2015: Rookies

[PC]

Gee BB, you just crushed my hopes for 10% of my team!

 

[Ricky Bobby]

Great write up BB and a great idea as well. From a team structure perspective I am really keen to understand how many viable rookies are available on each line and for the most part it is a guessing game at the moment. In particular I am hoping there will be a few good Def rookies we can rely on to play.

As a Melbourne supporter, I think you have pretty much nailed the rookie assessment for the Dees, although am hoping Newton & Salem emerge as good options during the NAB cup so will be watching them with interest.

 

[Ben's Beasts]

Gee BB, you just crushed my hopes for 10% of my team!

Sorry to do that to you mate!

 

[Ben's Beasts]

Great write up BB and a great idea as well. From a team structure perspective I am really keen to understand how many viable rookies are available on each line and for the most part it is a guessing game at the moment. In particular I am hoping there will be a few good Def rookies we can rely on to play.

As a Melbourne supporter, I think you have pretty much nailed the rookie assessment for the Dees, although am hoping Newton & Salem emerge as good options during the NAB cup so will be watching them with interest.

Thanks mate.

Yeah aside from Hogan I agree that Salem and Newton are the most likely to play round 1. Such awkward price tags though!

 

[Goodie's Guns]

Christian Petracca $217,300 (MID/FWD): The kid is a beast and has the best chance out of all our picks from the 2014 national draft to play round 1 but at this stage he is no guarantee. Would be very likely to wear the vest in his first few games if he is able to break into the round 1 team. Obviously quite pricey too.

Has too much Christian Salem about him I reckon, in that he will wear the vest for the first few weeks when he debuts.
Hogan a lock, maybe Salem this year though if he gets a crack at it round 1 vest free.

Love the idea of this mate, been struggling with what rookies to include in my drafts at this stage.

 

[Manikato1]

Mitchell White $102,400 (DEF): On the rookie list and raw. No chance of playing round 1

.

Wow. Fabulous to see the 42 year old ex Eagles and Geelong player had the balls to nominate for the draft. Shows a lot of confidence in himself...Think the Dees must have been a bit desperate to draft him but I'm sure he will bring experience to the side...

 

[Ben's Beasts]

.

Wow. Fabulous to see the 42 year old ex Eagles and Geelong player had the balls to nominate for the draft. Shows a lot of confidence in himself...Think the Dees must have been a bit desperate to draft him but I'm sure he will bring experience to the side...

If Dustin Fletcher is still getting a kick then why not Mitchell White!

 

[Braider]

.....Oscar McDonald $117,300 (DEF): Still very raw and skinny. Will develop in the VFL. No chance of playing round 1.
Mitchell White $102,400 (DEF): On the rookie list and raw. No chance of playing round 1.
Aidan Riley $221,600 (MID): Pigdog played a few senior games last year but at this stage is on the fringe of our best 22. He might play round 1 but he is pricey for a rookie and may wear the vest. I would look elsewhere.
Christian Petracca $217,300 (MID/FWD): The kid is a beast and has the best chance out of all our picks from the 2014 national draft to play round 1 but at this stage he is no guarantee. Would be very likely to wear the vest in his first few games if he is able to break into the round 1 team. Obviously quite pricey too.
Ben Newton $215,000 (MID): The ex Power player Has been very solid at training and is a definite chance to line up in our round 1 side. Would watch him closely during NAB Challenge. Obviously pricey though so even if he did line up round 1 it may be tricky to fit him in to our SC sides.
Angus Brayshaw $212,30 (MID): The kid is very talented but at this stage it is looking as though he isn't ready to play AFL straight away. We'll know more after NAB but at this stage I'm not expecting him to line up round 1.
Aaron Vandenberg $127,900 (MID): On the rookie list and in the rehab group after coming back from a shoulder injury, it's unlikely that the mature aged player will line up round 1 but he may get a chance at some stage this year if he is able to be upgraded. Potential downgrade target.
James Harmes $123,900 (MID): On the rookie list and unlikely to be upgraded as Vandenberg would be most likely to be upgraded first. Won't play round 1.
Jayden Hunt $123,900 (MID): Picked up in the 2013 draft, Hunt is still very raw at the moment and very unlikely to line up round 1.
Billy Stretch $123,900 (MID): A father-son selection that was a bargain selection but still very skinny and raw and very unlikely to play round 1 at this stage.
Alex Neal-Bullen $117,300 (MID): ANB dislocated his knee earlier this pre-season but escaped serious damage. He is in the rehab group at the moment. Won't play round 1.
Max King $123,900 (RUC): The project ruckman is still on the rookie list and is down the pecking order as far as our ruckman go. No chance of playing round 1.
Christian Salem $185,000 (FWD): Has been training strongly and is most likely in our best 22. A good chance to line up round 1 but may wear the vest. A bit pricey too but if he avoids the vest round 1 then he could be a handy pick.
Jesse Hogan $130,400 (FWD): Just lock him in and throw away the key. Unless he is injured, he is almost guaranteed to play round 1...

Wow! So much rawness, but I'm glad they're wearing vests!

 

[Ben's Beasts]

Wow! So much rawness, but I'm glad they're wearing vests!

My birthday is coming up soon. Perhaps I should ask for a thesaurus?

 

[IDIG]

I know it's still early in the pre-season but I think it would be a good idea to share what we think of the rookie priced players at the clubs we support and what their chances of playing round 1 are like at this stage. It may allow us all to structure our team more soundly and know how much money we have left to spend by slotting in the most likely rookie priced players.

For this exercise, rookie priced players are priced at $222,300 or below which is the number 1 draft pick, McCartin's, starting price.

I'll kick it off with my beloved Dees:

Oscar McDonald $117,300 (DEF): Still very raw and skinny. Will develop in the VFL. No chance of playing round 1.

Mitchell White $102,400 (DEF): On the rookie list and raw. No chance of playing round 1.

Aidan Riley $221,600 (MID): Pigdog played a few senior games last year but at this stage is on the fringe of our best 22. He might play round 1 but he is pricey for a rookie and may wear the vest. I would look elsewhere.

Christian Petracca $217,300 (MID/FWD): The kid is a beast and has the best chance out of all our picks from the 2014 national draft to play round 1 but at this stage he is no guarantee. Would be very likely to wear the vest in his first few games if he is able to break into the round 1 team. Obviously quite pricey too.

Ben Newton $215,000 (MID): The ex Power player Has been very solid at training and is a definite chance to line up in our round 1 side. Would watch him closely during NAB Challenge. Obviously pricey though so even if he did line up round 1 it may be tricky to fit him in to our SC sides.

Angus Brayshaw $212,30 (MID): The kid is very talented but at this stage it is looking as though he isn't ready to play AFL straight away. We'll know more after NAB but at this stage I'm not expecting him to line up round 1.

Aaron Vandenberg $127,900 (MID): On the rookie list and in the rehab group after coming back from a shoulder injury, it's unlikely that the mature aged player will line up round 1 but he may get a chance at some stage this year if he is able to be upgraded. Potential downgrade target.

James Harmes $123,900 (MID): On the rookie list and unlikely to be upgraded as Vandenberg would be most likely to be upgraded first. Won't play round 1.

Jayden Hunt $123,900 (MID): Picked up in the 2013 draft, Hunt is still very raw at the moment and very unlikely to line up round 1.

Billy Stretch $123,900 (MID): A father-son selection that was a bargain selection but still very skinny and raw and very unlikely to play round 1 at this stage.

Alex Neal-Bullen $117,300 (MID): ANB dislocated his knee earlier this pre-season but escaped serious damage. He is in the rehab group at the moment. Won't play round 1.

Max King $123,900 (RUC): The project ruckman is still on the rookie list and is down the pecking order as far as our ruckman go. No chance of playing round 1.

Christian Salem $185,000 (FWD): Has been training strongly and is most likely in our best 22. A good chance to line up round 1 but may wear the vest. A bit pricey too but if he avoids the vest round 1 then he could be a handy pick.

Jesse Hogan $130,400 (FWD): Just lock him in and throw away the key. Unless he is injured, he is almost guaranteed to play round 1.

So out of all those players the only one I would put in your starting side is Hogan. If you are ok with picking pricey rookies then Salem may be worth a look. Then Newton, Riley and Petracca are unlikely but a chance of lining up round 1 in that order.

Would be great to hear from some others regarding rookies from your supported team if you get the time!

Great idea BB, bumping this also so it doesnt get lost on the last page. I'll do some research on my boys over the weekend as well

 

[IDIG]

.

Wow. Fabulous to see the 42 year old ex Eagles and Geelong player had the balls to nominate for the draft. Shows a lot of confidence in himself...Think the Dees must have been a bit desperate to draft him but I'm sure he will bring experience to the side...

Wait what, is this for real

eDIT: lol no its not

 

[baz_machine]

I doubt any of the Essendon rookie priced guys will be getting games ahead of Glesson / Merrets / Ashby.

Kav and Dalgleish, maybe

 

[Ricky Bobby]

I doubt any of the Essendon rookie priced guys will be getting games ahead of Glesson / Merrets / Ashby.

Kav and Dalgleish, maybe

So Edwards and Laverde aren't a chance?

 

[baz_machine]

So Edwards and Laverde aren't a chance?

Edwards has Hibberd / Dempsey / Gleeson / Ashby / Dalgleish ahead of him for a half back flank spot

Laverde is more of a chance but still has Chapman / Winderlich / Kommer / Fantasia for a small forward spot

Edit - Even Cooney too

 

[Grant]

Edwards has Hibberd / Dempsey / Gleeson / Ashby / Dalgleish ahead of him for a half back flank spot

Most of them aren't exactly big name players though. Could get to the no.2 spot in that list by round 1.

 

[baz_machine]

Most of them aren't exactly big name players though. Could get to the no.2 spot in that list by round 1.

Depends on how Gwilt fits in. I'd image he goes half back, Dempsey / Gleeson / dogleash go to the wing.

And Dempsey and Gleeson are a loooong way ahead. There would have to injuries for them to play.

 

[Slugus]

Don't forget Will Hams and Kavanagh pushing for spots as well as J Merrett... Even Melksham struggled to get his spot back last year, these players in are in abundance at the Bombers, Lavarde will struggle to find a spot imo. Too many better players could be pushed down the field to fill that gap before needing to blood a new palyer.

Though we may have half a list on suspension and then it will be supercoach gold at Bomber land... apart from that I see us pushing as hard as possible to get into the top 8 or above this year, we need to get as deep into finals as possible to get experience while we can still rely on Watson, Stanton and Goddard

 

[Slugus]

Depends on how Gwilt fits in. I'd image he goes half back, Dempsey / Gleeson / dogleash go to the wing.

And Dempsey and Gleeson are a loooong way ahead. There would have to injuries for them to play.

Who do they replace on the wing though? Surely Zaka, Heppell & Goddard will take spots there? Watson and Pears in the guts... then Chapman will have a crack in the mid for small sprints as will Melksham (if still best 22?), Heps and Goddard too?.. our fwd / mid spots are well looked after when you throw in Cooney, Kavanagh, Merrett, Will Hams, Kommer, Licka (maybe he'll play def again this year, I hope so, but that makes spots even more unlikely for rookies to showcase). Most can move to the wing while Conney, Hep, Goddard, Kommer types can do there time in the guts when Watson needs some time in the fwd line to rest..

All in all, I would imagine barring injuries and possibly player sanctions that Bombers rookies will only see scattered games perhaps in vests but nothing serious to make cash... I will be looking at the doggies, saints, Melbourne and Carlton for more sturdy rookie selections to get consistent games? Perhaps too much tunnel vision though, if I've missed something please let me know

 

[Prochard]

Surely Kalvanaugh will play consistently this year? Been hyped up so much since the draft and was touted as a top 5 pick before apparently he pulled off Chad Wingard's interview strategy and told other clubs not to draft him which is why he slid to Essendon?

 

[Ogilvie's Otters]

Hey guys
First time poster and mad hawthorn supporter here. I thought as my first post ill follow suit and offer some sc analysis on the hawk players under the $ 222,300 mark and if they are a chance to be in the side early season.
Enjoy and let me know what you think!

Forwards
Lachlan Langford - $102,400
Long term Project key position player and extremely unlikely to get a game in his first year.
Jermaine Miller Lewis - $102,400
Project player as well. Missed 2014 due to injury. Likely to spend 2015 in box hill.
Shem- Kalvin Tatupa - $123,900
Another long term project player. A kiwi still getting used to AFL after only playing the last few years. Unlikely to play senior footy in 2015.
Zac Webster - $123,900
Upgraded to the primary list so some chance for a debut. Would have to rely on injuries in the front half. Does provide maniac forward pressure which has impressed.
Dallas Willsmore - $129,900
A skinnier rawer Jack Gunston clone. Like webster upgraded to the primary list so some chance of debut. Impressive last year with his goal kicking in the vfl.
James Sicily – $123,900
Aggressive medium sized forward who played well in box hill at stages last year. Good chance to make a debut this year most likely mid season. Opportunistic and a good goal sense could see him making an impact as a goal kicking sub.
Kaiden Brand (DEF)- $123,900
Third year key position player wont get a game earlier on due to many being ahead of him.
Tim O’Brien - $209,600
Most likely will spend 2015 as he did 2014 as the back up to Roughead and Gunston in case of injury or suspension and getting games to speed up his development. He plays like an old fashioned lead up forward but unfortunately doesn’t get involved much in the general play which will limit any potential super coach scores.
Rucks
Marc Pittonet - $117,300
Raw first season ruckman and ruckman usually take time before they can make an impact. Little chance of a 2015 debut.
Sam Grimley - $176,700
On his last chance as was taken off the primary list at the end of 2014 and re-drafted as a rookie. Agile big man who loves a running goal. Not worth a punt as plenty of other options out there that don’t have to wait for an injury to be upgraded to the primary list.

Midfielders
Jared Hardisty - $103,900
Rookie player drafted as depth to cover the loss of Hallihan and retirement of Sewell. A massive injury crisis is the only way he will get a game in 2015.
Jed Anderson - $141,400
The man most likely to break into the round 1 side. Highly rated by the coaching staff. A quick skilful inside midfielder and something hawthorn don’t have a lot of on their list at the moment. Gets the nod ahead of Whitecross for me to be the most likely rd 1 inclusion under $220,000 due to his speed and the injury that he is coming back from is less serous that whitecross.
Alex Woodward - $197,800
Primed for more senior opportunities in 2015 but can’t see him breaking into the side early on due to the extensive hawthorn midfield.
Jono O’Rourke - $206,300
Same as Woodward. Expect to see him earlier on in Box Hill to learn the hawthorn style of play. Could earn an early debut if smith or hill are injured given his versatility to play both outside and in.

Defenders -
Teia Miles - $117,300
First year small lock defender. Doubtful to debut early on
Daniel Howe - $117,300
Will spend 2015 in the reserves as they look to develop him from a third tall defender to a tall midfielder.
Kurt Heatherley - $123,900
Reminds me of a young Dustin fletcher. Good competitive attitude but his disposal needs some work which will effect his sc scores. Doubtful for an early season debut due to the hawks defence depth.
Brendan Whitecross - $198,700
The only other real contender under $ 222,300 to be in the rd 1 side. Touted as a future captain before his two knee reco’s. Adds versatility to the side as can play multiple roles (half back flanker, half forward or middle). Due to his wretched injury run would think he starts the year off in box hill.