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It's a very interesting draft this year, a lot of players who have claims on being in the top 20 and I'm going to have to leave quite a few out who will get drafted in that range this year.
1. Patrick McCartin - 196cm 96kgs - Key Forward
The number one prospect this year for mine. Tall forward who has been a proven performer at the U/18 level for the past 2 years. Good size, hands and loves taking a mark. Will probably play his best footy closer to goal than being someone who roams too far, at least at this stage. Think he will be gone inside the first 3 on draft day, and Melbourne seem the most likely.
2. Christian Petracca - 186cm 96kgs - Midfield/Utility
He has shot to the favourite for being the first player selected in a few weeks times based on 2014 season. He projects as a powerful, goal kicking midfielder who can turn games with ball winning ability, his pace and game sense. Think he will be playing for the Saints next season.
3. Isaac Heeney - 186cm 84kgs - Midfielder
Swans Academy player who ticks all the boxes as a complete midfielder who is good inside and out. Will be a high production player at AFL level, and comfortable playing a range of roles through the midfield. Great vision and decision making, along with his disposal skills will mean he is an offensive weapon. Already taken by Sydney at 18, a bargain.
4. Peter Wright - 203cm 100kgs - Ruck/Key Forward
It seems Wright is slipping a bit at the moment, as a few others bolt up the order late which is usually the case. Wright is a great size, strong and positions himself well in a marking contest. He needs to get a bit better and making the most of his hard work in positioning himself and leading to the right spots. When he takes possession he is a thumping kick and loves a goal. I see him being a ruck/forward at AFL level and the type of player who can share his time equally in both roles. If GWS don't jump (and they don't really take rucks early), perhaps he is more in the frame for Geelong at 10 or even Richmond at 12. Collingwood may surprise and jump at 5.
5. Angus Brayshaw - 187cm 90kgs - Midfielder
Another midfielder who ticks a lot of boxes, and is a great size. Will be able to play inside and out, his contested game and disposal, off either side, will be highlights. Not afraid of a goal, and a good mark for his size. Will eventually become a high production midfielder as he gets stronger and fitter. I think he will be Melbourne bound, but if not hard to see him getting past Collingwood at 5.
6. Jarrod Pickett - 177cm 75kgs - Midfielder/Utility
An impressive young player whose speed testing confirmed what most suspected, he's a jet who'll be hard to catch at AFL level. Will play his best football receiving the ball and bursting away, linking through the middle and creating scoring opportunities, or kicking them himself. Can win his own ball, and suspect he'll develop the ability to play inside the square and be effective. Excitement machine, who'll break games open. I suspect WC will snare him at 11, but wouldn't put it past GC having a crack at 8 and thinking they can make him a long term player and add to their crop of exciting WA players.
7. Darcy Moore - 199cm 91kgs - Key Position/Utility
Darcy was super impressive towards the back end of the TAC Cup season, including the finals, and that is what I think of when I see his name. Very athletic, competitive player who will be able to influence games at both ends of the ground and around the ball. Needs to improve his strength, and be more consistent with his disposal, but can roost a ball and is otherwise a great prospect. Collingwood have taken him under F/S with pick 9.
8. Jayden Laverde - 189cm 80kgs - Midfielder/Half Back
A skillful athlete who looks like he can develop into an inside-outside midfielder at AFL, but will have the versatility to start his career off a flank. Can impact the scoreboard, and will be a bloke who will run and carry, and then execute a good kick. Good size for the modern game, and may end up being similar to Macrae with his size and skill set. He's one I see GWS taking at either 6 or 7, but definitely gone inside the first 10 picks.
9. Hugh Goddard - 196cm 94kgs - Key Position
Goddard will most likely end up being a key defender at AFL level, but has shown he can play at both ends. After a relatively quiet year after being touted as a top 5 pick in his under-age season, he came good towards the end to remind recruiters he's a great athlete who can defend and roost a ball. His testing proved he will be capable of running with the best, and quickest key forwards. Needs to improve his decision making with ball in hand, but think he has the skills to become a long term AFL player. The Crows at 14 I think would be a good fit, and Gold Coast are a chance at 15.
10. Jake Lever - 193cm 84kgs - Key Defender
I find it hard to rate him any higher, but don't want to put him any lower. Hasn't played much footy which has possibly helped his cause in recruiters eyes, as the potential is there without being able to judge it against others who came on this year. Seems like he is a reasonable athlete, although don't look to his DC testing, as it was very ordinary. Risk with his injury history, but a player who is rated highly for his leadership and approach to his rehab. I tend to think GWS will jump in the first 7 picks.
1. Patrick McCartin - 196cm 96kgs - Key Forward
The number one prospect this year for mine. Tall forward who has been a proven performer at the U/18 level for the past 2 years. Good size, hands and loves taking a mark. Will probably play his best footy closer to goal than being someone who roams too far, at least at this stage. Think he will be gone inside the first 3 on draft day, and Melbourne seem the most likely.
2. Christian Petracca - 186cm 96kgs - Midfield/Utility
He has shot to the favourite for being the first player selected in a few weeks times based on 2014 season. He projects as a powerful, goal kicking midfielder who can turn games with ball winning ability, his pace and game sense. Think he will be playing for the Saints next season.
3. Isaac Heeney - 186cm 84kgs - Midfielder
Swans Academy player who ticks all the boxes as a complete midfielder who is good inside and out. Will be a high production player at AFL level, and comfortable playing a range of roles through the midfield. Great vision and decision making, along with his disposal skills will mean he is an offensive weapon. Already taken by Sydney at 18, a bargain.
4. Peter Wright - 203cm 100kgs - Ruck/Key Forward
It seems Wright is slipping a bit at the moment, as a few others bolt up the order late which is usually the case. Wright is a great size, strong and positions himself well in a marking contest. He needs to get a bit better and making the most of his hard work in positioning himself and leading to the right spots. When he takes possession he is a thumping kick and loves a goal. I see him being a ruck/forward at AFL level and the type of player who can share his time equally in both roles. If GWS don't jump (and they don't really take rucks early), perhaps he is more in the frame for Geelong at 10 or even Richmond at 12. Collingwood may surprise and jump at 5.
5. Angus Brayshaw - 187cm 90kgs - Midfielder
Another midfielder who ticks a lot of boxes, and is a great size. Will be able to play inside and out, his contested game and disposal, off either side, will be highlights. Not afraid of a goal, and a good mark for his size. Will eventually become a high production midfielder as he gets stronger and fitter. I think he will be Melbourne bound, but if not hard to see him getting past Collingwood at 5.
6. Jarrod Pickett - 177cm 75kgs - Midfielder/Utility
An impressive young player whose speed testing confirmed what most suspected, he's a jet who'll be hard to catch at AFL level. Will play his best football receiving the ball and bursting away, linking through the middle and creating scoring opportunities, or kicking them himself. Can win his own ball, and suspect he'll develop the ability to play inside the square and be effective. Excitement machine, who'll break games open. I suspect WC will snare him at 11, but wouldn't put it past GC having a crack at 8 and thinking they can make him a long term player and add to their crop of exciting WA players.
7. Darcy Moore - 199cm 91kgs - Key Position/Utility
Darcy was super impressive towards the back end of the TAC Cup season, including the finals, and that is what I think of when I see his name. Very athletic, competitive player who will be able to influence games at both ends of the ground and around the ball. Needs to improve his strength, and be more consistent with his disposal, but can roost a ball and is otherwise a great prospect. Collingwood have taken him under F/S with pick 9.
8. Jayden Laverde - 189cm 80kgs - Midfielder/Half Back
A skillful athlete who looks like he can develop into an inside-outside midfielder at AFL, but will have the versatility to start his career off a flank. Can impact the scoreboard, and will be a bloke who will run and carry, and then execute a good kick. Good size for the modern game, and may end up being similar to Macrae with his size and skill set. He's one I see GWS taking at either 6 or 7, but definitely gone inside the first 10 picks.
9. Hugh Goddard - 196cm 94kgs - Key Position
Goddard will most likely end up being a key defender at AFL level, but has shown he can play at both ends. After a relatively quiet year after being touted as a top 5 pick in his under-age season, he came good towards the end to remind recruiters he's a great athlete who can defend and roost a ball. His testing proved he will be capable of running with the best, and quickest key forwards. Needs to improve his decision making with ball in hand, but think he has the skills to become a long term AFL player. The Crows at 14 I think would be a good fit, and Gold Coast are a chance at 15.
10. Jake Lever - 193cm 84kgs - Key Defender
I find it hard to rate him any higher, but don't want to put him any lower. Hasn't played much footy which has possibly helped his cause in recruiters eyes, as the potential is there without being able to judge it against others who came on this year. Seems like he is a reasonable athlete, although don't look to his DC testing, as it was very ordinary. Risk with his injury history, but a player who is rated highly for his leadership and approach to his rehab. I tend to think GWS will jump in the first 7 picks.
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