2015 AFL National Draft prospects: The next batch

[ChaserJ 3,956]

TAC Cup Future Stars came up with their final Top 20 today and, as if by magic, the name of Harley Balic has returned to the top 10 pencilled in right next to Melbourne where it was for several weeks when all this started.

1. Carlton - Jacob Weitering

2. Brisbane - Joshua Schache

3. Sydney* - Callum Mills

4. GWS* - Jacob Hopper

5. Gold Coast - Charlie Curnow

6. Essendon - Darcy Parish

7. St. Kilda - Aaron Francis

8. Melbourne - Harley Balic

9. Collingwood - Wayne Milera

10. Geelong - Rhys Mathieson

11. GWS* - Matthew Kennedy

12. Brisbane* - Ben Keays

13. Port Adelaide - Kieran Collins

14. Western Bulldogs - Sam Weideman

15. Richmond - Callum Ah Chee

16. Adelaide - Darcy Tucker

17. North Melbourne - Ryan Clarke

18. Fremantle - Jade Gresham

19. Brisbane* - Eric Hipwood

20. Hawthorn - Mitchell Hibberd

* Academy bid

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1180023382014912&id=130437356973525&refsrc=http%3A%2F%2Ft.co%2FT31w40yV30&_rdr

[Young Blood 1,971]

I think if Curnow, Parish and Francis do go before us, Balic will be our pick.

Mathieson seems like the in and under ball winner but seems very scrappy with the ball and lacks polish (reminds me of a collingwood mid haha). Milera seems a bit high in this phantom draft to me, Could be great with a nice run home this season, but a risk.

I think we'll go safe with Balic. Not super quick but is the outside midfielder we need.

- Can win his own ball and seems a decent tackler. Might need a bit of work in his defensive side. Running back etc.

- I think he has the best ball use in close and ducks and weaves his way through traffic to create space for himself to dispose cleanly, something we haven't seen much of from players like Dom Tyson.

- His best attribute I think though is how well he peels off. Will work well on the wing alongside Stretch and Brayshaw. Getting loose to help link from HB to HF with good marking and clean, smart disposal.

- Can play off half forward to deliver the ball to forwards and sneak goals

- Can also rotate through the middle as a creative midfielder alongside Petracca.

I hope he can have that aggressive competitive mentality that Petracca, Brayshaw, ANB and Harmes came into Melbourne with this year. I think thats the most important thing with drafting for us moving forward. Players that want the contested ball.

[Bluey's Dad 3,419]

That's more an indication that I think Schache looks incredibly overrated (think Peter Wright last year, maybe even a poorer version), while Weitering appears to be the second coming of Harry Taylor.

Whatever happened to Peter Wright? Haven't heard boo about him since the draft.

[Redleg 37,470]

Whatever happened to Peter Wright? Haven't heard boo about him since the draft.

Saw him in one game for the GC . Looked completely overawed.

[Whispering_Jack 27,916]

Paige Cardona's Phantom Draft - Edition One

She has us down for our first selection at Pick 8 (with Sydney and GWS forced to pick Mills and Hopper earlier through the bidding system) where she regards Charlie Curnow as our likely choice -

8: Melbourne Charlie Curnow

Height: 191cm, Weight: 95kg, DOB: 03/02/1997

Recruited from: Geelong Falcons

Draft Range: 3-20

An athletic tall forward that plays like a midfielder, yet has the physical attributes of a Tex Walker. Is a booming kick for goal, a monster contested grab and is quite pacey given his measurements. Has a massive endurance base since playing most of his footy as a midfielder before his growth spurt. Still raw in facets of his game, but looms as a long-term prospect that could shape a clubs forward line.

I'm still going with my hunch that our first pick will be traded but if not, Curnow sounds like a likely type.

[Whispering_Jack 27,916]

For our second pick at 27, Paige has us going small to find Kieren Lovell (believed to be a distant cousin of Andy) -

27: Melbourne Kieran Lovell

Height: 174cm, Weight: 80kg, DOB: 16/05/1997

Recruited from: Kingston Tigers

Draft Range: 10-45

Finished second in Kingstons B&F despite playing just 13 games. Is a powerful, and pacey small midfielder who is a volume-accumulator, having averaged almost 35 disposals across his four TAC Cup games. Was recognised with All Australian selection after an impressive championships which included a 42-disposal effort against NSW/ACT. Has run a 14.9 beep and tested fewer than 3 and 8 seconds for the 20-metre sprint and agility test respectively in the past.

[Whispering_Jack 27,916]

With Melbourne's third round pick, Paige has gone for Sam Skinner -

44: Melbourne Sam Skinner

Height: 197cm, Weight: 96kg, DOB: 29/06/1997

Recruited from: Gippsland Power

Draft Range: 30-60

A tall prospect who has versatility in bucket loads. Has played predominately as a key defender who has also shown he can be a go-to target up forward whilst also offering rotations through the ruck. Rates elite for tackles by position, unfortunately the AFL Academy member injured his knee midway through the year which put a line through an otherwise impressive season in his final top-age year.

I can't see her second and third round picks coming to fruition. If we take a midfielder at this stage, he won't be a small bodied type. As for Skinner, I think we have his type of player around already - not overly gifted for a tall forward/ruckman. We're already developing Max King.

[rjay 23,849]

Will be happy with Curnow or Balic...

Can't see the Saints passing on Curnow though

[KingDingAling 3,589]

With Melbourne's third round pick, Paige has gone for Sam Skinner -

I can't see her second and third round picks coming to fruition. If we take a midfielder at this stage, he won't be a small bodied type. As for Skinner, I think we have his type of player around already - not overly gifted for a tall forward/ruckman. We're already developing Max King.

I disagree, I think Skinner is very gifted. I don't think he is a pinch hit ruckman either. He'll play a role off of a flank (forward/back), the kid has a lot of ability. If he didn't do an ACL he would be going a lot higher.

[mjcl9 10]

Will be happy with Curnow or Balic...

Can't see the Saints passing on Curnow though

They many not have it after the trade period given they're keen on Carlisle

[rjay 23,849]

They many not have it after the trade period given they're keen on Carlisle

Good point

[ChaserJ 3,956]

I hope he can have that aggressive competitive mentality that Petracca, Brayshaw, ANB and Harmes came into Melbourne with this year. I think thats the most important thing with drafting for us moving forward. Players that want the contested ball.

Has aggression and very competitive instincts. The issue with his defensive running has more to do with a lack of pace. Can struggle to close and apply pressure due to his pace. Very good in the contest though.

[wattsup 470]

Was talking to someone who is friends with curnow, and he believes he will be picked up at pick 6 or 7

[Earl Hood 5,787]

Was talking to someone who is friends with curnow, and he believes he will be picked up at pick 6 or 7

My guess is we set up for Curnow at pick six. If for some reason he is picked earlier I think we then panic and pick whoever is the current under 18 All Australian centre half forward. I mean we have done it before as a fall back option.

[Gator 16,891]

I've not laid eyes on Curnow, but he's the one my Brother wants.

Sees a Jake Stringer type role.

[dazzledavey36 48,641]

I've not laid eyes on Curnow, but he's the one my Brother wants.

Sees a Jake Stringer type role.

More Jack Darling type forward who doesn't have the explosiveness and burst like a Stringer.Could really push into the midfield couple years time and become a contested ball animal.

His upside is seriously massive.

[Gator 16,891]

More Jack Darling type forward who doesn't have the explosiveness and burst like a Stringer.Could really push into the midfield couple years time and become a contested ball animal.

His upside is seriously massive.

Literally just saw this from Knightmare:

16. Charlie Curnow (VIC – MID/KPF)

Height: 191cm, Weight: 95kg, DOB: 03/02/1997

Recruited from: Geelong Falcons

Reminds me of: Jake Stringer Best position/role: Rotational inside midfielder/key forward.

Strengthsower – Curnow has a real power to him. He is physically incredibly strongly build for his age, but then also has some explosiveness to go with it which can allow him to really impact contests.

This seems to confirm what I've been told.

That said, I don't overly rate Knightmare's opinion.

[dazzledavey36 48,641]

Literally just saw this from Knightmare:

16. Charlie Curnow (VIC MID/KPF)Height: 191cm, Weight: 95kg, DOB: 03/02/1997Recruited from: Geelong FalconsReminds me of: Jake Stringer Best position/role: Rotational inside midfielder/key forward.Strengthsower Curnow has a real power to him. He is physically incredibly strongly build for his age, but then also has some explosiveness to go with it which can allow him to really impact contests.

This seems to confirm what I've been told.

That said, I don't overly rate Knightmare's opinion.

For such a big guy he is agile and Still pretty raw. But Stringers Explosiveness and Power of the mark is seriously unreal for a big guy. Curnow doesn't have that yet.

In fact, I would put Petracca and Stringer in the same bracket for that raw power and explosiveness off the mark.

[dee-luded 2,958]

Literally just saw this from Knightmare:

16. Charlie Curnow (VIC – MID/KPF)

Height: 191cm, Weight: 95kg, DOB: 03/02/1997

Recruited from: Geelong Falcons

Reminds me of: Jake Stringer Best position/role: Rotational inside midfielder/key forward.

Strengthsower – Curnow has a real power to him. He is physically incredibly strongly build for his age, but then also has some explosiveness to go with it which can allow him to really impact contests.

This seems to confirm what I've been told.

That said, I don't overly rate Knightmare's opinion.

http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/threads/young-talent-time-2015.1096439/

6. Melbourne - Charlie Curnow (191cm, 95kg forward from Geelong Falcons)

Curnow is one of the most intriguing project players in the draft. Does he play as a forward? Or can he truly be developed into a big midfielder? Where he gets drafted will depend a lot on that. And I think Melbourne take him, with the view of putting him in the middle. Melbourne fans would love the idea of him and Petracca rotating through the middle and as a third tall next to Hogan.

13. Adelaide - Sam Weideman (196cm, 91kg forward from Eastern Ranges)

Few players are dividing opinion as much as Weideman it seems. I think it would be different had he not been injured so often, I don't think it's out of the question that he would have performed better than Schache at the Championships. I think he's a smarter player and a better kick. I could see him forming a dangerous pairing with Taylor Walker. Not often a captain and vice captain are both key forwards, but it could happen. And what Adelaide fan doesn't want to be able to yell WEEEEEED again?

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http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/threads/getgaffs-2015-draft-thread.1102800/

SELECTION 8: MELBOURNE – Charlie Curnow (VIC - INSIDE MID/ KPP)

Height: 191 cm ~ Weight: 95 kg ~ DOB: 03/02/1997

Recruited from: Geelong Falcons

Range: 1st ROUND

Style: Patrick Cripps

Why: If available for Melbourne a player like Curnow will sit nicely for them.

For his age Curnow is physically strong, aggressive and uses his strength well in a contest. Has that explosive speed away from contests as well.

As a tall midfielder he has the versatility in his game to develop into a tall, contested ball winning animal. He wins the ball at ground level and shows clean hands when distributing, suggesting that he can play through the midfield at the next level.

As a forward his not your typical power forward height but his contested marking ability and powerful body size make him a handy tall in the mould of Jake Stringer. Flexible and versatile in what he brings to the table because he can swing back also I don’t see a lot of arm twisting needing to happen if he is available for the Demons to draft.

The question mark over him would be a lack of exposed form in his draft year because of a major knee injury. Similar to the Jake Lever story from 2014 where Lever ended up going later than anticipated because of limited games during his draft year.

SELECTION 9: COLLINGWOOD – Sam Weiderman (VIC METRO - KPF)

Height: 196 cm ~ Weight: 91 kg ~ DOB: 26/06/1997

Recruited from: Eastern Ranges

Range: 1st ROUND

Why: Intriguing prospect due to not having played in the Under 18 Carnival because of injury.

Weiderman has the family connection through his grandfather being a club legend there and as part of its future KPP focus along with Darcy Moore gives the Magpies two very tall forward line targets.

Weiderman is a strong forward prospect who will arguably spend time developing in the VFL early but is a strong target for the future.

[rjay 23,849]

Literally just saw this from Knightmare:

16. Charlie Curnow (VIC – MID/KPF)

Height: 191cm, Weight: 95kg, DOB: 03/02/1997

Recruited from: Geelong Falcons

Reminds me of: Jake Stringer Best position/role: Rotational inside midfielder/key forward.

Strengthsower – Curnow has a real power to him. He is physically incredibly strongly build for his age, but then also has some explosiveness to go with it which can allow him to really impact contests.

This seems to confirm what I've been told.

That said, I don't overly rate Knightmare's opinion.

Still can't see him getting through to us...

[stevethemanjordan 6,952]

Charlie Curnow

Geelong Falcons

Utility

Height: 187cm, Weight: 88kg, DOB: 03/02/1997

"Unless you watched a lot of Falcons football in 2013, the name Charlie Curnow wouldnt be familiar. He didnt play Under 16s championships footy, he didnt feature in the Under 18 carnival this year either. Hes still new to the system, but hes come on like a bullet and a few key performances in his bottom-age year paved the way for a call up into the AFL Academy squad, with recruiters citing his elite athleticism, strong hands and game sense.

Virtually untapped and still raw in facets, Curnow is a footballer whose athletic traits clubs have already fallen in love with. Hes been utilised in number of positions, predominately at either end of the ground with cameo appearances on a wing. He comes from a basketball background, where his speed, agility and elite natural leap have been standout attributes of his game."

Read that from someone on bigfooty which was from last year. (Of course that means little).

However, can someone shed some more light on how much footy this guy has actually played before this year?

Or is it just that he hasn't been part of 'elite' squads through the junior ranks up until he played with the Falcons for his under 18 year?

In any case, things that frighten me off about a potential top 10 draft pick are the above bolded lines.

I really want us to nail this top 10 pick this year. Competitive natural footballers who can kick. That's all I care about.

Of course I don't know much about him, but Curnow sounds like a pretty risky choice considering how little football he's featured in from 16's-18's.

I get nightmares of previous draft packs.

'Athletic types', 'Raw talent', 'New to the system'

These words arouse a serious aversion.

[Mondê 525]

Not impressed by Balic in the slightest, looks slow and his kicking hit and miss.

Darcy Tucker is my pick if we hold onto 6. I'm massive on players who are captains in the U/18, goes to show someone rates their leadership and character to appoint them to that role. Bullet left boot and a tough nut, if we don't get Parish it's this guy or Curnow for me.

[RalphiusMaximus 5,993]

There's an interesting article on who to look out for at the draft combine on the AFL website. Some interesting information to be taken away.

First thing I've noted is that the 20m sprint has virtually no relevance in determining if someone can play. Of the top performers only Danyle Pearce and Jack Watts have done anything.

Actually, if you look at the physical testing, about the only one that seems to be indicative of good potential players is Agility. If you look at the top performers in the others, a lot of them have never done anything noteworthy.

Still, they note a bunch of players who appear to test well and are probably worth keeping an eye on to see if they can actually play.

[olisik 4,060]

Not impressed by Balic in the slightest, looks slow and his kicking hit and miss.

Darcy Tucker is my pick if we hold onto 6. I'm massive on players who are captains in the U/18, goes to show someone rates their leadership and character to appoint them to that role. Bullet left boot and a tough nut, if we don't get Parish it's this guy or Curnow for me.

JKH was captain and will struggle to be on a list in 2017.

[Good Times Grimes 2,396]

JKH was captain and will struggle to be on a list in 2017.

I reckon he's a fair chance to be on a list in 2017, given that he's contracted until then.