2014 SCS Mock AFL Draft p/b DJ and Erich

[DeliciousJedi]

Starting a bit earlier

Pick 22. St Kilda

Reece McKenzie (Victoria Metro/Northern Knights)
Key Forward
28.3.1996 Height: 196cm Weight: 100kg
Plays Like: Travis Cloke

One of the most talked about players in the draft, where he lands is most disputed, although most predictions have him at about here. He could be anything from a top 10 talent to a 40-rookie depending on who you talk to. Extremely talented late-bloomer though, who's the most likely 'next best' of the KPP talent. Very strong mark, his athletic (basketball) background means he's very quick for his size and can easily out contest most of his opponents, least at TAC level. He's been able to kick plenty of bags of goals too, although he does need work improving it. Can even ruck occasionally. Whether he makes it or not will be very interesting but he's potential and explosion upwards this year is very promising.

 

[Erich1036]

23. Greater Western Sydney – Daniel McKenzie

Age: 18
Height: 183cm
Weight: 77kg
Club: Oakleigh Chargers
Plays like: George Horlin-Smith
Player summary: Damaging rebounding defender/midfielder

Why: With Buntine, Bugg and Darley (now gone) not developing into the damaging rebounding defenders GWS envisioned, McKenzie fills a need which is having another rebounding defender to partner Shaw and potentially Hampton. A player who has a knack of finding another gear in big games, Daniel McKenzie has averaged just the 15 disposals throughout the home and away season. However, he made a big statement in the first qualifying final, notching 20 disposals, four marks and three tackles against Geelong in the Chargers’ one-point win, and was named Oakleigh’s best player in the Grand Final. He rates among the best in terms of his tackling, marking and transition running. He also finished inside the top 10 at the combine in the 3 km time trial, agility test, repeat sprints and the running vertical jump.

24. Greater Western Sydney – Jack Steele

Age: 18
Height: 186cm
Weight: 82kg
Club: Belconnen
Plays like: Luke Parker
Player summary: Overage midfielder/forward

Why: Academy selection. Overlooked in 2013 due to a knee injury suffered late in the year, Steele fought back hard to earn himself an All-Australian berth as a goal kicking midfielder and was duly snapped up by the Giants as an Academy selection. Though he won’t torch the grass with extreme pace, Steele has great agility and awareness and uses his sidestep to escape the contest after he wins the contested ball in close. North Melbourne bid a first round pick for the overaged midfielder, which should tell you how highly he is rated amongst clubs. Steele’s mature body will be handy alongside Ward in the Giants’ young midfield.

 

[DeliciousJedi]

Pick 25. North Melbourne

Connor Menadue (Victoria Metro/Western Jets)
Outside Midfielder
19.9.1996 Height: 188cm Weight: 69kg
Plays Like: Isaac Smith

Why: Excitement machine who's draft stocks rose towards the end of the season. Plenty of X-factor which I think is just what North need for the future. He's a linebreaking mid who can clear the ball away and it's his ability to find a target inside 50 even under pressure which is quite amazing that has him so high up the draft boards. The only knock so far has been the consistency and number of times he's been able to produce his best, which combined with his light frame means he's a bit more high risk than others but if it pays off could be a great player of the game.

 

[Erich1036]

26. Western Bulldogs - Edward Vickers-Willis

Age: 18
Height: 190cm
Weight: 82kg
Club: Sandringham Dragons
Plays like: Andy Otten
Player summary: Tall, versatile type.

Why: Tall, versatile and simply too good to pass on here. You can never have enough class or composure and the Dogs can use both at times. The incoming coach will love his willingness to step in to any breach and perform with a cool head. Standing at ‘only’ 190cm, Vickers-Willis nonetheless managed at times to hold down a key position this season. It speaks to his versatility however that he was ultimately named on a back flank in the TAC Cup Team of the Year. Though he won’t be holding down a key position at AFL level, Vickers-Willis’ composure, neat disposal and elite decision making will allow him to play a role either as a floating defender or tall wingman and compensate for his relative lack of pace. A leader at his club and school, he exudes calm at all times and his versatility allows him to fill holes wherever they appear.

 

[DeliciousJedi]

Pick 27. Western Bulldogs

Alex Neal-Bullen (South Australia/Glenelg)
Midfielder
9.1.1996 Height: 182cm Weight: 77kg
Player Similarity: Lenny Hayes

Why: Probably the best inside-midfield prospect to come out of SA for the draft, what gives him the edge here for the Bulldogs is his pace and agility with the ball. Polished disposal wether with clean hands or by foot too, he's made a real impact being one of the best clearance specialists at the Championships and in the SANFL. His agility could see him play and learn his craft on the flank, and even on the outside. A lot to like.

 

[Erich1036]

28. Carlton - Connor Blakely

Age: 18
Height: 186cm
Weight: 81kg
Club: Swan Districts
Plays like: Callan Ward
Player summary: Well-rounded midfielder

Why: Without McLean and Robinson, Carlton are in desperate need of another inside midfielder. Winning All-Australian honours this year, Blakely made a statement in game one of the National Championships, accumulating 26 disposals, seven tackles, nine clearances, 17 contested possessions and seven inside 50s. The Swan Districts product has featured heavily in senior WAFL games this year after making his debut as a 17-year-old in 2013, going onto average 20 disposals and two tackles a game this season. Blakely has been praised for his courage and has no qualms matching it with opposition much older than he is. He ticks the boxes in terms of tackling, contested possessions and clearances, and he can also push forward to make an impact.

 

[DeliciousJedi]

Pick 29. Gold Coast

Brayden Maynard (Vic Metro/Sandringham Dragons)
Defender/Midfielder
20.9.1996 Height: 186cm Weight: 88kg
Player Similarity: Ryan O’Keefe

Why: Gold Coast may have plenty of half-back types but Maynard projects more as a midfielder who can play down back and with his good production levels I don't see where else he could go but in the guts. He has excellent evasive skills to beat his opponent and with his penetrating left foot he's a handful for anyone. A big boy already, his strength proves useful winning the contested ball. Potential to be used on either flank of the ground as he has spent time up forward in the juniors.

 

[Erich1036]

30. Collingwood - Damien Cavka

Age: 18
Height: 184cm
Weight: 79kg
Club: Calder Cannons
Plays like: Leigh Montagna
Player summary: Outside type

Why: Cavka’s mighty endurance and willingness to work hard and get involved are something Nathan Buckley will love. If his field kicking improves he will be a very dangerous midfielder at senior level. He's a very outside, pacy type that finds plenty of the ball and distributes it as soon as he finds it. The tackling machine put up some really good numbers during the National Championships, averaging 17.5 disposals at 71 per cent efficiency, along with 4.5 marks, 6.5 tackles, three clearances and three inside 50s per game. For Calder, he is a star - of his 11 games, six times he was named in the best. Cavka is your typical link-up player. He has played a hybrid forward/midfielder role, relishing the permanent move to the midfield later in the season where he averaged 25.5 disposals. Kicking 17 goals for the year, Cavka averaged a whopping four goals and 28 disposals over his finals campaign for Calder at 72 per cent disposal efficiency, showing he very well may thrive in front of the big games that come with being a Collingwood player.

 

[DeliciousJedi]

Pick 31. Hawthorn

Jackson Nelson (Victoria Country/Geelong Falcons)
Midfielder/Defender
15.3.1996 Height: 187cm Weight: 81kg
Player Similarity: Nick Vlaustin

Why: He's not one you immediately notice, especially with flashier players around but he's an unassuming workhorse who's slipped under the radar a bit. Able to play in both the midfield or defence, Nelson has got a good frame and body on him which helps him move about and record high number of possessions and tackles. He's also quite effective disposal winner, able to go at 70% DE so his kicking is above average and he makes the right choices more often than not. Despite the fact he's never going to be the best player in any side he's a hard worker, very coach-able and will always give top effort to chase and tackle.

 

[Erich1036]

32. West Coast - Touk Miller

Age: 18
Height: 177cm
Weight: 80kg
Club: Calder Cannons
Plays like: Dion Prestia
Player summary: Powerful inside midfielder

Why: The Eagles need an inside midfielder with some flair and Miller fits the bill - not to mention the fact that Priddis isn't getting any younger. The Vic Metro captain had a stellar TAC Cup campaign this year, winning praise for the way he goes about his football. Miller is a predominantly inside midfielder whose bread and butter is his clearance work and his ability to win the contested ball. Miller is incredibly physical and aggressive, hunting the ball viciously, and is often dirty with himself if he doesn’t stick a tackle. Given his core strength, he’s rarely brought to ground, and he instinctively raises his arms with the ball in hand to avoid being disposed. He is a smart footballer who bleeds for the jumper he wears, and is a born leader who has shown on numerous occasions that he can lead from the front.

 

[Grant]

26. Western Bulldogs - Edward Vickers-Willis

Age: 18
Height: 190cm
Weight: 82kg
Club: Sandringham Dragons
Plays like: Andy Otten
Player summary: Tall, versatile type.

Why: Tall, versatile and simply too good to pass on here. You can never have enough class or composure and the Dogs can use both at times. The incoming coach will love his willingness to step in to any breach and perform with a cool head. Standing at ‘only’ 190cm, Vickers-Willis nonetheless managed at times to hold down a key position this season. It speaks to his versatility however that he was ultimately named on a back flank in the TAC Cup Team of the Year. Though he won’t be holding down a key position at AFL level, Vickers-Willis’ composure, neat disposal and elite decision making will allow him to play a role either as a floating defender or tall wingman and compensate for his relative lack of pace. A leader at his club and school, he exudes calm at all times and his versatility allows him to fill holes wherever they appear.

I'm tipping this guy will only get rookie listed and could even go undrafted. Not tall enough to play key position or quick spells trouble in recruiters assessments. Being likened to a fringe AFL player like Andy Otten hardly is encouraging either.

 

[Erich1036]

I'm tipping this guy will only get rookie listed and could even go undrafted. Not tall enough to play key position or quick spells trouble in recruiters assessments. Being likened to a fringe AFL player like Andy Otten hardly is encouraging either.

AFL's Callum Twomey has given him a draft range of 15-40, Paige Cardona of Supercoach Paige has given him a draft range of 15-30, while Big Footy's Knightmare has given him a draft range of 10-30. It's extremely unlikely that he doesn't get drafted. The player comparison isn't a comparison of how well they play as such, it's more a style they resemble and for Otten and Vickers-Willis it's their versatility and similar size. Maybe a name like Michael Johnson would appeal to you more as a similar player to Vickers-Willis.

 

[IDIG]

My mate's brother is looking good to get drafted this year as well. Won't say who cos I wanna see where you fellas rate him but he shouldn't be too far away i don't think.

As long as you let us know who that is after we get them (if we do, let's hope so haha)! Love knowing all these little connections and what not.

Pick 25. North Melbourne

Connor Menadue (Victoria Metro/Western Jets)
Outside Midfielder
19.9.1996 Height: 188cm Weight: 69kg
Plays Like: Isaac Smith

Why: Excitement machine who's draft stocks rose towards the end of the season. Plenty of X-factor which I think is just what North need for the future. He's a linebreaking mid who can clear the ball away and it's his ability to find a target inside 50 even under pressure which is quite amazing that has him so high up the draft boards. The only knock so far has been the consistency and number of times he's been able to produce his best, which combined with his light frame means he's a bit more high risk than others but if it pays off could be a great player of the game.

Winner winner.

Don't know Connor personally but have sunk plenty a can with his older brother who was a handy footballer as well. From what i've read he could go as high as mid teens to as low as 30s. His light frame is a bit of a concern. if big Sandi happens to run through him, he may never get up!

 

[DeliciousJedi]

Pick 33. Richmond

Peter Bampton (South Australia/Norwood)
Inside Midfielder
15.4.1996 Height: 182cm Weight: 83kg
Player Similarity: Luke Dunstan

Why: Bampton is the perfect fit for Richmond who need ready-made midfielders. Bampton's highlights in the SANFL has shown he's one of the best prospects from this draft to be able to fit in at AFL level straight away. He has an excellent ability to find the ball inside a pack and extract it. He knows how to use his body and uses his strength to his advantage in a contest. His endurance is top notch, helping him get around the ground well. The only knocks to his play is he's not a great kick, a bit of a one trick pony and may not have as high a ceiling as other midfield prospects around him.

 

[Erich1036]

34. Fremantle - Clem Smith

Age: 18
Height: 177cm
Weight: 77kg
Club: Perth
Plays like: Byron Pickett
Player summary: The next Byron Pickett

Why: Fills the need of a small defender and probably the best available here. Smith wants to hurt you, he almost needs to hurt you. His ferocity at the man, and the ball (in that order) is already near-legendary and constant comparisons to Byron Pickett are absolutely on the money. With that being said, he certainly can play football, and is useful all over the field. Talked about as a potential first round selection before a relatively poor season and Championships, his average footskills have been drawn starkly into focus, but composure rather than lack of ability is his downfall in that area, and at his best he is a match winner, as shown in Western Australia’s final Carnival game where he moved forward late against Vic Country, his aggressive play bringing others into the game and unsettling defenders and he ultimately kicked the sealer.

 

[DeliciousJedi]

Pick 35. Adelaide

Dean Gore (South Australia/Sturt)
Inside Midfielder
26.6.1996 Height: 183cm Weight: 86kg
Player Similarity: Josh Caddy

Why: Another strong contested ball winner from South Australia. He projects as a slightly-better Bampton with his endurance and athleticism being towards the high end for inside mids but a little less ready to play round 1. Bollocking is the best way to describe him as he'll use his size to burst through packs with the ball and use that speed he's got to break from any marker. He's also tackles quite ferociously as well. His outside game is decent too without being outstanding and has the potential to play in the forward half too as he's known to kick a few goals. Will add great depth to the side.

 

[Grant]

AFL's Callum Twomey has given him a draft range of 15-40, Paige Cardona of Supercoach Paige has given him a draft range of 15-30, while Big Footy's Knightmare has given him a draft range of 10-30. It's extremely unlikely that he doesn't get drafted. The player comparison isn't a comparison of how well they play as such, it's more a style they resemble and for Otten and Vickers-Willis it's their versatility and similar size. Maybe a name like Michael Johnson would appeal to you more as a similar player to Vickers-Willis.

They always get a few wrong though. Not sure how he did at the combine but he was only in the top 10 for the kicking test. If he is slow as suggested and was one of the worst for the 20m sprint for instance many recruiters would have put a line through him. I don't agree that athletic ability should be viewed as more important than actual playing ability but it is a sad reality.

Last year the player who came 5th in Vic Metro's best and fairest, captained his club, won the Morrish Medal and was best on ground in the Grand Final was undrafted because recruiters thought he was too small.

Enjoying the thread. Keep up the good work. I hope Cavka doesn't go to Collingwood. Was a standout in the finals series stats wise a bit like Jackson Macrae a couple of years ago.

 

[Erich1036]

36. North Melbourne - Dillon Viojo-Rainbow

Age: 18
Height: 185cm
Weight: 80kg
Club: Western Jets
Plays like: Matt Suckling
Player summary: Versatile kicker

Why: The Roos will love his thunderous boot and class. Eventually Viojo-Rainbow may prove a handy succession plan for life after Dal Santo. The penetrating and attacking rebounding defender has a thumping yet accurate left foot that’s drawn comparisons to Matt Suckling and Shannon Hurn, along with the way he attacks the ball and likes to get up the ground. He hits the ball hard, flat and over long distances, while his intercept marking is also a stength. On top of that, he has deft touch at ground level and makes good decisions with the ball. He can be relied upon to take kick ins, and is often the Western Jets’ link-up player in defence, getting involved heavily in scoring chains. Being named in the bests in eight of a possible 10 games, Viojo-Rainbow has been used predominantly off half back but looks as though he could mould into a wingman with further development.

 

[Grant]

34. Fremantle - Clem Smith

Age: 18
Height: 177cm
Weight: 77kg
Club: Perth
Plays like: Byron Pickett
Player summary: The next Byron Pickett

Why: Fills the need of a small defender and probably the best available here. Smith wants to hurt you, he almost needs to hurt you. His ferocity at the man, and the ball (in that order) is already near-legendary and constant comparisons to Byron Pickett are absolutely on the money. With that being said, he certainly can play football, and is useful all over the field. Talked about as a potential first round selection before a relatively poor season and Championships, his average footskills have been drawn starkly into focus, but composure rather than lack of ability is his downfall in that area, and at his best he is a match winner, as shown in Western Australia’s final Carnival game where he moved forward late against Vic Country, his aggressive play bringing others into the game and unsettling defenders and he ultimately kicked the sealer.

Lol. My uncle spoke to the WA carnival team at the airport and asked them if they had a thumper that could help protect Murphy. Some of them laughed and then they said Clem Smith.

 

[DeliciousJedi]

Pick 37. Sydney

Oscar McDonald (Vic Country/North Ballarat)
Key Position Defender
18.3.1996 Height: 196cm Weight: 84kg
Player Similarity: Jackson Trengove

Why: The best key defender available at this stage. He's a bit under-rated in that he's very good at doing his job and Sydney will be very pleased that their one and only live pick this draft is to land this guy as they are in desperate need of key defensive stocks for the future. Brother of Melbourne's Tom, like him he can take a top forward and shut him down. Like most defenders you hardly notice him but he has had some impressive scalps and one of the best from the TAC comp. Not very good at finding the ball himself he does however use the ball well all things considered. Doesn't really have much versatility, he will however always work hard and he has the mentality to succeed down back.

Pick 38. Sydney

Jack Hiscox (NSW-ACT/Sydney Uni) - NSW Academy selection
Outside Midfielder
23.3.1995 Height: 184cm Weight: 74kg
Player Similarity: Lewis Jetta

Why: Swans probably paid overs slightly for this guy, the only academy guy they will in next few years Your prototypical athletic footballer. Elite endurance and can run run run. He was a former 800m champ as a junior to give you some idea. The thing is though he's a very raw footballer at this stage and will need a lot of work to be anywhere close to AFL ready. That said he has shown he's able to rack up the possessions and find his own ball and not afraid to get stuck into a contest so he does have plenty of attributes to start with and the potential is there.