A DIFFERENT DRAFT

[Whispering_Jack 30,622]

A DIFFERENT DRAFT by Whispering Jack

It's amazing what the passing of twelve months can do.

This time last year (and also the year before) Melbourne fans were probably more interested in what was happening at suburban parks where junior football was being played than they were with the events at the MCG. The prize of the first pick of the best young talent in the land was an alluring one and the fact that last year, the second best young player might also be included in the draft package made it all the better. The end result (decided months later after the trade period) of four picks in the first eighteen was the icing on the cake. However, this year we're all travelling to the beat of a different draft.

The fact that the Demons are gradually moving away from the bottom of the ladder (partially a result of the infusion of recently drafted youth) has much to do with the difference in attitude to this year's festival of young talent but the main factor has been the impending introduction of the Gold Coast Suns to the 2011 AFL roster.

The AFL wants its new franchise teams to have the best possible chance of achieving early success in the competition so the concessions available to the Suns and to Greater Western Sydney next year have been far reaching.

The Gold Coast already fields a team in the VFL comprised of young local talent, a handful of players picked in last year's rookie draft led by Daniel Harris, zone selections like Liam Jurrah's NT cousin Liam Patrick, a clutch full of 17 year old talent (all now 18) picked up by way of special nominations and some odds and sods from here and there in the form of ex-Cat Nathan Ablett and rugby's Karmichael Hunt. They already have one AFL premiership player more that Melbourne in young Nathan and are hoping to collect more of them in his brother Gary Junior and possibly Hawk Campbell Brown through the rule which gives the Gold Coast the right to take one uncontracted player from each of the sixteen existing clubs. They say they plan to pick up eight players this way and it will cost them nothing because the AFL is picking up the tab and doling out compensation by way of future draft picks to the affected clubs.

The Coasters got a big push when they were allowed to preselect twelve 17 year olds (turning 18 by 30 April this year) after last year's drafts. This gave them first choice over a swag of talent including the likes of then

bottom age stars Joshua Toy and Brandon Matera whose removal from the draft pool has weakened the list of players to be drafted in the forthcoming drafts. Some of these youngsters are already getting VFL games to accelerate their development programme. One of the nominated 12, Demon Premier cricketer Alex Keath has opted out after deciding on a different career path in the world of cricket.

Then come the draft concessions that give the Gold Coast the first three picks and more in the November draft. Not surprisingly, the draft meeting will be held this year at the Gold Coast Convention Centre at Broadbeach and one can only ask the other clubs whether it's all worth their while turning up (it is - see Part II coming soon)!

Well, here is the order of selection for the first round of which Gold Coast Suns gets nine picks:-

1 - Gold Coast Suns, #2 - Gold Coast Suns, #3 - Gold Coast Suns, #4 - 16th, #5 - Gold Coast Suns, #6 - 15th, #7 - Gold Coast Suns, #8 - 14th, #9 - Gold Coast Suns, #10 - 13th, #11 - Gold Coast Suns, #12 - 12th, #13 - Gold Coast Suns, #14 - 11th, #15 - Gold Coast Suns, #16 - 10th, #17 - 9th, #18 - 8th, #19 - 7th, #20 - 6th, #21 - 5th, #22 - 4th, #23 - 3rd, #24 - 2nd, #25 - 1st.

After that comes the priority pick (if the Eagles decide to tank fail to add to their current four wins) and then Gold Coast Suns get the first pick of each succeeding round.

The AFL concessions to Gold Coast franchise reached an inane point last year when they were permitted to nominate their first selection for the 2011 draft before the 2010 draft took place. Melbourne already had picks 1 and 2 locked away for the latter after trade week in October but the Demons were not allowed to announce their picks prior to draft day.

Go figure?

The Gold Coast Suns selected 2009 Larke Medallist David Swallow (brother of North's Andrew) who has been learning the ropes in its VFL team. They have also announced that this year's winner of the same award for the best player of the Under 18 Championships, Harley Bennell (cousin of Melbourne's Jamie), will be one of their first three chosen players. If SA's Sam Day chooses footy ahead of basketball, then he's the likely third man.

So there we are. It's a different draft and it leaves me wondering how Footscray, Hawthorn and North Melbourne got by 85 years ago when they entered the competition. Oh, that's right, North fans had to wait half a century before they saw the skipper of their club lift up a premiership cup.

KEY DRAFT DATES

Friday October 1, 2pm - Father/Son nominations lodged with the AFL.

Monday October 4, 10am - Father/Son bidding meeting (Gold Coast Suns not entitled to participate).

Monday October 4 - Monday October 11 - AFL exchange period (In addition to normally permitted exchanges, Gold Coast Suns may exchange players nominated as 17-year-olds in 2009 who have not accepted a contract offer, players nominated as rookies in 2009 who have not accepted a contract offer, the right to list a player who has previously nominated for the Draft under rule 35.5 and the right to list a priority zone selection from Queensland or the Northern Territory under rule 35.6).

Thursday October 7, 2pm - Gold Coast FC may include on its primary list up to one listed player from each club (or more than one if the other club agrees) provided the player is uncontracted for the 2011 season.

Friday October 29, 2pm - List lodgement one. Rookie promotion to primary list, retained second year and third year rookies, scholarship player transfer to primary list or rookie list; international scholarship player transfer to primary list or rookie list. Gold Coast players contracted under rule 35.2 (local talent) may be included on the club primary list or rookie list with their consent, Gold Coast FC contracted nominated 17 year-olds included on the primary list, Gold Coast FC nominated 17 year-olds who have not accepted a contract may be included on the primary list, Gold Coast FC 2009 rookies who accept a contract offer may be included on the primary list or rookie list.

Friday November 5, 2pm - Out of contract listed primary list players draft nomination deadline.

Friday November 5, 2pm - Draft nomination deadline for new or expired (after three years) nominations.

Friday November 5, 2pm - Nomination of use of compensatory selection by clubs that lose an uncontracted player to Gold Coast FC.

Wednesday November 10, 2pm - List lodgement two.

Friday November 12, 2pm - Delisted primary list draft nomination deadline.

Friday November 12, 2pm - Non-retained rookie draft nomination deadline.

Friday November 12 - Priority zone selections, Queensland and NT.

Thursday November 18 - NAB AFL Draft selection meeting, Gold Coast Convention Centre.

Tuesday November 23, 2pm - Out of contract primary list draft nomination deadline.

Tuesday November 23, 2pm -International player inclusion on rookie list deadline.

Tuesday November 23, 2pm - Players not registered for three years inclusion on rookie list deadline.

Tuesday November 23, 2pm - NSW scholarship player and international scholarship player inclusion on rookie list deadline.

Wednesday November 24, 2pm - List lodgement three and TPP estimates.

Tuesday November 30, 2pm - Delisted primary list draft nomination deadline.

Tuesday November 30 - Previously listed players or draft nominated players deadline. Gold Coast FC may nominate up to 10 players whose nomination is current for the 2010 draft but who have not previously been on a club list or a primary list.

Tuesday November 30, 2pm - GWS zone access. Team GWS to nominate up to 16 draft-eligible players from NSW/ACT outside the current NSW scholarship region.

Tuesday December 7, 10am - NAB AFL Pre-Season Draft meeting (Microsoft Live meeting).

Tuesday December 7, 10.10am - Brisbane Lions, Gold Coast FC and Sydney Swans pre-selected rookie nominations.

Tuesday December 7, 10.15am - NAB AFL Rookie Draft meeting (Microsoft Live meeting). Team GWS have selections 1-8 and Gold Coast FC has selection nine and the first selection in each subsequent round.

Friday December 10, 2pm - Team GWS to nominate up to 12 17-year-olds born between January 1 and April 30, 1993

[Demonland 73,139]

A DIFFERENT DRAFT - SELECTION 12, MELBOURNE by Whispering Jack

So, now it's official. The Demons' first draft selection in the 2010 AFL National Draft will be pick number 12 (subject to any changes that might occur during the exchange period in early October).

Obviously, the number 12 is nowhere near as exciting as the first and second selections of last year and the first one the year before but Melbourne fans should be satisfied that the lower draft pick means their club has been released from the stigma that a bottom four finish usually brings.

The team is on the up and up and now needs to content itself with the uncertainty of recruiting through a draft system that has its own special credo of you can't always get what you want or need. Especially not when the available pool of players has already been pillaged to an extent by the new kid on the block who holds most of the aces anyway.

This brings me to the question of what does Melbourne want or need to lift itself up from the position it currently occupies in the group of teams outside the top eight and into finals calculations in the years to come?

One popular view (and one that I also hold) is that after stocking up on midfield talent in recent years, the Demons could do with a strong, high marking, pack bursting forward and a creative running small/medium defender.

My belief in the need for a key forward is based on my view of the areas that were problematic for the club in 2010 and upon the fact that a player of this type would help complement exciting players like Jack Watts and Liam Jurrah as they continue through their development phases.

But it's more than that. I think most fans are fascinated with goal kicking forwards because of the excitement they bring to the game.

Unfortunately, Melbourne has hardly produced any star players in this category over the years although paradoxically, the greatest goal kicking effort in AFL/VFL history has been the 18 goal bag of Fred Fanning in the final round of the 1947 season.

Leaving aside the most recent newcomer clubs, Melbourne is the only traditional club that hasn't produced a century goal kicker (Fanning's 97 in '47 being the best from a Demon).

The club has produced only one Coleman Medallist since the inception of that award - David Neitz with 75 in 2002. Neita was one of our greats as a forward but a large chunk of his career was also spent as a centre half back. The same could be said of another great Demon key forward of the recent past in Garry Lyon who once kicked 10 goals in a semi final against Footscray but he also played many fine games in defence.

Then there was the man who could have been the greatest forward of them all - David Schwarz. The Ox went through three knee constructions and still managed a fantastic career mainly as a centre half forward but how good would his record have been but for those wonky knees? (As an aside, I don't think we've done enough around here to plug his book so here's a shameless promotion of 'All Bets Are Off' available at all good book stores.).

Now, if you cast your minds back to the West Coast Eagles game in Round 8 that was the point in time when I really became a supporter of the "go get a key forward" push. That was the game when Melbourne struggled to take a mark inside the fifty metre arc. From memory, the game total was five (including one from an Eagle's miskick across goal). Of course, the pressure on the Demons coming out of defence was also a factor in this sad statistical disaster that occurred in a game against the ultimate wooden spooner on our own home turf.

On the other hand, there have been many games when the Dees' forward structure has worked well without the need for a single focal point up forward and the premiership favourites have a game plan based on an even spread of goal kickers.

Then you have the example of Adelaide's full court press applied this weekend against St. Kilda. Admittedly, the Saints might well have put the cue in the rack given they were on the eve of the finals but Neil Craig's pressure tactics were good enough to quell an attack that included Riewoldt and Koschitzke so are we overplaying the role of the modern day key forward?

That's just one of the questions that might be asked and answered through the different trade and draft period of 2010. However, I suspect that a tall forward will be one of the main items on club recruiting guru Barry Prendergast's shopping list as we enter the exchange period in October and again a month or so later when he considers what to do with selection number 12.

I can't let the opportunity pass without a couple of my own little tips (although I warn that I've seen precious little of this year's underage competitions). The first is from Tom Scully territory - Stingrays earn coach's praise. The second is a young bloke who was recently named All Australian Under 18 centre half forward and hails from the Ballarat area - Lucas Cook.

Could one of these lads become our next David Schwarz?

[Demonland 73,139]

A DIFFERENT DRAFT - THE DRAFT COMBINE by Whispering Jack

We are all now painfully aware that with the impending introduction of two new AFL franchises, the coming trade period and drafts will be dominated by the new club, the Gold Coast Suns. The concessions made available to the new club from the Sunshine State have been well documented.

The Suns have already dominated the news in so far as player transfers are concerned. Five players have already announced they are leaving their clubs to play for the AFL 's new boys - Nathan Bock (Adelaide), Campbell Brown (Hawthorn), Jarrod Harbrow (Western Bulldogs), Nathan Krakouer (Port Adelaide) and Michael Rischitelli (Brisbane) - and we know there's at least another big scalp waiting in the wings for the AFL to give it's nod to the final announcement.

We're a little over a week from the start of trade week but only a couple of days from this year's draft camp which has attracted a new name - the AFL Draft Combine. The AFL has increased the number of players included in the group to be looked at by scouts from 18 clubs to 100 from all states and territories.

That's the number of invitees to the 2010 NAB AFL Draft National Combine including a dozen 17 year olds who will come under the scrutiny of the AFL's 18th club Greater Western Sydney.

According to the AFL, the term "combine" describes "the search for talent as the AFL seeks the combination of the football skills, athletic capabilities and mental toughness needed to play at the elite level."

A further 112 players have been invited to the 2010 NAB AFL Draft State Combine which takes place next week in Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth.

The clubs will be straight down to business in the week after Saturday's grand final replay with the exchange period. Once again, the Gold Coast Suns are expected to dominate proceedings with a treasure trove of money, extra salary cap room and a welter of top picks and players from outside the system to trade.

A month later on November 18, 2010 the NAB AFL Draft will be held with the Gold Coast Suns holding the majority of the early draft picks.

The venue?

The Gold Coast Convention Centre of course!

What is the NAB AFL Draft Combine?

The following list of players invited to the 2010 NAB AFL Draft National Combine has been released by the AFL in the following positional groups:-

Small Forwards

Camp No. – Player (Club, State) HT, WT, D.O.B.

1 Reece Conca (Perth, WA) 182, 76, 12.08.92 Versatile player who can play forward midfield or back. His ability to run and carry and his football smarts were prominent in representing WA at U18 level this year.

2 Sam Crocker (Oakleigh Chargers, Vic) 180, 73, 12.03.92 Midfielder who can play forward and use his excellent disposal to set-up goals. Quick and strong overhead for his size he also makes good decisions with the football. Averaged 19 disposals with Chargers this year at 65% efficiency.

3 Josh Green (Clarence, Tas) 179, 76, 24.08.92 Quick and agile midfielder/forward who reads the game extremely well and wins contested footy. Won TAS MVP in AFL U18's and All Aust honours averaging 25 disposals.

4 Cameron Johnston (Geelong Falcons, Vic) 181, 78, 24.02.92 Quick and versatile player who can play hit-up forward role or go down back. Very athletic type overall and a long kick.

5 Jed Lamb (Gippsland Power, Vic) 181, 78, 19.10.92 Clever forward with clean hands overhead and at ground level, very good awareness. Super smart goal kicker in all situations kicking 44 goals this year for Power and VIC-Country U18's.

6 Tim Milera (Pt Adelaide Magpies, SA) 170, 72, 9.12.92 Skilful and talented genuine small forward in the Eddie Betts mould. Great goal sense, clean hands and has been impressive at senior level this year.

7 Dion Prestia (Calder Cannons, Vic) 175, 82, 12.10.92 Powerful inside midfielder/forward with excellent disposal skills and contested ball winning ability. Averaged 28 disposals in the TAC Cup and represented Victoria Metro in the AFL U18's with injuries curtailing his Championships.

8 Matthew Rankine (West Adelaide, SA) 179, 70, 20.02.92 Quick and agile forward who can win the contested ball and is capable overhead for his size with his natural leap. SA rep in U18's in 2010.

9 Ben Reid (Bendigo Pioneers, Vic) 181, 67, 05.09.92 Smart forward with good anticipation, clean hands at ground level and overhead. Uses ball well and impressed for NSW/ACT in AFL U18's Championships this year. Brother Sam at Western Bulldogs.

10 Thomas Schneider (Oakleigh Chargers, Vic) 178, 77, 30.09.92 Very smart and courageous fall of the ball player with clean hands and neat disposal skills. Smart around goals and very impressive for Vic Metro in the AFL U18's winning its best player award. Average 29 disposals with Chargers this year.

11 Hayden Yarran (West Perth, WA) 186, 75, 30.04.92 Very clever player around goal and accurate on the run or set shot. Strong overhead and can also push up into midfield. WA U18's squad in 2010.

Medium Midfielders

12 Warrick Andreoli (South Fremantle, WA) 182, 75, 28.02.92 Extremely quick player who takes the game on. Good user of the ball on preferred left side. Showed his talent with WA in the U18's. Averaged 15 disposals at 72% efficiency.

13 Shaun Atley (Murray Bushrangers, Vic) 188, 84, 13.09.92 Exceptionally agile player with great speed and endurance. Twice runner up in State hurdles highlights his athletic ability. All Aust U18's in 2010, averaging 19 disposals and 6 tackles.

14 Harley Bennell (Peel Thunder, WA) 184, 70, 02.10.92 Talented ball winner in the forward-line or midfield. Has speed, poise and great goal sense. Won the Larke Medal and All Aust 18 honours in 2010 kicking 13 goals in 5 matches and averaging 19.6 disposals with 6 inside 50's.

15 Rohan Bewick (West Perth, WA) 184, 77, 10.10.89 Hard running player who is smart and a penetrating kick. Has good pace and endurance. Played well at senior level in 2010 in the WAFL.

16 Josh Caddy (Northern Knights, Vic) 186, 82, 28.09.92 Powerful player who wins clearances and contested marks. Dangerous forward who attacks ball aggresively. Kicked 22 goals and averaged 21 disposlas for the Knights this year. All Aust U18's 2010.

17 Alex Fasolo (East Fremantle, WA) 182, 79, 08.06.92 Impressive player for WA in U18's this year averaging 19 disposals with 67% efficiency. Good clearance player with good decision making ability.

18 Andrew Gaff (Oakleigh Chargers, Vic) 183, 79, 16.06.92 Left footer with terrific game sense. Imposes himself on games. Prolific ball winner averaging 30.5 disposals for Chargers and 27 for Vic M this year. Has good pace and endurance combination. All Aust U18's 2010.

19 Mitch Hallahan (Dandenong Stingrays, Vic) 182, 82, 23.08.92 Tough inside player with penetrating right foot. Wins one on ones and is disciplined. All Aust in U18's 2010.

20 Brad Harvey (Eastern Ranges, Vic) 184, 83, 16.04.92 Medium defender/midfielder who can play inside or outside and provide good run and carry. Very quick and competitive. VIC Metro U18's rep in 2010.

21 Thomas Liberatore (Calder Cannons, Vic) 182, 78, 16.05.92 Wins clearances and has quick clean hands. Hard in contested situations and team orientated. Averaged 24 disposals with Cannons, 5 clearances & 4 tackles. Neat left foot kick and All Aust U18's 2010.

22 Aaron Mullet (Eastern Ranges, Vic) 183, 74, 23.02.92 Smooth moving left footer who has ability overhead. Is neat with hand and foot. VIC-M rep in AFL U18's 2010.

23 Luke Parker (Dandenong Stingrays, Vic) 182, 83, 15.10.92 Hard running player who is strong overhead and around goal. Has elite endurance and is super competitive. Averaged 23 disposals at 68% efficiency with Stingrays this year. VIC-C U18's 2010.

24 Jared Polec (Woodville West Torrens, SA) 188, 81, 12.10.92 Left footed long kicking player who excelled in NAB AFL U18's winning All Aust honours. Has pace and composure around goal with impressive form at senior level in the SANFL.

25 Mitchell Wallis (Calder Cannons, Vic) 185, 79, 24.10.92 Has great hands and work ethic ; reads game extremely well and uses the football smartly. Averaged 29 disposals at 66% efficiency with Cannons this year. Captained VIC-M in AFL U18's 2010.

Medium Forwards

26 Nathan Ah Mat-Watkins (Pioneers, NT, West Adelaide, SA ) 186, 78, 18.02.92 Footy smart around forward line and has excellent clean hands and awareness. Rep NT in AFL U18's this year and playing for West Adelaide.

27 Daniel Farmer (Sandringham Dragons, Vic) 189, 82, 22.07.92 Quick and excellent one on one player who can play many roles for his team. Smart goal-kicker having kicked 17 goals in 10 matches with the Dragons.

28 Jacob Gillbee (Lauderdale, Tas) 184, 76, 13.09.92 Led up forward with good hands and goal-kicking ability. Provides good defensive pressure inside F50. Averaged 4 tackles a game and kicked 7 goals for Tasmania in the NAB AFL U18's.

29 Kieran Harper (Eastern Ranges, Vic) 187, 80, 05.06.92 Very quick and skilfull player with great goal sense. Can take contested mark and impact a game. VIC-M rep in 2010 in AFL U18's, kicking 7 goals including 4 vs. WA.

30 George Horlin-Smith (Sturt, SA) 185, 75, 22.12.92 Outstanding winning contested football and very creative player. Promising junior cricketer having represented Australia at U16 level.

31 Patrick Karnezis (Oakleigh Chargers, Vic) 190, 78, 23.04.92 Tall forward who is well balanced and team focused, setting up many goals. Also clever goal-kicker and has strong hands. VIC Metro U18's rep in 2010.

32 Jarryd Lyons (Sandringham Dragons, Vic) 183, 79, 22.07.92 Agile player with terrific ball winning ability, footy know how and endurance. Averaged 21 disposals and kicked 23 goals in 16 matches with the Dragons this year.

33 Josh Mellington (Murray Bushrangers, Vic) 186, 78, 29.12.92 Clever opportunist around goals and in one on one marking situations. Kicked 38 goals and 16 behinds in 15 matches this year. Tackles well inside F50.

34 Viv Michie (Oakleigh Chargers, Vic) 185, 79, 23.02.92 Well rounded player who is dangerous as a forward and can play midfield or back. Excellent kick and reads game extremely well. VIC-M U18's rep in 2010, averaging 16 disposals and 2 goals.

35 Ben Newton (South Fremantle, WA) 183, 76, 08.08.92 Strong marking and winner of contested football. Uses ball well with hand and foot. WA U18's rep in 2010. Graduate of AIS/AFL Academy.

36 Jayden Pitt (Geelong Falcons, Vic) 188, 72, 07.10.92 Player with good reactive speed, agility and smart user off both feet. Reads ball off hands extremely well. All Aust in NAB AFL U18's 2010 averaging 18 disposals and kicking 8 goals in the Championships.

37 Arryn Siposs (Dandenong Stingrays, Vic) 189, 80, 25.11.92 Strong marking player who is an excellent kick for goal and very team orientated. Averaged 15 disposals and kicked 34 goals for Stingrays this year. VIC-C U18's rep in 2010.

38 Aaron Young (Eastern Ranges, Vic) 188, 77, 06.12.92 Outstanding mark for his size and very athletic. Wins contested ball and has pace and hardness. VIC-M rep in 2010. averaged 16 disposals, 3 tackles, 4 marks as well as kicking 6 goals for the Championships.

Medium Defenders

39 Jake Batchelor (Dandenong Stingrays, Vic) 187, 82, 13.02.92 Left footed medium defender who is strong overhead and a neat disposer of the ball. Provides good run and can lock down on opponents.

40 Nathan Batley (Woodville West Torrens, SA) 185, 74, 16.09.92 Very speedy medium defender who can break the lines. Shows good vision and decision making and is very competitive. SA U18's rep in 2010.

41 Alex Browne (Oakleigh Chargers, Vic) 188, 86, 09.08.92 Aggressive medium defender who reads the play very well and uses the ball effectively by hand and foot. Can push into the midfield and win his own ball. VIC Metro U18's rep in 2010 playing 3 matches .

42 Ben Casley (Western Jets, Vic) 189, 86, 18.03.92 Medium defender/forward who takes good contested marks and has good game sense. Provides run from defence or can be a lead-up forward.

43 Jamie Cripps (East Fremantle, Vic) 182, 78, 23.04.92 Medium defender with excellent speed who takes the game on. Uses the ball well by foot and is sound defensively. WA U18's Rep.

44 Cameron Guthrie (Calder Cannons, Vic) 186, 79, 19.08.92 Versatile medium defender who can play a lock down role and win contested ball. Very consistent player who has clean hands and makes good decisions. VIC Metro U18's rep in 2010.

45 Dyson Heppell (Gippsland Power, Vic) 187, 79, 14.05.92 Skillful left footed medium defender with penetration kick, strength overhead and clean hands. Had outstanding AFL U18's winning VIC Country MVP and All Aust honours. Won Morrish Medal for TAC Cup Best & Fairest in 2010.

46 Ben Jacobs (Sandringham Dragons, Vic) 186, 82, 09.01.92 Left footed medium defender who can play midfield or forward. Powerful type who kicks long and takes an excellent overhead mark. Can really find the ball and had outstanding AFL U18's winning All Aust honours.

47 Andrew McInnes (Dandenong Stingrays, Vic) 189, 83, 20.03.92 Disciplined medium defender who provides good rebound. Very competitive and can play on talls or smalls. VIC Country U18's rep in 2010.

48 Cameron Richardson (North Ballarat Roosters, Vic) 189, 84, 02.12.87 Hard running medium defender who makes good decisions on when to mark or spoil. Dual B&F winner in Ballarat League in 2006/08.

49 Billie Smedts (Geelong Falcons, Vic) 188, 78, 08.06.92 Composed medium defender/forward who is strong overhead and very competitive. Is an extremely agile player who takes the game on. VIC Country U18's rep in 2010 playing 3 matches after returning from injury.

50 Brodie Smith (Woodville West Torrens, SA) 189, 80, 14.01.92 Medium defender/midfielder with terrific speed/endurance combination. Powerful player who bursts from stoppages and wins plenty of the footy. Starred in AFL U18's with All Aust honours.

51 Joel Wilkinson (Broadbeach, Qld) 184, 80, 29.11.91 Dashing medium defender with only 2yrs in the game coming fron an athletics background to captain QLD this year in AFL U18's. Workrate and pressure very good.

52 Blayne Wilson (Peel Thunder, WA) 188, 86, 26.01.92 Strong marking medium defender who reads the game very well across half back. Uses the ball effectively and earn All Aust honours in 2009 and was consistent for WA at U18s level this year.

Tall Defenders

53 Jordan Treloar (Northern Knights, Vic) 192, 83, 12.12.92 Well balanced Tall defender/forward who is extremely agile and strong overhead. Averaged 16 disposals and 6 marks for the Knights this year.

54 Cameron Delaney (Geelong Falcons, Vic) 192, 82, 19.06.92 Composed tall defender who is able to read the ball well coming into defense and make good decisions on when to mark and spoil. Rangy type with good closing speed - Vic C rep in 2010.

55 Tom Gordon (Oakleigh Chargers, Vic) 195, 90, 19.04.92 Tall defender/forward who is very strong overhead and long left foot kick. Very dangerous around goal in the TAC Cup. Represented VIC Metro in AFL U18's as a defender.

56 Alex Johnson (Oakleigh Chargers, Vic) 193, 82, 02.03.92 Tall defender/forward with outstanding work rate and competitive edge. Provides excellent defensive pressure when playing forward. Represented VIC Metro at AFL U18's this year.

57 David Kruse (Wanderers, NT) 190, 73, 23.01.92 Dashing tall defender with terrific run and carry from back 50 Can play tall or small or push into midfield giving his team flexiblity. From Tiwi Islands impressed for NT in AFL U18s this year.

58 Ryan Lester (Oakleigh Chargers, VIC) 190, 83, 26.08.92 Tall defender who can play medium role as well as forward. Attacks the ball strongly and is strong overhead. VIC Metro rep this year averaging 16 disposals and 4 marks.

59 Angus Litherland (Claremont, WA) 192, 83, 12.10.92 Tall defender with excellent closing speed and spoiling ability. Shows ability to rebound from defence. Represented WA in U18's in 2010.

60 Pat McCarthy (Glenelg, SA) 194, 84, 11.03.92 Athletic tall defender who can also go forward. Neat disposer of the ball and provides good rebound from defence. Won All Aust U18 honours this year.

61 Justin Monaco (East Fremantle, WA) 191, 86, 07.11.92 Tall defender who reads the game well and provides good run from defence. Provides good defensive pressure on talls and mediums. Represented WA in U18s this year.

62 Cameron O'Shea (Eastern Ranges, Vic) 191, 86, 13.03.92 Tall defender with strong work ethic and with the ability to win the contested ball. Disciplined and determined player. Represented VIC Metro in AFL U18's this year averaging 16 disposals.

63 Max Otten (Oakleigh Chargers, Vic) 193, 86, 10.11.92 Left footed tall defender who reads the game very well and makes good decisions with the ball. Provides good run from defence. Played for VIC Metro in AFL U18's.

64 Seb Tape (Sturt, SA) 191, 85, 06.08.92 Athletic tall defender with excellent closing speed and competitive edge. Very good one on one and below his knees. Captained SA in NAB AFL U18's this year.

65 Matthew Watson (Calder Cannons, Vic) 195, 98, 16.07.92 Left footed tall defender with penetrating kick and strong in the air. Composed with the ball in his hands and had a consistent U18's Championships winning All Aust honours.

Tall Forwards

66 Darcy Barden (Northern Knights, Vic) 192, 91, 13.02.92 Very competitive tall forward with great work ethic and strong hands overhead. Courageous player who was impressive for VIC Metro in the AFL U18's.

67 Lucas Cook (North Ballarat Rebels, Vic) 194, 82, 03.03.92 Tall forward to reads the game well and has sure hands. Mobile player who can go back; makes good decisions. All Aust U18's in 2010.

68 Jack Darling (West Perth, WA) 191, 94, 16.06.92 Athletic tall forward who attacks the ball with ferocity and strong overhead. Provides excellent defensive pressure in the forward 50. All Australia U18 in 2009 and again provided excellent marking target up forward for WA in 2010.

69 Sam Day (Sturt, SA) 195, 94, 06.09.92 High leaping tall forward who can take contested marks. Skillful on right and left side. SA U18's rep in 2010 winning All Aust honours.

70 Zac Fitzgerald (Woodville West Torrens, SA) 192, 84, 16.02.91 Very versatile tall forward or defender who is strong overhead and accurate at goalfront. Smart reader of the game. SA U18's rep in 2010.

71 Anton Hamp (Claremont, WA) 193, 83, 21.07.92 Versatile type who makes good position and has good work ethic. Clean hands and pace also a feature. Represented WA at U18's level this year.

72 Tom Lynch (Dandenong Stingrays, Vic) 196, 90, 31.10.92 Strong marking tall forward with terrific work-rate and ability at ground level. Impressive for VIC Country in AFL U18's.

73 Luke Mitchell (Calder Cannons, Vic) 196, 96, 28.02.92 Tall Forward/Defender with strong contested marking ability. Dangerous around goals and presents well on the lead .Missed AFL U18s due to shoulder surgery but now back in TAC Cup.

74 Callum Sinclair (Port Melbourne, Vic) 201, 96, 23.09.89 Mobile tall forward who is a strong lead and mark overhead. Reads the game very well and reliable in front of goals.

75 Jamie Solly (Port Adelaide Magpies, SA) 192, 92, 27.07.92 Tall forward who can also play down back. Strong hands overhead and reliable kick for goal. SA rep in 2010 kicking 12 goals.

76 Ariel Steinberg (Bendigo Pioneers, Vic) 191, 84, 26.08.92 Tall forward who is quick on the lead and has an excellent natural leap. Played Amercian football (Gridiron) in Alberta, Canada in 2009.

77 Jake von Bertouch (Woodville West Torrens, SA) 192, 80, 04.05.92 Tall forward who is quick on the lead and accurate in front of goal. Has strong hands and is team orientated. SA U18's rep in 2010.

78 Josh Walker (Geelong Falcons, Vic) 194, 87, 12.11.92 Tall forward with terrific work-rate and strong hands overhead. Impressed for VIC Country in AFL U18's as a lead up forward.

Ruckmen

79 John Ceglar (Murray Bushrangers, Vic) 200, 87, 14.02.91 Much improved mobile ruckman who is team orientated and sound overhead. Consistent performer for VIC Country in U18's this year averaging 13 hitouts and 3 marks.

80 Leif Cope (Eastern Ranges, Vic) 203, 98, 22.08.92 Athletic ruckman who competes very well at ground level. Averaged 11 disposals and 2 marks with the Ranges this year.

81 Daniel Gorringe (Norwood, SA) 200, 92, 02.06.92 Gifted in the art of ruckwork and a very athletic player who is strong overhead and dangerous near goal. Won All Australian U18 honours in 2010.

82 Brayden Grenfell (Calder Cannons, Vic) 198, 84, 09.05.92 Tall forward/ruckman with very good work-rate and good below the knees. Has strong hands on the lead.

83 Joseph Groenewegen (Launceston) 196, 84, 25.10.91 Tall forward/ruckman with very good endurance, agility and overhead marking talent. TAS U18 rep this year.

84 Tom Hickey (Morningside, Qld) 201, 88, 06.03.91 Developing ruckman with terrific work-rate and prepared to lay tackles. QLD U18's rep in 2010 averaging 18 hitouts and 3 tackles.

85 Matt Jones (South Fremantle, WA) 200, 86, 26.06.92 Mobile ruckman with long left foot kick who can go forward and provide a target. WA rep at U18's level.

86 Scott Lycett (Port Adelaide Magpies, SA) 202, 95, 26.09.92 Strong marking ruckman who is agile and super competitive. Team orientated player who impressed with SA in U18's.

87 Ben Mabon (North Ballarat Rebels, Vic) 198, 81, 14.06.92 Aggressive and athletic ruckman with excellent work-ethic and technique with his stoppage work. NSW/ACT rep in 2010 AFL U18's.

88 Andrew Phillips (Clarence, Tas) 200, 86, 03.07.91 Developing ruckman who marks well around the ground and has good understanding with his on-ballers. TAS U18's rep.

GWS nominees for consideration

89 Todd Elton (Dandenong Stingrays, Vic) 197, 90, 29.04.93 Tall forward and ruckman who is very athletic and strong both overhead and at ground level. Averaged 12 disposals with 4 marks, 2 tackles in TAC Cup matches this year and also represented VIC Country in the AFL U18's.

90 Joshua Growden (Woodville West Torrens, SA) 187, 76, 17.04.93 Medium midfielder / defender who is excellent overhead and a sound decision maker who reads the play very well. Long left foot kick and capable of playing forward as well. Averaged 26 disposals at 79% efficiency in 14 games at U18's level in South Australia this year.

91 Jarrod Harding (Woodville West Torrens, SA) 183, 76, 16.03.93 Medium forward who is accurate around goal, strong mark on a lead and clean at ground level. Maintains terrific forward line pressure with strong tackling. SA U16's rep in 2009. Averaged 18 disposals in 15 matches and kicked 52 goals, 21 behinds at U18's level in SA this year.

92 Hayden Hector (Gippsland Power, Vic) 181, 81, 08.03.93 Hard running medium midfielder who can also play a shut down role. Strong over the ball and a very good mark for his size. VIC Country U16 rep in 2009 and U18's rep in 2010. Averaged 21 disposals in 11 matches for Power and 20 disposals in 3 matches for VIC Country this year.

93 Matthew Jacquier (Woodville West Torrens, SA) 175, 78, 29.03.93 Medium forward who presents very well and has strong hands overhead. Composed player with good disposal right and left. Also a talented state level basketballer. Averaged 17 disposals in 9 matches and kicked 19 goals, 9 behinds at U18 level in SA this year.

94 Shane Kersten (South Fremantle, WA) 190, 88, 15.03.93 Tall forward who is strong on the lead and sound overhead. Accurate kick for goal and has represented WA at U16 level in 2009 and U18 level in 2010 kicking 15 goals in 5 matches. Made his senior debut in the WAFL this year.

95 Nic Murphy (Oakleigh Chargers, Vic) 193, 81, 22.03.93 Tall forward with strong hands overhead and is a long left foot kick. Talented basketballer who also distributes the football very well. Has kicked 23 goals, 6 behinds in 15 matches with the Chargers this year.

96 Jack Newnes (Northern Knights, Vic) 183, 73, 24.02.93 Medium midfielder who can also go back or forward. Very composed player who uses the ball efficiently and provides very good run for his team on all parts of the ground. Averaged 19 disposals and kicked 10 goals 4 behinds in 14 matches for the Knights this year.

97 Jai Sheahan (Geelong Falcons, Vic) 193, 82, 27.01.93 Tall forward/ruckman who is super athletic, strong overhead and a sound decision maker. Played 13 matches for the Falcons this year averaging 10 disposals and 3 marks.

98 Simon Tunbridge (Perth, WA) 185, 87, 01.04.93 Medium forward who can also play back of forward. Excellent user of the ball, strong mark and has good athletic ability. From Dongara in country WA.

99 Gerald Ugle (Perth, WA) 179, 79, 31.01.93 Small midfielder/forward who can also go back and use his speed and kicking ability to great effect. AIS/AFL Academy graduate in 2010.

100 Nathan Wilson (Peel Thunder, WA) 184, 72, 07.01.93 Medium defender who can also go midfield and use his speed to break the lines. Exciting player with excellent natural leap.

POSTSCRIPT - OCTOBER 2

The Draft Combine is done and dusted and we're all set for trade week. The various AFL recruiting gurus are now armed with a complete array of data concerning around 100 hopeful young aspirants who are looking for an AFL place to call "home". Some of them confirmed what everyone knew about their athleticism and skills and a few pushed their names to the fore. Queenslander

Joel Wilkinson certainly produced the most impressive results and some are suggesting he might be chosen in the first round of the draft but the answer to the big question for all of them will only be made known in the years to come.

Can they play football?

Final Draft Combine Results (updated)

3km time trial - top 10

Position Name Result (mins:secs)

1. Andrew Gaff 10:00

2. Cameron O'Shea 10:03

3. Hayden Hector 10:04

4. Jamie Cripps 10:15

5. Jack Newnes 10:16

6. Rohan Bewick 10:18

7. Joel Wilkinson 10:26

8. Josh Caddy 10:33

9. Ariel Steinberg 10:33

10. Lucas Cook 10:34

Beep test/shuttle run - top 10

Position Name Level Shuttle

1. Hayden Hector 15 7 (record)

2. Andrew Gaff 15 3

3. Joel Wilkinson 15 3

4. Jacob Gilbee 15 1

5. Ryan Brabazon 15 1

6. Dyson Heppell 14 13

7. Cameron O'Shea 14 10

8. Josh Caddy 14 9

9. Rohan Bewick 14n7

10. Ryan Lester 14 6

Kicking assessment - top 10

Position Name Score Efficiency %

1. Jed Lamb 29/30 97 (record)

2. Aaron Young 26/30 87

3. Tom Liberatore 25/30 83

4. Gerald Ugle 24/30 80

5. Ben Jacobs 24/30 65

6. Nick Murphy 23/30 65

7. Billie Smedts 23/30 64

8. Tom Gordon 23/30 64

9. Lucas Cook 23/30 63

10. Callum Sinclair 23/30 63

Clean hands test - top 10

Position Name Score Efficiency %

1. Josh Caddy 28/30 93

2. Dyson Heppell 28/30 93

3. Mitch Wallis 27/30 90

4. Josh Farmer 27/30 90

5. Jarryd Lyons 27/30 90

6. Tom Hickey 27/30 90

7. Jai Sheehan 27/30 90

=8. Ben Reid 26/30 87

=8. Alex Fasolo 26/30 87

=8. Jamie Cripps 26/30 87

=8. Joel Wilkinson 26/30 87

Repeat sprints - top 10

Position Name Result (seconds)

1. Joel Wilkinson 23.404

2. Brad Harvey 23.458

3. Kieran Harper 23.837

4. Cameron Johnston 24.018

5. Dion Prestia 24.149

6. Nathan Batley 24.229

7. Anton Hamp 24.299

8. Shane Kersten 24.387

9. Seb Tape 24.420

10. Alex Browne 24.442

20 Metre Sprint - Top 10

Position Name Result (seconds)

1. Joel Wilkinson 2.75 (record)

2. Brad Harvey 2.78

3. Nathan Batley 2.81

4. Daniel Farmer 2.83

5. Ryan Brabazon 2.84

6. Shane Kersten 2.88

7. Gerald Ugle 2.88

8. Andrew Gaff 2.88

9. Angus Litherland 2.89

10. Billie Smedts 2.91

Agility Run - Top 10

Position Name Result (seconds)

1. Billie Smedts 7.90

2. Dion Prestia 8.00

3. Viv Michie 8.01

4. Aaron Mullett 8.03

5. Ryan Brabazon 8.04

6. Josh Green 8.07

7. Mitchell Wallis 8.07

8. Jacob Gilbee 8.10

9. Daniel Farmer 8.13

10. Jayden Pitt 8.15

Running Vertical Jump - Top 10

Position Name Result (cms)

1. Kieran Harper 88

2. Brad Harvey 88

3. Dyson Heppell 86

4. Ben Jacobs 84

5. Joel Wilkinson 84

6. Cameron Guthrie 83

7. Jake Batchelor 82

8. Rohan Bewick 82

9. Ryan Brabazon 82

10. Cameron Johnston 82

Standing Vertical Jump - Top 10

Position Name Result (cms)

1. Brad Harvey 75

2. Nathan Batley 71

3. Anton Hamp 71

4. Joel Wilkinson 66

5. Kieran Harper 65

6. Cameron Guthrie 65

7. Shaun Atley 64

8. Dyson Heppell 64

9. Seb Tape 63

10. Billie Smedts 63

Height - Top 10

Position Name Height (cms)

1. Leif Cope 204.6

2. John Ceglar 203.1

3. Tom Hickey 201.4

4. Andrew Phillips 200.9

5. Ben Mabon 200.1

6. Callum Sinclair 199.5

7. Matt Jones 199.5

8. Tom Lynch 199.1

9. Brandyn Grenfell 198.6

10. Luke Mitchell 198.0

Arm Span - Top 10

Position Name Result (cms)

1. Leif Cope 92.1

2. Tom Hickey 92.0

3. Callum Sinclair 91.0

4. Brandyn Grenfell 90.4

5. John Ceglar 89.5

6. Nic Murphy 89.2

7. Andrew Phillips 89.1

8. Todd Elton 89.1

9. Tom Lynch 88.2

10. Zac Fitzgerald 88.5

Hand Span - Top 10

Position Name Result (cms)

1. Leif Cope 25.8

2. Tom Hickey 24.9

3. Callum Sinclair 23.0

4. Brandyn Grenfell 22.8

5. John Ceglar 26.4

6. Nic Murphy 23.9

7. Andrew Phillips 24.3

8. Todd Elton 23.3

9. Tom Lynch 25.0

10. Zac Fitzgerald 25.0

All time standout combine performances

Standing vertical jump

Year Score (cm) Name

2008 78 Nic Naitanui (West Coast)

2009 76 James Craig (Adelaide)

2009 75 Sam Shaw (Adelaide)

2007 73 Patrick Dangerfield (Adelaide)

2008 72 Stephen Hill (Fremantle)

Running vertical jump

Year Score (cm) Name

2002 102 Jared Brennan (Brisbane)

2008 102 Nic Naitanui (West Coast)

2007 101 David Gourdis (Richmond)

2004 96 Danyle Pearce (Port Adelaide)

2005 90 Wayde Mills (Brisbane)

Agility run

Year Score (secs) Name

2008 7.77 Stephen Hill (Fremantle)

2004 7.79 Danyle Pearce (Port Adelaide)

2004 7.97 Nathan Van Berlo (Adelaide)

2007 7.91 Aaron Joseph (Carlton)

2009 7.95 Kane Lucas (Carlton)

20m sprint

Year Score (secs) Name

2004 2.79 Danyle Pearce (Port Adelaide)

2008 2.80 Ashley Smith (West Coast)

2008 2.82 Jack Watts (Melbourne)

2008 2.83 Stephen Hill (Fremantle)

2002 2.83 Jared Brennan (Brisbane)

Repeat sprint

Year Score (secs) Name

2006 24.67 Simon Hogan (Geelong)

2007 23.59 Chris Kangars (Geelong)

2008 24.82 Ryan Schoenmaker (Hawthorn)

2009 23.91 Jack Fitzpatrick (Melbourne)

Shuttle run - beep test

Year Score (level) Name

2002 15.6 Jarrad McVeigh (Sydney)

2009 15.6 Brayden Norris (North Melbourne)

2006 15.4 Shane Edwards (Richmond)

2003 15.3 Farren Ray (St Kilda)

2009 15.1 Ryan Bastinac (North Melbourne)

3 km time trial

Year Score (mins:secs) Name

2006 9:37 Tim Houlihan (West Coast)

2006 9:35 Simon Hogan (Geelong)

2002 10:02 Jarrad McVeigh (Sydney)

2009 10:03 Ryan Bastinac (North Melbourne)

2003 10:04 Andrew Walker (Carlton)

Height (tallest player at the combine)

Year Height (cms) Name

2009 206.8 Max Gawn (Melbourne)

2005 205.8 Max Bailey (Hawthorn)

2004 203.9 Cameron Wood (Collingwood)

2008 201.7 Ayce Cordy (Western Bulldogs)