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We all know this coming draft is one that doesn't have a consensus number 1 or 2 pick. There are no Tom Boyd, Jesse Hogan or Jack Martin to debate the early order but I do believe it's an even draft where we should be able to add 3 or 4 quality footballers.
Since the departure of Barry Hall the focus has been on acquiring a genuine key forward which is easier said than done when the last few drafts have been so heavily compromised with concession picks etc.
I'm taking a slightly different approach when assessing our needs going especially when I consider that at the end of 2015 could see the departure of two standout defensive players in Robert Murphy and Dale Morris.
Murphy has been the creative player off half back, the one guy who consistently hits his targets and gets the ball moving forward quick. Morris has been the one player who is normally given the big defensive assignment. He can play on a variety of opponents and gets the job done each week.
When I look at our current list I don't see ready made replacements. Wood has had a great season but he doesn't have the skills or nous that Murphy does. Roughead is good key defender but neither Roberts, Austin or Talia seem to be capable of doing what Morris does. Wood can give away some height to opponents but he can't play on too many talls.
Looking at the draft candidates and there are a few players that I feel would fit our defensive needs.
First up is Jayden Laverde who has often played as a forward but is a player I think could be a creative half back.
He is quick and at 190cm can play on a variety of opponents. I like they way he takes on the game.
He is a Western Jets boy as well.
The next player I like is Sam Durdin who is a 197cm defender/forward/ruck from SA. He didn't have a great carnival as he carried a hand injury through it but he should develop into a good key position player.
One player that really caught my eye was Caleb Marchbank who is 193cm tall and mobile enough to play off a back flank and with enough spring to all play as a CHB. During the carnival he was even used as a forward.
Right at this moment and with plenty of football still to be played plus the combine, Marchbank is the player I wouldn't mind us recruiting.
I'd like to hear peoples thoughts on what we need with our first pick ie tall, small, defender, mid or forward and if there are any particular players that have caught your eye?
Since the departure of Barry Hall the focus has been on acquiring a genuine key forward which is easier said than done when the last few drafts have been so heavily compromised with concession picks etc.
I'm taking a slightly different approach when assessing our needs going especially when I consider that at the end of 2015 could see the departure of two standout defensive players in Robert Murphy and Dale Morris.
Murphy has been the creative player off half back, the one guy who consistently hits his targets and gets the ball moving forward quick. Morris has been the one player who is normally given the big defensive assignment. He can play on a variety of opponents and gets the job done each week.
When I look at our current list I don't see ready made replacements. Wood has had a great season but he doesn't have the skills or nous that Murphy does. Roughead is good key defender but neither Roberts, Austin or Talia seem to be capable of doing what Morris does. Wood can give away some height to opponents but he can't play on too many talls.
Looking at the draft candidates and there are a few players that I feel would fit our defensive needs.
First up is Jayden Laverde who has often played as a forward but is a player I think could be a creative half back.
He is quick and at 190cm can play on a variety of opponents. I like they way he takes on the game.
He is a Western Jets boy as well.
The next player I like is Sam Durdin who is a 197cm defender/forward/ruck from SA. He didn't have a great carnival as he carried a hand injury through it but he should develop into a good key position player.
One player that really caught my eye was Caleb Marchbank who is 193cm tall and mobile enough to play off a back flank and with enough spring to all play as a CHB. During the carnival he was even used as a forward.
Right at this moment and with plenty of football still to be played plus the combine, Marchbank is the player I wouldn't mind us recruiting.
I'd like to hear peoples thoughts on what we need with our first pick ie tall, small, defender, mid or forward and if there are any particular players that have caught your eye?
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