Lets be more specific, Jon Ralph believes the Saints will take Petracca. Ffs people this is how rumours start when what was actually said is not reported correctly

A penny for your thoughts on Josh Deluca, PSD.

Looks like he’s had a good finish to the season, sounds like he should be in the mix with McLean and Lonie as draftable small forwards this year.

A penny for your thoughts on Josh Deluca, PSD.

Looks like he’s had a good finish to the season, sounds like he should be in the mix with McLean and Lonie as draftable small forwards this year.

I really like Josh for his work rate and attitude, came from the club where my boys play only issue is he is very vanilla, no acceleration and disposal/decision making is average to good and will never be a big bodied mid.

There are a lot of Josh Deluca's out there but given his attitude and desire to work hard, could be worth a rookie spot, Deluca is the type of player who does 2 to 3 years on the Sydney list starts playing regular footy and people ask where did they pluck this kid from

Cheers mate, appreciate that.

Interesting that his acceleration isn’t great. Probably a must for a player of his type. Is his pace reasonable in the open?

Sounds like he could be a Roosy project type.

Cheers mate, appreciate that.

Interesting that his acceleration isn’t great. Probably a must for a player of his type. Is his pace reasonable in the open?

Sounds like he could be a Roosy project type.

Pace is okay in the open but nothing exceptional, think along the lines of a Keiran Jack, Hannebery type who just have the workrate. Just not sure he can reach their ceiling

I think the key is that in AFL, like in many things, you become a product of your environment.

What's the point in taking a supremely talented youngster and bringing him into an environment conducive to fear, doubt, submission and underachievement?

I think we've seen it year after year, drafting impressive talented young men, then scratching our heads 3 years later when they look a shell of themselves.

Obviously this isn't absolute, as you will still get a Nathan Jones coming from a cesspool.

But we need an environment where we instill or reinforce work ethic and strong positive work habits.

All kids who get drafted have talent. But we need an environment that will take a Luke Parker at pick 40 and forge him into a superstar, not another talented also-ran.

We're not there yet. Cross helps, Jones helps, Vince helps, Dawes helps. But we're still short a handful of quality people to lead the way.

I do think we recruited Tyson as much for his strength of character as for his talent.

We need an environment that will guarantee more hits than misses.

Then worry about making sure we recruit the kid at pick 2 who has 3.2% more talent than the kid at pick 10.

and this is why we need some elders of High quality, like RO'K.

the culture shift is not easy, even for the leaders who grew up in red & blue like Jones. they haven't had topline leaders themselves to show them the way. And to support them when they become captain. Our recent journey would be enough to make any strong character keep on 2nd guessing themselves.

and if Luke Ball were available, I'd grab him as well, they'd be my top leaders, RO'K & Ball. they wouldn't have to play every game, but we need them around the club with they're playing shorts & training tops on, chasing the leather.

Havent seen much of Mccartin but if we couldnt orchestrate a trade could we pick him up? Dawes, Hogan, Mccartim

We wont pick him. Remember Roos' mantra...mids, mids, mids

Unless it's a clear midfield upgrade in their eyes. Personally I think trading pick 2 is just dumb. IMO pick 3 should be traded only. I'd rather know we have pick 2 than rely upon another club's word to leave someone at 3.

Definitely dumb and wont happen in that scenario. Assuming we get pick 3 we will trade it. However, if Mr PRoos can orchestrate say a Danger and another quality mid both will go. Would be most happy with a Danger another Tyson type

Anyone watching the Northern AllStars v Aus Academy game?

The curtain raiser for the GF being streamed on AFL.com. Good kids on show for this years and next years draft.

Yes the kid Cockatoo looked like a top 20 pick. He is real quick.

Anyone watching the Northern AllStars v Aus Academy game?

The curtain raiser for the GF being streamed on AFL.com. Good kids on show for this years and next years draft.

I watched bits and pieces of the game and was impressed with Lachie Weller (brother of Maverick) who is a definite top 20 prospect at the coming national draft. If Melbourne does another Tyson/Salem deal this year, then I can see him as a possible prospect along with Oakleigh Charger Jordan De Goey or Calder's Paul Ahern.

The other player who stood out among the potential draftees was NT's Nakia Cockatoo who has been injured for most of the year.

@JClark182: @NTThunderFC young gun Nakia Cockatoo named best afield in the NAB All-Stars match today at the MCG. @JessWebster21 http://t.co/mNOI0YPgCl

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In all probability Cockatoo is somehow related to the Cockatoo-Collins twins who were at Melbourne in the 90s.

Cannon's midfielder Nick O'Kearney who has was a ball magnet for them in the TAC Cup finals starred for the AIS Academy as did Sydney's likely academy pick for next year Callum Mills. Now that the AFL has ruled out special assistance for struggling clubs I regard it as an obscenity that the Swans can have free access to a player of his quality and I believe the clubs should fight against it for the coming year.

Sandringham Dragons key forward Harley Balic looked good and kicked a couple of goals for the AIS.

Cannon's midfielder Nick O'Kearney who has was a ball magnet for them in the TAC Cup finals starred for the AIS Academy as did Sydney's likely academy pick for next year Callum Mills. Now that the AFL has ruled out special assistance for struggling clubs I regard it as an obscenity that the Swans can have free access to a player of his quality and I believe the clubs should fight against it for the coming year.

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Don't be silly!

Northern markets need protection!!

I watched bits and pieces of the game and was impressed with Lachie Weller (brother of Maverick) who is a definite top 20 prospect at the coming national draft. If Melbourne does another Tyson/Salem deal this year, then I can see him as a possible prospect along with Oakleigh Charger Jordan De Goey or Calder's Paul Ahern.

The other player who stood out among the potential draftees was NT's Nakia Cockatoo who has been injured for most of the year. .

In all probability Cockatoo is somehow related to the Cockatoo-Collins twins who were at Melbourne in the 90s.

Cannon's midfielder Nick O'Kearney who has was a ball magnet for them in the TAC Cup finals starred for the AIS Academy as did Sydney's likely academy pick for next year Callum Mills. Now that the AFL has ruled out special assistance for struggling clubs I regard it as an obscenity that the Swans can have free access to a player of his quality and I believe the clubs should fight against it for the coming year.

Sandringham Dragons key forward Harley Balic looked good and kicked a couple of goals for the AIS.

Nakia's father is a cousin of the father of Che, David and Cockatoo-Collins.

The word is that but for a leg injury he carried this year, he might well have been a top 20 pick. Definitely worth a look because he has real X factor.

Watch out for JAYDEN LAVERDE... smooth mover, acceleration, good elite skills, kicks 50 easily. Will go pick 5-7 likely. He is class and tough.

If Petracca is #1, its between Brayshaw and Laverde for pick 2.

Watch out for JAYDEN LAVERDE... smooth mover, acceleration, good elite skills, kicks 50 easily. Will go pick 5-7 likely. He is class and tough.

If Petracca is #1, its between Brayshaw and Laverde for pick 2.

sounds like a BP special

What do we reckon about Matty Panos? IMO hes worth a look as a later pick.

Stretch a genuine AFL talent: Sheehan

Shifter believes there are four prospects worthy of a #1 pick in the draft ~

Four players worth No. 1 pick in AFL Draft says Kevin Sheehan

This probably won't deter us from seeking a trade of our top pick if the right player is presented but, on the other hand it would be tempting (if we knew we were going to get them right) to pick up two very elite youngsters if we managed to get # 3 for James Frawley.

Shifter believes there are four prospects worthy of a #1 pick in the draft ~

Four players worth No. 1 pick in AFL Draft says Kevin Sheehan

This probably won't deter us from seeking a trade of our top pick if the right player is presented but, on the other hand it would be tempting (if we knew we were going to get them right) to pick up two very elite youngsters if we managed to get # 3 for James Frawley.

I'd prefer to draft 2 of them.

Phantom form guide: October update

Swans' academy selection Heeney is highly regarded. Petracca, McCartin, Brayshaw and Wright are the ones most fancied to fill Melbourne's current leading selections at 2 & 3 (assuming we keep them).

Add Jake Lever to the mix. Apparently we're big fans and more likely to take him over McCartin if we take both picks to the draft.

I must confess that I don't recall previously coming across Luke McAlister's work but his comprehensive phantom draft makes good reading ~ Luke McAlister's Phantom Draft

He has Christian Petracca going at # 1 and here are his pen pictures of the players he thinks will go to us if we retain # 2 & 3:

Pick 2 Melbourne: Angus Brayshaw (Vic Metro, inside leaning midfielder)

187 cm, 86 kg, 9/1/96

Range: Top 5

Style: Ollie Wines

Wherever Brayshaw ends up the club will know theyve got a long term player. Brayshaw projects as one of the safest picks available at the top end of the draft, being a high substance but low flash midfielder. He lacks real game breaking ability instead being a real component of success as opposed to a reason for it. On the inside hes hard working and powerful, reading the stoppages well and winning clearances through both power and smarts. In traffic his distribution by hand is sound and by foot hes generally a good kick under pressure off both sides, possibly having the best weak foot in the draft. Hes an excellent tackler who not only tackles well but in volume and is strong through the core and able to break tackles too. On the outside hes a reasonable accumulator and able to impact games more than most inside midfielders. His one on one ability both in the air and at ground level is above average.

Athletically Brayshaw isnt flash, with his top speed being quite low and despite recent improvements he still doesnt have a great burst, nor is he agile. His endurance is good without being elite and hes strong, especially through the core but in general Brayshaws work is done through footballing ability as opposed to athleticism. By foot hes incredibly dual sided but still not a fantastic kick, only between average and good which is something hell need to continually work on if hes to be a truly dominant midfielder.

Though he has shades of a bigger bodied Sam Mitchell I think Brayshaw is more similar to Ollie Wines but less physically imposing and perhaps slightly better by foot. He wont have as big an impact early and into his second season and may not be as accomplished a player by the end of his career but still should follow a similar career path.

Pick 3 Melbourne: Patrick McCartin (Vic Country, full forward)

193 cm, 95 kg, 19/4/96

Range: Top 5

Comparison: Brendan Fevola

Patrick McCartin looks to be the safest bet of all the key forwards in this crop. While he has a few question marks, his performances have been excellent over the last two years and he possesses a mix of very AFL relevant skills. Hes a smart forward who times his leads well and leads to the right areas and despite being a little too bulky hes got a good burst and creates some separation. Hes clean enough below the knees when both picking up and marking and has sticky hands above them being the best one grab player in the crop. He excels one on one with his read of the ball, strength and positioning all excellent. His field kicking is excellent for a key forward. Hes an okay contested mark but not someone whos going to clunk pack grabs regularly.

McCartin lacks confidence when having a set shot, often trying to play on or snap and occasionally shanks the kick. Its a mental issue not a technical issue. Hes also got high skinfolds which may be linked to his diabetes (which will also have to be managed at AFL level. Currently he has to come to the bench six times a game for blood checks) but nonetheless will need to be addressed over an AFL pre-season. I dont expect McCartin to drastically change as a player but more improve on what he already has.

Hes probably the most ready made key forward in the crop and currently projects as a slightly higher level Taylor Walker of 2014 (when he carried the extra weight and lost some pace because of it). I dont ever see him being a genuine top tier forward but one of the better second tier ones.

Whilst there has been much speculation as to what our two choices might be should we retain and use picks 2&3, little has been said on Demonland in relation to Wright. In many ways he could be even more imposing in the forward line than McCartin as well as a good acquisition to our ruck stocks! Thoughts?

p.s. Of course, should St. Kilda select McMartin, grabbing both Petracca and Brayshaw is a no brainer!

Whilst there has been much speculation as to what our two choices might be should we retain and use picks 2&3, little has been said on Demonland in relation to Wright. In many ways he could be even more imposing in the forward line than McCartin as well as a good acquisition to our ruck stocks! Thoughts?

p.s. Of course, should St. Kilda select McMartin, grabbing both Petracca and Brayshaw is a no brainer!

If St Kilda grab Petracca, I think McCartin and Brayshaw are also no brainers.

Just look how desperate the Bullies are to get their hands on a good forward.

We'd then have a couple of 10 year forwards and our midfield is taking shape.

I think we'll only trade our picks for the right deal - Shiel, Treloar, or a player of that calibre.

Agree if Saints take Petracca we go Brayshaw and McCartin, if they take McCartin we go Petracca and Brayshaw - in my opinion. I think it's 50/50 as to which way the Saints go.

Is McCartin's diabetes any concern?

If St Kilda grab Petracca, I think McCartin and Brayshaw are also no brainers.

Just look how desperate the Bullies are to get their hands on a good forward.

We'd then have a couple of 10 year forwards and our midfield is taking shape.

I think we'll only trade our picks for the right deal - Shiel, Treloar, or a player of that calibre.

I suspect that (according to the Phantom drafts) the Bullies will still secure their gun forward in Wright, who may even end up better than McCartin.