2013 Phantom Drafts

[Whispering_Jack 29,805]

Big footy's Chris25 and Knightmare have each posted their 2013 phantom drafts so for those who are not yet sick of these things, here's the Chris 25 version using this year's ladder:-

1. GWS - James Aish (183cm midfielder - Norwood)

I don't think Aish is a clear cut #1 pick like some people quite yet. He is a very good player, there is no doubt there. Sort of along the Whitfield line, in terms of skill and level of inside/outside ability. But it will probably depend on who ends up on the bottom of the ladder, you're not going to pass on a big need for him.

2. Gold Coast - Matthew Crouch (182cm midfielder - North Ballarat)

At this stage, it's looking like Crouch has a lock on the 'best inside player' tag. I imagine his standing will only increase once his brother gets on the park too - Brad winning the Rising Star will certainly give Matt a bump. But either way, he should still be talked about in that 2-10 range like Wines was this year.

3. Melbourne - Thomas Boyd (198cm forward - Eastern Ranges)

Boyd is looking like the main contender for that #1 spot, particularly if GWS don't finish on the bottom. He had an average season as a 16 year old, but stepped up last year to really put his name in lights. Just a really strong and powerful forward, much like recent #1 pick Patton.

4. Western Bulldogs - Josh Kelly (180cm midfielder - Sandringham)

Kelly is my tip to be one of the more underrated players on BigFooty, I see him as being similar to O'Rourke. Everyone knows he is likely a top 3 pick, but they'll still rate him in the 8-12 range for some unknown reason. But Kelly did get a lot of interest in the mini draft for a reason.

5. Port Adelaide - Luke Dunstan (184cm midfielder - Woodville)

I've been mentioning Dunstan whenever possible this year, and he is probably my favourite player from SA - I have him nearly on par with Aish. He is a strong bodied midfielder, doesn't mess around and can finish up forward too. In terms of this year's draft, I suppose Toumpas would be the only real comparison.

6. Brisbane - Dwayne Wilson (176cm midfielder - Sturt)

OK, so maybe Wilson is my favourite player from SA. Everyone knows I like my indigenous midfielders, and he is no different. This year, I rated Josh Simpson in my top 6 and at this stage I would have a similar rating on Wilson. He just has those top notch skills, and the pace to go with it.

7. Richmond - Jack Billings (182cm forward - Oakleigh)

I listed Billings as a forward and not a midfielder, which is my query on him at the moment. Some people had the same question mark on Mayes, and I'm not convinced Billings makes a permanent midfield move. Will have to wait and see, before I really decide on where to place him. But even as a forward, he'd still be taken early.

8. Essendon - Matthew Scharenberg (189cm defender - Glenelg)

Everything depends on this year for Scharenberg. So far for SA, his play has reminded me of Schoenmakers. Whether he pushes into that top 5 will depend on how he performs in the midfield this season, and that's the role I hope to see him primarily play for Glenelg and SA. He is a very good player, is very much that prototype footballer.

9. Carlton - Dom Sheed (183cm midfielder - Subiaco)

Probably one of the more well rounded midfielders in this draft, and at this stage the clear top selection from WA. He can play a number of roles in the midfield, both inside and outside. Have a feeling he'll be consistently placed in that 8-15 range, which probably seems about right.

10. St Kilda - Darcy Gardiner (190cm defender - Geelong)

Generally, a year out from the draft is way too early to start looking at KPPs. So often they develop in that final year of underage football, and that final growth spurt is such an important factor. But at this stage, Gardiner would arguably be the top KPD. More of a dour, shut down type at the moment.

11. North Melbourne - Luke McDonald (187cm defender - Oakleigh)

You might remember the name, McDonald is that kid that every North supporter has been mentioning as the second coming of Jesus. I'd probably have him around the 5/6 mark, so he should be a nice little bargain for North next year.

12. Geelong - Jason Cooke (183cm midfielder - Calder)

I'm taking a little punt on Cooke, what with listing him this high. But there is something there, something Macrae-ish almost. Played a handful of games this year in the TAC Cup, he does a lot of things that I look for in a midfielder - runs hard to link up and spread the play, and also plays a high marking game. I'll be keeping an eye on him, and hopefully he justifies my ranking here.

13. Fremantle - Cameron Conlon (197cm forward - Northern Knights)

Please, let Conlon play the entire season at full forward. Too often this year he was played in the ruck. I don't care if the Knights let the opposition ruckman contest the bounces by himself, just leave Conlon alone. As a forward, he is a top 10 pick for me. Whereas Boyd is more that power type, Conlon is more your athletic Tippett type.

14. West Coast - Nick Robertson (187cm midfielder - West Perth)

I'm not quite sure why, but I'm quite excited about Robertson. He has a few injury problems so far, but when he played this year in the WAFL and in the U18 Championships, he was really quite impressive. Can play as a defender, but I love his attack in the midfield. Reminds me of Jesse Lonergan in the way he goes about his football.

15. Collingwood - Darcy Hourigan (190cm forward - South Adelaide)

I've been a big fan of Hourigan for a while now, he made his SANFL league debut as a 16 year old and spent this season in the reserves/league side - kicking goals at both levels. Really strong mark above his head, and knows how to use his body perfectly in one on one contests. People will say he is 'undersized' but he deserves to be spoken about as a top 15 pick.

16. Hawthorn - Isaiah Miller (188cm defender - Bendigo)

You'll have to get used to me talking about Isaiah Miller next year, I'm already leading his bandwagon. I saw him live a couple of times this year in the TAC Cup, and really liked what I saw of him as a defender. Looks to have a good understanding of the game, and knows when to leave his man. I like him as that rebounding Birchall like defender.

17. Sydney - Marcus Bontempelli (188cm midfielder - Northern Knights)

Bontempelli is another player that I'm taking a chance on here. I feel like I've seen players like him before, and they can go either way in their draft year - top 10 or miss out completely. But, I think Marcus will go the right way. One of those Isaac Smtih type outside midfielders, who love to run and kick long.

18. GWS - Ben Lennon (187cm midfielder - Northern Knights)

I considered having Lennon as high as #10, but decided to go with some other names instead. I'll be interested to see whether Lennon plays forward, midfield or back this year - because he can do them all. Good skills, clean hands and damaging going forward. I reckon he'll play midfield in the TAC Cup, but play on the flanks for Vic Metro. That seems to be all the rage at the moment.

19. Gold Coast - Eli Templeton (182cm midfielder - Burnie)

Can't leave the Tasmanians out, I'll never hear the end of it otherwise. And at the moment, I would say Templeton is probably the pick of the players from the Apple Isle. Playing through the midfield, he can win his own ball and also go forward and get on the scoreboard. There is slightly more midfield depth in Tasmania this year, but a lot will still rest on his shoulders.

20. Melbourne - Agape Patolo (197cm ruckman - Dandenong)

As of right now, it's not a great looking draft for ruckmen. So why not take a chance on what could be a real talent? Patolo is a former rugby player, who has improved drastically in the ruck throughout this year. He is a bit of an athletic freak, and with another year in the game I think his work around the ground will quickly catch up to his good tapwork.

21. Western Bulldogs - Trent Dumont (185cm midfielder - Norwood)

Can't have every South Australian as a top 10 pick, otherwise people wont take what I say seriously. But, Dumont could easily be much higher. He is already quite mature physically, hits the contests nicely in the middle and can also provide run on the outside. Has a nice kick on him too, long and accurate.

22. Port Adelaide - Luke Reynolds (187cm forward - Port Adelaide)

Another South Australian, and another who could go higher with a big season. Has been part of the underaged scene in SA for a few years now. Because of his size and ability, he'll likely play primarily forward still next year - so he really needs to make the most of his stints in the midfield, like Murdoch and McDonough did this year.

23. Brisbane - Tom Cutler (190cm defender - Oakleigh)

Cutler was a late addition to the AFL/AIS squad, after some excellent late season form in the TAC Cup - particularly in the finals series. Quite a versatile tall defender, suppose the hope will be that he grows into a proper KPD. Because he already rebounds well, can win his own ball and go forward to good effect.

24. Richmond - James Tsitas (180cm midfielder - Geelong)

At the moment, I'd consider Tsitas to be more of a solid citizen rather than a standout in any one area. But I suppose that's what you're after in an inside player, he is impressive around the stoppages and doesn't mind getting his hands dirty. I'll just be looking for him to add a few more weapons to his game next season.

25. Essendon - Erin Wasley-Black (188cm defender - Northern Territory)

Obviously I can't not have a kid from the Northern Territory in my draft, and Wasley-Black would appear to be their best prospect at the moment. He also has size on his side, unlike many of his talented teammates. Is that utility type who can play a number of positions, but I don't think he is too dissimilar to Jackson Thurlow, playing that half back role.

26. Carlton - Lachlan Everett (181cm midfielder - Woodville/Cairns)

Everett came down to South Australia from Cairns at the start of this season, and it's looking like a good move. Started the season in very good form, he formed a nice duo with Luke Dunstan - they were both winning plenty of ball, and kept hitting their targets. He slowed down a bit as the season went on though. Looking forward to seeing him develop further next year.

27. St Kilda - Nick Favretto (185cm midfielder - West Adelaide)

Favretto has been around the underaged squads so far in his career, so I would expect him to win a spot in U18 squad next year too. He had some absolutely dominating games in the SANFL U18s this year, he just racks up the disposals - winning his own, and linking up on the outside. His skills are also of a high standard.

28. North Melbourne - Clayton McCartney (179cm forward - Dandenong)

Small indigenous forward who was part of the Vic Country U18 squad this year, not sure whether he develops into a proper midfielder or not. But even as a forward, there is lots to like about his game. Has real pace, and an ability to create something from seemingly nothing.

29. Geelong - Nicholas Bourke (186cm midfielder - Geelong)

Bourke is another kid who has shown promising signs playing on the flanks, with limited runs through the midfield - much of what I said about Luke Reynolds fits with Bourke too. With his size, I think he has quite a scope for improvement in the midfield. Has quite a nice left foot on him too.

30. Fremantle - Laurence Grescos (186cm midfielder - Swan Districts)

Once again, WA appear to have quite a few smaller types - and we saw how they went in the draft this year. Grescos however doesn't have that problem, he is a quite a tall midfielder - and a promising one at that. Fairly similar to Harrison Marsh, being that big midfielder who is strong in the clearances. But again like Marsh, will also likely play across half back.

[Whispering_Jack 29,805]

And Knightmare's effort:-

#1 GWS – James Aish (SA – Mid/Def)

Height: 183cm, Weight: 72kg, DOB: 08/11/1995

Recruited from: Norwood

Style: Trent Cotchin

Player comparison:

Range:

Profile: Aish is an elite user of the footy and just has more time and space than the next player. In space, in traffic, it doesn’t matter for Aish, he remains composed and never seems rushed. By both hand or foot he consistently uses it well and is one of the more duel sided players you’ll see at this young age. Strong mark overhead for his size and has a strong 1v1 game despite his lean build. Aish is an impressive athlete with an impressive side step and a real burst of speed on him. Still needs to get stronger but that will come. Despite his lean build he is not a soft outside player and is very willing to get his hands dirty and go hard when it’s his turn but is certainly more outside at this stage and likely starts his career on a wing or back flank.

#2 Port Adelaide – Luke Dunstan (SA –Mid/Fwd)

Height: 184cm, Weight: 82kg, DOB: 29/01/1995

Recruited from: Woodville-West Torrens

Style: Dustin Martin

Player comparison:

Range: 2-10

Profile: Dunstan is a dominant inside midfielder with a really strong body. Really damaging player who will not only win his own footy every time he goes in for it but then will do big damage with it. Dunstan has very damaging footskills and is a really natural finisher anywhere near goal. Not only is Dunstan an exceptional inside player but he can also swing forward, take a mark and hit the scoreboard when given the opportunity and I expect he will continue to be a very damaging player at the next level.

#3 Melbourne –Jack Billings (VIC – Fwd/Mid)

Height: 182cm, Weight: 73kg, DOB: 18/08/1995

Recruited from: Oakleigh Chargers

Style: Nick Dal Santo (harder version)

Player comparison:

Range: 2-10

Profile: Billings is a very high level footballer already and I’ve been really impressed very impressed with his play at a national level, in the TAC and also in APS footy and just seems a class above at any level. Jack stands out with his elite footskills, very duel sided and can both finish around goal easily just knowing where the goals are but also has the playmaking ability to find and set up other players forward of centre and doing damage that way. Whenever he has ball in hand regardless of pressure he just uses it really well and looks really comfortable out there. The other major feature of Jack’s game is his overhead marking ability. He’s not tall but for his height his marking is a real highlight marking it at the highest point, but has those genuine sticky hands where he just takes it every time and also has strong 1v1 marking ability allowing him to be a big weapon when played forward.

#4 Western Bulldogs – Thomas Boyd (VIC – KPF)

Height: 198cm, Weight: 100kg, DOB: 22/08/1995

Recruited from: Eastern Ranges

Style: Jonathan Patton

Player comparison:

Range: 1-5

Profile: Dominant key forward. Boyd has had a strong body from a young age. Boyd is a genuine contested marking presence and at u18 level just monsters opposition players through his sheer size advantage. He can really crash packs and do some damage. Overhead he reads it well but then also has sound marking technique taking it at the highest point. Set shot goalkicking good, rarely missing and field kicking also very impressive for a big. Boyd at his size will never be an athlete but athletically he is still reasonable with ok speed and agility considering his size and has really trimmed his body down somewhat these past two seasons after having a very big frame as a 16 year old.

#5 Gold Coast – Matt Crouch (VIC – Mid)

Height: 182cm, Weight: 75kg, DOB: 21/04/1995

Recruited from: North Ballarat Rebels

Style: Brad Sewell

Player comparison:

Range: 3-15

Profile: Crouch is an elite inside player. Real stoppage specialist. Hard at the ball and a really natural inside extractor burrowing in, winning the ball and setting up the receivers outside of the pack by hand. He does it as well as any and just thrives on that contested ball type game as that clearance specialist. Crouch is also an exceptional tackler showing strong tackling technique and really going in hard with those tackles and it seems to be another area of the game that he just really enjoys. Athletically Matt is a not like his older brother Brad who has that explosive pace. He has good endurance and has good agility but just isn’t that same explosive athlete and will always be more that hard inside type.

#6 Brisbane - Dominic Sheed (WA – Mid)

Height: 184cm, Weight: 79kg, DOB: 10/03/1995

Recruited from: Subiaco

Style: Scott Pendlebury

Player comparison:

Range: 5-20

Profile: Really high production midfielder with some real class to him. Just uses the footy so well by hand and foot and seems to have more time to use it than the next player. Sheed is more your finesse midfielder who just plays a smart game with good positioning, runs into the right positions to receive it and reads the game really well. Sheed has a good running game and is more of an agile, high motor guy as opposed to a linebreaker. Plenty to like and probably one who should be spoken about more as a high end prospect with the way he has produced.

#7 St Kilda - Josh Kelly (VIC – Mid)

Height: 181cm, Weight: 71kg, DOB: 12/02/1995

Recruited from: Sandringham Dragons

Style: Andrew Gaff

Player comparison:

Range: 2-10

Profile: Kelly really stands out from the crowd with his really elite outside running midfielder who will go all day and in the past has tested off the charts in the beep test, 3k time trial and repeat sprints. Not only does Kelly have that elite outside running game but his skill set is also exquisite and is just that really precise user of the footy with his footskills in particular impressive just using the ball very efficiently hitting the intended target every time. Kelly will likely always be that outside receiver, but a real substance outside type who will find plenty of the footy and use it well.

#8 Richmond - Trent Dumont (SA - Mid)

Height: 184cm, Weight: 85kg, DOB: 30/06/1995

Recruited from: Norwood

Style:

Player comparison:

Range: 5-25

Profile: Strong bodied inside midfielder who is a serious contested ball winner. Big time clearance player and will win all the hard inside ball. Has been an excellent player for some time and really has that proven production behind him. Kicking will need some serious work as he can kick some absolute howlers and badly lacks consistency by foot. Otherwise Dumont has a really strong, immediate game and can with his strong body looks ready to play right away.

#9 North Melbourne – Luke McDonald (VIC – Util) F/S

Height: 187cm, Weight: 77kg, DOB: 09/02/1995

Recruited from: Oakleigh Chargers

Style: Brendon Goddard (Better kick)

Player comparison: Trent McKenzie (Better two way game)

Range: 1st round

Profile: McDonald is a really elite kick of the footy and can roost it 60m easily and hit his intended target and get it there in a hurry with his low penetrating kicks. He can hit targets over any distance consistently and usually elects to go for the more damaging option which he can pull off no problem. McDonald has some real versatility to his game with the range to play down back, midfield or as a forward as required but likely starts his career out of the back half as a playmaker off a back flank. Luke is also an outstanding athlete with genuine linebreaking ability on him. Not only is McDonald gifted offensively but he has shown that he can also stay with a man showing a good 1v1 game, good ability at ground level and ability to stay with a leading player allowing him to also play a more accountable role at times as required. Inside game can improve but North Melbourne have a real weapon in McDonald and I expect he will prove a real bargain through F/S.

#10 Fremantle – Matt Scharenberg (SA – Def/Mid)Height: 189cm, Weight: 88kg, DOB: 18/09/1995

Recruited from: Glenelg

Style:

Player comparison: Sam Gilbert

Range: 5-25

Profile: Scharenberg is a high production back flanker who has been a standout player for some time. Scharenberg stands out with his ability down back to read it and take those intercept marks. Really good size and has a strong body which will appeal as well as his ability to play right away. Above average athlete. Will need to clean up his ball use and decision making some if he is to continue to play off a back flank because the consistency by foot it’s nearly there.

#11 Essendon - Luke Reynolds (SA – Fwd/Mid)

Height: 186cm, Weight: 85kg, DOB: 09/01/1995

Recruited from: Port Adelaide

Style:

Player comparison:

Range: 5-20

Profile: Really damaging player who can play either as a forward or as a midfielder to a high level. Has a long kick on him and is a good finisher from range enjoying those long goals and at times can go off with some big bags of goals. The other real strength to his game is his strength overhead as one of the stronger marking midfielders you’ll find. Has some versatility to his game and can play forward, midfield or off a back flank but feels most damaging forward of centre.

#12 Adelaide - Dwayne Wilson (SA – Mid)

Height: 177cm, Weight: 72kg, DOB: 17/01/1995

Recruited from: Sturt

Style: Lewis Jetta

Player comparison:

Range: 10-25

Profile: Wilson is a very damaging outside player who you just want the ball in the hands of. Has some genuine linebreaking pace but then also has the damaging footskills to go with it. Has some penetration on his kick and on a wing any time he gets forward of centre he loves a goal and generally hits the scoreboard really doing some damage. He will need to get stronger and start winning his own ball more but plenty to like.

#13 Geelong - James Tsitas (VIC – Mid)

Height: 180cm, Weight: 76kg, DOB: 03/03/1995

Recruited from: Geelong Falcons

Style: Steele Sidebottom

Player comparison:

Range: 5-25

Profile: Outside player who is a really high level user of the footy. By hand or foot, it doesn’t matter, he just finds his targets using it efficiently. Tsitas also has a really excellent outside running game demonstrating excellent endurance. For an outside player Tsitas is a very willing tackler. Tsitas is an effective linkup player and outside receiver but he really likes working into and finding space on the outside to operate.

#14 Carlton - Christian Salem (VIC - Mid)

Height: 182cm, Weight: 81kg, DOB: 15/06/1995

Recruited from: Sandringham Dragons

Style:

Player comparison:

Range: 10-25

Profile: Midfielder with a real physical presence and physical way of playing. I also really enjoy Salem’s tackling game, he just hunts the man and you can see he really enjoys it, and he does big damage every time he lays a tackle and it’s a real feature of his game. When it’s his turn to go he goes, whether it be a marking contest where he knows he will get crushed or going for the hard ball he will put his head over it and just go for it. He also does some really impressive work at times with some good blocking or bumps on or off the footy where required and just has that hard edge you love to see. More outside than inside at this stage and the next step will be to develop that inside game.

#15 Sydney - Lewis Taylor (VIC – Mid)

Height: 173cm, Weight: 72kg, DOB: 17/02/1995

Recruited from: Geelong Falcons

Style:

Player comparison:

Range: 10-25

Profile: Small midfielder with some real pace. Not only does Taylor have good straight-line speed but also has an explosive sidestep and that ability to easily get around players without them getting a hand on him and it’s through his excellent pace and agility where he really creates his advantage. Taylor is a big time accumulator and despite being that smaller type can win his own footy. Also an above average user of the footy by both hand and foot so there’s plenty to like.

#16 Collingwood – Elijah Edwards (Collingwood - NSW/ACT – Mid)

Height: 163cm, Weight: 65kg, DOB:

Recruited from: Oakleigh Chargers

Style: Lewis Jetta (shorter)

Player comparison:

Range: Late/rookie

Profile: You’ll never see anyone faster. Edwards is one of the most explosive players you’ll ever see with just incredible pace. Edwards is a genuine linebreaker who you will just never catch. One example I’ve seen of this, Edwards in a game for Scotch College mid 2012 ran all the way from the back pocket and sprinted full pace all the way to for forward flank in an epic run and lace out at the end of the play delivered a short pass lace out to a leading forward. It was just a special play and like few others Edwards has the ability to just make you look silly and be a real game changer like nothing you’ll ever see at any level and this is just one example of what Edwards is capable of. He has that elite speed and agility combination where he gets going quickly, can change direction easily at any time and at will but then also has the highest top speed you’ll ever see. He is just one of those guys you’ll never be able to tackle because he is so quick of mind and body so it almost doesn’t matter that he is smaller than everyone else. Very one touch and rarely fumbles just picking up the ball naturally of roving the ball at the bottom of the pack easily. Skills neat but can at times lack consistency and could do with some more penetration on his kick. Obviously with Edwards at his height there will be questions as to whether he can make it but there is no doubting his running game which is as damaging as you’ll ever see. Edwards could play a crumbing forward role if required but with his unmatched running game I think he is best utilised in an outside linebreaking role on a wing but could also have the range to play down back as a linebreaking small also so it will be very interesting to see what Collingwood have in mind for Edwards at the next level because that pace is something lacking in a more even paced side.

*Note: Edwards won’t go first round on draft day 2013. Collingwood have the rights to him through the NSW/ACT program and can pick him up late/rookie if keen. Just one I wanted to pop in here for the benefit of the Pies fans as there has been curiosity for some years now surrounding this young fella but being in the NSW/ACT program if selected it will be as either a late or rookie selection.

#17 Hawthorn - Kurt Heatherley (Hawthorn - NZ – KPD)

Height: 192cm, Weight: 83kg, DOB:

Recruited from: Sandringham Dragons

Style:

Player comparison:

Range: Late/rookie

Profile: Tall defender from New Zealand who in recent seasons has really developed into something. Heatherley has elite closing speed and a really nice leap on him enabling him to also be very effective in the air and an effective shutdown player. A feature of his game I’ve really enjoyed is his long kicking. Despite playing key defence Heatherley has a long 55m, maybe 60m kick on him and loves a long goal when he receives the opportunity. I also really have enjoyed his tackling game which for a tall is also very good.

*Note: Heatherley won’t go first round on draft day 2013. Hawthorn have the rights to him through the NZ program and can pick him up late/rookie if keen. Hawthorn fans will be asking questions about Heatherley for the next year so with so much natural interest I thought I’d get his profile up early.

#18 West Coast - Clayton McCartney (VIC – Fwd/Mid)

Height: 179cm, Weight: 70kg, DOB: 11/06/1995

Recruited from: Dandenong Stingrays

Style: Andrew Krakouer (Quicker)

Player comparison:

Range: 10-35

Profile: Really quick footballer with the ability to play either forward or on a wing. Loves a goal whether it be as a forward or further up the field. One feature of McCartney’s game I enjoy is his ability to create space for himself, he just does it so easily and naturally going from a pressure circumstance and really being able to create time to dispose of the footy effectively. McCartney has a really natural feel for the game and just has those natural instincts for where the goals are. Good user of the footy and not only is he a finisher around goal but he can also find targets around the ground easily.

Knightmare selects us to finish 16th again so I'll revisit this thread in a year's time to see who's face is red.

[rjay 24,887]

One thing it shows 'Jack' is that the game is always evolving, the list we have now is dramatically different to what it was a couple of months ago. If we have it right, then from now on it will be fine tuning. We have brought in some experience and we will start to grow our own experience with Frawley, Grimes, Jones, Trengove, Watts and the boys getting game time.

If we have it right then any kid we bring in from now on will come into a good environment.

The only one from these lists I've really seen is Billings and he can play. After the SA finals last year I was really hot for Toumpas and rapt that we picked him up, the SA kids have the advantage of being able to play senior football and we were lucky enough to give that to Viney and next season to Hogan. Stringer, Viney, Toumpas, O'meara and Crouch come in next season with senior experience under their belt, my guess is Aish, Dunstan and Dummont will have the same advantage the following year along with Hogan and Martin of course.

Billings will play TAC but a lot of his time will be in school footy, he will start behind these other boys. The question is how long will it take for a player like him to make it up, we've seen with Watts it can take some time, on the other hand Green stepped up this year for GWS and acquitted himself well, although to be honest you wouldn't think the opposition clubs put much time into him.

I expect given a clear run that Viney and Toumpas will be productive players in year one, their experience playing against men will go well for them. Viney didn't have a lot of game time but his competitive nature will let nothing stand in his way, have heard a local coach in the fitness field who has has a lot to do with current day premiership players say he is the toughest most competitive kid he has ever worked with.

Anyway, enough rambling...as was asked in another tread 'when does Taylor start with us'? he's the one that will have to work the list from here on.

[rjay 24,887]

...and I think Knightmare's face will be bright red.

[7-UP 107]

Where will Jessie Hogan be in 2013 Draft if we didn't picked him up already?

[CBDees 3,167]

If we don't finish better than 16th after our recent team renewal, maybe we should step back into the VFL for a few years and get some premierships under our belt?

[Hannibal 5,814]

Where will Jessie Hogan be in 2013 Draft if we didn't picked him up already?

This is Knightmare's "Power Ranking":

Power Rankings for 2013:

*Potential A-graders*

1. Luke McDonald (VIC - UTIL – NM F/S)

2. James Aish (SA - Mid)

3. Jesse Hogan (WA - KPF) – Melbourne via minidraft

4. Thomas Boyd (VIC - KPF)

5. Jack Martin (WA - Util) – Gold Coast via minidraft

6.Luke Dunstan (SA –Mid/Fwd)

7.Dominic Sheed (WA – Mid)

8. Matt Crouch (VIC - Mid)

9. Jack Billings (VIC – Fwd/Mid)

10. Josh Kelly (VIC - Mid)

[7-UP 107]

Wowee, it seems like North melbourne going to get a Number 1 pick as a father/son next year.

[old55 23,402]

Lot of mids there which is good for us.

[The Big Ticket 94]

Lot of mids there which is good for us.

In our probable drafting position too.

[Whispering_Jack 29,805]

It's interesting that at this time every year there is a fair amount of coveting of next year's draft pool. Some fall by the wayside while others emerge but quite often, as we get closer to the draft, many of the midfielders don't quite measure up.

The AFL Prospectus puts out a list of its 25 top prospects for the draft at the beginning of every year. Among the players who made that list but weren't drafted were Dayle Garlett, Matthew Haynes, Todd McKay and Shannon Taylor while a couple of others had to wait for the rookie draft. Making these lists is no guarantee the players in question will have an AFL career.

[angrydee 842]

Keep in mind, Cook was in nearly everyone's top 25 the year before we drafted him. AFL Prospectus(IIRC) had him at #12.

[Hannibal 5,814]

Keep in mind, Cook was in nearly everyone's top 25 the year before we drafted him. AFL Prospectus(IIRC) had him at #12.

But it's not the" year before" that matters.

When it came to his "actual" draft he wasn't considered top 20. And that was generous.

[Pennant St Dee 13,118]

As someone said before, if we progress the way we hope any kid coming in will be coming into a totally different environment from what others came into for the last few years.

Been away for 10 days with no internet so doing some catching up, all I know is nobody took Dayle GARLETT, which was the right thing by all clubs. IMO he doesn't have the hunger but if something awakens in him and he grabs it by the throat he will go Top 20 next year.

From u/18 & SANFL highlights I have seen James AISH looks pure class, WA kids are often late developers or more boters, most know of the metropolitan Perth & Mandurah (Peel) kids who have come through WAFL development squads but at 16 to 17 the country kids from the big regional centres and traditional development zones start becoming a bit more prominent. Perth get kids coming in from Northam, Claremont get theirs from Albany, East Fremantle from Geraldton and Swans get theirs from Bunbury. Add to this the PSA school kids who mainly play school footy till their draft year also come to attention late. I will again frequent WAFL through the season and see any new talent to come through or possible late bolters

I'm just hoping a jet falls out of the Top 10 and we snare him ( well it is the season to be jolly)

Edited December 15, 2012 by Pennant St Dee

[whatwhat say what 22,700]

Saw Boyd, Billings and Aish this year - I actually thought Billings was the one with the most absolute class.

He looked a gem. Boyd has all the hallmarks of a #1 pick about him - that classic big unit that can dominate a forward line.

[Chelly 810]

First look at the 2013 Draft prospects

[Whispering_Jack 29,805]

As mentioned above, the AFL PROSPECTUS has a great section on the potential 2013 Draftees. The first looks and sounds like a real beauty.

James Aish (Norwood SA), midfielder, 183cm plays like Bryce Gibbs

James Aish emerged as an elite talent at the 2011 NAB AFL Under-16 Championships where he won the Kevin Sheahan medal as the best performed player of the series. He is an exceptionally skilled right/footed wingman/midfielder with a terrific work ethic, ranking No. 1 at the championships in handball-receives, second in uncontested possessions and third for effective kicks. His leadership attributes saw him named co-captain of the AIS squad which toured New Zealand during the 2012 preseason. In March 2012, he became the youngest player to ever debut at SANFL league level for Norwood, debuting at 16 years and 144 days. Across the 2012 season he played 16 league matches , averaging 18 disposals at an elite efficiency of 83%, including the grand final win where he amassed 26 disposals and kicked one goal. His SANFL season was only interrupted by the 2011 NAB AFL Under-18 Championships, where he played all five matches finishing with elite averages of 22 disposals, 16 uncontested possessions and six marks. He was subsequently selected in the 2012 NAB AFL Under-18 All-Australian team.

FREAKO: The SANFL always produce a bottom-aged gun. Toumpas one year, Aish the next. This kid is a jet.

[Moonshadow 17,675]

Geez his uncle Michael was great to watch. Stick thin, but fantastic skill, class and courage. His father too was a very good footballer. Would compliment our current crop of young Sth Australians if we were to snare him. Probably be gone by our first pick

[whatwhat say what 22,700]

Unless our first pick is #1!

(Better not be.)

[dpositive 1,663]

In our probable drafting position too.

no tanking by any clubs to manage their lists I hope

[biggestred 5,015]

Any recent ones of these?

[MadAsHell 4,212]

I'll put mine out at the end of trade period.

[old55 23,402]

Any recent ones of these?

How many do you want?

http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/forums/phantom-drafts.284/

[Hannibal 5,814]

Interesting to note that Dunstan and Crouch were both top 5 picks in their view who have since fallen out of favour, well according to pundits.

I've only seen Dunstan a couple of times on TV, but loved what I saw. Apparently though he's not much chop. I'll watch his career with interest.

[spirit of norm smith 16,292]

I am waiting for the punchline - Dunstan is top 5 for me but appears to be bound for 12-15 pick !!