for reading the ball and getting into good positions. Then he fractured his leg and didn't play again. A relaxed kid; nothing fazes him. Raw, and will have a heap to learn once he gets to his club, but with huge potential. Pack marking forwards are not easy to find.
Who will pick him? He's been linked most strongly to Collingwood and Brisbane at 6 and 7, with the Lions more likely. West Coast is a chance too, and he's probably the one player who would sway Carlton from choosing an onballer at 13.
14. DOM SHEED
(Subiaco, 187cm, 83kg)
At the start of year, people wondered whether Sheed was a bit one-paced. He isn't quick but he's not slow, and he does too many things well to focus too much on that. He wins contested balls, and makes good decisions when kicking. He'll work hard from start to finish, and be running when others have stopped. Pushes himself and plays with urgency. Coaches will love him, because he'll do everything asked.
Who will pick him? West Coast is interested, at 11. He's one of several midfielders who could go anywhere from there right down to the early 20s. If the Eagles don't take him he's a big chance for Carlton at 13.
15. TRENT DUMONT
(Norwood, 186cm, 85kg)
Dumont really, really wants the ball and doesn't seem to care who or what gets in his way. He's not a fast player but his forte is getting his hands on the ball first, and he has started to develop his outside game too, and is a nice kick. He plays with unrelenting determination, and wants to keep getting better. Another motivated, professional kid. Supporters will warm to him quickly.
Who will pick him? He should go somewhere in the first round, from about pick 12 onwards. He's a chance for Carlton, Geelong and Sydney. Shouldn't get far into the 20s.
16. BLAKE ACRES
(West Perth, 190cm, 86kg)
Acres is an intriguing prospect: his exposed form is good but there wasn't a lot of it this year, thanks to a shoulder injury that he played through for a while, then had surgery on. He's a tall, versatile midfielder whose height and anticipation helps him disrupt play by taking marks through the midfield. Looks good on the half-back and half-forward lines too. Plays at a quick pace, but can pause, sum things up and finish off.
Who will pick him? West Coast will consider him at 11. So will Fremantle, later down the order. It'll come down to the order in which clubs rank the many midfielders available, but it would surprise to see him get past the mid-20s.
17. ZAK JONES
(Dand. Stingrays, 183cm, 76kg)
Jones was a huge improver this year, starting in a back pocket for Dandenong and ending up throwing himself at contests in the centre square. He's a highly combative, get-out-of-my-way type player who loves to harass, tackle and make life hard for opponents. He improved his kicking, and in the middle was able to both scrounge for the ball and use it with some poise. Thrives on hard work.
Who will pick him? He's around the mark from 12 onwards. Geelong and Sydney have both been linked to him but he may get into the 20s.
18. ZACH MERRETT
(Sand. Dragons, 180cm, 77kg)
Merrett is a clever, crafty player. He seems to see things quite quickly, whether that's something he can set up for another player, an opponent he can get to and tackle or a piece of play he can become a part of. Combine his common sense with his kicking skills, and you have a lot to work with. He's trustworthy, a player you hope finds the ball because he'll use it well.
Who will pick him? He's a big chance to join his brother Jackson at Essendon, at 26. St Kilda may take him at 18 or 19 before then. Anywhere from Sydney's pick 16 down to the Bombers.
19. TOM CUTLER
(Oakleigh Chargers, 192cm, 84kg)
A strong, powerful player, who could play off half-back or through the middle. Cutler is driven, and asks a lot of himself. He missed games this year through injury, but got himself into excellent shape for the combine and worked hard to remind everyone there of his athletic abilities. If he works as a midfielder, he'll be hard to match up on given his height and power. A thoughtful personality who likes to take things in.
Who will pick him? Probably won't get past Adelaide's first pick, but could go before then, somewhere in the late teens.
1. TOM BOYD
(Eastern Ranges, 201cm, 103kg)
Boyd is a one-off. No other key forwards are this big, this good, this proven or this ready-to-go. He's huge, yet doesn't rely on his size or a mean streak to put opponents in their place: he takes a lot of marks because he leads to the right spots, reads the flight of the ball and positions himself well. A neat kick, who doesn't waste shots. Boyd can dominate games. He has a knowing, perceptive personality and is as switched on as they come. No. 1, all the way.
Who will pick him? GWS.
2. JOSH KELLY
(Sand. Dragons, 184cm, 75kg)
Kelly does most if not all things to a high, consistent level. He has elite endurance, and his composure and smart decision-making means his possessions really mean something. He's a death-by-a-thousand cuts type player: he'll get you, in the end. There's not much he can't do but he works hard at everything anyway: last pre-season he hired a sprint coach to help improve his acceleration then spent time working on his inside game. Wherever he's played, his teammates have wanted to be like him. That's a good sign.
Who will pick him? GWS.
3. JAMES AISH
(Norwood, 184cm, 79kg)
Aish has poise, composure and a way of knowing how things are going to pan out. You feel comfortable when the ball is in his hands, because he sizes things up and makes such sensible decisions. He's faced some challenges this year, coming back from a shoulder reconstruction and getting used to being tagged. He's played two years of senior football for Norwood as an outside sweeper, and is used to adhering to structures and doing what his team needs him to do.
Who will pick him? The Saints will have researched but he seems likely to go from pick 4-7. A nice surprise for Collingwood or Brisbane?
4. JACK BILLINGS
(Oakleigh Chargers, 185cm, 76kg)
Billings could be the most gifted player in this group. Combine that with his dedication - he had a post-game stretching routine worked out when he was an under-12 - and you have a very promising player to work with. He's slight, but not necessarily small: he throws himself around for marks, can nudge other players out of the way and outsmart them. He thinks a little quicker than most around him, and has the foot skills and goal sense to make his sixth sense count. The question is when - or whether - he'll be able to do it in the midfield.
Who will pick him? He's a chance for St Kilda at No. 3. After that, the Bulldogs, Suns, Collingwood and Lions will all consider him.
5. KADE KOLODJASHNIJ
(Launceston, 190cm, 79kg)
Watching Kolodjashnij play this year you could almost see him start to realise how well he belonged and how good he could be. He's a runner, someone who can go and get the ball, then carry it away with him. He has a burst of pace, and the endurance to make sure he's where he needs to be to link pieces of play together. Smart, instinctive, and competitive.
Who will pick him? The Saints, Bulldogs and Suns have taken a big look. Will most likely go to Gold Coast, at pick 5. It's hard to see him getting out of the first dozen.
6. MATTHEW SCHARENBERG
(Glenelg, 191cm, 88kg)
Scharenberg's club won't have to find a position for him, just choose which position suits him best on any given day. He's proven himself mostly in defence, where he reads the play incredibly well. He's looked better out in space than he does locking down on a player, because he's so good at setting things up. Just keeps getting the ball. Doesn't get ruffled, and calms the players around him.
Who will pick him? He's in contention at pick 3 for St Kilda, and the Bulldogs have looked at him. Could be a nice surprise for Collingwood or the Lions.
7. LUKE McDONALD
(Oakleigh Chargers, 189cm, 85kg)
A busy, energetic player who could start off half-back and come crashing through the centre square. McDonald likes to take games on and to do things: you can tell, watching him, how much he loves the game. He had a down patch during the year where he struggled to find a way into games, but finished off with a couple of impressive finals for Werribee in the VFL. A warm personality who draws teammates to him and drags them along with him.
Who will pick him? He's North Melbourne-bound, as the highest priced father-son draftee ever.
8. CHRISTIAN SALEM
(Sand. Dragons, 185cm, 78kg)
A smart, creative midfielder with the concentration and discipline to take on big jobs. He has rolling pace, rather than a ''burst'', and posted some excellent results in the endurance testing at the combine. You want Salem to be the one kicking the ball because he rarely wastes it. He is super competitive, with a likeable, eager-to-learn personality and an appreciation for hard work.
Who will pick him? He should go somewhere between 10-12, with Melbourne, Collingwood and Richmond all interested.
9. BEN LENNON
(Northern Knights, 189cm, 80kg)
Lennon is a smart, instinctive player. Things tend to happen when he's around the play and he's able to create goals from either a) half-chances or b) deliberate, well-timed leads. He's dynamic, and demands the ball like much bigger players usually do. At this point you'd choose him as an (excellent, ambitious) forward who could go into the middle provided he improves his endurance. A natural.
Who will pick him? He'll come under consideration by Collingwood and Brisbane. Is a big chance to head to West Coast at 11, and could be Richmond's pick at 12.
10. LEWIS TAYLOR
(Geelong Falcons, 175cm, 75kg)
Taylor loves being busy. Loves the give-and-go, zig zags all over the ground, and it feels like he's playing on fast-forward at times. He has pace, and that combined with his foot skills makes up for the fact he's so small. He's highly independent and knows how to look out for himself. Adds energy, on and off the field.
Who will pick him? He should get taken in the teens, perhaps GWS or Fremantle. Most of the clubs around there have spent a lot of time on him. Shouldn't get out of the top 20.
11. MARCUS BONTEMPELLI
(Northern Knights, 194cm, 84kg)
Bontempelli's size and mobility make him a unique prospect. At the start of the season he looked good as a rebounder, someone who wasn't necessarily fast, but knew when to dart past a contest and get the ball. By the end of the season he'd spent time in the middle and shown an ability to a) get his hands to the ball and b) make good, quick decisions and get the ball away tidily. Not as complete a prospect as others on offer, but has huge scope. If he works out, he'll be hard to match up on.
Who will pick him? He's in the mix for St Kilda at 3 and a chance for the Bulldogs at 4. Will come into contention at each pick from then, down to Collingwood at 10.
12. NATHAN FREEMAN
(Sand. Dragons, 184cm, 85kg)
There's not a lot of explosive speed in this draft, but Freeman has it. He likes to take off with a shake of his hips, and attack. His challenge this year was been to pick up his disposal efficiency, to handball a little more and to improve the defensive side of his game, and he's worked hard in all areas. He's strong, keeps his feet, plays like he loves it and is always looking to get involved.
Who will pick him? He or Salem would be a perfect fit for Melbourne at pick 9. Should be drafted somewhere from pick 9-13.
13. CAMERON McCARTHY
(South Fremantle, 194cm, 83kg)
There's a bit of mystery about McCarthy, who played footy as a kid but had a few years away playing cricket and went back to footy only this year. He kicked a bunch of goals, was drafted into the WA under-18 and kicked even more. He was bold, he attacked the ball, he showed a natural knack for reading the ball and getting into good positions. Then he fractured his leg and didn't play again. A relaxed kid; nothing fazes him. Raw, and will have a heap to learn once he gets to his club, but with huge potential. Pack marking forwards are not easy to find.
Who will pick him? He's been linked most strongly to Collingwood and Brisbane at 6 and 7, with the Lions more likely. West Coast is a chance too, and he's probably the one player who would sway Carlton from choosing an onballer at 13.
14. DOM SHEED
(Subiaco, 187cm, 83kg)
At the start of year, people wondered whether Sheed was a bit one-paced. He isn't quick but he's not slow, and he does too many things well to focus too much on that. He wins contested balls, and makes good decisions when kicking. He'll work hard from start to finish, and be running when others have stopped. Pushes himself and plays with urgency. Coaches will love him, because he'll do everything asked.
Who will pick him? West Coast is interested, at 11. He's one of several midfielders who could go anywhere from there right down to the early 20s. If the Eagles don't take him he's a big chance for Carlton at 13.
15. TRENT DUMONT
(Norwood, 186cm, 85kg)
Dumont really, really wants the ball and doesn't seem to care who or what gets in his way. He's not a fast player but his forte is getting his hands on the ball first, and he has started to develop his outside game too, and is a nice kick. He plays with unrelenting determination, and wants to keep getting better. Another motivated, professional kid. Supporters will warm to him quickly.
Who will pick him? He should go somewhere in the first round, from about pick 12 onwards. He's a chance for Carlton, Geelong and Sydney. Shouldn't get far into the 20s.
16. BLAKE ACRES
(West Perth, 190cm, 86kg)
Acres is an intriguing prospect: his exposed form is good but there wasn't a lot of it this year, thanks to a shoulder injury that he played through for a while, then had surgery on. He's a tall, versatile midfielder whose height and anticipation helps him disrupt play by taking marks through the midfield. Looks good on the half-back and half-forward lines too. Plays at a quick pace, but can pause, sum things up and finish off.
Who will pick him? West Coast will consider him at 11. So will Fremantle, later down the order. It'll come down to the order in which clubs rank the many midfielders available, but it would surprise to see him get past the mid-20s.
17. ZAK JONES
(Dand. Stingrays, 183cm, 76kg)
Jones was a huge improver this year, starting in a back pocket for Dandenong and ending up throwing himself at contests in the centre square. He's a highly combative, get-out-of-my-way type player who loves to harass, tackle and make life hard for opponents. He improved his kicking, and in the middle was able to both scrounge for the ball and use it with some poise. Thrives on hard work.
Who will pick him? He's around the mark from 12 onwards. Geelong and Sydney have both been linked to him but he may get into the 20s.
18. ZACH MERRETT
(Sand. Dragons, 180cm, 77kg)
Merrett is a clever, crafty player. He seems to see things quite quickly, whether that's something he can set up for another player, an opponent he can get to and tackle or a piece of play he can become a part of. Combine his common sense with his kicking skills, and you have a lot to work with. He's trustworthy, a player you hope finds the ball because he'll use it well.
Who will pick him? He's a big chance to join his brother Jackson at Essendon, at 26. St Kilda may take him at 18 or 19 before then. Anywhere from Sydney's pick 16 down to the Bombers.
19. TOM CUTLER
(Oakleigh Chargers, 192cm, 84kg)
A strong, powerful player, who could play off half-back or through the middle. Cutler is driven, and asks a lot of himself. He missed games this year through injury, but got himself into excellent shape for the combine and worked hard to remind everyone there of his athletic abilities. If he works as a midfielder, he'll be hard to match up on given his height and power. A thoughtful personality who likes to take things in.
Who will pick him? Probably won't get past Adelaide's first pick, but could go before then, somewhere in the late teens.
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