News Rookies

Crabby Skills · 16 Nov 2017

Can't remember where this was posted last year, sorry. It's champion data's top 30 kids from this years draft pool:

1. JACK HIGGINS (Oakleigh Chargers)

178cm forward

Averaged 145 SuperCoach points in 33 junior games, pipping Tom Rockliff. Consistently ranks elite for disposals, contested possessions and score involvements.

SAM SAYS: Huge shock at No.1. Likely to be 11-20, perhaps to GWS or West Coast. If the decorated and dedicated footy tragic was 10cm taller and a touch quicker, he’d be in No.1 mix.

2. CAMERON RAYNER (Western Jets)

187cm half-forward

Kicked 49 goals from 27 matches covered by Champion Data and oozes X-factor. Led the national championships goalkicking with 12 for Vic Metro.

SAM SAYS: Favourite to join the Lions at No.1 as a goalkicker who can swing a match. Think Dustin Martin with a question mark — can Rayner build a fitness tank?

3. JAIDYN STEPHENSON (Eastern Ranges)

189cm midfielder/forward

Exploded with Vic Metro, averaging 27 disposals, 11 contested possessions, a goal and 132 SuperCoach points. Topped that off with 22 disposals and three goals in the AFL Grand Final curtain-raiser.

SAM SAYS: Heart condition has clubs including St Kilda and Fremantle scrambling for last-minute cardiology reports, but a freakish line-breaking talent with strong endurance.

4. ANDREW BRAYSHAW (Sandringham Dragons)

183cm midfielder

Mr Consistent, winning more than 20 disposals and 100 SuperCoach points in all 10 TAC Cup matches. Ranked No.1 in TAC Cup for score assists and kicked eight goals himself.

SAM SAYS: Best kid in the draft looks a future AFL captain. Led Haileybury to school flag with clean hands and has ties to Kangas, where uncle James was president. Freo a big fan. Lions coach Chris Fagan would be happy with him at No.1.

5. LUKE DAVIES-UNIACKE (Dandenong Stingrays)

187cm midfielder

Disposal efficiency ranked No.1 of all players to average more than 10 contested possessions. Above average contested and clearance player.

SAM SAYS: Should go top three. Keen surfer from Rye wouldn’t mind Perth beaches (Fremantle) and Mum has a house in Brisbane. Speed and power away from stoppages have him No.1 at multiple clubs.

6. PADDY DOW (Bendigo Pioneers)

184cm midfielder

Ranked top five for contested possessions and clearances at the national carnival and hit scoreboard with three goals and five assists.

SAM SAYS: Unlikely to go No.1 but could be Carlton’s man at No.3. Swan Hill boy managed a challenging travel schedule and is recovering from a shoulder reco. Similar to “LDU” but a touch less class by foot.

7. ADAM CERRA (Eastern Ranges)

186cm midfielder

Injuries in past two years the question mark. A ball winner who can go forward, ranking elite in disposals, contested possessions, goals and score involvements in 2017 TAC Cup.

SAM SAYS: Classy inside-outside midfielder who Eastern reckons would be the No.1 pick if not for injuries. In mix at most early selections and unlikely to get past St Kilda at No.7 or 8.

8. LACHLAN FOGARTY (Western Jets)

179cm inside midfielder/forward

Fantastic pressure numbers and scoreboard impact suggest he’s an ideal small forward. Highest ranked TAC Cup player, averaging 145 SuperCoach points and 9.7 tackles.

SAM SAYS: Defensive mindset and ferocious tackling straight out of Richmond’s premiership playbook. Lions could pair him with close mate Rayner in the first round to help them settle. Dogs lurking with pick No.16.

9. DYLAN MOORE (Eastern Ranges)

175cm midfielder

Average of 130 SuperCoach points, No.7 in the TAC Cup. Ranked elite in contested possessions, ground-ball gets and goals. Averaged 114 SuperCoach points for Vic Metro, named All-Australian.

SAM SAYS: Brilliant runner with a great work ethic, but the little fella won’t go in the first round and perhaps not even the second. Think premiership Tiger Kane Lambert.

10. OSCAR ALLEN (West Perth)

191cm key forward

Ranked in the top two key forwards at the national championships for disposals, marks, contested marks and score involvements. His 11 goals second only to Cam Rayner.

SAM SAYS: Will be a lead-up third tall at AFL level and likely to be considered by GWS at No.11 and Sydney at No.14. Won the Larke Medal as the best player at the championships.

11. AARON NAUGHTON (Peel Thunder)

194cm key defender

Won most disposals and SuperCoach points for key defenders at the championships and ranked second for intercept possessions and intercept marks.

SAM SAYS: Fremantle, Collingwood and St Kilda have shown interest and if he slips past them he’s likely to be a Western Bulldog at No.9. Played seven senior WAFL games as a left-footed modern defender and intercept star.

12. HUNTER CLARK (Dandenong Stingrays)

186cm inside midfielder

Averaged 129 SuperCoach points when playing midfield, ranking elite for disposals, contested possessions and clearances and above average for uncontested possessions, goals, assists, score involvements and tackles.

SAM SAYS: St Kilda will consider at No.7 or 8 and Adelaide would love him to reach No.12. Won Stingrays’ best-and-fairest by a record margin from only 12 games. Blue-chip pick and great kick on both feet.

13. CHARLIE CONSTABLE (Sandringham Dragons)

190cm inside midfielder

Big-game player. Home-and-away SuperCoach average of 109 rose to 120 in finals, topped yet again by 121 at national carnival where he averaged second-most disposals (26).

SAM SAYS: Not a great runner and lacks zip, but a natural footballer. Great size, but the question marks could push him into the 20s.

14. NICK COFFIELD (Northern Knights)

190cm half-back

Knights captain ranked in top 100 TAC Cup players for clearances, uncontested possessions, intercept marks and goals. Genuine utility.

SAM SAYS: Is Coffield one who could slip out of the top 10? Looks best suited to half-back, where he can play tall, small and boasts quick acceleration.

15. BRENT DANIELS (Bendigo Pioneers)

172cm small forward

TAC Cup average of 112 SuperCoach points was impressive considering an even midfield-forward split. Won 49 per cent of his possessions contested in 14 Champion Data games this year.

SAM SAYS: Geelong Grammar boy. Another short player high on Champion Data’s list. Has a knack of just getting the job done and looks a third-round pick.

16. JORDAN HOULAHAN (Sturt)

185cm forward

Kicked 91 goals in 52 Champion Data games in past three years. Marking forward but has won more than 18 disposals only once.

SAM SAYS: Quiet kid who plays with pizzazz. Good mark and could be trialled in defence, Jeremy Howe-style. Probably a late second-round selection.

17. SAM HAYES (Eastern Ranges)

203cm key forward/ruckman

Top-ranked ruckman in TAC Cup. His 16 disposals ranks elite, along with contested possessions, uncontested possessions, marks, hit-outs to advantage, clearances and score involvements.

SAM SAYS: Dual All-Australian with long arms will require patience. Low endurance means he’s more key forward than a ruckman. Once thought a top-five pick but could float into the second round.

18. OSCAR CLAVARINO (Dandenong Stingrays)

195cm key defender

The No.1 player for intercept possessions and marks in the TAC Cup and national carnival. Took 40 intercept marks in 12 matches this year.

SAM SAYS: Loves challenge of playing on No.1 forward and reads the play like a picture book. Expect him to go between picks 20-40.

19. GYRAN MIERS (Geelong Falcons)

177cm small forward

Big-game performer who booted seven goals in TAC Cup grand final and 50 for season, six more than any other player in the TAC Cup.

SAM SAYS: Dreadlocked kid with uncanny goal sense. Who needs a small forward with a later pick? Maybe GWS to replace Devon Smith?

20. HARRISON PETTY (Norwood)

194cm key defender

South Australia’s best player at national carnival. A rock in defence and won more one-on-one contests than any other player, losing only 14.2 per cent of the time.

SAM SAYS: Boy from the bush blossomed after a shift to the backline. Was barely on draft radar 12 months ago but could charge into the top 30. Has spoken to every club except Brisbane.

21. DARCY FOGARTY (Glenelg)

192cm forward

Reputation built on glimpses rather than volume. In 2016 he played mainly as a forward and kicked four goals against the Allies in his best game.

SAM SAYS: Favoured to go No.1 at start of year before slipping with injures. Powerful and a sharp kick, is still in the top-10 mix with the Kangas, Pies, Dogs and Blues.

22. JOEL GARNER (Eastern Ranges)

183cm defender

Won more than 20 disposals in only four of 38 matches covered by Champion Data, but is a general in defence. Had 29 intercept possessions in the championships, ranked No.2.

SAM SAYS: Left-footed indigenous talent who captained the AIS, Vic Metro and Eastern Ranges this year. Attends Scotch College and will be considered in the 20s and 30s.

23. BRAYDEN CROSSLEY (Gold Coast academy/Labrador)

198cm ruckman

Led the national championships for hit-outs and was the No.1 ruckman for contested possessions and clearances.

SAM SAYS: Aggressive and performed well after battling glandular fever over summer. But rucks very rarely go early and Crossley looks a third-rounder.

24. SAM TAYLOR (Swan Districts)

196cm key defender

Played at all three WAFL levels, including seven senior and eight colts games. Ranked No.1 for intercept marks and possessions in the colts, also averaging 19 disposals.

SAM SAYS: Will be strong enough to man the gorilla spearheads one day. Good closing speed and All-Australian honours. Will appeal as a pick from the 20s on.

25. STEFAN GIRO (Norwood)

175cm midfielder

Averaged more than 99 SuperCoach points in the SANFL under-18s and the SANFL reserves in 2016, 2017 and at this year’s national carnival.

SAM SAYS: Impressive form in the SANFL reserves and runs both ways, but a huge surprise he’s here. Late pick or could still be available in the rookie draft.

26. CHARLIE SPARGO (Murray Bushrangers)

173cm small forward

In the 2015 under-16 championships he averaged 29 disposals, 2.5 goals and 219 SuperCoach points, winning the Alan McLean Medal as the best division two player.

SAM SAYS: Rarely sighted since 2015 and shoulder surgery ruined this year. But clever and tenacious little forward in Boomer Harvey mould. Former GWS academy. Father Paul played 81 games for North.

27. NOAH BALTA (Calder Cannons)

194cm utility

Played ruck and key forward in TAC Cup and key defender for Vic Metro. Only TAC Cup player to rank in top 70 for intercept marks, hit-outs and goals.

SAM SAYS: Where does he play at AFL level? Enjoyed some freakish patches and looks a second-round pick.

28. JAKE PATMORE (Claremont)

181cm midfielder

Best ball winner in WAFL colts, averaging 29.3 disposals and rating elite for both contested and uncontested possessions. Won second-most possessions of any Western Australian at the championships.

SAM SAYS: Ball magnet who shed 10kg in two months this year to begin climbing up the draft order. Accumulator who could fall in the second round.

29. BRAYDEN AINSWORTH (Subiaco)

184cm inside midfielder

Won more clearances than any other player and ranked second for contested possessions at national carnival.

SAM SAYS: Moved 700km from Esperance to Perth to take footy more seriously. Dedicated stoppage player and All-Australian looks a later pick. Turns 19 this month.

30. ANDREW McPHERSON (Woodville-West Torrens)

186cm halfback

Underage numbers suggest he could be an Alex Witherden-type steal. In 2016 SANFL under-18s he averaged 27 disposals and 132 SuperCoach points as a half-back flanker.

SAM SAYS: Quad and hamstring injuries ruined the rebounding runner’s year. Unreliable body likely to push him into the third round. Carlton might consider at No.30

NOTABLE OUTS

First-round prospects who didn’t make Champion Data’s cut

Aiden Bonar

Nathan Murphy

Jarrod Brander

Lochie O’Brien

Patrick Naish

Drew · 24 Nov 2017

Draft's on, Raynor to Brissy at number one, Fogarty fell to the Crows at 12!

Crabby Skills · 24 Nov 2017

Sam Hayes pick 47 is a steal for port

Rowsus · 24 Nov 2017

Joel "Big Bird" Garner off to Port.

....... at least they'll have a decent bowling attack next year!

Goodie's Guns · 24 Nov 2017

Billy Hartung gets a chance at North Melbourne.

Jarrod Garlett after 17 matches at GCS in 2015/16 picked up late by the Blues.

Also former Demon Dom Barry picked up by Port Adelaide after good SANFL form.

Presto · 24 Nov 2017

Interesting that D. Moore (according to Champion Data as the 9th best prospect) was picked by Hawthorn at pick 67.

KLo30 · 24 Nov 2017

2017 Draft

1. Brisbane Lions — Cameron Rayner (Western Jets). Strongly built midfielder who has drawn comparisons to Dustin Martin and has the crowd-pleasing style to become the face of the Lions rebuild.

2. Fremantle Dockers — Andrew Brayshaw (Sandringham Dragons). Late bolter thanks to a terrific showing at the Combine, the brother of Melbourne’s Angus, Andrew has incredible endurance.

3. Carlton Blues — Paddy Dow (Bendigo Pioneers). Explosive all around midfielder who thrives in the hard and contested aspects of the game, will be integral in the Blues rebuild.

4. North Melbourne — Luke Davies-Uniacke (Dandenong Stingrays). One of the most complete midfielders in the draft who possesses remarkable breakaway speed, should quickly become a fan favourite.

5. Fremantle Dockers — Adam Cerra (Eastern Ranges). Powerful midfielder, who oozes class and has incredible composure to go with clean skills, could easily have been the top pick.

6. Collingwood Magpies — Jaidyn Stephenson (Eastern Ranges). Despite injury concerns, the youngster is an absolute star on the park and will slot into a stacked Pies midfield with ease.

7. St Kilda Saints — Hunter Clark (Dandenong Stingrays). Clearance specialist and exceptional skills on both sides of his body. As good inside as he is outside.

8. St Kilda Saints — Nicholas Coffield (Northern Knights). Classy and composed defender. Drifted in and out of the midfield during the season, will be key to the Saints push for finals in 2018.

9. Western Bulldogs — Aaron Naughton (Peel Thunder). Ready made defender who reads the flight of the ball better than any player in the draft. Will add to an incredible Dogs defensive lineup.

10. Carlton Blues — Lochie O’Brien (Bendigo Pioneers). Quality outside midfielder who arguably possesses the best kick in the draft. Game changing line-breaker with his pace and could have gone higher.

11. Greater Western Sydney — Aiden Bonar (Dandenong Stingrays). Bigger bodied midfielder who, despite the injury concerns, will add class to an already formidable Giants lineup.

12. Adelaide Crows — Darcy Fogarty (Glenelg). Early steal of the draft with the Crows getting their hands on this high flying forward, ability to push into the midfield thanks to his engine.

13. West Coast Eagles — Jarrod Brander (Bendigo Pioneers). Key forward with all the necessary attributes to be a star of the game. Will learn from the games best forward in Josh Kennedy.

14. Sydney Swans — Matthew Ling (Geelong Falcons). Outside class and athleticism who uses the ball remarkably well. Getting on the outside of the Swans in and under mids will be critical to their success.

15. Brisbane Lions — Zac Bailey (Southern Districs). Slighty undersized midfielder but has the ability to be able to burst away from stoppages and just accumulates the ball.

16. Western Bulldogs — Edward Richards (Oakleigh Chargers). Lightning quick defender with a silky left foot, late season push helped him land higher up the boards.

17. Richmond Tigers — Jack Higgins (Oakleigh Chargers). Has a knack for finding the goal in any situation, the Tigers changed the game with their small forward line and Higgins will help them continue that push in 2018.

18. Brisbane Lions — Brandon Starcevich (Eastern Perth). Late year form and a terrific outing at the Combine earned Starcevich a nod with the Lions.

19. Gold Coast — Wil Powell (Claremont). Bolter here. Small midfielder who really needs to hit the gym and bulk up the body.

20. Richmond — Callum Coleman-Jones (Sturt). The first ruckman taken in the draft and fills an area of need for the Tigers.

21. West Coast Eagles — Oscar Allen (West Perth). The Eagles are going after marquee forwards as they seemingly chase an all tall forward line to oppose the small ball swing.

22. Geelong Cats — Lachlan Fogarty (Western Jets). Skillful tackling machine, the small forward and midfielder will slot into the Cats team with ease.

23. North Melbourne — Will Walker (Sandringham Dragons). Only made the switch to footy a few years ago after playing soccer through his junior years. Ultimate athlete.

24. Geelong Cats — Tim Kelly (South Fremantle). The Cats midfield gets another boost with the speedy Kelly heading down the Calder to join the impressive Geelong outfit.

25. Richmond Tigers — Noah Balta (Calder Cannons). Exceptional talen who has the ability to play in a multitude of positions. Bit of a surprise packet but a great swiss army knife selection.

26. West Coast Eagles — Liam Ryan (Subiaco). Another selection, another forward for the Eagles. Excitement machine is Ryan and could turn a game on it’s head in no time at all.

27. Greater Western Sydney — Brent Daniels (Bendigo Pioneers). Speedy forward with good football smarts who can push up through the midfield. Most dangerous around goal.

28. Greater Western Sydney — Sam Taylor (Swan Districts). Incredibly quality reader of the ball and explodes away from his opponents out of the backline.

29. Melbourne Demons — Charlie Spargo (Murray Bushrangers). Labelled as the most competitive person in the draft, accumulates the ball with the best of them and isn’t afrard of anyone.

30. Carlton Blues — Tom De Koning (Dandenong Stingrays). Missed the back half of the year due to a lacerated kidney but has incredible versatility and athleticism for a forward/ruck.

31. Melbourne Demons — Bailey Fritsch (Casey Demons). Won the best young player award in the VFL and looks a ready made medium sized forward for the Demons push up the ladder in 2018.

32. West Coast Eagles — Brayden Ainsworth (Subiaco). Quality midfielder who thrives around the stoppages and has remarkable consistency.

33. Sydney Swans — Tom McCartin (Geelong Falcons). Brother of St Kilda’s Paddy, Tom is a key forward with remarkable versatility who joins a loaded Swans forward line.

34. Richmond Tigers — Patrick Naish (Northern Knights). Father and son selection as the Tigers match the big placed by the Saints. Quick outside midfielder will feed off of Trent Cothin and Dustin Martin.

35. St Kilda Saints — Oscar Clavarino (Dandenong Stingrays). Genuine leader and a remarkable intercepting defender. Great selection here for the Saints backline.

36. Geelong Cats — Charlie Constable (Sandringham Dragons). The Cats continue to load up their midfield with an in and under player in Charlie Constable who is a steal this late.

37. Melbourne Demons — Harrison Petty (Norwood). Slender key position defender who needs to hit the gym in order to deal with the monster forwards of the game.

38. West Coast Eagles — Jack Petrucelle (Northern Knights). Another contested ball winning midfielder who holds an insane turn of foot. The Eagles, along with the Cats, look like early winners here.

39. Collingwood Magpies — Nathan Murphy (Brighton Grammar). Another player in the draft who was an elite sportsmen in a sport other than footy. A star junior cricketer, Murphy is a versatile midfielder.

40. Adelaide Crows — Andrew McPherson (Woodville-West Torrens). Uses the ball remarkably well out of the backline and will help in replacing the loss of Jake Lever.

41. Brisbane Lions — Toby Wooller (Oakleigh Chargers). Key forward who is very tough to beat one on one, always finds a way to impact the scoreboard and wil be pivotal in the Lions rebuild.

42. Gold Coast Suns — Charlie Ballard (Sturt). Outside midfielder who experienced a rapid growth spurt of 15 centimetres and added in solid marking skills to his already impressive repertoire.

43. Brisbane Lions — Connor Ballenden (Brisbane Lions Academy). Another key forward for the Lions after matching the Dockers bid who is just as good on his right foot as he is on his left.

44. Fremantle Dockers — Hugh Dickson (Kingborough). Great set of hands and solid shot at goal, will be pivotal up forward for the Dockers in their hopes of putting big scores on the board.

45. Hawthorn Hawks — James Worpel (Geelong Falcons). Quality leader out of the Falcons footy factory and will be huge in the Hawks midfield as a strong insider.

46. St Kilda Saints — Ben Paton (Murray Bushrangers). Overlooked in last years draft and came back this season with quality play out of the backline, provides solid run and is a good reader of the ball.

47. Port Adelaide — Sam Hayes (Eastern Ranges). Only the second ruckman selected tonight, will get to learn under the tutelage of Paddy Ryder. Ability to drift forward.

48. Melbourne Demons — Oskar Baker (Aspley). You won’t miss Baker anytime soon, the dashing red headed midfielder will provide plenty of spark to the young Demons side.

49. Essendon Bombers — Jordan Houlahan (Sturt). His game and skillset should thrive in the modern AFL, has an ability to jump over an opponent and is a tackling machine.

50. Port Adelaide — Tyler Brown (Eastern Ranges). Still a very raw midfielder but has shown incredible flashes of brilliance.

51. Port Adelaide — Kane Farrell (Bendigo Pioners). Elite left foot boot and will add to the Power’s backline with constant drive.

52. Gold Coast Suns — Brayden Crossley (Gold Coast Suns Academy). Another ruckman who is as tough as a coffin nail, plays similar to Shane Mumford with repeat efforts.

53. Sydney Swans — Ryley Stoddart (Eastern Ranges). Quality running defender with an impressive burst of speed, Swans are loading up with quick outside class.

54. Brisbane Lions — Jack Parker Payne (Brisbane Lions Academy). Big tough full back who rarely gets beaten one on one. Needs to build his engine but will be huge for the Lions backline.

55. Gold Coast Suns — Connor Nutting (Gold Coast Academy). Possesses blistering speed and agility, needs to work on his tank and consistency but a good add for the Suns.

56. Greater Western Sydney — Zac Giles Langdon (Claremont).

57. Geelong Cats — Gryan Miers (Geelong Falcons). Made for the modern AFL, small zippy forward who just continues to apply pressure and can find the goals no matter the pressure.

58. Port Adelaide Power — Jake Patmore (Claremont).

59. Fremantle Dockers — Mitchell Crowden (Sturt). Hard as a cats head and prolific ball winner.

60. Collingwood Magpies — Passed

60. Port Adelaide — Joel Garner (Eastern Ranges). Genuine steal here for the Power, leader of the Ranges with tremendous leadership who is a tackling machine.

61. Port Adelaide — Dom Barry (Glenelg). Speedster with elite kicking and remarkable agility, not the best hands over head and needs to build his endurance levels.

62. North Melbourne — Kyron Hayden (Subiaco). Athletic freak of a midfielder who looks similar to Sam Powell-Pepper. Has a 103cm running vertical leap!

63. Richmond Tigers — Ben Miller (Subiaco). Developing defender who is surprisingly a dead eye in front of goal, holds impressive agility.

64. Greater Western Sydney — Nicholas Shipler (GWS Academy).

65. Fremantle Dockers — Thomas North (Eastern Ranges). Accumulator of a midfielder who loves working in at the coal face. Freo building a huge contingency of quality mids.

66. Essendon Bombers — Brandon Zerk-Thatcher (South Australia). Big bodied key position defender with great kicking and speed out of the backline.

67. Hawthorn Hawks — Dylan Moore (Eastern Ranges). Enormous engine and athlete that the Hawks get with an absolute steal this late in the draft.

68. West Coast Eagles — Hamish Brayshaw (Sandringham Dragons). The second Brayshaw taken on the night, joins his brother in Perth. Special moment for the Brayshaw family.

69. Fremantle Dockers — Lloyd Meek (GWV Rebels). Overlooked last year, worked hard on his groundskills and gets a chance with the depleted Freo ruck stocks.

70. Carlton Blues — Angus Schumacher (Bendigo Pioneers). Finished third in the Pioneers best and fairest after a consistent season, provides constant rebound out of the backline.

71. Hawthorn Hawks — Jackson Ross (Eastern Ranges). Prospect selection but has all of the necessary tools to build into a stellar outside midfielder, just needs to gain a better feel for the game.

72. North Melbourne — Tristan Xerri (Western Jets). Quality set of hands overhead, will play both ruck and up forward. Not the quickest player around the field and lacks major consistency.

73. Fremantle Dockers — Sam Switkowski (Box Hill Hawks). Footy smarts through the roof, plays with an angry edge and holds elite endurance.

74. Western Bulldogs — Callum Porter (Gippsland Power). Prolific ball winner who won the Power best and fairest. Huge potential for the future.

75. Fremantle Dockers — Scott Jones (East Perth). Breakout year in the WAFL and his exposure against the big bodies will hold him in good stead for his AFL career.

76. Essendon Bombers — Matt Guelfi (Claremont). Consistent ball winning midfielder who just continues to produce week in, week out.

77. North Melbourne — Billy Hartung (Hawthorn). Delisted by the Hawks and given a lifeline by the Roos, will provide plenty of run and spread in the midfield.

78. Carlton Blues — Jarrod Garlett (South Fremantle). Walked away from the Gold Coast Suns wanting to go home but now heading to Victoria.

jarrad_ · 24 Nov 2017

nice of st kilda to pick the mid before the back and not vice versa and save us 5 grand and quite a few good mature agers as well

Herbie66 · 24 Nov 2017

Drew said:

already being talked up as the next Tony Lockett , seriously I wish the media would just let them try and settle into a career , so many don't make it without these extra pressures.

Ben Hart was quietly confident he would slip through , where dies he fit with Tex , JJ , Lynch and McGovern though ?

Herbie66 · 24 Nov 2017

Crabby Skills said:

listening on the radio tonight , they said IF he gets his attitude right could be the best ruckmen in the game within 5 years.

massive wraps

BigRuss · 24 Nov 2017

Crabby Skills said:

Surprised he got past the 20s let alone into the 40s. Couldn't be happier all circumstances considered.

BigRuss · 24 Nov 2017

Rowsus said:

Garner at one end, Marshall at the other. My ribs hurt just thinking about it.

BigRuss · 24 Nov 2017

Herbie66 said:

Few phantom drafts around had him going early teens, must have some real work ethic/personality issues to slide so far. Excited to see how he goes.

Herbie66 · 25 Nov 2017

BigRuss said:

Under 18 All Australian ruckmen last 2 seasons , listener rang up and I think said Darren Bewick ranked him , but all about attitude etc.

Under age to AFL is a huge step so good luck to him.

IDIG · 25 Nov 2017

From what i've read, we did well to get Houlahan at 49.

Bomber18 · 25 Nov 2017

IDIG said:

That's what all supporters would want to think haha.

Our last pick was a mature aged inside mid, if he can be half good (ie: better than myers), could be a decent rookie for SC at a basement price.

Blaze · 25 Nov 2017

KLo30 said:

2017 Draft

1. Brisbane Lions — Cameron Rayner (Western Jets). Strongly built midfielder who has drawn comparisons to Dustin Martin and has the crowd-pleasing style to become the face of the Lions rebuild.

2. Fremantle Dockers — Andrew Brayshaw (Sandringham Dragons). Late bolter thanks to a terrific showing at the Combine, the brother of Melbourne’s Angus, Andrew has incredible endurance.

3. Carlton Blues — Paddy Dow (Bendigo Pioneers). Explosive all around midfielder who thrives in the hard and contested aspects of the game, will be integral in the Blues rebuild.

4. North Melbourne — Luke Davies-Uniacke (Dandenong Stingrays). One of the most complete midfielders in the draft who possesses remarkable breakaway speed, should quickly become a fan favourite.

5. Fremantle Dockers — Adam Cerra (Eastern Ranges). Powerful midfielder, who oozes class and has incredible composure to go with clean skills, could easily have been the top pick.

6. Collingwood Magpies — Jaidyn Stephenson (Eastern Ranges). Despite injury concerns, the youngster is an absolute star on the park and will slot into a stacked Pies midfield with ease.

7. St Kilda Saints — Hunter Clark (Dandenong Stingrays). Clearance specialist and exceptional skills on both sides of his body. As good inside as he is outside.

8. St Kilda Saints — Nicholas Coffield (Northern Knights). Classy and composed defender. Drifted in and out of the midfield during the season, will be key to the Saints push for finals in 2018.

9. Western Bulldogs — Aaron Naughton (Peel Thunder). Ready made defender who reads the flight of the ball better than any player in the draft. Will add to an incredible Dogs defensive lineup.

10. Carlton Blues — Lochie O’Brien (Bendigo Pioneers). Quality outside midfielder who arguably possesses the best kick in the draft. Game changing line-breaker with his pace and could have gone higher.

11. Greater Western Sydney — Aiden Bonar (Dandenong Stingrays). Bigger bodied midfielder who, despite the injury concerns, will add class to an already formidable Giants lineup.

12. Adelaide Crows — Darcy Fogarty (Glenelg). Early steal of the draft with the Crows getting their hands on this high flying forward, ability to push into the midfield thanks to his engine.

13. West Coast Eagles — Jarrod Brander (Bendigo Pioneers). Key forward with all the necessary attributes to be a star of the game. Will learn from the games best forward in Josh Kennedy.

14. Sydney Swans — Matthew Ling (Geelong Falcons). Outside class and athleticism who uses the ball remarkably well. Getting on the outside of the Swans in and under mids will be critical to their success.

15. Brisbane Lions — Zac Bailey (Southern Districs). Slighty undersized midfielder but has the ability to be able to burst away from stoppages and just accumulates the ball.

16. Western Bulldogs — Edward Richards (Oakleigh Chargers). Lightning quick defender with a silky left foot, late season push helped him land higher up the boards.

17. Richmond Tigers — Jack Higgins (Oakleigh Chargers). Has a knack for finding the goal in any situation, the Tigers changed the game with their small forward line and Higgins will help them continue that push in 2018.

18. Brisbane Lions — Brandon Starcevich (Eastern Perth). Late year form and a terrific outing at the Combine earned Starcevich a nod with the Lions.

19. Gold Coast — Wil Powell (Claremont). Bolter here. Small midfielder who really needs to hit the gym and bulk up the body.

20. Richmond — Callum Coleman-Jones (Sturt). The first ruckman taken in the draft and fills an area of need for the Tigers.

21. West Coast Eagles — Oscar Allen (West Perth). The Eagles are going after marquee forwards as they seemingly chase an all tall forward line to oppose the small ball swing.

22. Geelong Cats — Lachlan Fogarty (Western Jets). Skillful tackling machine, the small forward and midfielder will slot into the Cats team with ease.

23. North Melbourne — Will Walker (Sandringham Dragons). Only made the switch to footy a few years ago after playing soccer through his junior years. Ultimate athlete.

24. Geelong Cats — Tim Kelly (South Fremantle). The Cats midfield gets another boost with the speedy Kelly heading down the Calder to join the impressive Geelong outfit.

25. Richmond Tigers — Noah Balta (Calder Cannons). Exceptional talen who has the ability to play in a multitude of positions. Bit of a surprise packet but a great swiss army knife selection.

26. West Coast Eagles — Liam Ryan (Subiaco). Another selection, another forward for the Eagles. Excitement machine is Ryan and could turn a game on it’s head in no time at all.

27. Greater Western Sydney — Brent Daniels (Bendigo Pioneers). Speedy forward with good football smarts who can push up through the midfield. Most dangerous around goal.

28. Greater Western Sydney — Sam Taylor (Swan Districts). Incredibly quality reader of the ball and explodes away from his opponents out of the backline.

29. Melbourne Demons — Charlie Spargo (Murray Bushrangers). Labelled as the most competitive person in the draft, accumulates the ball with the best of them and isn’t afrard of anyone.

30. Carlton Blues — Tom De Koning (Dandenong Stingrays). Missed the back half of the year due to a lacerated kidney but has incredible versatility and athleticism for a forward/ruck.

31. Melbourne Demons — Bailey Fritsch (Casey Demons). Won the best young player award in the VFL and looks a ready made medium sized forward for the Demons push up the ladder in 2018.

32. West Coast Eagles — Brayden Ainsworth (Subiaco). Quality midfielder who thrives around the stoppages and has remarkable consistency.

33. Sydney Swans — Tom McCartin (Geelong Falcons). Brother of St Kilda’s Paddy, Tom is a key forward with remarkable versatility who joins a loaded Swans forward line.

34. Richmond Tigers — Patrick Naish (Northern Knights). Father and son selection as the Tigers match the big placed by the Saints. Quick outside midfielder will feed off of Trent Cothin and Dustin Martin.

35. St Kilda Saints — Oscar Clavarino (Dandenong Stingrays). Genuine leader and a remarkable intercepting defender. Great selection here for the Saints backline.

36. Geelong Cats — Charlie Constable (Sandringham Dragons). The Cats continue to load up their midfield with an in and under player in Charlie Constable who is a steal this late.

37. Melbourne Demons — Harrison Petty (Norwood). Slender key position defender who needs to hit the gym in order to deal with the monster forwards of the game.

38. West Coast Eagles — Jack Petrucelle (Northern Knights). Another contested ball winning midfielder who holds an insane turn of foot. The Eagles, along with the Cats, look like early winners here.

39. Collingwood Magpies — Nathan Murphy (Brighton Grammar). Another player in the draft who was an elite sportsmen in a sport other than footy. A star junior cricketer, Murphy is a versatile midfielder.

40. Adelaide Crows — Andrew McPherson (Woodville-West Torrens). Uses the ball remarkably well out of the backline and will help in replacing the loss of Jake Lever.

41. Brisbane Lions — Toby Wooller (Oakleigh Chargers). Key forward who is very tough to beat one on one, always finds a way to impact the scoreboard and wil be pivotal in the Lions rebuild.

42. Gold Coast Suns — Charlie Ballard (Sturt). Outside midfielder who experienced a rapid growth spurt of 15 centimetres and added in solid marking skills to his already impressive repertoire.

43. Brisbane Lions — Connor Ballenden (Brisbane Lions Academy). Another key forward for the Lions after matching the Dockers bid who is just as good on his right foot as he is on his left.

44. Fremantle Dockers — Hugh Dickson (Kingborough). Great set of hands and solid shot at goal, will be pivotal up forward for the Dockers in their hopes of putting big scores on the board.

45. Hawthorn Hawks — James Worpel (Geelong Falcons). Quality leader out of the Falcons footy factory and will be huge in the Hawks midfield as a strong insider.

46. St Kilda Saints — Ben Paton (Murray Bushrangers). Overlooked in last years draft and came back this season with quality play out of the backline, provides solid run and is a good reader of the ball.

47. Port Adelaide — Sam Hayes (Eastern Ranges). Only the second ruckman selected tonight, will get to learn under the tutelage of Paddy Ryder. Ability to drift forward.

48. Melbourne Demons — Oskar Baker (Aspley). You won’t miss Baker anytime soon, the dashing red headed midfielder will provide plenty of spark to the young Demons side.

49. Essendon Bombers — Jordan Houlahan (Sturt). His game and skillset should thrive in the modern AFL, has an ability to jump over an opponent and is a tackling machine.

50. Port Adelaide — Tyler Brown (Eastern Ranges). Still a very raw midfielder but has shown incredible flashes of brilliance.

51. Port Adelaide — Kane Farrell (Bendigo Pioners). Elite left foot boot and will add to the Power’s backline with constant drive.

52. Gold Coast Suns — Brayden Crossley (Gold Coast Suns Academy). Another ruckman who is as tough as a coffin nail, plays similar to Shane Mumford with repeat efforts.

53. Sydney Swans — Ryley Stoddart (Eastern Ranges). Quality running defender with an impressive burst of speed, Swans are loading up with quick outside class.

54. Brisbane Lions — Jack Parker Payne (Brisbane Lions Academy). Big tough full back who rarely gets beaten one on one. Needs to build his engine but will be huge for the Lions backline.

55. Gold Coast Suns — Connor Nutting (Gold Coast Academy). Possesses blistering speed and agility, needs to work on his tank and consistency but a good add for the Suns.

56. Greater Western Sydney — Zac Giles Langdon (Claremont).

57. Geelong Cats — Gryan Miers (Geelong Falcons). Made for the modern AFL, small zippy forward who just continues to apply pressure and can find the goals no matter the pressure.

58. Port Adelaide Power — Jake Patmore (Claremont).

59. Fremantle Dockers — Mitchell Crowden (Sturt). Hard as a cats head and prolific ball winner.

60. Collingwood Magpies — Passed

60. Port Adelaide — Joel Garner (Eastern Ranges). Genuine steal here for the Power, leader of the Ranges with tremendous leadership who is a tackling machine.

61. Port Adelaide — Dom Barry (Glenelg). Speedster with elite kicking and remarkable agility, not the best hands over head and needs to build his endurance levels.

62. North Melbourne — Kyron Hayden (Subiaco). Athletic freak of a midfielder who looks similar to Sam Powell-Pepper. Has a 103cm running vertical leap!

63. Richmond Tigers — Ben Miller (Subiaco). Developing defender who is surprisingly a dead eye in front of goal, holds impressive agility.

64. Greater Western Sydney — Nicholas Shipler (GWS Academy).

65. Fremantle Dockers — Thomas North (Eastern Ranges). Accumulator of a midfielder who loves working in at the coal face. Freo building a huge contingency of quality mids.

66. Essendon Bombers — Brandon Zerk-Thatcher (South Australia). Big bodied key position defender with great kicking and speed out of the backline.

67. Hawthorn Hawks — Dylan Moore (Eastern Ranges). Enormous engine and athlete that the Hawks get with an absolute steal this late in the draft.

68. West Coast Eagles — Hamish Brayshaw (Sandringham Dragons). The second Brayshaw taken on the night, joins his brother in Perth. Special moment for the Brayshaw family.

69. Fremantle Dockers — Lloyd Meek (GWV Rebels). Overlooked last year, worked hard on his groundskills and gets a chance with the depleted Freo ruck stocks.

70. Carlton Blues — Angus Schumacher (Bendigo Pioneers). Finished third in the Pioneers best and fairest after a consistent season, provides constant rebound out of the backline.

71. Hawthorn Hawks — Jackson Ross (Eastern Ranges). Prospect selection but has all of the necessary tools to build into a stellar outside midfielder, just needs to gain a better feel for the game.

72. North Melbourne — Tristan Xerri (Western Jets). Quality set of hands overhead, will play both ruck and up forward. Not the quickest player around the field and lacks major consistency.

73. Fremantle Dockers — Sam Switkowski (Box Hill Hawks). Footy smarts through the roof, plays with an angry edge and holds elite endurance.

74. Western Bulldogs — Callum Porter (Gippsland Power). Prolific ball winner who won the Power best and fairest. Huge potential for the future.

75. Fremantle Dockers — Scott Jones (East Perth). Breakout year in the WAFL and his exposure against the big bodies will hold him in good stead for his AFL career.

76. Essendon Bombers — Matt Guelfi (Claremont). Consistent ball winning midfielder who just continues to produce week in, week out.

77. North Melbourne — Billy Hartung (Hawthorn). Delisted by the Hawks and given a lifeline by the Roos, will provide plenty of run and spread in the midfield.

78. Carlton Blues — Jarrod Garlett (South Fremantle). Walked away from the Gold Coast Suns wanting to go home but now heading to Victoria.

Gee you could make arguments for all for the top 5 playing R1 in those sides - i like davies-uniacke at North the most for SC purposes.

Thoughts on diamonds in the rough from ann SC perspective? James Warpel to Hawthorn could be a great SC option. Tim Kelly seems the obvious one too - the cats must be looking to play him early

Drew · 25 Nov 2017

Blaze said:

There's an acticle on AFL.com today: http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-11-25/plug-and-play-the-draftees-ready-for-r1-2018

Kelly looks good as a mature age player and Warpel too is a cheap inside mid which we all all love in SC!

Blaze · 25 Nov 2017

Drew said:

Think Liam Ryan is the other won from glancing over the list - surely west coast inject him and willie rioli in to help our rookie benches in the fwd line! - Higgins could def slot in for the tigers couldn't he? he plays their game and maybe better than some they have in there already which is scary

Drew · 25 Nov 2017

Herbie66 said:

Tex, Jenkins and Lynch all 27/28 so you'd think he'd get his injury right in the immediate future and then develop in the SANFL for a couple of years. Gives them depth in the short term and puts pressure in a selection sense on the guys mentioned if he is as good as mentioned (I’m looking st YOU Jenkins!).

In the long run will there to replace these guys though.

News Rookies

Crabby Skills

Drew

Crabby Skills

Rowsus

Statistician

Goodie's Guns

Leadership Group

Presto

KLo30

Leadership Group

jarrad_

Herbie66

Herbie66

BigRuss

BigRuss

BigRuss

Herbie66

IDIG

Leadership Group

Bomber18

Leadership Group

Blaze

Drew

Blaze

Drew