Jack Billings and Lewis Taylor

[dazzledavey36 49,791]

For those wondering who the AIS kids training with us this week its these two very talented players.

[Grimes is Great 183]

Where are they expected to fall in this yrs draft?

[rjay 24,185]

Where are they expected to fall in this yrs draft?

Who knows yet but Billings is a good prospect, haven't seen Taylor. Check out the draft experts they've got some stuff up already on how they think things will fall.

[dazzledavey36 49,791]

Billings is actually a top 5 prospect

[daisycutter 28,724]

Billings is actually a top 5 prospect

thats what i heard too, even though there is a lot of water to pass under the bridge yet

[binman 39,537]

Another Jack would be good

[Slartibartfast 16,124]

For those wondering who the AIS kids training with us this week its these two very talented players.

Thanks. One of them really impressed me, dark hair and quick. Sadly I'm not sure which one he was.....

[whatwhat say what 20,358]

That's Billings I'd wager.

Looks like he'll be a star.

[Hannibal 5,814]

Thanks. One of them really impressed me, dark hair and quick. Sadly I'm not sure which one he was.....

That would be Taylor. He's a little like a right foot Scully (sorry).

Both will be guns. Billings has more X factor, but is very light. They are great prospects.

[ThreeOneSix 953]

Billings is a freak, that kid has sublime skills, goal sense, X factor and leadership.

Will be a definiate top 5 in the upcoming draft one would think.

[rolly 149]

billings had a real good gf in the tac cup last year as a bottom ager...from memory he did a couple of nice things in the last few minutes when the game was there to be won.

[ChaserJ 4,087]

Exceptional youngsters from what projects to be a strong draft.

From an AFL.com.au artice on 2013 prospects:

Jack Billings
Oakleigh Chargers
180cm/73kg
Half-forward
If he continues his rate of development it wouldn't be a surprise to see Billings placed well within the top five picks next year. He's a sharp half-forward with elite kicking skills and a strong overhead mark. Billings reads the game better than most and he loves the big stage, playing his best footy when it counts. Might play a bit more through the midfield next year but he already has a lot going for him.

Lewis Taylor
Geelong Falcons
173cm/72kg
Midfielder
Taylor is a small midfielder who loves to run with the ball tucked under one arm and take the game on. He might be small but Taylor is solidly built and isn't afraid to go and get the ball himself. He has some pace, and some skills to match. Taylor saved his best game of the championships against South Australia, where he gathered 21 disposals and kicked two goals in Vic Country's loss.

[ChaserJ 4,087]

Billings similar to Scully in build, but is much stronger overhead and has an elite kick (kicking skills have been compared to Dal Santo). He also looked very good in the Championships as a bottom ager. He is slight of build at this stage and whether his draft value rises or falls will depend on how he goes in the midfield. Great skills and very highly rated at this stage.

Taylor was extremely impressive in that game against SA. Bounced around and just made things happen with and without the ball and would have been close to BOG. Is small, but I can see him sparking teams with his energy. Look forward to seeing how he goes this year. Would be stoked to have either on board next year.

[Bitter but optimistic 21,580]

Hopefully we'll finish too high to consider a top 5 pick. The other reason we might not get a top 5 pick is too terrible to contemplate.

[ChaserJ 4,087]

Agree on both counts. Would be happy to see the club improve to the tune of 8 wins this season, 10+ and I'd be extremely happy.

[Norm Smith's Curse 2,086]

Did someone mention Sculldog Millionaire?

[mauriesy 6,911]

Exceptional youngsters from what projects to be a strong draft.

Will they still be available at pick 9 or 10?

[daisycutter 28,724]

you would have to say 173cm (5'8") adds a high risk element

for this reason only i'd expect if he gets drafted it will not be a 1st rounder

[satyricon 267]

I think this is part of the AFL program for young footy players during the school holidays, MFC had a couple last year as well. give them a taste

Given our links with the Geelong region not surprised we have a Falcons player

And Jack Viney probably knows Billings from the Oakleigh Chargers

[DeeSpencer 23,666]

you would have to say 173cm (5'8") adds a high risk element

for this reason only i'd expect if he gets drafted it will not be a 1st rounder

Short is back in vogue to a degree. The way AFL has changed is if you have top line speed, agility and ability to be powerful then playing as a small forward or midfielder makes height not so relevant. I'd expect it to cost him top 10 but not much difference after that.

AFL clearance midfielders are becoming like high repetition NFL running backs with a power element to their game. You can either take the Josh Kennedy/Jobe Watson method of using your frame and size to bustle or you can use the Sam Mitchell technique of brilliant in close movement to get in and out before anyone touches you, of course you still have to be incredible strong and brave.

[old55 21,864]

Will they still be available at pick 9 or 10?

Will they still be available in 2015?

[ChaserJ 4,087]

Will they still be available at pick 9 or 10?

Taylor would be a good chance. Would have thought Billings will go in the top 7 as long as he doesn't meet any developmental hurdles.

At Taylor's height, you definitely need a few tricks, and luckily he has a couple of good ones.

[daisycutter 28,724]

Short is back in vogue to a degree. The way AFL has changed is if you have top line speed, agility and ability to be powerful then playing as a small forward or midfielder makes height not so relevant. I'd expect it to cost him top 10 but not much difference after that.

AFL clearance midfielders are becoming like high repetition NFL running backs with a power element to their game. You can either take the Josh Kennedy/Jobe Watson method of using your frame and size to bustle or you can use the Sam Mitchell technique of brilliant in close movement to get in and out before anyone touches you, of course you still have to be incredible strong and brave.

not saying its impossible or anything

5'8" puts him outside the required form factor - hence higher risk

of course he can reduce risk by having a high x factor elsewhere but in one aspect he is starting behind the ball

first round picks tend to be conservative and lower risk (yes i know exceptions abound)

if he can play a mitchell or harvey role then fine, but that's a big ask and a big judgement to make on a junior

[Hulett Packard III 166]

How many of these blokes actually end up at clubs they do work experience with?

Very few I would venture to say!

[ILLDieADemon 804]

Why are they trianing with us when we don't even know if we will get them in the draft?